Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers, and government and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. Edward Everett Hall (April 3, 1822-June 10, 1909) American author and Unitarian clergyman Melissa Brown
Greetings, Constance Caldwell Jennifer Nichols Robie Carmina, Rebecca Justinger, Kimberly Luangpakdy, Megan MacNeill, Cynthia Van Ness Tuesday 10 am-5 pm Wednesday 10 am-8 pm Thursday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm Sunday 12-5 pm Closed Mondays Wednesday-Saturday: 1-5 pm Extended Library Hours Wednesday Evenings: 6-8 pm Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Members: FREE Children Under 7: FREE Veterans: FREE Children (7-12): $2.50 Adults: $7 Students & Seniors : $5 Steven McCarville - President Mark Martin - Vice President William J. O'Donnell - Vice President Heidi A. Raphael - Vice President Mark V. Taylor - Vice President Greg D. Tranter - Vice President Cassie Irish - Secretary Alex Gress - Treasurer Gail Amigone Joan Bukowski Anne Conable Daniel S. Dytchkowskyj Ken Friedman
Carley Jean Hill Laura E. Hubbard John L. Hurley, Jr. Cheryl Lyles Vincent Mancuso
Nancy Redeye Kristin Saperston Mark Severson Dionne Williamson
From The Buffalo History Museum Collection, on the cover: Welcome Home Parade down Main Street, 108th Infantry, 106th Artillery. 1919. The Buffalo History Museum is a private not-for-profit organization tax exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We receive operating support from the County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and from donors, members and friends.The Buffalo History Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
2
When I worked in collections, I distinctly remember a period when I was accessioning several different donations from the families of local veterans. I was most captivated by the story associated with the uniform that once belonged to Robert H. Roberts. During World War I, while serving in the trenches of France, Roberts was gassed, mortally wounded and reported dead in the Buffalo newspapers. His brother, Gerome “Dick” Roberts, served in the same outfit. Unable to reconcile the news of his brother’s death, Dick searched the dead and found him. . .alive! After six months of treatment in a French hospital and another six stateside, Robert Roberts recovered and returned home. Robert Roberts married Grace North and then had four children. He made his career in the Buffalo Schools, eventually serving as Superintendent of Maintenance and Construction. The Roberts’ collection includes his helmet, uniform, Purple Heart medal and lone dog tag. Robert Roberts’ daughter-inlaw thoughtfully recognized that some symbols of freedom hang in our own closets, waiting to be unfurled. The Buffalo History Museum cares for, and documents, many symbols of our patriotism and allegiance. I have seen many of you experience Paper Bullets: The Posters that Sold the Great War. This spring we continue our somber commemoration of WWI with a feature exhibit, For Home and Country. The objects and their stories pay tribute to the many Western New Yorkers who answered our nation’s call, a call that went far beyond the military. Men and women by the thousands bought liberty bonds, volunteered as nurses, conserved food, and did whatever was possible to see the war through to victory.
East Coast on the morning of April 19, 1945. Included in the donation was a scrapbook with related clippings and memorabilia. In a letter to Durfee’s parents, a supervising officer wrote:
I want you to know what a fine and upstanding job your son is doing. His enthusiasm, his industry, and his devotion to duty leave nothing to be desired. It is men like this who bring success to our difficult and important assignment. At that time, Loris’ mother, Mrs, Edward Durfee, had five sons in service, with two more of her ten sons expecting early induction – an unimaginable sacrifice. Thinking about these stories – actual happenings – I can’t help but feel connected to families as if they were my own present day neighbors. In this exhibit, you will come to know these people as your neighbors in history. When you visit please let us know your experience. We look forward to hearing your stories. Melissa
The Buffalo History Museum & Buffalo Jazz Collective Presents:
Jazz on 2nd Sundays Final dates of the series
As a daughter of a Veteran, as a patriot, and a passionate seeker of stories, these are some of the most precious and profound that our 155-year-old-collection holds.
Mar 12 • Apr 9
I processed a pair of Merchant Marine uniforms that once belonged to Loris L. Durfee. He served on the merchant ship Chancellorsville, which rescued a part of the crew of the torpedo-sunken US tanker Swiftscout off the American
2:00 pm program - 2:30 pm music Museum admisson, free for members.
Southwest until he was sent to Europe, where he continued his artistic endeavors while stationed in France. Beuchat fought in several major battles during the Great War and received the Victory Medal with three Battle Stars, along with other service awards. He returned home in 1919, where he became a member of the Fine Arts League and continued to paint until his death in 1955.
