The history of Clarence from cover to cover

Two local authors have spent months putting together a book compiled of photos and historical information for the residents of Clarence. Now, after their hard work and dedication, Arcadia Publishing is releasing the book Clarence to the public on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Arcadia Publishing approached Julianna Woite, editor of the Clarence Historical Society’s newsletter, about a year ago, with the interest of producing a book, based on Clarence’s history.

This is when she brought in Erie County Historian and Clarence Middle School history teacher, Douglas Kohler.

This will be Kohler’s fifth book based on the history of Clarence. Kohler is the author of four books that were written for the bicentennial celebration of Clarence.

“I came out of the bicentennial project knowing there were other stories to tell,” he said. “We gave it that focus that doesn’t treat the same ground though.”

Woite had several relatives that had lived in Clarence, including her great grandmother who had owned a farm. Much of the information found in the book came from her family’s stories.

“I was fortunate enough to have a lot of pack rats in my family,” she said when explaining how she got her hands on several of the family’s old photos and stories.

Aside from using information from family, friends and the Clarence Historical Museum, Woite and Kohler reached out to the community for its help as well.

Several Clarence residents brought in photographs from their archives along with providing other information that was needed.

“We have a lot of great information that has never been published before,” said Woite. “It’s a look at Clarence that some of these people have never seen before. It is a book from the people of Clarence. It’s the people of Clarence tell their own stories.”

This book will take Clarence residents back in time with photos from more than 200 years ago and bring them right up to current events such as Flight 3407.

When covering the tragedy of Flight 3407, Woite wanted to focus more on what has come from it, rather than focusing on the tragedy that Clarence faced. She talks about the legacy and the run that is held in memory of the victims. Woite mentions how hard the families have worked and what they have done with legislation to help make traveling safer for everyone. There are also photos of the Flight 3407 memorial as well.

Kohler hopes to be involved in Clarence history books in the future as he said, “history is always moving forward.” He added that there still is and always will be stories to cover for the history of Clarence.

Woite and Kohler will be at the Clarence Library on Nov. 19 for its Local Author Series as well as other local book signings and press events in the future.

Clarence, $21.99, Arcadia Publishing is available at local retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888)-313-2665.