Note:
At the time this story was written, Baronet Litho was operating out of Johnstown, NY. The company is no longer there. However, the concept of intelligent inserting is an interesting one and gives much insight as to how powerful direct mailing can be. This is why I have chosen to post this story.
What is an Automatic Intelligent Inserter? Sounds like something George Jetson would have used while working at Spacely Sprockets, in a world that exists only in the very far future. However, the Automatic Intelligent Inserter that Baronet Litho has been using for the past six months is very much a reality in the here and now. It is a new mailing device that can “see” and determine what letters, forms, charts, etc., will go in each individual envelope and who those envelopes will be delivered to. In addition to the new mailing system, the company is also using five new Hitachi DDP 70 Digital Laser Printers for materials that require variable data or personalized messages. With the arrival of these new systems also comes the potential for growth and more employment opportunities with Baronet Litho as well as the Johnstown Post Office.
Hitachi had planned to debut the Digital Laser Printers for Variable Data back on September 11, 2001. For obvious reasons, that debut did not take place. Consequently, there are few companies that have obtained the printers since. Baronet Litho is one of a handful of companies in New York State that have these state of the art printers.
The Digital Printers produce sharp, fine images and can print on one or both sides of a piece of paper in a single pass through the machine. When using one side of the paper the printers can output 4,000 sheets per hour. When doing two sided printing, jobs run at approximately 2,400 sheets per hour.
According to Doug Hart, the president of Baronet Litho, “The printers are driven by Objectif Lun software. This software allows the programmers to build a base design form and then import the customer mail file and variable imprint information. Once compiled and processed through Postal software, the data is sent to the printers through a network configuration to the printer. “
The completed forms are then delivered to the Automatic Intelligent Mail Inserter. The process begins with a flat, pre-printed sheet from the laser printers. The sheets pass under a camera that is called an Optical Character Recorder, or OCR. This tells the computer how many sheets to insert and what name to put on the envelope. The sheets are then automatically folded to fit in the envelope, therefore bypassing a separate operation altogether. The customer can also have additional pieces of mail put in the envelope at the same time, before the envelope is sealed. After sealing the envelope the inserter then applies a postage stamp and the mail is directed to the actual postal trays that are pre-sorted for the USPS. Using this method, approximately 5,500 pieces of mail can be produced per hour.
Obviously these new machines have the potential to expand the ability to do a job. Mark Harnichar, the Mailing Specialist for Baronet Litho feels, “ in my opinion, e-mail will never threaten regular mail. The new system will save the customer time and money and, at the same time, reach thousands of existing and future customers “.
The bottom line for any business, of course, would be the profits that could be achieved. Brian Smith, Marketing Director for Baronet Litho, believes the potential gain for his printing customers could be very attractive. Smith states that potential customers respond to personalized mail more often than general mass mailing. Usually a mass mailing would generate approximately 2% in leads for the company. Personalized mailings generate approximately 10% in leads. Therefore, a company could send less personalized mail, therefore reducing the cost of printing and postal fees, and still generate more leads than if the same company had done a mass mailing. Also, personalized mail increases an average order for products by 25%. All of this could raise the company’s profits dramatically. Smith feels “ the method represents a potential to improve relations with current customers and to generate future customers, which means more business for the company using the system. “
The potential for more jobs being generated at Baronet Litho is also great and would be beneficial to the Fulton County area. Already the company has had to hire five new employees and sees the need for additional employment opportunities in the future. The increase in volume of jobs will result in an increase of employees. Along with the increase in employees at Baronet Litho, the Johnstown Post Office will benefit as well. More mail going to the post office will result in more work for the postal workers, which could result in more employment opportunities there.
Area business people see the advantages of personalized mailings and direct mailing. Jim Murdico, Advertising Manager for R&Q of Gloversville estimates that his company uses approximately 12% of their advertising budget on direct mailing. Although R&Q does not do it’s printing at BL, they do use Baronet Litho as a mailing house and Murdico says that he is very pleased with their services. Murdico adds that R&Q used to use an out of town company, but preferred using someone locally, thus creating the relationship with Baronet Litho. “ Direct mail is very very important to us “ states Murdico, “ it is a vital part of advertising “.
