The Portville Historical and Preservation Society
17 Maple Avenue
Portville, NY 14770

www.portvillehistory.org

PHPS will be OPEN for the 2009 Season - Starting Thursday, May 7th

It has been a long, snowy winter but we think the warm weather will soon be here to stay.  Come in
and visit us on Thursdays from 10am to 4pm.  Our office is located at 17 Maple Avenue in
Portville.  Last year, we started putting a sign out at the corner of Main Street and in front of the
office.  It has really helped bring in some new visitors.

We always like to remind people to remember us when you are cleaning things out for your summer
yard sales.  Don't throw those old yearbooks or scrapbooks away!  We love all old Portville items,
including newspaper clippings and obituaries, photos of Portville people and events, etc.  

In return for your donation, we provide a deed of gift letter for your tax deduction.  You can drop
things off Thursdays, or send us a note and we can come pick it up (local area only).  An alternative
to donating photos or documents that are still precious to your family is scanning on the computer.  
We are fully equipped right at the office to scan or copy your information so that you do not have to
part with your originals.  We urge you to preserve your heritage by sharing it with us!

New Newsletter Coming Out

Despite the obvious lack of activity here on the website, we have been receiving lots of inquiries
from folks all over the world (well, Jolly Old England at least!).  It is always fascinating to hear from
people that are interested in Portville and to discover the ways that they are connected to our tiny
community.  

We would like to thank the many people who have contacted us through this website and shared
your stories.  A common theme that seems to be popping up lately is "Westons Mills" so we have
decided to share a few articles in the next newsletter about the people and businesses that we have
been researching.  A new issue will be mailed to our members next week.  We also have lots more
Portville history to share so check back here frequently for new items on "old stuff."

Memorial Day - May 25, 2009

Memorial Day is one of the first big events in the Village of Portville and we love to watch the annual
parade and then walk with everyone to the cemetery.  The American Legion always prepares a
touching ceremony and gun salute for the occasion.  Last year, Portville was honored with a speech
by St. Bonaventure ROTC's Lieutenant Colonel Richard Trietley and we posted his speech and
Ronda Pollock's photos of the day's events.  Click here to see the Memorial Day 2008 pages:  
Parade Photos   LTC Trietley Speech































Heritage Day and the 110th Annual Portville Alumni Banquet

It's time to mark your calendar for the Annual PCS Alumni Banquet which will be held on Saturday,
July 11th.  Join in with your classmates at this cocktail hour and traditional dinner, featuring "Beef
and Bird".  Joe McLarney will host the event and Gary Swetland will also present the awards to this
year's PCS Hall of Fame recipients.  Many of the honor year classes will also hold their own get
togethers in the area.  It is a great time to see and catch up with people who come home
infrequently!  Many do plan to come for the reunions - don't miss the fun!

Early in the day, plan to attend the Heritage Day festivities in the village.  Preparations are being made
for Heritage Day at this time so we will update you when more information is available.  Typically,
the day's activities include fun games and rides for the children, booths for area vendors with crafts
and assorted items for sale, bake sales, chicken BBQ, and other live entertainment.

Remember, to find our previous homepages, go to our ARCHIVE.
Portville, New York
Credits

The lovely watercolor
in our toolbar above is
a depiction of the office
at 17 Maple Avenue.  
The artist is Portville's
very own talent,
Marilyn Reynolds.
Welcome to PHPS
Memorial Day 1963 - Portville's Band Leaving Chestnut Hill Cemetery
Photo Courtesy of Ike Harrison