The April snow storm kept some away from the Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 Annual Show & Tell but there were several hardy souls in attendance. The purpose of the event was to bring in an item or two of historical significance and tell why it was special to you.
Bob Muzzy began with showing the group a metal cheese stencil from the East Pittsford Cheese Factory from the 1800’s. Later the name was changed to The Cheese Factory. The stencil was used to mark the boxes that the cheeses were transported in. Each cheese making operation had it’s own unique design. The property where The Cheese Factory was located had been in his wife’s family until it was sold. She has had the sign since then and proudly hangs it on the fireplace. All agreed that the CHS needs to add cheese making to the list of industries.
Remember some of the snowstorms this winter? David Sargent shared pictures from 1957 that showed the extremely high snow amount on the driveway leading to his farmhouse. The driveway was not plowed but there was a footpath through the hip-deep snow. Many in attendance recalled times of very deep snow and how anyone with a shovel would gather together to clear off roads. David then passed around a C-shaped or crescent moon shaped iron object. Some knew immediately what it was but the rest were left to offer guesses. David finally supplied the answer-an ox shoe! He had discovered it in 1980 while plowing a field. Those in the know remarked that it had been a very big ox. Since that time David has found one or two more ox shoes. Can you imagine shoeing an ox? Lastly, David shared his harmonica. Not an antique but demonstrates a long-standing love of music for many rural folk.
Time-keeping has evolved since the sun dial. Bruce Douglas had brought his grandfather’s pocket watch. It had belonged to his mother’s father, Harry Parks and was passed down through the family and is now a keepsake since wrist watches have replaced pocket watches. The watch is a South Bend watch and was made by a Columbus, OH watchmaker. Of special note is that it is gold-filled not gold-plated and features fine filigree and picture of a stag. To top it off, the watch still works and keeps perfect time.
A vintage ukulele was the choice of item for Molly Douglas. The soprano ukulele was made by the Martin Company in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s. A few could recall famous people who played the ukulele such as Arthur Godfrey and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Izzie). Godfrey had his radio and tv shows in the 1950’s while Izzie, known as “The Voice of Hawaii” made his career from 1976 to 1997. After some TLC by a local craftsperson the ukulele has wonderful rich sound. Since the evening’s group was small Molly didn’t invite them to do a sing-along. That will be provided at another time.
Recently, the CHS received a vintage postcard from a member of the Croyden (NH) Historical Society. She had found the postcard in a Brandon, VT antique shop and traced the statue to Chittenden. In looking at the postcard Bob Case was inspired to do some research on the names of the Civil War soldiers listed at the base of the statue. So far he has compiled a data base of grave sites. Around ten soldiers graves are listed in Chittenden and one is in Pittsford. He plans to do more research. This information will be a great resource for the historical society and may become the basis for a tour of cemeteries or a scavenger/trivia hunt.
