Life in the Finger Lakes Fall_Holiday 2001 by Fahy-Williams Publishing

Photo by Robert Kaussner

Fox Run Vineyards 670 Route 14, Penn Yan NY 14527 800-636-9786 • www.foxrunvineyards.com Open: daily Mon.-Sat. 10-6. Sun. 11-6 for tastings and sales. Tours on the hour, last tour leaves at 4 pm. Café serving gourmet soups, sandwiches and salads daily 11-5. 9th Annual Garlic Festival August 4 and 5, 2001 • 11-5 both days rain or shine Free admission. Garlic vendors, specialty food producers, cooking demonstrations, music and much more.

Seneca Shore Wine Cellars Route 14 and Davy Road, Penn Yan NY 14527 315-536-0882 • 800-588-VINO Open: Year ’round Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5 or by appt. Free tours and tastings. Enjoy the deck with rocking chairs overlooking Seneca Lake. Our awardwinning vineyards were started in 1979, and produce Gold Medal Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, and 11 other Vinifera varieties. We also have Great Value table wines, all set in a Medieval Theme. Come visit!

Anthony Road Wine Company 1225 Anthony Road, Penn Yan NY 14527 315-536-2182 • 800-559-2182 Fax: 315-536-5851 www.anthonyroadwine.com Open: Year ’round Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5 As growers and producers of fine wine, we invite you to share the pleasures of a beverage that is an everyday part of our lives.

Seneca Shore Wine Cellars Fox Run Vineyards Anthony Road Wine Co.

Torrey Ridge Winery

Prejean Winery 2634 Route 14, Penn Yan NY 14527 315-536-7524 • Fax: 315-536-7635 www.prejeanwinery.com Open: Year ’round May-Oct. Daily 10-5:30, Sun. 11-5:30 Nov.-Apr. Daily 10-5, Sun. 11-5 Taste premium estate grown wines in our spacious tasting room overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake. Picnic on our deck or grounds.

Prejean Winery

Torrey Ridge Winery 2770 State Route 14, Penn Yan NY 14527 315-536-1210 • Fax: 315-536-1239 www.meadery.com Open: June-Nov., Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 11:30-5:30 Dec.-May, Fri.-Mon. 12-5, Sat. 10-5 One of Seneca Lake’s newest and most modern wineries, Torrey Ridge is a destination you won’t want to miss. Taste a variety of premium wines while enjoying one of the lake’s most panoramic views. Gift shop, tours of winery and honey processing plant by appointment.

Volume I, Number 2 • Fall/Holiday 2001

F E A T U R E S

The Spooktacular Finger Lakes Merely curious to spine-tingling stories.

By Laurel C. Wemett

Derek Doeffinger: Welcoming Waterfalls

A fifteen year collection of exquisite photographs.

Whitetail Deer in New York

Nowhere in this state is the whitetall deer more evident and observable than right here in the Finger Lakes By Len Lisenbee

From Grapes to Wine

The tradition of winemaking in the Finger Lakes runs as deep as the lakes themselves.

By Joy Underhill. Photographs by Roger Soule

D E P A R T M E N T S

My own Words

4 5 8

Letters

Day Trip

Made in the Finger Lakes

That’s History

Stories of Yesteryear

52 53

Index of Advertisers

Off the Easel

Living Life

Newsbits Sport

Hit the Slopes! Downhill Skiing in the region A Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles Capturing the Spirit of the Finger Lakes in a Bottle The Village of Honeoye Falls; A Living History Wings Over Keuka

Calendar

Festivals and Events Tim Wells, Designer & Maker of Fine Furniture

S H O W C A S E S

Patriotism on display at the Canandaigua Boathouses. Photograph by Dorothy Kennedy Cover Photograph: A late fall scene from a local waterfall. Photograph by Derek Doeffinger

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14 15 41/54 47

Skaneateles Beckons! Shopping in the Finger Lakes Finger Lakes Wine Showcase Bed & Breakfast Showcase Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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M Y

O W N

W O R D S Editorial & Production Art Director/Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Stash Mark@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Editorial Assistance. . . . . . . . . . J. Kevin Fahy Production Assistance. . . . Bobbie Jo Trumbull Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duane Bombard

This photograph says it all. USA was seen off of Route 54, near Keuka Lake State Park, between Bluff Point and Branchport. Carol Stash

Gratitude

ow! What overwhelming support and positive feedback we’ve had since launching our premier issue of Life in the Finger Lakes. Your e-mails and notes are pure pleasure to read. Because of your letters, putting together this issue has been more fun than ever. A lot has happened in the world since our last issue. We now recognize how much we all took for granted. It’s hard not to take things for granted when we rush through life day after day to fit everything in. Just driving through our region in the fall can bring us back to reality – the intricate tapestry of colorful leaves on the hills, the clear crisp days with bright blue sky, seeing the fruits of the harvest at roadside stands — remind us why we live here. In this fall/holiday issue, our photographers and writers give you many reasons to give thanks for where we live. Waterfalls abound in our region, and to see them all you have to do is follow the stream far enough. Whitetail deer, though increasingly becoming a nuisance, are one of the animal kingdom’s most graceful and beautiful creatures. Grapes and wine are such an integral piece of the Finger Lakes puzzle, and we would like to share with you some of the knowledge

that goes into making a good bottle of wine. And of course, stories abound in our region of supernatural events that make for good storytelling. We’d like to introduce a brand new department in this issue, known as Newsbits. Contained within Newsbits are short, newsworthy narratives that affect our daily lives now and in the near future. Many people wonder what to do during the long winter months. Down hill skiing is an exciting sport to undertake, and we in New York State are blessed with the most ski resorts of any state in the nation. At least six major resorts are within the Finger Lakes region, not to mention others that are on the fringes of the area. The holidays bring their own brand of of sightseeing, and one of the unique things to see is the Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Go for a drive, and you can see everything from microbreweries to historic communities. Gratitude. In this season of Thanksgiving and holiday cheer, we give thanks for you, our readers, for our little corner of the world we call home, and for the country we live in.

Len Lisenbee Peggy Platonos Laura Turner Joy Underhill Laurel Wemett

Editorial Office . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458 Editorial Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-781-6820

Advertising & Circulation Advertising/Circulation director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Braden Tim@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Advertising Account Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Hagerman Jason@LifeintheFingerLakes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Spence Jessica@LifeintheFingerLakes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Kauder Rick@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tricia King Business Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-344-0559

Business Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-4263

Life in the Finger Lakes is published by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. and owned by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. Co-owners: Mark S. Stash; Timothy J. Braden. Copyright ©2001 by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. TO SUBSCRIBE, RENEW OR CHANGE ADDRESS: write to Life in the Finger Lakes, P.O. Box 1080, Geneva, New York 14456, or call 315789-0458. Subscription rates: $12.95 for one year. Outside U.S., add $10.00 per year. For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue of Life in the Finger Lakes. For gift subscriptions, include your own name and address as well as those of gift recipients.

Life in the Finger Lakes 171 Reed St. • P.O. Box 1080 Geneva, NY 14456 www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com Wayne

Monroe Ontario Livingston

Onondaga Seneca

Cayuga

Yates

Cortland

Steuben

Schuyler

Tompkins

Chemung

mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

Tioga

Serving the fourteen counties of the Finger Lakes Region

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Ashton Place and Spa Apartments have put together the widest range of prices, amenities, and service of any senior community in the Finger Lakes region. We offer prices ranging from $408 to $2900

(with all utilities included) Many amenities included some ala carte. • Daily Meals • 24-Hour Security • Transportation • Cable TV • Nursing Services • Activities • Elevators • Individual Heat and A/C • Large Gracious Lobbies • Front Door Intercom System • Shopping Very Close By • Clean & Bright Laundry Rooms • Laundry Service • Spring and Fall Cleaning • 24-Hour Emergency Call System

• Housekeeping • Room Service • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance • Full Kitchen and Bath • Libraries • Trips • Entertainment • Large Porches • Walk Areas • Picnic Areas • Arts and Crafts • Smoke and Sprinkler Systems • Some Patios and Balconies

Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic are only a few minutes away. We have a very friendly and courteous staff. Call or visit today.

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Clifton Springs, New York We serve a free lunch with every tour.

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Clifton Springs, New York Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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L E T T E R S

I just wanted to take a moment and congratulate you on the first issue of “Life in the Finger Lakes.” I was so impressed by the magazine that I immediately subscribed! I wish you great success and hope that the locals embrace this conception. I also wanted to let you know that each summer I teach a study skills course at Cayuga Community College for middle school students. When I first began this project (7 years ago) I knew that I needed a good theme to “catch” their attention because...let’s face it...who wants to think about school and studying in August! Well, I selected the theme of the “Finger Lakes” and it has been a big HIT. We have lots of fun and while they are employing study skills and learning strategies that will transfer to the classroom, I know they are having fun gaining facts and insights into one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Teresa Hoercher Cayuga Community College

Great Toy Adventure Open Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm Retailers of High Quality Toys for “Children of All Ages” Located at 4407 Jordan Rd. • Skaneateles Falls, NY Specializing in Wooden Trains, Blocks, and Architectural Block Sets. Carrying a full line of Educational Toys 2 1/2 miles north of Skaneateles

During the week call 315-685-6660

and Games. Quality European Infant Items.

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of your premier issue, and I am so thrilled! We love it, and have a list of family we will send gift subscriptions to for the holidays. My husband and I both grew up in the area, and our families are now scattered around the country. They will love the pictures and articles, and hopefully it will entice them to come home for visits! My neighbor happened to see the magazine on our table and was also interested, but I selfishly told him I need to take it with me on vacation next week, where we will be meeting some of our out-of-town family. Is there a chance he might also receive a copy of this issue? He and his wife have a boat on Cayuga Lake, and have just recently begun to really explore the area! Kate Parry, Camillus, NY

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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N E W S B I T S

Wide O pe n The Olympic Torch in the Finger Lakes A Geneva woman and dozens of her Finger Lakes neighbors will be ringing in the new year in special fashion this year: by carrying the Olympic torch. The torch will arrive December 30 in Syracuse from Utica. After an overnight stay in Syracuse, the torch will spend New Year's Eve traveling through Seneca Falls and Rochester, continuing on to Buffalo. The relay starts December 4, in Atlanta, and travels through 46 states before arriving in Salt Lake City on February 8 for the Opening Ceremony of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. An estimated 11,500 people nationwide will be participating in the relay. Like many of her torchbearer peers, Kerrie Frisinger, 25, of Geneva, was nominated last March through a collaborative program by the SLOC and Coca-Cola. The guidelines were to nominate a friend, relative or co-worker who embodies the Olympic spirit, although Frisinger bent the rules a bit. She nominated herself, explaining in her essay that she wanted to carry the torch in honor of her fiancé, Eric Roschick, a former distance runner who was killed in a car accident last February. Although limited to 100 words, her essay struck a chord and won her a place on the relay. For up-to-date information on the torch route or to see a complete list of regional and national torchbearers, visit www.saltlake2002.com or www. cocacola.com. (Continued on page 6)

SPACE

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ake it a day in the country. From fine furniture and gifts, fresh flowers and dried floral arrangements, to casually elegant luncheon dining, our shops offer a unique shopping experience. Talk a walk...feed the ducks or relax and enjoy the country. The Loomis Barn... Corn House Cafe.... Colonial Bouquets.. The Back Room.......

A complete selection of high quality home furnishings featuring country, traditional and American Traditional. Enjoy a lunch of seasonal homemade soups, specialty sandwiches and homebaked desserts. Featuring dried flowers and herbal arrangements, wreaths, garlands, fresh flowers and plants A shop within a store filled with unique accessories, gifts, and accent items.

Fully handicap accessible Cafe Hours Tues. - Sat. 11:30 - 2:30 • Sun. 12:00 - 3:00 • Closed Mon. Store Hours Tues. - Sat. 10:00 - 5:30 • Sun. 12:00 - 4:00 • Closed Mon. 4942 Loomis Road • Rushville, NY 14544 800-716-2276 • (716) 554-3154 www.loomiscountryshops.com Please call for directions.

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Design Dreams… Become Reality

N E W S B I T S

Holidays at the Granger Homestead Waterfront opportunity…

Canandaigua Lake Design/Build Specialist: One stop process from demolition through final design and construction. Professional approach from planning through Completion with Personal attention to detail. Ketmar Builds on the Firmest Foundation…TRUST

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The 2001 Festival of Trees at the Granger Homestead opens with a holiday splash at the Patron’s Preview Reception on Friday, November 9, 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The 1816 Granger Mansion at 295 North Main Street will feature a spectacular collection of over 150 holiday trees, wreaths, mantel and table top displays, and fabric holiday ornaments, all individually created for the event by businesses, individuals, and organizations from the Canandaigua area. The 2001 Festival of Trees is the sixth in a series of holiday events that has grown from about 36 entries and 600 visitors in 1996 to 150 entries and over 2300 visitors in 2000. The Festival will be open to the public from Saturday, November 10 through Sunday, December 2. Favorite decorative themes from the past years’ festivals have ranged from angels to livestock, from financial instruments to musical instruments, from recycled toys to recycled toilet paper rolls, from chili peppers to peppermint candies, and from girl scout cookies to cookie cutters. Unusual ornaments have included miniature motorcycles (Deck the Halls with Boughs of Harleys!), Amerks photos (Hockey in Rochester), Avon prod-

ucts, dog biscuits, and tea cups. Participants have included decorators, banks, scout troops, 4H Clubs, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, florists, church groups, master gardeners, and many creative individuals. Festival visitors will have an opportunity to bid on dozens of trees, wreaths, and other ornaments donated to the Granger Homestead through a silent auction. Bidding will close at 4:00 on Sunday, December 2. Visitors will also be asked to select their favorite entries in various categories for a People’s Choice contest, with winners announced after December 2. The Granger Homestead’s Gift Shop will be open through the Festival, heavily stocked with holiday items and local crafts. Live entertainment offered during the festival will include area musicians and music students lending their talents to put visitors in the proper holiday spirit.

Through the Camera's Eye: Portraits from the Stewart Photographic Collection Roger Soule 111 S. Monroe St. Watkins Glen, NY 14891 607-535-9109 www.SoulePhotography.com rosoule@hotmail.com 6

The Stewart sisters practiced portrait photography at their studio in Canandaigua for over 75 years, from 1908 to 1984. Their visually compelling and skillfully executed photographs of people, particularly of children, won them national and interna-

tional acclaim. This exhibit will explore their lives and photographic artwork through a selection of photographs from the Ontario County Historical Society collection. The photos will depict children, families, individuals, brides and wedding parties,

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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N E W S B I T S

Children’s Theatre And in the center ring...“Count Me In!” a funfilled interactive play with a circus theme presented by Strong Museum’s own Play-Along Players twice daily beginning Monday, November 5. Now, young children can enjoy live theatrical entertainment every day of the week at Strong Museum! Step right up and enjoy entertainment circus “acts” that engage children while teaching them valuable concepts related to numbers and sorting. Among the many dramatic activities: Watch the Amazing Bouncing Ball Extravaganza and learn about concepts of big, bigger, and biggest. When it’s time to feed the animals, the food seems to be all mixed up! Kids have to help decide what food to feed the bunny, the monkey, and the horse. And when it starts to “rain,” the children in the audience are asked to help the circus performer find just the right size umbrella. The “Count Me In!” performance is 20 minutes long (just right for little theatre goers!) Performances take place daily throughout the year and are included with regular museum admission fees. Performance times are Monday through Friday at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm; Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm; and Sunday at 1:00 and 3:00 pm.

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military service men and women, and school and business groups. Some unidentified photos will be displayed with hopes that visitors will be able to identify them. The Ontario County Historical Society is located at 55 North Main Street, in Canandaigua, NY. Hours are: Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday until 9 PM. Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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S P O R T

Hit the Slopes!

