~What's New~

Interesting Items Recently Donated or Discovered in Our Holdings

D.W. Washburn Post #515 G.A.R. (Watkins Glen) Membership Book

This past October we received a wonderful donation from Frank Luppino of Glenview, Illinois.  It is a 10” x 16” leather-bound book of the members of the D.W Washburn Post #515, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Watkins Glen, New York. 

“A Collection of Personal Hand-Written Sketches by the Members of the D.W. Washburn Post #515 G.A.R. Department of New York” (1892) is the actual title and the book is an absolutely wonderful resource.  Each page lists an individual member’s name, date of birth, birthplace, date enlisted and discharged, and in many cases, a short record of their wartime experiences.  For those doing research on a Civil War ancestor, or on veterans from Schuyler County, this book is a great place to look.

We have copied out the names of all the GAR members from the book and have put it in an Excel spreadsheet.  Click HERE to take a look in PDF format.

New "Schuyler County in the Civil War" Exhibit Case (April 2010)

During our winter closing we completed an exhibit case featuring items from local Schuyler soldiers who served the Union during the Civil War.  Little Schuyler did more than its fair share in raising and equipping recruits for the Union cause.  There are such items as a bayonet, cartridge box, canister shot, photos, GAR items, and much more.  The highlight is a handmade wooden spoon and small knife used by a local soldier while a prisoner of war in North Carolina!  Come by the museum to see this interesting exhibit.

Glen Springs Hotel Exhibit Case (April 2010)

We recently came into possession of many items from the former Glen Springs Hotel in Watkins Glen.  These were items owned by the owner and proprietor William E. Leffingwell and his son William M. Leffingwell.  Both men were prominent businessmen, politicians, masons, and automobile enthusiasts.  The Glen Springs Hotel was in operation from 1890 to 1942 and was an upscale hotel and health resort.  The mineral springs on premises were touted for their health benefits and many prominent people came from all around the world to take in the springs.