Belated Local History Photos & Vintage Newspaper Post & Happy Birthday Wishes To The City of Corning! (March 20, 2026)

Linda Reimer , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hi everyone, here is last week’s local history photos and vintage newspaper blog post—albeit a bit late. My apologies for the delay; an unexpected family matter required me to take several days off on short notice.

And if you take a close look at this week’s Evening Leader, originally published 100 years ago on March 20, 1926 you’ll notice something special—that March 20, 2026, marks the birthday of the City of Corning! (We can celebrate a bit late!)

On page five of the March 20, 1926 edition of The Leader, it is noted that Corning was celebrating the 36th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. Of course, that was a century ago; today we celebrate the 136th anniversary of Corning becoming a city. How cool is that!

Here is a portion of the 1926 Leader article titled Corning Has Anniversary:

 “Corning celebrates the 36th anniversary of its cityhood. The bill creating the city became a law and received executive sanction on the 20th of March, 1890. On April 2, 1890 the first election was held with the following result: Mayor, Dr. William E. Gorton; Recorder, D. F. Browne; Chamberlain, L. B. Robinson Overseerer of the Poor Thomas O’Brien; Justices of the peace; George Hitchcock and Thomas Heffernan; Supervisors William A. Foster, Peter Griffin and S. C. Robertson. Aldermen, John Peart and William Hunt first ward; John W. Fedder and William T. Brady second ward; E. Clisdell and William Rubright third ward; John Cogan and James McMahon, firth ward and George Clark and Albert Pritchard, sixth ward.

And here is the whole paper for that date, Saturday, March 20, 1926:

1926.03.20 The LeaderDownload

Additionally, while scanning the March/April 1926 Leaders for material for upcoming local history posts, I came across a neat, related article from April 3, 1926. The piece features an interview with Corning’s first mayor, Dr. W. E. Gorton, in which he recounts some of his experiences serving as the city’s inaugural mayor & that too is cool! Check it out!

Here is the article titled Dr. W. E. Gorton, The City’s First Mayor, Recalls Experiences:

1926.04.03 Dr W E Gorton, The City’s First Mayor, Recalls ExperiencesDownload

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Local History Photo 1: Corning Free Academy Basketball Team (1900)

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Local History Photo 2: Theodore Roosevelt

Our second photo for this week, is really a strip of two photos, and shows Theodore Roosevelt hard at work – when the photo was taken and why it is in our local history archive I don’t know!

However, T.R. was from New York State and was a state assemblyman, New York City Police Commissioner and Secretary of the Navy, before he became the 26th President of the United States & they are neat photos, so I thought I’d share them!

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Local History Photo 3: Market Street, Corning, N.Y.

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Have a great week everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

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Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Photos & Newspaper: March 13, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photos 1 – 16

As we’re being treated to some beautiful summer-like days, I thought I’d share the photos of the historic markers I took photos of last October; in case any local history fans feel like taking a walk and checking out the markers!

And I should note the markers shown are only the blue & gold metal markers located in the City of Corning. Sometime this spring, on a nice day, I will go out and take more photos of some of the other historic markers located in the City of Corning, and made of other materials.

For now, if you haven’t taken a look at the markers in while here they are, map included and a printable PDF is found after the last photo.

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PDF version of the Historic Markers in the City of Corning (blue/gold & metal edition):

Intro to Historic Markers in the City of Corning, New YorkDownload

A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | March 13, 1926

1926.03.13 The LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

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Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Photos & Newspaper: March 6, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photo 1: Street Scene Corning, N.Y. (Exact date unknown)

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Local History Photo 2: Denison Park, Corning, N.Y.

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Local History Photo 3: Baseball in Corning, N.Y.

