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Myron Holley: Canal Builder/Abolitionist/Unsung Hero

$29.60

In this 228-page biography, Richard O. Reisem reveals the noble heart and remarkable accomplishments of Myron Holley.

Reisem tells Myron Holley’s story in the context of the momentous historical events and movements that shaped his life, including the War of 1812, the building of the Erie Canal, and the struggle to abolish slavery. The author crafts a comprehensive portrait of the profound influence that this visionary man exerted, changing the course of history in New York State and indeed the nation. Among Holley’s many achievements, he served as the Superintendent of Construction of the Erie Canal and founded the first Horticultural Society in Western New York, the First Unitarian Church in Rochester, and the anti-slavery Liberty Party.

Reisem’s telling of Holley’s remarkable life includes abundant background information about his ancestors and descendants and the historical events of his time. Excerpts from personal letters reveal the man’s heart and intellect, and more than 70 illustrations enrich the story.

$29.60 cost includes sales tax and shipping cost for $20 book.

5 in stock

About the Author

Richard O. Reisem has written 15 books since retiring from Eastman Kodak’s Communications and Public Affairs. His Mount Hope Cemetery books include: Gravestones in Mount Hope Cemetery, Frederick Douglass and the Underground Railroad, Buried Treasures in Mount Hope Cemetery, and Mount Hope: America’s First Municipal Victorian Cemetery. Other cemetery books are: Forest Lawn Cemetery: Buffalo History Preserved, A Field Guide to Forest Lawn Cemetery, and Blue Sky Mausoleum of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Other books include:  Historic Photos of New York State, Historic New York—Architectural Journeys in the Empire State, Erie Canal Legacy—Architectural Treasures of the Empire State, Classic Buffalo—A Heritage of Distinguished Architecture, and 200 Years of Rochester Architecture and Gardens.

He was graduated from Iowa State University with major studies in architecture and journalism—which included editor of the university newspaper, Iowa State Daily. His 31-year career at Eastman Kodak included speechwriter for six of the company’s CEOs.

He is an honorary trustee of The Landmark Society of Western New York, vice-president of the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, and former trustee of the Rochester Historical Society. For 16 years, he served on the Rochester Preservation Board, and was chair for four years.

The Landmark Society of Western New York is at the forefront of recent accomplishments in improving our shared spaces as the leading voice for preserving our region’s architectural heritage and demonstrating that responsible development practices are the best strategies for securing healthy, livable, and sustainable living for all. However, none of our work would be possible without the support our members provide – indeed, membership giving is the single largest building block of our annual budget.

We hope that as a member in our organization that you have a shared sense of pride in our region’s progress – we simply couldn’t do it without you. Join or renew your membership today!

Supporting membership

Supporting Members receive the following membership benefits:

  • Invitation to The Landmark Society’s Annual Meeting Celebration
  • Free Admission to Stone-Tolan House Site and Ellwanger Garden
    (special events excluded)
  • Subscription to Landmarks Magazine
  • Reduced admission for tickets events
  • Priority registration to workshops, tours, and lectures

Supporting Members include:

  • Patron $100
  • Couple/Family $70
  • Government & Non-Profit $50
  • Individual $45
  • Individual Senior $40

premium membership

Premium Members receive all of the benefits of a Supporting Membership (listed below) plus additional benefits, depending on the Premium Membership level:

Pinnacle $2,000+

  • 2 House and Garden Tour tickets
  • 2 Inside Downtown Tour ticket
  • 2 Preservation Conference Tickets

Finial $1,500

  • 2 House and Garden Tour tickets
  • 2 Inside Downtown Tour ticket
  • 1 Preservation Conference Registration

Corinthian $1,000

  • 2 House and Garden Tour tickets
  • 2 Inside Downtown Tour ticket

Keystone $500

  • 2 House and Garden Tour tickets
  • 1 Inside Downtown Tour ticket

Cornerstone $250

  • 2 House and Garden Tour tickets

Pillar $150

  • 1 House and Garden Tour ticket

agent membership

This membership level is designated for licensed real estate agents in the Western New York Region. There are many benefits that are specifically tailored to realtors and their clients:

  • Free gifts for your clients:
    • 5 – Landmark Society family memberships
    • 5 – Landmark Society House & Garden Tour tickets
  • Recognition by Landmark Society that you are acknowledged as a
    supporter of The Landmark Society—an Agent member card.