The Sterling Historical Society has published its first eighteen month calendar – the last of 2010 and all of 2011. The tradition of being a popular place for summer visitors was heightened by train travel. For example, The “Cato Picnic” occurred every August from 1900-1912. Special trains (typically two trains of eight cars each) started in Auburn with stops at Weedsport , Cato, Ira and Martville. The Ira Band, the Cato Drum Corps and the Cato and Meridian baseball teams would go “All Aboard!’ The round trip fare was 35 cents. Highlights of the day were group picnics, baseball games between rival teams, the bands alternating with concerts, dance hall, two steamboats and a merry go round that operated all day. The present day home of Pete and Pat Hanford is located where the old Ontario Hotel was located along with some 25 cottages, a dance hall, picnic grounds, a tennis court, a baseball field, docks on the bay and access to the railroad.
Hanford Story Includes Early Ontario Park History and today’s SOFA. The Hanford home built by Dr. J.B. Hanford is the home today of son Pete and Pat. Like “Doc” Hanford, the present Hanford generations make major contributions to the community. Pete and Pat have headed SOFA (Save Our Fourth Association) for eleven years. SOFA events are featured near the beginning of the calendar. Community recognition is expressed by a sign “Thanks to Our SOFA Heroes!” in Phillips Park.
Recent Meeting of Sterling Seniors Featured a talk by Pete and Pat about SOFA. Pete credited the hard work of all the committee heads and volunteers for the success of SOFA. Contributors to SOFA activities include Bay Betterment Association, the Red Creek Legion Band, the Fair Haven Fire Department, the Fair Haven Community Church and Mayor Wm. McVea for obtaining clean up services. Pete asked for ideas from the large audience to improve the event. People in attendance offered their own remembrances of the 4th. He also mentioned changes that are in the works for next year such as additional bands for the parade and a larger fireworks show. He assured everyone that the future of Fair Haven’s Fourth of July celebration is secure. The three day Fourth of July program attracts thousands of visitors to Fair Haven each summer. It is estimated the summer population of Fair Haven is some four times that of year around residents.
The Fun Places to Visit Calendar ($5) featuring twenty four places is available in Bayside Grocery, Savannah Bank , Fair Haven Gift Shop, Fair Haven Village Hall, Sterling Town Hall, Fair Haven Beach State Park among other places.