With the arrival of the Hitachi Printers and the Pitney Bowes Automatic Intelligent Inserter, Baronet Litho may be well on their way to a very bright and profitable future. Whether that future will bring them to George Jetson’s world at Spacely Sprockets, no one knows, but it should help in the future of the present day people of Fulton County and the surrounding areas. The quality of printing Baronet Litho is now capable of could result in an increase of professional businesses using the area and increasing the quality of life for Fulton County residents.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Miracle Of Matthew Jones
On September 28, 2001, The Leader Herald printed a story about a four-year-old boy named Matthew Jones. Matthew had developed a severe seizure disorder in November of 2000 and he was just starting the Ketogenic Diet when the story about him was printed.
The story told of how the Ketogenic Diet was helping to reduce Matthew’s seizures. At the time Matthew’s parents thought the diet was the answer to Matthew’s physical problems. However, four months later, in late January of 2002, Matthew’s parents, Greg and Connie Jones, chose to take their son off the Ketogenic diet and attempt a new drug therapy. Now, almost 2 years later, we learn of why young Matthew’s diet was discontinued and how he is doing with his seizure disorder today.
The Ketogenic diet is used to help children with uncontrolled Tonic-clonic seizures, (formerly known as grand-mal seizures), and Drop seizures. The diet is usually implemented when all forms of drug therapy have been exhausted. According to Dr. John Freeman, the Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, the Ketogenic Diet effectively reduces the number of seizures in approximately 70% of the children who are on the diet. Matthew was in that 70% range after he started the diet and his seizures were reduced from averaging 100 seizures a day to averaging 12 seizures daily. However, he was not seizure free and that was what Greg and Connie Jones were hoping for and praying for.
The Ketogenic diet also has some major drawbacks and those began to have a detrimental effect on Matthew. The diet consists of meals that are high in fat but very low in sugar and carbohydrates, which results in a metabolic condition called ketosis. In order for the diet to be effective it must be adhered to at all times and every bit of food must be weighed to the gram. Typical foods like birthday cake and an ice cream treat now and then were absolutely out of the question for the four year old. Instead, a daily “snack” of 3 small black olives was all that Matthew was allowed. Matthew was never able to eat any of the foods the rest of his family and friends could eat. The severe restrictions of the diet were difficult for Matthew to understand and cope with. At four-years of age, Matthew only weighed 26 pounds and “he looked as if he was literally starving”, said Connie Jones. “Matthew was good about staying on the diet but it did start to take a toll”, said Greg Jones. Matthew’s mother added, “the diet was so restrictive that it was causing emotional turmoil for Matthew, he started carrying around a can of corn so he could look at it”. Matthew himself states that, “I felt very uncomfortable around food I couldn’t eat. I felt sad because I couldn’t eat things that other kids could eat”. The final straw for Connie and Greg Jones was when their son wanted to go to the bakery at Price Chopper and just look at the food. Greg Jones said, “this is not going to be Matthew’s life”, and, that night, took his son to McDonald’s for a fish sandwich. “He ate his fish sandwich like it was gold”, said Jones. It was at that time the Jones’ chose to discontinue the Ketogenic diet with Matthew altogether.
Shortly after taking Matthew off of the diet, his seizures began to increase once again.
Matthew’s parents then decided to try University Hospital in Syracuse. While at University hospital in February 2002, Matthew was put on one seizure medication. His seizure rate declined and by April, 2002 Matthew was seizure free. With the approval of the doctors at University Hospital, Greg and Connie Jones discontinued Matthew’s drug regimen in July of 2002, and Matthew has been seizure free ever since.
The Jones family, the church community of Believer’s Fellowship Center, and Matthew’s pediatrician, Dr. Proshanta K. Saha, all believe strongly that the cessation of Matthew’s seizures can be attributed to a miracle only God could supply. That miracle was what Mr. and Mrs. Jones were believing for all along. “We were standing on his healing and it didn’t matter what it looked like, we were believing for a miracle”, said Jones. “So many people were speaking negatively, saying that Matthew would have epilepsy for the rest of his life, we just walked away and refused to listen”, added Connie.
The Jones’ belong to Believer’s Fellowship Center in Johnstown and the doctrine which the church follows is known as The Word of Faith doctrine. This doctrine is based on the belief that God does continue to heal people and perform miracles.
Pastor Phil Carey of Believer’s Fellowship Center feels that the Jones family and Matthew’s healing are “the byproduct of what believing in the Word of God does”.
