History.

I will be honest with you and tell you that I don't remember a lot of the local history about Niagara County and Western New York from when I was a girl.  To some of you, I am sure that is not a big surprise. But I do remember reading the book Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark in the 4th grade. In fact, the author came to a book signing at my elementary school and I was upset because I had forgotten my money to buy the book. But luckily, my mom remembered the special day and brought my money to the school so I could purchase an autographed copy.  I still have that book in storage somewhere. I think.

A [very] brief review of the history of the area will tell you a couple of interesting facts:

*During 1850 - 1870s [approximately] and the height of slavery in the American Colonies, there were abolitionists in the north who assisted slaves who were trying to get to Canada (where all men and women were free).
*Slaves would come up from the south on the Underground Railroad via trails and rivers; often assisted by "Conductors"
*Slaves could find rest, food and assistance on their journey north at various "stations"
*The proximity of Western NY to some key crossing points into Canada made this area perfect for Abolitionists and others who were against slavery to assist in the cause

One such family who assisted slaves via the Underground Railroad was the McClew Family who owned a large orchard in Burt, NY.  This town, like so many others in this area, is close enough to Nature Trails, the Erie Canal and Canada that it made it possible for the family to assist slaves in trying to make the crossing into Canada.  Slaves would often be transported via produce wagons to the border.  The orchard still exists and is functioning today:

In addition to jams, jellies and other preserves that they make using all local product from their orchard, they also have information, a video, a storyboard and a viewing into the secret room that was used beneath their barn to hide slaves on their journey north.



The original barn from the 1850s. It has a cobblestone floor and a trap door that is still viewable inside where the slaves were hidden.



At the far right, under the wire box, you can see where the trap door was to the hidden room.






Charles McClew, original owner and abolitionist at the orchard.



The McClew house at the orchard. A stunning home from the 1800s.

With Nana Linda checking out the orchard.

I am hoping that I can find the book Freedom Crossing and that the girls can read it while we are here in NY.  On our next trip to the library (we have already been there twice), I may check it out.