PO Box 135
Grand Island, NY 14072
Previous Historical Society News Page
River Lea - The Grand Island Historical Society restored and maintains the farm house known as River Lea and located in Beaver Island State Park. It was built on Lewis F. Allen's property, Allenton Farms, by his son, W. Cleveland Allen. Today it is owned by New York State.
Membership Form - Please Join
Directions To River Lea Mission Statement
Grand Island Historical Society & River Lea History
Town History
Grand Island History - Published 1898 By Truman C. White
Jim Fisher's Avocational Archaeology & Lithic Technology Web Site
Grand Island History and Photos (Update 9/20/09)
River Lea Artists - Photos - Paintings - Artists James Edward Montanari - Eugene Matthew Dyczkowski ("Dick")
GI Historical Society Meeting - November 2024
Grand Island Historical Society Meeting at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park is on Thursday, November 7, 7pm at River Lea for “Music of the Women of the Civil War”Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8, 10am-3pm at River Lea for “Open House and Holiday Boutique”.
GI Historical Society Open House - October 2024
Grand Island Historical Society Open House at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park is on Sunday, October 20th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. There is a display of island history and dairy farms from the early 1900's. FLYER.
Archaeology at River Lea - October 2024
Archaeology at River LeaAnn Morton, Ph.D. - Owner, Morton Archaeological Research Services and Adjunct Lecturer, Finger Lakes Community College
What began as a one-day survey for a new septic system became a multi-year investigation at the Villa at River Lea, Beaver Island State Park, New York. The Villa, built about 1873 by Lewis Allen, is located at the southern tip of Grand Island, with beautiful views of the Niagara River. The location was important much earlier for the Seneca ancestors who were here from the late Archaic into the early Historic period. Excavations in 2019 discovered two possible Middle-Late Woodland structures, along with a quantity of lithics and ceramics. Mixed in was historic material, presumably from the Allen family. But recent analysis of the faunal assemblage suggests this location may have attracted others—enslaved or formerly enslaved persons. YouTube Video.
GI Historical Society Meeting - October 2024
The Thursday, OCTOBER 3, 2024 meeting of the Historical Society will be held at 7:00 PM
at the GRAND ISLAND GOLDEN AGE CENTER at 3278 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY. The speaker is Marla Bujnicki with a power point presentation on "Bawdy Buffalo".
GI Historical Society Meeting - September 2024
The Grand Island Historical Society Potluck Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m. at River Lea. Please bring your own place setting and a dish to pass.
Beverages and desserts will be provided. Save a stamp and bring your membership
dues to the dinner too! Member Denise Dewey will share a short presentation about the history of Sidway School.
Events Fall/Winter 2024
GI Historical Society Installation Dinner - June 2024
From left is Mary Cooke - Corresponding Secretary; Adele Upton - Vice President; Curt Nestark - President; Arlene Ehde - Treasurer and Denise Dewey - Recording Secretary.
Mary Stewart photo.
The Grand Island Historical Society held its installation of officers dinner at the 773 North restaurant this past Tuesday evening, June 11th. Everyone enjoyed a delightful buffet dinner and an informative presentation by President Curt Nestark describing the origins and history of the historical society and their museum, River Lea.
GI Historical Society Meeting - May 2024
Grand Island Historical Society General Meeting & Program will be at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road on Thursday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers are GIHS President Curt Nestark and member Mary Cooke presenting "Rum Running on the Niagara with the Fix Brothers." Members are free, guests are asked for a $5 donation.
GI Historical Society Open House - April 2024
Grand Island Historical Society Open House at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park is on Sunday, April 21st from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. See FLYER.
GI Historical Society Meeting & Special Event - April 2024
The Grand Island Historical Society has two upcoming events at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. First is the April meeting and program on Thursday, April 4th at 7pm. Guest speaker is Marla Bujnicki presentation on "Buffalo's Best Remembered Restaurants. Members free, guests $5 donation.The Solar Eclipse will be celebrated with a open house on Monday, April 8th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Their will be other events taking place at Beaver Island State Park that day. See FLYER
GI Historical Society Open House - March 2024
Grand Island Historical Society Open House at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park is on Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. See FLYER.
