×

Banjo music featured at Valley Historical Society Christmas dinner

Submitted Photo Victor Richardson of Brocton was the guest musician at the recent meeting of the Valley Historical Society in Sinclairville, playing Swedish Christmas music.

SINCLAIRVILLE — Victor Richardson of Brocton was the guest musician at the Valley Historical Society Christmas dinner. The dinner was held recently in the Fellowship Hall of the South Stockton Wayside Chapel in Sinclairville. Richardson, who is famous for his banjo playing, provided some Swedish Christmas music for the group using his banjo. Richardson said banjo players spend most of their time tuning the instrument, and are often joked about because the music of the instrument is so loud. Everyone enjoyed the music as the entertainment of the evening.

The Valley Historical Society Christmas meeting was opened by President Larry Barmore, who welcomed all, and gave the blessing prior to the meal. A fine selection with ample amounts of food was available for all to enjoy. Barmore led the group in the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Treasurer John Sipos gave the report on the previous meeting, and then read the financial report of the organization.

The election of officers for 2017 was held. Barmore will continue as the president, with Betty Jean Ridout as the vice president. Kay Richardson was elected as the secretary, and Sipos as the treasurer. There are five trustees, who are elected on every two years.  Elected trustees this year are Linda Parmenter and Albert Olmsted.

At the December meeting, reports of research are presented. Barmore has studied old newspapers from Sinclairville dating back more than 100 years, and reported on some of the stories printed in the old papers.  Sipos reported on the history of the first Thanksgiving, the Mayflower ship, and then the history of the children’s poem, “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”

The Valley Historical Society will be taking a winter break, and the next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 4, which will be the annual maple sugar party.

The Valley Historical Society had its beginnings in 1977 when the late John and Ruth Smith, along with the Rev. John Rough, saw a need to preserve the history of the valley area. One year later, the museum building in Sinclairville was purchased, and is open for tours from May through September.

At the conclusion of the gathering, trustee June Woollett wished all a very Merry Christmas.

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

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today