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | March 6, 1926

1926.03.06 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

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Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Photos & Newspaper: February 27, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photo 1: Parade on Market Street

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Local History Photo 2: The Old Evening Leader Building

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Local History Photo 3: Pine Street Square and Clocktower (later Centerway Square)

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | February 27, 1926

1926.02.27 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

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Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Historical Pictorial Coloring Book Program is Cancelled

Linda Reimer , , ,

Hi everyone, unfortunately the Historical Pictorial Coloring Book Program with artist & illustrator Fritz Wasser, which was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, February 26, 2026, is cancelled. Mr. Wasser is unexpectedly unavailable tomorrow. We hope to reschedule the program for a later date.

The Historical Pictorial Coloring Book is a really cool book; it was of course, illustrated by Mr. Wasser and the text was written by Thomas Dimitroff and Lois Janes. The oversized book features seventeen double-page illustrations with a description of the history of each historical location or building being shown.

Highlights include:

Lumber Rafting On The Chemung River

The Castle, Corning’s Arsenal

Early 20th Century View Of The Corning Glass Works

Steuben Glass Works Sixteen-Pot Furnace

Corning Becomes A Community And Builds A City Hall

And

Centerway Square: The Heart Of The Community

I urge you to check out the book. The library has copies you can peruse and you can also purchase copies for $10 at the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes gift shop.

Additionally, if anyone would like to stop by the library and pick up some photocopies pages to color – let me know and I’ll give you a packet.

Have a great day,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

Local History Photos & Newspaper: February 20, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photos of the Week

This week our photos are all Library of Congress photos that show the old Erie Railway Station in Corning before and during a remodel; as well as two photos showing Erie railroad tracks heading out of the city on the southside.

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And for a closer look at where the old Erie Railway Station was, on the corner of Pine and Erie Avenue, now Denison Parkway; check out this 1903 Sanborn Insurance Map:

Corning 1903 Sanborn MapDownload

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | February 20, 1926

1926.02.20 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

–

Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Discussion Group January 2026 Notes

Linda Reimer , ,

Our Local History Discussion Group met at the library on Thursday, January 15 and had a fun general conversation about local history including a few topics that were discussed in more depth and they are:

First up, the library’s Local History Discussion group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

The February 2026 Local History Discussion group gathering will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026.  

And onto the General discussion topics (from our January gathering) 

1. The purpose of this group: The purpose of the Local History Discussion Group is to talk about local history! With a side order, that is only if anyone is interested (no pressure); if anyone is interested he or she can research and put on a local history program at the library; or suggest one the staff can put on.  

2. The next local history display, named Notable Locals, volume 3, is almost ready to go up. The display will have a complimentary newsletter that patrons can take and read, digitally, or via a print copy. 

Our third batch of Notable Locals, celebrates some of the remarkable people, places, and organizations that helped shape the character and legacy of the Corning region; includes renaissance sportsman, coach, youth mentor, and historian John Driggins, whose lifelong dedication to athletics, community and local history has influenced generations. Also featured is Crystal Eastman, a nationally significant suffragette, reformer and legal scholar with local roots, and Rose Backus Ecker, founder of the Corning Clionian Circle and a driving force in the city’s civic and cultural life. 

The list also includes transformative institutions. The Erie Canal stands out as a feat of engineering that created a water highway between Albany and Buffalo, forever altering New York’s economic and social landscape. Industrial history & innovation is represented by Amory Houghton Sr. (1813–1882), whose decision to relocate the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works to Corning laid the foundation for what would later become Corning Glass Works, one of the city’s defining enterprises. 

Military service and postwar entrepreneurship are embodied by Captain Charles Rubright, who fought in numerous Civil War battles, endured captivity at Andersonville, and later returned to help build the local economy by founding the Corning Brick & Terra Cotta Works. The region’s deeper history is represented by the Seneca People (Onöndowa’ga’), Keepers of the Western Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, whose traditional lands encompassed much of the Genesee River Valley. 

And rounding out the group is Colonel Henry Tuthill, a Civil War officer who commanded the Elmira Prison Camp—often referred to as “Hellmira,” later serving as commander of President Abraham Lincoln’s honor guard as he lay in state; and after the war became a renowned architect. Together, these Notable Locals offer a powerful reminder of the many threads—civic, industrial, military, and Indigenous—that weave together the story of our region.  

