North Tonawanda History Museum © History of the Museum / News Release 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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

“The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign Leadership for THE LUMBER CITY HISTORY CENTER Announced

North Tonawanda History Museum President, Joyce M. Santiago, announced March 1 that Western New York businessman George F. Rand IV will serve as Honorary Chair of the North Tonawanda History Museum’s Capital Campaign – “The Future of Our Past.” The campaign’s purpose is to provide for the future permanent home of the museum to be known as THE LUMBER CITY HISTORY CENTER. The official public announcement will take place at the Museum’s German Heritage Night program on Thursday, March 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the North Tonawanda Senior Center, 110 Goundry Street.

Rand is an Amherst resident and a descendent of the Calvin G. Rand/Almira Hershey Long Rand family which played an important role in the history of North Tonawanda. Almira was a daughter of Benjamin Long and Mary Hershey Long of the Long Homestead in the present City of Tonawanda.

The first George Franklin Rand was a brother of Benjamin Long Rand, a banker who also served as Mayor of North Tonawanda, serving two terms, from 1915-1918, and James H. Rand, also a banker and President of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls & Tonawanda Railroad Company and Treasurer of the Rand Ledger Co. James H. Rand was the father of James H. Rand, Jr., who merged the Rand Ledger Co. with the Kardex Co., the Remington Co., and ultimately Sperry-Rand.

The Rand Building in Buffalo is named for and dedicated as a memorial to George F. Rand in appreciation of his worth as a citizen and the outstanding services rendered by him to the Marine Trust Company of Buffalo and its predecessors, the Marine National Bank, Bankers Trust Company of Buffalo, Central National Bank, and Columbia National Bank as Chief Executive during the period from 1901 until his death in 1919. George originally organized the First National Bank of Tonawanda. His mergers and consolidations did in the banking field what James, Jr., had done in manufacturing. His son, George Rand, Jr., became a banker as well and became President of Marine Trust.

Making the announcement, President Santiago noted, “We are delighted to have a representative of the family which played such a prominent role in our City’s history. His leadership skills, business acumen, and commitment to community service are tremendous assets to our campaign. Since the establishment of the first grassroots interest group of residents hoping to create a museum on September 10, 2003, the growth of the museum has been phenomenal. Our newsletter already goes to over 1,800 individuals, and our museum online reaches tens of thousands monthly. The original donated space at 314 Oliver Street became too small almost as quickly as our volunteers moved in. The dozens of volunteers using these facilities weekly are limited by space constraints.”

“We urgently need a good-sized and well-designed reference library and a digital resource library for those coming to us for information,” the Museum’s volunteer Director Donna Zellner Neal continued. “We also need an appropriate exhibit hall and meeting hall—and facilities large enough to network our computers and have a number of individuals able to work at the same time, something we are not able to do at present. For the long term, we have always insisted that our permanent facility needs to be in an appropriate location and be developed into a tourist attraction that will sustain it, making it possible to continue as the first class history center we have already established.”

Serving with Mr. Rand as honorary co-chairs will be:

Kurt P. Alverson, the retired Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas has been a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee from its inception.

A. Daniel Bille, North Tonawanda City Historian, a member of the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission, and a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee since its inception, an Honorary Charter Life Member, and an Ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, is also a Life member of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas and is an Ex-officio member of their Board of Trustees.

William M. Davignon, a chemist with the City of North Tonawanda Wastewater Treatment Plant, a past officer of the CSEA Local 832/Unit 7692 Union; and an active community volunteer and former 9 th District Niagara County Legislator; Davignon is an Honorary Charter Life Member of the Museum for his service in its startup period, has served on its Advisory Committee and its Finance Committee since its inception and is an Ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.

Carl P. Hoover, President and CEO of Pioneer Printers, Inc., for the past 18 years, who is in his fifth term on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas and has served on he Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Membership Directory Committee, and assisted with the Chamber Website. He is an exempt member of the Adams Fire Co. and the Gratwick Hose Co. He is a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee and an Honorary Charter Life Member for his service to the Museum in its startup period.

Dr. John H. George, Superintendent of Schools, North Tonawanda City School District. He has been a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee since its inception. The School District was named an Educational & Cultural Partner of the Year(s) 2003-2005 by the Museum under his leadership.

