OTTO - As has become its custom, the Cattaraugus Area Historical Society held a late summer picnic at its affiliate building, the Medora Ball Museum in Otto. Members furnished assorted dishes, including pasta, salads, and desserts, while society President Robert Waite rounded out the meal with roast beef and sandwich rolls.
During and after the supper, a country gospel group with strong family ties, furnished music for the occasion. "This is our ministry," remarked the quartet's spokesman, Bob Learn. "We play when and where we're asked, and we've met some wonderful people along the way." The other musicians were Mary Collett, and Ann and Hank Whitmer. Mary and Ann are sisters, while Hank and Ann are husband and wife.
Following the musical program, President Waite presided over a short business meeting. Procurement of signs for some of the historic objects and sites within the village was once again discussed, although without resolution. The organization is still operating without a treasurer. Mr. Waite is acting in that capacity until a permanent replacement can be found.
Waite mentioned that he had approached Mr. Patrick Cullen about addressing the society at a future meeting. Cullen is the board-appointed historian for the Village of Cattaraugus, and is extremely knowledgeable about the area's past. (Those who attended this year's Memorial Day observation will remember his moving account of the community's first Medal of Honor winner, Civil War combatant Joel H. Lyman.) Waite said that Cullen agreed to talk to the society, but a definite month hasn't yet been selected.
In mid-September, Corresponding Secretary Dawn Waite announced that the organization's September meeting would be cancelled due to scheduling difficulties. Generally the society meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Ms Waite said she believed that a special meeting was being planned for October, and would call members when the details were worked out.