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Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
These local landmarks are part of NY's Underground Railroad history
The Underground Railroad was a network of churches, safe houses and community centers that led thousands of people escaping slavery to freedom. Northern states like Pennsylvania played a major role in the progression of freedom, and the trail made several stops in New York, including the Southern Tier. Here are some of the local landmarks near Binghamton that played a role in the success of the Underground Railroad, including private homes and churches across the region. This Whitney Point home was owned by George Seymore in the late 1850s and was a spot along the Underground Railroad network. During that time most people who lived in the area knew the Seymore home was being used to hide and assist escaped enslaved people. According to former Broome County historian Gerald Smith, the home was later converted into an antique shop called the Underground Antiques, and eventually turned into a private residence. The Cyrus Gates Farmstead was once used as a sanctuary along the Underground Railroad. On 30 acres in Maine, Cyrus Gates' home — referred to as "Gates' white elephant" — was built in the 1850s by a New York City architect. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Gates was a cartographer and surveyor, as well as a vocal abolitionist. Up in the attic, the Gates home had an emergency hiding place. Tucked behind a hidden panel in the back of a cupboard, escaped slaves could crawl into a 10-by-20 foot secret room in the house's south wing attic, crouching so as not to hit the four-foot-tall ceiling, when they needed to hide. More: Funeral procession for Binghamton firefighter John 'JR' Gaudet Members of Park Church, originally named the First Independent Congregational Church of Elmira, were active participants in the Underground Railroad. They offered shelter, provided food and finances, and took legal action against slavery. They also prepared a petition to officially record their stance as an anti-slavery church and in 1871, it became Park Church. In 2006, the church was added to the National Park Service's Network to Freedom program. During the mid-19th century, the home of Dr. Stephen D. Hand stood at the site of the current Binghamton City Hall. After moving to Binghamton and starting a successful medical practice, he took an active role in the Underground Railroad. Hand opened his doors to those seeking freedom. His home was near two existing African American churches — the Bethel Church and the First Colored Methodist Episcopal Church — which created a trio of spots in close proximity offering help. The home was demolished in the 1960s and Binghamton City Hall took its place. The building has a plaque to recognize the significant role the Hand home placed in the Underground Railroad. The church is a stop on the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail, recognized for its role in the Underground Railroad. The historic marker at the site shares its history as originally the AME Zion Church, a site that was a place of worship and safe spot to rest and receive help while traveling. Rev. Jermain Loguen, director of the Underground Railroad in Syracuse, was also pastor at the church in the 1860s. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: These Binghamton-area sites were part of Underground Railroad
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Funeral service held for Binghamton Firefighter Jr. Gaudet
A Funeral Mass for Gaudet will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton and will be streamed live on YouTube. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City. In light of the services, drivers should anticipate road closures and significant delays throughout the city, particularly around the downtown area and near the funeral procession route. Expect these delays to last for much of the afternoon as emergency vehicles and other processional units make their way through the city. More: As a teammate, a coach, and firefighter, JR Gaudet 'put everyone else as a priority' Binghamton City Hall administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday. Binghamton City Court will be open on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 York Gov. Kathy Hochul directed all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in Gaudet's honor Wednesday. Gaudet is survived by his wife and three young children. In the wake of his death, family friends and community organizations have set up fundraisers and local efforts to show their support. Family friend and coworker of Gaudet's wife, Lyndsie Babcock, created a GoFundMe to assist the family. As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised $271,675. The Syracuse Fire Department also set up a donation fund for Gaudet's family. Donations can be made online through This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Funeral service held for Binghamton Firefighter Jr. Gaudet