Downhill Skiing in the Finger Lakes By Peggy Platonos

ummer in the Finger Lakes is a time when the lakes themselves are the star recreational attraction for visitors and residents alike — both directly through such activities as swimming, sailing, fishing, boating, sightseeing, etc. and indirectly through tours of the vineyards and wineries that exist on the slopes surrounding the lakes solely due to the micro-climates created by the lakes. In the winter, ice fishing and ice sailing continue to draw some hardy souls to the lakes, but the primary recreational focus of the region shifts to the hills and mountains set a bit back from the lakes. It is there that a thriving ski industry exists. No one on the East Coast need travel to Colorado or Idaho to experience the exhilaration of downhill skiing or try their hand at the increasingly popular sport of snow-

boarding. New York can provide it all much closer to home. “There are more ski areas in the state of New York than in any other state in the country — fifty of them, in fact. New York is the hot spot of the skiing industry,” says Dirk Gouwens, Executive Director of Ski Areas of New York (SANY), a statewide (but not state-operated) association of all ski areas in the state, both public or private. In fact, New York state ranks fourth in the nation in terms of numbers of skier visits, according to Gouwens. The Finger Lakes region is home to six major ski resorts. Each of them offers a variety of trails and instructional opportunities geared to the full range of experience and expertise, from novice to expert. All allow snowboarding on their trails. All have mecha-

nized lifts for transporting skiers and snowboarders uphill. All have lighting on at least some of their slopes to permit night skiing. All have downhill ski and snowboarding equipment available for rental. And all have snowmaking capabilities on the majority of their trails. “If we had to rely on natural snow, we wouldn’t have nearly the number of ski areas operating and the seasons would be much shorter,” Gouwens explains, adding: “Certainly the ability to make snow has changed radically over the years. All the resorts are constantly upgrading their snowmaking equipment and techniques.” Yet each resort has its own unique character and flavor. And each, of course, has its own hours of operation. Here is a thumbnail sketch of the various Finger Lakes area ski resorts.

Bristol Mountain Ski Resort 5662 Route 64 Canandaigua, NY 14424-9382 Telephone: (716) 374-6000 Email: info@bristolmt.com Web site: http://www.bristolmountain. com

Downhill skiing is a popular family activity at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort. Jan Regan

Bristol Mountain Ski Resort bills itself as “the highest vertical of any resort between the Catskills and the Rockies.” It has a vertical drop of 1,200 feet, and its longest run is two miles in length. It was established in 1965 and is currently owned by Daniel Fuller. There are a total of 30 trails at Bristol Mountain, with 30% suitable for beginners, 50% classified as inter-

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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mediate level and 20% suitable for experts. The resort has snowmaking capabilities on approximately 98% of its trails, and lighting for night skiing on virtually all the trails. There is a special Terrain Park with bumps and jumps available to skiers and snowboarders alike. For the more daring, the resort also has a special Half-Pipe area set up. There is no cross country skiing at Bristol Mountain, and no snow tubing facilities. Lodging is available through Canandaigua Inn on the Lake, Econo Lodge, and Bristol Harbour The resort also manages a number of privately owned townhouses at the base of the slopes and rents them out. No camping area is available, and there are no RV hook-ups. There are, however, two heated lodges at the resort itself, each offering cafeteria-style dining and a place to relax and warm up. Daycare is available at Bristol Mountain from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children 18 months old through 12 years of age. The ski season at Bristol Mountain will open on Thanksgiving, November 22. However, the resort is unique in running lifts on weekends from mid-September through the end of October for those who wish to view the fall foliage from a new vantage point. The lifts run from 12 noon to 4 p.m., weekends only, during this period, and they run at a much slower speed than in the winter. A journey which, in ski season, would (on the high-speed quad lift installed two years ago) take a mere four minutes, takes a leisurely 20 minutes on the autumn runs. Visitors have to get off at the top, and then have the option of hiking down the slopes or returning via the lift. Early and late ski season hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. During peak season, the resort is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $23 to $40.

winter fun for everyone At Bristol Mountain, you’ll find 30 trails with something for everyone: perfect beginners slopes, enjoyable trails for more experienced skiers, challenging runs for experts, even a half-pipe for snowboarders. You’ll also find a high-speed detachable quad chair, trails as long as two miles, and the highest vertical rise between the Adirondacks/Catskill Region and the Rockies—all so you can spend more time skiing, less time waiting. While Bristol Mountain does offer night skiing, you will eventually have to rest up for another great day on the slopes. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with a number of nearby hotels and inns to offer a variety of affordable “Ski and Stay” packages that will complete your perfect ski holiday. To learn more, give us a call at (716) 374-6000 or send us an email: info@bristolmt.com.

(800) 228-2801

Econo Lodge

&STAY

thurs

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67 77

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frisat

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bristolharbour.com

69 $79

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• Family Owned & Operated • Overlooking Keuka Lake • Color Cable TV • Handicapped Accessible • Air-Conditioning • In-room Telephones • Modern Motel Units & Kitchenettes • Closest Motel to Keuka College

Colonial Motel Located in the Heart of the Finger Lakes

175 Lower West Lake Rd. Penn Yan, NY 14527

800-724-3008 315-536-3056

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Vineyards

Tour and Taste at Casa Larga Vineyards! Visit our two-story wine and gift shop and enjoy a sampling of our selected wines at the tasting bar. • Fine Wines • Tours & Tastings • Gifts and Baskets • Personalized Wine Labels • Wedding Receptions and Special Events Open Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6 Call ahead for tour hours and holiday and winter schedules

(716) 223-4210 2287 Turk Hill Rd. • Fairport, NY www.casalarga.com

Great Lakes. Finger Lakes. ®

— The Best of Both Worlds —

Holiday Traditions Dec. 9th • 12-5 pm

Come enjoy FREE admission, refreshments and entertainment

Historic Auburn, NY 877.343.0002

• • • • • • • •

Auburn Schine Theater Cayuga Museum Harriet Tubman Home Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center Seward House Sts. Peter & John Church Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum Willard Memorial Chapel CAYUGA COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM

For additional information on Cayuga County events, attractions and accommodations call:

1-800-499-9615 315-255-1658

Visit our web site at: www.tourcayuga.com

Toggenburg Ski & Snowboard Center PO Box 162, 1100 Toggenburg Road Fabius, NY 13063 Telephone: (315) 683-5842 Email: Skitog@earthlink.net Web site: http://www.skitog.com Founded in 1953 by the Hickey family, Toggenburg Ski & Snowboard Center enjoys the distinction of having been the first ski resort established in Central New York. The family still owns the resort, with the oldest son, Jim Hickey, currently serving as General Manager. Toggenburg has a vertical drop of 700 feet, and its longest run is 1 mile in length. It has 24 trails, with an additional trail soon to be added. Eight of the trails are novice level; eight are intermediate level; seven are advanced level; and there is currently one double diamond (extremely difficult) trail in existence with a second double diamond trail in development and expected to be completed in time to open this season. There is snowmaking capability on 95% of the trails, and about 97% of the trails have lights for night skiing. The resort has six mechanized lifts. Toggenburg prides itself on being the first ski resort in the area to allow snowboarders on the ski trails, and the first to develop a Terrain Park. It is also one of the few ski resorts in the region to have facilities for snow tubing, with four to six chutes available in its Snow Tubing Center (depending on snowfall) and one tow. There is no cross country skiing at Toggenburg, however; no lodging at the resort; no campground or RV hook-ups available. There is one cafeteria there, as well as a sports bar and restaurant. “We’re mostly geared to families,” says Office Manager Cyndy Sisto. “We try to do things that are fun for the family. We have special activities such as face painting, magic shows, bubble shows and special games for kids on

weekends.” Daycare is available for children aged 18 months and up Mon day through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The season at Toggenburg opens as soon after Thanksgiving as temperatures allow. Ski hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range in price from $20 to $33.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort 2000 NYS Route 392 Cortland, NY 13045-9541 Telephone: (607) 835-6111 or (800) 955-2SKI Email: greekpeak@lightlink.com Web site: http://www.greekpeak.net Greek Peak Mountain Resort has been in existence for about 45 years. It is owned by Peak Resorts, Inc., has a vertical drop of 950 feet, and its longest run is 1.5 miles in length. The 29 trails include 12 novice trails, eight intermediate trails and nine trails classified as difficult. There is also a separate teaching area, and a Terrain Park for skiers and snowboarders, with a Half Pipe set up as well. Greek Peak also has a special area for snow tubing with six chutes and a tow. The resort has snowmaking capabilities on approximately 83% of its downhill trails, and there is also lighting on 83% of the trails, making night skiing possible in those locations. Unlike most of the other ski resorts in the region, Greek Peak does offer cross country skiing opportunities, with 20 kilometers of trails available during the season. Overnight lodging in local hotels can be arranged through the resort, with “Ski and Stay” packages available at special rates. There are two cafeteria-style dining areas at Greek Peak, along with a pizza shop, a bar and lounge, and a pub-style restaurant. No campground or RV facilities are available.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Winter Sparkles in Cortland County at: Toggenburg Ski & Snowboard Center PO Box 162, 1100 Toggenburg Road Fabius, NY 13063 Telephone: (315) 683-5842 Email: Skitog@earthlink.net Web site: http://www.skitog.com Founded in 1953 by the Hickey family, Toggenburg Ski & Snowboard Center enjoys the distinction of having been the first ski resort established in Central New York. The family still owns the resort, with the oldest son, Jim Hickey, currently serving as General Manager. Toggenburg has a vertical drop of 700 feet, and its longest run is 1 mile in length. It has 24 trails, with an additional trail soon to be added. Eight of the trails are novice level; eight are intermediate level; seven are advanced level; and there is currently one double diamond (extremely difficult) trail in existence with a second double diamond trail in development and expected to be completed in time to open this season. There is snowmaking capability on 95% of the trails, and about 97% of the trails have lights for night skiing. The resort has six mechanized lifts. Toggenburg prides itself on being the first ski resort in the area to allow snowboarders on the ski trails, and the first to develop a Terrain Park. It is also one of the few ski resorts in the region to have facilities for snow tubing, with four to six chutes available in its Snow Tubing Center (depending on snowfall) and one tow. There is no cross country skiing at Toggenburg, however; no lodging at the resort; no campground or RV hook-ups available. There is one cafeteria there, as well as a sports bar and restaurant. “We’re mostly geared to families,” says Office Manager Cyndy Sisto. “We try to do things that are fun for the family. We have special activities such as face painting, magic shows, bubble shows and special games for kids on

Greek Peak Ski Resort More Fun…Less Hassle!

“More fun” is our pledge to you, and “Less Hassle” is what defines a great ski experience. Come get away from it all, share the excitement and exhilaration of the mountain adventure, spend precious moments with family and friends, and create loving memories that will last a lifetime – all within driving distance of your home. • Bladers & Snowboarders can enjoy the Halfpipe • Ski Terrain Park, Bumps & Glades for more variety and fun • Enjoy the Tubing Center right in the main base area • Ski & Stay 2 for 2 for 2 – starting at $109 (2 Nights, 2 Days Lift, 2 People) • Bring your friends on Monday Night 4 for $40 • Children’s Learning Center with Magic Carpet (Child-sized Cafeteria & Babysitting) • 4 Different Dining Options • Central Reservations System

What are you waiting for?

Call (800) 955-2SKI

Or visit our web-site at www.greekpeak.net

Come Ski Greek Peak!

Call Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau

(800) 859-2227 for more information

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Winter Sparkles in Cortland County at: weekends.” Daycare is available for children aged 18 months and up Mon day through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The season at Toggenburg opens as soon after Thanksgiving as tempera tures allow. Ski hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range in price from $20 to $33.

Labrador Mountain Ski Resort Nestled in the little town of Truxton approximately 12 miles north of Cortland this 250 acres consists of 22 slopes and trails with a vertical drop of 700 feet. This is a ski & snowboard center that you and your family cannot miss. This 2001-2002 Season brings new adventures to Labrador. Our facility has made vast capital improvements. An addition of a building, which will facilitate the children’s programs. Snowmaking face will be vastly increased with the addition of more snowmaking pipelines for our Razorback Hill and the purchase of more mount HKD snow guns, which provides us with a 95% snowmaking capability. For the extremist we have a 3,000-foot Snowboard Park with a 300-foot half-pipe and a pipe dragon to create those exciting walls that snowboarder’s love. We offer ski and snow board lessons for those of you that would love to learn or would like to just increase your skills. We also offer babysitting for children 18 months and older. “Hungry?” Visit one of our cafeterias located in 3 of our 4 base lodges, or for those of you that enjoy entertainment dine in our Puffin Bird Lounge, on weekends, and enjoy anywhere from a cup of Hot Chocolate or a cold beverage on tap while listening to our variety of live music. Don’t forget about the two live snow cams on our website (labradormtn.com) see the snow before you show. Whatever it is you enjoy in your winter season Labrador Mountain is sure to provide, and remember “SKI MORE AT LABRADOR”!

Call (607) 842-6204 • Web site: www.labradormtn.com

Call Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau

(800) 859-2227 for more information

A Simply Perfect Day Overlooking beautiful Skaneateles lake, The Sherwood Inn offers an exceptionally attractive setting for lunch or dinner in our tavern or dining room. Enjoy an overnight stay in one of our 23 antique-filled guest rooms. 315-685-3405

1-800-3-SHERWOOD

Fax 685-8983

Greek Peak Mountain Resort 2000 NYS Route 392 Cortland, NY 13045-9541 Telephone: (607) 835-6111 or (800) 955-2SKI Email: greekpeak@lightlink.com Web site: http://www.greekpeak.net Greek Peak Mountain Resort has been in existence for about 45 years. It is owned by Peak Resorts, Inc., has a vertical drop of 950 feet, and its lon gest run is 1.5 miles in length. The 29 trails include 12 novice trails, eight intermediate trails and nine trails clas sified as difficult. There is also a sepa rate teaching area, and a Terrain Park for skiers and snowboarders, with a Half Pipe set up as well. Greek Peak also has a special area for snow tubing with six chutes and a tow. The resort has snowmaking capabilities on approximately 83% of its downhill trails, and there is also lighting on 83% of the trails, making night skiing possi ble in those locations. Unlike most of the other ski resorts in the region, Greek Peak does offer cross country skiing opportunities, with 20 kilometers of trails available during the season. Overnight lodging in local hotels can be arranged through the resort, with “Ski and Stay” packages available at special rates. There are two cafete ria-style dining areas at Greek Peak, along with a pizza shop, a bar and lounge, and a pub-style restaurant. No campground or RV facilities are avail able. (Continued on page 52)

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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D A Y

T R I P

A Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles By Susan Dove, Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce

tep back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens’ Christmas as the merchants and Chamber of Com merce of Skaneateles give a gift to the public for their support throughout the year. Plan now and join the village of Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York, where President and Mrs. Clinton vacationed, for 12 magical days of a Victorian Christmas. The Celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve. From noon to 4 p.m. on each of those days, Charles Dickens and his cast of characters will

“...he knew how to keep Christmas well.” – Charles Dickens

interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores and restaurants. There will also be Christmas carol sing-alongs at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, free carriage rides around the lakeside village, free roasted chestnuts, free hot chocolate at BSB Bank and Trust and “storytime” with Mother Goose at First National Gifts. Children can even visit with Father Christmas each weekend day from

noon to 2 p.m. He will have special treats for the good children. As the winter season approaches, gather information on Dickens’ special events. These will include the honoring of a local hero, the lighting of the

Chris Smith and his son Jack Morooney, 2 1/2, of Brooklyn, NY, enjoy the music of the LaFayette Community Band that played for passersby at the Dickens’ Festival. Linda Bombard

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Skaneateles Beckons!

Hobbit Hollow Farm B & B

Imagine – Art for Environment

Our beautifully restored world away from the world is a haven of elegant luxury. Secluded rooms and private meadows allow for as much solitude as you desire. The 100-year-old Colonial Revival structure offers a spectacular view of Skaneateles Lake.

Please visit us to see…our collection of fine & handcrafted jewelry, timepieces, blown glass, amazing kaleidoscopes, jewelry boxes and other splendid gift items.

