Wilson Historical Society

09/28/2026

Since it's Back to School season, here's a look back at what Wilson Central was like in early 1961. Additions were being built at both elementary schools, and enrollment throughout the district was over 2,100 students! Lunches were available for 30 cents and the Guidance Department at the high school was just being established. Those truly were the good 'ole days!

09/10/2026

In one week, our Douglas Walch Memorial Speaker Series resumes with a visit from Carol Schmeidler, from the Buffalo Jewish Federation. Carol is the daughter of Max Schmeidler, a Holocaust survivor from Berlin who ultimately relocated to Buffalo, NY by way of China. After being forcefully deported from Germany at age 18, he fled to China and was separated from his parents for 9 years, as they were deported to Siberia. He survived polio at age 22, losing the use of his limbs for three years. He immigrated to the United States in 1947, and his parents joined him in 1949. Although Max did not share much about his early life with his children, Carol has learned more about him through the documents he left behind after his death in 1981. This event is FREE and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

09/03/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 17th at 7 PM as we welcome Carol Schmeidler, a volunteer speaker for the Buffalo Jewish Federation. During her presentation, she will share the story of her father Max Schmeidler, a Holocaust survivor who escaped N**i Germany and immigrated to the United States, settling in Buffalo, NY. This event is FREE and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
https://buffalojewishfederation.org/carol-schmeidler/

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/