May 31, 1893 Masonic Hall Rooms Dedicated

The night of December 30, 1880 saw great destruction on Main Street by fire. A second fire in February 1891 brought about additional loss of buildings.*

So how are these two fires tied together? The 1880 fire began at Peter Shaffer’s home when hot embers from a fire were placed in a wooden container. That home stood on the lot where today stands the Interlaken Masonic Hall. As for the American House fire of 1891, Farmerville Lodge held their meetings in the adjacent building which burned along with the hotel.

That second fire left the Masons without a meeting place. Thankfully they had been able to save records and meeting paraphernalia from the fire. They met for a time “over A. V. Minor’s store, corner Main and Mechanic streets.” [Farmer Review June 2, 1893]

Needing a new meeting space after the American House fire, members of the Lodge formed the Masonic Hall Association and purchased the former Shaffer property.

The Farmer Review of April 22, 1893 noted, “Work on the Masonic hall is progressing rapidly. When finished Farmerville lodge will have a hall second only to the Masonic hall at Ithaca.”

On the afternoon of Wednesday May 31, 1893, “R.W. James E. Batsford, acting Grand Master…opened in the rooms formerly occupied by Farmerville lodge [Main at Mechanic]…and proceeded to the new hall on Main street where the rooms were dedicated in due and ancient form.” Over 200 Master Masons attended the event, with neighboring and distant lodges represented.

That evening the Master Mason degree was conducted “in full costume by members of St. Paul’s lodge of Auburn, and we believe it to be the only time the degree has been worked in full costume in this county. There were two interesting notes about both the evening and the building. After the degree work the 40 members of the Auburn lodge needed to get home. Being 1893 “they [were] taken across the lake about 2 a.m. where a special train returned them to Auburn.”

As with any building project, some item is often delayed. “It is regretted the windows for the main room did not arrive until Thursday morning, for they are fine, of cathedral glass with Masonic emblems worked in and they would have made the interior decoration complete.” [Farmer Review June 2, 1893]

One of the front windows as seen from the Lodge Room.
Author's collection

Today, 124 years later, the Lodge is still meeting in the hall. Over the years, other organizations have also met there. The kitchen and dining room, as well as more retail space on the first floor were completed in 1908. A variety of businesses have occupied the first floor. Many may recall Peterson’s, Braden’s and Whittier’s Dry Goods stores. Today the space is occupied by Hubbard Heating and Plumbing.

The Masonic Hall, Main Street Interlaken. Peterson's Dry Goods on the first floor.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection # 1428.

* See American House Fire Feb 11, and watch for the December 30 snippet too.

Dewitt’s Diary Tuesday, May 31, 1921

I cultivated my field corn for the first time this morning.

Ovid, Lodi, Trumansburg and Interlaken High Schools had a field Day picnic on the Interlaken Athletic field today. About 3000 people there.

Eva [Edna’s sister] and a Powell girl were over here today. Edna took them down to town this afternoon.

Emory [hired man] came back from Cortland this noon. Fitting ground for beans this afternoon.

Had a nice shower and a change of wind to the North this evening. 

May 30, 1921 Dedication of the Civil War Monument

Interlaken Review, June 8, 1921, “Memorial Day was duly observed at Interlaken on Monday last, and in an impressive manner.”

The article describes the parade from the Baptist church to the cemetery, including three Civil War veterans who were members of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Miller Silver Band, veterans of the “World War, school children and citizens in autos and carriages.”

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Soldiers monument. This monument was specified in the will of Madison Covert who died June 3, 1920. After the unveiling, Lyman B. Welton, Adjunct of the William E. Avery Post, G.A.R. made a brief address.

World War I Veterans, Walter Boyer Jr, John Kellogg and Lyle VanArsdale ready to unveil the monument.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #737.

Discussions on the type of monument and which monument dealer would create the stone was the topic of several meetings within the cemetery board. It is one of the few times that the board meeting minutes would reflect conflicting views.

The committee assigned to the task made their report, and a dealer was selected. Within days, a second meeting was held and a different dealer was selected.

