In the months
leading up to Dewitt and Edna’s wedding on November 30, 1919, changes were
being made at the family homestead on Bassette Road.
Lemuel Bassette,
grandfather to Dewitt, purchased land on either side of Bassette Road. In 1850
that land was divided between two of Lemuel’s sons. Bennett and Jared were both
setting up their own homes and from Wheeler’s family history, the brothers drew cuts to decide ownership. Bennett received the east portion which had “101
acres, 3 roods and 23 rods of land” and the family home. Jared received the
west, or upper farm which “was better land, but there was no good house on
it.” [A Bassett Family, W. A.
Bassett, 1928]
Jared build the
home which still stands on the farm. Jared and Mary had four children, Frances
who married Frank Blauvelt, George who marred Frances Austin, Anna who marred
D. Scott Rappleye, and Dewitt Clinton (D.C.) who married Mary Peterson.
At some point
Jared and Mary moved into the village of Farmer and D.C. and Mary took over the
family farm. Dewitt (Jr.) was born in the family home on August 13, 1899, the
third son of D.C. and Mary.
In 1919, with
Dewitt Jr. preparing to marry Edna Predmore, the parents went looking for their
own place in the village, taking with them the two youngest sons.
Friday, August
15, 1919 Dewitt recorded “Father is trying to buy the John Wheeler place in
town.” [The house is located on West Avenue].
Saturday, August
16, 1919 “Father bought the J. Wheeler place in town today, $3,700 and $800 for
the barn.”
After the
November 30 wedding, and a honeymoon in Rochester, Dewitt and Edna returned to
the Predmore home in Trumansburg on December 6.
Sunday, December
7, 1919 “Called up father. He has moved into his new house in town. Honey and I
are going to start in keeping house tomorrow. I stayed at Edna’s tonight.”
After moving in
to the family homestead they would live there together until Dewitt’s death in
1983. After both Dewitt’s death and then Leland’s, Edna would live at the Community
Manor prior to her passing in 1991.
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| Dewitt and Edna Bassette's home on Bassette Road, Originally built by his grandfather, Jared Bassette Dewitt Bassette Papers, Interlaken Historical Society collections |
Dewitt’s Diary, Monday, December 8, 1919
Father came over
and got Honey and I this morning.
Had dinner in
father’s new house. Mother had a bad choking spell this noon. Gave us all a
good scare.
Bought some kitchen
utensils at Stover Hardware this morning.
Had our first
meal together in our home tonight.
Set up bedroom
set, and Edna washed and cleaned bedroom and dining room.
Went to bed
early, tired but happy.
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