The Historical Society » Administrator

Bicentennial Press Release

Administrator — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 10:31:14 +0000

August 19, 2013

Contact: Lenora Applebee For Immediate Release

Prattsburgh Community Historical Society

Phone: 607.522.5776 (Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. – Noon)

Home: 607.522.3566 Email: pburghist@empacc.net

Prattsburgh Community Historical Society Presents the

Town of Prattsburgh Bicentennial Celebration

September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

The Prattsburgh Community Historical Society will be celebrating the Town of Prattsburgh Bicentennial on September 6, 7 & 8, 2013. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a concert featuring The Southern Exit Band. There will also be free birthday cake for everyone that evening. Saturday and Sunday are full of entertainment, activities and vendors, including a delicious array of food. Members of the Keuka Lake Renegades will have an encampment all weekend, depicting life in the early 1800’s with demonstrations and games for the kids. Also scheduled all weekend are an antique tractor show, a quilt show, walking tour of historic homes and an open house at the Prattsburgh Historical Society Museum.

Saturday will open with a ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery at the grave site of Prattsburgh’s Founding Father, Captain Joel Pratt. The ceremony will be performed by the Tioga County Honor Guard and will be attended by descendants of Capt. Pratt. Other highlights on Saturday include the music of the Dundee Central School Symphonic Steel Band at 11:00 and The Stid Hill Stompers at 3:00. The festivities that day also include the parade at 2:00, an outdoor family movie at 7:30 p.m. and will be capped off with a big fireworks display immediately following the movie.

Sunday begins with an ecumenical church service at 9:00 a.m. at the Gazebo in the park. The Masonic Lodge will be hosting breakfast until 11:00 a.m. Special highlights that day include a ladies tea at 1:00 and 3:00, the music of Brad Ordway at 1:00 and a music performance by David Ruch – “The War of 1812 – Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond” at 3:00.

All weekend there will be an array of vendors on hand selling soaps, candles, jewelry, handcrafted items and more. Attendees will also be able to purchase maple cotton candy, pulled pork, beef brisket, hamburgers and hotdogs and other tasty treats.

About Prattsburgh:

Captain Joel Pratt purchased the land now known as Prattsburgh from the Pulteney Estate in 1802, bringing his family to settle here in 1805. The Town of Prattsburgh was officially established on April 12, 1813 when Captain Pratt and five other original settlers met to formally name the town and begin the daunting task of turning vast wilderness into a thriving community.

Like other towns across early America, Prattsburgh was a thriving place in its heyday. In its prime, Prattsburgh was host to many factories and businesses. Industries included a sash and blind factory, a tannery, a pottery shop, glove and mitten factory, four blacksmith shops and a boot and shoe shop. In addition to providing valuable employment, these industries spurred on the creation of secondary businesses such as restaurants, hotels, millinery shops and grocery stores to serve this thriving community. Currently there is little evidence of this bustling community in present day Prattsburgh.

Prattsburgh is a special place whose residents are extremely proud of their heritage. Lifelong residents fondly share many stories of the people and places lost to time. Those who relocate here do so because they sense this special nature of the town.

About the Prattsburgh Community Historical Society:

The purpose of the Prattsburgh Community Historical Society is to gather, preserve and interpretively display and make available for study historical artifacts, books, manuscripts, papers, photographs and other records and materials relating to the state of New York and particularly to Prattsburgh and continuous areas. We also assist the county historian and state education officers in encouraging a greater knowledge of history of our Community, County, and State of New York by publishing historical material in newspapers, local newsletters, lectures, study groups and service to Franklin Academy for studies in the school’s curriculum.

The Historical Society publishes a member newsletter six times a year. In addition, the organization sponsors “Concerts in the Park” each summer, participates in the “Prattsburgh Summer Fest” and conducts the annual “Festival of Lights” each winter. The society is planning a number of activities throughout the year to commemorate the Bicentennial celebration. Membership in the Historical Society is $10 annually, with dues payable in April.

