SINCLAIRVILLE - A little rain wasn't enough to dampen the dedication of a new bronze statue in the Evergreen Cemetery in Cassadaga.
As part of the Sinclairville History Fair, a bronze statue titled "Soldier at Parade Rest" was dedicated in the Evergreen Cemetery to replace a copper statue of the same name that was stolen in 1966. It took a six-year effort led by Dimon Smith to raise enough money to replace the statue.
Smith's wife, LouAnn, spoke to thank the many individuals, organizations and businesses who made the replacement possible.
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Sheryl Christy demonstrates the use of a crank churn which she believes dates from the late 1940s or early 1950s. Once butter was created, it was available for sampling.
"Our goal was to recreate this statue that was once part of Sinclairville's history and return it to Evergreen Cemetery where it stood so proudly representing all of our veterans," she said.
Varci Peterson, Charlotte Town Board member, and Charles Sylvester also spoke, explaining some of the history of the original statue. The base of the statue was erected in 1891, while the statue was erected in 1909. The Grand Army of the Republic veterans from the Civil War and the Women's Relief Corps were instrumental in erecting the original base and statue.
The Cassadaga American Legion honor guard participated and a gun salute was fired.
OTHER EVENTS
Other morning events were moved into the Sinclairville Fire Hall. In the afternoon, the weather cleared enough so outdoor events could be held.
One new event this year was the outhouse race. A crowd of onlookers watched the four entries vie for the golden toilet seat award. The outhouses were constructed in different ways, but all featured wheels so they could be pushed up Lester Street. Teams consisted of three pushers and a person riding on the "throne." Toilet paper was used instead of tape at the finish line.
One of the glitches was that the toilet paper wasn't sturdy enough to stay in place at the finish line.
"Next year we will have to get double ply," said Larry Barmore, Valley Historical Society vice president.
The all-breed dog show was another first-time event. Nineteen dogs competed ranging in size from a toy shih-tzu, Mahli, handled by Shannon Heath, to a large great dane, Gaia, owned by Jennifer Mack. In between sizes were a shelti, Angel, owned by Joy Mano and a King Charles Spaniel, Oliver, owned by Mariana Waite.
"If the big dogs eat the little dogs, you're disqualified," Barmore said.
Lori Brockelbank of Sinclairville judged the show, creating specialized categories such as laziest dog, most colorful, most obedient, best barker, cutest, best dog trick and most disobedient dog. The top 14 dogs were awarded bags of dog food. Each competitor received a bag of busy bones. Purina in Dunkirk donated the prizes.
HISTORY DEMONSTRATIONS
The Valley Historical Society's building was open during the fair. Inside, visitors could view some of the artifacts on display, including old fashioned tools and books. Sheryl Christy demonstrated the use of a crank churn which she believed dated from the late 1940s or early 1950s. She put two quarts of cream inside the glass bottom and then churned it into butter. Susan Sipos alternated weaving and spinning.
At the Sinclairville library, a variety of activities were held. Joanne Marsh, Charlotte historian, played a jeopardy type game using facts of local history. John Sipos spoke about Cassadaga history. Indian artifacts were on display.
The fair appealed to those who have attended many times before as well as to newcomers.
"We have got to learn our history," said Jane Krzyzanowski of Sinclairville.