THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

The West Monroe Historical Society was formed in anticipation of the 150th anniversary of the town in 1989.  In that year we organized a parade and "Old Home Days" celebration and the Society published the first town history, "West Monroe, N. Y. 1839 to 1989".  On July 28, 1989, the University of the State of New York granted the Society a provisional charter.  The original society headquarters was the Jewel Store at the corner of NY Route 49 and County Route 11, a privately owned historic structure.  This was the original store in the Town of West Monroe.

In 1990 we again celebrated with Old Home Days featuring a Civil War reenactment, a local Karate Club demonstration, local bands and singers and a chicken BBQ.  We also began compiling a cemetery census.  We opened a small museum which was open for visitors on Sunday afternoons.  Scheduled meetings featured speakers such as the county historian, the North Shore Community Planners and local family genealogists.

In 1991 the census of five West Monroe cemeteries was completed.  The names, dates and location of each tombstone is compiled, published and distributed to libraries in the area.  We worked with the North Shore Community Planners to identify historic buildings and sites we hope to preserve.

In 1992 we held a community Easter egg hunt and a fund raising ball game between the community and a local radio station team.  We joined with other communities' planners to begin plans for the Heritage Trail from Rome to Oswego.
 

In 1993 the New York State Grange transferred the historic Grange Hall in West Monroe to the society for use as our headquarters and museum.  At this time we were outgrowing our space in the Jewel Store due to increased collections of historical materials.  The Society also transcribed the 1850, 1860 and 1970 Federal Census for West Monroe and surrounding communities.  The Constantia cemetery census was completed.

In 1994 the deed to the West Monroe Grange Hall was given to the Historical Society.  The property was surveyed and all legal requirements were met and the interior of the building was painted.  An access ramp was installed for the handicapped.  We began setting up museum exhibits.  Our fund raising efforts were accelerated in anticipation of major repairs and improvements to the building.

In 1996 the first floor of the Grange Hall was rewired.  We made a local history presentation to the local elementary school and loaned some historical items for class use.  We applied for and were awarded a $5,000 matching grant by the John Ben Snow Foundation.  We also received our tax exempt status 501c3 from the Internal Revenue Service.  Our census of the Little France Cemetery was completed.

In 1997 we replaced the roof of the Grange Hall.  We also installed a chimney, rewired the second floor and replaced the water pump.  The Society purchased microfilm census records.  We continued our school history education program and were visited by our local Boy Scout troop.  The Grange Hall was one of the stops on the 1997 Heritage Foundation Open House Tour of the North Shore of Oneida Lake.

In 1998 we replaced a chimney in the Grange Hall and rebuilt the stairs.  A second wood burning stove was installed.  We completed our survey of the Constantia Trinity Church cemetery and the Constantia Center cemetery census is under way.  We continued our school education program.


In 1999 the society won a blue ribbon at the Oswego County Fair for an exhibit featuring a subscription quilt which originated with the Constantia Methodist Church.  We also provided an exhibit on North Shore Industries.  An open house was held on July 18.


In 2000 we erected a sign to be used to inform the community of events.  The water pump was replaced.  The society provided an exhibit on North Shore cemeteries at the county fair.  A fire and burglar alarm was was installed. 




In 2001 the society acquired its first computer.  Monthly exhibits included button hooks, bottles, crocks and jugs, privies and Dr. Woods medical equipment.  The building foundation was upgraded.



In 2002 the windows were replaced with financial support from community members.  The county fair exhibit on rural outhouses won a blue ribbon.  Our porch was also replaced with the addition of a handicap ramp.


In 2003 the society held an auction with the New Life Church and disposed of all items from our rummage sale.  A program was held on documenting your family history.  The computer was upgraded.  We received a grant from the Upstate History Alliance which allowed Matt Braun to consult with us on starting a long range planning process.  We also received a second grant of $2500 to complete our long range plan.

2004

We celebrated the 15^th anniversary with an Open House, set new goals and priorities, expanded our gift shop with books of the surrounding region’s history, and installed a propane heater.  We won 18 blue and 3 red ribbons at the Oswego County fair.  Programs were held on classic cars, log hewing, shingle making, antique appraisals and demonstrations by community artisans.

The book “ West Monroe , NY 1839-1989” was reprinted.  We published a newsletter and a calendar of the Churches of West Monroe.  Programs included Blacksmithing, woodturning, stained glass, quilts, an archeological dig, an Oneida Lake bus tour and a One Room School class reunion.

2006

With community volunteers, we tore off the old siding, insulated, and applied new siding to our building.  We improved the landscape, trimmed trees and added a new wood shed and back entrance.  Our calendar this year was The Barns of West Monroe.  We held our annual spring plant sale, antique appraisals, wreath sale and Santa’s visit and tree lighting.