By Matthew Urtz, Madison County Historian
(Madison County, NY – May 2015) The following historical programs are happening in and around Madison County during June.
RE-SCHEDULED: On Friday June 5 at 6:30 pm the Morrisville Public Library 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 please call 315-684-9130
From Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7 the Village of Chittenango will host their annual Oz-Stravaganza! This family friendly festival features all things Oz, celebrating the life and publications of L. Frank Baum who was born in Chittenango. The event offers a grand music filled parade, amusement rides, games, food, fireworks, hot air balloons, special Oz guests and much more. For more information please call 315-333-2286, email colleen@oz-stravaganza.com or visit www.oz-stravaganza.com.
On Monday June 8 Morrisville-Eaton Central School will host Civil War to Civil Rights, the Battle Hymn of the Republic concert featuring Magpie. More information to come.
On Wednesday June 10 at 7 pm the Erieville/Nelson Heritage Society welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “CNY Hops, Birth, Death and Re-birth.” The talk will share the history of Central New York Hops, how they started their dizzying heights, their long fall and their recent return to prominence. For more information please call 315-363-2453.
On Friday June 12 at 6:30 pm the Morrisville Public Library welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present on the Atkinson Mills and how their remnants continue to live on. Urtz will tell the story of the Bingley Mills located in Cazenovia, NY and how the mill lasted over 150 years. He will then tell how after it went out of business a group of restorer’s purchased parts of the mill that are today utilized in another community. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call 315-684-9130.
On Friday June 12 from 6 pm to 7:15 pm the Onondaga County Historical Society will host a “Stroll Among the Spirits” at the Oakwood Cemetery. Meet some of the fascinating folks that reside in Oakwood and hear their stories. Tours run every 15 minutes leaving from the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel. Reservations are required. Tickets are $12 for Onondaga County Historical Association Members and $15 for non-members. For more information please call Karen at 428-1864 ext. 312.
On Friday June 12 at 7:00 pm the Utica Landmarks Society will host a concert by Luciano Testani at #3 Rutger Mansion in Rutger Park in Utica. For more information please visit www.uticalandmarks.org or call 315-732-7376.
On Saturday June 13 from 10 am to 5 pm the hamlet of Peterboro will host the 23rd annual Civil War Weekend. Events will include a military & domestic encampment, period music, exhibits, tours, chicken barbecue, a special display on Abraham Lincoln’s Casket and much more. More information to come.
On Saturday June 13 at 7 pm the Smithfield Community Center will host Appomattox Court House Historian Patrick Schroeder who will present Appomattox 1865: End of the Civil War. Schroeder will be welcomed as part of the Madison County Civil War Series. More information to come.
On Saturday June 13 from 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm the Onondaga County Historical Society will host a “Stroll Among the Spirits” at the Oakwood Cemetery. Tours run every 15 minutes leaving from the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel. Reservations are required. Tickets are $12 for Onondaga County Historical Association Members and $15 for non-members. For more information please call Karen at 428-1864 ext. 312.
On Saturday June 13 at 6:00 pm the Utica Landmarks Society will host a “Dining in the Times” at #3 Rutger Mansion in Rutger Park in Utica. Come and enjoy a Great Gatsby themed evening including 1925 music. For more information please visit www.uticalandmarks.org or call 315-732-7376.
On Sunday June 14 from 10 am to 4 pm the hamlet of Peterboro will host the 23rd annual Civil War Weekend. Events will include a military and domestic encampment, period music, exhibits, tours, chicken barbecue, a special display on Abraham Lincoln’s Casket and much more. More information to come.
On Sunday June 14 at 2 pm Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse will host a guided walking tour entitled “Here Come da Judge: Judges, Lawyers & other Legal Reprobates. Sue Greenhagen will take you to visit members of the legal community housed in the cemetery. This is a continuation of last year’s tour that was cut short by thunder and lightning. There is no charge for this tour but donations are accepted. Tours begin at the chapel on the west side of the cemetery. Tours are rain or shine but not thunder and lightning. For more information please call Sue Greenhagen at (315) 684-3418.
On Monday June 15 at 7:30 pm the Town of Madison Historical Society welcomes Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz who will present “CNY Hops, Birth, Death and Re-birth.” The talk will share the history of Central New York Hops, how they started their dizzying heights, their long fall and their recent return to prominence. For more information please call 315-893-7910.
