Pioneer Exhibit
by Weegie Pratt

Photo and caption by Weegie LeRoy House Director Lynne Belluscio is seated in the one room cabin she created on the second floor of LeRoy House.

MAY 6, 2002 - In the 1800ís Genesee County was forestland. The first thing a settler had to do was get shelter. A log cabin or shed was first on the agenda. Cabins were often built without the use of wood, nails or shingles. Almost everything was made of wood; the cabin, the bed, the table and the stools, as well as some of the kitchen utensils. Lynne has gathered together examples of these necessary items. The bearskin on the wall helped keep out the cold north wind.

Furs could also be used in trade. A constant supply of food and water were the next essentials. Examples of what pioneers ate, Lynne prepared whiskey pickles. The Pioneers used whiskey, as they had no vinegar. The newly planted apple trees took a couple of years to produce fruit. There were also slabs of corn, fried pork rinds, rhubarb sauce and cheese curds.

The last two newsletters from the LeRoy Historical Society are filled with matter-of-fact quotes from pioneers describing their amazing survival. If you are not a member, you can pick up copies of these letters at LeRoy House and while you are there it would be a good chance to join the Society. May to October, the LeRoy House will be open 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 768-7433 for weekend hours.