Central New York is in the process of developing a Film Trail Museum. Much of this comes from the work of Auburn man Theodore Case who developed “talkies.” In Ithaca they are beginning a museum exhibit surrounding silent film stars. Went to this museum to check out this piece of the Trail, but sadly only a wall of silent film actors pictures were present. Was hoping for some actual movies, but am sure that is to come..

Here’s some of the actors who worked in this genre.

Perhaps the most famous is Lionel Barrymore – a relative of our beloved Drew Barrymore.

And what a handsome man he was!

And this beauty sadly came to an end early in her life, and this story remains a mystery..

This exhibit has the potential for a fascinating look back in film history…

As a former administrator with the New York State Department of Corrections for 13 years I conducted hundreds of prison site visits. At the time I was responsible for the health records in 71 correctional facilities, and attempted to see each prison, annually, and some more frequently. Sad note on society to have that many prisons, however, now I believe the number has dwindled to 54 New York State correctional facilities, and hopefully that number will decrease further in the next decade. All that said whenever I have the chance to visit a prison, especially one from a bygone era, I jump at the chance. This was the case at the Wayne County Historical Museum, which also was a prison in the 1850-1950 era.

The Museum was also the jailer’s home as well as a prison. Sheriff’s served a 2 year term but after that they often remained as a Deputy. Side view of the home reveals the prison exterior.

The stairs connecting the cell blocks to the Sheriff’s home.

The Cell block

Some interesting facts:

• Sentencing was done by a circuit judge who visited the area twice a year. If incarcerated, the prisoner would wait 6 months till the circuit judge arrived.
• The sheriff’s wife fed the inmates twice a day. Below is the stairs she walked to carry inmate food. What a woman! Forgot to ask if she was paid for this, however, doubtful.

• There were no toilets till 1917, prior to that there was a pot on the floor.

• In 1947, women and men’s cells were separated with women on the top block and men on the bottom.
• The only executed inmate in the county occurred at this prison. He was an Irishman who killed a woman who was traveling solo along the road.

The actual gallows used.

What really fascinated me was the art work which remains on the jail walls. Unsure of the dates but take a look.

The weapons used in the prisoner’s acts.

The Sheriff at his post.

Sheriff Collins served for 51 years and captured the famous American train robber Oliver Curtis Perry.

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Next Blog: More of this interesting museum – you never know what you’ll find when you travel! 

Attended one of the Central New York Dog Shows at the Syracuse Fair Grounds in March. If you get a chance to attend one of these, go. What sights and what laughs..

Walking in to a dog show is like visiting a fine salon with the smells of hair products and grooming galore techniques.

These orange “curlers,” for lack of a better phrase, keep the dog’s hair from frizzing out.

What a hoot!

More grooming and primping shots..

He’s working on the dog’s head.

And she’s working on this guy’s tail.

Then there’s the pedicure..

More grooming shots for a laugh..

Pink curlers here for this guy or is it a girl??

And a short rest after primping..

Isn’t she gorgeous??

Tools of the Trade

All owners seem to carry these combs on their arms.

A grateful dog that all this is over.. Time for a hug!