Pioneers of Orleans County Book Series
As Orleans County celebrates its bicentennial this year, Orleans County Historian and Medina Historical Society board member Catherine Cooper proposed a special program highlighting the stories of early pioneer settlers and the challenges they faced.
The idea was sparked by Amanda Burris of Texas, who contacted Cooper over a year ago to share her personal connection to one of Orleans County’s early settlers. Burris is a descendant of Aretas Pierce and grew up hearing stories about his life and experiences. Inspired by her family history, Burris, who runs a recording studio, expressed interest in reissuing these pioneer stories and even creating an audio version to bring them to life for a modern audience.
The book series consists of three parts: Pioneer History, Pioneer Handbook and Pioneer Cookbook. (Clicking on the following titles or book cover images will direct you to the author's website in a new browser window.)
"Pioneer History of Orleans County, NY" by Arad Thomas (author), Amanda Burris (editor/audiobook developer)
Follow pioneer families as they leave the comfort of New England, joined by immigrants, to build new lives in the wilderness of Western New York. Their journey unfolds after the Revolutionary War, through the War of 1812 and into the Civil War era. Despite facing extreme challenges from wild animals, disease and starvation during the "Year Without a Summer," their courage and determination transformed a harsh frontier into thriving communities. Their resilience shaped the region’s history, leaving behind stories of struggle and triumph.
Read about the founding of villages, the formation of towns, and the personal accounts of early settlers, all richly detailed in their own words in this significant historical work by Arad Thomas (1871).
"Pioneer Handbook: Mastering Frontier Life in Orleans County, NY" by Arad Thomas
Explore how pioneer families endured and flourished in the wilderness before the Industrial Age, relying on ingenuity and resilience without electricity, grocery stores, or modern machines. This book provides concise yet fascinating insights into the essential skills and knowledge needed to establish a thriving community from the ground up.
"Pioneer Cookbook: Wilderness Recipes of Orleans County, NY" by Arad Thomas
"Pioneer Cookbook," Volume 3 of the "Pioneers of Orleans County, NY" series, features 90+ authentic wilderness recipes like Bear Stew, Beech Bark Soup, Wild Berry Cordial, and Maple Sap Porridge, reflecting the frontier spirit. It includes quotes from pioneers for historical context and showcases dishes made with wild game and foraged ingredients, including emergency foods from the "year without a summer." Perfect for history buffs and adventurous cooks, this cookbook offers a glimpse into the simple meals that sustained pioneers.
You can purchase a single volume or the complete set on Amazon. Merchandise, including t-shirts, is also available by clicking here.
