by Old Mentz | Apr 8, 2015 | canal enlargement, downtown, Erie Canal, Historical Society of Port Byron, Lock 52 Historical Society, Port Byron
In the 1850’s, a battle of wills ensued in Port Byron over the route of the canal that led to great harm in the business district of the village. What is odd is that this battle seemed to be waged by local landowners with the support of State engineers. In the 1931...
by Old Mentz | Aug 8, 2014 | Erie Canal, Erie House, Lock 52, Mentz, Port Byron
Back in the days before the Thruway was constructed, Maiden Lane use to leave the village and continue out into the muck lands. Now of course, Maiden Lane is a dead end, replaced by Maiden Lane Road. Both these views were taken from Maiden Lane, offering a panoramic...
by Old Mentz | Nov 17, 2013 | birdseye, Erie Canal, Port Byron, Syracuse and Eastern, trolley
Bill Hecht sent along the early “birdseye” looking west along the Enlarged Erie. It should be called a “hillseye” as the photographer is standing on the hill to the east of the village, a favorite spot for many photographers. The newer...
by Old Mentz | Aug 31, 2013 | bridge, Cayuga County, Erie Canal, Port Byron, Utica Street
Here is a view of the Utica Street bridge over the old Erie that I have never seen before. Thanks to Bill Hecht for passing it along.It was taken from the east side of the bridge and is looking west. The towpath is on the right or north side of the canal.Seeing this,...
by Old Mentz | Aug 3, 2013 | Erie Canal, Port Byron, Utica Street
Here are two postcards of the same scene. Well, basically the same.The top photo was sent along by Bill Hecht and was taken from the towpath looking east toward Main Street and you can see the Utica Street bridge in the background. It is interesting to see that there...
by Old Mentz | Apr 13, 2013 | Erie Canal, Harry King, Historical Society of Port Byron, Lock 52 Historical Society, Mentz, Port Byron, Port Byron Historical Society, Richard King
This time, I am featuring a letter I found in the files. It is a great look back at the village and what was going on in the Erie Canal times. This letter was written by the Rev. Harry King to his brother Richard T. King, who many will recall was the publisher of the...