GI Historical Society Meeting & Program - March 2024
Grand Island Historical Society General Meeting & Program will be at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road on Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker is Erie County Park Ranger Nicole Klimowicz sharing a power point presentation on "Wildlife in Winter".
GI Historical Society Open House & Holiday Boutique Photos - December 2023
Photos by Mary Stewart
The annual River Lea Holiday Boutique took place December 1-3, at River Lea Museum in Beaver Island State Park. Many shoppers enjoyed the decorations and sounds of the season in the historic farmhouse. Holiday music by Grand Islander & retired music teacher Betsy Thomas.
GI Historical Society Open House & Holiday Boutique - December 2023
River Lea Holiday Boutique takes place December 1-3, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at River Lea Museum in Beaver Island State Park. Enjoy the decorations and sounds of the season in our historic farmhouse. Shop in our boutique for gifts, decorations and homemade cookies. Enjoy some refreshments while listening to live holiday music by Grand Islander & retired music teacher Betsy Thomas.
GI Historical Society Meeting & Program - November 2023
GI Historical Society Meeting & Program is on
Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at River Lea in Beaver Island Statw Park. Our guest speaker will be a return visit of singer Don Dwyer entertaining us with songs and stories of Stephen Foster music. Everyone welcome, non-members $5 donation.
GI Historical Society Open House - October 2023
Sunday, October 15, 2023 - Open House at River Lea, Beaver Island State Park, 1:00-4:00 PM. Docents will greet you for a tour of the historic farmhouse. There will be a special showing of "Hats Through the Generations."
GI Historical Society Meeting & Program - October 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.- general meeting and program. Guest speaker will be John Matwijkow with a program entitled “Elbert Hubbard and The Roycroft Reflection on Work Ethic.” John has spent over 40 years in the hospitality industry with the past 20 years as an associate professor at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.
St. Stephen Display at Historical Open House - June 2023
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society hosted an open house on Saturday, September 23rd, featuring a display of St. Stephen Church history. St. Stephen is the oldest church on GI, formed in 1862. Open House at River Lea is usually the third Sunday of the months of September, October, March, April, May, from 1-4pm. Fall Programs.
Successful Yard Sale - June 2023
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society Fundraiser Yard Sale was held on June 2 & 3 and was a huge success! Thank you to all our members that donated items. Unsold items were donated to the AMVETS and to the St. Stephen Rummage Sale.
GI Historical Society Yard Sale - June 2023
Grand Island Historical Society Annual Fundraiser Yard Sale is
Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 2020 Fix Rd. (corner of Baseline)
9:00 am-2:00 pm each day. Something for everyone!
GI Historical Society Open House - May 2023
Featuring: The 1920's, Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Grand Island Historical Society at River Lea located in Beaver Island State Park. Follow signs within the park. Free entry to the park and museum.
GI Historical Society May Meeting - May 2023
GI Historical Society May Meeting - Thursday, May 4, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. general meeting and program at River Lea. speaker will be Doug Kohler, Erie County Historian.
The program is entitled "Buffalo's Gilded Age."
Join us to hear about the connection of Buffalo to River Lea through Grover Cleveland and Lewis F. Allen.
Refreshments will be served after the program. Grand Island Historical Society located in Beaver Island Stare Park.
Follow the signs. Free entry into the park.
Membership forms will be available if you'd like to join or have not yet renewed your membership for the current year, September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023
Guests: $5 donation payable at the door.
GI Historical Receives Donation - April 2023
From left: Historical Society President Curt Nestark, members Jean Brighton, Denise Dewey, Bob Weaver, Arlene Ehde & Adele Upton.
At the GI Historical Society March Open House, Island resident and former owner of Anchor Marine, Bob Weaver, donated a sign from the Fix Brothers Ferry company. It reads "NOTICE! All Fares Strictly Cash After Jan. 1st. FIX BROS." The Fix Brothers owned a ferry company in the first half of the 1900's, which was located in-part, on the Anchor property. Weaver attended a presentation sponsored by the Buffalo Launch Club and the GI Historical Society titled "Boats, Booze & the BLC" in February.
