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Cortland County Historical Society
Telling Your Stories Since 1925!
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Cortland County historians and historical societies are getting involved in Path Through History this year!![]()
While leaf peeping this weekend, consider stopping to check out the various history rooms and museums that are saving and sharing our local history.![]()
As for CCHS, museum tours are always free, open Wed-Sat, 12-5pm!
Photo of the week!![]()
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"A Perfect One Man Cow Dog Owned by Tom Jones"![]()
Back: "Jim"![]()
"The dog John Loucks spoiled to be a cow dog. ![]()
I trained him so I could send him after the cows out of sight and he would get them all. Could send him down on low flat 1/2 mile he'd sort Nezer's out, take back across creek bridge then bring mine to the barn, he was better than a man in the barn, especially with young stock. Could tell him at bedtime I wanted the cows 1/2 hr. early the next morning, he would have them at the gate. Dad wouldn't believe so had to prove it. He always slept under our bed room window, especially after Janet was born. Was offered $200 for him after a man saw him work. Told him that he was, STRICTLY A ONE MAN DOG, had to prove it. I probably didn't appreciate him as I should have." ![]()
Written by Tom Jones, Willet![]()
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#cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos
100 Objects for 100 Years![]()
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This week's object touches on a bit of Cortland County's less savory history, that of crime!![]()
In our collections is this wooden ball with a hook and bolt through the middle for a chain attachment. Perhaps it was used in the jail attached to the rear of the second courthouse (located where the Cortland Free Library now stands), or from even earlier when the jail was located on the hill overlooking Monroe Heights!![]()
The "old gaol" on the hill shows up on the 1855 map, and Helen Jewett McAleer (1891-1982) recollected playing in its ruins.![]()
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In our research library, we have several "crimes" binders containing newspaper clippings documenting various incidents of criminal activity, the most common seeming to be that of burglary. There is also a binder of clippings regarding the three jails we've had, and even a report from an inspection of the second jail from 1912:![]()
"There have been practically no improvements in years and the jail has gradually deteriorated. The old stone vault-like cells are without ventilation except through the heavy grate doors. There are ten of these cells, five on a side, and are supplied with bunks and very good bedding...![]()
"The plumbing seems to be in very bad condition, causing an odor to be present throughout the jail and sheriff's quarters. Large quantities of disinfectants are used. The cells are frequently whitewashed and the sheriff seems to be doing everything possible to keep the jail habitable."![]()
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It was another 12 years before a new jail was made available.![]()
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In 2025 CCHS is turning one hundred years old! In preparation of our landmark birthday, we are celebrating the unique collections you have entrusted to us over the years.![]()
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~Sophie, Collections & Research Assistant![]()
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#cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #museum #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #100objectsfor100years
The Photo Scavenger Hunt starts TODAY!![]()
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Solve the eight riddles, explore some highlights from our county’s history, and snap photos! 📸![]()
We will choose two winners from those that guess all eight clues correctly, and a winner for BEST PHOTO!![]()
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Head over to cortlandhistory.org/events/ to download the full clue sheet.