Festival of Grapes 091312 by The Chautauqua Star

Festival of

Grapes

4 5 T H Y E A R C E L E B R AT I O N

PREVIEWS

Schedule of Events

2012 Pageant Winners

EDITION:

The History of Festival of Grapes

The History of Silver Creek

FOR THIS

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September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

45th Annual Festival of Grapes Schedule of Events The Festival of Grapes kicks off its opening ceremonies on Thursday, September 13, at 6 p.m. in the village park near the gazebo. The annual grape stomping follows the ceremonies. On Friday, September 14, the festival begins at noon and continues until dusk. On Saturday, it resumes at 9 a.m. and concludes on Sunday with the parade scheduled at 1 p.m. Arts and crafts, rides and concessions, and other events including wine tasting, a farmer’s market, amateur wine making and grape dessert contest will be happening throughout the festival weekend. Information and festival souvenir merchandise will be available at festival headquarters, located at the former Penny Saver building.

Thursday, Sept. 13 Anderson-Lee Library Book Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Opening Ceremony 6 p.m. (Gazebo)

Arts and Crafts 12 p.m.-Dusk

Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Invocation by Pastor Robert Sheldon of the First Baptist Church

Farmer’s Market 12-5 p.m.

Rides and Concessions 1-5 p.m.

Meet the Board Members and Royal Court Pageant Winners Baby Contest Winners Pentathlon Winners Grape Grower of the Year Grand Parade Marshall High School T-Shirt Design Winners Grape Pie Sale at the First United Church (until sold out) Grape Stomping 7 p.m. (Sponsored by Welch’s Grape Juice) Entertainment: Left of Center All Evening (acoustic band)

Wine Tasting Tent at the tennis court 4-8 p.m.

Wine/Beer Tent 12 p.m.

Amusement Rides and Concessions 5 p.m.

VFW Chicken Barbecue 12 p.m. (until sold out)

Wine/Beer Tent 5 p.m.

Wine Tasting Tent (tennis court) 12-5 p.m.

Grape Pie Sale 6 p.m.

Village Grand Parade 1 p.m.

United Angels Lunch/ Dinner 6 p.m. Fireman’s Hose Race (Jackson St.) 6 p.m. Entertainment: Widow Maker 6-9 p.m. (Gazebo) Entertainment: Black Widow 7:30-11 p.m. Wine/Beer Tent $5 Cover

Friday, Sept. 14

Saturday, Sept. 15

Anderson-Lee Library Book Sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Arts and Crafts 9 a.m.-Dusk Masonic Child ID 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Gazebo) Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Anderson-Lee Library Book Sale 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bucket of Junk Art Contest 10 a.m. Children’s Events and Free Grape Stomp 11 a.m. First Baptist Church Grape Dessert Entries (submit by) 11 a.m. Fireman’s Club

Amateur Wine Entries (submit by) 11 a.m. Fireman’s Club United Angels Youth Luncheon 11 a.m. Grape Pie Sale 11 a.m. (until sold out) Taste of Hanover 12-5 p.m. tennis court Wine and Beer Tent 12 p.m. Rides and Concessions 1-11 p.m. Crino’s Martial Arts Academy & Karate Connection Demonstration 1-2 p.m. (Gazebo)

Hula Hoop Contest (open to all ages) 2 p.m. (bring your hoop) Wine Tasting Tent (tennis court) 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Entertainment: Terry Buchwald as Elvis 6-9 p.m. (Gazebo) Entertainment: Caltrain 7:30-11:00 p.m. Wine/Beer Tent $5 Cover

Sunday, Sept. 16 Arts and Crafts 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Motorcycle show/ judging (N. Main St.) After the Parade Amusement Ride Specials: Fri.: 5-9 p.m. $15 Sat.: 1-5 p.m.; 5-9 p.m. $15 Sun.: 1-5 p.m. $15 Festival of Grapes Headquarters is located in the Ballpark Pavilion and will be open Thursday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 16. Festival merchandise, information and contest winners will be available at the pavilion. Events are subject to change pending weather and unforeseeable circumstances.

www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown) | September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C

Festival of Grapes Celebrates 45th Year Called “Longest Running, All-Volunteer Festival in NYS” credited with serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and after graduation from college, joined his brother Sam as an accountant in the firm of Schrantz and Crino. He went on to own and operate his own music stores, R.J. Crino Music in Dunkirk and Jamestown. Not only was Crino the initiator and first president of the Festival of Grapes but also he remained active for many years.

