CASSADAGA — The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society met recently for its first meeting of this year.

All meetings this year so far had been cancelled due to the pandemic. The gathering of members and guests was held in a 155-year-old barn in Cassadaga, and safety cautions were observed. All those attending had their masks, and since there was plenty of space, all were well spaced apart. Several bottles of hand sanitizer were available to anyone to use. All those attending supplied their own chairs.

President Gail Dash opened the meeting with a welcome to all and introduced the guests first. Then, a “go-around” was held whereby each person there could introduce themselves, and tell what research they have been doing. This particular part took well over an hour for all to give their brief summary. Some of those attending included Ruth Nichols, Arkwright historian, Walter and Lisa Sedlmayer, who are taking charge of the genealogical records room at the Fredonia Barker Library, Ron Halicki, who developed a set of questions to ask when doing genealogical research, Wayne Leamer, newsletter editor, and John Sipos, Cassadaga and Stockton historian. Norman Carlson from Busti, who works at the Fenton History Center in Jamestown, was present, along with Andrew Kolstee, also of the Fenton Museum. Susan Sipos from the Valley Historical Society in Sinclairville was present for the gathering.

Dash asked for the treasurer’s report which was presented by treasurer Debbie Kotar. Possible guest speakers for September and October were discussed, but as it was said, in these times, it is a day by day planning.

The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society serves to help those who are doing family research. Mrs. Sedlmayer reported how she helped several people with the research on their family. New members and guests are welcome. The next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cassadaga American Legion Hall on Maple Avenue in the village.

For information on the genealogical society, write to P.O. Box 404, Fredonia, NY 14063.