History Happenings Late August - Early September 2016
The History Center's Electronic Newsletter 
  

CONTACT US
 
Rod Howe | Executive Director | [email protected] | Phone: x 222
 
Donna Eschenbrenner | Archivist | [email protected] | Phone: x 224

Carole West | Educator, Eight Square Schoolhouse | [email protected] | Phone: x 229

Ksenia Ionova |  Visitor Services Coordinator | [email protected] | Phone: x 227

Karen Binder | Bookkeeper & Administrative Services | [email protected] | Phone: x 225

Cindy Kjellander-Cantu | Design & Program Coordinator | [email protected] | Phone: x 223

quarry st
 
Dear Friends,
 
We have archival material on the history of hospitals in our community. Within one folder there is a timeline with some of these dates:
  • 1889 community leaders incorporated the Ithaca City Hospital.
  • January 1914 Ithaca Memorial Hospital opened on Quarry Street and in January 1948 responsibility was assumed by Tompkins County and renamed as Tompkins County Memorial Hospital. (Pictured above)
  • Fall 1979 new hospital opened at current location (December 1980 changed to a private not-for-profit hospital and name was changed to Tompkins Community Hospital and then in September 1995  name changed to Cayuga Medical Center).
From a May 12, 1976 memo to Dr. Ferris Cronkhite from Lynnette M. Martinet on the "History of Tompkins County Hospital":
 
"Our good citizens who are disgruntled over present medical costs services and facilities, would do well to take their aches and pains back to the time of their grandparents, when appendices were removed on the kitchen table by a surgeon brought in from New York City by the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Malaria and typhoid were diseases contracted locally, and elderly people suffering a broken hip or pelvis, probably died from pneumonia due to lack of medical techniques and facilities. Let's not go back to the good old days, medically speaking, that is."
 
How many of you reading this were born at the hospital on Quarry Street? (My hand is raised.)

Sincerely,
Rod Howe,  Executive Director
Bookstore Highlight
Girls Explore! Welcome NEW DOLL - Bessie Coleman
 
Bessie Coleman was the first Black Woman Pilot.

Bessie Coleman has recently joined Amelia  Earhart and Harriet Tubman on the shelves of The History Center Bookstore. 
 
In the early 1900's Bessie dreamed of flying -- but racial bigotry and gender bias threatened to keep her grounded. Coleman had to travel to Europe to become the first woman in the world with a pilot's license. 
 
Learn more about Bessie through play and accessories, including a book on the life of this woman.

$24.00 (includes tax)

Mention this newsletter when purchasing a doll and get 
20% off!
 

"TWICE-TOLD TALES: History, Literature, and Family Lore Retold in Narrative Quilts" by Patty Elwin Davis
 
The History Center has recently started hosting the Tompkins County Quilters Guild workshops to produce a replica of Lawyer's Puzzle Quilt ca. 1830-1860. This, together with the upcoming temporary exhibit on Early Home Decorations, gives us the perfect opportunity to feature this book.
 
Through the art of quilts Patty Davis tells "the narratives of interesting events and the literary and personal treasures" the author had gathered as a result of her extensive traveling .
 
 
Mention this newsletter when purchasing the book and get 
20% off!
 
Exhibitions

Current Exhibition  
Come Play With Us 
Early Toys from the Collection
April 1 - August 20, 2016
Play is as natural to us as breathing. We begin playing with our first sight of a smiling face and wiggling fingers, and keep at it long after we are old enough to become parents and grandparents ourselves. Toys and games enhance our play, making it richer and more complex. This interactive exhibition features some of the many toys and games from The History Center's collections. Modern examples meant for hands-on exploration will accompany the artifacts to be featured. Photographs from the Sol Goldberg Collection will be on display as well, highlighting his whimsical portrayal of local people in their playful moments. This exhibition will examine the way play has changed - and stayed the same - over the years. It is a celebration of play and childhood, for the child in all of us.


Upcoming Exhibition 
Early American Decorative Arts 
August 25 - September  24, 2016 
pontoon painting
Pontypool Painting
The Central New York chapter of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration is proud to display original pieces of tin, glass and wood alongside reproductions done by our members. We will have country tin, stenciling, free hand bronze, gold leaf, reverse glass painting, theorems, school girl art, pen work and more, all art work that was part of the 1800-1850 American home. On August 27th we will have a hands on stenciling project for kids. On Saturdays September 10th, 17th, and 24th we will be on hand to discuss our work and demonstrate.  Also featured will be a display especially designed for children. On Friday night, September 2nd, we will have refreshments and demonstrations provided by our members.
Call Anne Dimock at 387-5597 for more information.
 