Rebecca Justinger Registrar
A dynamic talk show and celebration of extraordinary contributions made by people of WNY.
In our upcoming World War 1 exhibit, “For Home and Country,” we will be featuring an oil painting by Lt. Clement C. Beuchat, entitled “78 Lightening Division at Thiaucourt, France, 1918”. This piece depicts a group of World War I soldiers on horseback in the town of Thiaucourt, France, most likely illustrating the remains of the town during or after the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. Clement Beuchat was born in Buffalo, NY on March 28, 1891. He attended the Albright Art School in Buffalo and studied under Earnest Fosberry. He was an original member of the Saturday Sketch Club in Springbrook, New York along with other artists such as Arthur Kowalski, Harry O’Neill, Mr. Swanekamp, and Julius Lankes. Clement Beuchat joined the New York National Guard 78th Division. He was involved in the pursuit of Pancho Villa during the Texas Border Campaign from 1916-1917 and, following his service in the South, he was sent to fight in World War I. Clement continued to paint during his time in military service. He painted throughout the
Friday, March 17 WOMEN OF THE LAW:
Honorable justices: Judge Barbara Howe, Judge Ann T. Mikoll, Judge Penny M. Wolfgang
Friday, May 19 SPORTS: Marv Levy
“78 Lightening Division at Thiaucourt, France, 1918” Clement C. Beuchat Oil on canvas • 28 ¼” x 22” Ca. 1920
Tickets: $10 members/$25 general/$50 VIP For more information and to purchase tickets visit buffalohistory.org. opening to the public april 6
3
1.
2.
5.
6.
4.
3.
7. 1. Rob deGuehery 2. Tony Greco 3. Alexis Greinert 4. Jennifer Nichols 5. Civil War Characters 6. "Lincoln" greets choir director, Karen Saxon, and the student singers in the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (BAVPA)
8.
4
9.
10.
7. NYC jazz pianist, Pete Malinverni, in concert with WNY premier local musicians and student choir from BAVPA. 8. History Day! 9. Anthony Conte at Shea’s Perfoming Arts Center 10. Staff at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
11.
12.
14.
13.
15.
11. Walt Mayer gives Behind-the-Scenes tour 12. Bliss Studio Fun in Street of Shops 13. Derek Gee and Margaret Kenny research photos for The Buffalo News 14. TBHM Staff 15. Steve McCarville, Carol Horton, County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Melissa Brown, Mayor Byron Brown
16.
17.
16. Mayor Byron Brown signs the “graffiti wall” 17. Press Conference in full swing
5
the Elmwood Music Hall; the meaning of insignia on uniforms; the proper disposition of enemy goods captured during battle; and notices of casualties, weddings, and promotions. Our issues are in hard copy in a single bound volume.
Cynthia Van Ness, MLS Director of Library & Archives Part of the process of preparing for a major exhibit is to get familiar with the relevant material items in our collection. One of the things we did in the Library is to compile a bibliography, called Buffalo in World War I, which gives the researcher a good idea of what we have before planning a visit. You can browse it here: http://tinyurl.com/TBHM-WWI We thought we’d feature a few World War I pieces in this newsletter. War Exposition, Buffalo In 1918 and 1919, the U.S. Government hosted a series of War Expositions around the country. The show came to the Broadway Auditorium and Elmwood Music Hall from January 4 to 12, 1919. Some of the featured exhibits were American war trophies; weapons and other goods from the U.S Army & Navy; a British government collection of war relics; a British collection of German contraband found in the mails; military training material about “social hygiene” (sexually transmitted infections), and live demonstrations of Boy Scout skills. The Library has the souvenir catalogue from the Exposition.