GI Historical Society Open House - April 2023
Featuring: Historic & Present
Art and Artists of Grand Island, Sunday, April 16, 2023, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Grand Island Historical Society at River Lea located in Beaver Island State Park. Follow signs within the park. Free entry to the park and museum.
GI Historical Society April Meeting - April 2023
GI Historical Society April Meeting - Thursday, April 6, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. general meeting and program at River Lea. Greg Kinal will present a lively program on The 1950s. Reminisce about those fun times through music and photos.
Members: Free. Guests: $5 donation.
Grand Island Historical Society located in Beaver Island Stare Park.
Follow the signs. Free entry into the park.
Membership available.
GI Historical Society Open House - March 2023
Featuring: Maps and aerial photos of Grand Island,Sunday, March 19, 2023, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Grand Island Historical Society at River Lea located in Beaver Island State Park. Follow signs within the park. Free entry to the park and museum.
GI Historical Society March Meeting - March 2023
Thursday, March 2, 2023--7:00 pm general meeting and program. We will meet at
the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, New York 14072.
Our guest speaker: Peter Jablonski with a program entitled “The Great Horse Healer”
about Dr. Claris, a WNY veterinarian in the early 1900s.
GI Historical Society Schedule - February 2023
Programs, Events & Open Houses March - June 2023, HERE.
Historic Visit to River Lea - February 2023
From left: Mary Cooke, Skip Lindelow & Patty Beauchamp.
Robin Shipman Photo.
Skip Lindelow, seated above, visited River Lea during the Christmas Open House and asked
about the Revolutionary Theme Quilt donated to the Grand Island Historical Society in 1976 by
Chapter I Grand Island Home Bureau. Very active member Ann Ruhland knew exactly where
to find the quilt (Thanks, Ann!) and it was brought downstairs for Skip to see. Fourteen images
were stitched on the quilt by 21 Home Bureau Members using Danish Needle Painting; Skip
pointed out the Liberty Bell and the Minuteman that she stitched nearly 50 years ago! Mary Cooke
and Pattie Beauchamp arranged the quilt for the photo with Skip to show the squares she stitched.
The quilt measures 78” x 87” and was designed by Gertrude Headley.
Boats, Booze and the BLC in the 1920s - January 2023
GI Historical Society & the Buffalo Launch Club present a historical presentation and dinner on Saturday, February 4th & 25th at the Buffalo Launch Club. See Flyer.
Grand Island Historical Society Open House Photos - December 2022
Betsy Thomas
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society annual December Open House and Holiday Sale was a huge success. It was held at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park on December 9-11. Unique gift items for the holidays, canned goods by Mary Cooke and homemade cookie plates were available for purchase. Music was provided by Betsy Thomas.River Lea Open House - Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 9,10,11 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grand Island Historical Society Meeting - November 2022
Thursday, November 3, 2022 - 7:00 PM - General meeting and program will be held at the Golden Age Center at 3278 Whitehaven Rd. Program entitled, “Lawless Buffalo” will feature costumed 1880’s Police Officer O’Connor talking about the hard lives lived on Buffalo’s notorious waterfront, also known as “The Most Evil Square Mile in America”.
The very talented Joel A. Dombrowski will be acting as Officer O'Connor. Of his many talents, he is a former standup comedien, Buffalo history tour guide and author of Niagara Falls guidebooks. Historical Society members are free, guests are asked for a $5 donation. You may purchase a membership that evening for $20.
Grand Island Historical Society Military Display - October 2022
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society Open House in October featured a special display of uniforms, medals, and other memorabilia honoring our military. Most items were thanks to the collection of member Maggie Gushue.
Grand Island Historical Society Fur Display - October 2022
Maggie Gushue in fur ensemble.
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society Open House in September featured a display of vintage furs that have been collected by GIHS member Maggie Gushue.
Grand Island Historical Society Autumn Tea - October 2022
Left: Maggie Gushue. Right: Desserts.
The Grand Island Historical Society Fall Tea was held on Saturday, October 8th at River Lea Museum in Beaver Island State Park. Alice Gerard was an attendee and wrote on her blog "Sun, Moon, Stars", about the day with photos. Maggie Gushue was the featured speaker and displayed a plethora of "hankies" and told their stories. Thanks Alice and Maggie!