A brief article in the December 24, 1920 Interlaken Review noted, “Mr. Hoare of Ithaca placed the Soldier’s Monument donated to Lake View cemetery by the late Madison Covert, in position on Monday last.”

The Civil War Monument, Spring 2017.
Author's collection.

Fast forward 90 years. Richard Bauer, a veteran of Viet Nam, had long held a dream of another monument to the soldiers of the community. On May 30, 2011, following the Memorial Day honors service at Lake View Cemetery members of the community traveled to the Town Hall on South Main Street and dedicated the new memorial. Community members and organizations had helped to fund this effort through the purchase of bricks.

The memorial includes a statue, benches and flags for each branch of service. The center piece marker reads “…”

The Monument in front of the Covert Municipal Building.
Author's collection

May 8, 2016 Members of the Town of Covert Board and others raising the Military Branch Flags.
Author's collection.

Dewitt’s Diary Sunday, May 30, 1954

We worked around the house most of the morning.

Leland broke the Sabbath by finishing the plowing for corn. Some corn planted but I will plant mine later in the week. Temperature 75 today.

Lem and I got five lake trout tonight. Got home at 1:30. This is the first time the trout have showed any sign of biting. 

May 27, 1996 Veterans’ Memorial Stone Dedication

A joint project of the American Legion Post #462, Lake View Cemetery and the Interlaken Historical Society culminated on Memorial Day 1996 with the dedication of a new Veterans’ memorial monument at Lake View Cemetery.

In the 1920s a large monument was installed honoring members of Company C, 126^th New York Volunteers. This was given by Madison Covert.

The thought behind the new monument was to honor all Veterans of all wars.

While the original proposal was replacing the old honor roll, the Legion suggested a more permanent memorial, and the Cemetery board was approached to be a part of the project.

As the plans developed, many people were involved. A donation from Seneca Stone of Seneca Falls provided the diamond shaped six by six by two-foot stone.

Fund raising materials were developed and volunteers worked on acknowledging the gifts as they were received. One of the early committee members was Ed Redman, former grocer and local veteran. Ed died unexpectedly in 1995, and the family suggested that gifts in his memory be given to the Veterans’ Memorial Project. When his wife, Jane died a short time later, additional gifts were received for the project.

By Spring 1996 the fund raising was completed. Funds were used to purchase the concrete to set the stone, purchase and install the bronze plaque, and provide a weatherproof coating. The balance was given to the cemetery for future care and plantings at the stone.

In early September 1995, the donated stone was moved to the Town of Covert Highway Department on Clinton Street. When it was tipped off the truck onto the stone pile, the ground shook.

Bob Doane, Tom Morrow and others prepared the foundation for the stone, and on September 13, working with the highway department, the stone was set in a place of honor on the south side of the flag pole. Jeff MacCheyne and Ed Turk from the Town of Covert Highway Department were assisted by Donald Betzler, Joe Arcangeli, Webb Rankin, John Swank, Elmer Wilson and Paul Brown.

Assistance with fund raising and acknowledgements were provided by Herb and Doris deLyser.

As part of the American Legion’s Memorial Day honor service, the stone was unveiled. Webb Rankin gave the background of the project and thanked all who had been involved.

Since then additions have been made to the site, a custom flag holder honoring each war with its special flag holder emblem and a general veterans flag holder are set in front of the stone. Individuals, and now the Green Thumb Garden Club, provided design, planting and care of the many plants which form the garden and pathway to the stone.

Don Betzler bringing the stone to the site. 

In order to lift the front end of the loader with the stone, a second loader was used to put additional counter weight on the first machine. In the end, two men also had to stand on the second loader so the stone could be lifted over the forms and set in place.

Bob Doane and Webb Rankin, two of the men instrumental in the vision and completion of the project..

The stone in place and its bed of concrete smoothed out. .

  

The stone as it appeared Memorial Day 1996. 

       

   Today, plants, flowers and flag holders honor all the men and women who have served in any and all branches of service and for different times in war and peace.

