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Archiver > NYMADISO > 2001-04 > 0986267215


From: Tim Stowell <>
Subject: [NYMADISO] My New York visit - part 1
Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 23:06:55 -0400


My visit to Chenango County from March 16 - March 24 was a resounding
success far exceeding my expectations.

First of all shortly after my arrival Friday evening, the 16th - 3 inches
of new snow came. Now I realize for those of you who see gobs of the stuff
it's more pain than pleasure. However, for a down South guy, who only sees
snow about once every 3 years....well it was a special treat.

Early Saturday morning found us headed north on State 8 to Scribner's
Cemetery to visit and uncle, aunt and cousin's grave. I do have a
transcription of this on-line - at least up to a point. Next we went into
New Berlin to see if the library was open. As it was not, we proceeded to
St. Andrew's Episcopal church and cemetery. A transcription of this
cemetery was done last summer by a group of volunteers. A subsequent
on-line listing is in the works. We also visited the village cemetery
adjoining.

Later that day I got to meet a new volunteer who is interested in assisting
me get material for the web site to share with the rest of you. The day
was supposed to be snow flurries - but turned into snow - another 5 inches.
Yay! :) Having heard of the county farm for years and having never seen
it, my cousin whom I was staying with during my visit, showed me around the
county - and we went to see the old county farm in Preston, now an old
folks home - way out in the boonies. From there we drove to East Pharsalia
and Pharsalia. Along the way, I ran into a perfect photo op, a straight
empty road, trees lining it and a neat snow fall. Shortly had we been out
of the car than someone stopped to see if we were ok!

After Pharsalia we turned southwest and wandered into Cortland County
through Lower Cincinnatus (didn't know such a place existed), Cincinnatus
and Taylor before returning to Chenango County and Pitcher. We proceeded
northeast on State 26 to North Pitcher's churchyard where my grandmother's
brother (PARKHURST) is buried. Of course having seen the grave before in
the summer, and finding it under knee deep snow proved to be a different
matter. Some graves buried under the snow could be distinguished by the
humps in the snow while others had to be found by tromping around and
stomping here and there to see if stones could be found. During this
adventure I twisted my knee and worked my way out and back to the car.
While I did 'see' some relatives there, I was unable to find the one I'd
been seeking.

>From North Pitcher we headed north passing through South Otselic and
Otselic - and Maple Grove cemetery - where I've a few more relatives. As
the 'road' into that cemetery is wicked even in the summer, no attempt was
made to visit there this time. :(

Moving further north to Georgetown, in Madison County, then east past
Evergreen Cemetery - blocked by snow plow drifts - to the area known as
Texas Hill where another group of my relatives (WHALEY and MARTIN) once
lived. This is now State land. We got so far and then as the road was not
plowed out, we had to retreat and go another route (Upham Road) south to
Otselic.

The road home took us to Upperville, Smyrna, Sherburne Four, North Norwich,
Norwich, and to the country east of Springvale. On the road between
Sherburne Four and North Norwich another photo op presented itself in the
form of clouds/fog descending on a hill top with big fir trees and the snow
falling neatly around it.

Once again, we'd barely got our photo taken than someone stopped to make
sure we were ok. (Amazing this Southerner - not the stereotypical Yankee
we in the South often hear about! :) ). Actually nearly everyone I met
during my trip in central New York were kind, friendly and inviting folk.

End of part 1










Tim Stowell
Moderator Chenango County mailing list
Coordinator Chenango County, NYGenWeb pages
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nychenan

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