Carl Schlager - RIP

Clarence alumnus Carl Schlager passed away suddenly April 30, 2009. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family, members of which I count as friends. From the Buffalo News:

SCHLAGER - Carl J. Sr. Age 64, of Akron, NY, suddenly April 30, 2009. Beloved husband of Lynda A. (nee Czarniak) of Akron; loving father of Donna (Joseph) Sawyer of Clarence, Carl (Tammy) Schlager Jr. of Akron, Dawn Sawyer (Greg) of Getzville, John Schlager at home and Denise (Adam) Reeb of Lockport; son of Frances Schalger of Clarence and the late Robert Schlager; brother of Robert J. Schlager of Clarence, Mary (Scott) Hemperly of Lockport and Randy A. (Suzanne) Schlager of Clarence; grandfather of Leonard Jr., Joseph Jr., Amanda, Amber, John Jr., Katelyn, Jenna and Julia; also survived by several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

The family will be present Sunday, May 3rd from 2-4 and 7-9 PM to receive friends in the BERNHARDT FUNERAL HOME, 130 Main St., Akron. Friends are invited to join the family for funeral services on Monday, May 4th at 11 AM in the First Baptist Church of Clarence, 10790 County Rd., Clarence. Burial in Clarence Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the church of which Carl was a member. He also was a member of the International Harvester Club Chapter #35 and the WNY Gas and Steam Engine Association.

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The Peace Bridge Neighborhood

When discussing the homes in the Peace Bridge neighborhood the Peace Bridge Authority and its supporters frequently deride it, claiming that it's run down. That may be so - now - but the PBA itself is the main slumlord, having gleaned passive destruction techniques from viewing other neighborhoods overwhelmed by indifference. It is their buildings that are constantly highlighted when maligning the area, not the many treasures (for example, top photo).

So what came first - chicken or egg? Neglect or the PBA? From National Trust for Historic Preservation:

"While various Peace Bridge expansion plans have been proposed and debated for almost 20 years, the scale and destructiveness of this latest proposal is staggering. In order to increase the existing bridge plaza footprint from 14 to 38 acres and to accommodate a Duty Free shop, visitor's center and extensive network of new ramps and roadways, the plan calls for the demolition of more than 90 homes, including at least 9 National Register eligible properties; the elimination of streets; the clear cutting of trees; and, the permanent alteration of scenic lake views. Hundreds of residents would be displaced, several businesses would be relocated and dozens of historic buildings would be adversely affected through the loss of context and profound visual alterations."

In my opinion, the PBA has singlehandedly devalued a beautiful area, and has done so with malice. In writing this quickly I'm only going to link to one other article from one source, but there are many more out there. From Art Voice:

"(Al) Coppola emphatically tied to the enforcement of housing ordinances what he described as the authority’s irresponsible neglect of seven homes on Busti Avenue, near the bridge approaches, that were purchased 13 years ago. He brought photos of several of these, including the circa 1865 Col. S. H. Wilkenson house at 771 Busti, which has fallen into such a condition of disrepair that its survival is threatened, he told committee members.
Coppola drew members’ attention to a picture of the house at 730 Columbus Parkway, once home to Mariano Lucca, who lobbied the US Congress to designate Columbus Day a national holiday. Lucca’s son has been trying to sell the house for a couple of years but has been unable to because it’s within the area designated by the authority for demolition of all structures. Describing the authority’s stewardship of its currently owned properties as “devastating to the neighborhood,” Coppola asked committee members “If we’re going to enforce building codes, why should we exempt the Public Bridge Authority?”

Interestingly enough, I think that the trashed out Peace Bridge Exposition Center (in a previous life), which is easily visible from the Niagara section of the Thruway, is no longer in a reconstruction zone. The PBA probably owns that too. (update: has been demolished)

Buffalo History - Books

One of the first books I read that involved the history of Buffalo, that caught my attention and kept it, was actually a work of fiction. City of Light by Lauren Belfer takes place in the setting of the Pan American Exposition in 1901 and radiates throughout the City of Buffalo. It was my first introduction to historical figures such as Mary Talbert and Louise Bethune, among many others.

