Fall 2013 - The Album by The Buffalo History Museum

Greetings from “The Pop Edition” of The Album!

Melissa Brown Constance Caldwell Jennifer LaBella Robie Carmina, Cynthia Conides, Anthony Greco, Rebecca Justinger, Tara Lyons, Kim Luangpakdy, Loey Rotchford, Cynthia Van Ness Closed Mondays. Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday - 12:00 Noon - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Members: FREE Children Under 7: FREE Veterans: FREE Children (7-12): $2.50 Adults: $7 Students & Seniors : $5 Henry J. Nowak - President Joan Bukowski - Vice President Ken Friedman - Vice President John L. Hurley, Jr. - Vice President Alisa A. Lukasiewicz - Vice President Steven McCarville - Vice President Catherine Schweitzer - Secretary Philip C. Kadet - Treasurer Peter Ahrens Cheryl Lyles Kristin Saperston Scott Fisher Vincent Mancuso Mark Severson Carley Jean Hill Mark L. Martin Mark V. Taylor Allan Jamieson Heidi A. Raphael Greg D. Tranter Cover: Truetone brand television, purchased at the Western Auto Supply Company, ca. 1950. Collection of The Buffalo History Musuem Buffalo Bob Smith with Howdy Doody in an NBC publicity photo from 1948. Collection of the Research Library, Buffalo History Museum. The Buffalo History Museum is a private not-for-profit organization tax exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It receives operating support from the County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA, a state agency), and from members and friends. The Buffalo History Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Pop culture reminiscences for me include fond memories of my Mom’s Jello “polk” cakes, Gram B’s Shake ’n Bake chicken, my banana seat bike, my Cabbage Patch Kid (Elisabeth Angelica-I may still have her adoption papers for verification), MTV, acid wash jeans, Madonna, and Aquanet. . .fun times. In keeping with the theme of this issue, I’m delighted to share this postcard. I love the large-letter typographic “Greetings from…” postcard folios, the Curt Teich & Co. used to share their vision of the best the country had to offer. Founded in 1898 in Chicago, their printing presses ran for 80 years and produced over 365,000 postcards of major tourist sites and roadside attractions throughout the United States. The vibrant 1950s-era “Greetings from Buffalo” folio cascades open to reveal a blue sky vision of city captured in 18 “C.T. ARTCOLORTONE” prints. From the Buffalo Civic Stadium to the Memorial Auditorium, to Central Terminal and City Hall, sources of local pride are showcased. Published by “Howard La Grou, 1 East Swan Street” (cursory search of 1948-50 city directories did not yield a listing for Howard La Grou), the folio interior is tightly packed with stats facts on Buffalo, including:

• “600,000 inhabitants, is second largest city in New York State” • “a city of substantial power and comfortable ways” • “Per capita expenditure in Buffalo is $705 and $2671 per family, or $140 more per person that the national average of $565.” • “More than 70 percent of the net income of the United States is embraced by the city’s market territory. Seventy percent of the country’s merchandise and 70 percent of its automobiles are sold within that territory.” • “There are twelve freight terminals at which approximately 45,000 trains enter annually and five passenger terminals, with over 50,000 trains entering annually.” That was a lot to POP about! As part of our M&T THIRD Friday programs, The Buffalo History Museum will welcome popular culture extraordinaire, Charles Phoenix to Buffalo. I first discovered him as a guest on The Conan O’Brien Show and now follow him on Facebook. From his fresh take on family slides to his “test kitchen” of classic recipe reinventionFriday, November 15th is a night not to be missed. Now. . . Grab a frosty Yoo Hoo. Make your way outdoors. Shake your shades to the end of your nose and enjoy “The POP Edition” while the sun is still shining. All my best, Melissa

Anthony Greco Director of Exhibits and Interpretive Planning September 12 will be an evening to fall in love with The Buffalo History Museum once more. Together, we will celebrate the openings of four new exhibits and mark a significant step into the Museum’s future. In the short time since our rebranding and name change, our staff has worked tirelessly to improve our programs, product, and our visitor experience. This will be a night to showcase our marked progress.

