The Mound in the Meadow May 30, 2011

Remembering the War Dead of 1812

On Monday morning at 9:45 there will be a small ceremony commemorating the war dead of 1812.  It will take place in Delaware Park around the rock in the golf course at the Mound in the Meadow:

To raise public awareness of the “Mound in the Meadow” and to honor its buried soldiers, Parkside Historian and Author Steve Cichon will lead a group of volunteers in the planting of 300 American flags near the site on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th at 9:45am. Those interested in attending may access the site by entering Delaware Park’s Ring Road at Colvin Avenue (Enter Park at Colvin and Amherst).

Marked only by a large boulder and sporting a small bronze plaque, the “Mound in the Meadow” marks the location where hundreds of soldiers who died from camp disease and winter exposure were buried in the spring of 1813. The areas that are now Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood, Delaware Park, and Forest Lawn cemetery served as a camp for soldiers poised to invade British Canada early in the War.

Read more about it here.

Photographs and Memories

While I may not be the best at taking pictures, especially when people are posing with a grin that says "hurry up and take the darn thing", occasionally I do okay.

A while back some photos of St. Mary's on the Hill appeared on Buffalo Rising. Then a few days ago my shot of a neighbor looking on at the Art-In was used in an article about the same, also on Buffalo Rising! There are links in the article regarding future events, in case you're interested.

Someone from a preservation organization had contacted me about photos of the Statler, but I suffered a major brain glitch and didn't remember how to send them full size for use in an application for a preservation status...Oh well, the Statler is in good hands now!

And now I have been contacted by the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library about some pictures I took of the Hotel Lafayette!  In June there will be an exhibit there showcasing the buildings on Lafayette Square, and some of my photos will be included!  Be sure to check it out!

Art-In at St.Vincent's Orphanage

This was going to be some nice wordy post to explain the pictures, but I've been procrastinating a bit...what else is new...Instead, a brief explanation:

St. Vincent's Female Orphanage (I didn't realize it had been gender specific; read history if you're interested) is being renovated, and by this August it will be reborn as the Health Sciences Charter School!

Meanwhile, an Art-In was held there last Saturday, organized to bring attention to a site worth preserving, and in part to celebrate that it is becoming a reality!

Marleen Ackerman Astudillo RIP

Marleen Ackerman Astudillo will be remembered by many as the ultimate art teacher at Clarence High School, with fond memories of her enthusiasm. May she rest in peace.

Marleen M. Astudillo Born in Elmira, NY on Feb. 13, 1945 Departed on Feb. 28, 2011 and resided in (A) Williamsville, NY. Visitation: Thursday, Mar. 3, 2011 Service: Friday, Mar. 4, 2011 Funeral Home: Amherst Chapel Click on the link(s) above for Maps & Directions

ASTUDILLO, MARLEEN M. (nee Ackerman) February 28, 2011; beloved wife of John Astudillo; devoted mother of Ahren (Jeremy) Crickard and Alicya Astudillo; loving grandmother of Eva and Bryn Crickard; dear sister of Darrell (Gayle) and Carol (Fay) Avery; loving daughter of Mildred Ackerman; daughter-in-law of Dr. Simon Astudillo; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM at (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 5200 Sheridan Drive (corner of Hopkins Road). Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main Street, Buffalo on Friday at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Keep A Breast Foundation-http://www.keep-a-breast.org/blog/. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

Philip Beeman RIP

Clarence alumnus ('71) Philip Beeman passed away on February 16, 2011. May he rest in peace.

BEEMAN - Philip E. February 16, 2011, of Clarence, N.Y. Beloved husband of Debra H. Beeman (Jeffcoat); dear father of Jennifer Beeman and Kathleen (Beeman) Lewis; loving grandfather of Gerard H. Altenburg, 16 and Alexis M. Altenburg 7; cherished brother of Joanne (Robert) Demler, Richard (Linda) Beeman, Diane (Loyd) McJury, David Beeman, Karen (James) Pauly; also survived by many nieces, nephews and a large extended family who all loved him dearly. Philip was the son of the late Howard and Mina (Berlund) Beeman. Wake services will be held at SHEPARD BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 10690 Main St., Clarence on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 3-8 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Clarence Church of Christ, 5375 Old Goodrich Rd. Clarence Center at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 18, 2011. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Buffalo.

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Anne Engasser Pitzonka RIP

Clarence alumna ('72) Anne Engasser Pitzonka passed away yesterday.  May she rest in peace.