3061 West Lake Road • Skaneateles, NY 13152

8 East Genesee St • Skaneateles, NY 13152

Pomodoro

The perfect gift for the heart or home. • Williraye Studios • American Chestnut • Yankee Candle • Lang Companies 61 E. Genesee St. • Skaneateles, NY 13152 Phone: (877)-POMODORO

Aristocats & Dogs

The shop where pets are welcome. Accessories and gifts for cats, dogs and their owners too! 62 E. Genesee St. • Skaneateles, NY 13152 (315) 685-4849 • Fax (315) 685-4052

SKANEATELES, NY

Dickens’ Christmas Weekends: Thanksgiving-Christmas, Noon-4 pm Plus Friday after Thanksgiving

Step back in time and enjoy Christmas the old-fashioned way…

Westridge B & B

“Victorian Charm with a European Touch.” An 1896 Eastlake Victorian – elegantly quaint and comfortable. Overlooking nearby village, lake, & country sunsets. 3143 West Lake Road • Skaneateles, NY 13152 Phone and Fax: (315) 685-8054

A unique women’s boutique featuring comfortable contemporary clothing, footwear and accessories. We specialize in retail therapy and accessory enlightenment. 61 Albany St. Cazenovia, NY (315) 655-3377

32 W. Genesee St. Skaneateles, NY (315) 685-3272

• Visit with Father Christmas, Mother Goose and Scrooge • Sing along with our strolling Dickens characters • Enjoy musical events throughout the season, including special concert on Dec. 16 by Elizabeth Von Trapp. • Take a carriage ride through our beautiful village • Find the perfect gift in one of our unique shops • Taste a free roasted chestnut

For more information contact the:

SKANEATELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

315-685-0552

www.skaneateles.com

BSB Bank and Trust clock tower, a combined concert by the Skaneateles and LaFayette Community Bands, and a special performance by Elizabeth Von Trapp of the “Sound of Music Von Trapps” at the First Presbyterian Church on December 16th. Also, dancers, carolers, concerts and special events flow in and around the weekend celebrations, making for

Joyce Casale, Callie Moran, and Tracy Sullivan of Wrynkle in Tyme Productions wish the crowd a Merry Christmas as they pass by on a carriage ride provided by Darlene Barr of Barr’s Equine Limo Service. wonderful family memories. A live brass band plays every Saturday on the village streets; a bagpiper or two may be found entertaining on Sundays; and local musical groups share their many talents in that heartwarming Dickens’ spirit. And don’t forget to visit the unique area shops that will be open throughout the Dickens’ events. Enjoy a slower paced, more enjoyable atmosphere where shopping can still be fun. Our 60 plus shops and restaurants are the perfect addition to a holiday vacation. Make a day or a weekend of it! There is plenty to do in the area, and Skaneateles is conveniently located in Central New York on historic Route 20. We are just 25 minutes from Syracuse and an hour-and-a-half from Rochester. Visit our website, www. Skaneateles.com, or call (315) 6850552 for more information.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Shopping in the Finger Lakes Park Avenue Merchants Association

Peirce’s Antiques Gifts

and

A variety of gifts and home decor to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, we offer Christmas and garden decorations year ’round. 2 West Main St. • Clifton Springs, NY

The Christmas House The charm of an Old Fashioned Christmas awaits you… 361 Maple Avenue • Elmira, NY 14904 www.christmas-house.com (607) 734-9547

The Park Avenue Connection (716) 234-1909 www.park-avenue.org

Rochester’s premier preservation district. Indulge all your senses. An eclectic blend of merchants. Intimate bistros and sidewalk cafes. For rare treasures and beautiful gifts.

Enjoy Orchard-fresh Flavor All Year…

Sticks & Stitches Country Gift Shop Filled with unique home and kitchen hand-made accents, appliqued pot holders, kitchen towels, table runners, country valances. Delicious and delightfully packaged “Nutmeg Pantry” country kitchen mixes–muffins, cakes, cookies, hot chocolates and one-of-a-kind gift baskets. Handcrafted home decor accent pieces are also available. 3756 Oak Hill Road • Marietta, NY 13110-9731 www.sticksnstitches.com • (315) 696-5075

Lehigh Valley Wine & Liquor Company

Mailorder Today! or visit us at www.redjacketorchards.com 800-828-9410 • Geneva, NY

We carry a vast selection of Finger Lakes wines. Stop in and peruse our newly renovated store. Clifton Springs Plaza • Clifton Springs, NY 14432 (315) 462-3600

Golf

The Dutch Market

European groceries and gifts. Indonesian spices. St. Nicholas and other holiday specialties are available 257 Park Ave. • Rochester, NY 14607 (716) 271-6110

Dining...

Restaurants, reserve your ad space now for the Spring 2002 issue!

Marinas…

Reserve your ad space now for the Spring 2002 Issue! Call 800-344-0559

Our Specialties are pies, cookies, and sandwiches. We do catering too! Mention this ad and receive a FREE drink with your purchase. 14 East Main Street • Clifton Springs, NY 14432 (315) 462-7609 • (888) 462-7609

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~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Original Photograph by Roger Soule. Photo Illustration

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By Laurel C. Wemett

host stories abound up and down the hills and along the pathways and waterways of the Finger Lakes. Where the vapor clings to the valley on cold fall mornings and stars wink in the darkened windowpanes of both the stately and humble old homes, there are many tales to tell. Based on hearsay or eyewitness accounts, they range from merely curious to spinetingling stories of haunted buildings, spectral sightings, bizarre behavior, and spooky happenings. Here are a few to share.

Bertha Jane and Rose, A Pair of ‘Delightful’ Ghosts in Branchport When Vera Van Atta and her husband first saw a derelict 19th century house on a steep hill two and a half miles south of Branchport, NY in 1979, her husband said, “That’s straight out of Psycho!” He was, of course, referring to the eerie Bates Hotel in Hitchcock’s famed movie. But to Vera, the mansion overlooking Keuka Lake was “calling” to her to restore it as a bed and breakfast – which is exactly what the couple did over the next ten years. Sadly, Bruce Van Atta died shortly before it opened in 1989. Vera christened the inn 10,000 Delights, a fitting name for a variety of themed rooms, filled with art and antiques, which whimsically spill over onto the surrounding grounds. In addition to the

spectacular view of the lake, however, visitors may get a glimpse of something a bit more otherworldly. During the renovation, unusual happenings began to occur inside the 1850 Greek Revival mansion. The Van Attas evicted the 13 raccoons that lived there but they couldn’t evict the resident ghosts quite so easily. Vera believes the ghost of Bertha Jane Von Kamecke, who ran a hotel there called “Be-Ja-Vo-Ka” beginning in 1913, is still on the premises. A striking mural, painted by Bertha of the road along Keuka Lake as it looked in August 1913, still hangs over the fireplace. Vera says people have seen a woman in white in the hall upstairs, although she herself never sees her. “I just sort of get messages from her,” explains Vera, who describes Bertha Jane almost with affection, as a kindred spirit. “She was an intrepid lady for that particular time. She was an artist, who in the winter would go off to her studio in New York City or take a tramp steamer around the world. This was in the teens. Women didn’t really do that sort of thing then,” says Vera, herself an artist. “She did all kinds of things, made dolls, tapestries, and decorated places – everything that I have done, so I think that’s why she decided I was the one who was going to fix this place up,” says Vera. While Vera says she hasn’t actually seen her, Bertha Jane catches Vera’s attention in other ways. Vera would totally clean out a room and upon her Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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return the next day, she would find either one of Bertha Jane’s framed paintings hanging on the wall, or an unframed painting behind the door. When that happened three times she decided Bertha Jane was responsible and was trying to let Vera know that she was still there. When Vera started putting up other original art, it would be found thrown off the walls. Mirrors were found removed from their hanging spots, lying mysteriously unbroken in the middle of a room. Ultimately, Vera decided to perform a ceremony by lighting candles and addressing the ghostly intruder, saying “Bertha Jane, you’re the first artist in our hearts, but we have to have other art here to show how good you really are.” Bertha Jane left Vera to carry out the decorating. Another resident ghost is known simply as Rose. She appears to be about 18 years old and was seen in the bed and breakfast’s Yellow Rose Room by Twila Nitsch, Vera’s Native American friend. “She’s a sweet young girl and I like her very much,” says Vera quoting Twila, who is the Wolf Clan Mother of the Senecas. Rose impresses Vera’s guests by making sure the door of the Yellow Rose Room stays open. She likes the dolls there and has played a music box in the room. “I don’t think I’m psychic. I don’t see things, but I hear them,” says Vera. But recently Vera did see new evidence of her resident spirits. This past June guests from Syracuse who described themselves as ghost hunters stayed at her bed and breakfast seeking evidence of “paranormal occurrences.” They made a video in the darkened Yellow Rose Room. On the videotape Vera says she could actually see a white light “dancing” through the dolls and around the carriage wheels of the doll carriage. Vera says the light moved around the door – the door that Rose always opens. The Syracuse ghost hunters decided to mention their visit to “the haunted bed and breakfast” on their website. One wonders what Bertha Jane thinks about that?

The Lady in Granite at Lakeview Cemetery in Penn Yan

On a sunny day the winding roads and well-maintained

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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green lawns of the Lakeview Cemetery in Penn Yan appear serene and welcoming. There, shaded by the tall trees on the gently sloping hillsides, are the peaceful final resting spots of members of many local families. But are they really all peaceful? One particular tombstone has been considered by several generations of Penn Yanians to be haunted. Local librarian John Creamer says there are many variations of a story he heard as a young boy about a married couple, Matilda and Francis Gillette, who didn’t get along. When Matilda lay on her deathbed, her husband expressed to her his relief that he would soon be free of her influence. Matilda warned her spouse she would return to haunt him after her death. Did she carry through with her threat? The large dark

Read More Ghost Stories and Other Legends • The Fish Horn Alarm, J. Sheldon Fisher, Empire State Books, Interlaken, NY, 1994 • The Ghosts of Port Byron, Mary Ann Johnson, North Country Books, Inc., Utica, NY, 1987 • Ghosts Along the Erie, Mary Ann Johnson, North Country Books, Inc., Utica, NY, 1994 • Shadows of the Western Door, Mason Winfield, Western New York Wares, Buffalo, NY, 1997 • Forgotten Stories of the Finger Lakes, A. Glenn Rogers, Self-Published, Geneva, NY, 1953

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gray Gillette family tombstone over Matilda’s grave has long been the focus of scrutiny. On its smooth highly polished surface, appears a large white irregular shape thought to resemble the woman’s profile on her deathbed, or in her coffin. The legend says the stone was replaced several times, but each time, the image returned. John Creamer says he found no evidence of the stone’s replacement and was told the image was likely to be a flaw in the granite. The tale of a wife’s revenge is also hard to fathom if one considers that Matilda Gillette (1859-1936) actually outlived her husband, Francis Gillette (1850-1929) by seven years. Despite the contradictions and uncertainties, “The Lady in Granite,” as the tombstone has come to be known, will continue to gain notoriety with new generations of cemetery visitors, particularly around Halloween. Matilda Gillette is now featured on “A Walk Through Yates County History,”

Left: 10,000 Delights, near Branchport, NY, where the ghost of Bertha Jane Von Kamecke is reported to have been seen. Original Photograph by Lyle Conrad. Photo Illustration Above: Lady in Granite, Lakeview

Cemetery, Penn Yan. Dorothy Kennedy

offered in October by the Penn Yan Library and the Yates County Historical Society and Genealogical Society. Costumed interpreters invite the public to visit the cemetery focusing on people buried there who “left a mark on the county.” It would seem that Matilda Gillette has indeed left her mark and certainly achieved fame in death that she may never have realized in life.

The Wandering Woman in Hoop Skirts in Fishers Linked with the railroad era of the 19th century is a colorful story of romance, betrayal, heartbreak, derangement, and a ghost who walked the tracks. It is based on the lives of people around the hamlet of Fishers in the town of Victor and was related by Sheldon Fisher in his book of stories of country folk life titled The Fish Horn Alarm. The Auburn and Rochester Railroad was constructed through the hamlet of Fishers in 1838 as part of a cross-state railroad. At the turn of the century as many as 24 passenger trains and eight freight trains stopped each day at Fishers. Its tracks are now gone and few buildings remain that recall that busy railroad era. A woman named Eliza, whose maiden name is unknown, was born to modest wealth and grew up before the Civil War in the vicinity of the railroad. She fell in love and married a dashing man named O’Brien. Not long afterwards, however, he left Eliza, taking a good deal of her money. This treachery enraged Eliza and she set out to find her errant spouse, travelling from place to place but found no trace of him. Eliza’s anger so intensified that she even refused to ride trains because they were run by engineers who were men. She became knows as the “Wandering Woman in Hoop Skirts,” walking along the tracks between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse. Maggie Murphy Ransom, a Fishers resident, who related the story to Sheldon Fisher, remembered that when she was a school girl, Eliza would be waiting outside the school at recess to tell Maggie and other girls not to trust men. There were some families along the Auburn Road who would befriend the wandering woman, offering her lodging and food which she accepted, provided there were no men in the residence. Over time, railroaders began to fear her and where there was a train wreck they became suspicious that she had somehow caused it. Once a terrible head-on collision occurred after someone opened a main switch. Maggie said it happened just east of the station in Fishers. Was it Eliza who was seen on the tracks before it happened? There was no proof and she was never charged. Even after her death in 1893, railroaders said they continued to see her along the tracks, often at the time of near disasters. One incident at the turn of the century involved a train full of Irish immigrants headed west through Fishers. The headlight of the locomotive picked up the figure of a woman in hoopskirts who wouldn’t move even when the whistle was sounded. The engineer had no choice but to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting her. When he searched the track for the woman she was nowhere in sight, and to his horror the locomotive was perilously close to a washout at the Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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first culvert on the Irondequoit Creek. The apparition of Eliza may have saved the train and its passengers from a sure catastrophe. That was not the last sighting of Eliza O’Brien. Until the railroad line from Rochester to Canandaigua was closed permanently in about 1960, there were numerous times an old woman was seen on the tracks, often at times of the most bizarre mishaps. Author Fisher likes to speculate that she may be still walking, in the area of the trackbed, now used only by hikers.

