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Village Historian's Annual Report 2009-2010
6/22/2010
Rejuvenation of the landmark buildings and the removal of the State Dam across Limestone Creek were two highlights of the past 12 months that received attention from the Village Historian.
The erosion of the State Dam and its subsequent removal by the New York State Canal Corp., has drastically changed the landscape along Limestone Creek and in the Fayetteville Feeder canal. The dam's removal lowered the creek water level upstream but more significantly ended the supply of water for the Fayetteville Feeder.
The Feeder is Fayetteville's historic link to the Erie Canal and the Feeder towpath, as part of the state's park system, is in daily use. The lack of water in the Feeder is already evident and will have a long-term negative impact.
The remodeling of 100 and 104 Limestone Plaza has a significant positive impact on the lower part of the village. I have provided Fact Sheets about the history of these buildings to many people involved in the reconstruction during the past 12 months.
At the request of the Mayor, I spoke briefly to newly-elected village officials who were in Fayetteville as part of the state's Conference of Mayors. I also made a slide presentation to members of the Fayetteville Garden Club concentrating on village buildings and the people who worked and lived in them.
At the request of the village's Parks Commission, I provided text for two proposed signs-- one in Beard Park and one relating to Ledyard Dyke. I also created a display about the State Dam and its removal and about Beard Park for use in the Village Hall. I continue to supply village officials, lawyers, engineers and owners with information relating to various village properties.
Most recently, I created a slide program about early Methodists in Fayetteville for the local Methodist Church, which is celebrating 50 years in its "new" building at 601 Genesee Street.
I continue to work with nationally-published authors to provide details about Fayetteville and the background necessary for their subjects. This year, I also worked via telephone with Mimi Kennedy, who was on the West Coast completing the text for her NYS performances as Matilda Joslyn Gage reflecting on her life's work as a woman's suffrage advocate.
Locally, I provided information about the formation of Boy Scout Troop 51 and have been asked to create a slide program for the reunion of Fayetteville High graduates.
I also continue to write once a month for the Neighbors East newspaper and some of the topics relate directly to Fayetteville or events in the past.
There is always something new to be learned about "history," and each research project provides its own surprises.
June 10, 2010 Barbara S. Rivette, Fayetteville Village Historian
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