I wanted to know more, but I know my attention span. It may be a form of heresy, but I really don't care about the architecture. What gives the buildings life, in my opinion, is the people that occupied them and the events that took place.

During the past year I have finally gotten around to reading a few books on varying aspects of the history of Buffalo. While I will look at books of photographs, I won't buy them, except for the one about Forest Lawn. It helps tracking down the monuments to know what they look like (and why the person was important).

In no particular order, here are Buffalo books I've read and recommend (via links to previous posts mostly):

City on the Edge by Mark Goldman - Covers the time from 1900 to present and explores the development of the culturals and and the growing pains of City government, including the ever present need to demolish and build something new (preferably funded by federal dollars). Goldman has written 2 other books that I know of, High Hopes and City on the Lake, but I started here. For some reason or other I never wrote about it (but I meant to!), so you'll have to make do with Amazon.

America's Crossroads by Michael Vogel, Edward Patton, and Michael Redding - Out of print / available only through the library or on someones bookshelf; I also did a preliminary writeup when I first learned about it.

The Last Fine Time by Verlyn Klinkenborg

Coming of Age in Buffalo by William Graebner

I Never Looked For My Mother by Joe Ritz

998 by Mike Rizzo, who also wrote Through the Mayors' Eyes (City of Buffalo 1832-2005)

Hooded Knights on the Niagara by Shawn Lay

Inventing Niagara by Ginger Strand - Niagara Falls history, but it's interesting; close counts.


On deck, Shades of Justice by Paul Krehbiel (also available at the History Museum) - a coming of age memoir which takes place in Buffalo during the late 60's, early 70's.


This took longer than I thought, and I haven't even touched sports history, or the tons of books I haven't read yet. I probably forgot some too. Check out the Buffalo Historical Society bookstore, BuffaloBooks, any old bookstore, or even the library. Happy reading!

Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Alice Bachmann

Those of us who had Mrs. Bachmann for gym at Clarence Center Elementary remember her for her enthusiasm and dedication to bringing out our well hidden athletic abilities. Others recall her as dedicated to her children and their various pursuits in life. She was all that and more. RIP.

BACHMANN, Alice Elizabeth (nee: Thies), 89, of Otterbein-Lebanon, OH and formerly of Clarence NY died Wednesday March 25, 2009. Born November 13, 1919 in the Town of Pomfret, NY to Elmer and Amy (nee: Kerr) Thies, she was a graduate of Cortland State Teachers College in New York. She retired from Clarence Central Schools in New York after over 20 years as a physical education teacher. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Lebanon OH and an active volunteer at Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community.

Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Karl Bachmann, survivors include two daughters, Betsy (Doug) Fields of Cincinnati, OH and Kathe “Susie” (Dave) Ruch of Old Fort, NC, one brother, Charles Thies of Fairfax, VA, sister, Dorothy Kelly of Lakewood, OH, three grandsons, Karl Ruch and Josh and Nick Fields, one granddaughter, Beth Stockel, two great grandsons, Pierce and Keaton Ruch, and one great granddaughter, Madelynn Stockel.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 11am at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1270 N. Broadway St, Lebanon OH.

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Arrangements by the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon.

Two Towns in One - Part 1

A while back there was a column in the Buffalo News about Long Street in Clarence Center. It contained this observation:

"Long Street is not what many consider a “typical” Clarence neighborhood, not that there is such a thing, anyway. The houses are older, not very large, and are close to the street, which barely accommodates two cars heading in opposite directions."

Actually that description is exactly what I think of when referring to Clarence, not the Beverly Hills 14032 et al version that many seem to conjure up, even among some of those that live there. If one were to concentrate on getting from here to there without detouring through any of the many subdivisions, the traditional part of town is pretty much all one sees, with an occasional bigger house (that desperately needs fast growing trees) appearing by the side of the road.

Therein also lies a split within the town, with each barely aware of the other in real time. Those who think everyone in town is upper middle class or wealthy most likely just zip down the main roads without a much of a thought towards those who live in the "little houses", while those of more modest means rarely meander through all those rapidly spouting enclaves that house those with different expectations.

