LIFE AND TIMES IN GASPORT, NEW YORK: OIL DISCOVERED IN GASPORT (1883)

Saturday, December 1, 2007

The New York Times has started to archive on the web their papers from long ago. Here's a nifty news article from August 10, 1883 about the discovery of oil in Gasport...

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9B05E5DB163AEF33A25753C1A96E9C94629FD7CF&oref=slogin

About Gasport, New York

Gasport is a rural community located on the Erie Canal in Upstate New York, approximately 20 miles east of Niagara Falls. Formerly called "Jamesport", its name was changed in 1826 when canal engineers noted natural gas rising from a spring.

Here's a nature column looking at Gasport's gas:

http://bobconfer.blogspot.com/2014/08/exploring-niagara-frontier-why-its.html

The expansive area known as Gasport consists of portions of the town of Royalton and Hartland and its centerpoint is a small hamlet of 1,200 people. It is served by the Royalton-Hartland School District.

Natives of fame include Belva Lockwood (the first woman to appear on Presidential ballots), Charles G. Williams (US Congressman who served Wisconsin), Benjamin Vandervoort (the decorated WWII vet portrayed by John Wayne in the Longest Day), Warren Hull (serial star and host of Strike It Rich) and Abdullah (the medal-winning Olympic horse).

Its rural way of life and great people make Gasport a perfect slice of old-fashioned Americana.

This blog covers the hamlet proper as well as Hartland Corners, Terrys Corners, Royalton Center, Reynales Basin, Johnson Creek and the Royalton-Hartland School District.

It is maintained by Gasport resident Bob Confer. If at anytime you'd like to contribute stories to or mention your Gasport events on the blog, send an email to Bob at bobconfer@juno.com