Tag Archives: town of webster

Unique library program highlights small businesses

24 Jun

A new adult program recently introduced at the Webster Public Library is giving local small business owners a chance to shine.

It’s called the Business Spotlight Series, and it’s being coordinated by Adult Programming Librarian Sue DelPozzo as a way to support our small businesses. She wrote,

Having so many businesses close in Webster recently, I felt it was part of my mission to support the existing, and especially new, businesses so that they can succeed. Everyone feels so sad when businesses close, but I don’t think people give enough thought to WHY they close. I am hoping in a small way that perhaps having this series, we are helping to raise awareness that we need to shop and support local.

Participating business owners can decide what they want to include in their presentation, with the stipulation that they need to represent their mission and educate in some way. As such, DelPozzo is only choosing businesses that have an educational component. They can bring samples and business cards to represent their business, but will not be allowed to sell their products.  

The first program in the series, held Monday June 12, featured Amy Stringer, owner of The North Bee, on North Ave. in the Village of Webster. It was a fascinating look at the hard-working insects and how they can benefit us in so many ways.

I learned that bees are the only insect that gives us food; that there are all kinds of honey, including avocado honey, sour wood honey and wild sage honey; that eating raw honey can improve overall wellness; why some honeys are darker than others; that the queen will lay 1500 to 2000 eggs per day; that worker bee jobs change as they grow older; and that honey never goes bad (they pulled honey from ancient tombs and it’s still good).

Basically, I came away with a much greater respect for bees.

DelPozzo hopes to schedule one program a month through next June, and perhaps extend the series even longer if it’s successful and enough businesses are interested in participating. The upcoming schedule for the rest of this year includes:

  • July 27, 6:30 p.m.: Curated. by JUSTINTERIORS
  • August 10, 10:30 a.m.: Never Say Never Stables
  • September (date TBA): M/Body
  • October (date TBA): Green Tea Esthetics
  • November (date TBA): Schutt’s Apple Mill

Registration is requested so they know about how many chairs to set up. You can register at the Webster Public Library website; just go to the Events tab to find the program. Registration is open now for the first two programs and will open later this summer and fall for the remainder.

Business owners interested in joining the series and presenting a talk at the library should email Sue DelPozzo at Susan.DelPozzo@libraryweb.org

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 6/28/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Jun

Summer is officially upon us, and Webster has teed up a whole schedule of live music, festivals and special events.

But first, this important community event: The Webster Health Education Network (WHEN) is sponsoring a drug take-back event on Saturday June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Webster Wastewater Treatment Facility , 226 Phillips Rd. This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Learn more at Whendfcc.org

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And since we’re talking about doing good things for our community, here’s Webster HOPE’s Home’s June Wish List:

  • canned pineapple
  • canned beets
  • dish soap
  • laundry detergent
  • cooking oil
  • ketchup, mayonnaise
  • shampoos and conditioner
  • diapers (size 4 and 5)

Webster HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd., and open Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Find out more at websternyhope.org.

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Schutt’s Apple Mill‘s Summer Celebration returns on Saturday July 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is a great family-friendly event complete with a food truck, ice cream, a bounce house, magic show, animals, face painting, wagon rides and lots more.

There’s a charge for some of the activities, but there’s lots of free stuff for everyone.

Schutt’s is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

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The Summer Concert Series at Cherry Ridge is in full swing. The next concert is scheduled for Tuesday July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring Eight Days a Week. The concerts are held outside, and the grounds open up at 5 p.m. with food available for purchase. So bring your lawn chair and enjoy some beautiful music.

On August 8, the GateSwingers Big Band will perform, also beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is requested. Click here to do so.

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The Friday Night Gazebo Concert series in the Village of Webster is coming together. Here’s the schedule:

  • July 7: The Red Hot and Blue Band
  • July 21: Celtic Cross
  • July 28: Eight Days a Week

The concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave. in the village, and are free. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and a cooler if you’d like! Information about more concerts as they’re added can be found at websterbid.com

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The United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concert series is returning this summer, beginning July 12.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. The rest of the summer features:

  • July 19: Ruby Shooz
  • July 26: Prime Time Brass
  • Aug. 2: Dady and Ryan
  • Aug. 9: 8 Days a Week

There’s no admission charge, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization.

