the celebration of the Village Centennial in 1953. In the last fifty years, the traditional picture of
Marcellus as an agricultural and milling community changed. Many old homes and buildings in the
Village have fallen to the wrecker’s ball, while other landmarks have been remodeled to a former
glory. As more families moved to the suburbs after the war, there would be an increase in the
population dramatically changing the make-up of the native people – reflected particularly in the
school population. In the next fifty years, the role of government would change, as more services
would be provided, and an aging infrastructure required attention by elected representatives.
The next fifty years would see the emergence of the “greatest generation.” When the young men
returned to Marcellus after the war, they were joined by equally involved women of that generation.
The New Pucker Street portrays Marcellus like many small towns across America – as home –
a place where many people stay, and to which many people return. They return because it is home,
and they always feel welcome.
Details
374 pages, a quality trade paperback (soft cover) with black and white photographs, the book
may be purchased from the Marcellus Historical Society, local merchants, at the Marcellus Village
Hall and at the Marcellus Free Library for $28.00, beginning in May. The book may also be
purchased at local bookstores and on line at http://www.trafford.com/07-3039. During Olde Home
Days, John Curtin will be at the Marcellus Historical Society Open House at the Steadman House
on June 7, 2008 to sign the book. After meeting publication costs, John has allocated proceeds
from the sale of his book to the Marcellus Historical Society. Return to top of page
Around Marcellus,
by local author Leslie Church Kraus.
Around Marcellus recounts the rich history of a community founded
by strong and determined settlers. Marcellus and its neighbors Otisco
and Marietta are located just west of Syracuse. Founded in 1794, the
town grew largely because of its successful mills and businesses. Its
history from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s is portrayed here in
clear narrative and some 200 archival images from the Marcellus
Historical Society.
About the Author
Author, genealogist, and historian Leslie Church Kraus collaborated
with the Marcellus Historical Society on Around Marcellus. A lifelong
resident, she herself made history in town by becoming one of the first
girls to play on the boys’ Little League team. Employed by Onondaga
Community College, she has written two genealogical histories and
many articles for the Marcellus Observer. Her love and enthusiasm
for her hometown are evident in Around Marcellus.
Return to top of page
Pucker Street - The First 100 Years:
A History of the Village of Marcellus
Compiled using minutes recorded from meetings of the Marcellus Board of
Trustees and copies of a local newspaper, "The Marcellus Observer", as a
guide, the first 100 years of the history of the Village, 1853-1953, are
presented in a chronological narrative.
All proceeds benifit the Marcellus Historical Society.
Click here to order.
About the Author
Educated at Niagara University and the State University of New York,
John P. Curtin spent 35 years teaching history in the Syracuse City School
District and is presently employed by LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY as a
field supervisor of student teachers. Since 1995, he has been a member of the
Marcellus Village Board of Trustees. He is also a trustee of the Marcellus
Historical Society and a member of the Town of Marcellus Republican Committee.
He and his wife Maureen have lived in their house on First Street in the Village
of Marcellus for over 30 years, where they raised their children to adulthood.
As the parents of four grown children and the grandparents of six, they enjoy
spending much time with them and their families. They also have a strong
interest in family histories, many of which, including their own, span the
history of the Village of Marcellus.
Return to top of page
Preserving the History of Marcellus, NY Since 1960.
Town of Marcellus, New York
Founded 1794
little girl and boy asked him - especially at bedtime - to tell them
a story from the olden days, and he gladly complied, much as his
father had done before him. Like most fathers, he wished to
convey to his offspring his own roots as he emphasized the
best aspects of family heritage and rural life in what their
grandmother called God's Country. Especially, he wanted to
preserve for his children the memory of their grandmother,
who seemed to have found her paradise in this particular spot
of earth carved by the great glacier as it moved south with its
artistic hand millenniums before.
Somewhere during the three-year period of compiling stories
from his youth, the purpose became more universally driven by
the striking dedication in an earlier history of the town by his
former elementary school principal: To all those who have ever
called Marcellus Home. The third-person narrative intends to
convey a less personal memoir so that other Marcellians might
be encouraged to write of the times and, most of all, the
individuals whom they have known in this special place.
About the Author
school. He taught secondary English for forty years and remains an adjunct associate professor at
Fordham College of Liberal Studies in Tarrytown, where he and his wife Donna live.
210 pages, a quality trade paperback (soft cover) with black and white photographs, the book
can be purchased from the Marcellus Historical Society and local stores for $20 beginning in May
as well as during Olde Home Days in June. Jim Quinn will be in Marcellus during our Open House
at The Steadman House on September 16, 2007 to sign the book. After meeting publication costs,
Jim has allocated proceeds from the sale of his book to the Marcellus Historical Society.
Return to top of page
Marcellus Through The Years
1794 - 1996 A Chronological History
The first business in Marcellus was a sawmill. This made sense as one of the
first things pioneers needed when settling a new town was houses in which to
live. Once they has houses, they built stores from which to purchase the necessities
that couldn't be grown or raised at home. Once the population increased, school
and church buildings were constructed. Soon a community developed and as it
became successful more local businesses appeared and more people arrived in
the area.
Before long, technology entered the scene. Factories began production, a
railroad was built through, and as technology advanced, more modern
conveniences became available to everyone. By looking at its chronological
history one can see Marcellus evolve from a wild land once used as hunting
grounds by Native Americans, into a thriving mill town and then into what it is
today... a fine Central New York Community in which to live, be educated,
work and shop.
By Bill Reagan
All proceeds benefit the Marcellus Historical Society.
Return to top of page
About the Book
A companion book to Pucker Street, the First 100 Years, this
second
volume continues to document the civic activity of the
community of Marcellus from 1953 to the present. On the cover is
The Steadman House – an enduring symbol of the community’s
history, but also announcing its presence in the 21st century.
Its steps and pillars are inviting and seem to announce that
Marcellus, while retaining its authenticity, is ever adapting to
change, responsible change that is reflected in the lives and
accomplishments of its citizens, young and senior.