Open House at River Lea - October 2022
The Grand Island Historical Society will have an Open House on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 1:00-4:00 PM at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. Costumed docents will greet you for a tour of the historical farmhouse. There will be a special display of uniforms, medals, and other memorabilia honoring our military.
Grand Island Historical Society Meeting - October 2022
Thursday, October 6, 2022 - 7:00 PM General meeting and program at River Lea. Our guest speaker will be Don Dwyer, singer and songwriter from the Buffalo area. He will share Music and Stories of the American Civil War.
Grand Island Historical Society Autumn Tea - September 2022
Saturday, October 8, 2022 - NEW EVENT!!! Autumn Tea, 12:00-2:00 PM, $25.
Program entitled “The History of Handkerchiefs” will follow the tea. Reservations are required by calling Denise at 716-773-6699 by October 1.
Grand Island Historical Society Open House - September 2022
On Sunday, September 18, 2022, River Lea Historical Museum in Beaver Island State Park will be open from 1:00-4:00 PM.
Costumed docents will greet you for a tour of the historical farmhouse. A special exhibit of vintage furs will be on display.
Grand Island Historical Society Donation - August 2022
From Left: GIHS President Curt Nestark & Carter Dawson.
Carter Dawson came to the Grand Island Historical Society 4th Grade Tour this year and then attended the society's June Yard Sale. He wondered what the money was raised for at the sale, and when he found out it was to pay bills, he wanted to help. A few weeks later Carter participated in the GI Chamber Kid Biz program and sold raffle tickets for a prize raffle. On Tuesday, August 9th he came to the GI Historical Society Board meeting at River Lea and presented GIHS President Curt Nestark with a $100 donation. Many thanks to Carter for his hard work and donation.
Grand Island Historical Society Installaton - June 2022
Curt Nestark with original ink drawing of River Lea.
Top row: Arlene Ehde - Treasurer, Adele Upton - Vice-President, Curt Nestark - President.
Bottom Row: Jean Brighton - Membership, Denise Dewey - Recording Secretary, Mary Cooke - Corresponding Secretary.
Dennis Upton at Joseph Ellicott.
Mary stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society held its installation dinner on Thursday, June 2nd at River Lea, their museum in Beaver Island State Park. Officers were recognized and President Curt Nestark was presented with an original ink drawing of River Lea. Past President Carolyn Doebert was given the drawing in 1994 for her devotion to the GIHS and River Lea and bestowed it to President Nestark for his long tenure and dedication.
A special guest entertained with a portrayal of Joseph Ellicott by GIHS member Dennic Upton. Mr. Ellicott was a surveyor, city planner, land office agent, lawyer and politician, known for laying out Batavia and Buffalo in 1800 and advocating for the Erie Canal.
Grand Island Historical Society Yard Sale - June 2022
The Grand Island Historical Society Yard Sale Fundraiser is outdoors, at the corner of Fix Road and Baseline Road at the Shipman Farmhouse on Friday & Saturday, June 3 & 4, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day. It will be held rain or shine.
Grand Island Historical Society News - May 2022
Save the date!
The Grand Island Historical Society Yard Sale Fundraiser is outdoors, at the corner of Fix Road and Baseline Road at the Shipman Farmhouse on Friday & Saturday, June 3 & 4, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day. It will be held rain or shine.
Grand Island Historical Society May Meeting - May 2022
The Grand Island Historical Society's May meeting will take place on Thursday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m.at River Lea farmhouse in Beaver Island. Our speaker will be Jerry Puma who will speak on the Larkin Company. He will have a variety of artifacts on display to view. Refreshments follow the meeting! Free admission for members, $5 donation for all others.
Grand Island Historical Society High Tea - April 2022
There are open spots available for High Tea on Saturday, May 14 at noon at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. Call Denise Dewey at 773-6699 to reserve your place. Tickets are $25. A delicious and beautiful menu is planned and a program entitled "Hanky Panky" will follow the tea.
Grand Island Historical Society News - April 2022
Save the date!
The Grand Island Historical Society Yard Sale Fundraiser is outdoors, at the corner of Fix Road and Baseline Road at the Shipman Farmhouse on Friday & Saturday, June 3 & 4, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day. It will be held rain or shine.