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On July 22, mark your calendars for the Summer Splash Family Event from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Responders Splash Park, on Chiyoda Drive next door to the Rec Center. If you’ve never been to this spray park before, you owe your children a chance to check it out because it’s good for hours of water fun. The event will include a bubble foam machine and Rich the Magic Man, plus FREE Snowie Ice sponsored by Gleason Orthodontics.

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The 50th annual Waterfront Art Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday July 29 and 30 at Charles E. Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds). It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and features quality fine art and crafts stretching all along the park’s beautiful, shaded pathways.

There’s live music, food vendors, free alcohol tastings, dozens of local artisans and plenty of free parking. Admission is only $5, with children 12 and under free.

Click here for more information.

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Looking ahead to August, mark your calendars for the Webster Jazz Fest, scheduled for Friday and Saturday August 18 and 19. More information to come about that, but you can check out details in the meantime as they’re posted at websterbid.com.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 6/22/2023)

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A Bit of Webster History: What’s in a name? (part 2)

17 Jun

Last month’s Webster History Bit feature really struck a chord with many current and former Webster residents. Titled “What’s in a Name?”, it told the history behind several well-known Webster street names: Salt Rd., Basket Rd., Five Mile Line Rd., Shoecraft Rd. and Whiting Rd. (Here’s the link to the blog version.)

That little blog took took me about 15 minutes to write since I pulled pretty much all my information straight from a brochure published by the Webster Museum. Ironically, it drew more online comments, shares and “likes” than any other blog I have ever written. In many of the comments, readers wondered about the history behind other well-known road names. I made a list of all of the roads that people asked about, and I will try to address most of them here.

So, drawing liberally once again from Webster Through the Years, my handy everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-Webster’s-history reference book, here are answers for some of those wonders. 

Drumm Rd. was named after a colorful character called “Captain Drumms.” He was reputed to be a former canal boat captain who bought land on the west side of the road. 

Herman Rd. was named after Gustav Herman, who owned a farm on the south side of the road opposite Pellett Rd. The road had apparently been nameless for several years.

Klem Rd., now known in part for its spacious shoulders, was only 49 feet wide when it was surveyed in 1816. Several families of Klems lived on or near the road, so it was named for them. It was originally built with logs because the bed was low and swampy. 

It’s commonly believed that Vosburg Rd. was named after the forebears of George Vosburgh, who lived many years in the old brick house near the corner of Lake Rd. It was actually named after Freeman Vosburgh, a German blacksmith, who built that house.

With regards to where Woodhull Rd. got its name, I’ve found conflicting information. It’s natural to think that the road was named after Victoria Woodhull, the daughter of Webster’s first supervisor Byron Woodhull, and who in 1872 was the first woman to ever run for president. (Click here to read a blog I wrote about her.) According to Webster Through the Years, however, when it was surveyed in 1816, it traversed the original Robert Woodhull Farm and so was named after him. 

Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton was able to enlighten me about Dunning Ave., writing, “The name came from Dr. John Dunning. He lived at the corner of East Main and Dunning on the west side. He owned a track of land that was later subdivided into lots. He was a medical doctor who graduated in 1852, he worked for Dr. Potter shortly before starting his own practice. He died in 1901.”

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There were several other questions about roads that were not included in the book, but about which my readers could provide some insight. Here what they said:

Rachel Dr.: Helene S. wrote that “Rachel was named after my brother-in-law’s great aunt. Wegmans kept that name … She had a house right there before they built that plaza and needed a second access to get in and out.”

Publishers Parkway and Document Dr.: Glenn M. wrote, “Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Company was on Publishers Pkwy across from RL Thomas HS.”

Another reader asked about Hrezent View Lane, which was named after the contractor who built the houses in that tract.

Jeremy S. added some interesting information about Plank Rd., writing: “Plank Rd. was made of planks down the dugway by the bay. (The) guy who helped maintain it tried to start charging a toll to cross them.
It didn’t go well. Farmers in the area shut that down.”

And Scott M. added these great tidbits:

  • “Creek and Bay were (called) Drake Road from Embury to Ridge because the Drake family owned most of the farmland there. Bay only existed from Ridge to Lake.
  • Hillsboro Cove townhouses at the end of Ridge were the trolley turnaround point.
  • Maple used to be called Cemetery Road.
  • Empire used to just be Clifford like it is in the city up until the County DOT widened it for major traffic. Prior to that it was Dayton Road. i.e. Dayton’s Corners and the one-room school house at Plank and Creek back when that intersection was Drake and Tract.”

