Lyon Family Reunion Draws Record Crowd
Bainbridge News & Republican, Aug. 18, 1938
The annual reunion of the Lyon family was held early in August at the Chenango valley State Park, formerly known as Lilly Lake. The Park was cool although the day was hot and the attendance was better than in recent years with 54 members present, several of whom had not attended for several years. Some members of the family living in Binghamton were there and three from Rochester.
One of the best dinners of the years was followed by a program in which several of those present had a part. Master Howard Earl of Wellsbridge, a four year old, sang "A Bicycle Built for Two" which brought a hearty applause.
Richard G. Lyon, 91 years, was the oldest member present and he told of the original log barn on the Sparden Lyon farm. He also told the story about the toll gate that few of those present had heard. It stood on the brow of the hill towards C.D. Thornton's farm and Richard's grandfather, Samuel, having two farms had to pass through in going from one to the other. The toll gate keeper made him pay every time he passed. The turnpike was not well kept up and Samuel thought he was being imposed on.
One day, he sent his son from one farm to the other with the instructions that if the gate was closed, to pull it out which the son did with a great deal of pleasure. A long lawsuit followed with Samuel Lyon finally winning although it looked for a while like he might lose his farm. The result was that there were no more tolls paid on the Susquehanna-Bath turnpike. The date of this incident was about 1835. The town took the road over late in 1838.
A great deal of credit belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Erford Lyon for the success of the 1939 reunion. Erford Lyon served as president of the organization for the past year and was re-elected to serve for the coming year. Ward Searles was chosen for Vice-president, Mrs. I.L. Carl for Secretary and Mrs. Ward Searles will serve as historian.
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