Dewitt’s Diary Tuesday, May 27, 1924

Cloudy and south wind followed by rain late this afternoon. I planted some garden today. Also planted my sweet corn just before the rain began at three o’clock.

Went down and got seed corn enough to finish my corn field. I have a little sorghum left that I have got to plant.

Trees in the orchard are partly out. 

May 25, 1973 All on a Spring Day

Dewitt’s Diary Friday, May 25, 1973

Temperature 50, mostly cloudy. Sun came out about nine.

Took some flowers to cemetery and left half crate of eggs for Dawson, and stopped at Campbells who is making some kitchen chairs to go with my new table.

Leland working on the porch. We did some painting on porch.

We set out 40 tomato plants even if it was very damp and too cool.

18 Morton west end of two rows

Middle 14 Springset and 8 Jet Star next to road. 

May 22, 1911 The New Bank Building Opens

An article in the Interlaken Review, August 20, 1909 announced a major change coming to Main Street. “The W. E. Peterson house on Main street has been sold to O.G. and D. C. Wheeler, possession to be given April 1^st, 1910. We understand they offer the building for sale, as it will be either removed or torn down to make place for a fire proof brick building to be used for their banking business.”

In 1873, the brothers had built and occupied the wooden structure to the south (or left) of the current library. They were feeling the need for more room.

Memorial Day Parade 1909. The members of the GAR post are in front of the Peterson home.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #

The Peterson building had survived the 1891 fire which destroyed the Gambee House. Now in 1910 it was being offered, “for sale at a bargain, the house now occupied by W. E. Peterson. House must be removed by April 15, 1910. Inquire of O.G. & D.C. Wheeler.” The ad first appeared in the March 4, 1910 Interlaken Review and ran for several issues.

A few weeks later two other reports were printed. On April 27^th the Ovid Gazette noted, “G. L. Winne has the cellar for his house on Seneca street nearly finished and will soon commence moving the Peterson house to cover it.” The May 20, 1910 Interlaken Review noted, “G. L. Winne has the Peterson house already on its new walls on Seneca Street.”

Once the site was cleared, notices about the construction began appearing. July 29, 1910, “O.G. & D.C. Wheeler have received the plans for their new bank building, and work on same will soon be started…They expect to occupy it before winter sets in.” August 10, 1910, “The contract for the new bank building…has been let to Ithaca parties and work is to commence immediately.” They were still hopeful for a 1910 opening, “The Ithaca Construction Co. have begun work on the new bank building…contract calls for its completion by December 1.” [Interlaken Review September 16, 1910]

As 1910 moved into 1911, progress was being made. April 7, 1911, “The interior of O.G. & D.C. Wheeler’s new bank building is nearly finished and will soon be ready to occupy. The exterior work cannot be finished until danger of freezing is past.”

May 19, 1911, the big move is about to happen, without the marble wainscoating. “The first lot was grained the wrong way as so was returned. Another lot was received last week and when workmen came to set it they found the slabs has been broken in the transit. The opening will take place just the same on Monday next, the wainscoating being finished later.”

O.G. and D. C. Wheeler Bank, 1911 Note the space to the left of the bank,
the Interlaken Review Office is visible.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #42

“In New Bank Building” so reads the headline of the article on May 26, 1911. “O.G. & D.C. Wheeler moved into their new bank building last Saturday afternoon, and opened there for business Monday morning, May 22. It was 38 years ago, next August, that they opened for business in the building they have vacated, just across the street from the new building.”

“Practically fire-proof, of concrete and brick, two stories and basement, heated by steam, lighted by electricity, and equipped with every convenience for that line of business…the vault is probably one of the strongest in the state, built of concrete, reinforced with steel bars, and lined with steel, with large Mosher safe within, time-locks throughout.”

O. G. and D. C. Wheeler Bank 1911.
Front seat of the car, James Wheeler and Myron Bassette
Back Seat O. G and D. C. Wheeler, the four men who most shaped the bank for a century.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #1411

The article ends with “they well deserve the finely appointed building they now occupy, and which will stand, for years to come, as a monument to the Wheeler brothers.”

