Historical Wyoming County October 1958 - Old Fulton History

Page 28 October 1958
PIONEER ASSOCIATION MEETS
Continuing a tradition that goes back to 1872, the Wyoming Historical
Pioneer Association convened in annual session for the 8ij.th
time at Silver Lake, Thursday, August 7th. Dr. Clayton Mau, retired
professor of history, Geneseo State University College for Teachers,
was the speaker, and brought a fascinating account of the construction
and history of the Genesee Valley Canal, noting its economic
effects upon the eastern towns of the county.
Mrs. Edith Durfee, 90, of Warsaw, and Albert L. Cain, 9U, Pike,
were winners of the chairs annually awarded to the oldest man and
woman present. President D. Samuel Gayton, Warsaw, presided before
a group of more than seventy in attendance. The usual reports of
the treasurer and secretary were given. Claude Collier, Perry,
headed a fife and drum corps which entertained with old-time tunes.
Officers re-elected were Mr. Gayton, president; Mead A. Ewell,
Warsaw, first vice-president; Lester Schoenthal, Wyoming, second
vice-president; Henry N„ Page, Perry, treasurer for the 32nd year;
and Harry S. Douglass, Arcade, secretary.
Declining interest in a county-wide historical group has been
evident in recent years as community societies have been organized
and museums opened. Informal discussions have been held among the
officers and members of the association as to the desirability of
disbanding. The Log Cabin and property at Silver Lake, together
with priceless heirlooms in temporary custody of the museum at
Letchworth Park, and the distinguished history of the association
combine to confound the easy liquidation of one of the county's most
unique traditions and institutions. Unless it can assume a more
vital role of usefulness, it is the thinking of many that the Pioneer
Association should be liquidated and its resources placed at the
disposal of those who can best carry forward and conserve its landmarks
.
Acknowledgment
From Mrs. Albert Mengs, Attica, and members of the family, has come
a copy of Nevingers in America, a genealogical history of the descendants
of George Newinger [Tater changed in spelling), native of
Alsace-Lorraine in present day France. Born in 1777» he and three
children migrated to the Attica, Warsaw and Lancaster areas, and
from them has come a numerous family, many of whom have lived and
continue to live in Wyoming County. Compiled by Mrs. Iva Waite Nevinger
(Mrs. Chester B.), Warsaw, the volume was first published in
195^» and supplements have been issued since. It is an immensely
valuable contribution to the genealogical history of the region, its
200 pages delightfully narrating the story of an American family.