Carey admits that his faith was not where the Jones’ faith was. “Here was this little boy who was absolutely helpless and things just did not look good”, said Carey. Carey says the faith the Jones’ were demonstrating helped him to have faith as well. It was not an easy time though and Carey stated, “This thing started and then ended, as if Matthew woke up from a dream – in between, it was hell”. Members of Believer’s Fellowship Center, as well as people from many other churches, prayed and some fasted for Matthew and his family on and off for a year and a half. The love and support of the church family was evident all along during the time that Matthew was sick. Pastor Carey says, although the church believes in divine healing, he always refers the congregation to a physician. “I believe doctors work hand in hand with God and I would never suggest anyone not seek medical attention and follow a doctor’s recommendations”, said Carey. Dr. Saha, Matthew’s pediatrician, believes that this healing is a miracle as well. Saha states that the prognosis for a child with epilepsy as young as Matthew was is very bad. “It is usually a lifelong problem”, said Dr. Saha. He adds, “There is no medically known answer for the sudden end of seizures that Matthew experienced – in 25 years of practice I have never seen seizures that bad, just stop like that without continued medication”.
Greg and Connie Jones say that, “God had His hand on Matthew so many times”, and they never wavered in their belief of total healing for their son. The Jones family is pleased and excited to know that others see God’s hand in Matthew’s story as well. When Dr. Saha stated that, “Matthew is the only example I’ve directly seen of a miracle”, both Greg and Matthew Jones had obvious trouble containing their excitement over the doctor’s observation.
Matthew Jones is now 6 years old. He has been seizure free for a year and a half. He has been drug free for a year and three months. Matthew and his family firmly believe that the prayer and fasting on the part of many people is what brought on the miracle of his healing. Matthew loves to tell people that he has received a miracle from God. In fact, he wants to let as many people know as possible. The heart of this little boy has a desire to reach out to others who are sick and/or handicapped. When asked why he wanted to give an update as to what has happened with him, the precocious six year old stated, “I feel good and I want to tell this story and let the people in the community know what has happened and maybe help others who are sick”.
Thus, the miracle of Matthew Jones.
The story told of how the Ketogenic Diet was helping to reduce Matthew’s seizures. At the time Matthew’s parents thought the diet was the answer to Matthew’s physical problems. However, four months later, in late January of 2002, Matthew’s parents, Greg and Connie Jones, chose to take their son off the Ketogenic diet and attempt a new drug therapy. Now, almost 2 years later, we learn of why young Matthew’s diet was discontinued and how he is doing with his seizure disorder today.
The Ketogenic diet is used to help children with uncontrolled Tonic-clonic seizures, (formerly known as grand-mal seizures), and Drop seizures. The diet is usually implemented when all forms of drug therapy have been exhausted. According to Dr. John Freeman, the Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, the Ketogenic Diet effectively reduces the number of seizures in approximately 70% of the children who are on the diet. Matthew was in that 70% range after he started the diet and his seizures were reduced from averaging 100 seizures a day to averaging 12 seizures daily. However, he was not seizure free and that was what Greg and Connie Jones were hoping for and praying for.
The Ketogenic diet also has some major drawbacks and those began to have a detrimental effect on Matthew. The diet consists of meals that are high in fat but very low in sugar and carbohydrates, which results in a metabolic condition called ketosis. In order for the diet to be effective it must be adhered to at all times and every bit of food must be weighed to the gram. Typical foods like birthday cake and an ice cream treat now and then were absolutely out of the question for the four year old. Instead, a daily “snack” of 3 small black olives was all that Matthew was allowed. Matthew was never able to eat any of the foods the rest of his family and friends could eat. The severe restrictions of the diet were difficult for Matthew to understand and cope with. At four-years of age, Matthew only weighed 26 pounds and “he looked as if he was literally starving”, said Connie Jones. “Matthew was good about staying on the diet but it did start to take a toll”, said Greg Jones. Matthew’s mother added, “the diet was so restrictive that it was causing emotional turmoil for Matthew, he started carrying around a can of corn so he could look at it”. Matthew himself states that, “I felt very uncomfortable around food I couldn’t eat. I felt sad because I couldn’t eat things that other kids could eat”. The final straw for Connie and Greg Jones was when their son wanted to go to the bakery at Price Chopper and just look at the food. Greg Jones said, “this is not going to be Matthew’s life”, and, that night, took his son to McDonald’s for a fish sandwich. “He ate his fish sandwich like it was gold”, said Jones. It was at that time the Jones’ chose to discontinue the Ketogenic diet with Matthew altogether.
Shortly after taking Matthew off of the diet, his seizures began to increase once again.