Black Jenny and other tales from along the Erie Canal in Port Byron North of Auburn, in the village of Port Byron on the Owasco Lake Outlet, Mary Ann Johnson, a native daughter and longtime resident, has gathered numerous ghosts stories. Happenings along the Erie Canal, which closed in 1917 in Port Byron, are a fertile source of local myths, legends and folktales. Mary Ann says there was a tradition of storytellers who would travel and stop along the way at the canal towns, to provide an evening of entertainment for the local folk. At her father’s urging, Mary Ann began to write down these legends. A reporter at the Syracuse Herald, a family friend, came to Port Byron every year before Halloween and she would write a story for him. Today she has two books of eerie tales to her credit and she’s working on a third. The proceeds from their sales helped with the purchase of the house at Lock 52 for the local historical society and its restoration. “I believe that most of the ghosts reported in our area can be connected with some person who died there,” says Mary Ann. Her story of “The Last Indian: Black Jenny,” is based on the recollections of a local schoolteacher whose family knew Black Jenny. She was an Indian who hid out for a long time, perhaps during a conflict with white soldiers, and became separated from her people. For most of her life Black Jenny lived in a hut on Towpath Road not far from the double locks of the Erie Canal. She supported herself by doing laundry for people in Port Byron. Her Native customs and rituals, however, seemed mysterious and may have been misunderstood for witchcraft. She was very knowledgeable about the medicinal value of plants. On her door hung her “skull-medicine bundle” containing skeletal remains- the head and shoulders of a hawk, a human skull, an eagle’s claw and a deer’s tail, considered a symbol of bravery. Jenny also had a doll which she used as a sacred effigy. One night she was heard dancing around a blazing bon-fire while gazing at the doll’s face. The next morning when a

Above, small: Towpath Road, Port Byron, the site of a

number of frightening happenings, including the appearance of Black Jenny’s ghost. Laurel Wemett

Above, large: Was the ghost of Eliza O’Brien seen walking the railroad tracks of the area around Fishers? Original Photograph by Laurel Wemett. Photo Illustration

boatman was found dead under the canal bridge his death was linked to the old woman’s spell. The circumstances of Black Jenny’s own death are unknown. Mary Ann thinks that she may have drowned in the Erie Canal but she has no proof. Often at dusk or dawn people thought they saw her in a canoe gliding along the Owasco Outlet in Port Byron. After Black Jenny’s death there were also sightings of her ghost on the Towpath Road and outside her hut. This continued even after the hut was demolished, and just recently Mary Ann reports there have been inexplicable disturbances in the vicinity. The town of Port Byron has a number of haunted buildings, according to its resident ghost chronicler. In the 1940s Mary Ann used to baby sit for Dr. Rabourn’s family,

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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who lived in a stately red brick mansion on one of the main streets. Pictures fell off walls, knockings and even music were heard all through the house, but she says she never actually saw anything. When the Doctor went into the service during World War II, his wife invited her sister to stay with her. One night quite late, as the sister came upstairs, she saw a black derby hat flying airborne past her. A spectral figure dressed in black was seen on the stairway. Mary Ann believes it was one of the home’s owners who reportedly killed himself there in the 19th century. “The thing that’s really scary,” says Mary Ann, “is after he was seen years ago by Dr. Rabourn’s sister-in-law, in the 1970s the daughter of the home’s new owners and her girlfriend saw the same fellow upstairs in the hallway.” He was dressed in black and wearing a derby, just like the one seen a generation before in the hallway. In October 1984 Mary Ann went with teachers and students from the Port Byron Elementary School to the mansion to film a ghost story. Inexplicably, their batteryoperated camera stopped working and although replacement equipment operated, it captured some strange results. Voices on the tape were muffled and a strange noise was heard. Did something or someone not want certain rooms filmed? Among Port Byron’s ghost stories is one about a haunting

Right: Author Mary

Johnson at Lock 52 Historical Society of Port Byron. Laurel Wemett

Below: Spook Hill, Middlesex, Yates County. Dorothy Kennedy

in the local cemetery. When children were playing there they heard a voice coming from inside a vault. An old woman dressed all in black nearby said it was her late husband with whom she regularly conversed. The children were so frightened they ran home and when they returned brought their grandfather, who wanted to dispel their fears. Hiding together behind the vault they watched while the woman called out her husband’s name. Suddenly a voice from within answered, “yes” and the woman began to relate her daily problems. Again the children beat a hasty retreat from the cemetery while their grandfather, by now terror-stricken, was left alone as the old woman carried on her conversation with the afterlife.

Supernatural or Optical Illusion in Middlesex? Spook Hill is a dirt road east of Canandaigua Lake, located in Middlesex, an area noted for its spectacular hills and views. The legend that gave rise to the naming of Spook Hill (actually named Newell Road) is that cars and bicycles seem to be rolling up hill backwards. To see if a supernatural force is at work, many drivers put their cars in neutral on Spook Hill to experience their vehicle rolling backwards. About 25 years ago, a research scientist from the University of Rochester brought his measuring instruments to disprove the legend of Spook Hill and show that it was only and optical illusion. The illusion apparently is created by the contrast of the near level Spook Hill after a very steep climb. Local resident, Nick Mendola remembers when he took his five young children there many years ago in the family station wagon. The kids got out to watch the effect and all of a sudden a horse that had gotten loose with a chain dangling from around its neck charged the kids. The youngsters jumped quickly into the car, remembers Nick, without the usual arguing about who sat where. Their experience had nothing to do with the phenomena, except that his family was “spooked by the horse.” Laurel Wemett is a correspondent for the Daily Messenger newspaper in Canandaigua. She owns a gift shop named Cat’s in the Kitchen and lives in Canandaigua.

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Derek Doeffinger Welcoming Waterfalls

ach time, the falls looked different, even if I went back a year later on the same date. What most affected the appearance of a spot was the season. Not surprisingly, the winter gorge and the summer gorge differed most dramatically. Even without snow or ice, they were completely different, but not because of snow. It was the light and the lack of leaves. Surprisingly, though the days of winter are shorter and the sun lower in the sky, the winter gorge is brighter. 22

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Preceding Page, left: Winter waterfalls west of Seneca Lake. Preceding Spread: Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca. Top: Ice climbing at Tinker Falls, south of Syracuse. Bottom: A dramatic view of Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg. Right: Salmon Creek Falls, Ludlowville, during the cold and icy winter months.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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My obsession

with waterfalls began

raphy led to a job with Kodak as a writer/ pho-

with another obsession—photography. I took

tographer for how-to photo books. I always

pictures like some people chain-smoke. A cam-

needed new pictures, new subjects for the

era was always in my hands, and I was always

books. Eventually, the need for pictures led me

pressing the shutter button. I don’t think I’ll

to a waterfall. And then the need for waterfalls

psychoanalyze why. My obsession with photog-

led me to other waterfalls. Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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Top: Winter snows blanket the landscape around these falls south of Dresden. Bottom: Wiscoy Falls, town of Wiscoy. Right: Great Gully Falls, east side of Cayuga lake.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Waterfalls

and Gorges of the Finger Lakes

captured in the numerous photographs gracing

is an exquisite book by Derek Doeffinger, pub-

the pages. You can order this book from any

lished by McBooks Press in Ithaca, NY. It is the

bookstore or directly from McBooks Press, 120

result of years spent exploring the many water-

West State Street, Ithaca NY 14850. You can

ways of the Finger Lakes Region that contains

also order by calling toll-free 1-888-266-5711

these magnificent falls. Every season of the year is

or visit www.McBooks.com. Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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Whitetail Deer in New York By Len Lisenbee

t is virtually impossible to drive anywhere in most regions of New York State today during the late afternoon and early evening hours and not see several whitetail deer. They are everywhere, either feeding in farm fields, standing by tree lines, or crossing the roadway. They are our most common large mammal, and never more so than right now. The extent of their current population is enough to stagger the imagination. And nowhere in this state is the whitetail deer more evident and observable than right here in the Finger Lakes. The Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that New York’s current deer population exceeds one million animals. Other wildlife experts in a position to know consider that figure to be conservative, and place the actual population figure at closer to oneand-a-half million animals. Regardless, this state currently has the highest whitetail deer population in its history, and the overall number continues to grow with each passing year. But it wasn't always that way. Before the first European settlers arrived in what today is Virginia and Massachusetts, the whitetail deer was just one of many large forest dwellers. It is estimated that

the population then was between three-and-a-half and six million deer in all of North America. Their population was limited naturally by several factors, including hunting by Native Americans, predators such as wolves and cougars, as well as limited forest openings and a general lack of under-story growth (browse). Competition with other species for the limited grass in natural burn areas was another factor. The grass had to feed herds of bison and elk, as well as deer. The arrival of settlers changed all that, and a period of turmoil for the deer arrived. Clearings were carved out of virgin forests as farmers cleared land for crops. The whitetail deer was very adaptable, even back then, and soon learned to avoid humans while taking advantage of the new food supply they brought with them. The settlers took deer for their subsistence needs, and a “buck” skin

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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became the primary monetary unit of the entire frontier for well over a century. It was unregulated market hunting that almost sent the whitetail into the abyss of extinction. The first laws protecting deer and/or regulating deer hunting were not passed until late in the nineteenth century. By then the deer population had fallen to dramatic lows. It is estimated there were probably no more than 500,000 deer in all of America at the turn of the century, and sighting one or even finding fresh tracks became the talk of the town for weeks afterward. Several factors intertwined early in the 20th century to insure the survival of the whitetail. By the end of 1910 every state had a viable force of game wardens to fight illegal hunting. And, at around the same time, many of the small family farms that dotted the landscape were becoming

worn out, and could no longer support a family. They were abandoned to the natural forces that would eventually reclaim them to woodlands. In 1900 it was estimated that 95 percent of New York was cleared farmland. Today the state is more than 70 percent forested. That changing environment became ideal for whitetail survival. The whitetails responded accordingly. Limited sport hunting for bucks only returned in the 1930’s. By 1950 there was some limited doe hunting to control the herd size in certain areas, and wildlife management efforts of that day were admirably successful. By 1970 every part of New York except certain portions of the Adirondack Park area had healthy populations of whitetail deer. But a new trend began, probably sometime during the 1970’s. Parts of New York, as in the rest of America, were becoming more urbanized.

Left: A Whitetail Deer can leap high into the air to escape any danger. Bill Banaszewski Above: Deer bed

down to rest and digest their meals. C. Scott Sampson

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Above:

Whitetail fawns are capable of standing within hours of their birth. Bill Banaszewski

Above, Right:

A buck in pursuit of a doe during the mating season, known as the rut. C. Scott Sampson Below, Right: An excellent example of a Finger Lakes Whitetail buck during the prime of it’s life. Bill Banaszewski

Hunters had always been the primary tool used by biologists to keep the deer population under control. But years of conditioning hunters not to shoot does was hard to reverse as the need to remove female deer from the population became more urgent. And fewer hunters were going afield with each passing year. Older hunters began giving up sport hunting while youngsters were not being recruited in numbers sufficient to continue proper management controls. Once again, the deer responded. Their numbers began to mushroom in many areas as the population exploded. And that is what people driving along back roads throughout the Finger Lakes region see today. Lots of deer almost everywhere they might look. There are several hayfields in the valley just south of the village of Middlesex that, on any given evening, contain from 20 to 50 or more deer. And the entire area surrounding the Bristol Ski Resort contains similar high numbers of whitetails. The tremendous deer population isn’t unique to New York State. The national estimate on the

number of deer in the continental U.S. stands at 21 million animals. Virtually every state east of the Mississippi River is currently experiencing record high numbers of whitetails. But, with few exceptions, the dramatic increase in their population can best be observed right here in the Finger Lakes region.

To better understand

the whitetail deer situation in this area, it behooves us to learn more about the species itself. Fossil evidence indicates that the whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) evolved into its current form around 300,000 years ago. It survived the repeated glaciation of the North American continent, and thrived almost everywhere it found suitable habitat. Today it is a wide-spread species across America, having adapted to virtually every climate from sub-tropical Florida and the desert southwest to the more temperate east coast, and across most of southern Canada. The whitetail is, first and foremost, a survivor. It's keen sense of smell is probably its greatest

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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asset. A deer can smell potential danger at great distances, be it a predator or human, and long before that danger comes into view or can be heard. Their sense of hearing is also extremely acute. They con stantly flick their ears forward and back as they strive to pick up the slightest sounds that might alert them to danger lurking nearby. That is why, if it happens to be a windy or stormy day, there is little likelihood of seeing a deer grazing out in an open field where they are more vulnerable. There are great variations in the whitetail’s normal size. A typical mature buck in Maine will usually stand around 44 inches high at the shoulder, and often will weigh more than 250 pounds. An adult Keys whitetail buck in extreme southern Florida, on the other hand, might not stand more than 30 inches tall at the shoulder or tip the scales at 60 pounds. The average buck in the Finger Lakes area stands around 38 to 40 inches at the shoulder, and will weigh around 175 pounds. Does are somewhat smaller, and a large adult female may stand only 36 inches tall and weigh only around 130 pounds. The largest deer on record weighed an astonishing 425 pounds! Only whitetail bucks generally have antlers. The primary purpose for these two horn-like appendages on their heads is for fighting other bucks during the mating season or “rut.” Antlers begin growing in April, and reach full size and hardness by September. Then, during the entire rut period which may last from October to December, a buck seeks out as many does as he can find. If challenged by another buck over the rights to a doe, there might be a fight, with the victor usually winning the fair maiden. During January through March, the buck sheds its antlers and begins growing a new set within just a few weeks.

A doe becomes a breeding adult at the age of seven months. The following spring she will probably have a single fawn. After that, and for the rest of her breeding life, she will probably have twins if she is living in suitable habitat. If, however, she is living in ideal habitat, it is not uncommon for mature does to have triplets. And the opposite is also true, with does living under stressful conditions due to poor habitat or crowding by other deer more likely to have only a single fawn. Fawns are “dropped” anytime between late April and June. While they are wobbly-legged at first, the nourishing diet of their mother’s rich milk soon gives them the strength needed for survival. They can be seen traveling with momma at around three weeks of age. By the time they reach eight weeks, they are fully weaned and feeding on the same tender grasses and legumes that have sustained their species for eons.

Only whitetail bucks generally have antlers. The primary purpose for these two horn-like appendages on their heads is for fighting other bucks during the mating season, or “rut.”

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The White Deer of Seneca I

n central Seneca County there is an abandoned Army ordinance storage facility once known as the Seneca Army Depot. Its 11,000 acres are famous to wildlife lovers from around the world because it is the home of all-white whitetail deer. The current white deer population is estimated to be between 400 and 500 individual animals. They freely intermix and interbreed with a similar population of typically ‘brown’ colored deer also contained inside the security fence. The white deer of Seneca are not albinos. They have brown eyes and brown or black hooves. Many have varying amounts of brown hair showing on an otherwise white body, earning them the title of “piebald” deer. The most unusual aspect of this unique population, aside from their naturally white color, is that they are no different than the ‘normally’ colored brown deer seen roaming farm fields throughout New York! So how come some of the deer at Seneca are white? Scientists think it may be a kind of throwback from the glacial periods. It is

Photograph by Bill Banaszewski

scientifically assumed that, during the glacial periods, there were both white and brown deer. But due to the near constant snow cover, predators naturally selected against brown deer because they were more easily seen. Over several thousands of years, white became the dominant color of the species, genetically speaking. When the glaciers receded around 12,000 years ago the brown deer once again became the predominant coloration. White deer were reduced because they were now the easier seen by predators. But their genes still contained a dominant white chromosome. The isolation of the Seneca Army Depot deer population simply allowed the dominant genes to reassert themselves under the protection of strict hunting regulations that, for many years, prohibited the shooting of any white deer.

The unique

coloration of fawns, white spots on a tawny to brown background, along with the fact they are almost odorless, enhances their chances for survival. The white spots closely resemble splotches of sunlight on the ground. Their main predators, coyotes and free-roaming domestic dogs, find it very difficult to detect them even at extremely close ranges. I remember observing a fawn laying in a weed field while I was mowing, and I gave it a wide berth at the time. Some time later, while taking a water break, I saw a coyote come out of the woods, obviously on the hunt. It passed within five or six feet of the fawn, and never suspected the little critter was there. Adult deer undergo a coloration change twice each year as they shed their hair coats. One shed begins in the spring, and leaves them with a rich, reddish-brown color. The hair in this coat is both solid and thin, giving the animal a sleek, almost skinny, appearance. In the fall, a new hair coat begins to grow. The deer appear more grayish, with shades of brown mixed in. This hair is much thicker, and it is also hollow. The combination of thicker, hollow hair means the deer is then equipped with an excellent source of insulation against the winter cold. While it is true that whitetail deer are plentiful throughout the Finger Lakes region, their increased population is both a blessing and a bane. For those humans who enjoy seeing them feeding in fields, the opportunities to pursue their hobby are literally unlimited. In many cases they can park by the side of the road within just a few yards of feeding deer and, as long as they don’t make any sudden movements or loud noises, will probably be able to observe the critters to their heart's content. But too many deer also cause a lot of problems. Crop losses sustained by farmers are, in an increasing number of cases, severe. Deer are voracious eaters, and can quickly destroy whole crops in a field if enough of them are feeding there. Since their appetite for farm crops is so varied, including corn, soybeans, sunflowers, all types of hay, sorghum, tomatoes and even the tender young shoots of Christmas trees, it is readily apparent that too many deer can spell disaster for many area farmers. They don’t restrict their feeding to only farm crops, either. Expensive ornamental trees and shrubs planted around houses can also fall victim to their eating habits. Rose growers can be especially victimized as deer seem to relish the tender new shoots and flower buds on these otherwise thorn-covered plants. And the ever-popular arbor-

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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vitae doesn't stand a chance if deer are anywhere nearby. It seems to attract them much like sugar water attracts bees. Too many deer also adversely affects automobiles, literally. It is not uncommon for there to be a dozen auto-deer accidents on any given night during the fall months. And it isn’t just a case of cars running into deer, either. More than a few drivers have actually passed by deer only to have them suddenly turn and run right into the side of the vehicle. Regardless of why it happens, striking a deer with a car leaves a sickening feeling for anyone who happens to be involved in the accident. And after the accident comes the insurance claim. Auto insurance rates have been steadily climbing as the deer population increases. Those companies are paying more money in damages as a direct result of increased accident rates, and they are raising policy holder's rates just to keep ahead of the red ink these situations can cause them. As if that were not enough, there is a far more ominous problem to contend with. The whitetail

deer population has shown its greatest growth during the 1990’s, a decade during which western New York has experienced a series of relatively mild winters. And meteorologists are now predicting a return to more “normal” winters as the cyclic shifting of the climate swings back the other way. If the Finger Lakes region experiences a seriously cold winter with deep, crusted snows, our whitetail deer herds could be facing mass starvation. As long as the deer can travel to good food supplies, they will survive. But deep snows can cause them to “yard up,” or group together in a relatively small area. They can become trapped there if the snow levels do not recede. And, if the available food supply is used up and they cannot get to another source, they can easily starve to death. But for now, I suggest we accept the positive side of a large and very healthy deer herd. View them wherever they may be found, and enjoy the shear beauty of their grace and sleekness. Be careful not to startle them, but just enjoy one of the great wonders that nature has given us, and the Finger Lakes has put on display.

