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The New Pucker Street, Since 1953

by John P Curtin; Edited by James C. Quinn

372 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-3039; ISBN 1-4251-6570-2; US$28.00, C$28.00, EUR19.13, £14.46

A history of the Village of Marcellus, New York, from 1953 to the present, is presented in a chronological narrative.

About the Book

The New Pucker Street is a companion book to Pucker Street, the First 100 Years, and continues to document the civic activity of the community of Marcellus from 1953 to the present. On the cover is The Steadman House, recently dedicated as the home of the Marcellus Historical Society. Located in the heart of the Village, it not only provides a link to a precious past, but is a 19th century landmark that projects the community's commitment to civic improvement. It is an enduring symbol of the community's history, its strength and majesty, but also proclaims its presence in the 21st century. Its steps and pillars are inviting and announce to the world that Marcellus, while retaining its authenticity, is ever adapting to change, responsible change that is reflected in the lives and accomplishments of its citizens, young and senior.

The New Pucker Street documents many of the changes that have taken place in Marcellus since the celebration of the Village Centennial in 1953. In the last fifty years, the traditional picture of Marcellus as an agricultural and milling community changed. Many old homes and buildings in the Village have fallen to the wrecker's ball, while other landmarks have been remodeled to a former glory. As more families moved to the suburbs after the war, there would be an increase in the population, dramatically changing the make-up of the native people - and reflected particularly in the school population. In the next fifty years, the role of government would change, as more services would be provided, and an aging infrastructure required continuous consideration by elected representatives.

The next fifty years would see the emergence of the "greatest generation." When the young men returned to Marcellus after the war, they were joined by equally involved women of that generation, and in the words of former President George H. W. Bush, "did the work of democracy day by day, every day in their hometown," helping to build bridges to the 21st century - ones that their own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would follow.

The New Pucker Street also details some of the issues facing an American village in modern times, and it also contains an epilogue, highlighting some lessons that might be learned from the past - ones that might serve as guidelines for what lies ahead.

The New Pucker Street portrays Marcellus like many small towns across America - as home - a place where many people have settled, and to which many people return. They return because it is home, and they always feel welcome.

About the Author

Educated at Niagara University and the State University of New York, John P. Curtin spent 35 years teaching history in the Syracuse City School District and is presently employed by LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY as a field supervisor of student teachers. Since 1995, he has been a member of the Marcellus Village Board of Trustees. He is also a Trustee of the Marcellus Historical Society and a Trustee of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Marcellus. He and his wife, Maureen, have lived in their house on First Street in the Village for almost forty years, where they raised their children to adulthood. As the parents of four grown children and the grandparents of ten, they enjoy spending much time with them and their families. They also have a strong interest in family histories, many of which, including their own, span the history of the Village of Marcellus.

Reviews

The New Pucker Street, Since 1953 is a worthy successor to Pucker Street, The First 100 Years, written by John P. Curtin in 2003, bringing up to date the story of Marcellus, a small village in Upstate New York. The book captures the development of Nine Mile Country - far from a time warp - as a vibrant community that progresses into the twenty-first century with the traditional values of family and community life. Its exploration of primary documents presents the reader with much detail from a variety of sources and pictures of individual go-getters and public-minded groups abound, highlighting the civic awareness and generous volunteerism among its people. Their involvement in education, fundraising, and beautification attests to the communal spirit of the place. Marcellus clearly has followed its historic allegiance to enduring values: loyalty to family and friends alike, adaptability to life's vicissitudes, faith in human potential, and most of all, pride in the place one calls home. The New Pucker Street also presents the reader with important insight into concrete infrastructure issues confronting an American village of modern times: streets and sidewalks, water supply and sewage, building and codes. Issues such as these will always need to be addressed to determine the best options for the Central New York community. The generous number of photographs depicting Marcellians engaged in supporting their village some 150 years after its incorporation augers well for its future. Indeed, the spirit of The New Pucker Street seems to indicate that Marcellus will continue to bear a remarkable likeness to the macrocosm of the nation as it ever progresses along Nine Mile Creek.

James C. Quinn, Author
The Town He Loved So Well