History of the Museum / News Release Archive - February 2007 * Represents newest additions to our Archive NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
History Museum bring renowned ethnic folk group to North Tonawanda Concert includes post-concert workshop; Additional free workshop for musicians and music students will be offered in the afternoon; Local authors to do book signings at event Former radio broadcaster Dan Kelley to serve as emcee The Historic Riviera Theater, 67 Webster Street, will serve as the setting for a cultural and educational program that will be fun, informative, and educational on Saturday, February 17 at 7 p.m.. Presented in concert by the North Tonawanda History Museum, “SIMPLE GIFTS,” an award-winning band, will perform on an impressive array of instruments, including two violins, concertina, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, recorders, guitar, and piano plus some more unusual instruments like the bowed psaltery, baritone fiddle, banjolin, guitjo, tabla, and doumbek. The group has performed at arts centers and concert series all over the country. A sampling of some of their recent venues includes the Smithsonian and the National Theatre (Washington, DC), Brooklyn Museum of Art (Brooklyn, NY), Whitaker Center (Harrisburg, PA), :Hershey Theatre (Hershey, PA), Ontario Center for the Performing Arts (Oswego, NY), Snug Harbor Cultural Center (Staten Island, NY), Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA), Cambridge Concert Association (Cambridge, OH), Manassas Center for the Arts (Manassas, VA), Ashe County Arts Center (Jefferson, NC), Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ), 11 Cedar Arts Center (Corning, NY), Pennsylvania State Museum (Harrisburg, PA), Bottle Works Ethnic Center (Johnstown, PA), Randolph County Arts Center (Clarksburg, WV), McCoy Theatre (Moorefield, WV), Smith Opera House (Geneva, NY), Quick Center (St. Bonaventure, NY), Old Songs Festival (Altamont, NY), Philadelphia Folk Festival (Schwenksville, PA), Cincinnati Celtic World Festival (Cincinnati, OH), Columbia Lakefront Festival (Columbia, MD), Shenandoah Valley Festival (Orkney Springs, VA), First Night (Pittsburgh, York, Annapolis, Scranton); Allegheny Multicultural Festival (Cumberland, MD), Central PA Festival of the Arts (State College, PA), Delaware Friends of Folk (Dover, DE), International Festival (Philadelphia, PA), Bethlehem Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), and many colleges and universities, including Penn State College, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Gettysburg, Drew, Clarion, Alfred, University of Delaware, Westchester, Bllomsburg, Sarah Lawrence, Juniata, Chesapeake, Frostburg, Medaille College, Elmira, Swarthmore, Villanova, Defiance, Lafayette, Centenary, Mansfield, Cheyney, West Point, Bergen, Sussex, Butler, Onondaga, etc. Simple Gifts has shared the stage with Natalie MacMaster, Tom Paxton, John McCutcheon, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Cherish the Ladies, Waterson: Carthy, Barachois, Mamadou Diabate, Robin & Linda Williams, and Boys of the Lough. Three women plus twelve instruments equals one good time when Simple Gifts takes the stage at 7 p.m. The concert and a post-concert workshop as well as a free afternoon workshop specifically for musicians and music students are presented by the North Tonawanda History Museum as part of its mission and focus on the rich ethnic heritage of North Tonawanda. Simple Gifts presents a wide variety of ethnic folk music, including everything from lively Irish jigs and down-home American reels to hard-driving Klezmer freilachs, haunting Gypsy melodies, and exotic Balkan dance tunes. Throughout their performances, they put their own distinctive stamp on traditional tunes, easily blending styles from diverse cultures. According to the Celtic Classic Festival in Bethlehem, PA, "few musicians can match the warmly personal stage presence Simple Gifts possesses." It is obvious that these women love the music they play, and they know how to share their talents, their enthusiasm, and their sense of humor with the audience. Linda Littleton, Rachel Hall and Karen Hirshon have performed as Simple Gifts since 1995. The group was founded by Littleton in 1989 and has performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including appearances at the Smithsonian, Brooklyn Museum of Art, National Governors' Convention, Longwood Gardens, Whitaker Center, Hershey Theatre, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ontario Center for Performing Arts, Clarion Folk College, and dozens of colleges and universities throughout the region. Simple Gifts has opened for Natalie MacMaster, Tom Paxton, John McCutcheon, Robin and Linda Williams, Jay Unger and Molly Mason, and Boys of the Lough. Simple Gifts has recorded six albums. Their newest, "Crossing Borders: Music of Many Lands," was recognized by Indie Acoustic as including "one of the best songs of 2005." Their previous album, "Time and Again," won a bronze star (third place) in the Crossroads Music Awards. Their recordings