The Fire Department Turns 150!

Fire was a way of life for our early village and town residents. It was used to cook, heat, power steam engines, run a forge and so much more. And there were times when these utilitarian fires became destructive. A flames and burning embers would spread the fire to...

Inez Shotz and Gossip Columns in the Chronicle

By Anita Messina To most people Inez Shotz was the lady on the phone. Helen Lauckarn said they were next door neighbors on Main Street but they didn’t know her well, except she frequently called. Barbara Jean Van Ditto remembers Inez Shotz only as the woman who called...

Burdett Ray’s Recollection of Port Byron

editor- This was written by Burdett Ray in 1998 shortly before his death. His obituary states that; “He was happy to share his knowledge of things and people with whom he came in contact.” These personal recollections help to bring the past to life. This...

The Ray Family

In the year 1900 the Erie Canal was eighty-years-old, and it was showing it’s age. The state of New York was investigating whether to construct a new Barge Canal, fix up the old and worn canal, or get out of the canal business altogether. In November 1903, the voters...

Dayharsh’s “A Very Distink Picture”

Front row, seated left to right: Charles Howell Sam Roney Jack Graham John Corfield Eugene Lyons Dan Elliot John Caveny/Ware/Hearn (?) (children) Charlie Blass Mr. ________ Dan Baldwin Mr. Newkirk J T Dixon Dolly Vosburg Lew Jones Earl Elliot Glen Clarke Bob Beach Gus...