Candles Gurley Novelty Company Buffalo, NY Paraffin Wax 1950s-1960s Rebecca Justinger Registrar The Gurley Novelty Company of Buffalo, NY started as the W & F Manufacturing Company. Created in 1927 by Franklin Gurley, the W & F Manufacturing Company was a confectionery company that produced all kinds of candies, chocolates, and wax novelties. In 1939, Mr. Gurley was approached by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, now known as ExxonMobil, to create a line of decorative novelty candles to help use up the excess paraffin wax that is created as a by-product from refining oil. The candles were made in Mr. Gurley’s manufacturing plant in Buffalo and sold under the name Tavern Novelty Candles. It was not until 1949 that the company was renamed The Gurley Novelty Company. The new line of wax decorations was quite successful, and by the late 1940s, a vast majority of Gurley’s profits were a result of his novelty candles. The Buffalo History Museum has several holiday Gurley candles in our collection. They are in excellent condition because they were never lit. These pop culture pieces from the 1950s and 1960s were rarely purchased as practical candles. Instead, consumers saved them and used them to decorate their homes during the holidays. As a result, Gurley Novelty candles are popular collectibles as so many remain intact. The most sought after are the Halloween and Christmas themed pieces, while Thanksgiving turkeys and pink Easter rabbits also remain popular with collectors.

As our guests first enter our grand State Court, they will note our first new exhibit, “Star Spangled Nation.” Produced by the American Society of Marine Artists, this gallery show features a series of paintings depicting the War of 1812 done by contemporary artists. The Buffalo History Museum will be the opening venue for this remarkable traveling exhibit before it tours the country. Our next featured exhibit is titled,”Lost & Found.” Developed by Buffalo State College’s Museum Studies Graduate Program, this exhibit investigates the controversial topic of preservation in and around Buffalo. Inside, guests will discover some of the area’s most endangered architectural treasures and the efforts undertaken to save them. This exhibit is the first of many to come from Buffalo State graduate students. Moving forward, the graduate program will create semiannual exhibits developed throughout each semester that will enliven our newly christened Buffalo State Museum Studies Gallery.

September 12 will also celebrate the opening of The John R. Oishei Native American Gallery. This permanent installation traces our regional history through its first inhabitants, and focuses on the formation and evolution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Highlights of the exhibit include a walk-in longhouse, a captivating gustoweh (headdress - in picture) display, and Seneca Orator Red Jacket’s cherished peace medal. Finally, to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Museum will premier “By Fire & Sword: War in the Niagara Theatre.” This exhibit will focus on the Niagara Frontier’s role in one of our nation’s most formative military engagements. This exhibit is the Museum’s most modern and interactive to date. Inside, Google Nexus tablets will use military re-enactments and green screen technology to guide guests through the nearly two and a half year campaign. Historical narrators featured include Laura Secord, Cyrenius Chapin, General McClure, and more. The technology driving By Fire & Sword is a collaborative effort between The Buffalo History Museum and Canisius College and is funded by the Perry Memorial Fund. I wish that I had the ability to see the Museum again for the first time. So much has changed. September 12 is about impact and optimism. We hope to see you here. We know you’ll love what you see.

Stay tuned for details regarding a special Veteran’s Appreciation & War History program at The Buffalo History Museum and special offer to TBHM members to see War Horse at Shea’s! photo: Andrew Veenstra (Albert) and Rob Laqui (Joey), Christopher Mai, Derek Strantton

Upcoming EvEnts at thE

James, Rick We have four black & white photos, including two stage shots Call Number: General Subject Collection – Persons – James, Rick James, Rick The confessions of Rick James: memoirs of a super freak His autobiography, published after his death Call Number: ML 420 .J233 A3 2007 Rodriguez, Spain Cruisin’ with the Hound: comics A graphic novel by the recently-deceased cartoonist, featuring locales and events in Buffalo in the 1950s and’60s. Call Number: PN 6727 .R625 C78 2012