Meanwhile the elected officials must try to the best of their ability to represent all the townspeople. Some seem to cover their eyes and hope for the best, others try to reach out to all, and still others alienate with little effort.

More on another day...

The Last Fine Time

The time is 1947 and the setting is 722 Sycamore Avenue in Buffalo NY. From there the author takes us back in time and also shows a glimpse of what was to come (I'm not quite finished reading it). While George & Eddie's bar is the center of the universe, the author brings in historical context of the city, the nation, and the world at large. It was shortly after WWII after all.

It's not about life in a bar. It's about the people that exist in this space in time. There is no conversation. Reading The Last Fine Time by Verlyn Klinkenborg is like experiencing time through a kaleidoscope. From one scene to the next the picture comes into focus and then whirls away, to be replaced with another. Detailed pictures formed from words.

A blurb on the back cover by Anne Tyler of the Boston Globe says it all:

"Brings an era to life...All at once, a small, bygone portion of America becomes so real that we seem to be not so much reading about it as drawing it forth from our own memories."

One need not be Polish or have any special special affinity for the east side of Buffalo in the glory days to thoroughly enjoy this book. It's so real that I even had a dream about anonymous people that are glimpsed throughout the book, and I never ever dream about the books I'm reading.

Marvelous book! HT to Joe Buckley of In Other Words for suggesting that I move this up on my to-read list. Thanks!

Darryl Smith - RIP

Clarence alumnus ('73) Darryl Smith passed away March 2, 2009. Rest in peace. From the Buffalo News:

SMITH - Darrell R. March 2, 2009; beloved father of Jeffery (Amy) Barton, Yvonne Smith and Roy Smith; devoted grandfather of Sophia Barton; dear brother of Doug (Jean) Smith and Keith (Louise) Smith; also survived by his girlfriend Sue Williams. The family will be present on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC, 8440 Main Street where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM. Mr. Smith was a member of Carpenters Local 289. Please share you condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

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Final Thoughts

Some final miscellaneous thoughts (for now)...

This photo from the Buffalo News shows the house of my 3rd grade teacher, center top. This is the same one that appeared here in profile with the fire in the background a few days ago (thanks Terry, I didn't recognize it). The side yard that now harbors a green tent is where her dog runs in better times. She wasn't home at the time of the crash.

Rumor has it that Goodrich Road had to be shut down again yesterday because of lookie-loos. It's rather presumptuous of people to be tramping all over someone else's property to get a closer look at the site.

On that Facebook proposal to have Extreme Makeover come in and rebuild the house - it's well meaning, but is that what the family really wants?

The reader comments after the article on the subject on Buffalo Rising pretty much echo that sentiment also. The crew can't build any cute kids rooms as per their normal business mode. What are they going to do - attempt to replace the sports memorabilia and historical maps in a set-aside room? There can be no replacement.

In fact, I'd be willing to bet that there has been some discussion in the Town about creating a memorial park there or something like that. That would be a great idea, but ultimately it's up to Karen Wielinski.

The cleanup may wrap up soon, but the investigation will continue for quite some time. For some, time stopped the night of February 12th. For family and friends of the victims, life as they know it will never be the same. For people of the town, especially for those closest to the crash site, the struggle to return to some semblance of normalcy will be a long one...

In Memory of Jennifer Neill

Clarence alumna ('92) Jennifer Neill was among the victims in the crash of Flight 3407. From the Buffalo News:

"Jennifer Neill, 34, was pregnant with her first child.

“She was due at the end of May,” said her mother, Mary Neill. Jennifer lived with her parents in Clarence.

Her fiance, Todd Eacker, a physician’s assistant, was in Florida visiting his sister when the plane went down. The last time he spoke with Neill was while she was at the Newark airport waiting for the plane to depart, her father, James, said.

A pharmaceutical sales representative for Shearing-Plough for the past several years, Jennifer left Wednesday morning for New York City for a business trip and was on her way back home on Flight 3407...

“The happy part is that she was a very happy and upbeat person,” Mary Neill said.