Jack Kopczynski, President of Ascension Industries, Inc., a family owned business since 1990 when St. Mary Manufacturing was combined with it. He was President of St. Mary Manufacturing, also owned by the Kopczynski family, for fifteen years. He is the son of the late John Kopczynski and Alexandra Kopczynski, who made the first significant seed money donation to begin the new museum effort in September 2003. John Kopczynski served as Mayor of North Tonawanda and was the founder of the businesses operated by Jack. John and Alexandra Kopczynski were honored as Donors & Benefactors of the Year(s) 2003-2005 in December 2005 by the Museum.

Kay Learned, co-owner of Hodgepodge, a gift shop and café on Webster Street. A former history teacher, she is a member of Project Pride, Oliver Street Pride, and the Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda. She was a member of the original steering committee to create the Museum and has served as Vice President and President in its startup phase, chairing the Education committee and an auction committee. She is a member of the Nominating & Governance committee and was named a Trustee Emeritus. She is an Honorary Charter Life Member for her service in the Museum’s startup period.

George D. Maziarz, a North To nawanda native, has represented the Lumber City in the New York State Senate (62 nd District) since 1995. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served as North Tonawanda City Clerk and later as Niagara County Clerk. Senator Maziarz, who earned a degree in history from Niagara University, has been an ardent supporter of the North Tonawanda History Museum from its inception. He is an Honorary Charter Life Member for his contributions to the museum and was honored as a Donor & Benefactor of the Year(s) 2003-2005 in December 2005 by the Museum.

Michael D. Mroczka, a RealtyUSA agent and a self-employed wedding photographer, was formerly a long-term accounting employee of Lawless Brothers. He is a former Museum Trustee and a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee. He is an Honorary Charter Life Member for his service to the Museum in its startup period.

Gerald N. O’Neill, retired District Manager for Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., is a member of the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas and active with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tonawanda. He is an active Museum volunteer.

Lou Santiago, a State Farm Insurance agent, who is a member of Oliver Street Pride, and President of Hispanics United and President of the Latino Business Owners Association. He has been a member of the Advisory Committee since the inception of the Museum and is an Honorary Charter Life Member for his service to the Museum in its startup period. He and his family were honored as a Volunteer Family of the Year(s) 2003-2005 in December 2005.

Brett M. Sommer, a history and government teacher at North Tonawanda High School, North Tonawanda Alderman at Large, and the present President of the Common Council. He has been a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee from its inception and is an Honorary Charter Life Member for his service to the Museum in its startup period. Sommer is a member of a prominent North Tonawanda family whose roots trace back to the Civil War period and whose community service was significant.

Peter F. Trinkwalder, a retired FBI agent, whose great-great grandparents settled in North Tonawanda, with his grandfather and father having owned and operated Frank Trinkwalder & Sons, Inc., a coal and oil distribution business on Ironton Street for decades. He is an active Museum volunteer.

Margaret A. Waite, Director of the North Tonawanda Public Library. Prior to her appointment as Director in February 2005, Waite had worked for the library for 31 years, having served as a Children’s Librarian, and then interim director following the retirement of longtime Director Daniel R. Killian, in September 2004. Before joining the North Tonawanda Public Library, she had been an elementary school librarian in Euclid, Ohio. She is a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee.

Additional members of the Capital Campaign – “The Future of Our Past” – Committee are: Jodie Alexander, AVP/Branch Manager, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, who is a member of the Museum’s Finance Committee; Paula M. Belair, a retired reading teacher and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees; Margaret A. Cheeley, a retired art teacher and self-employed antique business operator, who serves on the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission, of which she is Vice Chair, and on the Board of Trustees of the Museum; Paul F. Hoover, founder of Pioneer Printers, Inc., and a member of the Museum Board of Trustees; Marilyn Pane Lasky, an employee of Impressive Imprints, and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and a member of a long-time North Tonawanda family; Diane M. Meholick, title examiner for SecoLink Settlement Services, LLC, who is also a novelist with degrees in Media Communications and Humanities from Medaille College; Judith L. Mittiga, and Accounting Assistant with HSBC Mortgage Corp. and Vice President of the Museum; Donna Zellner Neal, Museum Director and Secretary of the Board of Trustees; and Joyce M. Santiago, Insurance Administrator for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, who is also President of the Museum Board of Trustees.