Grand Island Historical Society Open House - April 2022
The Grand Island Historical Society is having an Open House on Sunday, April 24th from 2-4pm at River Lea located in Beaver Island State Park. FREE!
Grand Island Historical Society News - April 2022
Emmanuel Church Clock - Ferry Village - Located at Ferry Road and East River Road. Gifted by Kathy Stisser.
Mary Stewart Photo
At the GI Historical Society March Open House. some of the most recently acquired acquisitions were on display. The next meeting is Thursday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Kelly Sieman from
Niagara Parks and Recreation with a power point presentation entitled “Daredevils of
Niagara”. Barrels, jet skis and tightropes, oh my! Delve into the past and hear about
the tremendous and brave adventures taken over the mighty Niagara Falls. The next open house is Sunday, April 24th from 2-4pm.
GI Historical Society - "Daredevils of Niagara" - February 2022
GI Historical Society March program: "Daredevils of Niagara" on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm
at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road in the GOLDEN AGE CENTER, the last building on the left.
Members attend for free, all others $5 donation.Other items of interest to Historical Society Members:
Elizabeth Licata's visit at the GI Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Road on Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 pm. She is the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Spree magazine and author of "Secret Buffalo: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure." The event is free & open to the public; copies of the book will be available for sale.
Author Rick Falkowski's first visit to the GI Memorial Library happened in the middle of the snowstorm on Feb. 3. Six hearty souls attended! Rick agreed to make a second appearance which is scheduled for Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 pm in the meeting room. Rick's latest book is "Profiles Volume II: Historic & Influential People from Buffalo & WNY the Early 1900s" will be available for sale. The event is free and open to the public.
Grand Island Historical Society Holiday Open Houses - December 2021
From left: Historical Society members Jane Wynne and Arlene Ehde.
Mary Stewart Photos
The Grand Island Historical Society held its Christmas Open House over three days at Riverlea in Beaver Island Park this past weekend. Those who came could enjoy the holiday decorations at this Victorian home and purchase home made cookie platters, canned goods and gift items at the "Country Store". These are gently used items donated by historical society members. All funds are used for River Lea projects.
River Lea Open House - November 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's museum River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park, will be hosting an open house on Sunday, November 14th, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. A Thanksgiving craft will be available for kids and adults. The downstairs rooms have been painted and new displays have been created in the living and dining rooms.
Grand Island Historical Society Holiday Open Houses - December 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's Holiday Open Houses are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 3,4, & 5 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Shop in the Christmas Store, view the new displays and enjoy holiday refreshments and music. Everyone welcome to attend. FLYER.
Grand Island Historical Society November Meeting - November 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's November general meeting and program will be held at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd. on Thursday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. Our speaker
will be Mark Saglian presenting a program on “The Richardson Complex”, (the former
state hospital on Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo) Please wear a mask to this event. Programs are open to the public, members free, non-members $5 donation. You may renew or purchase your membership at the meeting. Refreshments will be served.
River Lea Open House - October 2021
Mary Stewart photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society's museum River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park, will be hosting an open house on Sunday, October 17th, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. An autumn craft making an old-fashioned corn husk doll will be available for kids and adults. The downstairs rooms have been painted and new displays have been created in the living and dining rooms.
Grand Island Historical Society October Meeting - October 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's October general meeting and program will be held at River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park on Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. Our own Mary
Cooke will present a program entitled “Grand Island as Buffalo’s Play Spot”. Learn about
the amusements that Grand Island had to offer in the past. Programs are open to members only. You may renew or purchase your membership at the meeting. Refreshments will be served.
Doors Open Buffalo Tour - September 2021
From left: June Crawford, Jodi Robinson, Joe Macaluso and Sharon Nichols at Niagara Square & City Hall.
Gold Dome Building.
Living Wall at Delaware North.
Old Erie County Halll.
Ellicott Square Building.
Seneca One, view from 37th floor.
