Bicentennial celebration kick-off June 30
The Town of Newstead Bicentennial celebration will reflect the rich diverse history of this community in the many activities, programs, and displays. The Committee has worked for over a year to create a huge birthday party for the town, beginning with an opening ceremony on June 30 before the Akron Community Band plays the second concert of their 100th season.
The Bicentennial Committee has added many activities to enhance the annual Fourth of July Celebration organized by the Akron Celebration Committee. There are scavenger hunts, kids day activities, concerts, a farm show, displays at the cultural center and in the community.
Check out the calendar included in this edition and upcoming issues of the Akron Bugle for more information:
Farm History Show and More
As part of the week-long Newstead Bicentennial Celebration, there will be many events in Veterans Park on Buell Street on Sunday, July 2. The day starts out at 8:30 a.m. with an Old- Fashioned Cowboy Church with a Circuit rider “clergy”, two guest speakers and music sharing the good word. Westshore Market will be selling their wares at Veterans Park starting at 9 a.m.
The Farm History Show is open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. There will be tractors, hit & miss motors, antique farm tools, equipment and more. All are invited to come, take in the sights and sounds of farming from today and yesteryear. Food trucks will be available for lunch and refreshments starting at noon. From 12 to 6 Akron First UMC will host a Bake Sale and Basket Raffle including a 40” TV and other big ticket raffles. You just might see a Sherriff’s helicopter landing. This is a family friendly event that both the young and old will enjoy.
Unique collections
Two unique collections will be on display at the Grover Cleveland Building.63 Main Street.
The doll collection of Dottie Freeman will be on display in two rooms on the second floor, (which is handicap accessible by an elevator).
Dottie has been collecting for over 40 years. “The dolls range from pre-Civil War to the wonderful Dianna Effner dolls that are so popular today. Stop in and you may see dolls you remember from your childhood”, Dottie says.
Coinciding with this on the main floor will be the Newstead Historical Society’s bell collection, donated by the late Grace Byers. This collection has almost 600 bells in it and has never been on display in its entirety before. It consists of glass, ceramic, brass, and wooden bells in many categories including Venetian bells, Delft, Carnival, commemorative and figurine bells.
The doll collection will be on display July 3 from 1-3 p.m., July 4 from 2-4p.m., July 5 from 10-12 a.m. and July 6 from 5-7 p.m., or by appointment. The bell display will follow the same schedule with the exception of July 4th when the Historical Society staff will be at the Knight-Sutton Museum hosting the annual quilt raffle and pie sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Join us to enjoy all of these wonderful displays and events”, a Newstead Historical Society spokesperson says.
Youth Day
Saturday, July 1 will be Youth Day – there will be many fun opportunities for children and families. Participants will receive a passport that highlights seven stations including: Russell Park, Newstead Public Library, Rich-Twinn Octagon House, the Tonawanda Community Building, Akron Fire Company, Limerick Hall and Maple Lawn Cemetery. The activities begin at 11:00 a.m. and run through 3:00 p.m. Receive a sticker at as many stops as you can manage. If you receive at least three stickers, each child will receive an ice cream treat between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Russell Park. Passports will be available at each station.
Limerick Hall (12579 Clarence Center Road) will have numerous activities, including games, demonstrations on calligraphy, potholder making, candle making, tour of the 1869 school with a “teacher” on site. Pretzels and lemonade will be available for visitors. The limerick hours begin at 10:00 a.m.
Tonawanda Indian Community House (372 Bloomingdale) will be open for tours of the Community Building along with demonstrations. Learn about the history of the Seneca people and the reservation and experience the Native culture. Artifacts will be on display.
The Scavenger Hunt begins on Friday, June 30 but can be completed anytime during the month of July. Everyone will enjoy finding out historic information at the many spots on the hunt. If you finish the hunt by July 9, come to the Octagon House and receive an ice cream treat between 1:00-3:00 p.m. Scavenger booklets can be found at the Newstead Public Library, Town Hall, Village Hall, Knight-Sutton Museum and the Octagon House after June 30 or receive the booklet at the opening ceremony. One booklet per family please.
The committee invites you to check out the long list of bicentennial activities and to plan ahead – “you will not want to miss all the excitement.”
Bicentennial items
The Bicentennial Book Committee finished the book in March and were fortunate to have it dedicated to Town Historian Don Holmes, who passed away shortly before the book went to print. Don was a true Newstead person, always willing to work on committees and improve the lives of all who live in our community. Don was a moving force on the book committee; his knowledge was vital to its success.
The commemorative books are available at Market on Main, Martin’s Mercantile, Newstead Public Library, Village Hall, Town Hall, Octagon House and Knight-Sutton Museum. If you do not live locally, a book can be sent to you if you contact the Newstead Town Hall. Make checks payable to Newstead Bicentennial Committee. Send to Town of Newstead Bicentennial Committee, 5 Clarence Center Road, Akron, NY 14001, attention: Dawn Izydorczak.