About Us

The Wilson Historical Society was formed in May 1972. By its second meeting in May, the group had a membership of 77 and its propsed startup budget to get committees off the ground and start establishing exhibits was $2541. Board members included Dr. John Argue (president), Karl S. Wright (vice president), Laura Eick (recording secretary), Ella Mae Baker (corresponding secretary) and Mille Croop (treasurer). Trustees were Joseph Higgins, Whitney Barnum, Anna Mae Nevins, Helen Borngraeber, Flossie Lorta, Dora Wakeman and David Weiler.

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Dr. Argue had purchased the unused train depot in Wilson from the Wilson Canning Company to use for storage. After the formation of the Historical Society, he donated the depot to the Town of Wilson with the express purpose that it be used for a local history museum. A ceremonial deed signing was held at the Wilson Town Hall on October 16, 1972 with several community members in attendance. Supervisor Whitney Barnum accepted the deed transfer, and then auctioned off the pens used during the signing, netting $100 for the newly formed Society.

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Donations began to pour in and exhibits began to take shape. By May of 1973, an outline of future renovations was put together including remodeling the restrooms, waiting room, library, exterior painting and landscaping. The first 'Old Fashioned Fair' or 'Country Fair' was held on May 28th and served as the main fundraiser for the Society, earning a profit of $1793.68. This inaugural event started many of the traditions that continue today, including a classic car show, arts and craft vendors, summer foods and access to the museum and grounds. Over 800 visitors signed the guest book.

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Over the years, more buildings and structures were added to the museum grounds. The first notable addition was the NY Central Caboose in 1974. The caboose was built in 1903 in East Rochester, NY. After being donated to the Historical Society, it was moved to the museum grounds in December 1974 from a rail siding in Lockport, NY. It was initially restored and opened to the public in 1983 and an enclosure was added in 2009 to better preserve its appearance.

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• The Barnum Building was built in 1980 on a four acre plot of land donated to the town by Dr. George Badger. Mr. Ed Hastings, a local contractor, volunteered much of his time and secured materials at a discounted price to build the cement block building. It was used to store the Society's vintage car collection, and became open to the public in July 1981.

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• Hojack Park was constructed next to Barnum Building, also on the land donated by Dr. George Badger. It was dedicated and officially opened in June 1981.

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• In 1980, Wilson resident James Reynolds purchased a windmill from a farmer in Odgen, Iowa. He brought it to Wilson and began renovations which stalled out when major repairs needed to be done to the motor. Little by little, repairs happened over the next four years, until the windmill was finally erected in May 1984.

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• The Dr. John F. Argue Memorial Building was built in 1987 and officially dedicated on October 11, 1987. Over 100 people were in attendance for the opening, and the guest of honor was Assemblyman Joseph Pillittere, who was instrumental in securing a grant from the National Heritage Center to help fund the building.

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• The Randall Road schoolhouse was moved to the grounds and dedicated on May 18, 1997. As of 1859, the Town of Wilson was divided into seventeen different school districts. The Randall Road one-room schoolhouse, built in 1861, was located in District #8.

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• The Tugwell Cabin was moved from Clark's Island (previously known as Tugwell Island) to the museum grounds in 2000. Donated by Floyd 'Red' Clark, the cabin was the former retreat of Rexford Tugwell, a Wilson resident who was an important advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1930s) and became the governor of Puerto Rico (1941-46).

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Additionally, the Society began installing historical markers around the village and town, noting places of significance. By 1985, thirteen markers had been placed.

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Following is an excerpt from the April 1982 newsletter, summarizing the first ten years of the improvements and additions at the Society:

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The Wilson Historical Society was founded on April 18, 1972, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Thilk, Pettit Street, in Wilson. Plans for its organization were discussed by Dr. John and Jean Argue, Supervisor Whitney Barnum, Mayor Harold Mosher, Justice Jane Moxham, Mildred Middleton, Joseph Higgins, Anna Mae Nevins, and Dorothy and Norman Thilk. An organizational meeting was set up at the Town Hall, April 24th, 1972, at which forty persons attended, and motions were made to form a nominating and by-laws committee. At a special meeting on May 9, 1972, Winnie Stacy, Chrm., presented a slate of officers which were duly elected as follows: Dr. John Argue, President, Karl Wright, Vice-President, Laura Eick, Secretary, Mildred Croop, Treasurer, and Ella Mae Baker (Peters), Corresponding Secretary. Seven trustees were elected including David Weiler, Dora Wakeman, Flossie Lortz, Helen Borngraeber, Anna Mae Nevins, Joseph Higgins, and Whitney Barnum. The purpose of the organization was outlined under Article I of the Constitution which states, "The purpose of the society shall be to preserve for posterity the historical records and memorabilia of the Town and Village of Wilson."

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Many improvements were made to the museum and grounds, mostly by volunteer labor, and hours were spent scraping and painting the depot--both inside and out. Rest rooms and library were built; the freight room was cleaned out and remodeled as the new "Patterson Room"; Linden trees were planted east of the depot and a flagpole was erected; a railbed was built and the caboose was set in place and painted; a kitchenette and overhead storage room was built and painted; steps and railings were installed; a thermal-ionic fire sensor system was wired in; two gas furnaces were installed; crash bars were placed on exit doors; a new 40x60 cement block building was erected; wiring services in both buildings were updated; and cement walks were laid.

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The new cement block building was built on the south east corner of a four acre plot of land donated to the town by Dr. George Badger of Lockport. The land was dedicated as "Hojack" Park on June 15, 1981. A room at the west end of the depot was renovated and named the "Arthur Schnoor Room"in recognition of Art's dedicated efforts to keep the renovation program going. Ceilings were lowered in both the Patterson and Schnoor Rooms and lighting fixtures added; Restrooms were built adjoining the antique car building; “Hojack Park" was seeded and landscaped with approximately 60 trees--some given as memorials; a storage area was built on the south dock and a tool shed was added at the west end of the depot. Truly a remarkable list when one considers the amount of volunteer labor that made it all possible.

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Other improvements included rugs for the library and Patterson Room; purchase of 75 folding chairs for the meeting room; also 12 tables, 7 display cases, coal heater, several fine memorials and other miscellaneous items.