Valley Historical Society treasurer John Sipos is shown holding a display board of information of photographs on his recent program of Airplane Spotters during World War II.

SINCLAIRVILLE — John Sipos presented a program on World War II Airplane Spotters at the Valley Historical Society, held in the museum at the corner of Main and Lester streets.

During World War II, there were various posts throughout the county with volunteer airplane spotters. These posts were manned 24 hours a day, with 4-hour shifts and if the replacement did not show up, the person would stay until relieved.

There were several planes spotted during each shift. The spotting posts were along the shores of Lake Erie as well as occasional ones flying closer. When a plane was spotted, the observer had to report the type of plane, the number of engines, the direction, the plane numbers if close enough and the distance from the post.The information was called by telephone, which was a direct line to either Buffalo or Fredonia.

The observer was to say “Niner, niner, one” and then the information. The period of time for operation was from 1942 to 1945. Local people built the small buildings. The local people from the immediate area took their job seriously. Volunteers had an arm band, or a pin with wings or a uniform. Larry Downey was an observer, and brought along his pin and manual. The observers were an important part of Civilian Defense in World War II times.

Sheryl Christy is the president of the historical society, Chuck Cichon is the vice president, Evelyn Thorndike is the secretary, and John Sipos is the treasurer. Dean Houser is in charge of the annual History Fair scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. This is an all day event which begins at 7 a.m. with a breakfast by the Sinclairville 76ers in the Sinclairville Firehall dining room, a grand parade at 10, craft and food stands in the village park all day, a car show, museum open all day, a cemetery tour, library activities, many other activities, and concluding a grand fireworks display at 9 p.m. This will be the 27th annual history fair.

The meeting concluded with refreshments of a special cake decorated with “Happy Birthday America.” The late John and Ruth Smith, the late Rev. John Rough, and Walter Waite formed the Valley Historical Society in 1977 to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area. One year later the museum was purchased. New members are always welcome.

For more information on the historical society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782.