Valley Historical Society Hears Local Author
SINCLAIRVILLE — 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 meeting of the society held in the museum, local author Robert Jordan was the guest speaker on his latest book “Alvah, A Thread of Red.” The book is about his great-grandfather Alvah Jordan who survived the Civil War, and a prison time in the Andersonville Georgia war camp.
Alvah was captured in Plymouth, North Carolina, and sent to Andersonville. Alvah’s 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 traveled to Friendship in July 1993 and located Alvah’s grave, his farmhouse, and talked with some of the town’s people. With this research now in his possession, it inspired Robert to write the book. A very interesting and informative talk.
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 that the village officials want to work with him in planning the history fair, and that the 25th annual history fair will be on Saturday, Sept. 14 in the village.
Computer artist Susan 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 helped 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.