Matthew’s parents then decided to try University Hospital in Syracuse. While at University hospital in February 2002, Matthew was put on one seizure medication. His seizure rate declined and by April, 2002 Matthew was seizure free. With the approval of the doctors at University Hospital, Greg and Connie Jones discontinued Matthew’s drug regimen in July of 2002, and Matthew has been seizure free ever since.
The Jones family, the church community of Believer’s Fellowship Center, and Matthew’s pediatrician, Dr. Proshanta K. Saha, all believe strongly that the cessation of Matthew’s seizures can be attributed to a miracle only God could supply. That miracle was what Mr. and Mrs. Jones were believing for all along. “We were standing on his healing and it didn’t matter what it looked like, we were believing for a miracle”, said Jones. “So many people were speaking negatively, saying that Matthew would have epilepsy for the rest of his life, we just walked away and refused to listen”, added Connie.
The Jones’ belong to Believer’s Fellowship Center in Johnstown and the doctrine which the church follows is known as The Word of Faith doctrine. This doctrine is based on the belief that God does continue to heal people and perform miracles.
Pastor Phil Carey of Believer’s Fellowship Center feels that the Jones family and Matthew’s healing are “the byproduct of what believing in the Word of God does”.
Carey admits that his faith was not where the Jones’ faith was. “Here was this little boy who was absolutely helpless and things just did not look good”, said Carey. Carey says the faith the Jones’ were demonstrating helped him to have faith as well. It was not an easy time though and Carey stated, “This thing started and then ended, as if Matthew woke up from a dream – in between, it was hell”. Members of Believer’s Fellowship Center, as well as people from many other churches, prayed and some fasted for Matthew and his family on and off for a year and a half. The love and support of the church family was evident all along during the time that Matthew was sick. Pastor Carey says, although the church believes in divine healing, he always refers the congregation to a physician. “I believe doctors work hand in hand with God and I would never suggest anyone not seek medical attention and follow a doctor’s recommendations”, said Carey. Dr. Saha, Matthew’s pediatrician, believes that this healing is a miracle as well. Saha states that the prognosis for a child with epilepsy as young as Matthew was is very bad. “It is usually a lifelong problem”, said Dr. Saha. He adds, “There is no medically known answer for the sudden end of seizures that Matthew experienced – in 25 years of practice I have never seen seizures that bad, just stop like that without continued medication”.
Greg and Connie Jones say that, “God had His hand on Matthew so many times”, and they never wavered in their belief of total healing for their son. The Jones family is pleased and excited to know that others see God’s hand in Matthew’s story as well. When Dr. Saha stated that, “Matthew is the only example I’ve directly seen of a miracle”, both Greg and Matthew Jones had obvious trouble containing their excitement over the doctor’s observation.
Matthew Jones is now 6 years old. He has been seizure free for a year and a half. He has been drug free for a year and three months. Matthew and his family firmly believe that the prayer and fasting on the part of many people is what brought on the miracle of his healing. Matthew loves to tell people that he has received a miracle from God. In fact, he wants to let as many people know as possible. The heart of this little boy has a desire to reach out to others who are sick and/or handicapped. When asked why he wanted to give an update as to what has happened with him, the precocious six year old stated, “I feel good and I want to tell this story and let the people in the community know what has happened and maybe help others who are sick”.
Thus, the miracle of Matthew Jones.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Snowshoe Season Will Be Here Soon
Although Summer just ended and the leaves are just beginning to change color - make no mistake - Winter will be here soon.
While many people choose to spend much of their time during the winter months attempting to escape the cold by engaging in indoor activities, there are many who find the snow and cold challenging and invigorating. From people who ski down mountains to people who sit in little huts on the ice hoping for that big catch, winter time brings with it an opportunity to see the same great outdoors experienced throughout other times of the year, in a much different light. One of the ways to enjoy the many scenic spots located right here in Fulton County is to don snowshoes and walk through the many woodlands and trails that are not as easily accessible by cross country skis or snowmobiles.
Snowshoeing is quickly gaining popularity in areas that have a great deal of snow and Fulton County is no exception. People are already beginning to flock to The Havlick Snowshoe Company and other snowshoe dealers, to obtain the equipment needed for a successful snowshoe jaunt. What is needed would comprise a very simple and short list. A pair of snowshoes, a good pair of boots and warm clothes are all that is required for a day trip in the snowy woods.
