River Lea shines for the holidays

by Karen Keefe
Grand Island Dispatch, December 3, 2004

Above, Robert and Cyndy Nichols and their daughters Jessica, 3, and Erika of Colden enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the River Lea Open House sponsored by the Grand Island Historical Society. (photo by Nathan Keefe.)

This is an experience that takes you back in time – way back. The inviting fragrance of apples, cinnamon and cloves permeates the air as you open the door. The gentle sound of a harp makes you wonder, “Have I died and gone to heaven?”

Not yet, but maybe close to it. It’s River Lea, and it’s Christmas, Victorian style. The stately mansion, purchased in 1962 by the Grand Island Historical Society, has its second open house of the holiday season this Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Hand-made Christmas gifts, warm apple cider and cookies await the visitor who wants to experience a traditional holiday setting. Docents are stationed in the various rooms to teach visitors about River Lea, its fascinating past and its privileged present, as dedicated historians dote on its every detail.

Scheduled for demolition in 1960, River Lea was reclaimed from its rundown state, refurbished and is on its way to being a polished jewel. All of that takes money, and the open house is the major fund-raiser for the Society to accomplish its long-range goals, according to President Curt Nestark. The State Parks department worked on rebuilding the porch this summer, while the Historical Society’s House Committee installed new pleated shades on the East-side windows of the bedroom. Lower kitchen cabinets have new hinges and pull knobs, thanks to Craig Gushue and his grandson, Dustin.

This fall, members brought friends and all pitched in to clean the beautiful Victorian house so it sparkles and shines for the luncheons, meetings and open houses held here throughout the year. In September, members enjoyed a program by Nan Hoffman, “Singing through History.” In October, there was a presentation, “Early Buffalo Railroad History and the Construction of the Central Terminal,”by Joe Streamer, president of the Hamburg Historical Society. Last month, Judy Chapin Buzby presented an enactment of “Hattie’s Remembrances of the Civil War,” based on an autobiography of Buzby’s ancestor, Hattie Chapin.

“Christmas is a favorite time of year for River Lea,” said Historical Society member Carol Moore. She is helping with sales of gift items, including homemade preserves donated by Grand Island Councilwoman Mary Cooke. The living room holds a giant Christmas tree, with delicate, hand-made ornaments that are also for sale.

In the dining room, decorated by the East Park Garden Club, the cider is ladled out as visitors drink in the history of the place and study its décor.

Amanda Arki, 15, is one of the Girl Scouts from Dorothy McBride’s Cadet Troop 437 who are working on their Silver Award by being docents at the site. She, like the other docents, is costumed in the Victorian style. She explains that River Lea was built in 1849 by Lewis F. Allen, uncle of President Grover Cleveland. Allen was founder of the Erie County Fair, and brought farm animals to the fair from his estate.

Photos and framed documents upstairs also tell River Lea’s history. Allen’s famous nephew actually worked there for a time, before becoming New York governor, then president.

The group Historic Trinity, from Trinity United Methodist Church, has turned one upstairs room into a country store for the open house. Among the goodies for sale was a mincemeat pie baked by Ellie Robinson, the pastor’s wife. There also are puzzles made by Susie Myers, a Historical Society member who also is a professional musician. She plays oboe and English horn in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Downstairs, harpist Patricia Ruof plays beautiful music that adds to the charm of the experience for visitors young and old. Like so many of those involved in River Lea, she has fascinating stories to tell. Her father, the Rev. George Ruof, now retired, has written a book of Christmas stories. Her sister, Sandra Ruof Lollini, was born on the 24th day of the fourth month of the year at 4:44 a.m. She has four children, and her maiden name, “Ruof,” spells “four” backward.

Among the Historical Society’s charter members were Veronica Connor, longtime educator on Grand Island for whom the Middle School was named, and Marion Klingel, journalist and longtime Grand Island historian. They have passed on, but their contributions are cherished and well remembered.

River Lea has been championed by an engaging group of individuals whose energy and vision have added value and their own history to the place.