By Patricia Pihl Managing Editor

Richard J. “Dick” Crino was on a motorcycle ride through the countryside with his wife Sally, when the “vision” for the festival of Grapes came to him. He proposed the idea to the Silver Creek Jaycees, and the idea grew until the event was incorporated as a festival in 1968. It has continued as a celebration every third weekend in September. According to 2012 committee member Lisa Romano, the Festival of Grapes is the longest consecutively run all volunteer festival in New York State. She credits the 17-member board for making the event a reality each year. “Our people make sure it happens; in 2009, when there was a flood we still succeeded in having the festival, and we did it after 9-11. We are doing it to support our local grape industry which supports our local economy.” Crino, who passed in February of 2011,

Festival of Grapes founder Richard “Dick”

was given a special tribute in the last year’s Festival Program. Residing in Silver Creek his entire life, he is also

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September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

Festival of Grapes in Pictures Photos Courtesy of Joe Harvey

2010 Village Grand Parade

Festival of Grapes Pageant Contestants from 2007

www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown) | September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C

2012 Festival of Grapes Pageant Winners

2010 Grape Stomping

From left to right: Little Miss, Abigale Rice; Jr. Miss, Emma Rice; Miss Festival, Katelyn Whitford. All winners attend Silver Creek Central School.

September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

Silver Creek: A History Special to The Star The first settlers of what is now Silver Creek arrived here from Massachusetts with their families in 1803. They were Abel Cleveland, David Dickinson and John E. Howard. Dickinson purchased over six hundred acres from the Holland Land Company and settled on what is now Lake Ave. Both Cleveland and Dickinson had milling experience in New England so they built the first grist mill for grinding corn. The War of 1812, caused these two men to leave their settlement, leaving John E. Howard as the only settler. Silver Creek’s first developer was Oliver Lee; descendant of William Brewster of the Mayflower, veteran of the War of 1812 and co-owner of a mercantile business in

Oliver Lee, the first developer of Silver Creek (submitted photo)

Westfield. He arrived in Silver Creek in 1828, built a brick structure to house his business (formerly the Ludeman Block on the site that is presently Rite

Aid) and later bought John Howard’s 350 acres which included the waterfront. He built his home on Central Avenue in 1832, overlooking the lake. Lee made many improvements to the community (roadwork, bridges and buildings) and opened up a road to the lake (presently Jackson St). Around this time, he built a 150 ft. long pier with a 75 ft. long “L” shaped portion off Jackson St. He then added a warehouse and The Steamboat Hotel. This started the shipping industry in Silver Creek. It was also the Lee family that donated the land for the Village Park downtown. Name and Incorporation The original name of the Village of Silver Creek was FAYETTE. Former Village Historian Louis Pelletter found a partial, unidentified newspaper clipping that states, “… the other creek was named Silver Creek because in the smooth shale bed will be found varieties of ore bearing rock. Years of water constantly flowing over these particles, shining them in the process, gives a glowing silver appearance to the bed of the creek.” Oliver Lee was credited with spearheading the drive to name the village after the unusual creek. The name of the village was changed from Fayette to Silver Creek on February 14, 1826. The Village was incorporated on June 1, 1848 on the petition of Charles H. Lee and others. Noah

The Ward-Dickinson Dining Car, manufactured in 1938, is one of the few in the country that still retains much of its original shape, style and equipment. It was donated to the Village by Steve Pagano in 1992 (submitted photo)

D. Snow was the first president, as the mayors were called at that time. Abiatha Gates, Charles H. Lee, George W. Tew and Austin Clark were the first trustees. John Tilton was collector, John R. McDonald was clerk and Amos Dow was treasurer. Masonry in Silver Creek Hanover Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted at Forestville, February 5, 1824. The charter members included Luther Thwing, Ezra Puffer, Seth Snow, Albert H. Camp, and Warren Griswold. It was discontinued in 1828 but was re-chartered in 1849. Hanover Lodge still operates today and members continue to contribute to their community and the Chautauqua District. They are perennial winners of the Masonic golf tournament each year.  Big Black Walnut One of the most impressive parts of Silver Creek’s history is the famous Big Black Walnut Tree that once grew here. It was said to have been the biggest tree east of the

