HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Town Historian Annual ReportLansing Town Historian Annual Report f/y 2024
Fannie M. Welch, Historian
For the ten years before I took the position of Town Historian I went
with Louise Bement, the Historian to the Archive building from 10am
until Noon. I filed, dusted and did whatever jobs she asked me to do.
When I took the current position as Historian I continued that time
frame. Since there have only been two people who have come at that
time, I am now changing the hours from the FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH
MONTH from 10am until 2pm or by appointment by dialing 607 533
4664. This time change takes effect April 5, 2025.
I met with Steve Smith and shared info on the Howell family.
The Kwortnik's emailed asking if I had any information on the Federal
House in Ludlowville which they had just purchased.
Robb Jetty emailed asking if I knew how old his house at Lansing Station
was. He thought it must be old by the looks of the framework. I went
down to look and it is more modern. I recognized the property which
had been the home of Dr. Kenneth Felch. There were two old style
houses thereon which he had had torn down and the timbers were then
used in the framework of the new house.
Marie Romanowski and her husband were visiting from Florida and she
was interested if there were folks still living in Myers that she knew
when she lived there during her High School Days.
I got an email from the Lansing Library. The Children's Librarian said a
volunteer wanted to ask the LCS Kindergarteners to visit the Community
Library. Shelley, the Librarian asked if I would be able to open the Field
School for the 68 kids on June 7. They would be divided into three
groups ... one third at the School house, 1/3 at the Library and 1/3 at the
Community Center.
Louise Bement had met with the Kindergarten a few years before so I
looked to see what she may have done....no luck!
1 said yes, I was available and would look forward to seeing all those
young faces.
At 10:10 am the big yellow bus arrived. The kids were already divided
into three groups and each group wore a different color t-shirt.
Anne Drake and I had gone up earlier and swept the building, dusted
the desks and then placed a sheet of paper and a pencil on each desk.
When the kids entered they had to share desks and then I asked them
to print their name on the piece of paper. Anne and I collected the
papers, cut out the names and used them on a display with photos
which the Librarian had taken.
It was a great opportunity to show off our GEM!
The Lansing Historical Association had decided to have the Noth Cabin
open on July 4th. There were only ten folks who signed in. As I was
closing the Cabin a woman with her five kids came. She said her son
would be starting school in the Fall.
The Cabin has been partially furnished and a lamp and open Bible are
on a table under the window (which is closed).
As the Holidays approached I put a wreath on the door.
I have spent quite a bit of time talking with Gary Christopher on the
days of `Chris'n Greens. I have also contacted and spoken with several
people who have had businesses in South Lansing. I am currently
working on a book telling the story of that little hamlet.
I Attended the program "Rum Runners and Bootleggers" by John
Lamphere.
I researched and wrote an article "Lansing Ladies of WW 2" for the
Association Newsletter.
The Tompkins County Historians meetings this year I have attended
three, one in person and two on ZOOM!
I have missed one of the Lansing Association meetings when I had
pneumonia and was still contagious.
As I live in the house where I was born, I have seen a lot of history and
enjoy sharing it others.
History is happening everyday and I try to keep up with it!