include traditional music from Romania, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, France, Sweden, Denmark, and America, plus original compositions by each group member. Dan Kelley, a retired radio broadcaster of 38 years, and a former executive director of not-for-profit organizations, including the Variety Club and the Cystic Fibrosis Association, who now is a self-employed voice over specialist, will serve as emcee for the Simple Gifts Concert on Saturday, February 17 at 7 p.m. in the Historic Riviera Theater. Kelley is a member of the North Tonawanda History Museum’s Board of Trustees. The Museum is sponsoring the concert and two workshops. In addition to the evening concert, area musicians and music students are invited as well to register for a free afternoon workshop from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on February 17 presented by Simple Gifts. Simple Gifts is a 3-woman group from Pennsylvania which includes twelve instruments. They draw on an impressive variety of ethnic folk styles, combining tradition with innovation. They create some of the finest arrangements of folk music today. Linda Littleton, Rachel Hall, and Karen Hirshon switch between two violins, concertina, mandolin, banjolin, recorders, bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer, baritone fiddle, guitar, piano, and percussion. Specifically for musicians, the workshop is called, “ Join the band!” Musicians who attend will become part of the band. Together the band will arrange a piece of music to be performed during the evening concert. Depending upon the group’s level and interest, topics such as creating harmony lines, playing interesting and varied back up rhythms, creating a distinctive band sound, and making your sound and presentation as professional as possible will be included. All instruments and levels are welcome. Musicians who attend the free afternoon workshop may purchase reduced rate tickets to the evening concert for $6 each for adults and $2 each for their children and for musicians who are under 18 years of age. The musician’s workshop will take place in Dwyer’s Irish Pub, adjacent to the Riviera Theater. Advance registration is required for “Join the band!” and reservations may be made until noon on Friday, February 16 by calling 213-0554. The actual concert will also include a free post-concert workshop about the instruments, “Meet the Artists & Instruments.” This workshop will give audience members the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the musicians, to see their instruments up close, and to ask questions. In previous workshops, this sort of session has encouraged people who thought they had no musical talent at all to start playing instruments such as hammered dulcimer, bowed psaltery, and folk piano. Concertgoers may purchase the group’s CDs during intermission and following the concert. In addition, North Tonawanda native, Diane M. Meholick, will be present with autographed copies of her three books, including “Painting Katherine,” which is a romantic time travel story set in North Tonawanda and showcasing the establishment of the Riviera Theater. She will also have copies of her latest book, “Buffalo Stories,” a short story collection that explores love in the City of Buffalo. Meholick is a former Trustee of the North Tonawanda History Museum and a member of its Advisory Committee. John H. Kolecki, North Tonawanda resident, and Vice President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, will be present also with autographed copies of his first book, “The Hybraid Amerykaniec: Dziadzi” and his latest publication, “On the Avenues and Beyond.” Both books focus on his experiences as a first generation American, the son of Polish immigrants growing up in North Tonawanda in the first half of the 20 th century. Both authors will be available to meet the public at the Museum’s gift tables. Concert tickets are: Adults-$12; Seniors-$10; ages 5-16: $5; ages 4 and under are free but should have a ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum, or at the Theater, or by mail from the Museum. The Museum accepts Master Card and Visa. The concert and workshops are made possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas' Council on the Arts/Carnegie Art Center, and is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by the Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Call the Museum at 213-0554 for further information. Historical sketch of the Riviera Theater When the Rivera Theatre opened on December 30, 1926, it was billed as the “Showplace of the Tonawandas.” Built by the Yellen family, advance admission for opening night was $1. Leon H. Lempart and Son, Architects, created the design, patterned after the opulent Italian Renaissance style. The interior artwork was painted at the Rochester Studio of Willard M. Lusk by Ferdinand Kebely. The Wurlitzer organ, the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” a demonstrator model Opus 1524, was shipped from the Wurlitzer factory on November 19, 1926, and is still in use. The Opus 1524 was listed