Wilson Historical Society

08/30/2026

In 1923, the first Volunteer Fire Company was formed in Wilson. In order to raise money for new equipment, a 'Firemen's Field Day' was held on August 30th, 1924. A parade marched through the center of town featuring neighboring fire companies, bands and floats. Events included three-legged races, a pie-eating contest, penny scramble, tug-o-war and a greased pig contest. Ralph Evans, who became the Town Supervisor years later, successfully caught the pig which also served as the prize itself. The day concluded with an outdoor dance that lasted until midnight. The field days here in Wilson were an annual tradition celebrated for nearly 100 years. Wilson Fire Company #1
*Photographs courtesy of Charlie Horton

08/25/2026

There are so many wonderful photos on file in the Depot museum that document Wilson's rich history. This one was taken in 1978 and features Lynn Sherrie (left) and Don Luff (right) from Wilson Fire Company #1, presenting medals owned by Bill Scheffler to Dr. Argue, the first president of the Wilson Historical Society. Scheffler was a charter member of the first fire department organized in 1923. In the background is 'Old Betsy', Wilson's vintage fire truck from 1925 that is still around today.

08/22/2026

We're reposting this, in case there are folks who would like to share their memories...

08/15/2026

On August 9th, 1908, Wilson's 'Tower Hotel' burned to the ground. The hotel was located on the corner of Young and McChesney Streets, where St. Paul's Lutheran Church is currently located (220 Young Street). Fire also took the 'American Hotel', which stood in the same spot but burned down in 1895. In the late 1800s, Wilson had become a popular resort town and several hotels were built to accomodate the thousands of tourists that visited each year. Hotels in the village included the Tower, the Sutherland, the Ontario, and the Hub. Hotels on Sunset Island included the Vendome (later renamed the Pittsburgh) and the Huntington Lodge.
*Photos courtesy of Charlie Horton

08/11/2026

What a gorgeous night for our last outdoor concert of the year! The Lockport Community Band will take the stage at 7 PM, and all guests will be treated to free ice cream. Please join us on the Historical Society grounds, located at 641 Lake Street in Wilson.

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08/11/2026

Have you become a member yet? Individual yearly memberships are only $20, while a lifetime membership is $150. Please follow this link for the 2026-27 membership form and join the Wilson Historical Society today! https://www.wilsonhistoricalsociety.org/donate

08/04/2026

Join us in one week for our last outdoor concert of the summer! The Lockport Community Band will treat guests to traditional patriotic songs and classic Broadway show tunes. All attendees will also receive free ice cream. The music starts at 7 PM on Tuesday, August 11th... see you there! https://lockportcommunityband.com/

08/01/2026

Just a reminder that the museum will be open tomorrow, Sunday August 2nd, from 2-4 PM. Including tomorrow, there will be six more opportunities to visit us before we close for the season on October 18th. We're open on the first and third Sunday of each month from April to October, from 2-4. The schedule is on our website at: https://www.wilsonhistoricalsociety.org . See you soon!
*Photos courtesy of Corey Harmon

07/25/2026

During our annual meeting earlier this month, the following slate of officers was elected. Thank you to ALL the volunteers who donate their time and energy to the Historical Society. We appreciate you!

President- John Sinclair
Vice President- Dan King
2nd Vice President- Robert Botzer
Treasurer- Diane Muscoreil
Recording Secretary- Kate Peck
Corresponding Secretary- Maureen Mahar
Trustees:
Sandy Walch
Nancy Simmons
Maureen Mahar
Tom Oldham
Corey Harmon
Parker Milley
Judy King
Doyle Phillips
Wallace Goodman

07/15/2026

In recognition of National Hot Dog Day, we're offering this prompt for an interactive post. Abbie's Drive-Thru, owned by Abbie and Frank Hayes, served customers in Wilson in the 1970s. It was located in the same spot where Brownie’s Custard Stand is today, on Harbor Street. If you enjoyed a hot dog at Abbie's or have other memories to share, please post them in the comments! 🌭🥤🍔
Brownie's Custard Stand-Wilson