A Genesee County jury on Friday rejected rape charges against a former Batavia High School football star, acquitting him in a unanimous decision on all counts following a trial.
The defense attorney for Ray Leach, Public Defender Jerry Ader, said the acquittal was appropriate.
"While the outcome was welcome and justified, the mental pain and suffering that these accusations and trial put Ray and his family and friends through were significant and long-lasting," Ader said.
The jury found Leach not guilty on counts of:
Rape in the first degree (Penal Law section 130.35(2)
Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree (Penal Law section 130.50(2) and
Sexual Abuse in the first degree (Penal Law section 130.65(2).
If not for the jury's decision, Leach's life could have taken a tragic turn, Ader said.
The counts against Leach included two Class B violent felonies and a Class D violent felony. Mandatory sentencing requirements, if Leach had been convicted, could have meant from five years to 25 years in prison, plus 20 years on parole and becoming a registered sex offender for life.
"Prosecutors are required to do justice, not necessarily get convictions," Ader said. "A prosecutor’s client is the public, not the police, witnesses or complainants. This case had many issues from the start, almost two years ago. Hopefully, cases like Ray’s will make people who investigate complaints and possibly prosecute them take a hard look at their practices and intentions to ensure that justice is done in the future.”
In 2018, Leach set the Section V single-season scoring record with 310 points. That was fifth all-time in the state. He set the Section V single-season rushing record at 3,012 yards, which was sixth all-time in the state. He scored 50 points against Cheektowaga on Nov. 10, 2018, a Section V record. He ended his high school career at the top of the list in Section V in all-time rushing yards at 6,203. He also set a new Section V record with 111 career touchdowns.
A Sheriff's Office pursuit that started somewhere on the north side of the city of Batavia ended at Swan and School streets at around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday when the suspect vehicle struck a utility pole and flipped over.
One person is reportedly in custody.
A deputy was overheard telling a distraught family member who ran up to the scene and crossed the police crime scene tape that the suspect was uninjured and was in custody at the Genesee County Jail.
Another woman was taken into custody kicking and screaming, "That's my brother," with a deputy telling her he was OK.
This is an ongoing investigation, and while The Batavian was on the scene, no members of the Sheriff's Office, which is the agency handling the case, were available to provide more information.
The pursuit was reported on both State Street and Ross Street prior to the crash.
There were flames coming from the vehicle when City Fire arrived on scene. The fire was quickly extinguished.
UPDATE 3 a.m.: Sgt. Mathew Clor confirmed charges are pending and should be part of a press release in the morning. One suspect in custody. The woman who struggled with police was released with a warning once she calmed down. Besides taking out the utility pole on Swan, the vehicle also struck a mailbox on Ross Street.
2023 File Photo of a happy Avantae Owens with his mom during the talent show at Genesee County Fair. Photo by Joanne Beck
With less than a week to go before Genesee County's largest event comes to roost for eight days, volunteers are mowing grass, whacking weeds, assembling animal pens, cleaning out buildings, preparing the barns, setting up tables and chairs and putting in the time from sunup to sundown until showtime.
It's hardly glamorous, but that's what keeps the annual county fair, driven by Genesee County’s 4-H participants and Agricultural Society volunteers, alive and well—with record numbers the last two years.
“For us volunteers that are putting it on, it never ends. So this is almost like our Super Bowl, right? We get to this very week, and we work a ton of hours. You know, it's a little bit different planning it because you do a lot of planning, like, during the day or at night, or when I'm in my car, I make a lot of phone calls, so you're always doing something every day to plan it," Ag Society Treasurer Norm Pimm said to The Batavian. "But within the week of the fair … we don't leave the fairgrounds. We’re there all week; we're there 24 hours a day for fair days. And it's tiring, because it's so long.
"But we do it, obviously, for the community, to keep growing and keep going so the kids in the community have something to enjoy. Because, I mean, a lot of the county fairs are either cutting back or are no longer in existence, and a lot of carnivals have sort of either died out or gone away," he said. "So we're trying to make sure that we stay there for the long term. Our focus is to keep this thing moving.”
The fair has continued to grow with the number of participants, variety of entertainment, and size of animal entries, Pimm said, and as a result, there’s been a constant increase of attendees that ramble through the entryway at $10 per carload.
It's all set to begin July 19 at 5056 East Main Road, Batavia with a stockyard classic hog show, the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series, and the fair queen pageant, and the schedule doesn't stop until the final fireworks show is over on July 27.