“She is just a wonderful daughter…She is a very ambitious and a very bright girl,” James said..

In addition to her parents and fiance, Jennifer is survived by two brothers, Brendan and Patrick, a major in the Air Force, who was a safety officer and flew commercially at one time, James Neill said."

From WGRZ:

"Jennifer E. Neill (34), was a Clarence native. She attended Clarence Central High School, where she was First Chair Flutist in the band and also played softball and basketball. She held an Associates degree in Physical Therapy from SUNY Geneseo and a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from the University at Buffalo. She worked in the physical therapy department at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. She and her fiance, Todd Eacker, were expecting their first child, a son."

(more on WIVB)

NEILL - Jennifer E. February 12, 2009, age 34, suddenly, a victim of Flight 3407, dear daughter of James L. and Mary J. (nee Buscaglia); dear sister of Major Patrick L. (Erin) Neill and Brenden L. Neill; dear fiancée of Todd Eacker, P.A.; dear granddaughter of Edith Buscaglia; dear aunt of Jack and Makena Neill. The family will be present Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 8440 Main St. (near Harris Hill Rd.). A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 AM in Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 8500 Main St., Clarence, NY. If desired, memorials may be made to the Women and Childrens Hospital of Buffalo, 219 Bryant Street, Buffalo, NY 14222. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

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Curiosity in Clarence Center

It appears that the curious are descending on Clarence Center in droves; so much so that part of Goodrich Road had to be shut down again. I haven't ventured out that way yet. I had a feeling that in the initial stages "my mom lives over there" might not be sufficient grounds to get through. Then I'd cop an attitude. Best to stay put and talk by phone instead.

They have to investigate the scene with no interference, I get that. While the scenario is completely understandable, I'm sure I'm not the only one with a problem having to "show your papers and state your business" in your own hometown. One guy got arrested for being strident in his point of view.

While it's awesome how fast the state and federal governments came in and took charge, it's a bit scary too. Just like that some rights have been suspended and the town is under occupation, with local officials and residents no more than gnats. Many movies have been made on that theme, including "The Simpsons".

This brings out the type A & B reactions. Type A is compliant, the good citizen, resolved to do whatever the government demands, staying inside and insisting that the biggest event in this area since McKinley got shot doesn't pique their curiosity in the least bit. Type B wants to see how close they can get without getting arrested. The extreme B gets in the way.

Being more of a B type person, daughter of an A, I thought it best to wait until at least today to wander out that way. Or maybe next weekend.

Besides the family and friends of the victims, the residents of Long Street, especially in the same block, have it the roughest. Not only have they lost a neighbor and their peace of mind, not only do they live on the doorstep of a tragedy, they can't even go home. I don't think the neighborhood will return to anything vaguely resembling normal for a very long time.

In Memory of Ellyce Kausner

Clarence alumna ('02) Ellyce Kausner was among those who perished in the crash of Flight 3407. She is the daughter of alumni John Kausner and Marilyn Mesler ('71). From the Buffalo News:

"Ellyce Kausner had a mental list of things to do in life, and methodically did them. A week or so ago she went swimming with dolphins, and no who knew her was surprised.

"She had more life in her than 10 of us," said her father, John.

Known as "Elly," Kausner, 24, grew up in Clarence in a tight-knit family for whom religious faith is a central part of their lives.

She graduated from Clarence High School and Canisius College, and was a second-year student at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville. At Canisius, she won the tuition award given to a senior with the most potential for the study of law.

She was traveling home to visit her family and boyfriend before final exams. She also had three nephews who wanted her as their Valentine at school. Friends and family described her as bright, bubbly and magnetic. They said she was devoted to her family and loved animals, especially her two cats.

"She was the life of the party, and enjoyed being the center of attention," her father said.

He saw her just a few days ago in Florida while on vacation with his wife, Marilyn. As they parted, their last words to each other were, "I love you."

Rest in Peace.