Janice Havlick says that she has been snowshoeing since she first met her husband, Richard, in 1979. Havlick said she loved it the first time and has been snowshoeing ever since. Often times the entire family would go on little day hikes, finding a spot in the woods where they could build a fire and roast hot dogs. Being out together in the woods provided many fun adventures for the family and Havlick says she would recommend this form of family exercise for just about anyone. “It’s very invigorating. An excellent form of physical fitness for anyone from a 3 year old to a Senior Citizen” Havlick said.
Another plus for Havlick is that you can get to places on snow shoes that you can’t get to on skis. “ Snow shoeing is much like regular walking, the only difference is you have to lift your feet a little higher”, Havlick said. It is not necessary to be on a groomed trail when using snow shoes, which is often the case when skiing or snow mobile riding.
The beauty of the snow covered woods and meadows is, of course, another lure for Havlick and her family. “It’s awesome. It’s like another world – it’s so quiet, you hear every little noise” and “The beauty of some winter scenes is just indiscribable”, were two statements Havlick made with a sense of awe in her voice.
Many people in the area go snow shoeing on the adirondack trails located off of route 30, as well as other trails in Caroga Lake and farther north. Don Williams of Gloversville, the author of “Inside the Blue Line” says that he has been snow shoeing all of his life, right here in the Adirondacks. Williams stated the beauty of the woods in the wintertime is a big attraction for him. Also the common experience of seeing animal tracks in the snow is a delight for Williams. “Often times, the tracks tell stories, such as when a coyote has chased a rabbit”, Williams says. Williams feels it is important to stop and take a look at what is going on around you in the woods and that it is a fairly easy thing to do when out on snow shoes.
Andrew Keefe, of Saratoga Springs, is a licensed snow shoeing guide and works at Lapland Lake giving moonlit tours on snow shoes. He says that snow shoeing is much easier than skiing and that almost anyone can do it. “ The snowshoes of today are lighter and stronger and much easier to manuever than in times past” Keefe said.
Keefe also believes that there can be a great deal of excitement while snow shoeing. He tells of a time when he was out on shoes with 2 other people and they came upon a black bear. From Keefe’s description, he was face to face with this bear and, “I thought it was the end of the world” he said. “We were both very surprised”, Keefe said. The bear stood his ground and Keefe backed away slowly, allowing the bear to take his food. “It’s just like hiking in the summertime, you have to know where you are and what to do” Keefe said.
The bitter cold temperatures may deter some people but both Havlick and Keefe said that once you start walking, you warm up fairly quickly. The key is wearing the proper clothing. Havlick believes it is a good idea to wear layers of clothing. Keefe wears only SP3 clothing, one layer which stays warm even when wet. Keefe also stated that using Dermatone on the face is very important and helpful in eliminating the possibility of chapped skin.
Recreation is not the only use for snowshoes however. “We’ve had people come in to buy snowshoes so they could get to their bird feeders this year” Havlick said. Rescue workers also benefit from snowshoes when helping people who have been stranded while out on their snowmobiles. Havlick recommends people who are out on snowmobiles to have a pair of snowshoes just in case they have a problem. Keefe also feels that people who go cross country skiing in the deep woods should have a pair of snowshoes as well, as there are certain places that people may have trouble with just skis.
Whether it’s for exercise, utility purposes, rescue missions or just plain fun in the snowy sun, snowshoes seem to be the way many people are going these days. As Havlick says, “It’s a great way to stay in shape, and the scenery is beautiful”.
While many people choose to spend much of their time during the winter months attempting to escape the cold by engaging in indoor activities, there are many who find the snow and cold challenging and invigorating. From people who ski down mountains to people who sit in little huts on the ice hoping for that big catch, winter time brings with it an opportunity to see the same great outdoors experienced throughout other times of the year, in a much different light. One of the ways to enjoy the many scenic spots located right here in Fulton County is to don snowshoes and walk through the many woodlands and trails that are not as easily accessible by cross country skis or snowmobiles.
Snowshoeing is quickly gaining popularity in areas that have a great deal of snow and Fulton County is no exception. People are already beginning to flock to The Havlick Snowshoe Company and other snowshoe dealers, to obtain the equipment needed for a successful snowshoe jaunt. What is needed would comprise a very simple and short list. A pair of snowshoes, a good pair of boots and warm clothes are all that is required for a day trip in the snowy woods.