Fair highlights Back by popular demand, the North American Six-Horse Hitch Class Series is set for 5:30 p.m. July 19 in the horse arena, with a draft horse farm team show at 6:30 p.m. Tucked into that is the first half of the traditional fair queen pageant at 6 p.m. under the yellow entertainment tent.
A fair favorite — the talent show — will hit the stage at noon on July 20 under the big yellow tent. Show organizer Laura Kauppi is looking for entrants of any age and type of talent (with the stipulation that acts must be family-friendly), so if you’ve got a song to sing, an instrument to play or a routine to perform, she wants to hear from you.
Participation is free, and there will be small cash prizes for first, second and third-place winners. Register before Sunday to receive a goody bag. Registration forms are available here
Later that evening at 7 p.m., The Eaglez tribute band will return for another year of “Life in the Fast Lane” and more country and soft rock tunes.
Knight Patrol, a Rochester 80s cover band, has been added to the lineup for 7 p.m. July 21, capping off the fair queen pageant and crowning earlier that afternoon at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile a Power Wheels demo and garden tractor pulls are scheduled at the track over at the grandstands at 2 and 3 p.m., respectively.
July 22 is Senior Citizen Day, which means half-price entry at $5 per carload from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for seniors and special entertainment by Kelly’s Old Timers Band at noon.
In lieu of the midway’s arrival not happening until Tuesday, there will be several free inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses set up for kids from 1 to 5 p.m. July 20-22, Pimm said.
July 23 is Veteran’s Day, with $5 per carload from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for veteran visitors. The midway is set to open from 4 to 9 p.m., with a kids’ day special from noon to 4 p.m. on July 24 and July27 for $20.
The fair parade is set for 6:30 p.m. July 23, and 7 p.m. karaoke nights will provide opportunities for folks to perform July 22 for a competition and July 23 for an open mic.
Faith at the Fair, a popular collection of denominational musical performers, is set to begin at 4 p.m. July 24.
Unrelenting rain forced the cancellation of last year’s first-time 100-lap Enduro, so organizers have brought it back for a second try as a new element for the fair at 6:30 p.m. July 24 at the Grandstand.
First Responder’s Day on July 25 means $5 per carload for anyone with a first responder/EMS badge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the day when much of the 4-H participants’ hard work culminates in the market animal auction, which begins at 6 p.m. at the main show ring.
"We're working on getting another band for that Thursday," Pimm said.
The demolition derby is set for 7 p.m. July 26 at the Grandstands while BB Dang turns up a little high-energy pop, rock and country from 7 to 11 p.m. at the yellow entertainment tent. Fireworks wrap up the demo derby.
A new event -- the screaming diesel shootout semi pulls, modified pick-up, street and mini mod tractor pulls, are lined up for 7 p.m. July 27 at the track Grandstand while Nerds Gone Wild get their 80s on — figuratively and literally —with some fun apparel and melodies from the decade. Fair-goers are asked to join the fun by dressing the part.
Fireworks are scheduled to close out the evening and the fair.
In between these highlights there are, of course, the many 4-H animal exhibits and shows, tempting sweet and savory midway and Chuck Wagon foods, carnival games, pig races, kangaroos, trailer of birds, color wars, vendor exhibit halls, a balloon display and demonstration, small fry tractor pulls, a Future Farmers of America competition, radio-controlled car racing, a fair trivia hunt with prizes, and other activities.
Volunteers are always welcome throughout the event to help out with things such as parking and at the food stand, Pimm said. If you’re interested in helping out, call the fair office at 585-344-2424.
July 26, 1990 was the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the first piece of legislation to provide people with disabilities the right to equal access to employment, governmental programs and services, areas of public accommodations, communications, and transportation. Many consider it to be the most comprehensive legislation giving individuals with impairments access to everyday life.
In celebration of this milestone, every year Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) holds a Consumer ADA Picnic. This year it takes place from 12 - 2 p.m. on Friday July 26 at the Town of Batavia Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main St., Batavia. It offers Free food and games including a Scavenger Hunt.
If you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400 or email cdemare@wnyil.org. Transportation to this event may be available; please inquire with Catherine DeMare.
We look forward to having you celebrate with us!
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is excited to announce that our annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival will take place on Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at David M. McCarthy Ice Arena, 22 Evans Street, Batavia.
All games will be free, and children can win tickets to redeem for prizes. The Seneca Park ZooMobile is scheduled from 10 - 11 a.m. and educational booths/games will run the entire event.
