Submitted Photo Pictured is Pomfret Town Historian Todd Langworthy talking about the Fredonia trolley and tours.

CASSADAGA — Todd Langworthy, who has served as the historian for the town of Pomfret since 2005, was the guest speaker at the Valley Historical Society meeting held in the Cassadaga American Legion hall. President Larry Barmore welcomed all to the meeting.

Langworthy spoke on two subjects. One was the trolley in Fredonia. The trolley, which holds 18 passengers, is used for special tours which begin at the information center in downtown Fredonia. The trolley, which is self-sufficient, was once used by a local store to take patrons to their homes after shopping. The trolley was in storage for many years and for the last 20 years has been used by a group in Fredonia for tours.

Langworthy speaks at many events, and the history of Fredonia’s Cushing brothers is one of his common speeches. For the second part of his speech, Langworthy spoke about Howard Bass Cushing. He said that this Cushing brother is often referred to as the “forgotten” brother since he didn’t achieve the fame of his younger brothers Alonzo and William. Howard Cushing had a love for newspapers and worked for the Fredonia Censor as a boy and eventually moved to Chicago to pursue a career in the newspaper business in a larger city. Cushing entered the Civil War as a volunteer and was a very capable artilleryman. A fine speech was enjoyed by all.

Barmore opened the meeting by leading all in the Lord’s Prayer and Treasurer John Sipos led all in the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Mary Shearman read minutes of the previous meeting. Sipos presented the financial report of the group. Sipos said that the museum is now closed for the winter, and has been winterized for the season.

Diane Shaw, one of the nominating committee members for 2017 officers, gave a report on the selected candidates. Following the meeting, refreshments were provided by Shaw and Lois Anderson. The next meeting of the Valley Historical Society will be the annual dinner and program held at the South Stockton Wayside Chapel Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. All those attending are asked to bring a dish of food to pass, and their own table service. During the December meeting, reports of research by members will be presented.

For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, N.Y. 14782. New members are always welcome.