Starting this month, May 2019, and going through to September 15, 2019, this paper in association with The Genesee Sun and the Livonia Public Library, will be sponsoring a photography contest.
Here is your opportunity to put into practice all those ideas that we have been discussing in this column for the last, almost three years. Let’s see what you have.
This contest is open to anyone that lives and/or plays in Livingston County, NY. You don’t have to be a resident; you just need to have an interest and spend some time in the county. We are looking for images that will showcase where we live, work and play.
Livingston County is the western gateway to the Finger Lakes. We have two of the lakes, Conesus, & Hemlock, with Canadice and Honeoye right next door, collectively known as the “Little Lakes”, but we are so much more than lakes.We also have a world-class state park with Letchworth State Park, and trails not to mention all the wonderful other parks, green ways, trails and reserves throughout the county
From Wikipedia: “Livingston County is a county in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 65,393. Its county seat is Geneseo. The county is named after Robert R. Livingston, who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and negotiated the Louisiana Purchase.”
We even have our own flag. The County Flag was adopted in 1971 for the county's 150th anniversary. The significance of the colors and design relates to features and history of the county:
Yellow – the golden grain of the northern towns;
Blue – the Genesee River;
Green – the forests in the southern towns;
White – salt and limestone, prominent minerals in the county;
Balance and crossed quills – in honor of New York's first Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, for whom the county was named.
Our county has a rich and long history. The Seneca Nation had many of their principal settlements in the Genesee Valley. A portion of Sullivan’s Campaign of the Revolutionary War took place in Groveland, Cuylerville, and Leicester. Settlement began with the Pioneer Wadsworths, and we even had our own canal: The Genesee Valley Canal.
We also have a number of nationally and internationally known places and events that helped shape American history.
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, presently occupied by the Elim Bible Institute, that morphed into Syracuse University after being relocated
Water Therapy: Avon Springs and the Jackson Sanitarium
The Shakers of Groveland
Three Civil War regiments were organized in Livingston County. The 104th New York Volunteer Infantry or ‘Wadsworth Guards’, named in honor of Gen. James S. Wadsworth, formed September 1861 at Geneseo. The camp was located at the head of North Street in the village and known as Camp Union. The two other regiments were organized at Portage near present-day Letchworth State Park. In 1862, the 130th Infantry regiment formed and later converted to a cavalry unit known as the 1st New York Dragoons. The same year the 136th Infantry Regiment, also known as the ‘Ironclads’, was organized.
The Caledonia Fish Hatchery
Genesee Valley Hunt
Salt mining
Murray Hill, Mt. Morris
We also have names that played a critical role in our nation. A few of the more recognizable:
Chester A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States
Clara Barton, volunteer nurse during the Civil War, organized the first chapter of the American Red Cross at Dansville.
Francis Bellamy, author of the "Pledge of Allegiance," was born in the village of Mt. Morris
Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States.
Seth Green, the "Father of Fish Culture".
Mary Jemison, the "White Woman of the Genesee".
That’s not to mention the natural splendor of this region. We have lakes, streams, rivers, waterfalls woods, farmland and quaint villages; almost too numerous to list. Festivals galore, wineries, hot air balloons, white water river rafting, water sports of all kinds, world-class skiing [downhill and cross-country] and some of the most spectacular autumn scenery in the country.
Farming is the major industry and tourism is not far behind. The sportsman has ample resources for hunting, fishing and trapping. For the birdwatcher we are part of the major flyways for migrating birds of all types. For the brave, you can ride a vintage airplane and even take to the air in a glider.
I could go on and on, but they do limit how much space I can take up. So, get your camera out, take a look at the rules and submit your best photo’s of our slice of this great nation and state. As the primary judge I am looking forward to seeing all of your pictures. You can also look forward to seeing them displayed on our websites and Facebook pages.
You have plenty of subject material here. Good luck.