Mistaken Identity?You may not know it but many times in our lives we get chances to help others find places in the history of the area. The story I’m about to tell you started over 300 years ago in New England. It was a warm sunny day not unlike the weather we’re experiencing this July.

Our Lord in heaven planted a seed that would eventually bring about great satisfaction to someone in Cannonsville, NY in the 19th century. Ideas existed long before this event occurred. So many in fact that results were simply astounding.

Wouldn’t you like to know the who, what, or when I’m writing about? The reward for your diligent understanding exists in our museum. It’s like playing 20 questions or Jeopardy except for the fact that I’m the host with the knowledge.

What could possibly live in secrecy all these years making history in our midst? Now for the clues. I stood tall and strong through all 4 seasons of the years until I was called into service. I lived gracefully in Rhode Island for most of my life. I arrived in Delaware County around 1900. I settled in Cannonsville near the home of Darius Maples. I enjoyed the children and adults of the neighborhood for more than 25 years before moving to my family home.

If I were a model all the agencies would be “hot” after me. My characteristics were such that no one could ever be better than me, no matter what! Not long ago I changed locations. Can you guess who or what I am ?

This is a sample of the wonderments existing in our historical society for all to discover. Can you solve this mystery?

Sincerely,

Richard S. Axtell, President

DHS NewsThe Official Newsletter

of the Deposit Historical SocietyJuly 2012: Vol IX, Issue iii

The Deposit Historical Society145 Second Street

Deposit, New York 13754(607) 467-4422

Website: www.deposithistoricalsociety.org

Note: You can view our newsletters with color pictures in pdf format on our website!

July 18, 2012 7:30 PM: Quarterly Meeting and Program:

On July 18, following a brief quarterly meeting, author Mr. R. W. White will portray Judge C. P. Avery, the first elected judge of Tioga County. He will recount the mysterious circum-stances surrounding the death of a Mohawk Indian maiden, Susana (Sa-Sa-Na) Loft, who was tragically killed by a run-away locomotive at the Deposit train depot in 1852.

Refreshments will be served following the presentation. The gravesite of Sa-Sa-Na Loft in Owego NY

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The Life and Legacy of John Burroughs, Literary Naturalist On April 18th, author Diane Galusha returned to the museum with another fascinating program about one of Delaware County’s most prestigious figures, John Burroughs. Diane has been a Burroughs admirer for many years and author of the book, John Burroughs, Voice of the Catskills.

John Burroughs (1837–1921) born on a 350 acre farm near Roxbury, NY was one of America’s foremost nature writers. He authored 26 books of nature essays and philosophical musings. Many of his essays appeared in Atlantic, Harpers, and other popular magazines and were later compiled into books. Locust and Wild Honey is the title of one of his books of essays.

Burroughs was the seventh of eight living children born to Chauncey and Amy Kelly Burroughs. At the time, his mother was 29 and his father 35. Berries were the farm’s only cash crop. They also sold hand-churned butter. The children slept two to a bed and walked a mile or so to school. He was a classmate of the infamous railroad developer and speculator Jay Gould. He left home at the age of 17. He taught in several rural communities of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. After marrying, he settled in Washington, D.C. around the time of the Civil War. There he clerked at the U.S. Treasury while simultaneously struggling to

launch his career as a writer. It was then that he met Walt Whitman who suggested that John write what he knew. His first book was a biography of Whitman.

In 1874, he established a fruit farm and vineyard on the Hudson River at West Park in Ulster County. There he raised grapes and celery and wrote. Ursula, his wife, liked to keep things neat and tidy. She did not like him tracking through the house or his friends tracking through with him. The farm served as Burroughs’ primary residence for the rest of his life. In 1895, he built a cabin retreat a mile or so inland from the main farmhouse. In 1910, he returned to Roxbury and rented a farmhouse that had been built by his brother Curtis in 1869. In 1911, he purchased the house from his nephew, son of Curtis. He added a porch where he often slept and did much of his writing. He also added a fireplace and built some furniture. John despised rodents, especially woodchucks. He made two woodchuck coats from woodchucks he killed on the Roxbury farm. One of the coats is in Cooperstown and another in the American Museum of Natural History. His farmhouse became known as Woodchuck Lodge. He had one son, Julian, for whom he wrote the children’s book—Squirrels and Other Furbearers. His books sold over a million copies during his lifetime.

