Many readers will recall the popular “Reminiscences” series about growing up in Cazenovia that appeared in last year’s Republican. The childhood freedom, the quaint stores and restaurants and, of course, the colorful characters of a time gone by. Those articles, as well as many more, plus a collection of breathtaking local photographs appear in John P. Kennedy’s newest book, “In Cazenovia, Images and Memories from the Heart of New York State.”
Kennedy, a local stone mason, sculptor and photographer, weaves an enchanting web of tales about Cazenovia’s earlier, simpler days. His recollections of summer days spent on baseball diamonds and trips to the candy counter are sure to kindle feelings of nostalgia among readers. “Also, I thought there ought to be a personal record of ‘my/our times.’ Not an unusual endeavor for an older fellow,” said Kennedy, with the understated humor he uses throughout the book.
The 86-page collection is organized into short stories by topic, each one focusing on a person or event that had a strong influence on his life. He breaks up his musings with stunning photographs of local landmarks which will make even those familiar with the scenes admire them anew, such as the photo of Lakeland Park pier on the cover of the book — Kennedy’s own favorite — featuring the still lake waters reflecting back an iridescent sunset. Another particularly arresting photo is of a rolling farm landscape on Deer Hill under roiling clouds, heavy with the promise of a summer storm. The photos themselves personify the beauty of a simpler time: slow down, look, appreciate your surroundings.
As a relative newcomer to the area, I found Kennedy’s descriptions of the changing businesses and layout of the village especially interesting. In one story, Kennedy shares his memories of visiting the Cazenovia House Inn, which stood on the current site of Kinney’s drug store on Albany Street. He describes it as, “as close to as you could find to a classic Hollywood western bar. Of course it predated the movies but that is the best way to describe it here. It had a long porch out front with old men kicked back in wooden chairs, swinging doors, a long beautiful bar and a pot bellied stove … the works!”
Gone now too is Aikman’s Hardware Store, at the current Subway location, which put on a show-stopping Christmas display for the children: “When the rope finally came down, word soon got around and we kids joyously ascended the grand staircase to see Cazenovia’s version of Macy’s,” Kennedy writes.
Kennedy’s conversational tone brings you right back to mid-century America, complete with soda shops, free-range children and a love for America’s pastime, as when John waited hours in the bitter January cold to meet his hero, center fielder Jimmy Piersall (at that time playing for the Washington Senators), who was visiting the village in 1963.
Aside from sepia-toned childhood memories, Kennedy relates with impressive humor his friendships with some of the areas more vibrant inhabitants. Chief among these was Cazenovia’s own Renaissance man, George Brockway. Kennedy includes a hilarious anecdote about his and Brockway’s attempt to befriend champion bike racers Dale and Wayne Stetina during a race: “Now George wanted more than just a photograph with the Stetinas. He wanted to be their pal. He wanted a close bond with fellow racers. He wanted a little bit of that fame.” Needless to say, it did not go as planned, but Kennedy’s storytelling has the reader cheering for them throughout.
Other stories in the book include fantastic tales of run-ins with Mexican Federales, amateur firefighting gone wrong and the charismatic “dump guys,” to name a few.
Throughout the book, Kennedy’s photographs anchor his stories to their source — the breathtaking landscape in and around Cazenovia. His skill with the lens is well documented in his earlier books: “Some Beauty” and “Upstate Textures,” among others. As an addition to his newest book, Kennedy includes personal sketches of friends as well as archival photos of the memorable personalities who have peopled his youth. “I tried to choose a variety of photographs in all seasons to best represent the beauty of the area and also stir up some memories for those who live elsewhere now,” Kennedy said. Through his photos, he helps readers see what he has seen throughout his extraordinary life, skies popping with stars, waterfalls frozen into ice palaces and, most importantly, the local faces that lend joy and richness to life.
“In Cazenovia” is available online only at this time. To purchase, visit Blurb.com and search for “Cazenovia.”
