Deposit Historical Society
We recommend the following publications for your personal library
or as a unique gift for that special friend or family member
who has an interest in or a soft spot for Deposit.
To order, you can download an order form, print it out, add the appropriate information,
and send it to us with your payment enclosed. See bottom of the page for details.
Current Offerings:
Daniel Dickinson, Defender of the Constitituon
by Marjorie Hinman
View front cover View back cover
This book chronicles Daniel S. Dickinson’s life. He was one of the most outstanding orators of his day. Hinman writes, “…he attempted, and sometimes succeeded in changing the course of history.” It has been said of Dickinson that whenever the Union was assailed or threatened, he would be found facing the foe.
The book describes how in 1806 his parents decided to pioneer in Guilford Center, NY. This involved moving from Salem, Connecticut with their six children. When he became of age, Daniel moved around a bit going to school and teaching. He settled in Norwich, NY and entered the law practice of Messrs Lot Clark and John Clapp. During that time, his political essays began appearing in the Norwich Journal. Eventually Dickinson and his wife purchased a home located at 40 Washington Street in Binghamton, NY.
Through a running narrative, news clippings, and excerpts from Dickinson’s letters and essays, Marjorie Hinman chronicles his life. Chapters reflect what was happening in American politics and the influence Dickinson exerted in the shaping of America. For example, Chapter II covers Dickinson’s term as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1840 – 1845. Chapter V covers the period when Dickinson served as a freshman U.S. Senator from 1840 – 1845.
Hard Cover: $20 by mail.
The Letters and Diaries of William Macclure
edited by Marjorie Hinman and Maurice R. Hitt, Jr.
View cover
The story of one of the earliest settlers in this region, this book represents another in the continuing volumes of early Broome County documents.
From the Introduction: "When one reads the letters and diary of William Macclure, you begin to get a small sense of what life was like for the true pioneers of our area. After the end of the American Revolution, most of the Native American population had been driven from this region. What would become Broome County in 1806 was a largely uninhabited place, open for development by land speculators and for thousands of settlers who would begin to create new homes in the valleys of this region.
It was in this context that William Macclure arrived in the area. Although missionaries and traders had been through the region for several decades prior to his account, he was one of the first true "settlers" in our area. Through his account we can learn what it was like to have to build your own log cabin, what perseverance it took just to survuve the winters in the area, and how alone you could be when your next neighbor was several hours away. You can also feel through his letters what he felt as he courted, married and brought his new bride into his world in the remote area of what would become eastern Broome County."
Soft Cover: $10 by mail.
Deposit Seed Company Catalog Covers
Color laser copies of front and back covers from the 1926, 1927, and the 1929 catalogs.
These catalog covers are beautifully illustrated in full color. Many people say they are more beautiful than seed catalogs produced today! Suitable for framing.
View front cover of 1926 catalog View back cover of 1926 catalog
View front cover of 1927 catalog View back cover of 1927 catalog
View front cover of 1929 catalog View back cover of 1929 catalog
You may purchase either the front cover (only) for any or all of the three years, or a combination package consisting of one full size front and one full size back cover for any one of the three years. These copies are full-size (approximately 7 inches wide by 10 inches tall) printed on high quality 8 1/2" by 11" sheets of glossy paper. Packaged in archival quality plastic sleeves.
Front cover only: $15 each by mail. Be sure to specify the catalog year(s).
Combination of one front cover and one back cover: $20 per set by mail Please specify the year of the catalog(s).
Passing the Time with "Vic"
edited by Kay Hoban and Ellen Jogo
View front and back covers
Raymond E. "Vic" Ruegger's History of Deposit, NY. Ruegger told the history of Deposit with wit, humor, and scholarship. This volume contains the best of his columns and includes more than 200 vintage photos and a complete index of names and places.
Passing the Time with "Vic" makes a great coffee table book! Find your house, your school, your ancestors. Compare yesteryear with today. Enjoy Deposit-area history with family and friends.
Soft Cover edition: $30 at the museum; $35 by mail.
Hard Cover edition: $50 at the museum, $55 by mail.