Happy 200th Birthday Prattsburgh! ++

Administrator — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 10:27:15 +0000

Bicentennial Celebration
1813-2013
September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

Highlighted Schedule of Events

Friday, September 6, 2013

7:00 – 10:00 pm: Kick-off Celebration Dance with The Southern Exit Band

Free Birthday Cake

free Birthday Cake

Free Birthday Cake

free Birthday Cake

free Birthday Cake

FREE Birthday Cake

is it normal type now

September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

7:00 – 10:00 pm: Kick-off Celebration Dance with The Southern Exit Band

========+++++++==========================================

Saturday, September 7, 2013

10:00 am: Opening Ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery with Tioga County Honor Guard

All Day: Vendors

All Day: Johnny Johnson Haversack History

All Day: Renegade Encampment With the Keuka Lake Renegades

All Day: Antique Tractor Show

All Day: Self Guide Walking Tour of Historic Homes

10:00 – 1:00 pm: Horseshoe Tournament at Rotary Park, County Route 75

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Quilt Show at Van Tuyl House, 15 N. Main Street

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Historical Society Museum Open House

11:00 am: Music of the Dundee Central School Symphonic Steel Band

11:00 – 1:00 pm: Sidewalk Chalk Drawing For All Ages

2:00 – 3:00 pm: Parade With Awarding of Prizes to Immediately Follow

3:00 – 5:00 pm: Music of the Stid Hill Stompers

4:00 – 6:00 pm: Fireman’s BBQ at Fire Hall

7:30 pm: Outdoor Family Movie presented by the Prattsburgh High School Student Council

Immediately Following Movie: Fireworks at the Soccer Field (approx. 9:30 p.m.)

Sunday, September 8, 2013

9:00 am: Ecumenical Church Service

10:00 – 11:00 am: Breakfast – Masonic Lodge

All Day: Vendors

All Day: Renegade Encampment With the Keuka Lake Renegades

All Day: Antique Tractor Show

All Day: Self Guide Walking Tour of Historic Homes

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Historical Society Museum Open House

10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Quilt Show at Van Tuyl House, 15 N. Main Street

1:00 – 2:00 pm: Ladies Tea on front lawn of the Van Tuyl House, 15 N. Main Street with Harpist Trudy Moon

1:00 – 2:00 pm: Music Performance by Brad Ordway

3:00 – 4:00 pm: Ladies Tea on front lawn of the Van Tuyl House, 15 N. Main Street with Harpist Trudy Moon

3:00 – 4:00 pm: Music Performance by David Ruch – “The War of 1812 – Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond”

Raffle Drawings

Vine to Wine Event – May 17th, 2013

Administrator — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:42:34 +0000

If you are in the Finger Lakes region, don’t miss our Vine to Wine event this Friday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prattsburgh Fire Hall, 2 Allis Street. The Prattsburgh Historical Society is partnering with the Finger Lakes Museum to present the documentary “Vine to Wine” followed by wine tasting and appetizers. There will be raffles, a 50/50 and door prizes. Cost is $10/person and all proceeds go to the Museum and the Prattsburgh Bicentennial Celebration. Hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/202082733272843/

Thomas Van Tuyl 1816-1888

Administrator — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:18:51 +0000

As a young man, Thomas Van Tuyl was passing by a candle lit window and saw a beautiful young woman ironing. He fell in love with her and they were married in1840. She was Survina Stoddard daughter of Dr, Stoddard who was the dentist at this time. They then moved from Jerusalem to Prattsburgh. Their first home was a farm on what is now called Van Tuyl Hill. They raised cattle and sawed lumber. They had six children, John J., Benjamin s., Eva, Ella, Minnie and Ernest Hale. In 1858 when Eva was a small girl they moved into town. They had a nice surprise on February 10,1887 when Miss Minnie Van Tuyl gave them a party for their 47th wedding anniversary.

