As the fall season approaches the historical society looks back over the past year. Time marches on too quickly! Many programs were presented and successfully carried on. The attendance has improved. However, more assistance is always needed.

Fresh ideas are welcomed. Please feel free as members to participate with any valid suggestions. What interests do you have? A source of income through fund raising projects can help immensely. Our 100% volunteer staff does well and needs more viable support.

On November 10th another High End evening auction will be held. Preview the items and enjoy free wine and cheese between 6 and 7:00 pm. The sale starts at 7:00 pm. A nice selection of collectibles and artifacts will be auctioned. Look at the website to see some pictures of specific offerings. Consignments will be accepted until that date. No clothing, please.

Call 467-4444 to leave a message.

Look for the October meeting at the museum. The program will be presented by local Binghamton character actor John Darrow. Refreshments to follow. Don’t forget the ghost cookies and cider.

This summer, after enduring 30-40 years of leaking shingles, we had a new roof was installed. Hopefully the new cover will last longer. The cost was mostly covered by grants from local foundations. The grant money has been exhausted for the present, so any new capital for educational purposes or for historical improvements has to be raised. Help us continue the growth expected from this institution.

Please feel free to inspect our museums. The Bundy house is open each Tuesday in the morning. The Museum is open weekends Sat. and Sun. between 2 and 4:00 through October 8. Stay warm, colorful, and happy.

Sincerely, President Richard Axtell

DHS NewsThe Official Newsletter

of the Deposit Historical SocietyOct. 2017: Vol XIV, Issue IIThe Deposit Historical Society

145 Second StreetDeposit, New York 13754

(607) 467-4422Website: www.deposithistoricalsociety.org

Note: You can view our newsletters with color pictures in pdf format on our website!

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After a short business meeting, attendees of Deposit Historical Society’s annual meeting were treated to a presentation of “First Ladies,” a play written and directed by local playwright, Judith Present.

The play showcased four First Ladies, Dolly Madi-son (played by Dawn Gould), Mary Todd Lincoln (played by Maryann Johnson), Mamie Eisenhower (played by Deb Fisher) and Nancy Reagan (played by Lisa Dutcher). Each First Lady told her own story about her role as First Lady during her hus-band’s administration.

An exuberant Dolly Madison focused on her social role and the preservation of White House treasures during the War of 1812. A somber Mary Todd Lincoln examined her public role and why she was misunderstood. Mamie Eisenhower focused on her use of distractions, such as cards and drinking, to protect against loneliness and gossip. Nancy Reagan explained how she saw her role as a protector of her husband.

The play, done in period costume and accompanied by period music, was well received by an enthusias-tic audience.

First Ladies Grace Annual Meeting of DHS

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The Old Time Craft and Art Fair was held on May 20, 2017 at the Deposit Historical Society.

The weather was perfect and vendors were plenti-ful, offering a vast array of enticing goods, includ-ing collectible bears, soap, quilts, a wide variety of maple products, photography, jewelry, crafts, pillows, blankets and candles.

Entertainment was provided by the West Rranch Ramblers, while Kathy Watkins and Harry Epstein manned the grill and kept everyone well-fed with hot dogs and burgers.

The annual Deposit Lumberjack Festival was held in July and the Historical Society pitched its famil-iar tent on Front Street.

The Historical Society will be on Front Street again for Octoberfest. Please stop by and see the new ceramic tile from our Deposit Seed Company col-lection.

The Lumberjack Festival and Octoberfest are excellent opportunities to educate the community about the Museum and the many programs that are presented by the Historical Society throughout the year

Lumberjack FestivalAnnual Craft and Art Fair

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Conrad Wise Chapman, Artist and Soldier of the Confederacy

In July 2016, Aksel Pedersen, a well-known local artist and collector, presented an informative slide program, “Winslow Homer, Chronicler of the Civil War,” to a large and appreciative DHS audience. This year, Mr. Pedersen returned to the Museum to present a program about a lesser known artist who fought for the Confederacy, Conrad Wise Chap-man. Chapman was the most important artist of the Southern cause and is best known for his paintings and drawings, including a set of thirty-one small panels depicting the network of fortifications and the ingenious weapons of war in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina.

