August 8, 2006 Nursing With the 79th Station Hospital

In another of the Interlaken Historical Society newsletter articles by a veteran who served in World War II, Marjorie Wilcox Horton shared her reflections in the June 1992 issue.

During World War II, I was a young graduate nurse from Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira where I was a supervisor on Women's Ward. It was wartime and there was a shortage of doctors and interns. On May 1st, 1943, I enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps and was sent to Fort Jay for training. I was assigned to a group of nurses that was to be the 79th Station Hospital.

We heard about a "big push" in Italy and a need for over 4,000 nurses. So they took us out during the night to another camp where we received our overseas uniforms and equipment. A few days later we were on our way to Algiers where we' would “camp out” in a field until the Germans left Naples.

On the 18th we arrived in Bay at Naples. Our hospital was located two blocks off the main street, Via Roma. We occupied apartments that the enemies had suddenly deserted.

We all had to wear helmets as there was still bombing all around.

The windows were damaged in the hospital. I was assigned as head nurse on Orthopedics.

A smoke screen was put up most nights to hide the Bay where our ships were stationed - we fled to the bomb shelters.

As the Germans moved north, we had patients from the battles at Anzio and Ceserta and yet I recall the fierce battle when the American Japanese group was crossing the Repido River.

While in Naples I met Frank Horton where he was assigned to Headquarters in G3 section. He had been injured in the first landing in Africa. We were later married in Leghorn - January 1, 1945.

The 79th Station Hospital was getting ready to go to France.

At this time, I was transferred to North Western General Hospital in Rome for several months, and then moved to Leghorn.

In May 1945, the war ended and we celebrated VE Day with great joy. In July Frank's father died, so he left for home after five years of service. Soon I was sent to a staging area in Naples to await orders to return to America. We celebrated VJ Day in New York City. In October, we were both discharged from the Army. It was wonderful to return to the United States after two years, but I count it a great privilege to serve in the U. S. Army Nurse Corps.

Now I am pleased to announce that a memorial is to be built at the main gate in Arlington National Cemetery for the women in military service. The memorial will honor the 1.6 million women who have already served our nation and those who will follow in their steps.

Marjorie Wilcox Horton died August 8, 2006 and is buried at Lake View Cemetery with other Wilcox family members.

Military plaque, Lake View Cemetery, Interlaken
Author's personal collection

Dewitt’s Diary, Thursday, August 8, 1974
Temperature 55 Clear

Sprayed the potatoes

Did some scything.

Getting ready I hope to combine the wheat.

The President has decided to resign. We listened and watched his speech tonight down to Lem’s (9 o’clock). He is quitting effective tomorrow at noon and the Vice President, Gerald Ford becomes our new president.

This is the first time a President has resigned. A sad affair. 

August 7, 1820 Covert Residents Listed in Census

Beginning in 1790 an enumeration of persons living in the United States was taken every 10 years.

In 1790 the area that would become the Town of Covert was part of the Town of Ovid, then in Montgomery County. In 1800, residents were still in the town of Ovid but now in Cayuga County. For those researching families these changes need to be known.

In 1810 the Town of Ovid is now in Seneca County. A much larger Seneca county than is known today. Ulysses (which includes present day Ithaca and Enfield) as well as the town of Hector and areas to the north in present day Wayne county were included.

The Town of Covert was created in March 1817, as a part of Tompkins County, and then returned to Seneca County in 1819.

As noted earlier this year, the Town of Covert stretched from Cayuga Lake to Seneca Lake, with Route 96A as the northern border. It wouldn’t be until the 1850 census that the current boundaries of the town were used for a census.

The 1820 census listed the name of the head of household and had numbers of males and females in various age groups.

Detail from the 1820 Town of Covert census.

Looking at Erastus Woodworth (second line in the above copy), his household consisted of 2 males under age 10, 1 male 10 to 16, one male 16 to 26, and 1 male, likely Erastus, over 45. There were five females in the household. One age 10 to 16, three age 16 to 26 and one 26 to 45. It is unknown if they were his wife and children or if there were servants, siblings or boarders in that group.

While none are shown in Erastus’ household, there was a column for males 16 to18.

The census takers had 13 months in which to gather the data for their area. They began on August 2, 1820, and the data was to reflect that date.

The 1830 and 1840 census is similar but with more age breakdowns. Additionally, there are fewer homes in the town of Covert as the Town of Lodi had been separated from Covert in 1826.

