Historian's Corner



Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
Historian's Corner
June 19, 2017

Photo: Teepe Wigwam Hotel Destroyed by Fire continues: Mr. and Mrs. Snitchler, Mrs. C. M. Hatt and three of her children, Mr. Bratt who was staying there and Mr. Kantack, a neighbor, were in the Wigwam when smoke was first discovered. Attempting to find out where the smoke was coming from they went to the kitchen, but before they could locate the source they were driven from the building by the density of the smoke. No one was injured, but they were unable to save little from the building except the clothes on their backs. Mr. Hatt who was absent at the time the fire started, arrived soon after. Mr. and Mrs. Snitchler are remaining for the present with Mr. and Mrs. Bostwick of Ackermans Grove and Mr. and Mrs. Hatt and family are staying at the Robert Alexander home on the Scenic Highway. To Use Teepe: C. H. Snitchler who with C.M. Hatt owned and operated the Wigwam, when interviewed by the News announced that as soon as the weather and roads permit they will begin work in preparation for next summer’s business.

Their plans include the operation of a boat livery (their boats having escaped damage), and the use of the Teepe as a dining room. Mr. Snitchler stated that application has already been made to the ABC board for a license at the Teepe. He is also looking into the possibilities of acquiring tents for sleeping accommodations and believes these could be made quite comfortable for the summer trade. Although Mr. Snitchler announced that they expect to rebuild the Wigwam, their plans for doing so are indefinite at the present time. For the first time in its half century of operation, the Wigwam was being operated this winter, doing a profitable though unadvertised business with overnight accommodations and board for ice fisherman. Mr. Snitchler feels that a profitable year around business could be conducted at Ontario Bay and would like to rebuild for such a business, providing there was some assurance of reasonably adequate snow removal, making it unlikely that the roads would again be blocked as was unfortunately the case at the time of the fire.

The Sandy Creek History Center has lost a dear friend and co-worker, Joyce Miles. Joyce came to us after her husband, Denver, died. She was a meticulous researcher and every task she was given or took on she excelled at. She took great pride in preserving the history of our town and she enjoyed talking with past students who came in from time to time. Coffee (Joyce enjoyed tea) break was also a special time as we could catch up on our families and town news. A memorial service will be held this summer.

Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
1992 Harwood Drive
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
315-387-5456 x7
office hours: Friday 9am to 2pm
www.sandycreeknyhistory.com