SUNY Oswego is now formally recognized as a university. The university will continue to be known as SUNY Oswego, but its official state education title will change from “State University of New York College at Oswego” to “State University of New York at Oswego.” [Read more…] about SUNY Oswego Now Recognized As A University
Western NY
Winter Nature Sundays Return to Genesee Country Village & Museum
Genesee Country Village & Museum in the small hamlet of Mumford, about 20 miles from Rochester, NY, will open its doors and trails beginning on Sunday, January 8th, for Winter Nature Sundays – with opportunities for visitors to explore the snowy grounds, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy outdoor family fun. [Read more…] about Winter Nature Sundays Return to Genesee Country Village & Museum
History Corrected: Adirondack Guide Charles H Smith & King Edward VII
History often makes a muddle of people’s lives. One such example is Charles H. Smith (ca. 1832 – 1911) of Petries Corners in the town of Watson, Lewis County, NY. Charles was well known as an Adirondack guide in the Beaver River/Stillwater area of the Western Adirondacks.
He lived to a ripe old age as an elder statesman of the guiding fraternity. But confusing reports of his age, a story about guiding for royalty, and a common first and last name have obscured his actual accomplishments. [Read more…] about History Corrected: Adirondack Guide Charles H Smith & King Edward VII
James Bradley, Oberlin College’s ‘First’ Black Student
James Bradley was not the first African American to study at Oberlin College, but chroniclers and historians of abolition have long mistaken the facts of his life.
The Massachusetts Historical Society will host “If Wishes Were Sources: Speculation and the Saga of James Bradley, Oberlin’s ‘First’ Black Student,” a program with John Frederick Bell, Assumption University with comment by Julie Winch, University of Massachusetts Boston, set for Thursday, January 12th. [Read more…] about James Bradley, Oberlin College’s ‘First’ Black Student
Waterville, NY’s Automotive Pioneer Frank Snell
In November of 1900, 
The Waterville Times reported that “Frank Snell, who has been building an automobile during the past few months, had it far enough toward completion to give it trial on Tuesday. It ran nicely but was rather too fast for everyday use on our roads. He is remedying the defect.”
The article noted that the top speed of “the horseless carriage” reached was 15-20 miles an hour – a speed only achieved by locomotives at that time. [Read more…] about Waterville, NY’s Automotive Pioneer Frank Snell
100 Acres Added to Klipnocky State Forest, Allegany County
In the winter of 2021, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) acquired 100 acres in the Klipnocky State Forest. Already a unique forest, this new property adds a new level of habitat diversity to the area. It is composed of 25 acres of hay fields and 55 acres of early successional habitat that is chock-full of blueberries, thornapple, and dogwoods. The remaining acreage has open ponds that are home to beavers and the occasional wood duck. [Read more…] about 100 Acres Added to Klipnocky State Forest, Allegany County
Bridge Completes New Oswego County Little Sandy Creek Trail
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the completion of the Little Sandy Creek Bridge, a 110-foot structure that extends over Little Sandy Creek in the Winona State Forest.
The newly constructed bridge, located in the town of Boylston, Oswego County, is part of the new one-mile Little Sandy Creek Trail, completed this fall in partnership with the Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA). [Read more…] about Bridge Completes New Oswego County Little Sandy Creek Trail
Otsego Outdoor Challenge Marks 5000th Trek
As Lee Ann and Rick Myers of Oneonta completed the Otsego Outdoors Fall Octet Challenge, it marked the 5000th trek Octet participants have completed. A collaborative program of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust and Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Outdoors connects residents and visitors with year-round recreational opportunities in and near Otsego County. [Read more…] about Otsego Outdoor Challenge Marks 5000th Trek
Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Starts
Work has begun at the new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road, in the town of Verona, Oneida County. [Read more…] about Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Starts
Puritans, Prussians, and the History of Christmas Cards
New York has important associations with the formation of what is now considered a traditional American Christmas. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “Twas The Night Before Christmas”) was first published in the Troy Sentinel in 1823; The Albany Evening Journal ran an advertisement on December 17, 1841, that is believed to be the first time Santa Clause was used to advertise a store; and America’s first Christmas card was published in Albany in 1850/51.
Recently two rare printings of the first commercially printed Christmas card, published in England, have been announced for sale at auction. The cards depicts a family toasting with glasses of red wine. Commissioned by Henry Cole and designed by John Callcott Horsley, it carries the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” [Read more…] about Puritans, Prussians, and the History of Christmas Cards