That Ernie was an odd duck. He would try to spoil his sister’s parties. When he saw the pie cut and put on plates, he would proceed to stick his finger into each piece, lick his finger and say: Me pie, Me pie! The three daughters were always dressed in the latest style and when Eva and Ella were married, red velvet carpet was spread from the house to the road. Minnie was the old maid, bless her heart, due to a tragedy that came into her life through the sudden death of a young Canadian medical student to whom she was betrothed and to whose memory she was ever faithful. So she clings to her house with all the fond memories of the gay parties and grand dinners, the beautiful house with its lovely carpeting, huge chandeliers, plush furniture and beautiful dishes, of which Minnie was so proud.

When the family moved into town, they purchased a house that was owned by Capt. Theodore Brown. That house was moved down on Howe Street and their house (which is the house there now) was built 1858/1860. E.Z. Terry and another carpenter worked for two years hand hewing the front stairs and trimmed the stair railing four times and it was steamed and re-curved until it fit the front staircase.

Thomas built three stores on Main Street. The small space between two of the stores is the result of a difference of opinion of where the line was. The middle store was run by Thomas, which was named EXCELSINO. It contained a general merchandise store with the post office in the back. He would go to New York City to trade twice a year by way of the Erie Canal. He was a shrew businessman and always paid his bills. He was always on the look out for a good deal. The library is located in his store now.

When the railroad was organized in 1888, he became vice president. Also in 1868, he was on the board of trustees of the Franklin Academy and Union Free School.

Robert Porter (1773-1847)

Administrator — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:00:42 +0000

Robert Porter was born in Farmington, Connecticut October 6, 1773, the son of Noah and Mary (Lewis) Porter. Honorable Robert Porter graduated from Yale in 1795. He subsequently spent two years in studying theology under the tuition of Rev Charles Bachus of Somers, Connecticut and then was licensed to preach. He spent four years preaching in various congregations in Connecticut and performed two tours of missionary service under appointments from the Missionary Society of Connecticut. In 1801, he became principal of Hamilton Academy –now Hamilton College-at Clinton, N.Y. During his four year residence at Clinton, in addition to his duties as preceptor, he almost preached constantly in vacant charges.

On November 28, 1799, he married Roxana Root of Litchfield, Connecticut. In the spring of 1806, Rev Porter moved with his family to Prattsburgh. The site of the present village was then an almost unbroken wilderness. His family consisted of one daughter, Belinda and a son William. Edward, Robert, Thomas and Mary were born in Prattsburgh. Unfortunately Thomas died as an infant. His original homestead consisted of 35 acres of which he donated land for Porter Street because there were so many families coming to Prattsburgh that needed building lots which he was able to sell them.

Rev. Porter’s biggest dream was to have an academy here in Prattsburgh. He had a big influence on the Young Men’s Lyceum to raise $2,000 to build the building and another $3,000-$4,000 to support it. Rev. Porter became their largest subscriber because he felt that it was important for young men to learn to speak in public. He also sold the land where Franklin Academy stands, with the stipulation it is to always be used for school purposes. Along with this he sold the land for the Presbyterian Church and the green where children will be able to play with the stipulations that a permanent building would never be built on it.

He decided to build his home on what we call North Main Street. Because his house was the first painted house in town it was called Lily of the Valley. Some years later this house was moved to it present location and the house that is now there was built by Mr. Dean. This route was once the stagecoach and main mail route to Geneva from Bath. Two of his sons, Edward and William also built a house on this street.

For many years he was Justice of Peace and he believed that laws were made to be enforced and he was a terror to evil doers. The town records show that he has from time to time filled the most responsible offices of the town. In 1814 he was placed upon the bench as associate judge.

Paul Cook Howe

Administrator — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:33:27 +0000

Born in Cohocton November 26, 1823, Paul Cook Howe came to Prattsburgh at age seven along with a younger sister, Emily, to live with an Aunt, upon the death of his mother. He was educated in the Franklin Academy and quite early in life became a teacher. He taught at a school in Rikers Hollow (known today as Ingleside) in 1844-1845. While teaching, he became involved in the Young Men’s Lyceum and was made 2nd Vice President. In 1846 Paul went to New York City to study Phrenology.

