SINCLAIRVILLE - Becky Hall LeBaron, Charlotte town historian, was the recent guest speaker at the Valley Historical Society meeting held in the Sinclairville Library children's reading room.

The Valley Historical Society, organized in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith who saw a need to preserve the local history, is the official historical group for the Cassadaga Valley area. The museum, purchased in 1978, is located in the village of Sinclairville at the corner of Main and Lester streets.

Elaine Palmer-Titus, society president, introduced Mrs. LeBaron. The historian gave the history of the town of Charlotte from the days when the Holland Land Company surveyed the area. Since the area of Chautauqua County was once a part of the Genesee County, it separated in about 1809 and formed its own boundaries. At one time, people had to travel to Batavia for legal matters, Mrs. LeBaron said. Charlotte was separated from the Gerry in 1829, and at that time, its name was given to the area by a suggestion.

Mrs. LeBaron said the first religious meeting was held in 1811 by the Rev. John Spencer, who was a circuit pastor. The first school was opened in 1861, and 10 years later, there were 11 schools, all about three miles apart. Schools were built so the students did not have to walk more than three miles to get to school. If they did, there was a stipend given to the family. There are seven cemeteries in the town, and Mrs. LeBaron discussed all of them briefly. She concluded her talk with the information on the Rood Road Cheese Factory, which was in operation from 1874 through 1934. Mrs. LeBaron had many old photographs to show of some of the landmarks.

The minutes of the previous meeting were given by John Sipos, treasurer, who also gave the financial report. A thank you was expressed to the town of Stockton for its donation for the historical society and the museum.

The nominating committee of Audrey Prosser and Bonnie Larkin will present the new slate of officers at the December meeting. At that time, elections will be held, and also nominations from the floor will be accepted prior to elections. Mrs. Prosser and Mrs. Larkin will also serve as the museum's curators in 2010.

Following the meeting, refreshments of donuts, and cider and lemonade were served to all by John and Susan Sipos.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the South Stockton Wayside Chapel. The meeting will be the annual holiday banquet, and all those attending are asked to bring a dish of food to pass. Table decorations will be provided.

For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14728. New members are welcome.