March 4, 2018
Issue No. 9
www.westsidenewsny.com
West Edition
Distributed to Bergen, Clarendon, Holley-Murray and Brockport-Sweden
The Story of Brockport’s Namesakes: Hiel and Phebe Brockway Presentation at the Morgan-Manning House, March 8 by Doug Hickerson The Story of Brockport’s Namesakes: Hiel and Phebe Brockway will be presented at the Morgan-Manning House on Thursday, March 8. The program will be presented by Mary Lynne Turner, exploring the lives and history of Hiel and Phebe Brockway for whom Brockport was named. It will include how Hiel brought packet boats and many other ventures to Brockport. It starts at 7 p.m. in the Victorian home at 151 Main Street. The Western Monroe Historical Society provides the evening free and open to the general public. Refreshments will be served following the program Turner provides a brief background on the program (edited and condensed): Hiel Brockway and Phebe Merrill were both born in Connecticut in the mid 1770’s and married in 1798. In 1816-1817, they moved to the Town of Sweden with 12 children, and one more would be born there. Clarkson was actually part of what was called Murray Corners in the early 1800’s. It was situated at the intersection of two Native American paths, Ridge Road and Lake Road. They became well-traveled routes, and Hiel saw business opportunity in the area, especially since the long-awaited canal was going to become a reality soon.
When it became clear that the canal was going to be dug about a mile south of Clarkson, Hiel bought a great deal of land on the west side of the Lake Road. In 1819, when the village was being formed, Hiel Brockway led the meeting where the name was decided. There was apparently very little discussion that the name Brockport would be appropriate, as he was the major land owner. The canal reached Brockport in 1823 and provided a great opportunity for Hiel and other investors to provide the possibility of comfortable east-west travel without the difficulties in riding stage coaches and covered wagons. He started the Red Bird Packet Boat Line, setting up a boat yard and a brick yard along the canal. Successful for a while, the packet boat line was not able to keep up with the new railroad in the 1840’s. The program includes a Power Point presentation by Gordy Fox, discussing packet boats in general. “I will discuss construction of these boats at a yard beside the canal,” he said. “Some of the topics will be: types of wood used, planking and water proofing the boat, fitting out the interior, flipping the hull and launching. I built a model of a packet boat leaving it open to show construction of frames, chines, strong back, etc.”
Hilton sophomore Greg Diakomihalis won first place in the 113 lb. weight class at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships held in Albany. He won his third state title by defeating Dylan Ryder, a senior from Half Hollow Hills West, in triple overtime. Diakomihalis finished the season undefeated 43-0. Provided photo.
Hilton Education Foundation holding Hilton Cadet Cupboard Food Drive The Hilton Education Foundation will be holding a Food Drive for the Cadet Cupboard on Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hilton High School. Food may be dropped off at the back door near the tennis courts. Cadet Cupboard, a food pantry for the students in the Hilton Central School District, provides children in need with essential, nutritious food that they can subtly take home and safely prepare on their own. For $6, a child in need in the community can be fed for an entire weekend. “Food is a basic need for everyone, but especially for growing children,” said Hilton Food Service Director Scott Ziobrowski, who coordinates the program. “Childhood nutrition is critical to their mental and physical development.” Donations of kid-friendly, non-perish-
able items are needed. For a complete list of items, visit www.hiltoneducationfoundation.org/cadetcupboard/index.html. Please no perishable or glass items. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. 100 percent of all Cadet Cupboard donations go directly to the students. The Hilton Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit led by a seven-member Board of Directors that is comprised of volunteer members from the community, business and education, and is a member of the American Schools Foundation Alliance (asfalliance.org). The Hilton Education Foundation does not receive any funding from the Hilton Central School District. For more information, contact Scott Ziobrowski, director of School Food Service, at 392-1000, ext. 2152. Provided information
Town of Sweden seeking speed limit reduction on Owens Road These portraits of Hiel and Phebe Brockway, painted cc. 1825, hang in the back parlor of the Morgan-Manning House. Mary Lynne Turner will discuss mystery of how the portraits got to MM House since the Brockways were not related to the Morgan family. She will comment on the hairstyles, clothing and demeanor portrayed, reflecting the earlier Regency era rather than Victorian era styles. Provided photos.
Following several requests by residents, the Town of Sweden is seeking a speed limit reduction on Owens Road. Once an official recommendation is filed by Highway Superintendent Brian Ingraham, the Sweden Town Board may pass a resolution requesting the reduction. New York State will make the determination with input from Monroe
County. The speed reduction request is part of a two-prong approach to improving pedestrian safety on Owens Road. The town is also pursuing a grant to install sidewalks on the road. Letters of public support for either project may be sent to Supervisor Kevin Johnson, Town of Sweden, 18 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420.