Anne M. (Engasser) PITZONKA 

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PITZONKA - Anne M. (nee Engasser) Of Buffalo, NY, February 4, 2011. Dearest mother of Eric; daughter of Dorothy (nee Beiter) and the late Richard G. Engasser; sister of Richard P. (Donna) Engasser, Larry (Joan) Engasser, Julie (Mark) Malenda and David (Peg) Engasser; also survived by nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at The URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6685 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY, (south of County and North French). Mass of Christian Burial Monday morning at 10 AM at Good Shepherd Church, Pendleton. (Please assemble at church). In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Diabetes Association .

Fracking and the Sabres

So the guy who wants to buy the Sabres made his fortune through hydro-fracking.  Although it can be Googled easily enough, before Sunday's article in the business section of the Buffalo News the local news outlets had not bothered to link the two together in a headline blasting manner (whatever happened to "the public's right to know"?)...

...and sticking it in the business section via an opinion column isn't exactly calling attention to it, especially when the word "fracking" isn't used...I wonder why (sarcasm)...

From the Sierra Club:

"Over the years, our company has drilled thousands of wells, and every one of them is fracked," said Terrence M. Pegula, the chief executive officer of East Resources. "I can't believe we have to sit now and try to explain it."

I wonder if the sale of his company has an escape clause in it too, like a similar acquisition? The Sabres could end up owned by a Dutch Petro Company, unless of course Golisano puts in some contract language regarding a possible glitch or two somewhere along the way.

Wonderful, just wonderful. Kind of puts a dimmer switch on things...

Imagining Buffalo's Waterfront

Please contact Sam Hoyt, Brian Higgins, and Jordan Levy to let them know if you believe that plans for pretend canals and a parking ramp (underground!) should be put on hold for at least 4 months while other, more natural plans are explored. Today's the day for the decision, so don't wait!


IMAGINING BUFFALO'S WATERFRONT: A Message from Mark Goldman. from nathan m peracciny on Vimeo.

Suzie Baker

When I was growing up in Clarence Center the Baker family always converted their large side yard into a skating rink every winter that all the neighborhood kids enjoyed. They had speakers set up for music, and daughter Suzie ran the turntable. A window was right near the rink and frequently she would take requests. We both liked the Beatles along with Alvin and the Chipmunks, but adults eventually intervened, insisting on more soothing notes. An hour later a Beatles tune would sneak through anyway!

Suzie is interwoven into the fabric of Clarence Center as are members of her family. May she rest in peace.

           Date of Birth: February 21, 1950       Date of Passing: November 6, 2010

Age	60
Place of Birth:	Lockport, New York
Place of Passing:	Erie County Home in Alden, New York
Resided in:	Clarence Center, New York
History:	Ms. Baker was a 1971 graduate of Cleveland High School special class. For 25 years she volunteered at Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home in Clarence, NY. She enjoyed meeting all the residents, staff and visitors with that unforgettable smile that radiated throughout her entire life. Suzy became a member of the Clarence United Methodist Church on July 28, 1985. For 9 years she was proudly involved in the Civil War reenactment. An avid bowler for 45 years Suzy also was a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.
Family:	She was the loving daughter of the late Wilfred D. and Oneta (Milgate) Baker. Dear sister of Diane Baker of Clarence Center, NY and the late Norman E. Baker who died in 1968. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Viewing info:	Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-8 PM in the CHILDS FUNERAL HOME LLC, 10 Eckerson Ave., Akron. Funeral services will take place at 11 AM Thursday in the Clarence Center United Methodist Church, 9750 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center, NY. Rev. Chuck Smith and Rev. Dr. Richard McConnell will officiate.
Burial:	Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Belfast, NY
Memorials:	Clarence Center United Methodist Church, 9750 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center, New York 14032 or to Heritage Christian Services, 349 Commercial St., Suite 349, E. Rochester, NY 14445 ( www.heritagechristianservices.org )

Buffalo: This Place Matters

Kathleen Miller Peacock RIP

Clarence alumna Kathy Miller Peacock ('73) grew up in Clarence Center. She passed away after a long illness October 18, 2010.  May she rest in peace.

Born in Buffalo, New York on July 27,1955; Departed on Oct.18,2010; resided in Lockport, NY.