WEdnEsday sEptEmbEr 4th

“scribblin’ for a livin’: mark tWain’s pivotal pEriod in bUffalo” Author Dr. Thomas J. Reigstad gives a scholarly account of domestic, social, and professional experiences of Mark Twain while he lived in Buffalo with colorful anecdotes about his Buffalo Morning Express colleagues and his quirky work habits. Book available for purchase in Museum Shop

satUrday, novEmbEr 30th annUal local aUthor book signing EvEnt

Free during event hours. Meet and greet with local authors. Great gift ideas for holiday shopping. local aUthor charity vogEl Will bE giving a lEctUrE aboUt hEr nEW book

“The AngolA horror” this fall.

Milton Rogovin: the making of a social documentary photographer A biography by Melanie Herzog Call Number: TR 647 .R62 H47 2006 Investigation of Communist activities in the Buffalo, N.Y. area: hearings, 1957 These transcripts of the hearings held by House Committee on Un-American Activities led to the blacklisting of Milton Rogovin Call Number: HX 92 .B9 A52 1957 Big Russ and me: father and son: lessons of life / Tim Russert’s affectionate memoir Photo from the collection of The Buffalo History Museum. Call Number: PN 4874 .R78 A3 2004 Cynthia Van Ness, MLS Smith, Buffalo Bob Director of Library & Archives We have four black & white photos, including two of a public When hometown heroes make it big in American pop culture, we appearance in Niagara Square in the 1950s do our best to make sure that they are represented in the Research Call Number: General Subject Collection – Persons – Smith, Library collection. In alphabetical order, below are some books and Buffalo Bob other items we have collected on celebrities from Buffalo. Howdy and me : Buffalo Bob’s own story / Harold Arlen: rhythm, rainbows, and blues Buffalo Bob Smith’s autobiography A biography by Edward Jablonski on the creator of Over the Rainbow” Call Number: PN 1992.77 .H663 S65 1990 Call Number: ML 410 .A76 J33 1996 These items can be seen during normal library hours, Ani DiFranco: righteous babe Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1-5 pm. No appointments are A biography by Raffaele Quirino necessary. Questions? Call us at (716) 873-9644 x 306 or Call Number: ML 420 .D555 Q57 2000 email library@buffalohistory.org. Ani DiFranco: righteous babe revisited Quirino’s biography, updated Call Number: ML 420 .D56 Q57 2004 Ani DiFranco: verses. Poetry by Ani DiFranco Call Number: PS 3604 .I385 A55 2007 Best of Ani DiFranco: piano, vocal, guitar. Words and music of her top songs Call Number: Oversize M 1630.18 .D557 B47 1999 Goo Goo Dolls We have two adorable black & white publicity shots from Warner Bros, ©1993 and ©1999, back when they still wore eye shadow Call Number: General Subject Collection - Music – Bands.

THIRD FRIDAyS

1. Singer, Kristen Gilmet (in pink),and friends 2. Angela Keppel 3. Deb Hill, Steve Lakomy, Cheryl Lyles 4. Kyoko Roszmann 5. Nancy Spector Digrazia, Henry Gartner 6. Melissa Brown & Ed Cardoni

7. Alexis Greinert, Zombies, Jen LaBella

Continued on page 8

Coming Sep

Four new

The John R. Oishei Native American Gallery

permanent exhibit

through January, 2014 6

through J

ptember 13

w exhibitS

June, 2014

through late november

memberS opening

thursday, September 12th 5:30 - 8 p.m. with curator tours visit buffalohistory.org for more details about our new exhibits See page 3 for exhibit details... 7

8. Jim Paliki , Carley Hill, Jamie Michelle Smith 9. Theatre of Youth class 10. Kim Luangpakdy 11. Rose Rivera 12. Tali Wagner, Saralyn Notaro Reitz, Lisa Grisanti, Sarah Haykel 13. Joe Giambra, Joe DiLeo, Cynthia Van Ness 14. Alexis Greinert, Tara Lyons, Becky Justinger 15. DJ Cutler 16. Melissa Brown & Ron Hawkins