The theme for the campaign, “The Future of Our Past,” comes from the concepts presented in the 79 entries received in the Museum’s 2004 logo design contest for the City’s school students. “The students, residents, and former residents of the City have provided the “spirit of North Tonawanda” that they wish the Museum to focus on. To be a permanent and successful museum in the 21 st century, a venue that will be self-supporting and will add to the economic development of the City. The objective of the Museum’s Board of Trustees from the beginning has been to create a tourist attraction combined with solid educational programming that will enable the Museum to preserve and promote the rich ethnic and industrial heritage of the City for present and future generations of North Tonawanda residents.

The logo for the campaign was selected from entries in the Museum’s 2005 logo design contest which was open to everyone. The winning entry was submitted by Daniel Skrok, who will be presented with a $100 savings bond at the campaign’s kick-off cocktail party at a date to be announced in the near future. Those wishing to be on the invitation list for this event, at which the Museum Board of Trustees and the Capital Campaign Committee will share their vision with attendees and distribute campaign brochures, are asked to contact the Museum. The brochure for the campaign has been designed by North Tonawanda resident Stephanie Sadler, a student intern from SUNY at Fredonia.

The Museum’s vision is for an interactive museum about the City’s history, heavily utilizing digital and web technology, artifacts, historical data, and heavily drawing on local individuals and organizations to preserve the City’s cultural heritage. The goal from the start has been to obtain a location on or hear the historic Erie Canal, Gateway Park, and the historic downtown shopping district, an area which has been experiencing a rebirth in the last couple of years. Museum representatives have been working with architect Clinton Brown and representatives of Hadley Exhibits for many months in planning the future Museum home.

The Lumber City History Center will include a tourist attraction-type museum, focusing on the rich ethnic and industrial history of North Tonawanda, a reference library, a digital/audio/video technology reference center, an exhibit/event hall, a conference/meeting room, administrative offices, storage and cataloguing areas, kitchen facilities, restrooms to be presented and operated by the North Tonawanda History Museum; and possibly, a working boat museum to be presented by the Niagara Frontier Antique & Classic Boat Society. The Museum will feature virtual exhibits, simulating rides down the Erie Canal in a packet boat in the 1880’s, returning in a Richardson cruiser in the 1920’s, down Goundry Street in a carriage in the 1880’s and returning in the 1920’s in a Pierce Arrow, and other similar virtual exhibits. Rooms showing how immigrant families lived and rooms featuring individual industries of the past will also be included. A chronological history of the city will be a permanent exhibit, but all other exhibits will be rotating so that visitors will return several times a year and so that members or monthly program attendees will always have something fresh and new to see.

“We have been fortunate to have been able to accomplish many things in our first two years of existence,” noted Santiago. “Our plans for the future have developed from the input of the many residents and former residents who have become involved in the Museum effort. We had outgrown our start up facility within days after moving in. David Zobrist, our first landlord, donated the use of the facilities. Our present landlord, Paul Brown, has been very supportive as well. We have a vision for a permanent museum home which will contain an exciting tourist attraction and be a quality history center for residents, former residents, and students of all ages.”

All donors names, including donations made in memory of or in honor of someone else, will be permanently memorialized in the permanent museum as “Those Who Shared Our Vision for North Tonawanda: The Future of Our Past!” Rooms or various parts of The Lumber City History Center can be named after families or prominent individuals in the city’s past as part of their donor benefit.

A new program was recently announced by the Museum’s Board of Trustees, “The Historic Treasures Recognition Program” and all proceeds from the program will benefit the capital campaign.

The target goal of the campaign is $7 million, which will include moving expenses to transfer the Museum from its start up facility at 314 Oliver Street to the permanent home, initial operating expenses for the renovation period, display and exhibit and library furnishings and equipment, initial staffing, and conversion of the physical plant into the exciting museum concept created by Hadley Exhibits. The actual conversion is expected to be completed within two years of a satisfactory conclusion of the capital campaign.