In 1850 not only is the entire town of Covert as we know it shown, but names are provided for each person in the household.

Dewitt’s Diary August 7, 1949 and 1950

Sunday August 7, 1949

Temperature 64 early. Hot and dry again.

Went to ball game this afternoon. Lodi 10, Interlaken 5 first game. Interlaken 10 Lodi 2 second game.

Crops are wilting every day. Went down to see mother this morning.

Monday, August 7, 1950

Clear and cool temperature 52 this morning.

Had the beans dusted this morning with a plane.

Tried the perch and bass fishing with C. Pell and D. Hiltbrand to Elm Beach. I caught two bass.

Plenty of dead bean beetles tonight under the beans.

Americans are on the offensive in Korea. 

August 6, 1924 The New Fire Truck

This is another “then and now” type article. The then is from 1924; the now is a work in process. I was asked to research the purchase of a fire truck in 1924. The request was to assist the department in the restoration of the truck, now out of storage and awaiting the needed work.

March 24, 1924, Village Board meeting minutes, “On motion made and duly supported and carried that L P Detro be appointed a committee of one to contract for chassis for Fireman not to exceed three hundred ninety dollars ($390.00).”

On April 4, 1924, the Interlaken Review had an article praising the village board. “The village trustees have made a wise move in buying a Ford ton truck chassis from N. R. Boyes & Son, which will have a body added built purposely to carry fire hose, and which will replace the old Chase truck that has been used for several years.”

Among the records at the Historical Society are the oldest minutes for the Fire Department. April 25, 1924 “Committee on hose chassis body reports that he is not ready to report at this time.”

Fire Department minutes May __, 1924, “com[mittee] on Hose Body reports that bids for same have been rec’d and under consideration, and specifications ready to submit to bidder and contract to let in few days, same to be completed within 60 days from date of contract.”

July 25, 1924 “Report committee on siren whistle for new hose wagon reports whistle rec’d and ready for installation.”

The minutes for August 30, 1924 “Bill of Joe Depard for shop work for building hose wagon body $16.00. On motion made and duly supported bill was ordered paid.” “Committee on siren horn reports horn installed and satisfactory.”

It was a few lines later that in the officer reports, “Foreman Donnelson reports new hose wagon received on August 6^th, accepted and loaded and turned over to Dept.”

The April 4, 1924 Interlaken Review article also noted, “This [new truck] is a much-needed addition to the fire department and places our equipment in the front rank ready for instant use at home, and where the Interlaken Fire Department can soon be of assistance to neighboring villages whenever their services may be needed.”

Fast forward to 2016, the old truck, now in parts and pieces is retrieved from a barn where it had sat for many years. The current department personnel moved it to a location where they could begin the process of restoring the truck. The work continues, and at some point, the refurbished truck will again be on display, though not in use.

1924 Truck being transported to work area.
Photo provided by Chief Jim Borden

1924 Truck being loaded for transport to work area
Photo provided by Chief Jim Borden

1924 Truck view of the passenger side.
Photo provided by Chief Jim Borden

1924 Truck driver's side with Jim Wyckoff and Matt Barkee.
Photo provided by Chief Jim Borden

Dewitt’s Diary, Wednesday, August 6, 1924

We drew in 4 load of wheat this afternoon.

It rained this morning about 4 o’clock so we could not thrash today.

You can help with the restoration, attend the 2017 Car Show on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Vintage cars and trucks, vendors and of course the Bar-B-Q at noon. (Click here to read about the Fire Department Bar-B-Qs March 24)

August 5, 2006 Hamlet of Covert Tour

The Interlaken Historical Society hosted Barn Tours in 2003 and 2004 (see April 26) and their first plowing day in 2005 (see April 30). By the fall of 2005 the board was considering options for a new tour and the idea of a tour of houses, buildings and the cemetery at the Hamlet of Covert was considered.

Cooperation was key as many people would be involved. Volunteers from the Ulysses Historical Society were welcomed into the planning. Several houses would be open to the public, along with the Covert Baptist Church, the 1850 Town Hall and the Interlaken Grange building. Americana Winery was also welcoming tour goers.

Two houses were open for tours, the Pillars, home to the McDaniel family, and the Pratt House.

Stories, written by the people who lived in the Hamlet, were being collected, along with pictures of people and events. These were incorporated into the “Special Edition” of the Historical Society newsletter.

