Todd Langworthy, Pomfret Historian, was the guest speaker at the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society at the Westfield Ottaway Park.

WESTFIELD — Todd Langworthy, Pomfret historian since 2005, was the guest speaker at the summer picnic held at the Ottaway Park. Langworthy is the adjunct lecturer at the SUNY Fredonia Department of History.

Langworthy spoke on the life of Squire White and the Fredonia White Inn. Squire White came to Fredonia, then known as Canadaway, in 1809. White was a licensed physician to practice in Chautauqua County, but first was asked to be a teacher at the Roberts Corners school for one year.

His medical practice grew, and and in 1857, he died. White’s second oldest son, Devillo White built the White Inn some ten years later in 1868. For more than 100 years, the White Inn was a business for the Fredonia area. Many remember the lighted sign which hung over Route 20 in the 1950s. The White Inn has been recently sold and hopes for a continued business.

Jack Ericson for arranged for the picnic grounds. Ruth Nichols is the president, and Gail Dash is the vice president. Maureen Davis is the secretary, and Debbie Kotar is the treasurer. Membership chairman and newsletter editor is Wayne Leamer. Trustees are Barbara Wise, Andrew Kolstee and Walter Sedlmayer. John Sipos, Cassadaga and Town of Stockton historian led all in the pledge to the American Flag.

New members are always welcome. For more information on the genealogical society, write to P.O. Box 404, Fredonia, NY 14063.