Rocky Mountains. The tree blew down in 1822, and remained there for three years. Then Luther Heaton, a local grocer, had a thirteen foot section cut from the tree and hollowed out to be used

for an addition to his store. The section measured about thirty-one feet in circumference and over ten feet in diameter. A man was said to have ridden through the tree on horseback. A floor was

laid and a roof was built on the tree section. The Black Walnut Tree could now seat twenty people. Soon two area businessmen purchased the tree and took it to Buffalo, via Lake Erie, to be exhibited. After running out of money they were forced to sell the tree. The new owners took it down the newly opened Erie Canal to New York City. The tree was sold and sold again and ended up in a museum in London where it was destroyed in a fire. The Black Walnut Tree stood near where Ward Ave. meets Route 20, and a monument made out of one of the Continued on page 8

www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown) | September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C

September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

SILVER CREEK: A HISTORY, cont’d from page 6 first millstones, now commemorating the spot, was placed there by the N.S.D.A.R. in 1928. The Burning of “The Washington” and the Sinking of the “Erie” During the summer of 1838, The Washington set out on her maiden voyage from Buffalo to Cleveland. At 2:00 am, a fire started in the boiler room of the ship. At the time the boat was about 3 miles off the shores of Silver Creek. People from the village saved several of the passengers, but an estimated 40 people were lost by burning or drowning. The day following the tragedy, a burial service was held in the orchard on the Oliver Lee estate. Survivors

stayed in Silver Creek, hoping for the bodies of relatives to wash ashore. On August 10, 1841, at eight in the evening, the steamship, Erie, was taking a load of about four hundred emigrants from Buffalo to Erie Pa. When the ship was only a few miles off the shore of Silver Creek a can of varnish ignited and the ship burst into flames. The captain immediately headed toward shore and while only about a mile from shore the ship went under. The next morning the shore was lined with over two hundred and fifty dead bodies of those who couldn’t make the swim. This incident is often considered the most tragic of the Lake

Erie disasters. The Grain Cleaning Industry The S. Howes Co. has been important in the development of the village. It started in 1864, when the first grain cleaning machinery shop began production with Alpheus and Norman Babcock in charge. The following year Simeon Howes became a partner and the firms name became known as Howes Babcock and Company, and in the same year they made and sold 200 machines. Later, Albert Horton joined and soon sold his interest to Carlos Ewell but by 1888, Simeon Howes became sole proprietor and the company still bears his name today. At one time

eighty percent of all the grain cleaning machinery was being manufactured in Silver Creek. Skew Arch Silver Creek’s famous Skew Arch located over Jackson St. is similar to only one other in the world. A skew arch differs from a regular arch in that the outside angles are parallel but not at right angles. The arch, built in 1869, was designed by a Frenchman who was deaf and dumb. A beautiful rendition of the builders art, a structure that any lover of quality masonry will admire. Train Wreck In 1886, an eastbound train was traveling to Niagara Falls. Orders called for the train to pass a westbound freight at Silver Creek. The engineer went through the station without stopping. As a result, the two trains rammed head-on around

An early 20th century postcard of the Skewed Arch in Silver Creek (Submitted Photo)

a sharp curve. The baggage car completely telescoped the smoking car. Twenty men were killed. Fortunately, in 1886 women did not ride in smoking cars. The engineer and conductor were indicted for manslaughter for countermanding the dispatchers orders. The Fire of 1921 The most disastrous fire in village history occurred in 1921. Firecrackers started the blaze which destroyed the Methodist Church, the Park Ave. Hotel, the trolley station, the grand-

stand of the ball park and other buildings on the west side of Main St. The Silver Creek Fire Department is a centerpiece of the community and also maintains a fantastic lakeside training and recreation facility. Equipped with the most up to date and modern equipment this Fire Department second to none in the county. Howard “Bob” Ehmke Silver Creek’s most famous resident is Howard

Continued on page 9

Fall Foliage Train Rides Enjoy 2 hour scenic train ride along the historic Erie Canal between Medina and Lockport

October 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20 & 24

The Village Park in 1878 (Submitted photo)

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www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown) | September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C

SILVER CREEK: A HISTORY, cont’d from page 8

Silver Creek native and professional baseball player Howard “Bob” Ehmke (Submitted Photo)