John Burroughs had many friends. Among them were Hamlin Garland (writer), Ida Tarbell (muckraking journalist), John Muir (nature writer and founder of the Sierra Club), Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, Teddy Roosevelt, and Henry Ford. Roosevelt dedicated a book to Burroughs. Henry Ford visited Burroughs at Woodchuck Lodge and frequently sent him cars. Burroughs, Firestone, Ford, and Edison often took camping trips together. It may have been to advertise Ford’s cars, Firestone’s tires, and Edison headlamps. At the time, people recognized Burroughs in the photos, not necessarily the other three! Why did he hang out with the likes of Ford and Gould? Burroughs felt he was a teacher. He didn’t see himself as an activist like Muir. Burroughs accompanied Muir on the Alaska Harriman Expedition and other trips, including visits

Galusha sharing some of Burroughs’ works with the audience.

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Wallace Russell Post Band RevisitedReaders Responded!! The photo of the Wallace Russell American Legion Post Band that appeared in the April Newsletter shows the 1920-1921 members assembled for the Labor Day parade. They are in front of a building that served for a time as the silk factory, the button factory, Outing Publishing Company, the Kelly & Steinman cut glass factory, and eventually the cable factory.

Deposit Central School now occupies the site.

The gentlemen in the band are:

Front Row: F. “Lightin” Edson, E. “Ken” Daniels, R. “Bugs” Adair, C. D. Hathaway, H. “Deac” Merchant, W. “Bill” Kauffman, G. “Doc” Merchant, Lt. “Mike” Weeks, and F. “Squank” Squires

Standing: Paul Lloyd, “Andy” or “Flip” Male, Clyde Cuyle, Lindley “Rip” Hamlin, C. Turner, and J. “Thunder” Keown.

It seems that everyone had a nickname. Don’t you have to wonder about the origin of some of them? I remember many of my classmates having nicknames. Some were

“earned!” Other nicknames arrived with the individuals when they entered kindergarten. I never knew Brother Raymond by any name other than “Brother.” And then there was “Bardahl.”

to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. At 83, Burroughs went down Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon on mule back. After Muir’s death, Burroughs made this comment: “A unique character — greater as a talker than as a writer — he loved personal combat and shone in it. He hated writing and composed with difficulty, though his books have charm of style; but his talk came easily and showed him at his best. I shall greatly miss him.”

To learn more about John Burroughs, you are invited to visit Woodchuck Lodge. While there, be sure to walk to “Boyhood Rock” where Burroughs liked to sit and observe nature. For information about Woodchuck Lodge and upcoming events go to http://research.amnh.org/burroughs/woodchuck_lodge/woodchuck_lodge.html

Help Make our Brown Bread and Baked Beans Sale a Success!On Saturday, July 21st from 9 AM to 3 PM we will have our annual “BB & BB Sale” during the Lumberjack Festival on Front Street. In addition to several delicious kinds of baked beans and our historic brown bread, we will have books on local history and other items from our gift shop.

We would appreciate donations of home made beans and/or bread to sell at the booth! They can be dropped off at our booth or you can contact us for a pick-up at 467-4422.

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Old Time Folk and Craft Fair

Saturday, May 12, the weather was beautiful! For the first time in years, the sun smiled upon the Annual Old Time Folk and Craft Fair for the entire day. Inside the museum, there were a number of vendors, special exhibits, and a DHS sponsored bake sale. On the grounds outside the museum building, attendees were treated to vendors selling quilts, knits, silk flower arrangements, soaps, jewelry, and food. The Deposit Garden Club did a brisk business selling local perennials and a variety of herbs and houseplants. The West Branch Ramblers treated everyone to two hours of great music. Some of the pieces were so irresistible that several children had to get up and dance!

The day was a great success. Special thanks go to all of the vendors, volunteers, shoppers, browsers, and other individuals supporting the

event. We look forward to another successful (and fun) craft fair next spring. We have included some pictures of the day’s events.

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Fund-Raising Auction at the Museum

On Saturday, August 18th at 10:00 AM the Historical Society will have an auction to raise funds for the on-going projects at the museum.

We are in need of good quality items (new and used) from dishes to furniture and everything in between.

Those wishing to donate, please call the museum staff at 467-4422 to arrange for drop-off or pick-up. We are not accepting clothing.

Also note that we are not selling any items from the museum collection.

Plan to join us and get some great bargains and to support your museum!

Page Bottling Company

At one time, Deposit boasted its own soft drink business. Retired science teacher William McCann donated a bottle from John Page’s “Pop Soda” and soft drinks company. The bottle was deposited in Paul Dailey’s dump on Second Street and eventually found its way into Graydon Feigle’s cellar. According to an excerpt from Vic Ruegger’s column that appears on page 154 of the DHS publication Passing the Time, John Page’s soft drinks were bottled right here in town. Accompanying the article is a photo of a Page soda sign at the fair (see below).

Many of you likely remember long time Deposit Judge Paul Page. He was John Page’s son. Paul and many other youngsters did much of the

work involved in the production, bottling, and sales of the soda. It was more than John Page could handle by himself.