(more on WIVB)

KAUSNER - Ellyce Marie Suddenly taken from us on February 12, 2009, beloved daughter of John and Marilyn (Mesler) Kausner; loving sister of Chris (Lauren) Kausner and Laura (Jeremy) Voigt; much loved aunt of John, Steven and Elizabeth Kausner and Connor and Dominic Voigt; cherished girlfriend of Daniel Bogner. The family will be present to receive friends Monday 1-4 and 6-9 at the Town of Clarence Clubhouse, 10405 Main St. in Clarence Town Park. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service, Tuesday morning in Lovejoy Gospel Church, 5423 Genesee St., Lancaster at 10:30. Flowers should be sent to the Town of Clarence Clubhouse, Monday after 12 Noon or memorials may be made to the Erie County SPCA in Ellyces honor. Arrangements by BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC.

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The Next Day

The plane landed two blocks from my mom's house in Clarence Center. She's okay, and we're both grateful for all those who made contact (and those who thought about it). As I was talking to her last night on the telephone a plane went over. I could almost feel her cringe as she remarked on it.

Airplanes are constantly overhead. So much so that most times no one paid much attention, like it was part of the background noise. It'll be a long time before the people of Clarence Center feel complacent again.

The loss of a friend and neighbor hits home even more so than the crash itself. The Wielinski family was well regarded, not only in Clarence Center but also in the Cincinnati area that they previously called home.

Doug was a Vietnam war veteran, a chemist, a former marathon runner, a sports memorabilia collector/seller; also a husband, father, neighbor, and friend to many.

One neighbor will forever remember the generosity of the Wielinski family. At one time her garage needed painting but, being on a fixed income, she couldn't afford to have it taken care of in the immediate future. She became a bit stressed about it. No problem. Doug & Karen reached into their own good natures, bought the paint, and proceeded to paint the garage themselves. Great neighbors. The best.

Now a pile of rubble sits where a loving family once resided. The memories will live on.

Rest in peace.

(picture is a screen shot from Google Earth of 6038 Long Street, scene of crash)

(moving photo galleries Rochester Democrat & Chronicle; some pictures may bring tears to the eyes of even the detached from the immediacy)

Breaking News: Plane Crash in Clarence Center

Those of you in Clarence Center already know, but for those not local or who haven't turned on a television yet, there's breaking news: Continental flight 3407 with 49 people on board crashed into a house in Clarence Center on Long Street near Clarence Center Road (by the fire hall). All have perished, in addition to one person on the ground.

I would hope this also would put an end to local discussions as to the need for all the units of the volunteer fire companies in the Town of Clarence.

Links for updates and information:

Sobering picture slideshow on MSN video/Associated Press

WBEN-radio

WGRZ-TV

WIVB-TV (live coverage right now at 5:25 am)

WKBW-TV

The Buffalo News

(video shot by resident appears below, from WKBW viewers input)



Thanks also to my cousins across the Atlantic Ocean who emailed me immediately with concern and caring. I retire early, and I read my email before turning on the news this morning.

Thought and prayers for all the victims and their families.

My Neighbor

Lisa Earle McLeod has a column about suicide in today's Buffalo News. She deals mainly with the legacy that devastates immediate families. I'd like to go a step further regarding the person who didn't marry, didn't have kids. Other people are still affected and are left try to deal with the mind-numbing senselessness of it all.

My neighbor John was the all around handyman of the block. He was the first person everyone called when something needed fixing, and he always had a smile on his face. About a month ago he hung himself.

To say that we all were shocked beyond belief is understating it. Apparently he'd had some legal problems initiated by tenants, but still...Useless speculation wonders if alcohol played a role in irreversible decision making.

It seems so incredibly selfish to say that everywhere I look in this house I see something he had fixed or something that he had yet to get around to. The Sunday night before he had called to tell me he'd be picking up some leftover parts the next day that were still in my kitchen. He said he'd been "under the weather" for a few days. Then his girlfriend called Monday night to see if he had shown up (no). She sounded worried "It's not like him..." before she cut herself off.

Then we got the news. It still messes with my head a bit. I can't imagine the emptiness felt by all of his many close friends. I can't imagine how his girlfriend must feel, especially since she was the one who found him at his cottage retreat. "My girl" he always called her. They were going to get married.