Envisioned is an interactive museum about the rich ethnic and industrial heritage of North Tonawanda, including events and programming heavily utilizing digital and web technology, as well as exhibits displaying artifacts and memorabilia and photos. The North Tonawanda History Museum will continue its historic homes tours, history walks, ethnic heritage events and programs, publication of written historical materials, and its North Tonawanda History Museum Online.

“The Museum Board of Trustees has targeted a location on or near the historic Erie Canal, Gateway Park, and the historic downtown shopping district, an area which has been experiencing a rebirth,” said George F. Rand. “A long-term lease for 10,000 square feet is the initial goal. We consider the building we have in mind to be the perfect location, and we are speaking with the owners about providing the facilities for the Lumber City History Center. We are very close to making the dream of a permanent home for the North Tonawanda History Museum a reality. With your help we can do it!”

“Our commitment for the future Lumber City History Center is that it will be a gateway for residents, former residents, visitors, and students of all ages to learn about North Tonawanda’s people and the events of its past,” commented William M. Davignon. “Our goal is to use the rich heritage of our City to illuminate the present. We will continue to develop and offer creative, engaging programs and activities that inform, inspire, and educate, and to create broad and easy access to our local history, enriching our understanding of each other and ourselves. We consider ourselves to be a public benefit not-for-profit organization.”

Donations and grants, as well as pledges, will be accepted.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum has received word from Heritage Preservation: The National Institute for Conservation, in Washington, D.C. that the Museum has been determined eligible for the 2006 Conservation Assessment Program (CAP). The Museum will be allocated $6,540 to hire a professional conservator to assess the Museum's collections and a preservation architect to assess the facilities for the future Museum home. Assessors will meet with Museum staff and volunteers, as well as with members of the Board of Trustees, so that everyone will play a part in the CAP assessment and will be invested in carrying out the assessor's recommendations. The Museum will need to match the grant with $610.

Heritage Preservation’s Conservation Assessment Program is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

MUSEUM SELLING FLOWER BULBS FOR SPRING PLANTING

The North Tonawanda History Museum, in conjunction with its second annual Historic Gardens Contest and Tour is accepting orders for flower bulbs from Dutch Gardens for Spring planting. Bulbs available are summer daffodils, sea hollies, astilbes, Asiatic lilies, balloon flowers, daylilies, freesias, oriental lilies, montbretias, peacock orchids, gladiolus, heleniums, and a summer garden collection. Prices range from $10 to $20 for packages of available varieties. Orders must be received before April 15 and will delivered in May. Bulbs are endorsed by the National Gardening Association. This is the third year the Museum has offered the bulbs.

Orders may be placed with museum volunteers or at the Musuem at 314 Oliver Street or through the Museum’s online gift shop at www.nthistorymuseum.org. 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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

“The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign Leadership for THE LUMBER CITY HISTORY CENTER Introduced

North Tonawanda History Museum President, Joyce M. Santiago, and Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal officially announced the launching of “The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign and the members of the Capital Campaign Committee as part of their German Heritage Night activities on March 23 in the North Tonawanda Senior Center. The campaign’s purpose is to provide for the future permanent home of the museum to be known as THE LUMBER CITY HISTORY CENTER.

Western New York businessman George F. Rand IV is Honorary Chair of the North Tonawanda History Museum’s Capital Campaign – “The Future of Our Past.” Rand is an Amherst resident and a descendent of the Calvin G. Rand/Almira Hershey Long Rand family which played an important role in the history of North Tonawanda. Almira was a daughter of Benjamin Long and Mary Hershey Long of the Long Homestead in the present City of Tonawanda.

Serving with Mr. Rand as honorary co-chairs will be:

Kurt P. Alverson, the retired Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas has been a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee from its inception.

Additional members of the Capital Campaign – “The Future of Our Past” – Committee are: Jodie Alexander, AVP/Branch Manager, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, who is a member of the Museum’s Finance Committee; Paula M. Belair, a retired reading teacher and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees; Margaret A. Cheeley, a retired art teacher and self-employed antique business operator, who serves on the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission, of which she is Vice Chair, and on the Board of Trustees of the Museum; Paul F. Hoover, founder of Pioneer Printers, Inc., and a member of the Museum Board of Trustees; Marilyn Pane Lasky, an employee of Impressive Imprints, and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and a member of a long-time North Tonawanda family; Diane M. Meholick, title examiner for SecoLink Settlement Services, LLC, who is also a novelist with degrees in Media Communications and Humanities from Medaille College; Judith L. Mittiga, an Accounting Assistant with HSBC Mortgage Corp. and Vice President of the Museum; Donna Zellner Neal, Museum Director and Secretary of the Board of Trustees; and Joyce M. Santiago, Insurance Administrator for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, who is also President of the Museum Board of Trustees.

