Ethnic Groups – Matthew Ballard

July 20, 2019

Wesendorf Hotel Served Fancher Community

Vol. 5, No. 28 This photograph shows the Wesendorf House that operated at Fancher. Although this photograph is not labeled, it is presumed that the image was taken in the…

Overlooked Orleans Businesses, Ethnic Groups, Orleans County, Town of Murray

October 12, 2018

Matthew Ballard

Story of Rev. Dykal Highlights Accomplishments of Polish Americans

Vol. 4, No. 41 October is Polish American Heritage Month, first celebrated in 1981 by the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia. It is an opportunity to call attention to…

Overlooked Orleans Ethnic Groups, Immigration, Orleans County, Religion, Village of Albion, Village of Medina

September 12, 2018

Matthew Ballard

The Angelus Bell

Vol. 4, No. 37 Some of the best local history stories are those that are rediscovered and built upon by each historian. While organizing a collection of newspaper clippings, I…

Overlooked Orleans Ethnic Groups, Immigration, Religion, Town of Albion, Town of Gaines, Village of Albion

August 18, 2018

Matthew Ballard

Gandy Dancers Provided Maintenance Services to Local Railroads

Vol. 4, No. 33 This rather interesting photograph shows five men working as part of a section gang along the Rome, Watertown, and Ogdensburg Railroad. It is believed that this…

Overlooked Orleans Ethnic Groups, Immigration, Orleans County, Railroads, Town of Kendall, Village of Holley

June 8, 2018

Matthew Ballard

Sacred Heart of Jesus Served Medina’s Polish Community for Nearly 100 Years

Vol. 4, No. 23 Shortly after starting my tenure as County Historian in 2015, I wrote a short piece about a photograph of Sacred Heart Church given to me by…

Overlooked Orleans Ethnic Groups, Immigration, Religion, Village of Medina