Top: A deer’s coat is a red/brown color during summer months. Bill Banaszewski

Below: Winter can be a difficult time of year for deer. Bill Banaszewski

The Dept. of Environmental Conservation estimates that New York's current deer population exceeds one million animals.

Len Lisenbee makes his home in Potter, and is a frequent contributor to Canandaigua’s newspaper, The Daily Messenger.

Other wildlife experts in a position to know consider that figure to be conservative, and place the actual population figure at closer to one-and-a-half million animals.

Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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From

Grapes to

Wine

The tradition of winemaking in the Finger Lakes runs as deep as the lakes themselves.

White or Red? Wine gets its color from the grape skins, not from the pulp.

To pick up color, the grape juice is left to mix

By Joy Underhill

with the skins after crushing. For blush or rosé wines, the skins are removed early so that only a pink color is ou may have heard about the Pink Catawba your grandmother sipped at Thanksgiving. Perhaps your first wine was Lake Niagara. But in the last 25 years, Finger Lakes wineries have undergone a quiet revolution to become respected members of the international wine community. Tucked among the rolling hillsides and panoramic farmland is a treasure worthy of acclaim. “The number of Finger Lakes wineries is changing every day,” says Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. “At last count, there were 79.” And these wineries are producing not only the old favorites. Vintners have learned how to grow French-American hybrids and European vinifera grapes commonly seen in the world-class vineyards

Left: Gewürztraminer grapes. Roger Soule Above: Photograph by Dorothy Kennedy.

of France and Germany. More and more, Finger Lakes wines are giving European wines a run for their money. Why Grapes Grow in the Finger Lakes “The wines are made in the vineyards,” says Ann Martini of Anthony Road Vineyards on Seneca Lake. “We can only work with what is grown.” And although grapevines are pretty tough, they need three things to survive: minerals, good drainage, and a moderate climate. Lucky for us, the Finger Lakes provide all three. The nuances in wine come from the mineral deposits found in the soil. When the glaciers that formed the Finger Lakes receded, they left behind salt beds, shells, and decayed organic material. As these substances broke down, they created two types of soil. The lower-elevation lakes – Seneca and

attained. For red wines, the skins are left longer.

In fact, you can produce a white wine from a red grape as long as you remove the skins soon after crushing

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A Primer of Wine Terminology Vinifera: A grape that is native to Europe, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. Hybrid: A grape that is typically a cross between vinifera varieties and disease-resistant American varieties. Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, Marechal Foch, and Vignoles are examples of hybrids commonly grown in the Finger Lakes. Labrusca: A grape variety native to America, such as Concord, Catawba, and Niagara. Labrusca grapes are often an ingredient in “jug wines” and are used to make sweeter wines, ports, and sherries. Residual sugar: The amount of sugar left in the wine after fermentation is halted. The higher the residual sugar, the sweeter the wine.

Above: The vineyards are influenced greatly by the lakes, such as this one at Glenora Farms on Seneca Lake. Roger Soule

Below: A close-up view of grape vines and the supporting posts and wire that keep the vines upright. Dorothy Kennedy. Cayuga – are surrounded by chalky, high-lime soil. Such soil is well suited for the vinifera grapes used in European winemaking. In the higher-altitude Finger Lakes – Keuka and Canandaigua – the soil is more acidic. Native American varieties – Concord,

Catawba, and Niagara – prefer acid soil, which may explain why the earliest vineyards developed around the smaller lakes. Regardless of the predominant soil type, Finger Lakes wineries are now home to all types of grapes. Nearly every winery makes wines to suit your taste, from very dry to very sweet. In German wine country, it is said that the best vineyards overlook water. This is certainly true in the Finger Lakes. And it is the lakes themselves that provide the other two elements needed to create outstanding grapes: drainage and moderate temperatures. Even the deeper Finger Lakes pro-

Noble rot (Botrytis): A type of mold that sometimes forms on grapes in late autumn. As the mold shrivels the grapes, it concentrates the sugar. Such grapes are used to make highly valued late harvest wines. Microclimate: The climate of the grapevine itself. The moderating influence of the Finger Lakes can cause significant differences in microclimate, depending upon where the grapes are located in relation to the lakes.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Types of Wines vide plenty of drainage for vines planted along the hillsides. But it is the depth of the Finger Lakes that provide the temperatures needed to grow finer grapes. The narrowness of the Finger Lakes means that they have relatively little surface area. Combine this with depths from 200 to 600 feet, and you find that the lakes act as gigantic heaters during the winter months. Seneca Lake rarely freezes and stays 37 degrees year round at a depth of 200 feet. That heat simply radiates to the surrounding land, keeping some vineyards 10 to 15 degrees warmer than land just a few miles further away. This heating effect also cushions the severity of spring and fall temperature fluctuations. Hot days in April and May are cooled by the water, which slows the growth of tender shoots that might be damaged by late spring frosts. In the fall, the lakes hold onto summer’s heat and extend the ripening season, sometimes into November. On all of the lakes, cold air masses tend to settle in valleys, keeping frosts from the hillsides used to grow grapes. These three factors – the soil, the drainage, and the moderating influence of deep lakes – make the Finger Lakes a prime location for growing some of the more delicate European vinifera grapes and French-American hybrids. The Pioneers of Winemaking When it comes to Finger Lakes winemaking, two names stand above the rest: Charles Fournier and Dr. Konstantin Frank. As luck would have it, these men collaborated to prove that vinifera grapes could be grown in the colder climate of the Finger Lakes. Charles Fournier spent his early years in France’s Champagne district. When he became Gold Seal’s winemaker on Keuka Lake in 1934, the Finger Lakes produced mainly native American grapes such as Catawba and Concord. Noticing the similarities between the white, lime-ridden soils of Champagne and those of Seneca Lake,

Fournier introduced French-American hybrids to the region in 1936, with much success. In 1953, Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant, was hired at Gold Seal to head up research. Frank had vast experience growing European grapes in the unforgiving cold of the Soviet Union. By 1962, Dr. Frank established his own winery and continued producing excellent wines, including unusual Russian varieties such as Rkatsiteli (which you can still taste today). In the early 1970’s Fournier planted the region’s largest vinifera vineyard on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. To this day, these vineyards still produce some of the region’s best white wines. In 1976, The Farm Winery Act made it economically feasible to operate small wineries in the Finger Lakes. Since that time, scores of wineries have sprung up around the Finger Lakes, each of which owes a debt to the early efforts of these two men. Without them, the Finger Lakes may not have reached the potential we see today – and will no doubt see in the future. Grafting of Grapevines Grapevines are grafted to make them more hardy and disease-resistant. Without grafting, grapevines worldwide would be threatened by a formidable enemy: the root-eating aphid known as phylloxera. Since phylloxera is an American insect, native grapevines developed a resistance to it. But European grapevines proved extremely vulnerable. In the mid-1800’s phylloxera devastated nearly every European vineyard. To combat this pest, American rootstocks were grafted onto European vines. The result – fine wines produced from strong vines – is the norm today. Look in the vineyards of France and the Finger Lakes and you’ll see grafted grapevines that resist disease. ( Continued on page 40) (See description of grapes on page 38)

Varietal wine: A wine that contains at least 75% of the grape listed on the label. Varietals can be made from any type of grapes: vinifera, hybrid, or labrusca. Blend: A wine made from two or more grape varieties. Sparkling wine: A wine made in the Champagne style of France. Since true Champagnes can only be made in the Champagne region, most bubbly wines of the Finger Lakes are labeled “sparkling.” Blush or rosé wine: A wine made by blending red and white wines or by picking up a light color from crushed red grapes. Such wines are pink in color. Late harvest wine: A dessert wine, often sold in half-bottles, and produced from sweeter grapes such as Vignoles. Ice wine: A wine made from grapes that are harvested after the first hard frost. The frozen grapes are pressed to make dessert wines. With any luck, the grapes used to make ice wines have been touched by noble rot, which will further enhance their flavor.

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The Grapes of the Finger Lakes lthough the Finger Lakes are home to many types of grapes, a few of the most popular varieties are featured below. Only by trying a few different wines will you develop a taste for your favorites. And don’t let anyone tell you that you must serve white wines with chicken and fish and red wines with beef! Some of the most interesting food and wine combinations come about through experimentation. As exotic as it sounds, try serving wine with dessert. Hearty red wines taste marvelous with rich chocolate. A sparkling or late harvest wine can bring out the best in fruit pies. For a special treat, dribble a little ice wine over slices of perfectly ripe cantaloupe.

Riesling Riesling, or Johannesburg Riesling, originates from Germany and the Alsace region of France. This crisp white wine is excellent for sipping and to enhance the flavors of fresh fruit, cheese, chicken, turkey, and fish dishes. Riesling’s floral, peachy taste can range from bone-dry to sweet.

Chardonnay Chardonnay is a vinifera grape grown in the Chablis, Champagne, and Burgundy regions of France. Chardonnays are often aged in oak barrels, giving them their characteristic buttery, nutty flavor. In the Finger Lakes, Chardonnays are commonly used to make sparkling wines. Chardonnays are usually less fruity than Rieslings and are a wonderful accompaniment to foods such as grilled chicken or pork, white pasta sauces, and appetizers.

Clockwise, Starting on Left: Cabernet Franc,

Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes. Roger Soule

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Gewürztraminer Gewürztraminer, pronounced “ge-VURTS-tra-ME-ner,” is a spicy wine with a rich, golden color. It is grown in Germany but its taste is quite distinct from Rieslings and Chardonnays. Its spiciness can stand up to foods with more intense flavors. Try it with Chinese or Thai food.

Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc, a vinifera grape grown in the Bordeaux region of France, is well suited to the Finger Lakes region. This red grape can be grown as consistently as Riesling in colder climates, making it an up-and-coming grape in the Finger Lakes. Cabernet Franc is full-bodied and hearty. Good food matches are red pasta sauces, red meats, lamb, and dark chocolate.

Pinot Noir Pinot Noir is a red vinifera grape found in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. Used to create red wines, it’s a main ingredient in Champagnes. Pinot Noirs are dry wines that are light in color and aged in oak. They are best served with pasta, tomato-flavored marinades, beef, and lamb.

Cayuga Cayuga is a French-American hybrid that was genetically engineered by Cornell for the Finger Lakes region. This grape thrives in colder climates and easily produces large and plentiful grapes. Cayuga is made into wine and is also used in blends. It makes a fine sipping wine and can be served with lighter faire and appetizers.

Vignoles Vignoles, formerly known as Ravat 51, is a hybrid between Pinto Noir and a Seibel hybrid. This grape yields small, compact clusters and may acquire noble rot, a mold praised in producing delicious late harvest wines. This sweet wine is a perfect match for desserts and has a complex, apricot flavor.

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How Grapes Become Wine Ever wonder what happens – what really happens – to make grapes into wine? It’s a pretty simple process. Natural sugar is found inside grapes. Yeast is found on grape skins. When you crush grapes to mix the two, the yeast begins to convert the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a process known as fermentation. Left to its own devices, the yeast would convert all of the sugar, resulting in a wine with an alcohol volume of about 15%. Just how much alcohol is produced – and how much residual sugar remains in the wine – depends on several factors, including when the winemaker stops the fermentation process. Dry wines contain very little, if any, residual sugar. Once fermentation is stopped, the wine is filtered to thoroughly to remove the yeast and clarify the wine. Then it may be stored in stainless steel vats, aged in oak barrels, or bottled, depending again upon the discretion of the winemaker. White wines are typically aged less than red wines, and red wines very often spend some time in oak to pick up some of the complex flavors that emerge from the wood itself. For more information about Finger Lakes wines and wineries, contact the New York Wine and Grape Foundation at (315) 5367442 or visit www.nywine.com.

Wine Naming Conventions In the United States, wines are most often named after the grape used to make them. A varietal wine contains at least 75% of the grape listed on the label. Varietals can be made from any type of grapes: vinifera, hybrid, or labrusca (see A Primer of Wine Terminology). Typical varietal wines would be Vignoles, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. A blend is a wine that is made from two or more grape varieties. Blends typically have names that describe the character of the wine, such as “Red Legend” or “Vintner’s White.” Rosés and blush wines can also be blends, although they’re often created by simply picking up a bit of color from red grape skins. New York state wine labels also indicate the region where the grapes were grown. For a wine to be a “Finger Lakes” wine, at least 85% of the wine must be made from grapes grown in the Finger Lakes. If a wine is labeled “New York State,” it means that the wine was produced from New York State grapes, but not necessarily those grown in the Finger Lakes. Now for the confusing part. French wines are named not for the grape they contain, but for the region in which they were produced. Photograph by Mark Stash Practically all French wines are a blend of several grape varieties. A Champagne originates from the Champagne region, but it could easily contain three or four grape varieties. In France, it is the region itself – Burgundy, Bordeaux, Chablis – that defines the character of the wine. And just to add to the complexity, every country has its own wine labeling standards! Take a Drive The best way to get to know Finger Lakes wines is to visit the wineries themselves. An autumn drive through the Finger Lakes is a pleasure not to be missed. And every major lake has a wine trail that sponsors regular wine-tasting events. Pick a day, pick a lake, and discover the delicious array of wines that awaits you. Joy Underhill is a wine afficionado who makes her home in Farmington, NY. Thank you to Jeff Morris of Glenora Farms for allowing the photographer, Roger Soule, to capture many exquisite images of grapes that are grown there.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Finger Lakes Wine Showcase 2000 Riesling

Chardonnay

This wine displays ripe and complex aromas suggestive of apricot, pear and lime. Rich and soft with a finely balanced finish.

A dry crisp wine that reflects this grape’s long history as the premier white wine grape of France.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

Fox Run Vineyards

Hammondsport, NY 14840

Penn Yan, NY 14527

Anthony Road Wine Company

(800)-320-0735 Email: FrankWines@aol.com

(800)-636-9786 www.foxrunvineyards.com

Johannisberg Riesling 2000 A delightfully fresh palate and a delicate bouquet of citrus, apple blossoms and honey.

Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-2182 (800)-559-2182

1999 Dry Riesling

1999 Reserve Chardonnay

2000 Semi-Dry Riesling

Crisp with aromas of lime and flavors of tropical fruit. 2001 Gold Medal San Francisco.

Barrel-fermented in new French and Hungarian Oak. European in styling. Smooth, rich wonderful fruit character.

Prejean Winery

King Ferry Winery

Delicate, yet complex, sweet yet crisp, this lively wine is fragrant, fruity and flowery. A good acidity balances the flavors and aromas of apricot, peach and mango.

Penn Yan, NY 14527

King Ferry, NY 13081

(800)-548-2216 www.prejeanwinery.com

(315) 364-5100 (800)-439-5271

Cabernet Franc Bright fruity flavors reminiscent of raspberries and currants are rounded out by a clean finish. This refreshing and lively red wine will accompany grilled foods, casseroles or pasta dishes with red sauces.

Glenora 2000 Riesling Natural acidity and lingering grape sugar are balanced in the fresh semi-sweet finish. Our Riesling is enjoyable by itself, as an aperitif or with a variety of foods.