Fort Porter Reporter, January 31-September 29, 1919 Long demolished to make way for the Peace Bridge, Fort Porter was an active Army base during World War I. This newspaper succeeded Trench and Camp as the fort’s weekly soldier paper. It reported on such activities as the construction of a new garage; the arrival of male nurses; the value of the X-ray; the anticipation of a jazz dance at 6
Restore, Reactivate, Reconnect take the next step with us
Guide to Buffalo and Niagara Falls for the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines of the United States and its Allies It is a short publication with a long name. This foldout brochure was compiled by the Buffalo Commission on War Camp Community Service in 1918. The first order of business was to alert members of the armed forces where they could find inexpensive lodgings in Buffalo. In 1918, there were three Service Clubs operating, all in or near downtown Buffalo. These were destinations designed for visiting soldiers, featuring such amenities as meals, baths, “writing rooms,” reading rooms, and entertainment. Servicemen were also informed about libraries, military offices, railroad stations, hospitals, major churches, and entertainment. During the war, seats at the Buffalo Baseball Park, later the site of Offermann Stadium, were free to men in uniform. Duffy’s War: Fr. Francis Duffy, Wild Bill Donovan, and the Irish Fighting 69th in World War I Published in 2008 by Stephen Harris, this book is one of our more recent acquisitions. The 69th Infantry Regiment is presently headquartered in Manhattan. During World War I, one of its members was a Buffalo soldier, William J. Donovan, who later went on to found the Office of Strategic Services, known today as the CIA. When he joined this unit, Donovan was a 34-year-old attorney. At the end of the war, he was a colonel. Francis P. Duffy, a military chaplain, was revered by his troops and earned more decorations than any other clergyman in U.S. Army history. Duffy Square in New York City is named in his honor. Buffalo Will See It Through This slogan was coined to support the Liberty Loan drives. It was produced and distributed as a poster and handbill. In a previous newsletter, we published a photograph of a young man pasting it to a telephone pole. In the Library’s vertical files are examples of the original poster in its original red, white, and blue.
Name Address City
State
Zip
Email Phone Number Support $50 Payment Method:
$100
$250
Mastercard
$500
Surprise us
Visa
Check Enclosed (payable to The Buffalo History Museum) Name (as it appears on card) Card # Zip Code
Exp. Date Signature
Please mail to: The Buffalo History Museum, Attn: Development Office 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216
7 Tuesday 4 Tuesday 2 Tuesday Toddler Story Time, 10 am Toddler Story Time, 10 am Toddler Story Time, 10 am Bring your little one to our monthly program, and spend some quality Bring your little one to our monthly program, and spend some quality Bring your little one to our monthly program, and spend some quality time at the museum. We will read a book and do a related activity. time at the museum. We will read a book and do a related activity. time at the museum. We will read a book and do a related activity. Members free; museum admission. Members free; museum admission. Members free; museum admission. 5 Wednesday 3 Wednesday 12 Sunday Members Opening – For Home and Country, 5-7 pm, Free. 5 pm Cherry Blossom Cocktail Hour Jazz on Second Sundays, 2 pm pre-concert talk, 2:30 pm concert 6 pm Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony 6 Thursday Over the past two decades, Freddie Hendrix has become one of the Enjoy a Tea Ceremony by Buffalo’s own Tea Ceremony Teacher, Community Opening – For Home and Country, 5-7 pm most in demand trumpet players in jazz, and beyond. As an educator, Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell. The Japanese Tea Ceremony requires Free admission starting at 5pm. Mr. Hendrix serves as jazz trumpet professor at the Hartt School of many years of study and is an opportunity to experience a special Music. For this concert, Mr. Hendrix will be a featured guest with part of Japanese culture. English interpretation of the ceremony will 8 Saturday a group comprised of Western New York's outstanding musicians. be provided. Members free, museum admission. #Bufinstameet, 1 pm Members free, museum admission. (Select months) The Buffalo History Museum and Igersbuffalo invite the Instagram 6 Saturday community for a #Bufinstameet. Enjoy architecture and exhibition tours, Cherry Blossom Festival Music Day, 12 pm-3 pm 17 M&T Third Friday meet fellow Instagrammers, and learn about Buffalo history. Free. Celebrate spring with a full slate of international music, drumming, 1-3 pm – Free – Docent Led tours 9 Sunday dance, and spoken word performances. Free. 3-4:30 pm – Free – Kids Activities Jazz on Second Sundays, 2 pm pre-concert talk, 2:30 concert 6 pm – GIANTS of Buffalo WOMEN OF THE LAW: 7 Sunday Sam Noto is an acclaimed jazz trumpeter and bop soloist. For this Judges Barbara Howe, Ann T. Mikoll, Penny Wolfgang Pan-Am Walking Tour, 1 pm concert, Noto will be honored in his hometown of Buffalo for his Honoring history making individuals who have made extraordinary tremendous accomplishments. He will appear as a special guest with the Take a walking tour of the Pan-American grounds with one of our contributions in their industry and community. Audience trained docents. See the fair in a new light! $10. Pre-registration Buffalo Jazztet in a performance of his compositions and favorite jazz discussion encouraged. $10 members, $25 general, $50 VIP. standards. Members free, museum admission. (Final month of series) encouraged. A map with historic photos is included. 