3. The history of public libraries in Corning: The first public library in Corning, was a subscription library that was, according to the book, A History of the public libraries served by the Southern Tier Library System, was organized on February 25, 1873; more research should be done & compiling a history of the public libraries in Corning was agreed to be a good idea.  

Please feel free to drop by one of our monthly local history gatherings, or if you prefer, comment and share information by replying to this post.

Have a great day,

Linda Reimer

Southeast Steuben County Library

Local History Photos & Newspaper February 13, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photo 1: Pine Street Looking North, Corning, N.Y.

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Local History Photo 2: Overhead Bridge & Seventh Ward, Corning, N.Y.

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Local History Photo 3: Centerway Bridge, Corning, N.Y.

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | February 13, 1926

1926.02.13 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

–

Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

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Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Photos & Newspaper: February 6, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photo 1: Corning Fire Department (November 1917)

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Local History Photo 2: The Corning Glass Works

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Local History Photo 3: Market Street in Corning

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1926.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | February 6, 1926

1926.02.06 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

–

Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

–

Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.

Local History Photos & Newspaper: January 30, 2026

Linda Reimer , , , , , ,

Hi everyone, here are the local history photos & vintage newspaper of the week.

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Local History Photo 1: Winter Scene In Denison Park (1923)

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Local History Photo 2: Indian Monument, Painted Post, N.Y. (Circa 1930s)

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Local History Photo 3:  Photo of Pre-Emption Line Marker on Route 352

This historic maker, which is located near the boundary between Steuben and Chemung Counties on NY-Route 352, refers to the boundaries set to settle the conflicting claims of New York and Massachusetts, over the distribution of Iroquois lands claimed by both states in the years following the American Revolution.

The creation of the Pre-Emption Line, which settled the dispute and set the boundaries, was agreed upon by both states in the Treaty of Hartford (1786).

To learn more about The Pre-Emption Line and the Pre-Emption Marker check out the following webpages:

The Pre-Emption Line by Alfred G. Hilbert, Crooked Lake Review

https://www.crookedlakereview.com/articles/1_33/33dec1990/33hilbert.html

Historical Summary: The Hartford Treaty by Ontario County, N.Y.

https://www.ontariocountyny.gov/369/Historical-Summary

The Pre-Emption Line, Part I by John Marks, Curator of Collections and Exhibits (Geneva, N.Y. Historical Society)

The Pre-Emption Line, Part 1

And a newer photo of the marker can be found on the site: Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice:

https://www.joycetice.com/articles/preempti2.htm

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A Glimpse of Local Life: A Hundred Years Ago!

Here is an entire issue of The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. published on this day in 1925.

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The Evening Leader, Corning, N.Y. | January 30, 1926

1926.01.30 The Evening LeaderDownload

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Have a great weekend everyone,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Local History Online Library Resources:

Heritage Quest: Heritage Quest is the library’s online genealogy service, and it includes access to census records and other research sources; it can be accessed by going to the Online Resources page, on the library’s website, and scrolling down until you see the link for Heritage Quest:

https://www.ssclibrary.org/research/online-resources/

Once you’ve clicked on the Heritage Quest link, you’ll be prompted to login with your card number and PIN. If you have questions about how to use Heritage Quest, please feel free to let me know – my email address is reimerl@stls.org

–

Library Local History/Creation Station Resources:
At the library you can scan your photos and slides to create digital family albums and slideshows; and even use one of the Circut machines, and other Creation Station equipment, to help you create a special paper family history album.

Also of note, we have local papers including the Corning Leader, Corning Evening Leader, Corning Journal and Corning Daily Journal, on microfilm from 1840 to the present — so you can visit the library and research local history and your family tree if you wish!

–

Local History & Newspaper blog posts are published on Fridays.