Additions and renovations would be made to the bank, but that last comment still holds true. When you enter the Community Bank Interlaken Branch today you can see the vault, the locks, and the solidness of a building now 116 years old.

May 26, 1911 Interlaken Review, copied from www.fultonhistory.com

Dewitt’s Diary, Saturday, May 22, 1926

A heavy thunder shower today.

I set out three cherry trees today north of the barn and one in the front yard.

May 20, 1836 William Carman Ferry

Sometimes, what starts as a simple, “I’ll just copy this from the Historical Society Newsletter,” becomes more, only because the mental questions get asked. In today’s case the mental question was, “What became of William Carman after 1836?” the answer brings in a whole new topic.

In the January 1992 Interlaken Historical Society newsletter there is an article discussing “an Act authorizing William Carman to establish a ferry across Cayuga Lake.” There are seven points to the legislation.

Legislation points 1, 2, and 3 discuss 1) the landing points of the ferry: from Frog Point in Covert, to lot 68 in Lansing, at or near Countryman’s or Woodard’s Landing, for 12 years. 2) That a sufficient wharf be constructed at each landing place, and that “ferry-boats, to be propelled by steam or horse power, for the conveyance of carriages, horses, cattle, and sail-boats for the conveyance of passengers across said lake.” 3) A penalty of $10 will be applied “for willfully neglecting or refusing, at all proper seasons and time, …any person or persons, their horses, carriages, goods or chattels, proper for ferriage…but no such penalty shall be recovered in case the wind, weather or ice shall render the crossing…dangerous or very difficult.”

Item four outlines the payment to be made, four-wheeled coach or pleasure carriage drawn by 2 horses or mules $1.00. Four-wheeled lumber wagon or carriage drawn by 2 horse. 75 cents, one horse wagon, 50 cents, sleigh or sled drawn by 2 horses 75 cents, one horse cutter, sleigh, sled or cart, 50 cents, even to 6 cents per hog or sheep. Item five notes that he cannot over charge and the penalty for doing so.

Item number 6 gave Mr. Carman the sole right to transport from the Frontenac Point. “If any person or persons shall establish a ferry across the lake within three miles of the ferry herein granted such person or persons shall forfeit and pay to the said William Carman, his heirs and assigns, the sum of ten dollars for each offence: but nothing herein contained shall prevent any person from crossing said lake in his own boat and transporting his own property.”

And the last item, gave the legislature the right to alter, modify or repeal the act.

So there is the nitty gritty of the whole act. Now for the “rest of the story.”

In trying to find out what became of Mr. Carman and/or the ferry, I found a number of items including a reference using the ferry for special transportation.

The Carman family were pioneers in Hector, settling in the Perry City area. An article about the Underground Railroad in this area includes information on William.  (November Calendar insert, Interlaken Review October 29, 1964) “William Carman, who was a member of the Society of Friends, was in charge of a station at Mecklenburg. He operated a ferry across the lake which was used to transport fugitives from one route of the Underground to the other across the lake. This was very valuable because trouble could be avoided on one route by crossing over to the other.”

 

Map included with the Underground Railroad article.

There is a William Carman in the Carman cemetery at Mecklenburg, Schuyler county. No dates are shown on Find-A-Grave for either William or his wife Pheobe. I did find the family in the census records for Hector from 1810 to 1850, and a few of the children noted in the 1850 census in later years.

Dewitt’s Diary Wednesday May 20, 1964

Temperature 50, misty, strong northwest wind and stones wet. Misty most of the morning. We picked up potatoes in cellar and sprouted them. Got the corn planter ready. Hope to plant the corn soon.

They predict plenty of frost for tonight. I hope not with the pepper plants in the garden. No frost so far in May this year.

Cultivated the garden tonight. Temperature 50 before dark and very still and clear. 

