I still remember the distinct taste of my grandmother's bread, a strong sour-dough flavor from small white loaves, sliced thin and served un-toasted with butter. The daughter of pioneers, she sewed her own clothes, ladled ice cold, delicious water from a tin water cooler, and suffered the grief of lost children that was all too common in her day. A favorite family photograph shows grandma on the porch, plucking a chicken. Considering what her life was like, it seems selfish for me to complain about a recession... we have two cars, tv, internet, and fresh fruit on the table. And I never pluck my own chickens (ew!)
The New York State Room at the Huntington Memorial Library is a great place to get started doing your own family research. Those of you with local roots may also want to contact your local historical society, such as the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. While no one is able to do the research for you (for free anyway) you will be surprised at just how helpful (and enthusiastic!) people can be.
The Delaware County Historical Association has rediscovered the cemetery of the Bennett family, the first African-American family to settle in Delaware County. Descendants of the family are returning to Delhi to tour an exhibit at the DCHA museum as well as the cemetery at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi. The public has been invited to attend (Info: 746-3849).
Sat and Sun, Sept 27-28th is also Generations Weekend at Maple Shade Farm, featuring "antique farm equipment, a cider press, horse and wagon rides, a pie sale and a country auction," according to the Daily Star. So the kids can have some fun in addition to taking a walk in the woods.
I once blogged about my son's favorite tree, mysteriously named Barry Sideman (never just Barry). I wonder, did the Sideman's settle Otsego County long ago??? Perhaps I'll see you at the library.