Webster Through the Years, written by Esther Dunn and published in 1971, has lots more information about many more of our town’s roads, along with tons of other interesting history. You can check out a copy at the Webster Public Library, or you can purchase your own copy at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. The museum is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 6/17/2023)

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The spray parks are open!

8 Jun

Webster’s two spray parks are now open for the season, at Ridgecrest Park (off of Ebner Drive) and the beautiful, First Responders Spray Park near the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Dr.

The First Responders Park (pictured here) is especially fun for kids and families. It’s a firefighter-themed playground and splash pad, with a nearby pavilion. The splash pad has all sorts of water-fun features including a fire hydrant, a dalmatian fountain and fire truck slide.  

Ridgecrest’s spray park (pictured below) is a smaller facility, but is just a short walk from the center of the village. It also boasts an adjacent playground and skate park.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 6/8/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

26 May

I’m starting off today’s mailbag with a Webster resident whose name is in the news. (Or at least in the press release I received from Centenary University.)

Equestrian Benjamin Hoban of Webster helped his Centenary University team take top honors at the 44th annual ANRC National Equitation Championships recently held in Aiken, SC. The team, which also included Caroline Mancini of Bradford, RI and Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, won the title of National Collegiate Reserve Championship Team and the National Collegiate Individual Reserve Championship.

The competition for collegiate, junior, and adult amateur teams, sponsored by the American National Riding Commission, is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices.

Centenary University’s main campus is in Hackettstown, NJ, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.

From the Library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have an exciting new offering for anyone who loves books. It’s their very first Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday June 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will offer more than 140 books in good or better condition at very attractive, fixed prices. There are lots of first editions or first printings, published anytime from the late 19th century to the previous decade of the 21st century. Books from authors in the Library of America series and from the NY Times Best Seller list will be displayed. You’ll find books about Rochester and upstate New York; a good-sized assortment of books about war and its weapons; a few Tolkien items; some juvenile fiction ranging from the Bobbsey Twins to Harry Potter; many, many books about music, art, popular culture, animals, health, business, history, biographies and more.

The sale will be held in the library’s Community Room, 980 Ridge Rd.

Also happening at the Webster Public Library is what should be a very interesting talk about the upcoming solar eclipse.

On Thursday June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., Dan Schneiderman, the Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the RSMC, will discuss the science and history of solar eclipses, and how to prepare for the total solar eclipse which we will experience her in Rochester on April 8, 2024.

This is going to be a very popular event, so registration is required. Click here to do so.

Time to clean out your garage

If you’re like me, you have a huge garbage bag or two of returnables hanging out in your garage, awaiting your motivation to take them back to the store. Well, the Webster Marching Band will be happy to take them off your hands.

The band’s next Bottle and Can Drive happens this Saturday June 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All you have to do is place those bags outside your house or at the end of the driveway, with a little note indicating they’re for the band, and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

The Market is Back!

Webster Joe Obbie’s Farmers’ Market returns for the summer on Saturday June 10, at Webster Towne Plaza, in front of Old Navy. It’ll be there every Saturday through the fall from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with fresh fruits, vegetables, specialty food items, flowers, plants, crafts and more.

Can’t make it on Saturday? Beginning Wednesday July 19, the market will also be set up at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

I’ll post a more detailed blog soon about the market, but make a note on your calendar now.

Celebrate Summer

The Webster Recreation Center‘s annual Summer Celebration takes place Saturday June 10 from 4 to 10 p.m.

There’s live music, family fun, food trucks, and fireworks to end the evening. There’s no admission charge, so come on down for some great family time.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, and there’s plenty of parking.

Caring Community Concert series returns

Here’s another reminder that the United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concert series is returning this summer, beginning July 12.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. The rest of the summer features:

  • July 19: Ruby Shooz
  • July 26: Prime Time Brass
  • Aug. 2: Dady and Ryan
  • Aug. 9: 8 Days a Week

There’s no admission charge, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for almost 20 years now, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

For more information about the concerts, click here.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/26/2023)

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Webster History Bit: What’s in a name?

17 May

The names are all very familiar to us: Plank Rd., Salt Rd., Basket Rd., Five Mile Line Rd., Shoecraft Rd., Whiting Rd. But what might not be so familiar is exactly how these well-known roadways got their names. 