Replica of ca. 1830-1860 Lawyer's Puzzle Quilt
By Tompkins County Quilters Guild Member
TCQG members: June Silberman, Cora Yao, Kathy Carman and Vivian Rose 
The History Center is now hosting hand-quilting, so come take a look!  
This replica of a 150+ year old Lawyer's Puzzle quilt will belong to the collections of The  History Center in Tompkins County in 2018.  The original quilt is too fragile to display, and the upcoming county Bicentennial 2017 provides the perfect opportunity for a Bicentennial Quilt showcasing part of th county's history. Tompkins County Quilters Guild quilters are making an authentic reproduction of the ca. 1830-1860 quilt for the bicentennial.  
 
History Forge Transcription and Data Entry Bee (Volunteers Needed)
Saturday, August 20th, 2016 - 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM (at The History Center) 
map thumbnail 
Come volunteer at our next transcription bee!  If you want to participate, please contact Rod Howe at Di [email protected] and plan on coming at 11:00am. Light refreshments will be served with lots of fun and an educational opportunity that will make Ithaca history come alive. Be sure to bring your laptop.
 
 
 
Join the Summer Archaeological Fieldschool! 
Saturdays, August 20th & 27th - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (at the Eight Square Schoolhouse)
"Come Dig With Us" every  Saturday    in August, when local archaeologists will be on site at the Eight Square Schoolhouse excavating for more artifacts to add to our collection and knowledge of what life was like for local rural schoolchildren over the past 200 years!  Adult participants will learn basic archaeological techniques, dig on site, and hear presentations by local experts in the fields of history and archaeology.
For more information, contact:
Carole West,  Eight Square Schoolhouse and Youth Education Director  at:  (607) 273 8284 (Ext.  229) or 
 
 
Screening   of "She's Beautiful When She's Angry"
Thursday, August 25, 2016 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (at The History Center) 
Watch the acclaimed documentary film by Mary Dore about the beginnings of the women's liberation movement from 1960 to 1971. It depicts the role of Black and Latino women and the controversies of that time around race as well as sexual orientation.  Some of the issues raised then are still being debated today. Discussion follows. Sponsored by the Ithaca chapter of Democratic Socialists of America and cosponsored by The History Center in Tompkins County. 
Please visit the  official website. 


 
Wharton Studio Museum's 6th Annual Silent Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, August 27, 2016 - approx. 8:00 PM (at Taughannock Falls State Park)
Tess movie poster
The evening features the stunning big-screen showing of Tess of the Storm Country, a 1922 film adaptation of Ithacan Grace Miller White's 1909 novel of the same name. The screening will be accompanied by  live music composed and performed by Cloud Chamber Orchestra.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chair and blanket and enjoy Taughannock Park and a view of Cayuga Lake as the sun sets before the movie begins at sundown (around 8pm). Admission is free and open to the public (there is a $5 per car parking fee at the park).
Silent Movies Under the Stars is produced in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.  
 
 

First Friday Gallery Night - Early American Decorative Arts
Friday, September 2nd, 2016 - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (at The History Center)
Please plan to visit and learn more about the Early American Decorative Arts. Refreshments and demonstrations provided by members of the Historical Society of Early American Decorations.  

Look for us at Historic Ithaca's Old House Fair!
Saturday, September 17th, 2016 -  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (212 Center Street, Ithaca, NY 14850)
Featuring vendor booths, demonstrations, and activities throughout the day!
Free Admission

Save the Date: Open House at the Eight Square Schoolhouse
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 TBD (at the Eight Square Schoolhouse)
Come and learn the history of this over 200 year old school site from our noted speakers, participate in a mini class in the beautiful schoolhouse, play with old toys, and enjoy harvest refreshments. 

Save the Date: Judy's Day Family Learning Festival
Sunday, September 25th, 2016 - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (at the Cornell Plantations)
This year's theme: Food Plants of the Americas! Experience fun, hands-on activities at this educational festival for all ages! Learn about food plants native to North, South and Central America, some of which are now grown around the world as important crops.
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