Vee:

        I don't exactly remember the Labor Day parade as a child,
but I do know that Youngstown is one of the prettier villages in NYS
and sits on a beautiful spot overlooking the Niagara River and Lake
Ontario. If I were anywhere near Youngstown, I would be there on
Labor Day!

        The only mistake re: historical matters I see in the
Lewiston-Youngstown area is that the name of River Road should have
remained and the name History Trail or whatever it is called today
should be eliminated. The name River Road goes back at least to the
18th century and should be reinstated.

                                Jim

James Corsaro
Associate Librarian
Manuscripts and Special Collections
New York State Library
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York  12230
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
(518) 474-5963


On Wed, 27 Aug 1997, Vee L. Housman wrote:

> Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and I wanted to let you know that
> it still remains the most glorious weekend of the year in our small
> village of Youngstown, Niagara Co.  Am I talking about the history of
> New York?  You betcha!
>
> For about the past 75 years the Volunteer Fire Company of our village
> has had their Field Day on Labor Day.  And, frankly, I don't know if it
> has changed all that much over the years.  Hey, Jim Corsaro!  When you
> lived in Niagara Falls, did you ever go to Field Day in Youngstown on
> Labor Day?  Well, I grew up in Niagara Falls also, and I don't remember
> our family ever missing a one.
>
> What does it have to do with history?  Well, I guess you might call it a
> continuing "living history"--what was done over 75 years ago hasn't
> changed all that much.  By this coming Sunday, all of the carnival-type
> rides and games of chance will have been put into place and then at noon
> on Monday, Labor Day, is when it all begins.  That's when the parade
> starts.
>
> Oh, the magnificant Labor Day Parade down Main Street in Youngstown!!
> It seems that there is mile after mile of fire trucks from every small
> town, village and city in the entire Niagara County.  It often makes me
> wonder what would happen if a fire broke out at noon on Labor Day--who
> is left who is tending the store? :-D  Of course, the fire trucks don't
> just drive slowly by in the parade, the ears are deafened by their
> sirens and honking of horns.
>
> And if you like sounds, how about the many "kilty" bands--the Highlander
> bands in kilts from Buffalo, Canada and heaven knows where else.  If you
> like bagpipes, you'd LOVE Labor Day!  And there's always a high school
> band or two that will bring a tear to your eye (if you're as emotional
> as I) with their rendition of a Souza march.
>
> And a small town parade wouldn't be complete without the local
> politicians going through the crowd lined up along Main Street, shaking
> hands with anyone and everyone, hoping someone will remember them on
> election day!  And what would a parade be without the little baton
> twirlers!  Or the 40 & 8, or the homemade floats!
>
> And we always thrill at the reenactment group from local Fort Niagara in
> their 18th century uniforms and muskets.  And we always laugh at the
> occasional clown on a tricycle!
>
> What do we do after the parade ends?  Well, what do you think?  We all
> gather at the park where the amusement rides are set up and line up for
> our annual bowl of chicken chowder.  And (ahem!), there is also a
> never-ending line at the beer tent!  As I say, things haven't really
> change in all these many, many years.
>
> And so, as our many posters remind everyone around here, "Save Labor Day
> for Youngstown!"  And for those of you who are interested in history,
> step back in time to an event that has always been put on for the local
> population, without one thought for the tourists! :-D
>
> vee housman
>