1999-2013

Save the Date Something Old, Something New

Thursday, November 7th Where every medium leads to a great celebration Live and silent art auction $50 for members; $70 general

Sunday, March 2, 2014

One Museum Court Buffalo, New York 14216 For further information call (716) 873-9644 ext. 318 or visit us online at buffalohistory.org

Preserving the artifacts and stories of our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history is an ongoing venture. You can help make our mission come alive each day. Monthly gifts provide The Buffalo History Museum a sustainable financial foundation to build our future. Become a Pillar of The Buffalo History Museum today. Please print all information, detach and return with payment to: One Museum Court, Buffalo, Ny 14216 your gift per month: $15 $25 $30 $50 Other: $ please charge my: O Mastercard O Visa Name as it appears on card Card number Exp. date

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Loey Rotchford Front Desk Receptionist Dan Murphy explains in Nickel City Drafts: A Drinking History of Buffalo, NY, that the drinking culture has been an important part of Buffalo’s history since the time it was settled and when “a pint” meant, unquestionably, “a glass of beer.” Murphy is a Buffalo native who practically grew up in bars in the 1980s. It was hearing the stories of Oliver Street in North Tonawanda, the “wickedest street in the world” - a district that ran fast and hard with ill repute along the canal - that would brew interest in the young man’s mind about the exalted drink. In his book, Murphy follows the stream of alcohol through time, from the founding of the city and its connection to a beer drinking people, to the present and the reemerging brewing culture. Murphy manages to pack a great deal of information in the one hundred and seventy page book. I was deeply intrigued imagining the booming and diverse brewing industry in Buffalo prior to prohibition. The sheer volume of beer produced in its heyday was staggering, over thirty million gallons a year. The determination of Buffalo to have its booze was fierce with an anti-prohibition mayor elected twice into office.

Nickel City Drafts is a good read with lots of historic gems. Like Buffalo itself, drinking history has gone through ups and downs, but the people have remained steadfast in their commitment to beer and bars. Dan Murphy pens a fascinating read that will capture the imagination of anyone who reads it; maybe over the next pint.

Where every medium leads to a great celebration Now in its 15th year, Paint the Town offers a festive celebration of local artists and artisans; items from handcrafted jewelry and flameworked glass to oil paintings and stunning photography of the region, which will be offered to supporters via both live and silent auctions. We rely on the generosity of Western New York’s diverse and talented community of artists to make the event a success. Paint the Town provides artists an opportunity to shine in a different light, and also allows supporters of The Buffalo History Museum exposure to the fine work that is produced right here in Western New York. Each participating artist receives one complimentary ticket to the event, and has the option to purchase an additional ticket at the reduced price of $35. Artists may opt to keep 40 percent of the price realized for their work and donate 60 percent to The Buffalo History Museum; or choose to give the full amount. We are appreciative of your generosity regardless.

“The art auctions that worthy institutions put on--like the History Museum’s Paint the Town-- seem to have an almost magical draw for the public, says Richard Huntington, artist and former Buffalo News Art & Theatre Critic. People get all geared up, even a little giddy as they spot some new tantalizing artwork. Consequently they open up their pocketbooks. It’s a special version of the competitive spirit that drives all this energy. But at the heart of it all of course is the artists-the generous, public-spirited artists--who create a string of wideranging visual surprises that make every Paint the Town feel more like Paint the World.” All proceeds from Paint the Town benefit the mission of The Buffalo History Museum. To contribute artwork, purchase tickets, or to become an event sponsor, please contact Alexis Greinert at (716) 873-9644 ext. 318; or at agreinert@buffalohistory.org.

1 Sunday

Pan Am Walking Tour, Noon $10 Pre-registration required. Meet at The Buffalo History Museum for an hour walking tour of the historic Pan Am grounds. Map with vintage photos is included.