Logan Ridge Estates Winery & Restaurant

Glenora Wine Cellars

Hector, NY 14891 (866) 546-6486

Dundee, NY 14837 (800)-243-5513

Knapp 1999 Cayuga Lake Chardonnay Non-oak fermentation makes this a light, fruity and uncomplicated wine. It is great for everyday sipping and a crowd pleaser that should make friends. Knapp Vineyards Winery & Restaurant Romulus, NY 14541 (607) 869-9271

Heron Hill Winery Hammondsport, NY 14840 (800)-441-4241 • (607) 868-4241 www.heronhill.com

Diamond 1999 Exhibits grapey, light mineral qualities while melon & spice blend nicely to add balance. Gold Medal. Torrey Ridge Winery Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-1210 torreyr@eznet.net

1999 Late harvest Sauvignon Blanc

Fiori Delle Stelle Vidal Ice Wine

Sweet and mellow, with hints of grapefruit. 6% sweetness. Limited. The only Sauvignon Blanc grown and produced in the Finger Lakes!

This beautiful dessert wine is perfect for the holidays. Made from 100% Vidal grapes, this wine is rich in color, aroma and flavor. A wonderful treat on a cold holiday night.

Nagy’s New Land Vineyards & Winery

Casa Larga Vineyards

Geneva, NY 14456

Fairport, NY 14450

(315) 585-4432 Fax (315)-585-9881

www.casalarga.com (716) 223-4210

FFaallll/ /HHoolli iddaayy 22000011 ~~ 4411

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M A D E

I N

T H E

F I N G E R

L A K E S

Capturing the Spirit of the Finger Lakes in a Bottle By Duane Bombard Photographs by Linda Bombard

n the spring, a man’s fancy The perception in underturns to thoughts of love, or standable. For years at the hand so the saying goes. In the fall, of Madison Avenue, beer has as the air turns colder, my been portrayed as the drink of the common man. You were thoughts turn inward, toward my loyal to your brand, which prostomach and the glow that a fine duced a single, mundane variety, beverage provides on a blustery whether you were in your underday when enough warmth shirt watching NASCAR or a doesn’t come from the sun. tuxedo watching opera…ok, We are blessed in the Finger maybe not opera but you get the Lakes to live in a region where idea. Wine, on the other hand, we take the fruits of the earth was the choice of sophisticates. and combine them with arts There were varieties for all occarefined over thousands of years sions, choices that brought out to render a drink that has the the character of different entrees power to quench the spirit and and the flavor of each season of elevate the soul. Because of our the year. Beer had evolved into proximity, I decided it was time the poor stepchild in the beverto take a journey to an establishage family. But the reputation is ment that makes these fine bevundeserved. Beer in all its glory erages. is a noble beverage with a long In autumn, winery tours and storied history. bring many tourists to the Finger Jeff Conuel– head brewer and Dan Mitchell – owner, of The grape has been elevated Lakes in search of picturesque the Ithaca Beer Company. to a lofty position and rightfully scenery, the colors of fall, and the tastes of the season. But I so. But rather than being lovingwas not headed for any of the ly produced from one fruit of the fine vineyards that dot the landscape around the lakes. vine, beer is the product of several products of the earth. Instead, I took the road less traveled and that made all the While the grape is the fruit that can render magical beveragdifference…I pointed myself toward the Ithaca Beer es, the hop is the flower with a similar power. In the right Company. hands, the finest hops and barley can be combined to produce a drink of limitless complexity and variety. Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. – Benjamin Franklin All other nations are drinking Ray Charles beer and we are drinking Barry Manilow. If you share the opinion that beer is a lower form of life on – Dave Barry the beverage evolutionary scale than the Finger Lakes’ bet Think of it this way; beer is like bread. Mass-produced ter-known libation, you are not alone. Mistaken, but not alone. American beer is like Wonder bread. And Wonder bread is

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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wonderful…when you are five. But the world is populated with myriad varieties of deliciously satisfying breads: ryes and wheats and pumpernickels. The same is now true for beer. Only a short time ago, you could look out over the beer horizon in this country and see nothing but an endless see of Wonder bread, mass-produced beer with a lot of marketing and little taste. The prevailing wisdom was that the American taste demanded light-colored and light-tasting beers. “No aftertaste,” they would proudly proclaim in the advertising. Is there anything that you ingest, besides water, where the lack of taste is an admirable trait? Just imagine…“Excuse me waiter, I insist on sending this meal back because it has entirely too much taste.” But in the 1980s a movement was afoot, driven by people that craved beer that had taste. Yikes, they even wanted a memory of that taste after they swallowed! And small breweries began to spring up around the country to answer the demand for beer in the traditions of our forefathers and to reawaken the American taste bud.

He was a wise man who invented beer. – Plato It is into this climate that two young, but wise, men came from different directions to form the Ithaca Beer Company and craft their family of distinctive beers—beers, as their label proudly proclaims, that embody “The Spirit of the Finger Lakes.” Dan Mitchell was tending bar after attending Cornell University with one thought in his mind—that he was meant to own his own business. He only had to look around to see the opportunity that was at arms length every night as he poured beer for the patrons. The idea began as a brewpub, but after fermenting for a while, it eventually evolved into an agreement

“For the most knowledgeable representation in real estate of the Finger Lakes” • Web at Senecayuga.com • Licensed real estate broker. • Comprehensive real estate sales serving the entire Seneca & Cayuga Lake Basins. • Member of Ithaca, Greater Rochester, Cayuga and Watkins Glen/Corning MLS.

Mel Russo, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

(315) 568-9404

e-mail: senecayuga@aol.com Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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with the Chicago Brewing Company to brew and bottle the first versions of Ithaca Beer. They began to enjoy some success, starting to occupy shelf space in nearby Tops and P&C stores. But something was missing, according to Mitchell. “Great in concept, but the downside was that it was brewed in Chicago. We took some heat for that.” And just as they became a presence on supermarket shelves, the Chicago Brewing Company went out of business. But as Ben Franklin has already taught us, God loves beer and perhaps He was looking down when the timing began to fall into place. “At the last minute, I found the equipment and had to buy it. It was the right time and the right stuff,” says Mitchell. And through it all, Ithaca remained the right place. “Ithaca, in the Finger Lakes region, is the highest per capita consumer of specialty beers. They equate drinkers of specialty beers with a 25 to 45 age range and upper middle class income. It’s also more alternative. You take those three combinations, and you’re explaining what Ithaca is all about. “I knew that if we had a facility here we could brew good beer.” Mitchell charged forward and in November of 1998, launched the genuine Ithaca beer, brewed lovingly in the town that gave it its name.

Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.

the Ithaca Beer Company through a passion for beer. A Masters degree in chemical engineering and a love of home brewing led him to a position in another beer company. But immersed in the business as he was, he was a long way from his dream. As fourth in line to the position of head brewer, he spent much of his time washing kegs and other tasks beneath his skill. With an eye toward moving up, he contacted Mitchell and found to his surprise that there was a head brewer position available. With Nabisco in a job just out of college, Conuel spent long days looking at big tanks of fake eggs. What he wanted was to spend his days looking at big tanks of beer. He had gotten his wish. He was staring at big tanks of Ithaca beer…his beer. It was the piece that Dan Mitchell had been looking for. “After about a month, I moved Jeff into taking over all the production, thinking that if I know that I’ve got beer—the quality of beer that I’m looking for—and I don’t have to worry about that end of it, then we can actually create a company and do what we’re trying to do.” And that was to brew some truly outstanding beer.

A GOOD beer is one that sells! You may think it sucks but if the market embraces it, so be it. Now a great beer or world class beer is another matter.... – Jim Busch of Anheuser Busch

– Kaiser Wilhelm “In the beginning, I was doing all the brewing, sales, everything,” says Mitchell. “I basically had my wife throwing in the malt bags while I was doing the mashing in and that clearly wasn’t going to work.” Obviously, to conquer the world, it was going to take more than a good woman. It was going to take a man who knew he liked beer more than eggs. Jeff Conuel, head brewer, came to

Great beer can spring from the most modest of surroundings. The building that houses Ithaca Beer would be easy to overlook if it weren’t for the Fresh Brew sign in the window. To a true beer lover, the sign beckons like the sirens to Ulysses. You would have to lash me to the steering wheel to keep me from the temptation. The surroundings might be humble, but the beer that it yields is far from it. The Ithaca family of beers consists of a

series of four year-round bottled beers and two seasonal ales. To give a little beverage perspective, ales are much like red wine—aromatic, full-bodied, and flavorful—while lagers are a bit like white wine. My first encounter with the products of the Ithaca Beer Company came on a summer evening on the shore of Canandaigua Lake. In the mood for a beer with enough fortitude to hold its own against a spicy dinner, I curiously ordered an Ithaca Pale Ale. What I found was a beer with a wonderful hoppy bitterness and a pleasant dryness that leaves your mouth craving another swallow. Their exquisite India Pale Ale (named Flower Power because people often confused I.P.A. to mean Ithaca Pale Ale) takes the hop aroma to a fabulous level. India Pale Ales came about when extra hops were added to English ales to preserve the beer on the long journey to the troops stationed in India. Flower Power is quite simply an outstanding ale using the full power of the hop in one of the finest IPAs you’ll ever have the pleasure to drink. Ithaca Beer’s most popular beer, accounting for almost half of all sales, is its Nut Brown Ale. While the Pale Ale derives its personality from the hops, Nut Brown gains its distinctive character from a mix of malts that hints of a taste akin to chocolate or coffee. Anniversary Stout promises to be a heartier cousin to the Nut Brown with even more robustness and body. Alas, because of its season, it wasn’t available for sampling. But it is yet another reason to look forward to fall in our Finger Lakes region. I’m generally a bit suspicious of amber ales. To too many companies, amber ale is merely an opportunity to color their uninteresting beer a pretty color in an effort to appeal to that demographic who thinks they want a specialty beer. Ithaca’s Amber Ale will have none of that. It starts with a mild bitterness that fades into a slightly sweet finish. It balances the flavor of hop and malt and

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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takes full advantage of both. And damn if it isn’t a pretty color, too. As suspicious as I am of ambers, I was more wary of a beer called Apricot Wheat. When last I looked at the recipe for beer, I was certain they mentioned neither wheat nor apricots. But again, I was happily surprised. Not as sweet as the name suggests with only a hint of fruit at the finish, it is a cheerful, effervescent beer. It rounds out the Ithaca family of ales with a choice perfectly suited to the summer months.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer. – Homer Simpson Once you realize the full potential and virtue of beer, you will go to great lengths to always have some at the ready. Fortunately, it isn’t necessary to go through a Homer-like odyssey to do so. Through their dedication to quality, Ithaca Beer is winning converts and continues to expand its presence throughout the Finger Lakes region. And for the moment, that is the extent of Mitchell’s ambition. “We could go into the Hudson Valley, we could talk to people in Ohio and Pennsylvania. But the farther out you go, the less attention you can give to your beer. And no one cares as much about the beer as we do. “In the Finger Lakes region, we can create a very good business.” It is a testament to the growing popularity of Ithaca Beer and good quality beer in general.

Good people drink good beer. – Old Celtic saying It is a bit of old Celtic wisdom. If its true, then you’ll leave the Ithaca Beer Company a much better person than when you arrived. Duane Bombard claims that beer is one of his favorite subjects, as you well can see. Duane and Linda live near Gorham, NY.

YAT E S COUNTY TOURISM

The First Rural Farm & Craft Market in New York State – Discover the Finger Lakes Countryside – Open every Saturday from the last Saturday in April to the third Saturday in December. Plus — Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day

OVER 250 VENDORS! Stroll through 3 main buildings. Discover the “Street of Shops” and open-air shopping for your enjoyment

• Farm Produce • Crafts • Collectibles • Pottery • Amish & Mennonite Goods • Tools • Baskets • Antiques • Food • Baked Goods • Chiropractic Service • ATM in office Motorcoach Tours Welcomed • Free Admission • Free Parking “Often Imitated, Never Duplicated.”

For Visitor Information Call: 1-800-868-YATES To Reach the Windmill Call: 315-536-3032 Rt. 14A, between Penn Yan & Dundee

Website: www.thewindmill.com • Email: windmill@linkny.com

Wintertime is when the fun begins at Wolcott Farms! Bring your family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors. • Scenic wooded horseback trail riding for the experienced or first-time riders all year long. • Horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides through the snow-laden woods, warm –up with a cup of hot chocolate in our heated lounge. • Cut-your-own Christmas Tree Farm with homemade crafts and food available. • Cross-country Skiing. • Snowmobile rentals with NY State Trail access. • Indoor Arena (62’ x 140’)with Riding/Driving Lessons all year long. • Gentle pony rides and Petting Zoo. • Bring the kids for a winter birthday party. • Reserve the Party Room for groups, organizations and friendly get togethers. • Quality Tennessee Walkers for sale, weanlings and up – other breeds available. All great family, trail riding and show horses. • Black Tobiano 16H.Stallion (Stud Fee $300) TWHBEA.SSHBEA.RHBEA

Great gift idea for Christmas, anniversaries and birthdays!

Sleigh Ride with dinner package. (B&B’s within 15 minute drive)

Gift certificates available for all activities

Wolcott Farms – 4 Seasons of Fun 3820 Hermitage Road, Warsaw, NY 14569 Pretty countryside drive that is easily accessible throughout the winter months. Visit our web site or call us for directions. 15 minutes from Letchworth State Park. Less than 60 minutes from Rochester

Phone/Fax 716-786-3504

Website: www.wolcottfarms.com E-mail: wolcottfarms@rjcom.net Craig & Tina Wolcott Owners

Reservations Required and All Major Credit Cards Accepted

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T H A T ’ S

H I S T O R Y

The Village of Honeoye Falls; A Living History By Laura M. Turner

The Seneca legend suggests, however, the injured won the battle, retelling the story pridefully to his Iroquois tribe. This sacred battleground became known as Honeoye, stemming from the Indian word, “Ha-Ne-AYah,” the place where “the little finger lies on the ground.”

“We of the Extended Lodge.” In their extended lodges, commonly known as long houses, the Seneca Indians established communities in their respective “nation” and quickly became known as “Guardians of the Western Door.” As a result, in 1677 an English explorer traveled through this “Western Door,” or what the Seneca’s called the “Totiakton Village,” just outside of what we now know as Honeoye Falls. The Englishman estimated that there were 1,000 Seneca Indians living in the Totiakton Village. Likewise, he noted the Indians called the falls of Honeoye Creek “Sko-sa-is-to” or “falls abounding from an obstruction.” He also documented that the Seneca Indians were living in long houses, had planted corn for harvesting and orchards to supply food for their families. According to the Village Historian Anne Bullock, the Seneca Indian Village was later destroyed by the French and Canadian Indian enemies during the early Colonial Wars. “After the Indians were gone,” says Anne, “there was nothing left but the land and the falls.”

Sacred Ground

Norton’s Mills

The covered bridge as it originally appeared. The bridge was first used to increase pedestrian commerce between the mills and later allowed the passing of the Canandaigua and the Niagara Falls branch of the New York Central Railroad. It was built in 1853. Photograph courtesy of The Honeoye Falls Historian’s Office.

rom the look on his opponent’s face, the Iroquois Warrior knew he had conquered. For a moment, he noticed his rival’s face had lost all expression entirely as he drew toward him. The warrior continued forward, eyes studying his prey as he watched him groping for cover. Shouldering his attacker, the young brave leapt behind the nearest sapling, throwing his hands around its thickened girth. Refusing the loss, the angry warrior—a huge man, his raw red forearms knotted with broad muscles—reached out with his powerful hand, sending a knife into the tree, severing the fifth finger of his foe and sending it to earth.

