Lee Emerson Olney

Lee Olney was born in Canada and served in the military. He was the second eldest surviving son (of 5) to Archie Olney & Elva Chandler Olney. I am looking into his life presently and will share what I can as I learn of it.

Another Photo of The Woodgate Homestead

From age of the car parked at (what was) the back entrance, this photo looks to be taken during the late 1920s.

In later years, the bushes along the sides of the house were removed. Two apple trees had grown to the left side area of the photo. No bushes blocked that first window, which by the way was where the original parlor was housing a superb collection of older family portraits. Unfortunately, Robert C. Olney Sr., son of Nelson R. Olney Sr., disposed of the wall mounted portraits and the piano, which dated back to the mid 1800s. It is now believed, while no 'official' notations have surfaced that Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and an earlier State Legislator and Governor may have visited the Chandler Homestead during the span of time from 1886 -1918 while engaging the Adirondack Guide services of Nelson R. Chandler.

In the late 1940s until 1964, the Olney farm had been known by the locals to be the largest and most fruitful in providing farm produce. It had the distinction of being the largest pieces of total acreage in producing quality grown white and red potatoes.

The Nelson R. Olney Sr. Family of Woodgate & Utica, New York

Standing: Nelson Ray, Jr.(1st son), Richard Lee(3rd son), Robert Charles (2nd son).

Seated: Nelson Ray, Sr., Linda Jean (youngest daughter), Ella Lillian (Olney), Marilyn (oldest daughter), Donald Herbert (4th son).

This photo was taken in Utica at the Sunset Ave residence in the parlor. The year is 1948-1951.

At one time, Nelson Olney had the largest farm in Woodgate, New York. People came from near and far for a bushel basket of his potatoes.

Presently, as of this date (August 21, 2008) only Nels Jr., Robert Sr., Marilyn(Palaski), and Donald, Sr., are living.