Members of the GI Historical Society and Historic Preservation Advisory Board participated in the "Doors Open Buffalo" tour on Saturday, September 25th. There were 35 properties, both historic and modern, that opened their doors to the public. The group looked at M & T Bank Gold Dome building built in 1901; Delaware North building, featuring the largest living wall in WNY; the Erie County Old County Hall (1876); St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral (1851 & 1890) the Ellicott Square Building (1896) and Seneca One Tower.
River Lea Open House - September 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's museum River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park, will be hosting an open house on Sunday, September 19th, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The downstairs rooms have been painted and new displays have been created in the living and dining rooms.
River Lea Open House Celebrates Bicentennial - September 2021
The next Passport Open House will be on Wednesday, September 1st at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. See Details. There is also a open house on Sunday, September 19th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.The Grand Island Historical Society is participating in the Erie County Bicentennial. The Erie County Heritage Passport is a handheld guide to 35 historical societies and museums across Erie County. Each institution is unique and commemorates the diverse nature and history of each town in the county, from the Town of Alden to the Town of West Seneca. The Passports are available at all Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries and at the museums.
River Lea Featured in WGRZ Story - August 2021
From Left: Pete Gallivan and Curt Nestark. Lewis F. Allen is in the portrait in upper left of photo.
Recently WGRZ newscaster and reporter Pete Gallivan interviewed Grand Island Historical Society President Curt Nestark. It was for information on Lewis F. Allen, for whom Allen Street and Allentown is named. A visit was made to River Lea in Beaver Island State Park, the museum of the Grand Island Historical Society, and President Nestark gave the reporter a tour. Lewis F. Allen built the villa for his son and farmed 800 acres in the area of Beaver Island State Park and Ferry Village in the mid to late 1800's. You can see the clip HERE.
River Lea Open House Celebrates Bicentennial - July 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society is participating in the Erie County Bicentennial. The Erie County Heritage Passport is a handheld guide to 35 historical societies and museums across Erie County. Each institution is unique and commemorates the diverse nature and history of each town in the county, from the Town of Alden to the Town of West Seneca. The Passports are available at all Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries and at the museums. The next Passport Open House will be on Wednesday, August 4th at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. See Details.
Successful Yard Sale - May 2021
Standing from left: Denise Dewey & Mary Cooke.
Sitting from left: Arlene Ehde, Sharon Nichols & Carolyn Doebert
From left: Rick McAvoy & Kathy McNally
Mary Stewart Photos.
The Grand Island Historical Society had a fundraiser yard sale on May 21 & 22 at their museum River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park. The nice weather made for a very successful sale!
River Lea Fundraiser Yard Sale - May 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society Yard Sale Fundraiser is outdoors, under tents at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park on Friday & Saturday, May 21 & 22, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day. It will be held rain or shine and proper distancing and masks are required. Enter the park and follow the signs to the historic farm house. There is no admission to the park at this time. Flyer.
River Lea Open House - April 2021
The Grand Island Historical Society's museum River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park, will be hosting an open house on Sunday, April 18th, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The downstairs rooms have been painted and new displays have been created in the living and dining rooms. River Lea has not been open to the public since December 2019 due to Covid-19.
Bedell House Lithograph on Display - April 2021
GI Memorial Library Display
The Bedell House Hotel lithograph was recently put on display at the Grand Island Memorial Library. This lithograph is four feet tall by five feet wide, made of one inch thick glass with an oak wood frame. The lithograph represents the 1877 Bedell House Hotel, which was located at the end of Ferry Road in Grand Island, NY. The hotel stood for 10 years until 1887 when it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt, only to succumb to fire again in 1935.The lithograph was constructed in the 1960's and placed behind the bar ar Bedell's Candlelite Restaurant and Lounge, located on Niagara Street in the City of Tonawanda. When the restaurant closed, the lithograph was placed in storage. In 2009, the Bedell Family generously donated the lithograph and other items to the Grand Island Historical Society.
The Grand Island Historical Society Museum, River Lea in Beaver Island State Park, recently had professional painters refresh the living, dining, stairway and upper hall. The dining room has a new display of Bedell House memorabilia, which can be seen at the next Open House on Sunday, April 18th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. More information about the history of Grand Island can be found at www.isledegrande.com. Historical Society Webpage and History of Grand Island and Bedell House History.
River Lea Facelift! - February 2021