For me to call him a friend might be pushing it, but yet the term 'acquaintance' seems so cold. Somewhere in the middle, someone who was part of my life and part of the fabric of the neighborhood.

The now-vacant house on the corner looms large, seen every time we enter the street. I'm sure I'm speaking for all when I say that we wish John could've forced himself to see the stress through. We all miss John's presence in our lives.

So long, neighbor. So long, friend.

Alumni Mom - In Memory of Gretchen Stringer

The following originally appeared as part of a larger post about an alumni mom, Gretchen Stringer, back in July. She passed away Tuesday, peacefully and with her family. This is a tribute to a much admired citizen, volunteer, woman, and mother:

"Gretchen Engstrom Stringer was inducted into the WNY Women's Hall of Fame in 2001:

"Gretchen Stringer walks around with pockets full of energy, humor,inspiration and optimism, all of which she generously shares with anyone lucky enough to bump into her. And there have been scores so blessed over the decades of her business and volunteer careers. Gretchen’s distinctive style of leadership has inspired groups from Girl Scouts to Junior League provisionals, from community workers to businesswomen. Building a house, planning a celebration or serving a client, Gretchen goes the extra mile that makes everything she touches special."

She is highly regarded for her myriad contributions to the community and work in the field of volunteer administration. The Friends of Women's Rights had this to say about Gretchen when listing her as a member of their board of directors:

"Gretchen Stringer has actively served on more than 20 community boards, including the Girl Scouts Council, NABOW, Junior League, and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, and has received numerous honors for her volunteerism, including induction into the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2005, the Volunteer Administrators of Western New York established the annual Gretchen Stringer Outstanding Award in the field of volunteer administration. Gretchen is currently the President and Owner of Volunteer Consultants."

Perhaps one of her most unique accolades was being chosen to carry the Olympic torch when it traveled through WNY in 1996.

She also served on the Clarence School Board. There's so much else to say about her other contributions, books, classes, seminars, inspirations, recognitions and such. She has not only served on several boards, she has also served down in the trenches.

Now semi-retired, Mrs. Stringer did an interview with WBFO and it can be heard on their site. She was accompanied by NYS Senator Mary Lou Rath, who then participated in the memory conversation (pictured). I'm sure the 40 minutes flew by, just like the years."

STRINGER - Gretchen (nee Engstrom) January 6, 2009, age 83; beloved wife of the late Loren F. Stringer; loving mother of Lizbeth, Pamela, Frederick (Lisa) and William (Giselle Maira) Stringer; cherished grandmother of Elspeth and Neil. The family will be present on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 5200 Sheridan Drive (Corner of Hopkins Road) where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Friends invited. On-line guest register at www.AMIGONE.com.

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Mark O'Connor - RIP

Clarence alumnus ('71) Mark O'Connor passed away January 2, 2009 from the complications of diabetes. RIP.

From the Clarence Bee: Mark Baldwin O'Connor, born in Buffalo, served in the US Army from 1972 until 1974. He was a truck driver for Path Trucking in Oakfield, later working for Montogomery Tank Lines, now known as Caledonia Lines. Mark was a motorcycle and NASCAR enthusiast.

OCONNOR - Mark B. January 2, 2009, beloved husband of Sandra J. (Currier) OConnor; step-father of Lisa Way and Christine Wyder; son of Dorothy (late John) OConnor Jr.; brother of Michael (Maureen) OConnor, JoEllen (late John) Blickensderfer and the late Brian OConnor; also survived by seven grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends received Sunday 2-4 PM at SHEPARD BROS. FUNERAL HOME, 10690 Main St., Clarence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10 AM at Nativity of BVM Church, 8550 Main St., Harris Hill.

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Weird Tales

Believe it or not, I hadn't seen the December 2008 edition of Buffalo Spree until yesterday afternoon. I'm still reading it, but already have come across references to "Hooded Knights on the Niagara" and Mike Rizzo's knowledge of Mob lore, this time concentrating on Buffalo (I'm actually more familiar with Mike's book "998", which is about Buffalo's retailing history).