The logo for the campaign was selected from entries in the Museum’s 2005 logo design contest which was open to everyone. The winning entry was submitted by Daniel Skrok, who was presented with a $100 savings bond at the March 23 German Heritage Night. Senator Maziarz donated the savings bond for the prize. Paul Kudla represented Senator Maziarz and presented the bond to Skrok.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum has been approved for a grant under the Speakers in the Humanities program of the New York Council for the Humanities.

The grant will make it possible for the Museum to present a lecture by Dr. Fred Gardaphe, Professor of Italian-American Studies, SUNY Stony Brook, and director of Stony Brook University’s American and Italian American Studies Program. Dr. Gardaphe will present: “Linguine and Lust: Food and Sex in Italian-American Culture.”

The lecture, which will be part of the Museum’s all-day ethnic heritage festival, “ North Tonawanda : A Celebration of Our Diversity!” to be held in the Sportspex on October 7, will be free and open to the public. The festival will be part of State Humanities Month, a statewide celebration of New York’s historical and cultural riches. State Humanities Month gives New Yorkers an opportunity to explore new ideas and celebrate their common heritage, while calling attention to the state’s unique contributions to the humanities.

Since its launch in 1983, the Council’s Speakers in the Humanities program has linked distinguished scholars with diverse audiences through the presentation of lectures on a broad range of topics. Each year, hundreds of cultural institutions and community groups take advantage of this program, which offers the very best in humanities scholarship to thousands of citizens in every corner of New York State.

The New York Council for the Humanities is a private, not-for-profit organization working to ensure the presence of the humanities in the cultural life of New York State. The Council’s programs train teachers; encourage excellence in student scholarship, and support public programs at New York State’s cultural organizations. They seek to forge relationships between young people, their families, and New York’s extraordinary range of humanities institutions.

This is the Museum’s second grant from the Speakers in the Humanities program, having been able to present Dr. Emelise Aleandri with “The Legend of LaBefana” at its December 2005 Italian Christmas program.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum will recognize the second anniversary of the Tonawanda News column, "Remembering Yesteryear," during its German Heritage Night program on Thursday, March 23. Copies of all the articles published in the weekly column to date will be on display. All articles also appear permanently on the Museum's website. The website began October 15, 2003, less than six weeks after a dedicated group of individuals had formed a steering committee to establish a museum of the history of North Tonawanda.

The weekly column began on March 29, 2004, while the Museum was awaiting approval of its provisional charter from the Board of Regents of the State University of New York. The Museum became a legally-chartered museum on April 20, 2004, and will celebrate that anniversary at its third annual "North Tonawanda's Birthday Party" program on April 20, its actual 2nd anniversary.

Museum representatives state that dozens of phone calls and many e-mails come in weekly in response to the columns, many offering ideas for additional stories, and many offering additional information on the stories that have appeared. On the several occasions when production difficulties at the paper have caused the omission of the column on its regular Monday date, numerous phone calls follow inquiring about its status.

The column has been written by various individuals, either in entirety, or with the assistance of Museum staff. It is read, through the Tonawanda News on line version and through its own website by individuals around the world, including the Museum's members in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Canada, as well as those who reside in other parts of the United States.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

Recently the American Legion Stephen Sikora Post 1322 in North Tonawanda honored 26 Polish-American patriots for their courage and service to Haller's Blue Army.

Recruits were not allowed to train in the United States. Most volunteers from this area received training at the Tadeusz Kosciusko Center at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

After training, they joined a 22,000 member unit in France under the command of Gen. Jozef Haller.

