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HISTORICAL SHOW & TELL "THRILLS" MEMBERS
(Catherine McGrath Book)
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Last Tuesday evening, the Clifton Springs Historical Society held its first meeting for the year 2005. Gathering at the C.S. Library at 7:30 PM almost 30 people brought some special item to "show" and "tell" about. The meeting was called to order by its new president, George Mueller and following the secretary and treasurer reports each of those attending got up to describe the item they brought to the meeting.
On a side table was a large collection of sheet music belonging to Roger Phillips containing many early melodies of the 20th century. Roger could not be present but did set up his exhibit earlier that day.
Here are some of the highlights of the treasures that were brought that evening:
John &Idelle Bowles brought a small "Lisk" sprayer made by the then Lisk Manufacturing Co. of Clifton Springs. They also showed a small iron toy, which they discovered in their back yard.
Rose Haubner described a lovely old secretary she owns and regretted that it was just too big to transport to the meeting. The secretary once belonged to Judge Cribb of Canandaigua.
Fred & Verna Gifford brought several pieces of artwork done by
Fred's grandmother, Helen Gifford Hosford of Phelps. She started her painting of trays and cards when she was 80 years old and continued work past her 90th birthday.
Sally Mueller and son Tom, brought items from the old King House on King Road outside Clifton Springs. Especially interesting was a banister from the old house and an old wooden peg used in part of the building.
Cathy McGrath, a daughter of the late Claude Goodman, brought one of her father's old metal lunch boxes and a small booklet, "Instructions for Young Women" which belonged to her grandmother.
Nancy Walp brought her grandmother's old copper teakettle and a metal hair curling iron, which her mother used to use in her day.
Harry & Jeanne "Love" Lewis described the beginning of the Merchandiser in their home on Sherman Street dating back to December 13, 1945. The family still has single copies of each issue and we wish we could find some way to preserve them for the valuable history they contain.
Jim Conners brought a family photo and described the difficulty in knowing whom the family members were as no notation was made on the back. However, finding other photos with like names on them they were able to reconstruct who was who.
Larry Rockwell brought some old metal sleigh bells that have come down in his family. These probably fit on the collar on each horse as they drew cutters or sleights over the winter snows.
Lois Copeland brought a silver cake plate that was a gift to her grandparents.
Marion Love showed us a box with a handle on it and wondered if anyone knew what it was used for. Indeed it was a "ballot" box used by a Roman Catholic women's organization for collecting ballots when votes were taken at meetings. As in many organizations a similar item was used. There were white and black marbles in it. A white ball elected and a black ball denoted a no vote.
Ruth Wheat brought a copy of a penmanship "sampler" done in the 1860's by her grandmother. The sampler was so beautifully done that rather than any single-family member coming heir to it, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC
Linda Schutt described some of her china collection once owned by her grandmother.
Mary Lue Mueller brought a small "salesman's" sample of a coffee grinder. Although the item is too small to grind coffee, Mary Lue says that is does just great in breaking up oyster crackers for soup.
Bill Walp showed us a long metal tube found in his grandmother's old trunk in which he found a surprise- a copy of his uncle's mustering out papers from the Spanish American War dated the 13th of July 1898. It described him fully down to height, weight, color of eyes, etc.
Arlene Copeland brought two inexpensive "Manhattan" glasses. She said, that they sit proudly in their china cabinet and if you view the old movie, Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart, you will see these similar glasses used.
Finally, but not least, president, George Mueller, showed a painting of the old Budd House on Long Island, which dates back to 1649 and today is a museum. He described some family lore and made available a 10-sheet copy of the Budd history for members to take home.
If you haven't availed yourself of joining our local historical society, you can see above a "sample" of the fine programs they provide. Come join us so that you can be part of this fine civic organization dedicated to the preservation of our history.
(John & Idelle Bowles)
(Sally & Tom Mueller)
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