Cover of the Special Edition
Interlaken Historical Society collection

At the church, quilts from both historical societies were on display. Allan Buddle, president of the Interlaken Historical Society, was tasked with ringing the bell at various times throughout the day.

The Grange Hall, moved to Covert in 1913, was open as the welcome center. Visitors made their way to each of the buildings and cemetery as their time and desire fit together.

The Old Baptist Cemetery or Old Covert Cemetery was to be on the tour as well. What was originally planned as a few pages within the tour booklet about the cemetery, became a book on its own. And Let My Memory Cherished Be, attempted to place those people buried at the cemetery into context.

All of the parts and pieces came together and the day was acclaimed a success by all. People from the local area and those from farther away, came, visited and took with them a better understanding of the area.

Chad Hubbard and others at the Pratt House

 

Joe Baldwin at the Town Hall

Hats hanging from the balcony at the Church

Dresses and music at the church

Vintage quilts on display at the Church

A short item in the October 2007 Interlaken Historical Society newsletter gave a follow-up on the tour. “Following the Covert Historic Tour of 2006 the materials and a description of the event were submitted to the Upstate History Alliance for their Award of Merit program. In March we were notified that the Interlaken Historical Society had been honored with an Honorable Mention certificate.”

Dewitt’s Diary, Friday, August 5, 1966

Temperature 70, clear.

Put a little dust on beans (Sevin). Air too breezy.

Painting on the south end of house.

My first planting of the early sort is mostly gone.

Corn is very high in price. I sold a few dozen ears for 70 cents per dozen.

Coon got in chickens (young pullets), killed several. We froze up 12. I heard the chickens squawk at 3 o’clock this morning while sleeping on the porch. We killed the coon. Lost about 15 all together.

Around 85 today. 

August 2, 1871 Town Purchases 500 Shares of Railroad Stock

In the course of history, decisions are made within many towns that affect the future. A true statement in most cases, a few times, though, what looked to be a good thing didn’t turn out that way.

In the early 1870s there was excitement building within many communities; two railroads were getting ready to lay track and help with local growth with new markets for crops and new items coming into the area.

The directors of the newly formed Pennsylvania and Sodus Bay Railroad company sold shares in the company to many of the communities along the proposed rail line.

Morrison notes that of the $700,000 contract given to Col. William Johnson to “put the road in running order,” $500,000 was in town bonds. [Morrison, page 32]

Stock Certificate for 500 shares at $100 each.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection item #444

The Town of Covert Town Board, as represented by John B. Avery, Minor T. Coburn and J. D. Wintersteen, commissioners, purchased 500 shares at one hundred dollars per share.

The Town of Covert Minute book for that time period does not have the motions and resolutions that we often look for today. What I did find was a notation in following years that the interest, $3,500 was duly paid.

The PA&SB railroad acquired rights to land, created grades, crossings and sidings throughout the towns along the route. Then the unfortunate happened, the economy went sour, and no Pennsylvania and Sodus Bay Railroad was built. In the end, the towns involved had a half-million in debt to be paid, plus the crossings, grades and in some cases timbers were left where they had been deposited.

Over the years many of those land marks have disappeared from the landscape. In a few cases the evidence is still visible. When the Interlaken Historical Society was preparing for its Trains in the Village event two years ago, I was shown several locations where the railroad line was still visible.

Looking through one of the creek bridges, the creek itself diverted around the bridge.
Author's personal collection

 

A small creek crossing on the railline
Author's personal collection

Looking south along the rail bed.
Author's personal collection. 

If you attended a carnival on the Interlaken Firemen’s field, or in recent years the car show, the gently rolling field near the west end was created that way to allow for the railroad sidings.

It took until 1926 to retire the debt from 1871. [Patterson, page 71].

Dewitt’s Diary Monday, August 2, 1971

Temperature 70 cloudy. Picked 7 quarts raspberries.

Put some fertilizer on some late cabbage.

Le went over summer fallowed ground.

A little shower late this afternoon.

A few sprinkles but very warm this afternoon.

Saw the men on the moon on TV and then they took off for home at 1:11. They join the man going around the moon and then head for a landing in the pacific ocean Saturday. 