24 Friday 12-14 Wednesday – Friday 10 Wednesday Homeschool Program, 10 am-12:30 pm Break Out!, 1-3 pm Exhibit Tour, 6 pm Join the Museum's pilot homeschool program! Open for ages K-6 Stuck inside? Break out of your house and come visit the Museum Join Director of Exhibits and Interpretive Planning, Tony Greco, during your school vacation! We will have plenty of activities. All are on a tour of For Home and Country, the museum's new exhibit on who are eager to listen and learn. Part one of the program visits welcome to participate. Members free, museum admission. our Native American Gallery to learn about the Haudenosaunee. WWI. Members free, museum admission. $12 for the first student, $10 for each additional child. Chaperons 12 Wednesday 19 M&T Third Friday free. For more information, visit our website, to register contact Exhibit Tour, 6 pm 1-3 pm – Free – Docent Led tours mmacneill@buffalohistory.org. Join Director of Exhibits and Interpretive Planning, Tony Greco 3-4:30 pm – Free – Kids Activities on a tour of For Home and Country, the museum's new exhibit on 29 Wednesday WWI. Members free, museum admission. 6pm – GIANTS of Buffalo Sports: Marv Levy The History of the Delaware Mansions, 6 pm Honors history making individuals who have made extraordinary 19 Wednesday The Research Library's very own Cynthia VanNess will present about contributions in their industry and community. Audience UB Student Jazz Ensemble, 6 pm the mansions on Delaware Avenue and their history. This presentation Enjoy an evening of music featuring the University of Buffalo’s student discussion encouraged. $10 members, $25 general, $50 VIP. coincides with the re-issue of the book Buffalo’s Delaware Avenue jazz ensembles led by music professor George Caldwell. Free. 24 Wednesday Mansions and Families. Members free, museum admission. Annual Meeting of Membership, 5-7pm 21 M&T Third Friday 5:30p.m. Remarks; Membership Appreciation. 1-3 pm – Free – Docent Led tours Reception to follow. 3-4:30 pm – Free – Kids Activities 6pm – RESOURCE CENTER. Free. 27 Saturday Join Walt Mayer, Director of Collections, on an exclusive behind Pan-American Trolley Tour, 10 am-3 pm the scenes tour of our Resource Center, which houses all of our The tour begins at Forest Lawn, where you will board the Forest artifacts. You never know what you may see! Tour begins at 6pm. Lawn trolley and visit the final resting places of many of the movers Free. Reservations strongly encouraged, 716-873-9644 x320. and shakers who made the Pan-American Exposition happen. At noon, the trolley will stop at the Pan American Brewery in the newly 28 Friday renovated Hotel Lafayette in downtown Buffalo for lunch (included), Homeschool Program, 10 am-12:30 pm where you will enjoy a mini tour of the restoration of this classic Join the Museum's pilot homeschool program, open for ages K-6 who are eager to listen and learn. Part two of the program visits our Pioneer landmark, designed by Buffalo architect Louise Bethune. Then, it Gallery to learn about life in early Buffalo. $12 for the first student, $10 is back on the trolley to head over to The Buffalo History Museum Resource Center on Forest Avenue to tour “Spirit of the City,” an for each additional child. Chaperons free. For more information, visit interactive exhibit, built to celebrate and highlight the many events, our website, to register contact mmacneill@buffalohistory.org. exhibits and curiosities of Buffalo’s 1901 Pan-American Exposition. 29 Saturday Then, it is off for a tour of the Pan-Am grounds, where you will visit Cherry Blossom Festival Kick-Off, 12 pm the actual spot where President McKinley was assassinated. The The 4th annual Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy a stroll tour ends at Forest Lawn at approximately 3pm. Meet and park through the gardens, view international fashions and more. Free. for free at the Margaret L Wendt Archive and Resource Center 1990 Main Street Buffalo, NY. Reserve tickets at forestlawn.com. 30 Sunday Members $60; General $69. Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day, 12 pm-3 pm Participate in crafts and activities, watch a puppet show, and ride in a pink boat. Free. *Dates and times subject to change 7
Evening Hours on Wednesday until 8 pm • Free Parking
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NY PERMIT No. 3626