The Seneca Indians, the most numerous and warlike of the Iroquois Confederacy, were first known in the 1500’s as one of the “Five Nations” along with the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida and Onondaga (the sixth, Tuscorora, would be added later). They called themselves “Haudenosaunee,” or

The obstruction of “Sko-sa-is-to” was viewed as a means to develop industry by later settlers. The first known land owner was Captain Johathan Ball, a Connecticut man who purchased a large section of what was then still known as the Seneca Indian Village of “Totiakton.” In

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Bed & Breakfast Showcase

The Guion House B & B

Trimmer House B & B

This beautiful 1876 brick second empire home is located in the historic district of the village of Seneca Falls. Open year-round! Located near the Women’s Rights National Historic Park and Women’s Hall of Fame. 32 Cayuga St. • Seneca Falls, NY 13148 (315) 568-8129 • (800) 631-8919 www.flare.net/guionhouse

Escape to Victorian elegance. Located in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. Enjoy luxury suites, fireplaces, hot tub, gourmet breakfast. Mention code 213 to obtain a 10% discount from 12/1/01 to 4/1/02 (some restrictions apply)

Sutherland House B&B Inn

The Quiet Place Spend a night or two in peaceful rustic luxury. With a maximum occupancy of two, The Quiet Place offers complete privacy. One bedroom, living room, fireplace, kitchen, jacuzzi & bath.

1885 Renovated Victorian, Comfort & Charm 5 Romantic rooms, PB, TV, VCR Jacuzzi, Fireplaces, Full Breakfast www.sutherlandhouse.com 3179 State Rt. 21 South, Canandaigua NY (800) 396-0375

Wagener Estate B & B

Historic 1790’s homestead blends federal and Greek revival architectural styles and is situated on 4 1/2 acres with glimpses of Keuka Lake. Within walking distance to town. Private baths available. Wineries are nearby 351 Elm Street Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-4591 • www.wagenerestate.com

145 East Main Street, Penn Yan, New York (800) 968-8735 • www.trimmerhouse.com

(716) 657-4643 www.thequietplace.com

Acorn Inn B & B Step back to yesteryear, to the romantic charm and serenity of this historic, 1795 Federal Stagecoach Inn nestled in the beautiful Bristol Valley in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. 4508 Rt. 64 South • Canandaigua, NY 14424 (716) 229-2834 • (800) 245-4134

A Great Escape and So Close to Home… Gracious Country Inn overlooking 48 acres. Enjoy your own whirlpool bath, dinner by a crackling fire or relax with your favorite book. Gift Certificate available.

Riders’ Rest “Inclusive Couples Get-a-way” 800 sq. ft. Private, Artful Accommodation, Private Entrance, Porch w/SPA, Great Room w/ Fireplace, TV, VCR & Stereo, Bedroom, Bath, Equipped Kitchen, Walking Trails, & More… “A Heartfelt Place to Connect”

890 East Bethany Road • Wyoming, NY 14591 (716) 495-6800 • www.hillsideinn.com

6154 Rt. 53 North • Prattsburgh, NY 14873 (607) 522-6100

Hillside Inn

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1791after the Revolutionary War, he would move back to Connecticut selling his share of 1,820 acres of land to a fellow Connecticut gentleman and miller, Zebulon Norton, at the cost of 12.5 cents per acre—not a bad price, even then. When he purchased the land, Mr. Norton’s pursuit of happiness included using these powerful falls to build a Grist Mill, in effort to attract commerce to the area. His preparations went smoothly and at the age of 51, Mr. Norton erected a Grist Mill at the head of the falls, powered entirely by its water. A rugged man, Mr. Norton toiled early and late to succeed his work with a log cabin, located just southwest of the Grist Mill. By 1810 he had added a Red Sawmill to the left of the falls (later known, along with the Grist Mill as the “Upper Mills”) and a nearby block-house to his account, officially beginning a new area of settlement, “Norton’s Mills.” As the former Seneca Indian Village, Norton’s Mills began to flourish with settlers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Laboring after Mr. Norton, they built log cabins and survived with few amenities. Unfortunately, this simple record of Zebulon Norton’s life , like that of many other heroic New Englanders, can only estimate the year of his death as 1815. However, his patience and industry carried on as Norton’s Mills was now home to several carpenters, a general store, a school teacher, a doctor, early Jesuits and a Methodist Society to carry on his infectious and devoted energies. To document its growth Norton’s Mills was renamed “West Mendon.”

The Mills Of West Mendon Like many authentic buildings of its time, the first “Upper” Grist Mill built by Zebulon Norton lasted only four short years before it was claimed by fire. Henry Culver, an active build-

er, claimed the project. It was during this period of 1827-1837 that Culver constructed a new flour mill, using stone mined from a nearby quarry. This mill, which still stands on the same site, was connected to its sister, the original Red Saw Mill by covered bridge. After it was completed, Culver sold the Mill to Hiram Finch , a local miller. Hiram Finch reciprocated the fruits of their efforts in kind, by allegedly shipping a barrel of the Mill’s finest flour to Queen Victoria. The Queen was only one of the noted personalities who consumed the product originally ground in the “Upper Mill.” During more than a century of production, the Mill gained a reputation for its fine flour. Among its admirers was Brigham Young, who would later become the influential Mormon leader. In fact, in the mid1800’s, Brigham Young resided in the nearby Town of Mendon, operating a brick kiln and chair factory. He was known to frequent the general store by which flour from the Mill was sold. What has come to be affectionately known as the “Lower Mill,” was also built between the years of 1827-1837 by Hiram Finch. He, like Culver, also used stone from the quarry just north of Clover Street. The original building produced quality flour to satisfy de mand and stood on North Main Street, not far from its fellow “Upper Mills.” Although many have come to know the Mills as “bookends” of the Village, “I still prefer to think of the Mills as ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower,’” says Anne Bullock piously.

The Little Village That Could With the tap of his switch, the Post Master trekked a 28 mile route through the town of West Mendon in the early 1800’s via horse and covered wagon. And by 1822 the town of West Mendon had its first Post Office, on North Main Street. However, it was not until March 13,

1838 that a village government was formed and incorporated by New York State. The little village on the banks of Honeoye Creek finally assumed the name of its Native American heritage; Honeoye Falls. The Village boomed. Churches sprang up, adorning the town with white clapboard. First the United Methodist Church was established, followed by the First Presbyterian, St. John’s Episcopal and finally St. Paul of the Cross. And by 1879 a large Red Brick School was built and officially named “Honeoye Falls Union Free School.” It had been many years since his death, but Zebulon Norton’s dream had finally been fully realized. The newly formed Village was not without its problems, however. In the early days after its incorporation, the trustees of the village of Honeoye Falls would have to meet in various places, ranging from the brick schoolhouse to the post office. It was not until 1874 that the town officials were accommodated with permanent offices in the building at the foot of the falls. Just when it seemed that all was well, the Village Hall was burned to the ground in the “The Great Fire of 1885,” along with most of the buildings on the street. The building was replaced entirely by 1886 and the disaster was quickly overshadowed. By comparison, the newly updated building now contained a fire department, new village offices and an auditorium attracting movies, vaudeville acts and dances. “The outside of this historic building remains much the same as it did a century ago” says Anne of her current home away from home,.“Since President Grover Cleveland’s first term in the White House and through one hundred and fifteen years of service, the Village Hall has stood, proud and unchanged, signifying the constancy of this village with its friendly and community minded residents.”

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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S erving C entral N ew Y ork and the F ingerlakes R egion Village Veterans It seemed that things were functioning smoothly at the turn of the century as the population continued to swell and Honeoye Falls became completely self-sufficient, a village by which Zebulon Norton would be proud. The farms, Upper and Lower Mills and other industry were all healthy and fully operating, offering employment and opportunity…all the necessities of life. Three railroads (one of which was connected to the New York Central) were available for import and export, as well as means to local shopping, university and entertainment. However, as life progressed through the 1900’s the threat of war meant the possibility of living in two worlds for some of the local, budding businessmen. One of these young hopefuls was William Mantegna whose family began operating Mantegna Furniture in Honeoye Falls in the early 1900’s. Mr. Mantegna, now 83, was recognized for his served duty in WWII in the local paper “The Sentinel” last Memorial Day. Mr. Mantegna served in the United States Army from 1941-1946 as a member of the Corps of Engineers. “It was the only time I ever left Honeoye Falls since I came here at age 11,” Mr. Mantegna recalls. “I knew I would be returning home to run the family business and therefore would forfeit my pension for my work,” he said half-jokingly. Losing his pension was a welcome exchange for his life, as his dangerous apprenticeship was unusual for most makers of fine furniture. Cutting his craftsman’s teeth in the United States Army, Mr. Mantegna constructed all essential items from improvised or captured enemy materials to build POW camps for German and Italian prisoners. For his efforts, Mr. Mantegna was awarded the Bronze Star and was discharged from the United States Army as first lieu-

tenant, ready to re-assume his role as entrepreneur. Today you will find him repairing furniture and celebrating the centennial year of his family’s business on North Main Street, Honeoye Falls.

The Village Then and Now When asked how things have changed over the years, Mr. Mantegna says of the Village, “like everything else, with electronics and machinery life is better.” And a visit to the village will prove this to be true. Today, you can still see the Red Sawmill, which is now privately owned, but still contains the three foot cast iron flume used to power the turbine for the Norton machinery, in its basement. Likewise, the Upper Grist Mill stands as it did 100 years earlier, after being renovated in the 70’s and sold to the Town of Mendon. Similarly, like Mantegna Furniture, many of the local retail stores have been updated to meet the needs of the Millennium. One of these is the family owned Pride’s Hardware, which has operated from its original location since 1839. In like fashion, the Lower Mill has also undergone a face-lift. And in its modern day setting, now resides in the National Registry of Historic Places. These businesses continue to thrive, along with the addition of many new ones. The state of the fact remains, when you are in Honeoye Falls you can still take home a piece of the past while enjoying the present. Whether you are having your antique repaired at Mantegna Furniture, or are purchasing an antique or piece of art from Juniper Beans, the village is still reminiscent of its early heritage and continues to be what the historian has referred to for years as “the friendliest little Village in western New York.”

Residential • Commercial Investment Properties • Vacation Homes Specializing in Lakefront Properties Cayuga County MLS Onondaga County MLS Buyers Agency

315.258.9147 • Fax: 315.258.3194 E-mail: lakcountry@aol.com www.Lakehomes-USA.com www.Realtor.com/cayuga/lakecountry

Lake Country Real Estate 326 W. Genesee Street • Auburn, New York 13021

Laura M. Turner is a freelance writer and aspiring author living in Victor, NY. Fa l l / H o l i day 2 0 0 1 ~

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S T O R I E S

O F

Y E S T E R Y E A R

Wings Over Keuka By A. Glenn Rogers

This is the first installment of many to come of the writings of A. Glenn Rogers. Stories of Yesteryear will be a department dedicated to re-publishing the wonderful narratives from Forgotten Stories of the Finger Lakes, published in 1953. The accounts by Mr. Rogers will appear as they originally did to maintain the integrity of his work. Thank you to the Ontario County Historical Society, which has allowed us to publish these wonderful stories.

an’s conquest of the air has been one of the many great romantic feats of history and the story of aviation is known to virtually everyone. It is only natural when we think of Hammondsport, NY, we

think of aviation, for it was here that Glenn Curtiss made his greatest contributions to the art of flying. It was on a day in 1915 when a little group of men in boats clustered about a plane, tossing on the waves of Keuka Lake, just off Hammondsport. Months of experiments were about to be put to the test, and the undercurrent of eagerness and anticipation was felt by everyone. Finally, the pilot started the motor of the plane…the men in the boats pulled away from the craft and then sat watching with bated breath. Slowly the plane began to move through the choppy waves, faster and faster, until it was skipping from crest to crest. Then

Langley’s airplane in flight over Keuka Lake, 1915. Courtesy Curtiss Museum

as the watchers cheered, it slowly rose into the air until it had reached several hundred feet. As the men sat in the boats and watched, it disappeared into the northern sky. Minutes later it landed safely in the lake waters near Bluff Point, some 10 miles from the starting point. And still later, it was jubilantly towed back to Hammondsport. You might well voice the questions: “What was so wonderful about a plane flying from Hammondsport to Bluff Point in 1915? Hadn’t the Wright brothers flown at Kitty Hawk in 1903? Hadn’t Glenn Curtiss made many flights since 1908? What then was so wonderful? Well, you see, this particular plane had been built about 1901, some two years before the Wright brothers’ flight, and this was the first time it had ever been flown. That flight in 1913 vindicated a man who had been laughed at some 13 years before, and proved that his plane had been the first capable of flight. For it was Samuel Pierpont Langley, noted American scientist, who had built the plane. Shortly before 1900, Langley, then in his 60’s, had studied the principles of flight and in 1896 had built a steam-powered aircraft which had flown a half-mile and had stayed up a minute and a half. Being small, weighing but 26 pounds, it carried no pilot. Never before in the history of the world had any mechanism, however actuated, sustained itself in the air so long. At the turn of the century, Langley experimented with a larger model,

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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Seneca Lake Wineries Lamoreaux Landing 607-582-6011

New Land Vineyard

http://fingerlakes.net/lamoreaux/

315-585-4432 or 315-585-9844 Committed to producing premium quality varietals in the European tradition.

Glenora Wine Cellars 800-243-5513 www.glenora.com Experience the excellence of wines at the Cellar, accommodations at the Inn or cuisine at Veraisons Restaurant.

Cayuga Lake Wineries

built to carry a pilot. An attempt to catapult the plane off a barge in the Potomac River ended in failure when the craft plunged into the water. The ridicule which followed resulted in the withdrawal of government support which Langley needed. The Langley ship was placed in the Smithsonian Institute where it was to be exhibited for the next decade. Langley’s theories of flight were used to some extent by the Wright brothers and in later years, Glenn Curtiss himself acknowledged that his contributions to aviation were improvements on Langley’s data. Then, in 1914 Curtiss determined to prove the Langley plane was really capable of flying and so arrangements were made and the ship was brought from the Smithsonian to Hammondsport. Only two changes were made by Curtiss and his co-workers, neither of which altered the basic structure of the plane. The steam engine was replaced by a gasoline motor and adjustments were made in the tilt of the wings. Curtiss himself taxied the plane around the lake waters in testing, but for the long flight he picked one of his assistants, who had been with him for two years. As we have already seen, Langley’s theories of flight were substantiated and he received the rightful credit due. And the man who piloted this first airplane…the plane that antedated the Wright Brothers? He is living in Hammondsport today. He is Elwood Doherty, but in those infant days of flying he was better known as “Gink” Doherty. Mr. Doherty still vividly recalls that flight up the lake, a flight which has been overshadowed by the developments of the later years, but which proved for once and for all that it was an aged scientist from another century who had furnished the first wings for man’s flight into the heavens.

Cayuga Ridge Estates

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars offers an exciting range of international award-winning estate bottled wines.

Logan Ridge 866-546-6486 • 607-546-6600 www.loganridge.com The newest winery, restaurant and banquet facility in the Finger Lakes. Logan Ridge is a producer of quality varietal wines

Knapp Winery & Restaurant A unique combination of wine and food awaits visitors to Knapp Vineyards Winery and Restaurant.