Chapman was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Europe where his father, John Gadsby Chap-man, was working as an artist. Although the family was living in Europe, their roots were solidly in the South. Chapman’s father, John Gadsby Chapman, was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia and was steeped in Southern conventions.

Chapman always considered himself a Virginian even though he never lived there. After the taking of Fort Sumter in 1861, Chapman left Rome and returned to the U.S. to enlist in the Kentucky Infan-try, Confederate Army. He was wounded in Shiloh and saw action in Mississippi and Louisiana, before being transferred, at the request of his father, to the Virginia Infantry, which was commanded by Con-rad’s namesake, Henry Alexander Wise.

In September 1863, Chapman’s unit was ordered south to take part in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina. In Charleston, Chapman was com-missioned by General P.G.T. Beauregard to paint and draw all batteries and fortifications of Charles-ton and its harbor. These works came to be the major achievement of Chapman’s artistic career. Traveling by boat to the outer reaches of batteries and forts, Chapman worked under bombardment and dangerous conditions. John S. Wise, son of General Wise, wrote “Often he sat on the ramparts of Sumter and other forts under a heavy cannonade,

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while painting these pictures. And those that saw him, said he minded it no more than if he had been listening to the post band. Chapman held cannon-balls and shells in great contempt.”

In 1864, Chapman’s mother became ill and Chap-man was granted a furlough in April 1864 to return to Rome to visit his family. In December 1864, Chapman left Rome to return to his military duties, via a circuitous route through Cuba. By the time, Chapman arrived in Texas, the war had been over for two weeks. Not wanting to pledge allegiance to the Union, Chapman marched to Mexico.

Chapman died in 1910, never achieving the fame of the Union artists.

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59th Virginia Infantry - Wise’s BrrigadePicket Post

The following are excerpts from a document located in the Historical Society archives. The sources given were the Newspapers entitled the Deposit Union Democrat and the Deposit Courier. It gives a glimpse into how our town and its expectations have changed in over 160 years.

Incorporation of Territory to be called or named Village of DepositAll other dates to the contrary, it is a matter of public record that on “petition of Gates Clark, A. N.(H) Dean, Charles Knapp and others….” The Territory surveyed and mapped out “containing 826 acres, that is to say 400 acres in the Town of Sanford and 426 acres in the Town of Tompkins” was declared the “Incor-porated Village of Deposit” on the 20th of May 1851 by the Hon. Edward Kattel, County Judge (Broome) at the general term of the Court of sessions “held in and for the County of Broome” on the above stated date.On June 24, 1852, … an election calling for the election of officers … (was held with) 101 voting yes and 26 voting no. On the 31st day of July 1851 … election was held and 596 votes were cast for Trustees with Uriah Gregory receiving 121; Charles Knapp 110; Gates Clark 55; Philander Williams 120; Geo. D. Wheeler 121; David Allen 63; Barney E. Hadley 5; and B.E. Hadley 1. At the August 28, 1851 Trustee meeting Chas. Knapp was chosen President of the Corporation. At the Sept 22, 1851 meeting with the President in the chair, Trustees Uriah Gregory, George D, Wheeler, and David Allen presented the follow-ing bylaws, which were unanimously adopted, Lafayette Walker was chosen as pound-master.The following are the adopted bylaws.1. The Board of Trustees of the Village of Deposit shall have power to repress and restrain any billiard table, bowling alley, pistol gallery … A $5 penalty to be levied for each day the room, alley, or gallery was used after the order to desist and refrain was given.2. No person or persons shall exhibit or show for profit or reward any natural or artificial curiosities or animals at any theatrical or other performance whatsoever … without a permit in writing ….3. …. by a vote of at least 2.3 of all Trustees (shall) determine upon view or upon witnesses that any bldg., slaughter house, pigsty, stable, privy, sewer, pool, meat market, fish market, or any other structure …. is a nuisance (such person) shall forfeit $2 for over 24-hour period … after 3 days’ notice to desist.4. Much the same as item 3 but added grocery, tobacco chandler shop, soap factory and raised forfeit to $5 for each offense.5. No person/persons shall erect or put into use any slaughter house or house for storing gun powder within 50 rods of any dwelling house…. $25 forfeit for each offense.6. Any person who shall bring or deposit within said village any dead carcass or other unwholesome or nauseous substance …any person/persons who shall have on their premises any such carcass or substance or any putrid meat, fish, hides, or skins …. and refuse to remove them within 24-hour notice of notice shall forfeit $57. … shingles, timber, wood, brick, stones, boxes, barrels, etc. not permitted to obstruct streets or side-walks under penalty of fine.8. (much as the same above) encumbrance of any streets, squares, sidewalks, crop-walks with teams, carriages, carts, sleighs, sleds, wheelbarrows, barrel boxes, or any other substance …. Subject to $5 fine per day.9. No cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or geese shall be permitted to go at large within limits of said village under penalty….