PEACOCK, KATHLEEN S. (nee Miller)
October 18, 2010 at age 55; beloved mother of Michael (Marie-Andree) Peacock, Wende (Brian) Maisch and Alicia Peacock; loving grandmother of Natalie, Caleb, Charles and Josiah; daughter of Shirley (nee Robins) and the late Charles Miller; dear sister of Gary Miller, Randy Miller, Deborah (Donald) Hahn and the late Richard Miller; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Saturday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Faith Tabernacle Church, 5676 Beattie Ave., Lockport where a Memorial Service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM. Friends invited. Arrangements by (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. (716) 631-9000. Share condolences at amigone.com

Forest Lawn Tour - Part 2

Last Sunday Forest Lawn held their last bunch of historical tours, and I opted to check it out for the first time even though I've been there many times before.  Thought a different perspective would be nice along with the exercise involved in walking for 2 hours.

Different historical figures pop up at a few grave sites and give a small speech.  Among them "Irving Berlin's wife" sang, and "George Pierce" was excellent! Nice touch.

Early on I noticed that a few facts that the guide offered didn't line up with what I thought I knew, but I kept it to myself.  For one, the Franklin Square Cemetery was where old County Hall is, not the Rath Building, but they may have been scattered all over for all I really know.  However, this coincided with the guide indulging in a small rant regarding the latter building, which made me chuckle at first, but soon hit me as inappropriate on a tour.  Whatever.  I ceased listening as closely though.

Later on after another spotlighted sight she tossed off something to the effect of "Rick James is over there if you care; I don't even know why he's buried here unless it's because his mother is" and proceeded to go into rant regarding him, and still managed to mangle facts along with it.  Totally inappropriate.

I'm not trying to say he was a choirboy, wrongly convicted of various crimes and other failings.  Not at all.  The point, however, is that the man has family, friends, and fans of his music that visit his grave (in fact multiple fans were on the tour). Also, his family paid for a spot and as such are "customers" who do not deserve to be treated shoddily, especially by the cemetery itself via a volunteer guide.

At the end of the tour I pulled her aside to tell her that I found her remarks offensive and inappropriate, but got no further than one short sentence when she uttered a curt thank you, turned her back on me, and walked away.  How rude! I wasn't done yet!

All that needs to be said is that Rick James achieved international fame as a musician.  He was born and raised in Buffalo, which heavily influenced his songwriting, especially in the early days. The end. Personal opinions need not apply.

Other than that, it was a nice day for a walk.

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday: Forest Lawn Tour

The Wall

I could gush on and on about how great the Roger Waters / The Wall concert is, but instead I'll post a few pictures. However, it really needs to be experienced in person to fully appreciate it...So glad I went!

While the visuals mean all things, different things, depending on your knowledge and outlook, I read online that some people were offended by his politics...Maybe they should have just stayed home then, listened to the CD, and continued to pretend that it doesn't mean anything at all...but they would be wrong...

The pictures would have been better with my larger camera, but figuring there might be a problem with recording devices, I went through the trouble of smuggling my camera in only to hear Waters acknowledge that many had the devices and to just please not use a flash...doesn't mean the guys at the gate would have let them in though.

The best concert t-shirt, seen on the little kids dancing on one part, wasn't even on sale: "Fear Builds Walls"...think about it.

Wordless Wednesday: Behind the History Museum

Miller Mansion

Of course I had to go and gawk at the Miller Mansion given the chance, and I had plenty of company.  In the beginning they were handing out numbers for serious buyers, but by day 3 everything big was pretty much gone, and the collections weren't exactly cheap.  However I did manage to score a free plastic chip with a picture of the mansion on one side and the name on the other on the style of a token with a bar's name and "get 1 free drink" on it.

The last day was still drawing people who just wanted to look see. I was in line next to some very friendly women, so time flew by. There was even a hot dog vendor set up, enticing people who didn't start out hungry.

There are stone carvings everywhere - on the roof, around the doors (I'm wondering if that is/was a doorway to a chapel), under the windows, even hidden in nooks and crannies (detail pic is a closeup from under the window of pic above it)...I'm sure there is correct terminology for it, just don't know what it is :)

 

The fountain - can't forget the fountain...I definitely took advantage of being able to take some pix close up and not feel like I might resemble some kind of ne'er-do-well.

The inside was pretty nice.  Big. Only got a few pictures before I was told they weren't allowed.  Would have liked to have taken one of the staircase from the bottom, across the room, but it was not to be.  The staircase and window was my favorite anyway.

I was up on the sports room looking at a Kentucky Derby glass collection where a radio was playing, when the Bills scored one touchdown right before the half!  All of us got enthusiastic for a second until we remembered how much breakable stuff was around us.

I'm sure there's a detailed history of the mansion online somewhere, but for now that's it.  Glad I went!

Wordless Wednesday: A Snapshot in Time