About the Author

The Town of Verona Historical Association is an active group that works to educate the public and preserve the history of the town. It provides informative programs on the second Sunday of each month, from September through June. The Town of Verona Historical Museum, located on Germany Road, has a large collection of artifacts and is open to the public every Thursday.

Reviews

Title: New book showcases Verona's rich history
Author: Catlin Traynor
Publisher: Dispatch
Date: 4/6/2010 Read the full article here:
http: //tiny.cc/verona The dedication, "To our forefathers whose unselfish sacrifices, hard labor and faith built this community," seems to perfectly embrace the essence of Arcadia Publishing's newest edition - "Images of America: Verona." Written and compiled by Town Historian Dorothy Cmaylo, Thomas Beaver, Councilman Kenneth Regner and Sheila Hoffman, the book serves as a record of the town's history and its people. "We have so much history in this town," Cmaylo said. Through pictures, captions and small excerpts, the history of Verona's six hamlets is relived; from 1791 when the first residents settled, through the construction of the Erie Canal and the prosperity of the Industrial Revolution, to the 1950s. "It was not an easy life, I'm sure," Cmaylo said of those who established Verona. "We have it so easy now, the things they had to deal with." The book acts as an important gateway to the heritage of area, Cmaylo said. While some buildings and homes still stand, most have perished in fires or have been torn down in the name of progress, to make way for the straightening of roads, the construction of the Erie Canal and the New York State Thruway. "I think people will remember many things," Cmaylo said of pictures of the town. "When you realize the things that are gone, you wouldn't have known they existed without this book." The book took about six months to compile, Beaver said. Each co-author wrote about the hamlet they were most familiar with and while some research was needed, Cmaylo said most of the history was written from memory. "We're all old enough to remember these things," Beaver laughed. Photos were compiled from the Town of Verona Historical Association's collection and from area residents. "People were very generous to come in and share with us," she said. Arcadia Publishing contacted the historical association with an interest to make the book. "It came at a very good time," Cmaylo said, as the association was gearing up to redo a previous local history publication. The new book was released March 22. Nearly 250 books were delivered to the historical building Tuesday and on Thursday alone, Beaver said 40 books were sold. "People are excited," he said. "They were right down to buy books. We're hoping to sell them all." Cmaylo and Beaver said people have even asked for them to sign their books. "Whoever thought anyone would want my signature?" Cmaylo laughed. An official book launch is scheduled for April 11 at the historical building on Germany Road in Verona at 2 p.m. Cmaylo said the association will host a party to celebrate the book with refreshments and snacks. Proceeds from book sales will go toward maintaining the historical building and acquiring new historical artifacts. "Images of America: Verona" can be purchased for $21.99 at bookstores, Verona Town Hall, the Town of Verona Historical Association's building, local shops and convenience stores.