Janice Havlick says that she has been snowshoeing since she first met her husband, Richard, in 1979. Havlick said she loved it the first time and has been snowshoeing ever since. Often times the entire family would go on little day hikes, finding a spot in the woods where they could build a fire and roast hot dogs. Being out together in the woods provided many fun adventures for the family and Havlick says she would recommend this form of family exercise for just about anyone. “It’s very invigorating. An excellent form of physical fitness for anyone from a 3 year old to a Senior Citizen” Havlick said.
Another plus for Havlick is that you can get to places on snow shoes that you can’t get to on skis. “ Snow shoeing is much like regular walking, the only difference is you have to lift your feet a little higher”, Havlick said. It is not necessary to be on a groomed trail when using snow shoes, which is often the case when skiing or snow mobile riding.
The beauty of the snow covered woods and meadows is, of course, another lure for Havlick and her family. “It’s awesome. It’s like another world – it’s so quiet, you hear every little noise” and “The beauty of some winter scenes is just indiscribable”, were two statements Havlick made with a sense of awe in her voice.
Many people in the area go snow shoeing on the adirondack trails located off of route 30, as well as other trails in Caroga Lake and farther north. Don Williams of Gloversville, the author of “Inside the Blue Line” says that he has been snow shoeing all of his life, right here in the Adirondacks. Williams stated the beauty of the woods in the wintertime is a big attraction for him. Also the common experience of seeing animal tracks in the snow is a delight for Williams. “Often times, the tracks tell stories, such as when a coyote has chased a rabbit”, Williams says. Williams feels it is important to stop and take a look at what is going on around you in the woods and that it is a fairly easy thing to do when out on snow shoes.
Andrew Keefe, of Saratoga Springs, is a licensed snow shoeing guide and works at Lapland Lake giving moonlit tours on snow shoes. He says that snow shoeing is much easier than skiing and that almost anyone can do it. “ The snowshoes of today are lighter and stronger and much easier to manuever than in times past” Keefe said.
Keefe also believes that there can be a great deal of excitement while snow shoeing. He tells of a time when he was out on shoes with 2 other people and they came upon a black bear. From Keefe’s description, he was face to face with this bear and, “I thought it was the end of the world” he said. “We were both very surprised”, Keefe said. The bear stood his ground and Keefe backed away slowly, allowing the bear to take his food. “It’s just like hiking in the summertime, you have to know where you are and what to do” Keefe said.
The bitter cold temperatures may deter some people but both Havlick and Keefe said that once you start walking, you warm up fairly quickly. The key is wearing the proper clothing. Havlick believes it is a good idea to wear layers of clothing. Keefe wears only SP3 clothing, one layer which stays warm even when wet. Keefe also stated that using Dermatone on the face is very important and helpful in eliminating the possibility of chapped skin.
Recreation is not the only use for snowshoes however. “We’ve had people come in to buy snowshoes so they could get to their bird feeders this year” Havlick said. Rescue workers also benefit from snowshoes when helping people who have been stranded while out on their snowmobiles. Havlick recommends people who are out on snowmobiles to have a pair of snowshoes just in case they have a problem. Keefe also feels that people who go cross country skiing in the deep woods should have a pair of snowshoes as well, as there are certain places that people may have trouble with just skis.
Whether it’s for exercise, utility purposes, rescue missions or just plain fun in the snowy sun, snowshoes seem to be the way many people are going these days. As Havlick says, “It’s a great way to stay in shape, and the scenery is beautiful”.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Historical Sites - The Rice Homestead
The year was 1788. The Revolutionary War had been fought and won by the American people. The country was still in its infancy of freedom and towns and villages needed to be built in many areas that had not yet been established. People began to travel and settle in different parts of the new country and that is how Oliver and Ebenezer Rice came to the area known as Four Corners, which later became Mayfield, NY.
Ebenezer did not remain in Four Corners but Oliver did and became the founding father of Riceville, NY.
Rice’s original home, a one room dwelling with a loft for a sleeping area, was built in 1790. In 1810 he built a larger home and attached the original 1790 dwelling to the back of the newer home. This is what is now known as the Rice Homestead and houses the Mayfield Museum and is also headquarters of the Mayfield Historical Society.
Oliver Rice was born in Willington, Connecticut in July of 1768. Legend has it that he was a messenger boy for George Washington and a historical marker, which has been placed in front of the house, notes his involvement in the American Revolution. It is also believed that when the war ended the newly formed government of the United States of America slapped this young boy on the back, said, “good job son” and gave him several acres of land in what is now Riceville, NY. Mary Alice Hartman, an ancestor of Rice’s, states that he bought an additional five acres of land on the Mayfield Creek for $2.20 an acre.