Each child will receive one ticket for a free Sno Cone provided by the Youth Bureau and the ice arena will have their “Snack Shack” open to purchase food and beverages.
There will be several community agency booths that children can visit to fill up a Passport page for a chance to win one of our grand prizes. For more information on the carnival please contact George at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.
Douglas Grant Goodwin, Jr., 33, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, criminal impersonation, lights that don't meet standards, and unsafe tires. Goodwin was stopped at 10:58 p.m. on July 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. During the traffic stop, Goodwin was allegedly found to be driving on 10 or more suspensions and he allegedly attempted to misrepresent his actual name. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Nafis Ameer Jackson, 28, of Crittenden Way, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Jackson is accused of violating a stay-away order at 1:55 a.m. on July 2 at a location on Kelsey Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Michael Anthony Sweet, 38, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th. Sweet was stopped at 9:39 p.m. on July 1 by Deputy Trevor Sherwood on Oak Street, Batavia. He was allegedly found in possession of stolen property (unspecified). He was issued an appearance ticket.
Esmeralda D. Ocampo, 22, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, and unlicensed driver. Ocampo was stopped at 4:09 a.m. on July 5 on Church Street in Bergen by Deputy Ryan Mullen. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jonathan Roy Beilfuss, 37, of Knollwood Drive, Buffalo, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Beilfuss was stopped at 10:47 p.m. on July 3 on Route 77 in Darien by Deputy Kipler. He was issued an appearance ticket.
James Ronald Williams, 39, of John Street, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver, and speeding.
Joseph Michael Degweck, 52, of Pine Street, East Aurora, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Degweck is accused of violating a stat-away order of protection at 8:20 p.m. on July 7 at a location on Main Road, Pembroke. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Phillip Louis Preston, 50, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with harassment 2nd. Preston is accused of harassing, with intent to alarm or annoy, a worker in a business on Bloomingdale Road at 7:01 p.m. on July 5. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Justine Danae Wood, 37, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Wood was allegedly found in possession of cocaine at 4:49 p.m. on July 10 at a location on Woodland Drive, Batavia. She was held pending arraignment.
Brian Daniel Gilfilian, 44, of Northwood Drive, Greece, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and illegal turn signal. Gilfilian was stopped at 1:10 a.m. on July 10 on Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Gilfilian was released on an appearance ticket.
Shawn Michael Sloan, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st and conspiracy 5th. Sloan is accused of conspiring with another person to introduce contraband into the Genesee County Jail on June 23.
Bonnie L. Cortright, 37, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cortight was arrested at 9:30 p.m. on July 10 on Veterans Memorial Drive. Details on Cortright's arrest were not released. Cortright was issued an appearance ticket.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is partnering with the Batavia Muckdogs baseball team to promote United Way’s 2024 Community Impact Service Day: Community Baby Shower.
The baby shower drive will take place at Dwyer Stadium throughout the Muckdogs season from June until August. Attendees can drop off needed baby items in the United Way bin at Dwyer Stadium.
Items needed include, but are not limited to:
Diapers (preemie to size 7)
Baby sleep sacks
Baby wipes
Baby Board Books
Digital Thermometers
In addition to the items listed above, all donations of new baby items are gratefully accepted.
To learn about additional ways you can help support the baby shower, visit www.unitedwayrocflx.org/community-baby-shower. Contact events@unitedwayrocflx.org with any questions.
Photo of (from left to right) Kyla, Ian & Alexis Sanfratello. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering with the Batavia Muckdogs to host the annual STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark on Thursday, July 18 at Dwyer Stadium.
The Genesee County Youth Bureau has a limited supply of complimentary tickets available for youth and their families. Get your tickets before they run out by calling 585-344-3960.
This year’s STOP-DWI event is dedicated to the families of Genesee County law enforcement officers. Our officers put their lives on the line every day to serve & protect, while often missing holidays, celebrations, and other milestones with their children, spouses, parents, partners, siblings, and other family members.
Genesee County STOP-DWI will be recognizing this sacrifice with a special tribute to the Sanfratello family. Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello made the ultimate sacrifice when his life was lost in the line of duty on March 10. Throughout his 32 years of service, Sgt. Sanfratello spent countless hours away from his family dedicated to STOP-DWI work details.