Casual atmosphere, yet serious about wine. Home of Cranberry Essence. Located in rustic, artistic barn. Open daily May-Nov., 11-5 and weekends Nov-May 800-598-9463 www.cayugaridge.com

2770 County Road 128, Romulus NY 800-869-9271 www.knappwine.com

Gift Subscriptions for the Holidays! Four GREAT issues a year! Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall

Call: 716-526-7024 • Fax: 716-526-7043

Email: tking@fwpi.com • Website: www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com

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(“Sport” continued on page 12)

Hunt Hollow Club 7532 County Road 36 Naples, NY 14512-9240 Telephone: (716) 374-5428 Email: hunthollow@hunthollow.com Web site: http://www.hunthollow.com The Hunt Hollow Ski Area is unique among Finger Lakes region ski resorts in being a private club. You have to become a member, although non-members can call ahead and make a reservation to visit the club. There are a number of different membership options available: weekday, student, family and corporate. Hunt Hollow has a vertical drop of 825 feet. Its longest run is one mile. There are two lifts serving 18 trails, six trails at novice level, three at intermediate level and seven at expert level. Snowmaking takes place on all the trails, and eight of them have lights for night skiing. Snowboarding is allowed

on all trails, and there is a Terrain Park. There are also cross-country ski trails open, whenever Mother Nature supplies enough snow, but no cross country equipment is available for rent. Hunt Hollow has no snow tubing facilities. There is a heated lodge where a caterer offers a selection of soups, sandwiches and dinners. The lodge is equipped with tables, chairs and several fireplaces for warmth and atmosphere. There is no lodging on site, no camping or RV hook ups available, no day care (though there is an area set aside for children in the lodge for those who bring their own babysitters), and there is no bar in the lodge (though members are free to bring their own liquid refreshment). Hunt Hollow Ski Area is scheduled to open the first Saturday in December. It will be open only on weekends until the Christmas break, and thereafter will be open Wednesday through Saturday

I N D E X Acorn Inn............................................47 Anthony Road Winery...........41, Cover 2 Aristocats & Dogs...............................14 Arnott Mall..........................................49 Ashton Place.........................................3 Black Sheep Antiques.........................15 Bristol Harbor.............................Cover 4 Bristol Mountain...................................9 The Brown Bag Deli............................15 Casa Larga Vineyards...................10, 41 Cayuga County Office of Tourism.......10 Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery...............54 The Christmas House..........................15 Colonial Motel.......................................9 Community Bank................................43 Complements......................................14 Dr. Frank’s Vinifera..............................41 The Dutch Market...............................15 Fox Run................................41, Cover 2 Glenora Wine Cellars..........................41 Greek Peak Mountain..........................11 The Guion House................................47 Heron Hill........................................7, 41 Hillside Inn..........................................47

O F

from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for major school holidays. Tickets cost $20 (if purchased before December) to $40. “Skiing is growing in popularity in leaps and bounds. And snowboarding is the fastest growing sport in the country,” says SANY Executive Director Dirk Gouwens, summing up the outlook for New York’s ski resorts. “New York’s ski resorts had a record season last winter, with more than four million skier visits statewide. And we look forward to a good year and a good future.” Peggy Platonos has lived in the Finger Lakes region since 1973. She is editor of the Steuben Courier-Advocate, a weekly newspaper published in Bath, New York. She also edits the Waterside Weekly, a seasonal magazine focusing on Keuka, Waneta and Lamoka Lakes.

A D V E R T I S E R S

Hobbit Hollow.....................................14 Imagine...............................................14 Ketmar Development............................6 King Ferry Winery...............................41 Knapp Vineyards.................................41 Labrador Mountain.............................12 Lake Country Real Estate....................49 Lamoreaux Landing............................54 Lehigh Valley Wine.............................15 Logan Ridge Estates...........................41 The Loomis Barn..................................5 Nagy’s New Land Vineyard.................41 Northern Design & Bldg........................7 Northfield Designer Goldsmith............15 Park Ave Merchants’ Assoc................15 Peirce’s Gift Shop...............................15 Pomodoro...........................................14 Prejean Winery.....................41, Cover 2 The Quiet Place...................................47 Red Jacket Orchards...........................15 Rider’s Rest........................................47 Seneca Shore Winery.................Cover 2 Senecayuga Properties.......................43 Sherwood Inn.....................................12

Skaneateles Chamber..........................14 Soule Photography...............................6 Sutherland House...............................47 Spa Apartments....................................3 Sticks & Stitches................................15 T.C.Timber/Habermaass........................4 Timberpeg.............................................5 Torrey Ridge.........................41, Cover 2 Trimmer House B&B...........................47 Wagener Estate B&B...........................47 Westridge Bed & Breakfast.................14 The Windmill.......................................45 Wolcott Farm......................................45 The advertising deadline for our Spring 2002 issue is January 28. Reserve your ad today to take advantage of your free logo link on our website. Phone: (716) 526-7024 Fax: (716) 526-7043 Email: Tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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C A L E N D A R

Festivals & Events Life in the Finger Lakes recommends that you call ahead for complete details on the listings below or visit our website at www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com and link to all 14 County Chambers of Commerce for complete listings.

NOVEMBER 1-3,9-10,15-17……Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Eastman Theatre. 716-454-2100 1-30……”Artistic Textiles” Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry, Seneca Falls. 315-568-1510 2-4……The Second Hand 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning. 607-936-4647 11/2-12/1……The Sound of Music by Syracuse Civic Theatre Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-449-2134

8……Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field East Middle School, Auburn. 315-252-0776

13…….Concert: Bob Dylan Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter. 315-435-8000 or 315-472-0700

8-10……Rochester Early Music Festival 716-244-7764

13……The Lanier Trio Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music. 716-222-5000

9-10…….Wegmans Syracuse Symphony Pops Concert Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8222 11/09-12/24……47th Annual Art Mart The Greenhouse at City Hall Commons. 315-468-2616 9-10, 16-17……Beowulf by Open Hand Theater International Mask & Puppet Museum. 315-476-0466 10…….Syracuse Symphony Family Series Concert Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8200 or 315-435-8000

2-5……Steel Magnolias by Salt City Performing Arts Salt City Center, Syracuse. 315-474-1122

2-26……Janet Evanick Exhibit Wayne County Council for the Arts. 315-946-5078 3-4,17-18……“Deck the Halls” Weekend Seneca Lake Wine Trail. 877-536-2717 4……Concert: Society’s Legacy by Society for New Music Everson Museum of Art. 315-468-0246 5……Concert: Harry Connick, Jr. Landmark Theatre. 315-475-7980 6……Concert: Widespread Panic Landmark Theatre. 315-475-7980 6-7……STOMP! by Famous Artists Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8210

11/15-12/23……Dickens Christmas Festival 716-368-0670 15……Concert: Itzhak Perlman Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-435-2121 15-16……Historic Palmyra Annual Holiday Bazaar Alling Coverlet Museum. 315-597-6981 11/15-1/2……Festival of Lights Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua. 716-394-4922 16-18……Mendelssohn’s Elijah Eastman Theatre. 716-274-1100

2……Concert: Cherish the Ladies Hotel Syracuse. 315-435-2155 2-3,16-17……Syracuse Symphony Classics Series Concert Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8200 or 800-724-3810

11/14-12/9……The Phantom of the Opera Auditorium Center. 716-222-5000

16……Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Hochstein Performance Hall. 716-454-2100

Antiques Canandaigua

17……Holiday Showcase Downtown Owego, Owego. 800-671-7772

10……Antiques Canandaigua Steamboat Landing, Canandaigua. 716-394-4975

17……Ariadne String Quartet Morgan Opera House, Aurora. 315-364-5437

10-11……Champagne & Dessert Wine Festival Swedish Hill Winery, Romulus. 315-549-8326.

17……Beatles Blast for Adults Strong Museum. 716-263-2701

11/10-12/1……Festival of Trees Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. 716-394-1472

17-18……“Deck the Halls” Weekend Seneca Lake Wine Trail. 877-537-2717

11……Veterans Day Ceremony & Parade Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter. 315-435-8035

18……Interreligous Council of CNY Concert of Thanksgiving Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-435-8000

11…….Concert: CNY Jazz Orchestra with Clay Jerkins Justins Grill. 315-461-8343 12……Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s Birthday Celebration Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Waterloo. 315-568-2703

18……8th Annual County B&B Open House Tour Wayne County Bed and Breakfasts. 315-331-8415 19……Concert: Shaggy Landmark Theatre. 315-475-7980

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Finger Lakes Wine Showcase

11/20-01/01……Lights on the Lake Onondaga Lake Park. 315-451-7275

1-23……Holiday Zoofest Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. 315-435-8511

1999 Chardonnay Reserve

11/22-12/30……Christmas Around the World Sainte Marie among the Iroquois Living History Center. 315-453-6767

1-31……”Shining Light” Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry, Seneca Falls. 315-568-1510

Barrel fermented. A rich, buttery full-bodied wine with abundant tropical flavors.

23……Light Up Syracuse Downtown Syracuse. 315-473-4330

1-31……”Holiday Lights Along the Trail” Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail, Cayuga-Seneca Canal. 315-568-9639

Lamoreaux Landing Lodi, New York 14860 (607) 582-6011 Fax: (607) 582-6010

Cranberry Essence A crisp white wine, blended with a refreshing cranberry essence. Very fresh and fun to drink! Good with turkey or a fireplace. Cayuga Ridge Estate Ovid, New York (607) 869-5158

Wineries…

Reserve your ad space now for the Spring 2002 Issue!

23……Holiday Parade East Genesee St., Auburn. 315-255-1925 23……Dansville Midnite Madness Throughout the Village of Dansville. 716-335-8196 23-24……Currier and Ives Holiday Village of Fayetteville. 315-637-5544 11/23-01/02……16th Annual Gingerbread Gallery Erie Canal Museum. 315-471-0593

Call 800-344-0559

6-9……Festival of Trees Emerson Park, Auburn. 315/253-5611 7……A Village Christmas Franklin Street, Watkins Glen. 607-535-3003

11/23-12/29……Nativity Sets from Around the World Window Display Ontario County Arts Council, Canandaigua. 716-396-0087 23-25……The Nutcracker Eastman Theatre. 716-454-2100 24……Christmas in the Park Lyons Village Park, Lyons. 315-946-4531 24-25……Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles Village of Skaneateles. 315-685-0552 11/24-12/31……Holiday Lights Emerson Park, Auburn. 315-253-5611 11/28-12/2……The Nutcracker Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8200 or 800-724-3810 11/30-12/8……Holiday Festival of Trees Everson Museum of Art. 315-474-6064

DECEMBER

For more information,

2……Concert: The 9 Lessons & Carols by Syracuse Children’s Chorus Most Holy Rosary Church. 315-478-0582

11/23-12/23……A Christmas Carol Geva Theatre. 716-232-4832

30……Sinatra/Comedy Dinner Show Spaghetti Warehouse. 315-475-1807 or 315-455-5354

1……Native American Winter Festival Ganondagan Historic Site, Victor. 716-742-1690

Lights on the Lake, Onondaga Lake Park 7……Light Up Dewitt Dewitt Town Hall. 315-446-9250 7……Light Your Way to Christmas Historic Owego Marketplace, Owego. 800-671-7772 7……StarShine Christmas in the Village Historic Main Street, Penn Yan. 800-868-9283 7……Christmas Tree Lighting Central Park, Newark. 315-331-2705 7-8……Wegmans Syracuse Symphony Holiday Pops Concert Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8222 8……Teddy Bear Tea Onondaga County Convention Center at Oncenter. 315-474-6064

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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8,15……Currier and Ives Holiday Village of Fayetteville. 315-637-5544 8-9,15-16,22-23……Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles Village of Skaneateles. 315-685-0552 9……Syracuse Symphony Choral Christmas Concert Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-424-8200 or 800-724-3810 12-13……The Nutcracker by Moscow Ballet Landmark Theatre. 800-320-1733 13-15,21-23……Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Eastman Theatre. 716-454-2100 14-15,21-22……Festival of Lights Burnet Park. 315-473-4330 15……Dundee’s Touch of Christmas Seneca St., Dundee. 800-868-9283 16……Theater Pipe Organ Concert NYS Fairgrounds/Empire Expo Center/ Art & Home Center. 315-685-6706 21……Winter Solstice Event Ontario County Arts Council, Canandaigua. 716-396-0087 27……21st Anniversary of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. 315-568-2703

JANUARY 2002 5……World of Puppets by Open Hand Theater, Anansi: Spider Man of Africa International Mask & Puppet Museum. 315-476-0466 6…… Bridesworld 2002 by Tuxedo Junction Onondaga County Convention Center at Oncenter. 716-633-2400 or 315-435-8000 15……Stomp The Clemens Center, Elmira. 607-936-4647 1/16-2/3……Copenhagen by Syracuse Stage Syracuse Stage. 315-443-3275 17-20,24-27,1/31-2/3……Othello by Salt City Performing Arts Salt City Center. 315-474-1122 25-27……Cinderella by Upstate NY Ballet Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. 315-488-5734

31……New Year’s Celebration Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, Canandaigua. 716-374-6000 x 225

FEBRUARY 2002 1-3……Country Folk Art Show NYS Fairgrounds/Empire Expo Center. 248-634-4151 or 315-487-7711 2……Concert: Scholastic Jazz Jam Happy Endings Café. 315-461-8343 3……Collectorfest NYS Fairgrounds/Empire Expo Center. 315-487-7711 or 607-753-8580 5……Concert: Treading the Light by Society for New Music Setnor Auditorium. 315-446-0246 8-9……Camillus February Festival Various locations, including Sims Store and Village. 315-672-3484 or 315-468-2240 9……Friends of Howard Ice Harvest Howard Community Building, Howard. 607-776-2562 9-10……Chocolate and Wine Seneca Lake Wine Trail. 877-536-2717 10……Antique Show & Sale “All Things Art” Building, Canandaigua. 716-396-0087 10……Concert: Society’s Heritage Society for New Music Everson Museum of Art. 315-446-0246 14-24……Winter Fest Downtown Syracuse/ Clinton, Hanover and Armory Squares. 315-473-4330 or 315-466-9468 16-17……Be Mine With Wine Keuka Lake Wine Trail. 800-440-4898 21-23……NY Farm Show NYS Fairgrounds/Empire Expo Center. 315-457-8205 22-24……12th Annual Psychic Festival Holiday Inn Liverpool/Syracuse. 315-635-9207

Would you like your special event or festival listed in the next issue? Send information to:

Life in the Finger Lakes P.O. Box 1080 • Geneva, NY 14456 Fax: 315-789-4263 • Phone: 315-789-0458 E-mail: mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com Deadline: January 21, 2002

Reserve a space in the next four issues of Life in the Finger Lakes

for the best ad rate

Call 800-344-0559 for more information and to request a media kit Deadline: January 28, 2002 Life in the Finger Lakes 171 Reed St. • P.O. Box 1080 Geneva, NY 14456 Phone: 800-344-0559 315-789-0458 Fax: 315-789-4263 tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com jason@lifeinthefingerlakes.com www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com

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O F F

T H E

E A S E L

Photograph by Roger Soule

Tim Wells, Designer & Maker of Fine Furniture

Blue Night Stand in curly maple, gray ultra suede and stainless steel pull.

“S

ince he can remember, Tim Wells has been dreaming of projects to work on. If he wasn’t working on cars, he was finding a new way to push his natural talents as a furniture maker and designer. Born in England, by age 16 Tim had committed to a five-year indentured apprenticeship with master furniture maker, designer and teacher John Makepeace. During his training, Tim built many one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Examples can be seen in museums in Britain, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Upon finishing his commitment to Mr. Makepeace, Tim continued to develop his skills and reputation as an outstanding craftsman by working with several of the Royal College of Art’s leading furniture designers. Tim decided to move to the Finger Lakes Region in 1985 when he was offered a position at Wendell Castle’s furniture making studio in Scottsville, NY. After a transition period, he was asked to be the found-

ing director of the short lived Genoa Furniture School in Genoa, NY. The Genoa School attracted a number of talented young furniture makers to the Ithaca area, many of whom have worked with Tim in his Freeville workshop. From 1990-1995 they worked together to build furniture pieces for designers represented by the prestigious Peter Joseph Gallery in Manhattan. After the Peter Joseph Gallery closed, Tim continued his work doing business as The Bench Works. Currently, he and several other furniture makers build pieces for private clients, architects, designers and corporations such as Steuben Glass and Steinway and Sons. Tim is always working to build and show his own furniture designs. He is also one of the owners of Salt of the Earth, a contemporary variety store, on Watkins Glen’s Franklin Street. Several examples of his work can be seen there. Tim Wells can be reached at The Bench Works: 607-844-4095 or Salt of the Earth: 607535-5000.

~ Life in the Finger Lakes

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A quarterly magazine reflecting life in the Finger Lakes – past, present, and future.

GIFT Subscriptions 1st Gift.................... $12.95 2nd Gift.................... $10.95 Each Add’l............. $8.95

A Subscription for YOURSELF 3 Years (12 issues)............. $32.85 2 Years (8 issues)............... $23.90 1 Year (4 issues)................ $12.95

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Four GREAT issues a year! Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall

Call: 315-789-0458 • Fax: 315-789-4263

Email: tking@fwpi.com • Website: www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com

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