At 22 years of age, Rice built his first home and began farming the land that surrounded his one room dwelling. He also started a Grist Mill and a Woolen Mill, also known as a Fulling Mill. As his business and family began to grow, his need for more space grew as well and in 1810 he built the larger home. He then moved his first home across the road and attached it to the back of the new home.
Rice continued to farm and work the mills until 1831 at which time he became the Post Master of Mayfield. The largest room of his house was used for this business and the original mail slots can be viewed today at the Homestead. Rice would travel by horseback to Johnstown twice a week carrying the mail in his hat and, later, in a leather bag. Although today it may seem like a relatively short and easy trip to go from Mayfield to Johnstown, in 1831 Rice was riding mainly through a wilderness area and there were many dangers to be faced. Wild animals were numerous as well as other possible travel hazards. The leather bag that Rice used on these journeys is in possession of the Mayfield Museum and is another item which can be viewed at the Rice Homestead. The Mayfield Historical Society also has the original postal appointment certificate signed by William Barry, Postmaster General of the United States, in 1833, and was appointed by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.
The house itself is of impressive size considering the time in which it was built. There are two stories plus a cellar and a full attic. On the first floor is a large living area, which was also used for the postal service. This room has a large gold framed mirror that was given to Mary Rice on her wedding day in 1875.
There are two other rooms that may have been used as “sitting rooms”. There is also a possibility that there was a family member who was in poor health and one of the downstairs rooms may have been used as a bedroom. In one room Oliver Rice hand painted the floor and, although it has been repainted since, the original design has been maintained and preserved. In the summertime this floor was bare and may have been put on display for others to see. In the winter time the floor would be covered with hay and a layer of blankets and everyone in the family, ( Oliver had seven children, four of which died very young ) would sleep together on the hay in order to keep warm.
The kitchen is also on the first floor and this is the original “Dutch Oven Room” that was a part of the 1790 house. In this room there is a Dutch Oven fireplace and a sandstone sink which chamber pots were emptied into and the waste would be carried directly outside.
On the second floor there are four rooms, most likely used as bedrooms during the warmer months of the year. There are many treasures in these rooms including rope beds and a marble top dresser all dating back to the early 1800’s.
It is apparent that no descendants of Rice’s were involved in the Civil War or World War I or World War II. There are no records indicating any military service having been performed by any of the Rice family, other than Oliver’s role in the Revolution. It was widely rumored that the house was used as a dwelling place for slaves seeking refuge while traveling the underground railroad. Betty Tabor, the Mayfield Historian states that there is no substantial evidence to verify that claim and that Mary Rice Creekmore, a family member who lived in the house, also stated there was no validity to that assumption.
There is a political figure in the lineage of Oliver Rice however. Lucius Rice, a great grandson of Oliver Rice was elected Secretary of the Treasury for the state of Idaho in 1898, after having left Riceville. Lucius never lost his love for the homestead though, and would return to New York State and spend five months out of the year, May through September, in his childhood home in Riceville, until his death in 1953.
In 1936 the Department of Interior at Washington D.C. reconstructed the plans for the homestead and dubbed it “ one of the few purely American Colonial homes still in existence in the United States”.
The Mayfield Historical Society purchased the property in 1992. The house was placed on the State Register of Historic Places in January of 1995 and on the National Register in March of 1995.
Betty Tabor and members of the Historical Society feel that the Rice Homestead is a valuable part of the community and it has become their home away from home. Sylvia Parker, President of the Society says, “It adds richness to the history of Mayfield and Riceville”. Elaine Holmlund, the Publicist for the Society, feels that it gives Mayfield a focal point. And, Betty Tabor says the Homestead is a very important part of the local area because the family founded Riceville.
Mary Alice Hartman, granddaughter of Lucius Rice and also the oldest living descendent of Oliver Rice, states that she is, “ very happy the Historical Society has the house. They have done a wonderful job of preserving the integrity of the original home”.
Ebenezer did not remain in Four Corners but Oliver did and became the founding father of Riceville, NY.
Rice’s original home, a one room dwelling with a loft for a sleeping area, was built in 1790. In 1810 he built a larger home and attached the original 1790 dwelling to the back of the newer home. This is what is now known as the Rice Homestead and houses the Mayfield Museum and is also headquarters of the Mayfield Historical Society.