Plank Rd. is pretty self-explanatory. It used to be covered in wooden planks. But how about the others? Their stories, recounted in Webster Through the Years by Esther Dunn, offer a glimpse into Webster’s history: 

  • Salt Rd. was named after salt springs located nearby.
  • Basket Rd. was originally known as Basket Street because many of the early settlers in the area made baskets out of branches from the willow trees that grew nearby.    
  • Five Mile Line Rd. referred to the distance from Penfield Village to Ridge Rd. 
  • Shoecraft Rd. bears the name of John Shoecraft, an early settler of Penfield who served in both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.
  • Whiting Rd. was named for John Whiting, a pioneer who settled on the lakeshore near the junction of Lake and Holt roads. You can still see the grand home he built near that intersection, in Webster Park, which we now know as the White House Lodge.

Webster history is all around us, even hidden in the streets on which we drive. Uncover more historical surprises at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org to learn more. 

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/17/2023)

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I’m looking forward to meeting you at my talk!

11 May

Hey all you loyal readers out there, there’s still time to sign up for my all-about-me-and-my-blog talk at the Webster Recreation Center this coming Tuesday May 16.

The talk is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. and I’ve got a full hour to do my thing, but I don’t expect it to take more than 45 minutes, so there will be plenty of time for questions. You’ll hear all about my background, how Webster on the Web began, how I find blog topics, stuff like that.

The program is part of the Rec Center’s Talks on Tuesday series, for community members aged 55+. There’s no cost, but PLEASE register so the Rec Center knows how many people to expect. Click here to register. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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If you can’t make it to the Rec Center on the 16th (or you’re not 55+), don’t fret! I’ll be presenting the same talk at the Webster Public Library on Thursday June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

As with the Rec Center, there’s no charge, but registration is requested. You can click here to do that.

I look forward to meeting a lot of my readers and hearing firsthand what you think about the blog. Please bring your questions, and feel free to email some to me ahead of time so I’m certain to address them. And if you have any story ideas, bring them along too!

I really hope to see you there! (Or there.)

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/11/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

6 May

Several interesting events are coming down the pike, a few which I’ve already told you about, and a few more that I want to remind you about.

For starters, here’s a reminder about the very popular Volunteer Fair, which returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

It’s a great opportunity to find out about all the ways you can give back to your community, and there’s going to be a LOT of tables set up, so you’re sure to find something that fits your talents and passion. Registration is recommended if you’d like to be reminded about the fair but not required.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Get your plants for Mother’s Day!

The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2023 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 13 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, hostas, geraniums, tomatoes, and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

Good food to support great music

The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ dinner fundraiser on Tuesday May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Dinners will be cooked on-site by Bad to the Bone BBQ, and will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, cornbread and drink for just $17. Click here to purchase pre-sale tickets. You might want to get them ahead of time and reserve your dinner, because these events usually sell out.

Proceeds will benefit our very own award-winning Webster Marching Band.

Webster musical groups make beautiful music together

Two of Rochester’s premier a cappella choruses (which both hail from little ol’ Webster), the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody will join forces (and voices) on Saturday May 20 for “Harmony in the House,” a musical treat featuring both choruses and several a cappella quartets. The choruses will perform together and separately, and quartets from both groups will fill your heart with a variety of musical favorites. Plus, there’ll be door prizes, raffles, a bar, snacks, and plenty of free parking.

Tickets are $18 for the 3 p.m. matinee, and $20 for the 7 p.m. show. Following the evening performance, everyone is invited to hang around for the annual “Afterglow,” a fun party with food, drinks, more singing and socializing. Click here to get your tickets, or call 315-391-4911.

“Harmony in the House” is a fundraiser for the Harmony House, a beautiful historic building constructed in 1899, which both groups call home. To that end, the groups are also looking for individual and business sponsors to support the event by purchasing an ad in the program, donating a door prize, and helping spread the word by hanging posters or even putting out a donation bucket.

Town of Webster, New York to Offer Tours of Water Pollution Control Facility  

The Town of Webster has announced a new opportunity for residents to take an in-person tour of the Walter W. Bradley Water Pollution Control Facility, located at 226 Phillips Road. Visitors will learn about the state of the current facility, along with planned upgrades, and transformation to a  Water Resource Recovery Facility. 