An Autobiography of Colonel George Downs Wheeler
View front cover
In late 1974 Raymond E. “Vic” Ruegger edited and published in the Deposit Courier the autobiography of Colonel George Downs Wheeler (1818-1906) in seven installments. Recently, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of this man, one of Deposit’s most famous and important citizens, the Historical Society published this edited autobiography.
The Colonel was the youngest son of one of the founders of Deposit, William ‘Deacon Bill’ Wheeler. In his 80th year he penned a fascinating autobiography filled with lively accounts of the early days in our village. He was a farmer, a businessman, a father, a husband, a widower with an infant child, and a devoted son and sibling. In vivid detail he tells of life at 20 Main Street, his father’s home, a home his father, “Deacon Bill,” opened to family, friends, and travelers. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Deposit's history!
$7 at the museum; $9 by mail.
Naming the Hills and Hollows of Delaware County
by Carol LeVan Thomas
View front and back covers
The rich history of Delaware county is revealed in the name origins of its towns, villages, settlements and hamlets. This book provides a journey into the past. It contains a wealth of information about the people and events associated with the names of many well known and some not so well known places in Delaware county. In addition, the book contains an extensive bibliography of other books of interest to local history buffs or researchers.
190 pages with many illustrations.
$13 at the museum; $15 by mail.
A Picture Postcard History of Deposit, New York...With nearby settlements;
Cannonsville, Gulf Summit, Hale Eddy, McClure, (etc.)
View cover image
First published in 1989, this ever popular book is in its second printing. The postcards depict scenes from the village and its surroundings including Cannonsville, Gulf Summit, Hale Eddy, McClure, North Sanford, Oquaga Lake, Sanford, and Stilesville.
$6 at the museum; $8 by mail.
Cannonsville Names and Places
Written by A.C. (Pete) Adams who cleverly takes you down the roads and byways of that hamlet buried under the reservoir and makes its people and places come alive again.
$5 at the Museum; $7 by mail.
Gulf Summit, New York, "A Mere Station on the Erie Railroad"
View cover image
By Rick Moore, 3rd Revision, 214 pages, many illustrations. A detailed accounting of the town and its people and the role of the Erie Railroad in its history.
The book contains many anecdotal accounts of the railroad and the men who worked on it. The illustrations include photos of steamer engines, pusher engines, water tanks, signals, the Starrucca Viaduct, and more. Makes a great gift for either history or railroad buffs.
$15 at the museum; $20 by mail.
Strolling Through Time, An architectural walking guide of historic Deposit, New York.
View cover image
Written by Kay Hoban and Ellen Jogo, it features 63 vintage photographs and an easy to follow centerfold street map. This is a must have for current and potential owners of historic houses, architecture and history buffs, admirers of old homes, and lovers of Deposit.
$6 at the Museum; $8 by mail.
1866 Map of Deposit, NY
View overall map
This map shows the village as it was in 1866. Included is a business directory, streets and properties with owners identified, the river and the New York and Erie Railroad. Size (approx.) 13" high by 17" wide.
$5 at the Museum; $7 by mail.
1887 Map of Deposit, NY
View overall map
This map shows a "bird's eye" view of the village as it was in 1887. Included is a directory identifying the major businesses, schools, churches, etc. Rather than just property lines, this map resembles a photo of the village at the time with houses and buildings illustrated. Makes a very attractive historical display. Size overall (approx.):17" high by 28" wide.
$10 at the Museum; $12 by mail.
Deposit Days Bicentennial Coloring Book
View cover
This coloring book illustrates various events in Deposit's history, providing a fun way for youngsters to learn about our past. Size overall:14" wide by 16" tall.
$8 at the Museum; $12 by mail.
Deposit Historical Society Mug
View mug
This mug is a nice souvenir to remember your visit to the Historical Society Museum, or just a nice reminder of days past. Buy several for gifts, or get a set of four to use when having guests for coffee or tea.
$5 at the Museum; $7 by mail.
House of Axtell Catalog
This catalog offers 18th and 19th century folk art, decorative arts, and acessories. Illustrated with color photographs of many of the items. 41 pages.
$7 at the Museum; $9 by mail.
Order Form Information:
OrderForm.pdf (60k)
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