as a Model 235 Special. The organ differed from a standard 3 manual 11 rank Model 235, by substituting an Oboe Horn rank of pipes from the standard Salicional pipes usually found on this model. Other differences included the omission of the standard remote Piano, and a 5 H.P. blower instead of the 7-1/2 H.P. The console was painted and decorated to harmonize with the Theatre’s interior by a Wurlitzer Co. band organ artist. The theatre was named the New Rivera. Opening night was December 30, 1926. Advance reservations cost $1. The mayors of both cities attended opening night. North Tonawanda Mayor James P. MacKenzie of North Tonawanda, praised the President of the corporation that owned the theatre, Henry Henshel, and the theatre’s manager, James J. Kelly. The building adjacent to and south of the theatre building still bears the names of Henshel-Yellen. Congratulatory messages arrived from Governor Alfred E. Smith and movie producer Cecil B. Demille. First night features were the movies, “Upstage,” starring Norman Shearer, and “The Mona Lisa” in Technicolor. A newsreel was part of the program. Fred Meyer was organist, accompanying the films and soloing on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Vaudeville and musical performances were also included. Then came the Depression. Paramount Publix Corporation, owned by Paramount Pictures, with Michael Shea operating out of an office in the Buffalo Shea’s Theatre serving as their general manager, took over management of the Rivera Theatre in 1930 and changed the name to the Riviera Theatre. It later became a Dipson & Basil Theatre. Michael Shea and his business colleagues had been forced to sell out to Paramount Pictures in 1924. Paramount continued to use his name to attract local business, giving the illusion of an alliance with Shea. He was, however, a general manager for them. The use of “Shea’s” on their marquees was an operational title, not a statement of ownership. By 1933, because of anti-trust law violations and the stock market crash, Paramount Pictures was bankrupt. In July 1939, Max Yellen informed Nick Basil that Vincent McFaul of Shea’s Theatres was not renewing leases at his Century and Bailey Theatres in Buffalo or the Riviera in North Tonawanda. Yellen still owned the Riviera Theatre. Basil Theatres, which began in 1923, became the most prominent theatre chain in Western New York during the 20 th century. The Basil group, known as Dipson & Basil Theatres, took over the Riviera Theatre operations in July 1939. The organ was used for the first seven years. In the early 1930’s, use of the organ was discontinued as a regular program feature, only used thereafter on special occasions. Time and the absence of maintenance took its toll. In 1944, the theatre management authorized Carlton Finch and his father Harry to restore the organ. The found that only part of the great manual would play. After months of work, on “D” Day 1944 the organ was ready for Carlton to celebrate the event with the first public concert at the Riviera in at least 10 years. Carlton and Harry continued restoration and maintenance but the public did not hear the organ again until the management introduced “teenage dance parties” on the stage. These ended by the early 1950’s and the organ was only used for weekly practice sessions by Carlton. It was not heard again by the public until March 18, 1962. The original theatre was decorated with stained glass windows, elaborate tile floors, paintings, and murals. Seating 1,200 people, it was a motion picture house from the day it opened, showing silent movies accompanied by Wurlitzer organ music. Monthly organ concerts kept the theatre going after television replaced movies and the theatre fell into neglect. In the 1960s, the theatre became part of the Dipson Theatre chain, and a more extensive organ restoration project began. In 1970 the theatre was sold to MDA Associates and operated under MDA until 1971 when the theatre closed, going up for auction, and was reacquired by Smith Properties which was owned by Max Yellen. Remaining closed for a year, the theatre was then acquired by MACDOP Enterprises, reopening in 1972 with North Tonawanda’s mayor present for the opening. The Niagara Frontier Theatre Organ Enthusiasts became involved with the theatre because of the Mighty Wurlitzer in 1962 and remained active in efforts to preserve the theatre. They enhanced the theatre itself with the purchase of the present huge crystal chandelier from the Genesee Theatre in Buffalo in 1974. A smaller chandelier from the Park Lane Restaurant in Buffalo was installed in the outer lobby. The Riviera Theatre was placed on the Register of Historic Landmarks by the U. S. Department of the Interio on April 22, 1980. The Niagara Frontier Theatre Organ Society acquired the theatre on November 26, 1989, and has worked with the community since to restore the Riviera to its original grandeur. The original theatre was decorated with stained glass windows, elaborate tile floors, paintings, and murals. Seating 1,200 people, it was a motion picture house from the day it opened, showing silent movies accompanied by Wurlitzer organ music. Monthly organ concerts kept the theatre going after television replaced movies and the theatre fell into neglect. On the south wall of the theatre building a mural welcomes visitors approaching over the North Tonawanda Main Street/Tonawanda Delaware Street bridge and the Renaissance Bridge between Webster Street and Main Street in the City of Tonawanda. Diane Meholick, a North Tonawanda native, wrote a historical novel, “Painting Katherine,” about North Tonawanda at the time of the establishment of the Rivera Theatre, telling a story of a couple who inherited a mansion and moved to North Tonawanda from Washington, D.C. NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