This facility was originally constructed in 1968. Three of the secondary clarifiers were updated in 2020. However, the majority of this facility remains unchanged from the last major upgrade completed in 1980. The next phase of the facility upgrade project is slated to begin this summer and will encompass improvements to buildings, equipment, and employee working conditions. Currently the Sewer Department has 15 employees who oversee  management of the facility, along with 22 pump stations, 3,000 manholes and 400 miles of sewer mains across  the Town of Webster.  

One of the main components to this upgrade project will be the installation of new sludge drying equipment. The Town will be creating a fertilizer from biosolids, to be utilized by local agriculture. This in turn will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the Town will be diverting biosolids from landfills, thus reducing use of diesel fuel for hauling of sludge to a landfill. These equipment upgrades will also create biogas for reuse, which will reduce both methane emissions and natural gas usage at the facility. 

Starting in May, the Town will be offering in-person tours of the facility, to educate visitors about our treatment  process, and the environmental benefits of the upgrade project. Residents can also view a virtual facility tour and  learn more about the facility upgrades on the Town website.  

Click here to sign up for a tour, click here for a virtual tour.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/6/2023)

 

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Two opportunities to learn more about me and my blog

2 May

If you’ve ever wondered how Webster on the Web got started, how I come up with my stories, what my favorite blogs have been, and stuff like that, then you might be interested in two special events coming up in the next few weeks.

On Tuesday, May 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, I’ll be presenting a talk all about me and my blog. In it, I’ll address all of those wonders and many more, plus tell you more about me and my background than you probably ever wanted to know. (For example, can you guess how long I’ve lived in Webster? The answer might surprise you.)

The program is part of the Rec Center’s Talks on Tuesday series, for community members aged 55+. There’s no cost, but PLEASE register so the Rec Center knows how many people to expect. Click here to register. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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If you can’t make it to the Rec Center on the 16th (or you’re not 55+), don’t fret! I’ll be presenting the same talk at the Webster Public Library on Thursday June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

As with the Rec Center, there’s no charge, but registration is requested. You can click here to do that.

I look forward to meeting a lot of my readers and hearing firsthand what you think about the blog. Please bring your questions, and feel free to email some to me ahead of time so I’m certain to address them. And if you have any story ideas, bring them along too!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram.

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/2/2023)

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Check out this month’s history programs at the museum — and the library

1 May

May is a pretty neat month. After a cold, gray winter, we’re finally getting some warm temperatures, sunshine and flowers. But May is particularly special at the Webster Museum, as it’s also National Preservation Month, and the time to swap out old exhibits and programs for new.

The History of the Forest Lawn community will take center stage this month, the focus of three Lunch Hour Talks on May 3, 10 and 17 from noon to 1 p.m. You bring a sandwich and the museum will provide coffee, lemonade and cookies. You’ll hear stories that helped shape today’s thriving neighborhood.

Forest Lawn is a lakeside community neighborhood of permanent residents with its own Mayor. Its beginnings trace back to 1850 when Samuel Pierce bought and farmed 73 acres. His son Horace and attorney friend George D. Forsyth saw commercial opportunities for some of the land with the coming of the railroad and proposed development. In 1888 the Forest Lawn tract began with the first hotel surrounded by lots to eventually be sold for cottages. It wasn’t long before it was discovered by wealthy judges and lawyers from Corn Hill, who were soon able to leave their families during the summer weekdays while they commuted by trolley back to the city for business.

On May 21, the museum will host an open house beginning at 2 p.m., highlighting their new Forest Lawn exhibit. Mayor Caley Ferguson will speak at 3 p.m.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

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Tick, tock

Do you like old clocks? Then read on about a special presentation at the Webster Public Library, hosted in conjunction with the Webster Museum.

On Saturday May 13 beginning at 1 p.m., Garth Brokaw will present “Timepiece Tales — a Clock Event” at the library. He’ll walk through his collection of 100 timepieces and related ephemera, showing how the progression of clock-making represents the progression of American history over the course of the last 150 years. On the walk-through history, Garth will match clocks with specific historical events, and illustrate how clocks can really tell stories — stories important to us as a family, community and country.

Garth is the past president of the American Baptist Historical Society in Atlanta, Georgia and Historian at the Fairport Baptist Homes caring ministries. His collection began when he inherited several family clocks from his father and grandfather over forty years ago.

Registration is requested for this program, because space is limited. Click here to let them know you’re coming. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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(posted 5/1/2023)

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