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| Men barrel sweet red Baldwin apples popularly exported and consumed in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states into black ash or swamp ash baskets. Groton 1906 |
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CONTACT US
Karen Binder |
Bookkeeper & Administrative Services | [email protected] | Phone: x 225
Cindy Kjellander-Cantu | Design & Support Specialist | [email protected] | Phone: x 223
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| TC3 students researching at The History Center. Photo by Professor Christine Shanks |
Director's Corner
There are clips in our Generation to Generation Education and Research Center video (
on our website) that addresses why it is important for college students to engage with the history of Ithaca and Tompkins County. This is addressed by both our past employee, Kayla Sewell, and Sean Eversley Bradwell,
Director of Programs & Outreach, Provost and Educational Affairs
at Ithaca College.
The college experience is enriched by engaging with the community and learning something about its local history, as that connects students more fully with the place they are living in. The History Center in Tompkins County is a good place to start that discovery. We can help orient students to the history and heritage of the city and the county. We can introduce students to a wide range of individuals and can support dialogue and the sharing of experiences.
If you are a college student reading this, come visit us and tell us what aspects of the county's history you are interested in exploring. What local heritage tours might you and/or your parents be interested in?
If you work with college students, encourage them to get to know something about the history of our community.
If you are the parent of a college student that is studying in another community, encourage them to get to learn something about the history of that community.
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Bookstore Highlight
The History Center staff used many different resources to research our new exhibit
Made in Tompkins County: A Timeline of Enterprise including these interesting history books:
The Towns of Tompkins County: From Podunk to the Magnetic Springs,
edited by Jane Marsh Dieckmann
The book draws on historical accounts, public records, newspaper stories, and recollections of residents, especially those who have lived in the county for many years. Illustrated with more then 100 photographs and maps, this volume will make informative, useful, and entertaining reading for residents and friends of the region.
Images of America: Groton,
by Rosemarie Palmer Tucker
The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs this book presents the distinctive stories from Groton's past that shape the character of the community today.
A Short History of Tompkins County
by
Jane Marsh Dieckmann
Drawing on published histories and newspapers, A Short History traces the development of Tompkins County from early times to the present.
Mention this newsletter when purchasing these books and get
20% off!
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Back By Popular Demand, ITHACA KITTY KITS (a limited number) are NOW AVAILABLE for SALE!
The
Ithaca Kitty was inspired by a gray tabby cat named Caesar Grimalkin in Ithaca, New York. The Tabby Cat was sold as a printed pattern on half a yard of muslin for 10 cents and made its nation-wide appearance shortly before Christmas in 1892. From the start, this sew-at-home toy was enormously popular, nearly 200,000 being sold that first holiday season. In 1893 the cat and kittens were displayed at the Chicago World's Fair and filled Wanamaker's Department Store window in Philadelphia.
Purchase yours today for only $12
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Made in Tompkins County
A Timeline of Local Enterprise
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Thomas-Morse Aviation |
October 7th, 2016 - February 18th, 2017
Tompkins County is well known for its educational institutions. What is less known is its rich industrial history. From its earliest days it has been the home of inventors and entrepreneurs - people who laid the commercial foundation of a prosperous community. From grist mills to high tech, local enterprise has encompassed world renowned guns, iron bridges, calendar clocks, steam engines, drive chains, and much more. This broad survey takes a look at the long sweep of enterpri
se in Tompkins County, from its earliest days to the 21st century.
Sponsored by Tompkins Trust Company
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Replica of ca. 1830-1860 Lawyer's Puzzle Quilt
By Tompkins County Quilters Guild Members
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TCQG members:
Cora Yao, June Silberman, Kathy Carman and Vivian Rose
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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
e
county's history. Tompkins County Quilters Guild quilters are making an authentic reproduction of the ca. 1830-1860 quilt for the bicentennial.