Museum February community outreach activities announced The North Tonawanda History Museum, as part of its community outreach, announces some of its February activities: On Wednesday, February 7, Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal will present the Museum’s monthly program at Alterra Sterling House, 6741 Nash Road in Wheatfield, at 11 a.m. On Tuesday, February 13, Neal will present the monthly program at DeGraff Skilled Nursing Facility, 455 Tremont Street, at 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday, February 21 at 10:30 a.m., Neal will present the monthly program at Northgate Healthcare Facility, 7264 Nash Road. Family members or friends of residents are welcome to attend the monthly programs with the residents. Case workers from area agencies, church outreach groups, and school guidance counselors and nurses are invited to contact Neal at 213-0554 as soon as possible to discuss families they feel would genuinely appreciate receiving complimentary tickets from the Museum for the February 17 ethnic folk music concert sponsored by the Museum at the Riviera Theater. The concert, featuring “Simple Gifts” from Pennsylvania, begins at 7 p.m., with a free workshop following where members of the audience may meet the artists and try the instruments. There is also a free workshop in the afternoon off site for musicians and music students of all ages to join in a jam session with the group. “We do not want anyone who would appreciate this concert and the workshops to fail to attend because of finances. Residents of area nursing homes and assisted living centers who are able to attend may obtain free passes with reduced rate tickets for their family members, friends, or attendants who will bring them,” notes Neal. “Requests should be made by the person responsible for transportation for these residents directly to the Museum.” Special advance arrangements are required for the afternoon workshop and for free passes to the evening concert. Concert tickets are: Adults-$12; Seniors-$10; ages 5-16: $5; ages 4 and under are free but should have a ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum, or at the Theater, or by mail from the Museum. The Museum accepts Master Card and Visa. The concert and workshops are made possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas' Council on the Arts/Carnegie Art Center, and is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by the Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
North Tonawanda History Museum Board of Trustees Elects President At the February 5, 2007, meeting of the Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum, Dr. John H. George was named President. George is retired after having been the long-time Superintendent of Schools in the North Tonawanda City School District. He is a Charter member of the Museum and served on its Advisory Committee since its inception in 2003. As President, he is a member of all Museum committees, but has a special commitment to Finance, Planning, and Education. John H. Kolecki, a retired educator, former Niagara County Legislator, and author of several books about growing up in the Polish community in North Tonawanda in the early 20 th century, is Vice President. He serves on the Finance Committee, Education Committee, and Collections Committee. Marilyn Pane Lasky, a life-long and 4 th generation resident of North Tonawanda, who is presently a customer service representative for Impressive Imprints, who served previously as Senior Buyer for the Catholic Health System, and as Purchasing Director for Kenmore Mercy Hospital and was a 30-year employee of the hospital, is 2 nd Vice President. She is Chair of the Historic Treasures Tour 2007 committee. April J. Orlowski, Esq., an insurance law specialist and civil litigator and Associate Attorney with Hiscock & Barclay of Buffalo, is Secretary. Shari L. Kiesow, Vice President and Branch Manager, KeyBank, Williamsville office, is Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Kiesow is a resident of the City of Tonawanda. Dennis Ziolkowski, Vice President of Marketing, Father Sam’s Bakery, was named to the Board of Trustees. Ziolkowski is a resident of Lockport. He was named to the Nominating & Governance Committee, the Planning Committee, and Marketing & Public Relations Committee. Continuing on the Board of