After 15 Years, Historical Society Finds Home In Richfield Springs

3-5-10

By BENJAMIN DEER : RICHFIELD SPRINGS

After searching for 15 years, the Richfield Springs Historical Society has home.
“We’ve got a key,” said Historical Society president Marjorie Walters, waving it before the 40 attendees Monday, March 1, at the society’s monthly meeting in the library’s Proctor Room.
“I’m really, really happy.  This is a great day”, she said.
 Walters said she has spent the last 15 years searching for a suitable place, and found many ill-suited ones, from abandoned barns, to run-down houses, the old Great American, even a closed Chinese restaurant. 
However, Walters has finally found what she calls, “the perfect place”.
It is located at 134 Main St., at the end of the old Gladstone Building, one of the imposing blocks redeveloped by JGB Properties, which is providing the space at no cost.
“It used to be a jewelry shop in the late 1800s,” said Walters. “And I actually have the sign that was out front of the store.”
Fate?  Perhaps.
The new headquarters will be used for the display of many historical items in the society’s archives.
Many small towns in Upstate New York have pasts that are full of history, but Walters believes Richfield Springs has more than the usual share, including a house where Napoleon Bonaparte’s niece lived out her final years.
 “We really have some special items up here in our little corner,” Walters said.
The society’s photo collection includes images of the Spring House fire, where furniture from Thomas R. Proctor’s grand hotel – he also developed the Hotel Utica – was piled in the middle of Main Street.  Also, photos of the state Democratic convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for governor en route to his eventual election to the presidency.
The historical society is currently looking for volunteers to study and get to know the artifacts and history of Richfield Springs to ensure an astonishing learning experience for its visitors.
Walters has high hopes for the historical society’s new home.
“I think this will be hugely successful.  I’m really very happy that we’ve finally found such a great place,” she said.