Author: bleeckerhistoricalsociety

While tanning and lumbering may comprise the more dramatic aspects of production in 19th century Bleecker, farming was the far more common one, with most Bleecker families making a living through tilling the stone-ridden soil. Join us for our final public program of the year on Monday, November 3rd, when BHS member Kathy Evans will present a program on Bleecker agriculture with a special focus on the Grant Farm, her own place of residence. The farm (on today's County Road 125) is located at “groud zero” for the settlement of Bleecker. The property surrounds the first Bleecker cemetery, and the original farm property extended to both sides of the road and very likely included the site of the first structure built in Bleecker, a substantial grist mill built by Captain William Chase in 1804, just east of Lindsley Corners and on a North Branch of the Stony Creek, in an effort to attract settlers to buy land and farm in Bleecker. Our meeting begins at 7pm, the program at 8pm.

Join us on Monday, October 6th, when Benson Town Historian John G. Stortecky will present historical tales from our neighbor to the north. Our meeting at the Bleecker Town Hall (575 County Highway 112) will commence at 7pm, followed by the program at 8pm. Above, a photo of Benson's District No. 3 Schoolhouse, which opened in 1851 and closed in 1922.

Join us on Sunday, 14 September 2014 at the Bleecker Town Hall from 11am to 3pm for the second annual BHS Photo Fest, when we gather to display, discuss, digitize and document historic images of the town. This year, we will feature exhibits on the Bleecker Community Church, celebrating its 70th anniversary in October, the Peters family of sawmill fame, and Bleecker veterans, whom we invite to bring photos and ephemera for a collaborative, one-day exhibit on Bleecker military service. We will have scanning equipment on hand, and those who wish to donate historic images of the town are encouraged to bring their originals (photos, slides and negatives) for reproduction. Admission is free, refreshments will be provided, and we will auction off several items for the Veterans Memorial Fundraiser, including a hand-made red, white and blue afghan as well as a hand-framed print of Bleecker's "Pink Church," featured on this year's program brochure. Join us to donate an image, research an image, or just browse!

Each year, the Historical Society hosts a talk on a topic of local natural history. This September we welcome Dr. Ed Kuzia, who will present a slide show on acid rain and other contaminants which threaten the health of our local lakes, streams and ponds. Dr. Kuzia holds a B.A. and M.S. in biology from the University of Bridgeport as well as a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of New Hampshire. He taught high school biology from 1968-1973, and worked for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation from 1976-2010. He resides in Bleecker. Join us on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7pm for the meeting, 8pm for the program.

Join us this Saturday, August 16th from 1pm-4pm for the annual BHS Ice Cream Social and Bake Sale. The Social will be held at The Old School Museum on Lily Lake Road in Bleecker (click here for directions and map). Enjoy ice cream, lemonade, and other sweet treats, and tour the District No. 3 School. Tickets $2.50, under 5 free.

Bleecker's six cemeteries are an important testament to the history of the town. They were last systematically surveyed in the late 1970s by the Fulton County Cemetery and Historical Research Project, under the leadership of County Historian Lewis Decker. On 4 August 2014, BHS President Eliza Jane Darling presents an assessment of the Bleecker cemeteries more than 30 years hence, highlighting in particular older monuments that require cleaning, repair or resetting. Join us at the Bleecker Town Hall for our meeting at 7pm, program at 8pm.

In 2014, the BHS is holding a fundraising campaign for the placement of a stone monument honoring Bleecker veterans on the grounds of the Bleecker Town Hall (click on the flyer above for further details). At our monthly meeting on 7 July, we will devote the top agenda item to a public discussion of the memorial design, inscription and placement. Bleecker veterans and their families or survivors (including current, former, long-time, one-time and seasonal residents) are especially invited to advise the Society on a fitting memorial. Following the meeting, Amsterdam musician Gabby Ellers will treat us to a selection of folk favorites. Join us at 7pm for the meeting, 8pm for the program.

On 9 June, Bleecker Town Historian Eleanor Brooks will continue with Part 2 of her talk Faith on the Mountain, begun last July. Eleanor's research examines the 150-year history of Bleecker's five historic churches using photographic, documentary, cartographic and archival documentation. Learn about the long-vanished log church that was likely Bleecker's first, and why the colorfully-named Pink Church was so called. The above undated photograph of the Catholic Church reminds us that however bad the previous winter, Bleecker has seen worse! Please note that this meeting has been moved to the second Monday of the month, though it will take place at our usual space in the Bleecker Town Hall. Join us at 7pm for the meeting, 8pm for Eleanor's program.

On May 5th, the Bleecker Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Fulton County Museum, located at 237 Kingsboro Avenue in Gloversville. Following the 7pm meeting, we will take a tour of the Museum in lieu of our usual program. The Museum sits on the site of the 1831 Kingsboro Academy in the Old Kingsboro historic district. The Museum includes, among others, exhibits on the FJ&G Railroad, leather tanning and glove making, farming, quilts, and the 1902 Mountain Lake railroad accident. Join us for an excursion through Fulton County history!

After a long and grueling winter, the tell-tale signs of spring have finally arrived in the North Country: the geese are back, the deer are on the move, and most importantly, the Hope Diner has opened its doors for another season. Founded in 1953 by Carl and Lillian Christensen, the Hope Diner has been operated as a family establishment for more than 60 years by three generations. Join us at the Bleecker Town Hall on April 7th, when Helen Christensen and her daughter Carene will present the history of this Adirondack institution. Our meeting begins at 7pm, and the program will commence at 8.