November 2010 Program

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Greece Town Hall, 7:00 p.m.

The Seventeenth-Century Seneca Iroquois

The Corinthian and the Factors Threatening Their Way of Life
by: Martha L. Sempowski Ph.D.
GREECE HISTORICAL SOCIETY and MUSEUM
This slide-illustrated talk will focus on current archaeological
interpretations of the life, culture, and well-being of the Seneca
who lived in the Rochester area during the mid to late
seventeenth century. What was life like for the Seneca and
how was it changing during the years leading up to and
following the devastating French attack on them in 1687?
What impact did European traders, missionaries, and explorers
have on the health and native culture of these people? What
were the long-term effects of all of these influences on the
Seneca people and their culture?

Dr. Sempowski is a research fellow at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Volume 31, Issue 6 Nov-Dec 2010

In every issue: Points of Interest:

President’s Message 2 Programs 1

Director’s Message 3 Museum Exhibits 2,5

Museum Shop 4 Museum Eventss 5,7

Contact Us 8 Greece History 6,7

Rare Appearance
Sunday Nov 14th Greece Museum, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

GEORGE HAMELL TO EXHIBIT IROQUOIS ARTIFACTS FOUND IN GREECE

From the archives of the Rochester Museum and Science Center and
never before on public display, we present an exhibit of Seneca-Iroquois
artifacts including arrowheads, spear points, pottery pieces, tools made
from animal bones and maps showing campsites and Indian paths and
more . Mr. Hamell will tell their history, answer
questions about our Native American history and
identify your own precious artifacts.

For your convenience, the afternoon will be divided into two ses-
sions; 1:30-3:00 or 3:30-5:00. To make a reservation for either
time slot, please call 225-7221.
"President's Message" **Museum Exhibits**
2010 has been a busy year for the BOOK SIGNING
volunteers at the Greece Museum
Sunday Nov. 7th 2-4:30 pm
and Historical Society.
Joan Winghart Wilcox Sullivan
Our monthly Tuesday programs will be at the museum
averaged over 100 with a remark- Nov. 7th to review and sign her
able 165 at our January program new book
on the War of 1812. Our Bernie, You're a Bootlegger!
"Remember Vietnam" exhibit in February was visited
by numerous veterans from all over the area and
our Strawberry and Dessert Tasting Festival was en- Christmas Exhibits
joyed by nearly 500. Our latest exhibit, the "Notions
of Sewing", displayed over a dozen vintage and Come in for some holiday décor. Join us for a
modern sewing machines with textiles and sewing silent auction of decorated trees. See our Christ-
accessories. We plan to do similar large scale, short mas tree display throughout the house and
run exhibits using the living and dining rooms in museum along with docent Jack Heller’s
the future. Two other exhibits this past year were large collection of Santas.
"Boy Scouts - 100 Years" and "Fun in the Sun", both We’re looking for a Santa to visit
in Newcomb hall. Dec.12th &19th!

Our education committee has been incredibly busy Native American Artifacts
coordinating a new second grade Greece history
curriculum with the Greece School District. They A special display on Sunday Nov.14th ONLY
have been researching our area’s Native American
history for a new museum exhibit with visits to the Gordon Howe
Rochester Museum and Science Center, Ganonda- Display honors his years of public service and
gan State Historic site, the Seneca-Iroquois National accomplishments as Greece Town Supervisor at
Museum in Salamanca and the Rochester Historical
Society. the Greece Historical Society home, formerly the
“Howe House”.
Alan Mueller, in the historian's office, continuously
Vi White, Curator
researches information for anyone who stops in or
sends an e-mail. He has helped not only people
from the Town of Greece, but from Nantucket Is-
land to the west coast. He has also worked with lo-
cal businesses and Realtors® with research projects
to help their businesses. THE
NOTIONS
Some of us have attended training sessions, met OF SEWING
with historians state wide, attended New York State recent
Archives Month programs and we hosted a work-
display
shop for local historians on Oct. 16th.

Our activities will continue for as long as we have dedi- Bernina Demonstration:
cated volunteers and financial support from people like a close up view of the
you. If you would like to share your time or talent with Bernina 830, the ultimate
us give us a call at 225-7221. Thank you for your contin- sewing machine system
ued support. demonstrated by the Bob-
bin Case Inc. on Oct 3rd.
Bill Sauers

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 “From the Desk of the Executive Director “

Dear Friends,
Your Greece Historical Society staff is very happy to tell you that many of our readers
replied positively to a message regarding renewing your annual dues and we re-
ceived about 35 returns from you. Thank you! A beautiful museum that we all own
is supported mainly by dues, special events and donations.
The Museum Curatorial Committee is planning a Christmas exhibit throughout the
entire house and exhibit hall with many decorated trees. You will also see Jack
Heller’s collection of 150 Santas. Visit with friends!
Mark your calendar for a rare event: The community is invited to bring their Native American artifacts
for Anthropologist George Hamell to identify and learn some of the history associated with them. To
make visits more convenient, the afternoon will be divided into two sessions; 1:30-3:00 and 3:30 to
5:00. To make a reservation for either time slot, please call me at 225-7221 (office) or 225-4041
(home). There is no fee, however donations to the Museum are always appreciated.
More specials are being planned for Sunday afternoons in January, February and March. The next
newsletter will have more information.
Enjoy the holiday season! You are special! We need you – the community needs us.