Help us cheer on Sgt. Sanfratello’s family as they throw out this year’s first pitch. Join us for this family-focused evening with the Batavia Muckdogs. Gates open at 5:35 p.m. and the game starts at 6:35 p.m.
A special thank you to all event sponsors and contributors helping make this event possible including Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Chapin Manufacturing, UConnect Care, Gerace Realty, Graham Corporation, Kiwanis of Batavia, LeRoy Moose Family Center, Lions Club of Batavia, Marchese Computers, Polish Falcons Nest #493, and the WNY Association of Chiefs of Police.
Buffalo State is pleased to congratulate the students who completed the requirements to earn their degrees in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. The following local students have graduated:
Ethan Biscaro of Batavia graduated with a BS in Individualized Studies.
Annmarie Georgia of Batavia graduated with a BFA in Ceramics.
Robert Stabler of Basom graduated with a BS in Dietetics.
Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk programs. After a break in July, we start back up on August 8 with “What are Weeds Good For?” Gardeners try to remove or eliminate weeds, to allow their own choices in the garden to thrive. Surprisingly, weeds serve many useful functions, including being used for food, herbal remedies, removing toxins, preventing erosion, and even indicating soil types. Join Master Gardener Kate to learn some of the fascinating aspects of the weeds we find in our landscapes.
September 5 brings “Flower Arranging 101: The Basics of Bouquet Making.” Floral design is a rewarding and fun way to be creative with flowers from your garden. Join Master Gardener Brandie as she goes over the basics of creating a fresh garden bouquet. She will cover some design basics as well as several tips and tricks that will have you making flower arrangements like a pro! (Demonstration only.)
October 3 “Pick your Poison (Part 2).” Poisonous plants have been utilized throughout history with murderous intent. They are also a favorite tool of murder mystery writers. Join Master Gardener Connie as she explores three plant derived poisons - Strychnine, Ricin and Digitalis, and their impact in history and literature. (This is a follow up from the October 2023 Garden Talk.)
We end the year with Master Gardener Brenda on November 7 as she takes a look back at some fantastic gardens spotted on the annual Buffalo Garden Walk. Take an armchair tour of some of the spectacular, colorful gardens that make the Buffalo Garden Walk so popular. If you’ve never been, here’s a chance to get a glimpse of the show. Garden tours are a great way to get ideas for your own garden. It’s never too early to start planning for spring!
Garden Talk programs start at Noon and can be 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on the topic. This free series is open to all, but registration is required. You can attend in person at the CCE office (420 East Main Street, Batavia) or via Zoom.
To register for a Zoom link, visit our Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event. To attend in person please contact Laura at 585-343-3040 x101 or leg224@cornell.edu. Garden Talk programs are usually recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page.
Eden Cafe & Bakeshop will be turning the corner, so to speak, to host Summer Fest in the rear parking lot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 18 on the southside in Batavia. File Photo by Howard Owens
Judy Hysek hopes that a first-time Summer Fest on the southside will offer folks of all ages a variety of taste, shopping and entertainment treats at and behind her Eden Cafe & Bakeshop at 242 Ellicott St., Batavia.
“We just want it to be a free activity for people to come and window shop, add some cool things to their collection, and support a local artist. Try some food they might not normally try, and just have some fun free activities,” the shop owner said Wednesday. “I can accommodate 30 to 40 vendors, and we are still looking for kids' entertainment and sponsorships for bounce houses, face painting, a clown … something to spread some smiles.”
She had a mini psychic fair to celebrate the cafe's birthday last April and now wants to expand that event to include any type of health and wellness, arts and crafts vendor, and motivational speakers who can offer tips and tricks and advice about one’s well–being and pursuing a fit lifestyle. Musicians are also welcome to perform during the event—it’s set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 18.
“It’s more expanded for mostly anybody who’s a crafter or has a skill they want to share,” she said.
Hysek received permission from the city to close off a portion of Central Avenue so that the venue has room to breathe in the parking lot behind Eden Cafe alongside Liberty Street. There is no deadline to register, per se, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis, she said.
True to her own restaurant’s foundational spirit, all food must be vegan, but any restaurant or food service establishment may participate, she said, and it doesn’t have to be strictly a vegan place.
Eden will serve a condensed menu that includes specials such as its pizza logs: vegan cheese and pepperoni with marinara sauce rolled tightly in wonton wrappers and fried crisp. Beer and wine will also be available in the cafe and parking lot.