10. No persons shall ride or drive any horse immoderately in any street in said village …. under penalty of arrest….

11. Any person …. within said village having any pestilential disease may be removed …

12. No person shall discharge within said village any rifle, gun, pistol, or other firearms loaded with bul-let, ball slug, shot, or other deadly thing ….

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Mark your calendars!

On Friday, November 10, we will hold a High-End Auction. Articles that will be auctioned may be previewed between 6:00 and 7:00 PM. The auction will start at 7:00PM and will continue until all articles are sold. Wine and light refreshments will be served.

Please keep this event and the Museum in mind when you are cleaning your house, attic and garage.

To arrange to drop off a donation or for a pickup, please call 607-467-4422.

Thank you for supporting the Museum.

Request for Donations for Upcoming High-End Auction

All programs are free of charge and everyone is welcome. Please check our website for any changes or cancellations. All programs are followed by refreshments in the Train Room of the Museum.

Sunday, October 8, 2017 - Oktoberfest DHS Booth on Front Street featuring sale items from the Museum Store.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 7:30 P.M. John Darrow, noted impersonator, will present a program, the topic of which will be announced.

Friday, November 10, 2017 - High End Auction Preview and Refreshments from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Auction to begin at 7 P.M. with Richard “Smitty” Axtell, auctioneer.

Upcoming Events at DHS

13. No person shall burn any rockets, squibs, crackers, fire-balls or other fireworks or powder, or dis-charge any firearms within 100 rods of any building in said village, excepting on the 4th of July, unless by permission of a majority of trustees…. Penalty provided

14. Permission granted Trustees to insure all public buildings of the village; engine and apparatus be-longing to the fire department, against damage by fire.

15. Trustees empowered to appoint three persons as building inspectors with right to enter anytime “between sunrise and sunset” and if any found fire risk to order changes to eliminate dangerous conditions under penalty for failure to do so.

During the interval from incorporation to March 7, 1854 the Village raised money to buy fire apparatus …. fire engine, hose cart, 300 feet leather hose, 6 fire hooks, 10 ladders, 44 fire pails. Note: small engine and several feet of leather hose belonged to the inhabitants which might be used in case of fire.

BR

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Contact the DHS News editors for information, suggestions, or address changes... If you have information to share with us about our mysteries, historical events, or suggestions for new articles or projects at the Museum, or if you have moved, mail it to DHS Newsletter editors Michael and Gail Musante at 199 Front Street, Deposit, NY 13754, or email it to one of us at gail.musante@gmail.com We will be delighted to hear from you! Thanks!!

Would you like to receive a paperless copy of future DHS Newsltters? Please send your email address to dephistsoc@aol.com

Website: www.deposithistoricalsociety.org

Membership Renewal TimeIf you are not a Lifetime member, it is time to renew your membership for 2017.

Membership rates are as follows:Lifetime -- $100Annual -- $20Senior (55 and over) and Student -- $10 Please submit your membership renewal promptly to Deposit Historical Society,

145 Second Street, Deposit, NY 13754. Thank you for your ongoing support.

The Deposit Historical Society Newsletter 199 Front Street Deposit, NY 13754