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History takes center stage in Fredonia

Sunset Bluegrass, pictured, plays some American standards at the 2019 Fredonia History Days in Barker Common on Saturday.

FREDONIA — The annual History Days brought out a cavalcade of local history buffs and enthusiasts to downtown Fredonia over the weekend.

History Days kicked off Friday with a classic car and bike show, sponsored by Hard Tales Magazine and Cyberspokes.com, accompanied by the music of Midnight Recovery. A special appearance was also made by “Pin Ups for a Cause” dolls.

Events on Saturday began at 10 a.m. with food vendors, including JJ’s Backyard Barbecue, Om Nom Bakery and Franklin’s Honey and Apples. The Fredonia Festivals booth made periodic announcements throughout the festival, informing those in attendance about the events taking place, as well as exactly what the festvial had to offer down to the finer details about certain items.

A number of lanterns made by Forestville Central School District students were for sale at the Fredonia Festivals tent as well, and they appeared to be one of the hot sellers, as only a few remained as the festival began to wind down in the evening hours.

The featured community display by Fredonia Memorial Post #59 was present, celebrating their 100th Anniversary Celebration with a number of local vets present at the display and offering a presentation on their history as the first legion in Chautauqua County.

The American Diabetes Association tent, pictured, sold Beanie Babies, a variety of stuffed animals and fun slime at Fredonia History Days Saturday.

A mini-Civil War museum, children’s activities and fundraiser for Lakeshore Humane Society each also had their own booths up in Barker Common East.

The History Tent at Barker Common West also featured collections from Pomfret Town Historian Todd Langworthy, Arkwright Town Historian Ruth Nichols, the Chautauqua Genealogical Society, Fenton History Center, the Jamestown Trolley Restoration Project, the Sherman Historical Society, the Sheridan Historical Society and Museum, the Chautauqua County Historical Society, the Vets Finding Vets Program, the Town of Carroll, Fredonia Grange No. 1 and the Fluvanna Community Historical Society.

“That was from back when you had to know everybody’s number to call them,” one local dad said to his son, referring to an antique rotary phone on display at one of the collections.

“That was from back when there were party lines,” the merchant added to their banter. “Now they’re called group texts.”

One of the most notable collections, a variety of Welch’s memorabilia, included a number of glass items and antique wine bottles on display. “You’d be surprised what you find here,” Fredonia resident Ashley Johnson noted at the tent.

Over at the craft and antique vendors, sponsored by Randy’s Antiques, business was booming as a number of visitors perused the many goods on display, including a number of vintage crates and boxes, nic-nacs, glassware, fishing gear and a plethora of other priceless items.

James Gould, owner of Moonlight Salvage in Forestville, noted that the festival had been good for his local business. “It’s been pretty steady all day here,” Gould said. “It’s been a gorgeous day too, no clouds, a little wind to cool you down.”

Gould went on to compliment the live music going on across the street, which at the time was Sunset Bluegrass, a local folk music staple in Fredonia since 1996. “Who could ask for more being here,” Gould noted. “Just sitting back, enjoying, listening to the music across the street.”

Live music on Saturday included Sean Patrick McGraw from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunset Bluegrass from 1-4 p.m. and The Drama Kings from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The evening closed out Saturday with a guided candlelight tour of Fredonia led by Langworthy, in character as Civil War Artillery Officer Alonzo Cushing.

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