For a time, he was engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Prattsburgh, but unfortunately lost everything in a fire. Being deep in debt, Howe was saved by a partnership with Otis Shepherd. With his help, he was able to erect a stone building in which in 1872, he was able to start the Prattsburgh News as its editor. This stone building for many years has housed many different businesses, even a Prattsburgh State Bank. The paper had a circulation of just less than 1000. Politically, Paul was a Whig, but he was the first to identify himself with the Republican Party upon its organization. Paul was one of the first to give his time for the good of the country by enlisting and organizing a company, which went out a hundred strong.

In 1848, he married the love of his life, Miss Abitha S. Alderman. They were lucky enough to have reared 3 sons; Will L., George, and Beecher, and 4 daughters, Mary, Alice, Charlotte, and Adelaide. It was planned that after his death, Will and George would continue the newspaper, which they did. They did move the newspaper business to the South end of Main Street and improved some of the equipment and it continued until the late 1920’s.

Their home located on 7 North Main Street has been in the family for many years. In late 1889 he donated the land on which Howe Street is located. The main reason he did this is because so many people were coming to Prattsburgh and had no place to build a home. With the street in place, Paul was able to sell building lots. He left 6 feet on the North side for a sidewalk, bringing this line very close to Van Tuyl’s.

His wife of 42 years, Abitha, was the sociable member of the family, by visiting family and friends and was able to keep track of people in Prattsburgh. This fact was very good for her husband’s business. He always had up to date news for his paper. Her interests were gardening, needlework, and she was a tireless reader. She was very much interested in today’s news and any scientific discoveries. In spite of her deafness, she was never idle!

George W Peck

Administrator — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:24:16 +0000

Mr. Peck was born at Landsdowne, Leeds County, province of Ontario, Canada on February 18, 1854. He gained early education training in public schools of the state of New York and when he was fourteen he entered the employ of the firm Powers & Wagner at Savona, Steuben County. He assumed this position in 1870 and in this connection he gained his initial experience in the hardware business in which he was later to achieve so much prominence and success.

In 1875 he became a member of Wagner & Peck and in the following year he purchased his partner’s interest in the business, continuing by himself in Savona until 1880. He then moved to Prattsburgh, this county, where he purchased the hardware stock from George H. Look. In 1883 he established a branch store in Pulteney. In 1888, he purchased the stock of hardware at Cohocton. In 1888 he purchased the stock of Hodgman and McNamara of Bath and in 1893 he established a branch at Bradford. In the following year he found it expedient to bring his various mercantile interests into more effective control by the organization of a stock company, which was incorporated under the title of George W. Peck Company. When he began operation as an independent business man in 1875, the annual business controlled did not exceed four thousand dollars. The splendid growth of the enterprise under his able management was measurably indicated when it is stated that the aggregate amount of business done by the company in 1910 was fully two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The George W. Peck Company also operated stores in Canandaigua, Penn Yan and Dansville.

While he was a resident of Prattsburgh, he was elected Supervisor in 1888, serving one term in this office. He was also a member of the Board of Education. He was elected Supervisor of the town of Bath in 1907 and re-elected in 1909. He had been on several occasions a delegate to the Democratic State Convention. In 1884 he married Miss Flora Griswold and to them five children born, namely George G., J. Arthur, Flora M., Warren S. and John Elwood.

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

Administrator — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:59:28 +0000

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

1808 – 1847

The Narcissa Prentiss House

Narcissa Prentiss was born in Prattsburgh on March 14, 1808. Her father, Stephen Prentiss, came to Prattsburgh in 1805. Although the house he built for his family is quite small, Stephen and his wife Clarissa raised 9 children there. Narcissa attended Franklin Academy and became a schoolteacher – teaching in Prattsburgh and Bath, and she was active in church affairs and dreamed of becoming a missionary. She married Dr. Marcus Whitman in 1836 and together they journeyed 3,000 miles through country largely unknown to white men, ending their journey in the Oregon country claimed jointly by the United States and Great Britain. She was one of the first 2 white women to cross the Rockies. The Whitmans established a mission among the Cayuse Indians. With Marcus as doctor and Narcissa as school teacher, they tended the physical and spiritual needs of Indians and weary travelers. On November 29, 1847, the Indians massacred everyone at the mission.