1 Wednesday

Toddler Story Time: Halloween History, 10-11a.m. Museum admission; members free. Storytelling, craft, museum exhibit mini tour.

2 Wednesday

3 Tuesday

Amor and Heritage Traditional Dance Company performance, 6-8p.m. FREE. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Amor and Heritage Dance Company Traditional Hispanic music and dance.

4 Wednesday

Hotel Lafayette Tour & Lunch, Noon $35 general; $30 members. Limited to 40 people. Pre-registration required. Meet at the main lobby of the historic Hotel @ the Lafayette for a guided tour of the building which gives insight to the first American female architect, Louise Bethune. Lunch at the Pan American Brewery is included.

Toddler Story Time, People of the Longhouse:, 10-11a.m. Museum admission; members free. Storytelling, craft, tour of The John R. Oishei Native American Gallery. “Scribblin’ for a Livin’: Mark Twain’s Pivotal Period in Buffalo,” lecture, 6p.m. Museum admission, members free. Author, Dr. Thomas J. Reigstad gives a scholarly account of domestic, social, and professional experiences of Mark Twain while he lived in Buffalo with colorful anecdotes about his Buffalo Morning Express colleagues and his quirky work habits. Book available for purchase in Museum Shop

7 Saturday

11 Wednesday

Behind the Scenes Tour, 6p.m. $10 general; free for members. Limit to 20 people. Pre-registration required. A guided tour of The Buffalo History Museum’s artifact collection at 459 Forest Ave. Meet and greet with our collections staff and see artifacts that are kept in storage. A guided tour of the Spirit Still Lives Pan Am Expo exhibit will take place after behind the scenes tour.

18 Wednesday

War of 1812 lecture “North American Indian Experience in the War of 1812,” 6-8p.m. Museum admission; members free. Rick Hill is the Senior Project Coordinator for the Six Nations Polytechnic. Collaboration with the Black Rock Riverside Good Neighbors Planning Alliance & Historic Preservation Committee. *20 M& T Third Friday with the Buffalo History Museum & The Richardson Olmsted Complex, Doors open at 5:30p.m. $35 general; $30 members. Limit to 30 people. Pre-registration required. Program begins at The Buffalo History Museum’s Resource Center at 459 Forest Ave. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the Pan Am exhibit, a lecture at 6pm about the history of the Complex followed by a one hour guided tour - 7-8pm. No photos or open- toed shoes, please.

28 Saturday

War of 1812 Trolley Tour & Lunch w/ Forest Lawn, 10-3p.m. $65 general; $60 members. Limit to 35 people. Pre-registration required. Tour of Forest Lawn highlighting War of 1812 history, tour and lunch at Hotel at the Lafayette, trolley guests will enjoy rich history at every turn including By Fire and Sword War of 1812 – themed exhibit at The Buffalo History Museum.

29 Sunday

Harvest Fest, 1-4p.m. $10/child general; $5/child members, adult members free w/child. Spinning, weaving, and blacksmithing demos, live animals from the Buffalo Zoo’s Heritage Farm, live music, face painting, historic crafts, tours, artifact scavenger hunts, model trains will be running.

5 Saturday

2 Saturday

Hotel Lafayette tour with lunch, Noon $35 general; $30 members. Limited to 40 people. Pre-registration required. Meet at the main lobby of the historic Hotel @ the Lafayette for a guided tour of the building giving insight to the first American female architect, Louise Bethune. Lunch at the Pan American Brewery is included.

5 Tuesday

Toddler Story Time: Thanksgiving, 10-11a.m. Museum admission; members free. Storytelling, craft, museum exhibit mini tour.

7 Thursday

6 Sunday

15th Annual Paint the Town, 6p.m. $70 general; $50 members. Live and Silent art auction.

9 Wednesday

Veterans Appreciation & War History, 1-4p.m. Free. A collaboration with Sheas Performing Arts Center. Special program to honor war veterans.

