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September 2020 Update

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Alice C. Roth

Hello all! Here it is a month later and we’re beginning to see a light at the end of this crazy tunnel. Although we haven’t been able to hold membership meetings yet, we have scrapped the Zooming for regular in-person Trustee meetings . Even with masks on, members seem to share their ideas a little more freely in-person than they do under the Zoom format. I think it’s tough to talk when you’re looking at yourself on a computer screen. (Just my personal opinion.)

This issue of the Lumber Shover is devoted to our 40 years of stewardship of the historic 1829 Benjamin Long Homestead. Carole Barnard, our incredibly dedicated head docent for the homestead, spent hours researching material to provide the feature article in this newsletter. Her leadership and determination have made the site the jewel that it is today. Thank you Carole for all you’ve done to beautifully preserve this piece of Tonawandas’ history for the generations to come.

Fortuitously, the society has just received a grant from Erie County for $2500.00 which will be used to enhance our celebration. We plan to produce a narrated video tour of the homestead, complete with docents and/or mannequins in period costume from the Society’s collection. A full-color commemorative booklet will be printed and awards will be presented to the many dedicated volunteers who have made significant contributions to the preservation, management, beautification and maintenance of this historic site. If funds allow, new displays will be assembled and rotated within the community to highlight the famous T-NT families that trace their ancestry to the original Benjamin Long family.

Other good news: “Skip” Johnson has started up virtual Warrior Walks as of this writing. To enjoy the show, go to the Facebook site “Warrior Walk Wednesdays” and you’ll hear Skip’s fascinating talk about the East side of Main Street in the City of Tonawanda. This man really does in-depth research for these programs. Once we purchase our video equipment using the Pomeroy grant, we’ll fine tune this and future shows for YouTube presentations.

That’s all the news for this month . . .we truly miss seeing everyone and hope to have a gathering before much longer. Until then: Stay well, stay safe, and stay in touch!


Official Home:  The Historical Society of the Tonawandas, Inc.
Museum and General Office:  113 Main Street, Tonawanda, NY, 14150-2129
(716) 694-7406     Email  tonahist@gmail.com
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