On Thursday June 18 from 6 pm to 8 pm the Friends of Lorenzo will host their annual Garden Gala on the grounds of the Lorenzo State Historic Site. Since 1983 the friends of Lorenzo have underwritten the restoration and on-going maintenance of the Ellen Shipman designed garden at Lorenzo. To celebrate this space, join the Friends of Lorenzo Board for this horticulture themed gala. You could win a chance for a private catered dinner for eight in the formal garden. If you are not a member but would like to attend or for more information visit www.lorenzony.org or call Diane Voss at 315-655-3200, ext. 100.
On Friday June 19 from 6 pm to 7:15 pm the Onondaga County Historical Society will host a “Stroll Among the Spirits” at the Oakwood Cemetery. Tours run every 15 minutes leaving from the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel. Reservations are required. Tickets are $12 for Onondaga County Historical Association Members and $15 for non-members. For more information please call Karen at 428-1864 ext. 312.
On Saturday June 20 from 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm the Onondaga County Historical Society will host a “Stroll Among the Spirits” at the Oakwood Cemetery. Tours run every 15 minutes leaving from the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel. Reservations are required. Tickets are $12 for Onondaga County Historical Association Members and $15 for non-members. For more information please call Karen at 428-1864 ext. 312.
On Sunday June 21 from 9 am to 3 pm the Lorenzo State Historic Site will be hosting “EuroCar 2015.” Come and see European-manufactured automobiles from pre-war to present including MG, Alfa, BMW, Porsche, Austin-Healey, Fiat and Triumph. Music, food, and related vendors also featured. Sponsored by the MG Car Club of Central New York. Admission is free. For more information call (315) 655-3200 or visit www.mgcarclub.com/cny.
On Sunday June 21st from 10 am to 3:30 pm the Lorenzo State Historic Site will be hosting their annual Garden Art Show. Outdoor exhibition of paintings and sculpture installed throughout the formal garden and Dark Aisle arboretum. Beginning at 1 pm and continuing every 20 minutes guided tours of Lorenzo’s formal gardens will be offered (weather permitting). Sponsored by Cazenovia Arts. Admission is free. For more information call (315)558-8310 or visit www.lorenzony.org.
On Sunday June 21 from 12 pm to 5 pm the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will host its 30th annual Canalfest. The event will feature traditional family centered activities, programs, food, music, 19th century games, ventriloquists, musicians and a scavenger hunt. Model canal boat races on the lateral canal will run during the festival. Living history re-enactors demonstrating blacksmithing, boat building and repair and recreating typical 19th century canal life. The famous Chicken BBQ will be back as well as delicious pies, raffles, door prizes and more!!! For more information please visit www.clcbm.org.
On Sunday June 21 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm the Utica Landmarks Society will be hosting tours of #3 Rutger Mansion in Rutger Park in Utica. Tours start on the hour. For more information please visit www.uticalandmarks.org or call 315-732-7376.
On Sunday June 21 from 6 pm until 8 pm, the Town of Onondaga Historical Society will host their annual “Sunday Father’s Day Strawberry Social” on the front lawn of the Town Hall on Ball Road. There will be free strawberry shortcake for fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers as well festive music provided by Diamond Someday. For more information please call 315-214-2383 or email tohsociety@yahoo.com.
On Monday June 22 at 6 pm the Utica Landmarks Society will host a “Monday Nite Walk & Talk” at the St. Basil Melkite Church in Utica. A tour guide TBD will lead you on a tour of this historic church. The tour is free and open to the public. For more information please call Mike or Penny Bosak at 315-732-7376.
On Tuesday June 23 at 6 pm Canastota Canal Town Museum will host “Tuesdays on the Towpath.” Come and enjoy a 10 mile bike ride along the canal. All riders are welcome, helmets required. For more information please call 315-687-3801 or email info@clcbm.org.
On Monday June 29 at 6 pm the Utica Landmarks Society will host a “Monday Nite Walk & Talk” at the St. Clinton Burial Ground. Tour guide Dick Williams will tell the history of the site and the people housed in the cemetery. The tour is free and open to the public. For more information please call Mike or Penny Bosak at 315-732-7376.