Pittsford Historical Society News October 2002

My 13-year-old daughter, Michaela, and I visited Pittsford this past June. We were on our second genealogical road trip together and came to Pittsford seeking information on our ancestors, Stephen Jenner and Mary Kirkham (Jenner). To date, Stephen Jenner is our only known Revolutionary War patriot ancestor, so we were collecting the necessary documentation for our applications to the Sons of the American Revolution and (when my daughter turns 18) DAR.

Before our trip, we had read portions of Dr. A. M. Caverly’s History of the Town of Pittsford, so visiting the town that became the home and final resting place of Stephen and Mary Jenner was a highlight of our journey to New England. Our first two stops were the Pittsford Town Hall and library to obtain copies of documents we would need for our SAR and DAR applications. The helpful people at Town Hall suggested that we visit the Historical Society before we left, and it was wonderful advice!

When we arrived at Eaton Hall on June 9th, the staff and volunteers were busy preparing for the annual tag and bake sale. But that didn’t stop them from showing us every imaginable courtesy during our visit. They guided us to a great deal of valuable information on the Jenner family and their lives in Pittsford, and made numerous copies of documents for us. At the end of our visit, they arranged for us to meet Mr. David Barnard of the Barnard Funeral Home, who graciously led us to the grave of Stephen Jenner.

Standing before the grave of our Revolutionary War veteran ancestor was a remarkably moving experience for both my daughter and I – especially as we recalled how he and his young family had been forced to flee from the town following the Battle of Hubbardton.

Even though we live some 900 miles away in Marion, Indiana, and may rarely get to return, we joined the Pittsford Historical Society and plan to remain active supporters of its work for years to come because of the courtesy and generosity shown us during our visit.

Coming Events:

Voting At Annual Potluck Supper Meeting

October 18th was chosen for the annual Potluck Supper meeting at the Congo Church at 5:30 pm when we will once again vote on our yearly officers..

The Pittsford Historical Society Nominating Committee has approved the following officers & trustees for 2010:

President-Robert Welch, Vice President-Ellen Garneau, Recording Secretary-Rebecca Davenport, Corresponding Secretary-Jane Welch, Treasurer-Barbara Poljacik, Trustee-Margaret Armatige, Trustee-Ernie Clerihew, Trustee-Melanie Clerihew, Trustee-Ed Keith, Sr. Members attending our Annual Meeting Oct l8, 2009 may make nominations for Officers and Trustees from the floor. The nominations will be given careful consideration, and will be voted on at the meeting. The Pittsford Historical Society would appreciate any ideas for speakers, trips, programs for 20l0, and the name of anyone wishing to serve as an officer for 2011.

Also at this meeting, Brook and Carol Aldrich will present, in 18th century dress, some of their experiences and resources to make history come alive.

The Society welcomes new members: Peter and Carrie Becker, and Hollis and Virginia Field, all from Pittsford.

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Membership to the Society extends over a calendar year.
Your dues support the annual operating expenses of Eaton Hall.
If your address label has a red dot this time, your dues for 2009 are due.
Please send your check, payable to:

Pittsford Historical Society to: Doris Hoare, PO Box 187, Pittsford, VT 05763.

We thank you for your continued support.

On August 2 Priscilla Jackson and family hosted a potluck dessert at her home in Chittenden. Guest speakers Judy and Dave Sargent led a discussion about their newspaper, the "Slab City Messenger." It covered current and historic Chittenden events from 1991- 1998.

At our September 13 meeting Joe Gagnon treated us with a wonderful history of his family farm and lumber mill on Stevens Road , illustrated with dozens of photos, family heirlooms, and humorous anecdotes.

A bolt of lightning nearby set off Eaton Hall's fire alarm the afternoon of August 27; the Fire Department was there within minutes. They felt they should pry the front door open before anyone could arrive with keys. By nightfall, Ernie Clerihew had what little damage they did to the door repaired. Our town is truly blessed with all these great volunteers!

Buildings and grounds chairman Ernie Clerihew and Tony Freson have kept Eaton Hall's lawns manicured throughout this past rainy season. Tony also de-rusted the iron porch railings and repainted them.

"Around Pittsford" is a photographic history of Pittsford, Chittenden, and Proctor people, places, and products. It's selling well at Eaton Hall, Maclure Library, Pittsford Town Clerk's Office, Kamuda's Market and at the Wooden Barrel Country Store in Chittenden.