July 31, 1897 Cayuga Lake Guns

As I was looking through the old issues of the Between the Lakes newsletters, an item from the Summer 2000 edition caught my eye, and brought back a memory from a summer past. As a family, we were picking strawberries on the Redman Farm on Interlaken Beach Road, and heard what sounded like an explosion or large gun going off. Mrs. Redman told us about the “Lake Guns.” While I don’t recall her comments, the memory of the guns has remained.

Farmer Review, July 31, 1897

Many who live near beautiful Cayuga Lake have heard what are termed “lake guns.” Also many have never noticed them, or if they have would say to themselves, or to others if it were spoken of, "someone is blasting," or "it is a cannon at a distance," but the close observer readily detects that it is neither, but that it is a muffled report coming up out of the water and while it appears to be a long distance off, in reality it is nearby, probably not more than one-quarter to one mile away, and sometimes it is nearer.

The writer has noticed these “lake guns” for years and in trying to ascertain the cause will have to confess that they are as much a mystery as ever. However, much has been noticed about them. They have been heard by the writer in warm weather but never in cold weather. Some say they are heard only in four lakes in the world, viz: Seneca, Cayuga and Owasco lakes in this State, and in one lake in Switzerland.

A.C. P., the author of the 1897 article, continues his comments: “Having tried for the last twelve years to determine the cause of these lake guns and being able to think of only two things that might cause these reports, we write this notice thinking it may be read by someone who can give us some information as to the cause of this, one of the wonders of our beautiful Cayuga.”

A.C.P. concluded his article, “If this brings forth interest and information we will be glad to mention other wonderful things about and near Cayuga Lake.”

As A.C.P. had invited others to respond, I knew I needed to continue the newspaper search. The Ovid Independent editor a week later commented on the discussion. He first confirmed my thought as to the identity of A.C.P., “which, of course, everyone knows is the hustling and popular dry good man, of Farmer, A. C. Peterson.”

The Ovid article continues with quotes from older magazines, noting that “the lake guns have puzzled scientists for years. As early as 1857 a writer in Mrs. Steven’s Monthly said: ‘the lake gun is a mystery. It is a sound resembling the explosion of a heavy piece of artillery, that can be accounted for by none of the known laws of nature.’” Another snippet from that Ovid article notes: “These sounds are also heard at the north of the Connecticut river, where they resemble underground thunder and were observed as early as 1728.”

If you would like to see the three articles I found do a search at www.fultonhistory.com using the terms “lake guns” “Cayuga Lake” July 1897. After writing the above, I removed the July 1897 from my search and had 46 items listed, reading for another time.

Dewitt’s Diary Tuesday, July 31, 1973

Temperature 60, mostly clear.

They are going to fix our road over and make a paved road of it.

Cleaning up the shoulders they drew several loads of stone and shack and put some of it into my lane and leveled it off with the garden.

Very hot and in the 90s.

We dug some potatoes. They are much smaller than last year. They are starving for water.

Took 180 bushel of wheat up to Boyce Bros.

Much less than an inch of rain this month of July.

July 29, 1985 Leland Dies of a Heart Attack

When I was looking for an entry from Dewitt’s diaries for a July date, I came across a volume that Edna used in 1987 to record events. Other than a few entries in Dewitt’s volumes, this is the only one we have kept by her.

Her entry for Wednesday, July 29, 1987 was short and to the point.

“Two years ago today Leland had a heart attack. Oh what a day hot and humid.”

Leland's headstone, Lake View Cemetery, Interlaken
Photo from the author's collection

Dewitt died on May 1, 1983, and is buried near his brother Lemuel. After Leland’s death, the farm was sold, and Edna moved into the Community Manor on Main Street in Interlaken.

Dewitt’s Diary, July 29, 1945…1948

Sunday, July 29, 1945 Went bass fishing. Caught two black bass 2 ½ pounds apiece.

Monday July 29, 1946 Warm today. We helped Earl W [Wilson] combine wheat today. Very hot and dry.

Tuesday, July 29, 1947 Clear and cool this morning. Cutting some timothy hay. It is pretty ripe now. A few sprinkles again today out of heavy clouds. Working on the front porch. Normal about 2.5 inches of rain this month. Rochester has 9.64 inches.

Thursday, July 29, 1948 Clear, temperature 60 this morning. Drew in a couple loads of hay. Have 12 acres of timothy that I am going to let go back on the ground.

Cultivated the potatoes over again. They look very good. My beans fill the rows in many places. Not too hot today.