LIFE AND TIMES IN GASPORT, NEW YORK: MISTER/COACH RYDZA RETIRING

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

There is a nice write-up in the Medina Journal-Register about Mark Rydza and his last days as a basketball coach as he retires at the end of this season:

http://www.journal-register.com/localsports/x1196445277/ROY-HART-COACH-RETIRING

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