Trustees are Donna Zellner Neal, Keri Lee Gullo, Barbara Wickman, Paula Belair, Thomas Galdys, Laura Winchester, a resident of Amherst, James Perry, Esq., Stephen Kurbiel, Donald MacDonald, and Dan Kelley, a resident of Buffalo. Donna Zellner Neal continues as Director of the Museum. She serves on all committees. Named to the Advisory Committee are: Mark H. Haacker and James J. Weber. Haacker is Chaplain and Historian of the Elks Lodge 860 and a sales representative with Service Guide, Inc. Weber is President of Wizard Communications Systems. Weber is a resident of the City of Tonawanda. All, except as otherwise noted, are residents of North Tonawanda. Additional committee chairs and members appointed and not previously announced were: Nominating & Governance Committeee: Dennis Ziolkowski, Dan Kelley, and James Perry, Esq. Finance Committee: Shari L. Kiesow, Chair; Thomas Galdys, Dr. John H. George, John H. Kolecki, William M. Davignon, Stephen Kurbiel. Planning & Development Committee: Thomas Galdys, Chair; Dr. John H. George, John H. Kolecki, Dennis Ziolkowski, Shari L. Kiesow. House & Grounds/Facilities Management Committee: Stephen Kurbiel and Donald MacDonald, Co-Chairs; Deborah L. Jaeger, James Perry, Esq., Thomas Galdys. Marketing & Public Relations Committee: Dennis Ziolkowski, Chair; Laura Winchester, Dan Kelley, Keri Lee Gullo, Carl P. Hoover, John Zellner Neal, Diane M. Meholick. Historic Gardens Contest & Tour 2007 Committee: Donna Zellner Neal, Chair; Margaret A. Cheeley, Linda Hankinson, and Dale Rogers, who will serve as the contest judges. Cheeley, a Trustee Emeritus, is a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee. Rogers is credited with having originally suggested the concept for the contests and tours. Haunted Gardens on the EEEErie Canal 2007 Committee: Danielle Oney, Chair; Joann V. Mis of Kenmore, and Carl Tamburlin, Co-Chairs; and Donna Zellner Neal. Oney is a SUNYAB nursing student and a volunteer event coordinator for the Museum. She is a member of the Museum’s Education Committee. Mis and Tamburlin co-chaired the 2005 event with Neal. Both are active members of Starry Night Theater. Additional members named to the Historic Treasures Tour 2007 Committee chaired by Marilyn Pane Lasky are Laura E. Winchester, an Amherst resident; Dan Kelley, a Buffalo resident; Donald R. MacDonald and Stephen Kurbiel. Winchester, Kelley, MacDonald, and Kurbiel are Museum Trustees. Lasky is 2 nd Vice President of the Museum. All not specifically noted otherwise are North Tonawanda residents. NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
Advance Orders being taken for History Museum’s Second “Heritage Cookbook” Barbara Wickman is Heritage Cookbook Committee Chair for the North Tonawanda History Museum’s second Heritage Cookbook. Wickman is owner of Barb’s Sweet Treats and Jack’s Trains. Jessica Brant, a North Tonawanda High School student who was named a Student Volunteer of the Year for 2006 by the Museum, is in charge of the typing of the cookbook copy. Danielle Oney, a SUNYAB nursing student and the Museum’s volunteer event assistant, will be the proofreader. The cookbook, “ North Tonawanda Families & Their Favorite Recipes,” is expected to be released in time for sale during Canal Fest’s 25 th anniversary in July. Recipes have already come in for inclusion in the second cookbook from former residents now living as far away as California and Texas.Museum representatives request additional recipes from North Tonawanda residents and former residents, each including a brief biographical or historical note about the contributing family or individual. Recipes and the accompanying notes may be dropped off at or mailed to the Museum at 314 Oliver Street; Barb’s Sweet Treats at 238 Oliver Street; Hodgepodge at 72 Webster Street; or Lovin’ Life at 305 Robinson Street. You may also email them to nthistorymuseum@aol.com. The new cookbook will sell for $11 including sales tax. Advance orders may be placed through the Museum. Include $3 for shipping and handling per cookbook. The first in the series, the “North Tonawanda Ethnic Heritage Cookbook, which was released for sale on January 6, 2005, is in its fourth printing since the first run. Orders have come in from all over the country, and as far away as Hong Kong. The unique cookbook contains 115 recipes, with a variety of ethnic flavoring, each including a historical note about the family or individuals contributing or originating the recipe. A brief history of North Tonawanda is included as well. The cookbook is dedicated to Ken Mountain, a 1958 graduate of North Tonawanda High School, who is a Charter member of the new Museum and a researcher/writer for the Museum. He is credited as having suggested the cookbook project. He is now a resident of Texas. Cynthia Fredricks coordinated the creation and compilation of first the cookbook. The first cookbook is available at the Museum offices at 314 Oliver Street, at Hodgepodge, 72 Webster Street, Barb’s Sweet Treats, 238 Oliver Street, at Lovin’ Life at 305 Robinson Street, the North Tonawanda Public Library, 505 Meadow Drive, and in the gift shop at DeGraff Memorial Hospital. The cookbooks sell for $7 including tax. Cookbooks are also available by mail from the Museum (include $3 for shipping and handling for 1 – 3 cookbooks). Call 213-0554 for further information. NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
