Ken Slaugenhoupt will discuss early Western New York settlers during a presentation on Thursday hosted by the Historical Association of Lewiston.
The May program, “Into the Wilderness,” is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston.
Slaugenhoupt will present a synopsis of what the harsh realities were for the first pioneer settlers to break ground in Western New York. Following the American Revolution, and after a period of resolving details relative to the new borders and opportunities for this fledgling United States, there came a time when land was opened up for purchase and for a great many people, this represented an unprecedented chance to make a new and prosperous life.
Think for a moment about how people moving into Lewiston today are most likely anxious to face their new future. Where will they find a home? How will they be greeted by their new neighbors?
Now, rethink that situation with the stark reality that there are no roads, no houses to choose from, no grocery stores, no existing farms to get beef and eggs, and no churches to rely upon. In fact, for the very early settlers, there were no friends, no communities, no doctors or hospitals. Only wild lands, heavily wooded and featuring bears, bobcats, rattlesnakes and Native Americans that they knew little if anything about.
Slaugenhoupt is a past president of the Historical Association of Lewiston. He has presented on a wide variety of historic events and stories throughout Western New York and enjoys constantly learning more about these topics. He grew up on the bank of the Niagara Strait, right where the “gully” marking the Lower Landing of the great portage around Niagara Falls has been located for thousands of years. As a young boy, he played throughout the Niagara River gorge and met with archeologists excavating the tremendous history of this very special site. Long a student of the settling of Western New York by Europeans, the story of the pioneers is of great interest and fascination. He enjoys leading walking historic tours of the Lower Landing, which is now within Artpark, every summer.
Thursday is the Historical Association of Lewiston’s annual meeting, so there will be a short business meeting before the speaker. Dues-paying members will be able to vote for candidates to fill our Board of Trustees.
This community event is free and open to all, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support our museum. Refreshments will be served.