Sikora Post Commander Donald Ramsey II, North Tonawanda City Historian A. Daniel Bille, and Dale Rogers from the City Engineering Department, recently coordinated with the Post on the placement of a permanent plaque at the Post, recognizing Haller's Blue Army and the local men who went to Europe and fought for the independence of Poland prior to World War I.

For more information, stop by the post at 950 Payne Avenue. You may also visit the North Tonawanda History Museum website at www.nthistorymuseum.org. The Museum has a section on Haller's Army and the listing of the North Tonawanda participants under their Military Heritage section about World War I.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum has been approved for a second 2006 grant under the Speakers in the Humanities program of the New York Council for the Humanities.

The grant will make it possible for the Museum to present a lecture by Dr. Sherrie Baver, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program, City College and Graduate Center, City University of New York. Dr. Baver will present: “Ciudad & Suburbia: The Changing Nature of Latino Immigration.”

This is the Museum’s third grant from the Speakers in the Humanities program, having been able to present Dr. Emelise Aleandri with “The Legend of LaBefana” at its December 2005 Italian Christmas program and having been recently approved to present Dr. Fred Gardaphe, Professor of Italian-American Studies, SUNY Stony Brook, director of Stony Brook University’s American and Italian American Studies Program at the October 7 event as well.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The York Children’s Foundation Board of Trustees has selected the North Tonawanda History Museum to receive a $2,000 grant for its educational programming. Fretthold Funeral Home, 1241 Oliver Street, was the sponsoring funeral home. The grant was facilitated by James P. Fretthold; and the local York Distributor, Yorktowne Caskets, Inc. Fretthold will present the check to Museum representatives.

The grant is one of 37 grants issued in the fourth quarter of 2005 by the Foundation, six of which were to Western New York organizations and sponsored by Fretthold Funeral Home and Yorktowne Caskets, Inc. The additional local grants were made to the Twin Cities Community Outreach Clothes Closet in North Tonawanda and the Kiwanis Club of the Tonawandas Foundation, Bornhava Specialized Early Childhood Center of WNY, Inc., in Amherst, Western NY Physically Challenged Youth Sports Organization in Williamsville, the Buffalo Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc., Grand Island, and Young Audiences of Western New York, Inc., of Buffalo.

The York Children’s Foundation was established in 1992 to disburse funds to non-profit organizations that work for the benefit of children. The Foundation made a previous $1,000 grant to the North Tonawanda History Museum in 2005 as well. The Foundation is located in Houston, Texas.

The North Tonawanda History Museum has also been approved for a second 2006 grant under the Speakers in the Humanities program of the New York Council for the Humanities.

The lecture, which will be part of the Museum’s all-day ethnic heritage festival, “North Tonawanda : A Celebration of Our Diversity!” to be held in the Sportsplex on October 7, will be free and open to the public. The festival will be part of State Humanities Month, a statewide celebration of New York’s historical and cultural riches. State Humanities Month gives New Yorkers an opportunity to explore new ideas and celebrate their common heritage, while calling attention to the state’s unique contributions to the humanities.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum, in response to requests from members around the world, has launched an edited online forum dedicated to Local Events/Reunions on it website at www.nthistorymuseum.org. It has been requested as a means for North Tonawanda High School grads to post comments, announce their reunions or other events, try to locate old friends, and to share new addresses and photos. If response warrants it, categories will be established for specific years of graduation.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

Former Congressman John J. LaFalce adds his support to The North Tonawanda History Museum’s “The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign Accepts Role as Honorary Co-Chair

The Hon. John J. LaFalce, former Congressman, has joined the North Tonawanda History Museum’s “The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign as an honorary co-chair. Western New York businessman George F. Rand IV is Honorary Chair of the North Tonawanda History Museum’s Capital Campaign – “The Future of Our Past.” Rand is an Amherst resident and a descendent of the Calvin G. Rand/Almira Hershey Long Rand family which played an important role in the history of North Tonawanda. Almira was a daughter of Benjamin Long and Mary Hershey Long of the Long Homestead in the present City of Tonawanda.

Also serving as honorary co-chairs are:

Kurt P. Alverson, the retired Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas has been a member of the Museum’s Advisory Committee from its inception.