History Museum invites NT gardeners to “think Spring”! The North Tonawanda History Museum’s 3rd annual Historic Gardens Contest and Tour is open to residents, businesses, and civic and cultural organizations of North Tonawanda. The contest is meant to encourage visitors to the city as well as to serve city residents and to emphasize the enjoyment of history, things historical, and gardening. The Museum’s 2005 contest resulted in the North Tonawanda Historic Gardens Tour 2005, a walking and driving tour of twelve participating gardens. The tour brought in visitors from other communities and proved to be a satisfying experience for the visitors as well as for the gardeners. The 2006 contest resulted in a 32-site tour and a guidebook/map which includes historical trivia about participating sites. A limited number of copies of the 2006 publication are still available for a $1 donation. The Board of Trustees has appointed the Judging Committee for the 2007 Historic Gardens Contest. Margaret A. Cheeley, Linda Hankinson, and Dale Rogers, all North Tonawanda residents are this year’s judges. Cheeley operates Humphrey House Antiques. Rogers operates Bonterra Landscaping and writes a column in the Tonawanda News, “The Towpath Tiller.” Rogers was the Museum member who originally approached the Board of Trustees with the suggestion of the annual contest and tour. Major sponsors for this year’s contest are Ascension Industries and Michael Mroczka/RealtyUSA; general sponsors are Brady Electric, Inc., and Andy’s Tree Service; patrons are Graf Land Surveyors, Bonterra Landscaping, Matt’s Music, Niagara County Legislator Peter E. Smolinski, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, and the North Tonawanda Senior Center. Individuals interested in participating should note that it is not necessary for the garden(s) to be historic. The property or location or area in which the garden is located and its history can fulfill the historic requirement. Museum representatives will work with homeowners and others wishing to include their garden in the contest and tour. Container gardens or use of flowers or other plantings in areas lacking yard space are also invited to participate. In the 2006 tour, Pane’s Restaurant on Payne Avenue was awarded a certificate of recognition for its floral beautification of its corner location. A group of City Hall employees also were awarded a certificate of recognition for creating a wonderful garden at the entrance to City Hall. The three top winners each year will each receive a cast bronze plaque for display on their homes. Other prizes will be distributed as well. The 2006 top winners were Daniel E. Brick, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rog, and Robert Mileham. The North Tonawanda History Museum was awarded an Honorable Mention Award of Merit for development of the Historic Gardens Contest and Tour by the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies in November 2006. The contest is:
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Call the Museum at 213-0554 or email to nthistorymuseum@aol.com for an application form. You may also download the application form from the Online Museum at www.nthistorymuseum.org. History Museum invites NT gardeners to “think Spring”! The North Tonawanda History Museum’s 3rd annual Historic Gardens Contest and Tour is open to residents, businesses, and civic and cultural organizations of North Tonawanda. The contest is meant to encourage visitors to the city as well as to serve city residents and to emphasize the enjoyment of history, things historical, and gardening. The Museum’s 2005 contest resulted in the North Tonawanda Historic Gardens Tour 2005, a walking and driving tour of twelve participating gardens. The tour brought in visitors from other communities and proved to be a satisfying experience for the visitors as well as for the gardeners. The 2006 contest resulted in a 32-site tour and a guidebook/map which includes historical trivia about participating sites. A limited number of copies of the 2006 publication are still available for a $1 donation. The Board of Trustees has appointed the Judging Committee for the 2007 Historic Gardens Contest. Margaret A. Cheeley, Linda Hankinson, and Dale Rogers, all North Tonawanda residents are this year’s judges. Cheeley operates Humphrey House Antiques. Rogers operates Bonterra Landscaping and writes a column in the Tonawanda News, “The Towpath Tiller.” Rogers was the Museum member who originally approached the Board of Trustees with the suggestion of the annual contest and tour. Major sponsors for this year’s contest are Ascension Industries and Michael Mroczka/RealtyUSA; general sponsors are Brady Electric, Inc., and Andy’s Tree Service; patrons are Graf Land Surveyors, Bonterra