New “Vintage” ExhibitVisitors to the museum will enjoy this year’s new exhibit entitled Hats Off to Music. DHS curator Ellen Jogo and DHS Board member Becky Raymond have created a beautiful display of vintage 1900 – 1930’s hats, gloves, handbags and fans, along with sheet music donated by Lillian Darling.

Of special interest is a hat worn by a member of the DAR for the dedication fo the Fort Stanwix Treaty Marker on September 22, 1925. Please stop by the museum on a Sunday or Thursday afternoon between 2:00 and 4:00 to view our newest exhibit.

Details of McCann’s bottle: N. D. B. Deposit NY

ThiS BOTTLe NOT TO Be SOLD

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Appraisal Night a Huge Success!

June 20, 2012 the Deposit Historical Society hosted “Grandma’s Attic—an antique appraisal night.” For $5 per item, DHS president and antiques expert Richard “Smitty” Axtell estimated the value of and shared his knowledge about the items brought in for appraisal. There was no limit to the number of items someone could submit.

Approximately forty attendees enjoyed Deposit’s version of Antiques Road Show. Some of the many items brought in for appraisal were: jewelry, art (paintings), dishes, and a poison vial. One of the biggest surprises of the evening was a gold pocket watch valued at around $10,000. Another surprise, although not

such a pleasant one as the watch, were several items that were thought to be originals but identified as reproductions. Smitty commented that one was such a good quality reproduction that only an expert would be able to tell.

Several people volunteered where they had acquired their antiques. Some were flea

market and yard sale purchases. Others were attic finds and still other items had been in the family for generations.

Special thanks to Smitty for providing this service and to his nephew, Josh Axtell, for serving as his assistant. Everyone is looking forward to when Smitty will do another appraisal night at the museum. All proceeds went to the Historical Society.

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Mullen Returns to the Museum

Jim Mullen, humorist and author will once again entertain audience members with excerpts from his latest book , Now In Paperback, which is a collection of his funniest syndicated columns from the past 10 years.

You won’t want to miss this program on September 19th! Refreshments will be served following the meeting.

Help Support the Museum with Your Membership!!

January was dues month, and some of you haven’t renewed yet. Please take a moment right now to send us your annual membership check. We need to have many dues paying members if we are to continue providing quarterly newsletters, regular FREE events, and have the Museum open to serve our community. Lifetime members can ignore this reminder—we thank you for your support!!

If you aren’t a Lifetime member, please consider it. It is really a bargain and ends the hassle of joining each year. Dues currently are $10 regular membership, $5 for Seniors and Students, and $50 for a Lifetime membership. Send us your payment today! You may also want to include a tax-deductible donation with your dues payment! Below is a membership/donor form, or you may download one from our website. OR… you can just send us your name and address with a check for the correct amount made out to Deposit Historical Society, and we will do the paperwork for you!! Thanks for your support!

Deposit Historical Society—Membership/Donor FormYou are cordially invited to join The Deposit Historical Society, either as an Annual or Life Member.

Name(s) __________________________________________

Street Address _____________________________________

City, State, Zip Code __________________________________

E-mail ___________________________________________

Telephone _________________________________________

Enclosed is $__________ for the following memberships:

____ Regular @ $10.00 each ____ Senior Citizen @ $5.00 each

____ Student @ $5.00 each ____ Lifetime—one-time payment of $50.00 per member I am enclosing a tax-deductable donation to the Historical Society for $ __________

Checks/Money Orders should be made payable to: Deposit Historical Society

Mail this form with your payment and/or donation to:

Mary Colvard, 24 Bobolink Court, Deposit, NY 13754

Upcoming Events (July through September) at the Deposit Historical Society…Be sure to check the DHS web site for the latest details and updates.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 7:30 PM: Quarterly Meeting and Program: Voices of the PastA Living History presentation. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For more details, see article on page 1 of this newsletter. Saturday, July 21, 2012 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Brown Bread and Baked Bean Sale Come visit us at the Lumberjack festival on Front St. See details on page 3 of this newsletter.

Saturday August 18, 2012 10 AM: Fund-Raising AuctionPreview at 9:00 AM. For more details, see article on page 5 of this newsletter.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:30 PM: Now in PaperbackPresented by author and humorist, Jim Mullen. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For more details, see article on page 7 of this newsletter.

Contact the DHS News editors for information, suggestions, or address changes... If you have information to share with us about our mysteries, historical events, or suggestions for new articles or projects at the Museum, or if you have moved, mail it to DHS Newsletter editors Mary Colvard and/or John Bartsch at 24 Bobolink Ct., Deposit, NY 13754, or email it to one of us at mcolvard@tds.net or jbartsch@tds.net. We will be delighted to hear from you! Thanks!!

The Deposit Historical Society Newsletter 24 Bobolink Ct. Deposit, NY 13754