Additional members of the committee are: Jodie Alexander, AVP/Branch Manager, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, who is a member of the Museum’s Finance Committee; Paula M. Belair, a retired reading teacher and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees; Margaret A. Cheeley, a retired art teacher and self-employed antique business operator, who serves on the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission, of which she is Vice Chair, and on the Board of Trustees of the Museum; Paul F. Hoover, founder of Pioneer Printers, Inc., and a member of the Museum Board of Trustees; Marilyn Pane Lasky, an employee of Impressive Imprints, and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and a member of a long-time North Tonawanda family; Diane M. Meholick, title examiner for SecoLink Settlement Services, LLC, who is also a novelist with degrees in Media Communications and Humanities from Medaille College, and a member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees; Judith L. Mittiga, an Accounting Assistant with HSBC Mortgage Corp. and Vice President of the Museum; Donna Zellner Neal, Museum Director and Secretary of the Board of Trustees; and Joyce M. Santiago, Insurance Administrator for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, who is also President of the Museum Board of Trustees.

The logo for the campaign was selected from entries in the Museum’s 2005 logo design contest which was open to everyone. The winning entry was submitted by Daniel Skrok, who was presented with a $100 savings bond at the Museum’s March 23 German Heritage Night. Senator Maziarz donated the savings bond for the prize. Paul Kudla represented Senator Maziarz and presented the bond to Skrok.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum invites residents and former residents to attend North Tonawanda’s Birthday Party on Thursday, April 20. The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North Tonawanda Senior Center, 110 Goundry Street (the rear entrance of the Carousel Apartments at Oliver and Goundry). North Tonawanda was incorporated as a city 109 years ago on April 24, 1897. It is also the 141st anniversary on May 8 of the incorporation of the Village of North Tonawanda.

This will be the 2-year-old Museum’s 3rd annual birthday party for the city and will include the celebration of the Museum’s 2nd anniversary as a chartered museum. The North Tonawanda History Museum received its Provisional Charter from the Regents of the State University of New York on April 20, 2004.

The birthday party, which began in 2004 with a celebration of the city’s birthday and the 90th anniversary of DeGraff Memorial Hospital, and included five different celebrations in 2005, will celebrate the following, a total of ten anniversaries, each of which will be commemorated by a birthday cake created by Budwey’s Bakery:

141st anniversary of North Tonawanda ’s incorporation as a village in 1865; 109th anniversary as an incorporated city
100th anniversary of Grace Lutheran Church
100th anniversary of Riverside Chemical
85th anniversary of the Niagara County Historical Society
80th anniversary of the Riviera Theatre, and the 17th anniversary of the Riviera Theatre & Organ Preservation Society
50th anniversary of Soos’ Grill/Soos’ Oliver Street Café
50th anniversary of Drake School
40th anniversary of Pioneer Printers, Inc.
10th anniversary of Hodgepodge.
2nd anniversary of the North Tonawanda History Museum

Diane M. Meholick, a member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, will be present for a book-signing during the event, with her first two published novels, one of which, “Painting Katherine,” focuses on the beginning of the Riviera Theatre. Ms. Meholick will release her third novel in 2006.

Representatives of the celebrating organizations and businesses will be present to share their histories. Attendees are invited to bring items for the Museum’s collections as their “birthday present” to North Tonawanda.

The City of North Tonawanda will proclaim May “National Historic Preservation Month in North Tonawanda” at the event. Because of the festive nature of the event, it will also be the Museum’s first annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.

The Museum, invites residents as well to register for their Saturday, May 20, 2nd Annual Preservation Month Bus Tour, a collaborative effort this year with the Sanborn Area Historical Society, Historical Society of North German Settlements, and Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society to the Holland Land Office Museum, LeRoy House Museum and the Jell-o Gallery. Lunch will be included at the D&R Depot Restaurant. A National Preservation Month Event, it offers an opportunity to get to know members of the four organizations. Pre-registration required at $39.50 each. You do not have to be a member of any organization to participate. Call the North Tonawanda History Museum at 213-0554 for information or download a reservation form from their website at www.nthistorymuseum.org.