Eerie coincidence, as I just wrote about these subjects the last few days.

And the cover! There are more throughout the magazine also used to introduce different subjects. That was part of what drew me to the magazine, besides the tales of scandal in Buffalo's history. I used a romance comic book cover just a few days ago myself when writing about the Buffalo Sabres.

Far from copying, as I hadn't seen Spree yet, I used to read these things back in the day, along with versions of Weird Tales, including Creepshow (the comic book) by Stephen King. I could relate, you might say.

From Spree's Facebook notes:

"Every region has its share of controversial happenings, from truly infamous crimes to merely ironic mishaps, and Western New York is no exception. This month we explore exciting tales of mob bosses, shady mayors, unsolved mysteries, and society murders. We’ve even tracked down some sports controversies and put together a scandal map and timeline. Spree might not know where all the bodies are buried, but we’ve certainly got some fascinating stories to share. It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world, and WNY has contributed its share."

As far as I can tell, back issues of Buffalo Spree aren't available through their website, but maybe you know someone who has it in their magazine rack. Too bad I didn't pick this up when it first came out in order to give you a chance to buy your own copy...Lots of research went into this fascinating issue. Good read!

Books About the Early 1920's in WNY - Part 2

(About a month ago I bought 2 books to read, little realizing at the time that they both occupied the same space in time - the early 1920's in WNY. They also intersect briefly regarding an incident or two in the much broader common ground of Prohibition. They were not on the same side.)

Stefano Magaddino was a recent immigrant and Catholic by birth. This alone would have put him in the cross-hairs of the hooded knights. Like he even cared about them. However Magaddino wasn't fighting against the laws mandating Prohibition. Far from it. There was money to be made, and lots of it. The Buffalo-Niagara region was just the place to do it.

It was business, strictly business.

The Anti-Saloon League was a minor irritant at first. Once they hitched their wagon to the kkk they became emboldened. Petty bottle smashings started turning into a few major inconveniences for Magaddino and company. An annoying itch had become a pain in the posterior. You might say it caught their attention.

Don Stefano Magaddino was The Man in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls region and throughout southern Ontario. You might say he had the ins and outs of liquor smuggling covered, and much more.

A few fire-bombings later the preachers decided that maybe membership in the kkk wasn't all they had thought it would be. The sheets didn't give them quite the anonymity they craved, and certainly didn't protect them.

"Hooded Knights on the Niagara" was written using documentation from the 1920's. That means there was no mention of the Mob, as it didn't exist as far as periodicals of that time were concerned. Hoodlums and bootleggers also get scant attention.

For information on what else was happening regarding Prohibition on the Niagara Frontier back in the 1920's you need look no further than the life and times of Stefano Magaddino as described in "Mob Boss" by Mike Hudson. That's where you'll get the scoop on the men behind the steady influx of alcohol during this period.

Ever since reading the Reader's Digest condensed version of "The Valachi Papers" in one sitting while being the only kid at my aunt's house one long ago Thanksgiving, I have read many books that furthered the subject matter. "Mob Boss" fills in many of the blanks regarding the Outfit throughout WNY history. Facts are rounded out with folklore and memories of those who remember when.

I almost forgot - another look at Magaddino can be had through The Mob Tours, conducted in Niagara Falls by local author and historian Mike Rizzo. The website is pretty interesting too.

Two books, two viewpoints presented on facets of life during the Roaring 20's in WNY. I'm sure there are many more out there too. In fact, I may have a few of them on my bookshelf...

Books About the Early 1920's in WNY - Part 1

About a month ago I bought 2 books to read, little realizing at the time that they both occupied the same space in time - the early 1920's in WNY. They also intersect briefly regarding an incident or two in the much broader common ground of Prohibition. They were not on the same side.

After reading that the hooded knights had convened on Delaware Road and a few other places in Clarence in one of the books of Clarence alumnus Doug Kohler ('84), I became intrigued. This seemed at odds with the official bucolic history of the area. Some things just aren't spoken in polite company.