Oliver Rice was born in Willington, Connecticut in July of 1768. Legend has it that he was a messenger boy for George Washington and a historical marker, which has been placed in front of the house, notes his involvement in the American Revolution. It is also believed that when the war ended the newly formed government of the United States of America slapped this young boy on the back, said, “good job son” and gave him several acres of land in what is now Riceville, NY. Mary Alice Hartman, an ancestor of Rice’s, states that he bought an additional five acres of land on the Mayfield Creek for $2.20 an acre.
At 22 years of age, Rice built his first home and began farming the land that surrounded his one room dwelling. He also started a Grist Mill and a Woolen Mill, also known as a Fulling Mill. As his business and family began to grow, his need for more space grew as well and in 1810 he built the larger home. He then moved his first home across the road and attached it to the back of the new home.
Rice continued to farm and work the mills until 1831 at which time he became the Post Master of Mayfield. The largest room of his house was used for this business and the original mail slots can be viewed today at the Homestead. Rice would travel by horseback to Johnstown twice a week carrying the mail in his hat and, later, in a leather bag. Although today it may seem like a relatively short and easy trip to go from Mayfield to Johnstown, in 1831 Rice was riding mainly through a wilderness area and there were many dangers to be faced. Wild animals were numerous as well as other possible travel hazards. The leather bag that Rice used on these journeys is in possession of the Mayfield Museum and is another item which can be viewed at the Rice Homestead. The Mayfield Historical Society also has the original postal appointment certificate signed by William Barry, Postmaster General of the United States, in 1833, and was appointed by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.
The house itself is of impressive size considering the time in which it was built. There are two stories plus a cellar and a full attic. On the first floor is a large living area, which was also used for the postal service. This room has a large gold framed mirror that was given to Mary Rice on her wedding day in 1875.
There are two other rooms that may have been used as “sitting rooms”. There is also a possibility that there was a family member who was in poor health and one of the downstairs rooms may have been used as a bedroom. In one room Oliver Rice hand painted the floor and, although it has been repainted since, the original design has been maintained and preserved. In the summertime this floor was bare and may have been put on display for others to see. In the winter time the floor would be covered with hay and a layer of blankets and everyone in the family, ( Oliver had seven children, four of which died very young ) would sleep together on the hay in order to keep warm.
The kitchen is also on the first floor and this is the original “Dutch Oven Room” that was a part of the 1790 house. In this room there is a Dutch Oven fireplace and a sandstone sink which chamber pots were emptied into and the waste would be carried directly outside.
On the second floor there are four rooms, most likely used as bedrooms during the warmer months of the year. There are many treasures in these rooms including rope beds and a marble top dresser all dating back to the early 1800’s.
It is apparent that no descendants of Rice’s were involved in the Civil War or World War I or World War II. There are no records indicating any military service having been performed by any of the Rice family, other than Oliver’s role in the Revolution. It was widely rumored that the house was used as a dwelling place for slaves seeking refuge while traveling the underground railroad. Betty Tabor, the Mayfield Historian states that there is no substantial evidence to verify that claim and that Mary Rice Creekmore, a family member who lived in the house, also stated there was no validity to that assumption.
There is a political figure in the lineage of Oliver Rice however. Lucius Rice, a great grandson of Oliver Rice was elected Secretary of the Treasury for the state of Idaho in 1898, after having left Riceville. Lucius never lost his love for the homestead though, and would return to New York State and spend five months out of the year, May through September, in his childhood home in Riceville, until his death in 1953.
In 1936 the Department of Interior at Washington D.C. reconstructed the plans for the homestead and dubbed it “ one of the few purely American Colonial homes still in existence in the United States”.
The Mayfield Historical Society purchased the property in 1992. The house was placed on the State Register of Historic Places in January of 1995 and on the National Register in March of 1995.
Betty Tabor and members of the Historical Society feel that the Rice Homestead is a valuable part of the community and it has become their home away from home. Sylvia Parker, President of the Society says, “It adds richness to the history of Mayfield and Riceville”. Elaine Holmlund, the Publicist for the Society, feels that it gives Mayfield a focal point. And, Betty Tabor says the Homestead is a very important part of the local area because the family founded Riceville.
Mary Alice Hartman, granddaughter of Lucius Rice and also the oldest living descendent of Oliver Rice, states that she is, “ very happy the Historical Society has the house. They have done a wonderful job of preserving the integrity of the original home”.
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