May 18, 2016 Mayor Bill Larsen

The article in the Geneva Times on February 17, 1984, announced, “Interlaken Board Names New Mayor.” The previous evening the board had unanimously appointed 35-year-old William Larsen to become mayor for the 11 months remaining in the term of Thelma Peabody who had died the previous week.

Mayor Larsen would be re-elected and serve the village until May 18, 2016 when he died unexpectedly. Looking back at his career with the Village many events had taken place. Olde Home Day was revised, a new Memorial Garden was created and Bill and others built the entrance which was dedicated in 2007. As part of the Olde Home Day events, Bill could be found cooking at the Interlaken Community Action Group food booth.

Bill was a community oriented person. In 2004 when the Village was celebrating its centennial, Bill was recognized as Citizen of the Year. At the 2016 Olde Home Day event two tributes were read and presentations made to Bill’s family.

In remembering Bill as part of the Town’s Bicentennial I’d like to share again, the tribute from the Community Action Group.

Tribute to Bill Larsen 1948 - 2016

   The 2016 Citizen on the Year joins a long line of community members who have been recognized over the years. Many of them still serve the community in one way or another.

    In 2004 Interlaken celebrated its centennial and recognized as the Citizen of the Year Mayor Bill Larsen. A month ago, we lost this community leader; his leadership, inspiration, encouragement, and feistiness will be missed by many.

    Today we want to say thank you to Bill’s family for sharing him with us all these years. In designating a recipient for memorial gifts for Bill, the family encouraged donations to the Interlaken Community Action Group. In the coming months we will be making decisions on how those gifts should be allocated within the community.

   The first allocation was made to purchase a plaque to honor Bill.

  Pat, Carrie, and all of Bill’s family, we hope you will accept this small remembrance of Bill from all of us.

     When you recall Bill’s many contributions to Olde Home Day one item quickly comes to mind. The ICAG food tent and Bill’s wonderful food. Bill enjoyed interacting with people while cooking and serving potatoes, chicken, strawberry shortcake and, of course, his Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

Those words hold true today as we remember a man who loved God, family and community.

Dewitt’s Diary May 18, 1924 and May 18, 1972

Sunday, May 18, 1924 Partly cloudy and high south wind. We had a heavy shower at 3 o’clock. The Trumansburg high school was badly damaged by fire today. Fire started at 10:30.

Thursday, May 18, 1972

Temperature 48, ground fog and fair predicted for a change. Drawing out some manure from hen house this morning.

Leland began plowing sod this afternoon. I mowed up the front lawn late this afternoon. Lilacs are not out, it shows how back ward the season is.

Kidders Hotel burned tonight about 3 o’clock.

Bunny H. stopped to tell us about it. He has been our mail-man lately.

The last two lines were added the next day. Dewitt originally had “last night,” and later crossed that out and wrote tonight. A week later he taped into the diary the an article about the fire and history of the Coleman Hotel, known as O’Malley’s at the time of the fire.

May 16, 1916 Petition to Pave Village Streets

“A Special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Interlaken was held at the regular meeting place at 7:30 o’clock P.M. on May 16^th, 1916,” so begins the minutes of that meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to accept and act on a petition signed by twenty-five “duly qualified electors,” requesting a special election to submit a “Proposition to Pave Streets” to the voters.

The petition asked the Board and voters to approve a bond, not to exceed $3,000, to be used to pave Cayuga Street from Main Street to Geneva Street, Geneva Street from Cayuga Street to Rail Road Street, and Rail Road Street from Geneva Street to Main Street.”

The paving was to be Water Bond Macadam and the width of paving 14 feet.

The Mayor, M. K. Medlock, and trustees M. Sniffin and J. H. Flagg accepted the petition and set May 31^st for the special election.

The Interlaken Review on Friday, June 2, 1916 reported, “131 taxpayers voted, and of this number 53 were ladies.” They voted in favor of raising the $3,000 “to macadamize” the selected streets, 97 yes, 32 no, and 2 void.