Our Community Photograph Exhibit
Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
On display from September 22nd to January 2017
According to the Library of Congress, "Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and
contributions of American citizens whose anc
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stors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America." The History Center is celebrating local Hispanic heritage in a new photo exhibit
Our Community, featuring local organizations such as the Latino Civic Association and Cornell's Latin American Studies Program. Images of three notable members of Ithaca's Fuertes family will also be on display: Estevan, originally from Puerto Rico, was the first Dean of Cornell's College of Engineering; Louis Agassiz was the renowned bird artist; and James Hillhouse was a prominent and successful civil engineer.
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Upcoming Events
"Elevating History in New York State: A Discussion with New York State's 16th State Historian" - Talk by Devin Lander
Saturday, October 1st, 2016 - 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM (at The History Center)
Devin R. Lander, NYS Historian, will discuss the position of State Historian and his plans for
working with the history field to elevate the historical enterprise in New York State. Historians and lovers of New York's history know the amazing depth and breadth of our State's past and its vital importance in leading and shaping the nation. However, New York as a whole continues to struggle to fully maximize the important benefits its unique history presents as an educational tool, community anchor, and economic driver. Lander will discuss his thoughts on these issues and also listen to those interested in sharing their ideas and experiences related to the historical enterprise in New York State.
Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation's Open House
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Tompkins County Airport Safety Building, 72 Brown Road, Ithaca)
Come see Tommy Getting Dressed for the Occasion! See the skin going on! Enjoy cider, donuts and coffee. For more information visit www.tommycomehome.org/
Celebrating Latinos!
Latinos: Part of the Fabric of the Tompkins County Community
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016- 6:30PM (at The History Center)
This event coincides with the National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, 2016. The program will highlight the experiences of Latinos living in the county and cover topics such as waves of settlement, motivations for migrations, the diverse set of countries of origin, and definitions and misconceptions.
Panelists:
Gustavo Licon, Assistant Professor of Latino/a Studies, Ithaca College, Hector Velez, Adj. Associate Professor
, Department of Sociology and Latino Studies Program, Cornell University,
Patricia Eugenia Fernandez de Castro Martinez representing the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, and
Carolina Osorio Gil, Director of CULTURA Ithaca.
Co-sponsored by by Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County
First Friday Gallery Night, Opening of
Made in Tompkins County:
A Timeline of Local Enterprise
Friday, October 7th, 2016 - 5:00PM to 8:00PM (at The History Center)
Light refreshments will be served.
Visit Us at the Celtic Festival
Saturday, October 8th, 2016 - 11.00 AM - 5:00 PM (at Stewart Park)
The History Center is looking forward to partnering again this year with the Celtic Festival! Come and visit us in the Kids Activities Area where we will have old-fashioned lawn and table games & test your knowledge of Scottish history with our pop quiz! Attendees will also be able to purchase historic photographs from our extensive collections and books on local history. Show us where you live in Tompkins County on our local map! Find out more information visit ithacacelticfestival.com
Engaging History
Thursdays, Beginning October 13th, 2016 from Noon - 1:15 PM
(Tompkins Trust Company Study Room at Tompkins County Public Library)
History enthusiasts are invited to join Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen for these free monthly programs designed to encourage active exploration of local history. Kammen will assist participants in conducting their own local history--by documenting past events, people or groups--and provide information on how to conduct research. She will introduce local documents for group discussion. The format will include time for open discussion.
Place Names
Thursday, October 13th, 2016 at 7 PM (Tompkins Trust Company Study Room at Tompkins County Public Library)
Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen will host an organizational meeting for area residents interested in participating in the creation of a new Place Names book.
No prior experience is required but participants should have a willingness to work over time to bring to the public a dynamic new book that highlights County places, people and events.
History Forge Transcription and Data Entry Bee (Volunteers Needed)
Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM (at The History Center)
Come volunteer at our next transcription bee! If you want to participate, please contact Rod Howe at [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.
Read more!
Buried Treasure, Highlights from the Cornell University Archives.
Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM (at The History Center)
Join Evan Earle '02, MS '14, the Dr. Peter J. Thaler '56 Cornell University Archivist on a virtual look at some of the highlights of what lies in the vault two stories below Cornell's Arts Quad. From Ezra Cornell's safe to a lock of Charles Dickens Hair, 4000 year old tablets to rare modern first editions, the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections is home to fascinating objects and collections. Learn about these hidden gems, how they assist with teaching and how you can use them in person.
Movie with Wharton Studio Museum
Saturday, October 22nd 2016 - 2:00PM - 3:30PM (at Cinemapolis)
The History Center, in collaboration with Wharton Studio Museum, proudly present a matinee screening of Richard E. Norman's landmark 1926 silent film The Flying Ace. A rare surviving "race film" created for black audiences and featuring an all-black cast, The Flying Ace is the story of Captain Billy Stokes, a detective and World War One "Flying Ace" who returns from wartime service to solve the biggest mystery of his career. The film will be introduced by film historian and New York State Public Scholar Barbara Tepa Lupack, author of numerous film studies, including Literary Adaptations in Black American Cinema:From Micheaux to Morrison (2010), Richard E. Norman and Race Filmmaking (2014), and Early Race Filmmaking in America (2016). A Q&A session will follow the film, as well as a reception in the lobby of Cinemapolis. For more information about Silent Movie Month visit www.whartonstudiomuseum.org
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Thank you to Travis Hyde Properties,
Presenting Sponsor of Silent Movie Month.
Tour Historic Alleys of Downtown Ithaca
Friday, October 28th, 2016 - 1PM - 6:00PM (starting at the History Center in Tompkins County)
You walk by them every day but have you stopped to look down those alleys to reflect on their hidden histories? While the alleys on the tour may not be as exotic as Diagon Alley they do hold mystery and intrigue. The magic lies in discovering them and opening yourself up to new mini-perspectives. These 75 minute tours will start at The History Center in Tompkins County and are co-sponsored by Historic Ithaca. Tours will leave at noon, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00. There is a suggested donation of $5.00/person or $20 for a group of five (could be a collection of both muggles and wizards). Geared to teenagers to elders. Please e-mail [email protected] to reserve a spot by October 14 (each tour will be capped at 15).
Wizarding Weekend
October 28th - October 30th (starting at Press Bay Alley Downtown Ithaca)
For more information visit
wizardingweekend.com/
Showing of "Angela Davis Lecture: Slavery and the Prison Industrial Complex"
Tuesday, November 1st, 5:30PM - 7:00PM (at the History Center)
Hosted by Eric Acree, Trustee and Director of the John Henrik Clarke Africana Library and Coordinator of the Fine Arts and Music Libraries at Cornell University
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Universal Crandall no. 3 typewriter
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From the Collection
Lucian S. Crandall was a skilled inventor but an unsuccessful businessman. He was born in 1844 near Binghamton, and was a minister's son. He served with the 109th Infantry in the American Civil War and survived 12 battles. He married his first wife in 1866. She died less than a year later. He married again, possibly as many as three times. By 1876, he had patented a typewriter that blind people could use and worked on adding machines and other devices. In 1881, he patented another typewriter but did not begin manufacturing it until 1885 in Syracuse. He marketed this early model at $60.00.
In 1886, he moved to Parish, N.Y., north of Syracuse, where he organized the Parish Manufacturing Company to produce the American Standard and Victoria Typewriters. He moved to Groton in 1887 and opened the Crandall Machine Company, which made bicycles as well as typewriters. The Universal Crandall Typewriter Model #3 received an award at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago because of its innovative features, including permanent alignment, interchangeable type, and unlike other models, writing that could be seen as it went onto the page. Crandall took a broad view and looked toward an international market.
This model was offered with five styles of type for the convenience of users writing in English or several other European languages, Including Russian. In spite of the quality of the products, the business failed. It is not known whether Crandall succumbed due to aggressive competition or some flaw in the management of marketing and manufacturing. After shutdown that were followed by announcements that the business was "opening again" in 1890, there seems to have been a period of activity, but no advertisements for Crandall typewriters appeared in local newspapers after 1904.
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