Welcome to the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association site!
Recently, rare items dating back over 120 years that belonged to Grace Brown of South Otselic have been acquired by Paul Heagerty of Oswego, who has an extensive collection of memorabilia covering the life of Grace Brown, Chester Gillette, and the famous murder trial of 1906. Over the past several years, Paul became well acquainted with Dr. Robert C. Williams of Novi, Michigan, who was Grace’s great nephew. Dr. Williams, aka Bob, received these items decades earlier from his Aunt Betty, who received them from her mother, Mary Brown Landesman. Mary Landesman was Grace’s next youngest sister, who was 18 at the time when Grace was murdered by Chester Gillette at Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks in 1906. Grace’s death resulted in one of the most sensational murder trials in New York State and the nation. Chester was convicted of Grace’s murder and executed by electric chair (known as “Old Smokey”) at Auburn Prison in 1908. In late December of 2024, Paul received a phone call from Bob. Because of health issues, Bob requested that Paul assume custody of Grace’s personal items so that they could join her famous love letters in one permanent collection at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. These personal items include her 1902 diary, a small ring, her sewing kit, her cradle, and a lock of her hair. Before these rare items are moved to their final resting place in Clinton, Paul would like to share them with folks in the South Otselic area so they have an opportunity to see these rare treasures in person. On July 11, 2025, exactly 119 years since her tragic death, Grace’s personal items will be on display, along with Paul’s extensive collection of memorabilia, at the First Baptist Church in South Otselic at 7:00- 9:00pm. To begin the program, we will show the 2021 film “My Dear Chester,” a film that dramatized Grace’s last ten love letters. Filmed at the Town Hall in South Otselic, “My Dear Chester” was written and directed by Jack Sherman, produced by Michael Foor-Pessin, and filmed by Greg Milunich. The character of Grace was played by OVCS graduate Morgan Smith of South Otselic. The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association is sponsoring this program, and we thank Paul Heagerty for sharing his knowledge and collection with our community. Mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss this. If you have questions, email Michael Foor-Pessin at foorpessin@gmail.com.
Join us for an exciting day walking tour/field trip of important historic places! We will travel/carpool separately and meet at four different sites at predetermined times to explore and discuss their historical significance. These sites illustrate the events of “Land of the Oneidas” and “Drums along the Mohawk,” to be discussed in the optional book study, and will allow us to learn about the role of the Oneida Nation as allies in the Revolutionary War and to appreciate the geographical proximity of these historic sites. Lunch is on your own, either picnic or purchase food at local venues. Highlights:
The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association is proud to announce that Kathryn Wojciechowski will be conducting a class entitled "Introduction to Weaving on a Barn Loom", at The Old School Wool and Weaving Center located in South Otselic. Four hands-on opportunities for beginners to learn the basics of weaving on a pre-warped vintage loom. By the end of the class, learn how to create a beautiful and functional rag rug to take home. Each 1-day class is limited to 5 students. Cost: A $25 non-refundable reservation fee. Advance reservations are suggested in order to secure a space in one of the classes. Register and Information: email Kathryn at earlyamericantextiletools@yahoo.com
Chenango County Historian Henry Drexler will present a program on Abandoned Barns and Farmland in Chenango County. Free, handmade refreshments from Fox Trail Farm will be served.
Join us for an exciting evening with author Daniel Koch at the Chenango County Historical Society Museum in Norwich! This is the first event in a series organized by the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association, in collaboration with C.S. Miller Books and the Chenango County Historical Society, generously funded by the Roger Follett Foundation. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with history and literature! Please only RSVP if you plan to commit to the two session series, which includes a second book, "Drums Along the Mohawk" Click here to reserve your spot now on eventbrite and get your free book! Highlights:
Music by the Smyrna Citizens Band. The Band has been bringing music to the Village of Smyrna for over 100 years, presenting a 6-week concert series each summer. The band has included multiple generations of players, with grandparents, parents, and children playing side-by-side, thus proving that making music is a lifetime activity. Refreshments will be provided by the Georgetown Fire Department. The Madison County Emergency Management team, including the rescue helicopter, will be on site to educate the public about its services.
John Kirk and Trish Miller will perform at the North Pitcher Church on State Hwy. 26. John is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle, mandolin & more, while Trish plays banjo, guitar and provides fancy footwork with percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple uses old time music as the basis for their repertoire, but also mix in some originals, Celtic, early country songs, humorous selections and Appalachian clog dancing. Food will be for sale by Kandi's Kitchen.
This program is possible as a result of a grant from The Roger W. Follett Foundation. We appreciate their commitment to Chenango County and its citizens.
Presenters: Jack Sherman and Michael Foor-Pessin
This event concluded in May 2022.
Copies of Craig Branson’s “Murder in the Adirondacks: An American Tragedy Revisited,” 2nd edition and Jennifer Donnelly’s “A Northern Light” will be distributed to folks who have already preregistered beginning at 6:00 pm. The actual program will begin at 7:00 pm.
This event concluded in May 2022.
This event concluded in May 2022.
The Vestal Mountain Dulcimer Players, formed in 2010, includes members with a wide variety of musical background and talent, some with a few years to over 30 years experience. We play a large assortment of music including Celtic, Irish, old time music, folk, hymns and country. As a community service organization, we perform at local churches, nursing homes, community care centers, and have participated in larger community events such as Broome County Art Walk, Binghamton Porchfest, and the Roberson Museum's “Home for the Holidays”. To learn more about the mountain dulcimer or if you are interested in learning to play, look us up on Facebook: Vestal Mountain Dulcimer Players.
“My Dear Chester”: this play presents Grace’s ten final letters before her tragic trip to the Adirondacks and the sensational trial that follows her murder.
“The Silencing of Maude Wright”: Narrated presentation by Michael Foor-Pessin (copyrighted material).
A Finger Lakes Trail walkthrough with Peg Fuller.
A South Otselic historic homes tour with original art and narration by town historian and artist Mike Sheridan.
