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Valley Historical Society hears history of Charlotte

SINCLAIRIVLLE — Members and guests of the Valley Historical Society of Sinclairville met recently at the Sinclairville Library for a business meeting, a program and refreshments.

President Larry Barmore called the meeting to order with leading all in the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by secretary Sue Peacock, and the financial report presented by treasurer John Sipos. The recent 22nd annual History Fair in Sinclairville was reviewed, and was a success with a large number of people attending. Thanks to Tracy McDonald for arranging for the food vendors and the craft vendors, and to Bob Sharp for the use of his tractor for the pulling of the wagon during the cemetery tours. Thanks goes to Charlie Bellardo for the very successful car cruise-in. Thank you to several others who made donations to help: Attorney Hope Fredrickson, Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Department, and Herbert and Edith Best.

President Barmore has researched much of the history of town of Charlotte and shared it with the group. Barmore said, Jean Abbey was wealth of information since she has lived there so many years.

Barmore said that at one time there were three grocery stores in Charlotte, and there were number of other businesses The grange was also located in Charlotte, and the original one burned and was rebuilt in 1923. The Hooker Road, said Barmore, is named after the Hooker family who lived on that road. Barmore also told the story of the Charlotte District #1 School which was located on old route 60 near Picketts Corners.

In April 1928, the State Education Department encouraged schools to plant trees for Arbor Day, and the students at this school planted a tree and also a bottle with their names on slips of paper placed in the bottle. The school was closed in 1943, and sold to a private individual. The tree which was planted in 1928 grew to a large size and the owner cut down the tree. In 1998, 70 years after the tree was planted and the bottle was buried, three women set upon a task to find it. They dug by hand for one week, and finally a digger was brought for use, which discovered the bottle. Even though the bottle was broken, names could be read on all slips of paper. A very interesting historical event was enjoyed by all.

Following the meeting, refreshments of donuts, cider, cheese and crackers were served to all by John and Susan Sipos. The Valley Historical Society was formed in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith who felt a need to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area. New members are always welcome.

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