In early August, the Parma Hilton Historical Society was contacted by long-time Parma and Brockport resident, Jayne New, who wished to donate a painting by local artist Bowen Aylesworth Haines (1858-1946). Upon inspection, it was determined the painting was Mr. Haines’ “Number 37” painting, the only painting of his known, cataloged work, that was never titled. The Historical Society was pleased to accept the painting, where it is on display with three oil paintings in their collection also by Mr. Haines. They know of one other in Parma, but since Haines painted over 100 landscapes in his lifetime, it is still a bit of a mystery as to the whereabouts of the others.
A week later, they were contacted by former Parma resident Brian Foster who offered the museum an 1850s vintage melodeon made by Xavier Spang of Syracuse. Mr. Spang made these interesting and beautiful instruments into the 1890s. The Historical Society’s latest addition was originally owned by Ardell Jewell Ferguson of Hilton before Earl and Marie Hubble of Gorton Avenue took ownership. Upon Earl and Marie’s death, the melodeon passed to their daughter Rose Marie (Hubble) Foster, who is Brian’s mother. Rose was a teacher in the Hilton school district, and later served on the Hilton School Board along with her husband Donald Foster.
Both the painting and the melodeon can be viewed at the Parma Hilton Historical Society Museum located at 1300 Hilton-Parma Corners Road. The museum is open every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. through October 27.
Visitors are encouraged to take the Peppermint Candy Challenge, where they can take a guess at the number of peppermint candies in a vintage candy dispenser. The winner with the closest guess at the end of the season will win a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
For information on the Parma Hilton Historical Society, visit www.parmahiltonhistoricalsociety.com or email parmahiltonhistory@gmail.com.
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