Lorraine Beane

Wanted PROJECTION SCREEN: Remember unfolding that

screen to show your friends your vacation slides? If
Need YARN for projects. you haven't used your old screen in years and want
Call 225-7221 or drop to give it a new home, we could sure use one. If you
off Monday am. have a good screen (about 40"x40"), give us a call at
225-7221.

Please support our current business members and affiliates

We want to thank them for their support:

Pettis Pools, Long Pond Auto Body; Hose 22 Firehouse Grill; Sarah R.
Taylor; Wolfert-Butler Agency; Long Pond Family Restaurant; Vay, Schleich
and Meeson Funeral Home, Brook House Restaurant; Greece Chamber of
Commerce.

LIFE MEMBERS
Presently there are 30 life members. Thank you for your support.
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 Museum Shop Officers & Board of Trustees
Stop by and check out the holiday specials.
President: Bill Sauers
The holidays are just around the corner. We have even more Vice President: Wendy Peeck
books than ever, especially for your young reader. NEW, for the Secretary: Sandy Peck
first time, we are offering historical toys. You may even remember Treasurer: Jack Wallenhorst
playing them when you were young. I’m not telling what games Executive Director: Lorraine Beane
we have; you have to stop in and see for yourself (do you remem- Honorary Trustee: Don Newcomb
ber pick-up sticks?). Trustees: Sue Hodge
Need a special gift? Come in for a quick browse or to select that Sandy Peck
special gift or book. Wendy Peeck
Bill Sauers
Check us out Sunday afternoons 2-4:30 p.m. We are wishing you Cyndie Shevlin
all a wonderful holiday season. Lee Strauss
Wendy Peeck, Museum Shop Coordinator Jack Wallenhorst
Viola White
Roberta Young
Museum Shop hours: Sunday 2:00-4:30 pm Marge Zercie

Committee Chairs:
Coming January 11, 2011 Grounds,Building NEEDED
Historian Office Alan Mueller
Greece Town Hall 7:00 p.m. Membership B Wallenhorst
Museum Viola White
Museum Shop Wendy Peeck
"The Women in George Eastman's Life" Newsletter
by Kathy Connor Editor Cyndie Shevlin
Mailing Betty Fetter
This program will highlight a variety of women Office Tech Jack Wallenhorst
who influenced George Eastman beginning Planning NEEDED
with his mother, his niece Ellen Dryden, lady friends, Josephina Programs,Publicity Bill Sauers
Dickman & Mary Mulligan & his secretary for 42 years Alice K. Tours, Education Kathie Firkins
Whiting Hutchison.

Ms Connor is the curator of the George Eastman House & George Eastman Leg-
acy Collection

Please Remember
See our photo page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/
greecehistoricalsociety/ The Greece Historical Society in your tax
and estate planning. We are a non-
profit organization supported by
your *gifts and endowments.
Newsletter “News”
We sincerely appreciate
If you have any questions, comments, or other important information for the
Corinthian, please email me at: corintheditor@yahoo.com. Thank you for your
your donations.
input. *Tax deductable per (Section 501(c)(9) of the
Cyndie Shevlin, Editor Internal Revenue Code
This newsletter is published bi-monthly by the editor for the Greece Historical Society.

4
 Events at the Greece Museum

BOOK SIGNING Sunday Nov 7th

Joan Winghart Wilcox Sullivan will be at the

museum Nov 7th to review and sign her new book
Bernie, You're a Bootlegger!
When Prohibition arrived in the 1920's it changed
the lives of almost every person living in America, in-
cluding her relatives, the Wingharts. Learn about
their escapades as Rochester area bootleggers. Told
thru the perspective of the bootlegger’s daughter,
Bernie, You're a Bootlegger!
gives a glimpse into how Prohibition affected
one family and an entire nation.

Tours and Education Committee

History Boxes
During the summer of 2009 we had an idea to make history boxes for our historical society. Alan Mueller made the
first one and my father, who was 88 years old at the time, made us 5 more. Linda Evans' husband, Dick, painted
them for us and Dory DeJaeger, Linda Evans and I finished them up. They were such a huge success! After showing
off our History Boxes to the Greece Central School District, they were interested in having boxes for themselves. My
father, then 89, volunteered to make them. They had specific needs for theirs: wheels and rope handles to be easily
pulled from classroom to classroom. While I was in Florida this past winter he worked diligently to get them
done. We delivered them to the school district the last week of April 2010. In May 2010, the school district held a
Professional Day for teachers where the boxes were presented and delivered. Each of the elementary schools has
one and another is kept in the Social Studies Dept. On Oct. 4th, Marc Fleming, head of the Social Studies Curriculum
K-8, came to the historical society and showed us the finished product. They are calling them "Change Over
Time: Town of Greece" and they are filled with maps, books, some artifacts and all sorts of great materials relating to
the history of the Town of Greece. We gave them copies of three maps: an 1872 map done by Beers, 1901 and
1956-58 Greece maps. We also supplied copied plat maps showing the Verhulst farm, pictures of the public market
in 1911 and 1920, and data on the Verhulst genealogy, including a picture of the ship one of the brothers came to
America on, as well as a copy of his draft card. We added information about Waggs Corners, Anderson's Store in
Ada and stores at Mt. Read and Ridge Road area. They also included our own book, Eight Miles Along the Shore.
Sadly, my father passed away on Sept. 9th, 2010 and did not get to see the finished product. He was so proud the
day we delivered them to the school district and would have been very happy to see them now. I am currently
working on a biography to put in each box so that his legacy will go on.