‘Bob’ Ehmke. He was the surprise starter and pitching hero of the 1929 World Series. This heartwarming story of Connie Mack agreeing to start aging pitcher Howard “Bob” Ehmke in the first game of the 1929 World Series after Ehmke said, “Mr. Mack, there is one great game left in this old arm.” And sure enough, there was. Ehmke struck out thirteen Fest Insert Ad_Layout ofGrape the Chicago Cubs for 1

rie

4 in

the Philadelphia Athletics in the first game. This stood as the World Series record until 1953. Just a tidbit for your information another thing that Bob Ehmke did that will live forever in baseball history; he gave up the first homer on his way to 60 to Babe Ruth on April 15th 1927. Grape Festival The Festival of Grapes is always the third week9/4/12 2:33 PM Page 1

end of September and features a ride midway, food vendors, wine tent, children’s and adult events, live music, craft fair, grape stomping and a grand parade that begins on Sunday at 1 p.m. in downtown Silver Creek. The grape stomping contest inspired by Chautauqua County’s most famous personage Lucille Ball, is always the highlight of the weekend. So whether it’s for the special occasions or the beauty that this unique community offers every day come and spend some time. Reference: New York Roots.org, History at Rays Place – Chautauqua, Chautauqua County History, Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society, Chautauqua County Photos

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September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

Fruits of Labor Popularity of Local Wine Making Reflects Cultural Shift By Patricia Pihl Managing Editor

The aroma of grapes wafting though the air is a familiar fall experience in Northern Chautauqua County, a clear indication that the annual ritual of harvesting and pressing the region’s bounty is underway. Unlike years past, however, the industry has adapted to a changing American palette that increasingly chooses wine as its alcoholic beverage of choice. Wine lovers and home vintners are also increasingly knowledgeable about the ever-growing varieties and hybrids used for their beverage of choice. Rick Walker of Walkers Fruit Farms, whose family owns and operates 80 acres in Forestville, has been in business since the 1950’s but began processing common

varieties like Concord and Niagara for juice in the early 1970s. “People have become much more educated on wine. At one time it was either beer or wine, now (wine) is the most drank alcoholic beverage in the U.S. In some states, he says wine is sold in grocery stores - one reason, he says, it may be increasing in popularity. In the 70s and 80s, wine making was more of ethnic tradition- with most of the wine drinkers being either Italian or Portuguese, who, according to Walker, would make 200 gallons in 50 gallon barrels- which would often turn to vinegar before half the barrel was finished. Today, Walker sells very few barrels. Instead, he says the amateur vintner “may make 200 gallons, but he’s making 18 differ-

Rick Walker stands next to five-gallon juice containers ready for shipment to home wine makers.

ent varieties in 5 gallon carboys…where the ethnic way was to make a red and a white, and

that’s about it. “ Walker says there are currently 10,000 home wine makers on his

mailing list. Some receive their juice via UPS. No longer a vanilla-chocolate choice, popular reds include Baco Noir, Foch, Rougeon, Chambourcin, Douchon and among the favored whites are Seyval, Vidal, Triminette, and Cayuga. “Now with the ease of five gallon glass carboys, the siphon tubes, the bottles and other options, it’s a lot easier to make better wines,” Walker says. Although it sells only 10% of its juice to home wine makers, Walkers is a wealth of information on the wine making process, offering step by step brochures, and when in doubt, questions can always be directed to Rick. Walkers also has a wine tasting room, so prospective winemakers can get a better handle on the varieties and flavors

that appeal to them. In addition, when winemakers buy the juice rather than use fruit to make wine, many of the steps and guesswork has been taken out of the process. Details such as sugar tests, adding peptic enzymes to prevent cloudiness, or heating red grapes to get the color out are all details that they no longer have to worry about. “It’s a little bit different taking our juice and fermenting it, than using fruit. We’ve done a lot of the steps for you.” Home wine makers also have the flexibility to tweak flavors and sweetness beyond what the commercial wineries can produce. Walker explains, “If you go to a winery and they are making Cayuga White and its dry- and you like the flavor of Cayuga White, but you’d like it to taste sweeter, you - the home winemaker can sweeten it up.” Walkers has been pressing grapes since August 15- a little earlier due to the warmer than usual spring and summer, and will continue until the middle of October. The business will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from September 20 until October 28, going half days in November. Walkers Fruit Farm is located on Route 39 in Forestville. For more information on home wine making, visit walkers at www.walkersfruitbasket.com or call 716-679-1292.

www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown) | September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C

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September 13, 2012 Edition – Festival of Grapes – C | www.StarNewsDaily.com • 366.9200 (Dunkirk/Fredonia) • 338.0030 (Jamestown)

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