Submitted Photo Mary Dallas Fafinski of Frewsburg, who was born in Sinclairville, presented to Valley Historical Society President Larry Barmore a painting of the museum by the late Roberta Smith, during the recent meeting.

SINCLAIRVILLE — At the Sinclairville Library recently, members and guests of the Valley Historical Society gathered for a special presentation on “Lost History of Sinclairville” by the society’s president, Larry Barmore. Barmore began his talk with explaining the route that the DAV&P railroad took when it was entering Sinclairville in 1871.

“Why did it go through so much swamp land?” he said. Andy Abbey answered by saying it was the only flat land.

Barmore’s historical talk was from the beginning of Sinclairville in 1809 and included the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1959. He spoke of the Denison Feed Mill, and said that there were three feed mills.

There was a railroad siding for the canning factory, which was in existence for five years from 1900 to 1905. Then there was the Sinclairville veneer mill started by George Strong in 1902. Copies of the Sinclairville Commercial newspaper from 1901-1907 were available and provided much information.

Sinclairville was famous for its ball team, with stores closing at noon on Saturdays, and everyone attending a ball game. The ball team was known as the “Sinclairville 9.” A very interesting and informative presentation was enjoyed by all.

At the business meeting, Barmore welcomed all, and led the group in the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Kay Richardson. Treasurer John Sipos read the financial report and gave the report on the recent successful 19th annual history fair.

Mary Dallas Fafinski, who was born in Sinclairville, and is a member of the Frewsburg Historical Society, was on hand to make a presentation. She presented various pen and ink drawings and paintings of Sinclairville buildings by the late Roberta Smith to the Valley Historical Society. Trustee Charles Sylvester talked about having 4th graders from the local school do local history research of the area.

Following the meeting, refreshments were served by Victor and Kay Richardson, and John and Susan Sipos. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Cassadaga American Legion with speaker Todd Langworthy of Fredonia. All are welcome to attend, and new members are always welcome.

For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782.