As one would expect of the newspaper editor, he seemed to enjoy playing with words. In reporting on the vote, he noted, they were “in favor of advancement, and to get out of the old ruts.”

On August 24, 1916, the Geneva Daily Times reported, “The work of improving the streets of the village goes on apace. Geneva Street from Railroad to Cayuga Street is now torn up, preparatory to building the hard road. One stretch of Railroad Street has been rolled and the filler is being applied.”

How refreshing the process was back then. A petition in early May, an election and then the work begun.

Dewitt’s Diary May 16, 1945 to 1948

Wednesday May 16, 1945 Finished buzzing E. Wilson’s wood today. Tried the trout fishing.

Thursday May 16, 1946 Mostly cloudy and rain this morning. Sold some wheat to Isaac Hill for chickens. Wheat is $2.28 per bushel. Drove over to the Burg tonight. Showers tonight.

Friday, May 16, 1947 Digging ditch. Some oats and peas are in but not many. Temperature 43 this morning.

Sunday, May 16,1948 Cloudy and acting like rain. A little rain this morning.

Drove up south of Minor’s with Bunny to see plane which crashed there. A Rochester pilot and prominent surgeon killed. A sad looking sight. [Newspapers report the crash site as an area of the Hector Grazing Lands.]

Interlaken won over Watkins in a fine ball game today. 

May 14, 1975 What does your garden grow?

Dewitt had both field crops and his garden. It is always interesting to read what and when he was planting, usually a reflection of the spring weather.

May 12, 1922 I have radishes, lettuce, and beets up in the garden. Plenty of pie plant, and asparagus in the garden.

June 8, 1929 I got some tomato plants and set them out today.

May 21, 1954 Plowed the garden today.

June 1, 1954 We planted four rows of sweet corn in the garden at noon. We got a very heavy thunder shower at 4 o’clock, plenty of rain.

May 21, 1959 Corn, beets, lettuce, radishes, carrots are up in the garden.

May 14, 1975 I planted garden this afternoon. Onions, lettuce, beets, parsnips, swiss chard.

May 9, 1976 I potted up some tomato plants.

May 10, 1976 I worked over the garden, planted some sweet corn, swiss chard, and lettuce and radishes.

May 24, 1976 Planted some cabbage seed in the garden. My sweet corn in garden just beginning to come up after being planted two weeks.

May 29, 1976 Planted some garden after supper up in the field. Lima beans, carrots, beets. The latest I ever planted garden. Sweet corn in garden finally up after 19 days.

By mid-summer the garden began to provide food for the table. But that is a snippet for another day, maybe.

Dewitt’s Diary May 14, 1956

Partly cloudy, warm this morning, temperature 70. Everything growing if the weather stays like this.

Edna washed. Very warm until 5 o’clock when it began to get cooler. Nobody farming today, too wet. I do not believe that the oats are half in.

Temperature 86 this afternoon

Much cooler tonight.

May 13, 1965 Little Chicks

As I read through Dewitt’s Diaries, one sure sign that Spring had arrived were the entries relating to the new little chicks. Dewitt would comment on the “to-do” list to get ready for them and then usually announce their arrival, how many and, often, the breed.

A few entries over the years.

April 30, 1929 50 White Wyandotte chicks came today from Ada, Ohio in fine shape.

June 9, 1932 We got 115 Rhode Island red chickens today from Richfield, PA.

 May 7, 1964 Leland got the little chicks today. 215 Rhode Island Reds.

April 23, 1965 Put up the fence around the brooder house getting ready for little chicks in about 3 weeks.

April 24, 1965 Scrubbed out the brooder house this afternoon and put it in the enclosure for the chickens.

May 11, 1965 Setting up the brooder stove for little chicks. Started the fire in brooder house.

May 13, 1965 We got the little chicks today.

May 12, 1966 We got our baby chicks from Marshall Bros this morning, 200 pullets and 6 roosters

May 12, 1971 Started up the fire in the brooder house. Little chicks tomorrow.

May 13, 1971 Got 150 baby chicks, $60.00

May 15, 1975 Got the baby chicks today after dinner.

