Shown is Robert Jordan, local author, who was the guest speaker at the recent Valley Historical Society meeting. Jordan is the author of “Alvah, A Thread of Red.”

SINCLAIRVILLE – Local author Robert Jordan spoke during a recent meeting of the Valley Historical Socity on his latest book, “Alvah, A Thread of Red.”

The Valley Historical Society is the official historical society for the Cassadaga Valley area. There is a museum at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in the village of Sinclairville which was founded in 1977.

At a recent meeting of the society held in the museum, Jordan spoke about his book, which tells the story of his great-grandfather Alvah Jordan, who survived the Civil War and a prison time in the Andersonville, Ga., war camp. Alvah Jordan was captured in Plymouth, N.C., and sent to Andersonville. His story was written down some time ago and was found in the grandfather’s house, and passed along to Robert Jordan years later. The younger Jordan and his father Donald Jordan traveled to Friendship, N.Y., in July 1993 and located Alvah Jordan’s grave, his farmhouse, and talked with some of the town’s people. With this research now in his possession, it inspired Robert Jordan to write the book.

The meeting was opened by vice president Betty Jean Ridout, with a welcome, and then she led all in the pledge of allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. Secretary Evelyn Thorndike read the minutes of the previous meeting, and treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report of the society. Past village mayor Dean Houser spoke about the upcoming history fair in September. Houser said village officials want to work with him in planning the history fair, and that the 25th annual history fair will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, in the village. Computer artist Ssan Sipos has created a pamphlet about the historical society and this year’s programs. Following the meeting, refreshments of fruit, snacks and bottled water were provided for all by Sheryl Christy.

One of the original members who help to organized the historical society in 1977 was present for the meeting, Walter Waite. The late John and Ruth Smith felt a need to preserve the history of the valley area, and formed the historical society. New members and guests are always welcome at the meetings.