Landscaping, Matt’s Music, Niagara County Legislator Peter E. Smolinski, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, and the North Tonawanda Senior Center. Individuals interested in participating should note that it is not necessary for the garden(s) to be historic. The property or location or area in which the garden is located and its history can fulfill the historic requirement. Museum representatives will work with homeowners and others wishing to include their garden in the contest and tour. Container gardens or use of flowers or other plantings in areas lacking yard space are also invited to participate. In the 2006 tour, Pane’s Restaurant on Payne Avenue was awarded a certificate of recognition for its floral beautification of its corner location. A group of City Hall employees also were awarded a certificate of recognition for creating a wonderful garden at the entrance to City Hall. The three top winners each year will each receive a cast bronze plaque for display on their homes. Other prizes will be distributed as well. The 2006 top winners were Daniel E. Brick, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rog, and Robert Mileham. The North Tonawanda History Museum was awarded an Honorable Mention Award of Merit for development of the Historic Gardens Contest and Tour by the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies in November 2006. The contest is:
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Call the Museum at 213-0554 or email to nthistorymuseum@aol.com for an application form. You may also download the application form from the Online Museum at www.nthistorymuseum.org. NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
The North Tonawanda History Museum now has copies of John H. Kolecki's newest book, "On the Avenues and Beyond" as well as his original one, "The Hybraid Amerykaniec Dziadzi" which was released in 2005 in its gift shop. Kolecki is a native North Tonawandan, a graduate of Our Lady of Czestochowa School and North Tonawanda High School, with bachelor of science and master of education degrees from Canisius College and a master of arts from Niagara University. A retired high school and junior college educator, he also served in the Niagara County Legislature. During World War II, he served with the Marine Corps 4th Paratroop Battalion and 5th Marine Division, was in the Battle for Iwo Jima and was awarded the Purple Heart with Gold Star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal. Also available at the Museum are Christopher J. Carlin's "Protecting Niagara: A History of the Niagara County Sheriff's Office" and Diane M. Meholick's three books, "Painting Katherine," "A Switch in Time," and "Buffalo Stories."
NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River 314 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, New York 14120 (716) 213-0554 e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century. 2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted Proud to be a member of/affiliated with:
Cultural
Museum has extended the opportunity to be book patrons and to place advance orders The North Tonawanda History Museum has extended the opportunity to be a patron and to make advance purchase of one or more copies of its first full-length book on the history of North Tonawanda. Gift certificates may be purchased if desired. The book, “ North Tonawanda: The Lumber City,” is expected to be the first in a series of full-length books, as requested by area residents and former residents. The targeted release date is August 2007. Originally intended to be a 352-page book, the length has expanded to 400 pages. A change of publisher was required to keep the target release date and increase the size. “ North Tonawanda: The Lumber City” will be a general overall account of the city’s development and will share many stories of the people who were part of the life of the city. Future volumes planned will focus in detail on historical homes and other sites, industrial heritage, and specific periods of time. A copy of the book can be reserved for a donation of $29.95 for individuals or to purchase a gift certificate redeemable for the book upon publication. For a donation of $32.95, a copy of the book will be mailed upon publication to those with gift certificates or purchasing it for themselves. For a donation of $100 the donor (or a person or entity of the donor’s choice) may be listed as a patron in the book, with in memory of statements or in honor of statements. A copy of the book will be included in the $100 donation. Because the first printing is expected to sell out quickly, those wishing to have copies for holiday giving this year are encouraged to order in advance to guarantee that a copy or appropriate number of copies will be reserved for them. Donations to the project may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to “ North Tonawanda History Museum” and marked “BOOK PROJECT.” Donations may also be made by using Master Card or Visa. |
© 2005 North Tonawanda History Museum |
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