News Page 2019
PO Box 135
Grand Island, NY 14072
Previous Historical Society News Page
River Lea - The Grand Island Historical Society restored and maintains the farm house known as River Lea and located in Beaver Island State Park. It was built on Lewis F. Allen's property, Allenton Farms, by his son, W. Cleveland Allen. Today it is owned by New York State.
Directions To River Lea Mission Statement Society Officers
Grand Island Historical Society & River Lea History
Grand Island History - Published 1898 By Truman C. White
Jim Fisher's Avocational Archaeology & Lithic Technology Web Site
Grand Island History and Photos (Update 9/20/09)
River Lea Artists - Photos - Paintings - Artists James Edward Montanari - Eugene Matthew Dyczkowski ("Dick")
GI Historical Society Holiday Luncheon Photos - December 2019
Left: Maggie Gushue & Carolyn Doebert. Right: Robin Shipman & Curt Historical Society President Curt Nestark
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Left: Carolyn Doebert and Joanne Gesl. Right: Phyllis Martin & Robin Shipman
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Joanne Gesl
. The Grand Island Historical Society Annual Holiday Luncheons took place the first week of December and were a huge success. Over three days, more than 100 people enjoyed a lunch of cranberry salad, homemade breads, chicken ala king and sundaes and xmas cookies for dessert.This year's show was "Chapeau Fashions", collection and narrated by Maggie Gushue. Historical Society members modeled the hats, some from as far back as the 1830's. There was a Christmas store that sold homemade jams, jelly, pickled items, xmas cookies and nearly new Christmas holiday decor.
GI Historical Society Holiday Open House - December 2019
The Grand Island Historical Society Holiday Open House will be held on Sunday, December 8th at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Enjoy the decorations and sounds of the season in our historic farmhouse. Shop in our country store and enjoy some refreshments while listening to holiday music. Costumed docents will be on hand to share information about the house. This is free and open to the public! Please invite your family, friends and neighbors!
Historical Society Meeting - November 2019
The Grand Island Historical Society November General Meeting is on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road at the Nike Base Complex. The guest speaker will be Marty Biniasz of the Erie County Fair with a power point program on Buffalo's Central Terminal. A meeting and refreshments will follow. Everyone is welcome to attend.Historical Society Annual Holiday Luncheons - October 2019
From Left: Historical Society members Jodi Robinson(1940's), Carolyn Doebert(1900) & Adele Upton(1970's), wearing vintage hats
As of 11/26/19: Tuesday and Saturday sold out. Friday, December 6th - 6 seats available.The Grand Island Historical Society Annual Holiday Luncheons will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd, Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. Luncheons begin at 12 Noon - SHARP. Tickets are $25.00 and reservations are required by calling Sue at 773-5313. A program by Maggie Gushue entitled "Chapeau Fashions" will follow the luncheons. River Lea will be decorated to get you in the holiday spirit. The Country Store will be open for your shopping pleasure. Items in the store include member homemade candy, cookie trays and saurkraut! See flyer.
Historical Society Homemade Sauerkraut & Pierogi Fundraiser - October 2019
The Grand Island Historical Society has made homemade sauerkraut and pierogi as a fall fundraiser. One dozen frozen potato/farmer cheese pierogi are $7, one quart zip-lock bag fresh sauerkraut is $3. Pre-order by calling 773-6699 or 775-6745. Pick-up is on Sunday, October 20th at the River Lea Historical Museum in Beaver Island Park, between 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cash or checks only. See flyer for details.
Historical Society Meeting - October 2019
The Grand Island Historical Society October General Meeting is on Thursday,October 3, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. The guest speaker is society member Nicole Gerber, will present a power point program on “The Farms of Grand Island". Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend.GI Historical Society Display at Antique Boat Show - September 2019
Map Display at BLC.
The Grand Island Historical Society has set up a display of old Grand Island maps at the Buffalo Launch Club. The public will be able to view the display, along with antique boats and cars at the 41st Annual Niagara Frontier Antique Classic Boat & Car Show on Saturday, September 7th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.River Lea Renovations & Historical Society News - August 2019
November 2018
August 2019 - Click photos for larger view.
The Grand Island Historical Society's museum is located in River Lea Villa at Beaver Island State Park. Island resident and NYS Parks carpenter Harold Stickl recently spent many hours with his crew renovating the front of the house. Windows were made operational, pieces of rotted wood siding replaced, the downstairs threshold and door were fixed, upstairs balcony was rebuilt, and the entire front was scraped and painted. These gentlemen did a fabulous job. Thanks very much for all your hard work!
The first GI Historical Society meeting of the fall will take place on Thursday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m. It is a potluck dinner and presentation. If you are interested in becoming a member, you are welcome to attend. Bring your $20 membership fee, a dish to pass and your own utensils. The presentation will be on new donations and explaining the accessioning process.
Historical Society Installation Dinner - June 2019