May 3, 1976 We worked at the brooder house and fixing the fence around the brooder house for chicks on the 13^th.

May 5, 1976 Le scrubbed out the brooder house with lye.

Dewitt’s Diary Thursday, May 13, 1976

Temperature 40, clear, no frost as expected. Some West breeze, Southwest wind.

Le and Mom went after the baby chicks, 150 of them.

May 12, 1993 War in the Air Over India and Burma

Another of the articles originally published in the June 1992 issue of Between the Lakes “A newsletter of the Interlaken Historical Society” as part of their series Lest We Forget. Today’s reflection was written by and honors William Holman,

On November 2nd, 1942, Uncle Sam decided it was my turn to help him out. Early in the morning, I was off for Fort Niagara; and would you believe it? I spent my first night in the "brig" (jail) due to the overcrowding. The real shock came at 5:30 the next morning when reveille sounded and we lined up for breakfast in the cold. After a few weeks of processing, I ended up in the Air Force and was off to Mitchell Field, L.I., and then to San Antonio, Texas.

During the next year, I was at four different flying schools, learning to be a fighter pilot. In November of 1943, after graduation, I was off to Panama and very lucky to be assigned to what I thought was the best squadron flying P-39s. Our job was to meet and intercept every plane and ship (commercial or otherwise) that approached the Panama Canal.

After a year we boarded a cattle boat and traveled through the Canal, up through the Caribbean Sea, to New Orleans and were given two weeks off. While home, I finally convinced Phyllis Morehouse that I was the best choice she had. (She was in Robert Packer Hospital nursing school in Sayre, PA.) We were married, and after too short a honeymoon I was off to Florida for three months training in the new P-51 fighters.

Next came a train trip across the U.S. to San Francisco. After boarding a troop ship, we sailed under the San Francisco Bay Bridge for Melbourne, Australia, up through the Red Sea, to Karachi, India. We traveled across India to Burma in an Indian troop train that would make our freight cars look like Pullmans!

While I was in the India-Burma Theater, our job was driving the Japanese south out of Burma. This was done in close cooperation with the British troops. We had many low-level bombing and strafing missions on bridges, railroads, and convoys. We even used napalm (liquid fire) on warehouses and supply dumps. Trains ran at night and were camouflaged during the day. Even so, we would find them and go after the locomotive first and then the boxcars.

As the war progressed, we had control of most of Burma, so we had to travel farther south. Our longest missions (and also the longest offensive fighter mission the entire war) carne when we flew from our base on the India-Burma border to Bangkok, Siam (now Thailand)--a distance of over 1,500 miles. For this we carried two 110-gallon drop tanks, plus the normal 310-gallon internal tanks. There was no mid-air refueling in those days! We were in the air over six hours and returned nearly empty. In fact, several of our planes had to land for fuel at a dirt strip down the coast. Normal consumption for a P-51 was a gallon a minute, plus more over the target.

Bill Holman with his P-51 Mustang, July 1944.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection

It was a complete surprise to them, as we destroyed over twenty bombers on the ground and three in the air. We tried it a couple of weeks later, but they were there waiting and we lost five of our planes.

When the war was over, it was homeward bound for us: across the Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and into New York.

After the trip around the world, would you believe that my wife Phyllis got caught on the wrong side of the train tracks at Ithaca and I had to wait for the train to continue on its journey before we could meet at 3 A.M.? We then went to Interlaken where I met my new son, Jack, already ten months old.

William Ditmars Holman died May 12, 1993 age 71. He is buried with his wife Phyllis Morehouse Holman (died 6/10/2010) at Lake View Cemetery, Interlaken, NY.

Dewitt’s Diary, Friday, May 12, 1922

Fitting corn ground today. I went down and plowed a little berry bed up for father.

I got my hair cut today. I dug 200 strawberry plants from father’s bed today. Setting out strawberry plants this afternoon above the orchard.

I have radishes, lettuce, and beets up in the garden. Plenty of pieplant, asparagus in the garden.