Thanks to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington and the Narcissa Prentiss House here, the Whitmans’ legacy is alive.

Narcissa was a well-known woman in the 19^th century. In 1998, she was recognized by the New York Governor’s Commission honoring the achievements of women and she has been included in numerous publications including “Her Story” A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America.”

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

In 1979, the Narcissa Prentiss House was incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. A visit will acquaint you with one of America’s most fascinating – and tragic – couples. In addition to being Narcissa’s birthplace, the house contains artifacts, quilts, antique clothing, and a room dedicated to the Pratt family, founders of Prattsburgh.

The house is open from 1-4 pm on weekends in July and August and by appointment. Groups and individuals interested in setting up a tour or a tea at the home should contact Charlene Wilson at (607) 522-3542 or Lynn Dinehart at (607) 522-4737. Tours and teas are free. Donations toward the preservation of the home are appreciated.

Boom to Crash 1920-1939

Administrator — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:23:35 +0000

In 1923 Franklin Academy and the Presbyterian Church burnt.

In 1924 the Franklin Academy and the Presbyterian Church was rebuilt. Wallace Cole donated a new town clock for the church, which still runs today. It cost him $500.

In 1925, electrical service came to Prattsburgh.

In 1925 the Prattsburgh Milk Plant was built and Augustus Jeanroy was the first manager.

In 1936 there were plans to clear the “Big Swamp” and drain it of approximately 700 acres of timbered lowlands. This allowed onions, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to be grown and shipped by rail.

In 1938 a second bandstand was built.

In 1939 many potato farmers came to Prattsburgh from Maine, Connecticut and Long Island. They brought with them changes in growing potatoes. Their crops were so good, they built cold starage warehouses with the storing capacity of 355,000 bushels with estimate value of tehse buildings around $152,000. They were able to grow beautiful crops until the invasion of the nematode in 1970(s).

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh

Administrator — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:21:53 +0000

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh was born 09/23/1821 in Prattsburgh in a family of twelve children. He was raised in Prattsburgh and graduated in 1839 from Franklin Academy as valedictorian of his class. After graduation, he went to Bath to study law under the Honorable David Rumsey whose sister Catherine he later married. He was elected to state senate in 1852 and served two terms in congress, 1860 and 1862.

Robert Van Valkenburgh

In 1872 under President Lincoln, he went to Elmira, NY and recruited volunteers for the 107th New York volunteers and led them into battle with the rank of Colonel. All of this was leading up to how a farm boy, born and raised in Prattsburgh, could become a national leader. His upbringing and recruiting and leading of volunteers made him the right person at the right time and place.

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh was the first ambassador to Japan. His time in Japan was marked by a few adventures. The biggest one was when the US made a deal to sell an ironclad ship-Stonewall to Japan. Since Japan had always had a dual government, when the Stonewall was delivered, the government that ordered it was not in control so money was not available to pay the balance. Robert B Van Valkenburgh took it upon himself not to let Japan have the ship. By doing this he saved many lives. If Japan had control of the Stonewall; none of the wooden ships used to patrol the seas would be safe. Secretary of State Seaward said what he had done was very irregular, but President Johnson approved his decision. Japan at this time did not have friendly feelings toward foreigners. These words proved to be correct just seventy-three years later at Pearl Harbor. At the time of Robert B Van Valkenburgh’s death, he was Associate Justice of Supreme Court of Florida. Although he was married twice, he remained Childless.

The Historical Society » Administrator

Bicentennial Press Release

Happy 200th Birthday Prattsburgh! ++

Bicentennial Celebration 1813-2013 September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

is it normal type now September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

Vine to Wine Event – May 17th, 2013

Thomas Van Tuyl 1816-1888

Robert Porter (1773-1847)

Paul Cook Howe

George W Peck

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

Boom to Crash 1920-1939

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh

Bicentennial Celebration
1813-2013
September 6, 7 & 8, 2013

is it normal type now

September 6, 7 & 8, 2013