10 Thursday

Behind the Scene Tours, 6p.m. $10 general; free for members. Limit to 20 people. Pre-registration required. A guided tour of The Buffalo History Museum’s artifact collection at 459 Forest Ave. Meet and greet with our collections staff and see artifacts that are kept in storage. A guided tour of the Spirit Still Lives Pan Am Expo exhibit will take place after behind the scenes tour.

Pan Am Walking Tour, Noon $10 Pre-registration required. Meet at The Buffalo History Museum for an hour walking tour of the historic Pan Am grounds. Map with vintage photos is included. Behind the Scenes Tour, 6p.m. $10 general; free for members. Limit to 20 people. Pre-registration required. A guided tour of The Buffalo History Museum’s artifact collection at 459 Forest Ave. Meet and greet with our collections staff and see artifacts that are kept in storage. A guided tour of the Spirit Still Lives Pan Am Expo exhibit will take place after behind the scenes tour Museums by Moonlight …and More, 5:30 to 9:30p.m. Ticket pre-sale $25 per person; $35 after Oct. 6. For just one night, just one ticket gets you inside The Buffalo History Museum plus its Resource Center on Forest Avenue, Buffalo Museum of Science, Darwin Martin House, Albright Knox Art Gallery, BurchfieldPenney Art Center, Richardson-Olmsted Complex, and the Buffalo State Art Conservation Lab.

16 Wednesday

War of 1812 lecture: “Battle of Lake Erie,” 6p.m. Museum admission; members free. Reference Librarian from Medaille College, Raya Lee. *18 M& T Third Friday MURDER AT THE MUSEUM! A whodunit event with a ‘30s twist, 7-11p.m. $35 general; $30 members. Call to purchase tickets 873. 9644. Limited seating. Interactive fun! Actors Anonymous presents “The Broadway Melody Hour Murders” ‘30s period costumes encouraged. Live music, cash bar, and… MURDER!

23 Wednesday

An Evening of Jazz and its History in Buffalo, 6-8 p.m. Museum admission. Presented by the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, an ensemble of BMHOF jazz inductees will perform, along with narrative from a historical perspective. (musicians TBA) Beer, wine, and beverage bar w/ suggested donation.

10 Sunday

13 Wednesday

*15 M& T Third Friday with Charles Phoenix presents “Retro Holiday Show,” 7p.m. $15 general; $10 members. Charles Phoenix is a performer, humorist, chef and author. As seen on Conan O’Brien, the self-proclaimed “retro daddy” explores America’s classic and kitschy pop culture, past and present, and predicts retro-inspired future trends. This is a not to be missed laugh-out-loud night of fun and frivolity uniquely Buffalo!

20 Wednesday

War of 1812 lecture, “Battle of Queenston Heights” speaker John Percy, 6-8p.m. Museum admission; members free. Town of Tonawanda historian, John Percy will present.

29 Friday

Train Day, 1-4p.m. Museum admission; members free. This popular event features model train diorama, train crafts, face painting, tours, artifact scavenger hunts, and more.

30 Saturday

Annual Local Author Book Signing Event, Noon-2p.m. Free during event hours. Meet and greet with local authors. Great gift ideas for holiday shopping. Dates subject to change

26 Saturday

30 Wednesday

All Hallows Eve, 6-8p.m. $10/child general public, $5/child members, adult members free, regular admission for adults. Live organ music on artifact pipe organ, scary silent film screenings, pumpkin painting, historic crafts, museum ghost tours, artifact scavenger hunts.

*M&T THIRD FRIDAY event

On the third Friday of every month, admission to the Buffalo History Museum, Resource Center, and select events are free for everyone from 10 a.m. – 5p.m. 11

BY:

Uniquely Buffalo Gifts BOOKS. POSTERS. JEWELRY. TOYS. LOCAL ARTISTS Members receive 10% discount on many items. Evening Shopping Hours on Wednesday until 8 p.m. Free & Plentiful Parking.

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BUFFALO, NY PERMIT No. 3626