"Hooded Knights on the Niagara" by Shawn Lay covers the history of the resurrection of the kkk, their seduction of native-born white Protestants in the Buffalo area, and the attendant ugliness. Catholics and immigrants (many of whom were Catholic) were the main targets, with Prohibition being the glue that tied it all together.

Let me clarify now that the book is mainly centered in Buffalo and doesn't shed much light on the dark side of Clarence in the 1920's. Speculation has it that immigrants coming to work in the mines may have had some in an uproar, especially since many were the despised Catholics (heavily promoted by Protestant ministers were rumors of a plot by the Pope to take over America and become a foreign ruler, among other things).

German-Americans proved to be particularly susceptible to the allure of the group, perhaps in part due to being singled out and spat upon during the Great War. This was their chance to be oppressors rather than the oppressed. Curious how that works sometimes.

The preachers were on a rampage. Alcohol and Catholics were the main targets. Card playing and dancing were also looked upon as gateways to evils, which included gambling and prostitution.

The kkk sidled in and adjusted their agenda to specifically address these concerns, all to gain members and the accompanying dues and other fees. They also offered much valued secrecy and pageantry. The masons and other such organizations were big back then. Bottom line - money for the organization, anonymity for the members, power for both.

It was around this time that Stefano Magaddino moved to Niagara Falls.

More tomorrow.

Wolcottsburg Wolcottsville

A small article in the Buffalo News caught my attention Friday:

BERGHOLZ — The Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York is trying to help a German man get photos of clothing worn by Germans who came to the United States during the 19th century.

Elaine Timm, of Niagara Falls, said Werner Karsch, of Schmolin, Germany, is looking for photos of clothing worn by those who left the Uckermark region of Germany in 1860 or earlier. Ancestors from that region now live in areas that include Wheatfield, Martinsville and Wolcottsville, Timm said.

Call Timm at 716-421-2217. She said she will take a photo of the articles and forward it to Karsch.

First I'm trying to remember if my mom has any old pictures. Then I look up the history of photography and find that modern methods didn't really start until the 1880's, so now we're talking daguerreotypes most likely.

Then I started thinking about the "Wolcottsville -Wolcottsburg" names, and how I keep forgetting which one is which. I spent a lot of time in Wolcottsburg in Erie County, not Wolcottsville in Niagara County...Yes, I had to look it up.

I don't feel bad about not remembering the name, because even those charged with recording and photographing historical buildings, cemeteries and other resources in Clarence called it Wolcottsville. Having spent an hour skimming through the PDF file I can truthfully say that I'm almost nitpicking.

A lot of work went into this presentation. Even though I thought some valuable places were missed, there is so very much included. After the history is presented the photographs start. You can scroll through by street name & number and do the "I remember" or the "I didn't know that" thing frequently, especially if you no longer live in the area.

Immigrants from the Uckermark area settled in Erie County too, in Wolcottsburg (also known as West Prussia, back in the day). According to Sue Roll, the Hartwig family came from the village of Bergholz near Löcknitz. These towns are north-northeast of Berlin in the province of Bradenburg, located in historical Prussia.

The history of settlers in Wolcottsville (in Niagara County) can be found via the Moll Brothers site, as they thoroughly researched their family history. The Alfred Moll family ended up in Wolcottsburg in later years.

A different article in the News is about a visit to Germany by a Niagara County group, which is interesting from their perspective. I can get huffy about the Clarence Germans being ignored, but why continue in a divisive tradition...

At first glance it would seem curious that 2 similar groups would not have merged. But back then there were no cars, no fast and easy way to stay in touch. This is assuming they would have wanted to. Far from banding together, they were noted for digging their heels in at the slightest difference of opinion and forming new communities. In Wolcottsburg the church split for a while, with the breakaway faction building a new place to worship right next door.

It is an accurate stereotype that Germans can be stubborn, which can be a plus or a minus, take your pick:

1. Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded.
2. Firmly resolved or determined; resolute.

If I've lost your attention, try to at least check on the Historical Resources file (takes a while to fully load) and the Moll Brothers history.

And If you have any pertinent photographs of clothing from the 1860's, give Ms. Timm a call!