By Matt Urtz
(Wampsville, NY – Dec. 2014) Through Jan. 4 The Chenango Canal Association has a lovely holiday light display in trees on the Towpath Trail along the Chenango Canal. The Towpath Trail is located at the corner of Route 20 and Canal Road and at the entrance next to the Bouckville Mill, Canal Road, Bouckville. Lights go on automatically from 5 p.m. to midnight and from 5 to 7 a.m. Just look across the road from the Landmark Tavern.
On Friday Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. the Earlville Opera House brings the Sweetback Sisters and their “Country Christmas Sing-along Spectacular” to the Oneida Community Mansion House. Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth (add $2 for tickets on the day of the show). For tickets or more information visit the EOH website at earlvilleoperahouse.com or call the Earlville Opera House at 315-691-3350.
On Wednesday Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. the National Abolitionist Hall of Fame and Museum in Peterboro will have its annual Watch Night.
On Sunday Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. the Village of Clinton Historical Society welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to speak on the history and re-development of hops. Urtz will give a brief history of how hops first became a cash crop, the reasons it disappeared and how its re-emergence occurred. Images and stories from a number of sources will be utilized. There is no charge for this event. For more information visit clintonhistory.org/.
On Monday Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. the Canastota Public Library and the Canastota Canal Town Museum partner for their “Fireside Chats Series.” This month will feature Rick Stevens of Zems Ice Cream and Joe DiGiorgio of the Canal Town Museum presenting “ICE CREAM.” The two will present the history of ice cream making, local business of the past and the business of Zems. The presentation will end with an ice cream social.
For more information visit canal-town.com.
Matthew Urtz is Madison County historian. He can be reached at 315.366.2453 or email matthew.urtz@madisoncounty.ny.gov. Like “Madison County, NY History” on Facebook and visit www.madisoncountynyhistory.com.