Kathie Firkins , Education Committee

5
 FROM THE HISTORIAN'S FILE

1066 Long Pond Road - THE BRITTON FAMILY HOMESTEAD

Coming to Monroe County in the early 1800s, the Britton Family were early settlers in what was
then called Rochesterville.
Alanson Phizarro Britton, the ninth child of thirteen, was born in
the tiny village in 1820. While in his teens he ran a line boat on
the Erie Canal and later he managed a Toll Gate on the plank
road in Brighton which became East Avenue. While boarding at
the Toll Gate house he met and later married, in 1849, a school
teacher named Laura Lewis. By 1853 he became interest in a
plot of land in the town of Greece. The first dwelling, on about
102 acres he purchased from John and Lydia Beal, was a log
house. A small portion of this land had already been deeded for
use as a school house to Greece District #9 by the Beals. Shortly South side of 1066 Long Pond circa 1904 -
after the Civil War, Alanson began building the present Italian- The Brittons standing on a stone wall.
ate style home on the property. The timbers were cut from trees
on the property, hauled to a saw mill, cut into useable lumber and brought back to the building site.
The Britton farmstead, completed about 1870, was well known for its Hubbard Squash. By 1875 the
Brittons had sold about an acre of the southern portion of the land near Maiden Lane to the Meth-
odist Church for $700. Laura and Alanson raised four children, of which the two eldest died fairly
young.
Mr. Britton was the Town of Greece Supervisor five different times from the late
1870s until 1901. By mutual agreement, elected supervisors only served a two year
term and retired, but could run again after a two year gap. Of all the 19th century
supervisors, Britton seems to hold the record for the number of times
served. Alanson had a long life, dying at the homestead in 1912; Laura preceded
him in 1910 with an equally long life. They are buried in the Falls Cemetery on Ridge
Road. The Britton homestead is now about 140 years old and is again up for sale
with 1.6 acres of the original 102 acres from 1853 remaining. House #1066 is listed on the
"101 historic sites in The Town Of Greece" and awaits a new owner who loves being surrounded by
"friendly ghosts" of an important Greece family!

(L) The same view

of the house taken
Oct. 1, 2010
(R) The front view
of the BrittonHome
- Oct, 1, 2010

photos by Wm. Sauers

Photos, Data supplied by Alan Mueller,

Greece Historian's Office, Greece Historical Society

6
 The elections are just around the corner, and new voting "machines" are being introduced for the first time in
many, many years.......just as they were 76 years ago....though they probably weren't as drastic a change as now.
The following is from “THE GREECE PRESS “- August 17, 1934:
TOWN ELECTIONS TO BE MODERNIZED
Greece Board Purchases Six New Voting Machines
Action Taken Following Report Town Liable For Erroneous Count--Get Low Price on Machines
Purchase of six voting machines at a cost of $3,750 to replace an equal number of the antiquated machines
owned by the Town of Greece, was authorized by unanimous vote of the Town Board.
Supervisor Gordon A. Howe explained to the Board that by using the present machines the Town might become
liable in lawsuits because the old devices cannot be relied upon to count correctly and in case of a close election,
an erroneous count by one or more machines would indicate the wrong victor and the opponent could bring
suit. The election commissioner has criticized the members of the Town Board for the last five years for not ob-
taining new equipment for elections.
The current twelve machines were purchased in 1914 and the manufacturer is no longer in business, making it
difficult to obtain parts. Members of the Board were further influenced in their action by a special price of $750
per machine with an allowance of $125 on each old machine, making the net cost for each new machine $625.
The old machines cost $950. Everything old is new…Everything new is old. Alan Mueller, Greece Historian's Office

Recent Events & Programs

Midge Richards
demonstrating
the art of
tatting on
Oct 10th

On Sept 14th Ed
Evans entertained
Caroline Firkins, Ellen & Dan Burrell already for over 135 people
their 1890's train trip. They participated in the with his stories
"Trunks & Travels" program by Mary Jeanne about the CCC &
Bialas, an entertaining and educational per- POW camp at
what is now
formance hosted by the Greece Historical
Hamlin Beach
Society on Oct 12th at the Greece Town State Park.
Hall. More than 100 people enjoyed the
program which was funded by the New York
Council for the Humanities.

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