Hysek doesn’t want to sound corny or anything, but she thinks it would be kind of fun to have some type of costumed parade, a la the likes of Christmas in the City, which charmed kids up and down Main Street. Do you think you can help out with this mission or have some time to volunteer? She wants to hear from you.
The lineup so far includes Kelly Fox, Tarot & Astrology; Mystic Dragon Lair with crystals and merchandise; Marcia Bohn and handcrafted books; Spirit and Abundance; Vagabum Crafts; Pixel Perfect; Midnight Fox; vegan ice cream; Punkinhead Stuffies; and Panda Mae Crystals & Creations. There will also be a basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.
For more information or for vendors, musicians and anyone interested in providing a sponsorship for something such as a bounce house, a clown or similar performer, or a dunk tank, go to carrotdogcafe.com.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series, presented by David Reilly. Since 2018 Dave Reilly has been writing stories for The Batavian about growing up in Batavia in the 1950s and ‘60s.
He combined 20 of these stories into a book called “Small Town Talk: Growing up in Batavia in the 1950s & 1960s”. On Friday, July 19 Dave will be doing a book talk at the HLOM from 2 - 3 p.m.
He will have books available at that time for $20 and will be happy to sign a copy for you. The following day will be the 60th reunion of Dave’s Notre Dame Class of 1964 so he especially invites any of his classmates who are in town and still “above the grass” to attend. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
“This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.
Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.
The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.
The initial resolution requests sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973.
For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue.
If the project application is accepted, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed project agreement in the city of Batavia.
The July 11 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.
Caleb Rigdon of the Tri-State team looks to dribble past Noah Schoonover of the Batavia team during the finals of the Adult Division tournament. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Press Release:
Photos from Genesee County Spartans' 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser on Saturday (July 6) at Ri-Dan’s Sports Park on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Twelve teams competed - six in the Youth Division and six in the Adult Division.
Photo of adult champion Batavia squad, from left, Russell Craft of Albion, Mike Jamil of Batavia, and Noah Schoonover of Batavia. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Photo of youth champion Alexander Central School squad with two Genesee County Spartans players. From left, Brian Calderon, Isaiah Wright, Kingston Woods, Duke Snyder, Justin Brooks, Nick Marzolf, and Jalen White. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday & Tuesday, July 8 & 9, 2024 from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area of North of E. Main St. and East of Bank St. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant needing repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
There are many hidden treasures in Genesee County. One beautiful gem is the Historic Batavia Cemetery.
If you travel slowly down Harvester Avenue, look at the first cemetery on the left going south. A wrought iron fence and trees surround the cemetery. It is the home of our early leaders and pioneers from this area.
I would bring my fourth-grade students to this living history book every year to learn about their local history. We would visit the various stones, and I would explain their relevance to Batavia’s early history. I could not wait to show them Joseph Ellicott’s Monument. As my students would sit on the grass looking at The Ellicott Plot, I would have them turn around and look toward Harvester Avenue. They would see nothing in front of this monument but a beautiful lane lined with trees over 100 years old. I would then tell them about this brilliant man and his family.
If you wanted to buy land and settle in this region, you purchased your land from Joseph Ellicott, founder of Batavia. He was the first surveyor and local agent of the Holland Land Company. Joseph was entitled by his contract to select a piece of land for his residence and land office. He claimed the land on West Main Street, opposite Walnut Street. His land occupied the areas we know as Thomas Avenue, Porter Avenue, and Washington Avenue.
In 1802, the east wing of Ellicott’s mansion was built as his residence. In 1815, the Holland Land Office was completed across the street from his mansion, which remains the Holland Land Office Museum today.
In 1818, the three-story structure of his home was finished. It included a large main building with two wings and additions to the rear of his house. Behind his home were a pasture, barn, and a large flower garden. If you were fortunate enough to be a guest in Joseph’s mansion, you would have dinner on blue and gold English china. If you were overnight guests, a bed warmer warmed your sheets. A bed warmer consisted of a metal container, usually fitted with a handle shaped like a modern frying pan, with a solid or finely perforated lid. The pan would be filled with hot coals and placed under the covers of a bed to warm it up. A servant would then run the bed warmer between the sheets to warm them.
Please visit the Holland Land Office Museum and enter the room where Joseph sold land to our early settlers. The museum has Ellicott’s China, a bed warmer, and a cabinet donated by the Ellicott-Evans family. Also, stop by the Historic Batavia Cemetery and find Joseph’s monument and other famous Batavians resting on Harvester Avenue.
