SINCLAIRVILLE – John Paul Wolfe, curator of the McClurg Mansion in Westfield was the recent guest speaker to the Valley Historical Society at their monthly meeting. The McClurg Mansion, which dates back to 1820, is the home of the Chautauqua County Historical Society. Located in the Moore Park in the center of the village, the historical society has been located there for more than 65 years. Mr. Wolfe discussed finding old items which are stored in the museum, and each new find begins a whole new project he said. He also talked about the preserving of items, and some of the recent findings. One of the big projects recently undertaken is the revitalization of the fountain, which was covered for decades he said. He believes the fountain was covered in 1875 and recently unearthed. For more information on the CCHS, write to P.O. Box 7, Westfield, NY 14787.

During the regular meeting of the Valley Historical Society, President Larry Barmore welcomed all, and led the group in the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Mary Shearman read the minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report. Preparations for Saturday’s 17th annual History Fair were discussed and all plans seem to be finalized. A busy day is planned, Barmore said, which begins at 7 a.m. and concludes with the fireworks at 9 p.m. All events will be held in the center of Sinclairville in the village park area. The history fair is open to everyone and there is no charge. The museum will be open for tours during the day, and demonstrations of spinning, and a bake sale will be held inside the museum.

Following the meeting, homemade apple pies prepared and baked by Carol Barmore were served to all for refreshments. Appreciation was extended to Mrs. Barmore for her wonderful pies. The museum, located at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in the village, will be open for a public tour on Sundays Sept. 20 and 27 from 2-5 p.m. Tour guides will be available and there is no admission charge.

The next meeting of the Valley Historical Society will be on Tuesday Oct. 6 in the Sinclairville Library at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be town of Hanover Historian Vince Martonis, speaking on the Caleb Matthews Pottery of Gerry, N.Y. For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are always welcome.