August 1992

About this Issue

Note from the Editors

This issue begins with the start of a new series on area craftspeople by Bill Treichler. The first article is about Kenneth C. Fish and his metal work, large and small, ranging from forming roof top ornaments to tiny oil cans. Ken makes all these things on order in his workshop at Fillmore, New York.

Bill also writes about the New York Steam Engine Association's Pageant of Steam that has been held every year since 1961. For four days 150 engines and about a dozen steamers will be there on display, many of them running and parading on the grounds and some of them operating old time machines.

Robert Koch gives us the history ofthe famous "road engine" patent of Rochester attorney, George B. Selden. Professor Koch was Dean of the University College at the University of Rochester from 1970 to 1982 and before that for 20 years was professor and chair of Language and Literature at R. I. T. You can listen to his broadcasts from WXXI-FM. He talks about history on Saturday mornings at 9:30, and reports on cultural events Tuesday mornings at 7:45, and Thursday mornings at 7:15.

Hammondsport, Its Orchestrion and Orchestrion Hall is a story that appeared in the May 31, 1876 issue of the Hammondsport Herald reprinted from the Elmira Advertiser. It may have been written by Ausburn Towner from the Advertiser. Mrs. Fairchild, editor of the Herald, printed:"—Among the welcome guests of our village at the opening of Orchestrion Hall, last Tuesday, was Major Ausburn Towner, city editor of the Elmira Advertiser. Mr. Towner gives to his department of the Advertiser the advantage of a finely cultivated mind and ready writer, and deserves much of the credit for making the Advertiser what it is to-day, the best daily paper outside of New York City." Editor Fairchild noted that "The Penn Yan Democrat of last week gives a spicy description of opening day at Lake View Terrace, also the Yates Co. Chronicle …"

We present more of Josephine deZeng's diary from the year 1842 when she was 19. Eleanore Clise, archivist at the Geneva Historical Society, suggested publication here of Josephine's diary. Have you guessed whom Josephine will marry?

Edwin Harris tells another story about his experiences as a manager for a large concrete supplier in Rochester from the years of 1956 to 1962. Ed Harris was born near Dundee, New York, and although he has lived and worked in Rochester for many years he still has many friends in Dundee. The title of his book is taken from the original name for Dundee, Harpending's Corners.

CLR Blog | Site Map | Contact CLR