Residents and former residents are also invited to register for the Museum’s 2nd Annual Meeting & Dinner in the new banquet facility of the Hideaway Grill, 399 Division Street on Thursday, June 15. A cash bar will begin at 6 p.m., dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required at $25/each, or $45/couple. The Board of Trustees will share their progress and plans for the future. Attendees will receive a copy of the Museum’s 2nd Annual Report. The Annual Report layout and design has been completed by Daniel Skrok, the North Tonawanda resident who became the winner of the Museum’s 2005 Logo Design Contest.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum is accepting applications for the North Tonawanda Historic Gardens Contest & Tour 2006. This year’s contest is open to residents, businesses, and civic and cultural organizations of North Tonawanda. The resulting tour of participating gardens is meant to encourage visitors to our city as well as to serve our residents and to emphasize the enjoyment of history, things historical, and gardening.

The contest component is a city wide garden project with a historic theme requirement for participation, and meant to stimulate residents, businesses, and other organizations to turn the entire city into a garden city for the summer months, as well as to stimulate interest in things historical.

The tour component is meant to showcase North Tonawanda and its homes and gardens to residents and non-residents as a wonderful community in which to live, and encourage interest in combining a love of gardening with an interest in history.

Judging will take part between May 1 through July 31, depending on the gardeners’ recommendations of the best judging times. The resultant tour will run from June 15 through August 31, with gardeners able to specifiy specific dates or times for public viewing, if gardens are not accessible from the street.

Tour maps showing locations of participating gardens will be available beginning June 15, 2006, at the North Tonawanda History Museum offices at 314 Oliver Street; Hodgepodge at 72 Webster Street; Budwey’s Supermarket at 535 Division Street; the North Tonawanda City Clerk’s office, 216 Payne Avenue; the North Tonawanda Senior Center, 110 Goundry Street; the North Tonawanda Public Library, 505 Meadow Drive; the Office of the Mayor in City Hall at 216 Payne Avenue; and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas at 15 Webster Street.

The North Tonawanda Historic Gardens Tour 2006 is hosted by the North Tonawanda History Museum, in collaboration with the Tonawanda News’ Towpath Tiller, and sponsored by Anderson’s Frozen Custard, Inc., Awnings Plus, Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, Cipriano, Inc., Realtors, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda, Friends of the North Tonawanda Public Library, Hodgepodge, Senator George M. Maziarz, Michael B. Mroczka/RealtyUSA, Pane’s Restaurant, Pioneer Printers, Inc., and Project Pride.

Applications are available at the Museum at 314 Oliver Street and may be downloaded from the Museum online at www.nthistorymuseum.org. Application forms will be mailed on request as well.

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

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 the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

Museum to Release Self-Guided Tour Book of North Tonawanda for Summer Season

The North Tonawanda History Museum will be releasing “ North Tonawanda: “The Lumber City,” a self-guided walking & driving tour” guide for the 2006 summer tourism season. The 32-page book is sponsored in part by the Seaway Trail Corporation and was financed in part with funds from the New York Council for the Humanities, a State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal is the editor, Martin Wachadlo served as architectural historian, maps were provided by the North Tonawanda Engineering Department, and printing is by Pioneer Printers, Inc. The booklet contains 81 stopping points, but hundreds of actual sites are included in the format. The focus of the book is on the history of North Tonawanda from the Holland Land Purchase in 1797 through the present. The thumbnail descriptions are meant to permit the reader to take a leisurely stroll or drive on a number of occasions, observing the locations at which North Tonawanda’s history took place.

“It is our sincere hope that the publication will prove useful both to our residents and to visitors to our city and to teachers in North Tonawanda schools wishing to use it as a tool in their local history focus,” noted Paula Belair, Education Committee Chair.

North Tonawanda is on the Seaway Trail, a National Scenic Byway, the longest National Recreation Trail in the country. The North Tonawanda History Museum will present its third season of Seaway Trail Walks (16 weeks) on Wednedays at 6 p.m. June through September. This year’s walks are also sponsored by Seaway Trail Corporation and the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier.

The booklet will be available shortly at the Museum at 314 Oliver Street, at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum at 180 Thompson Street, the historic Riviera Theatre at 67 Webster Street, the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas at 15 Webster Street, the Mayor’s Office and City Clerk’s office in City Hall, the North Tonawanda Public Library, and at Hodgepodge at 72 Webster Street. The booklet will also be provided to the school district for use by its teachers.