An Introduction and an Invitation

Since this is my first column, I’d like to introduce myself.

My name is Patricia Mosley Torrance and I live in old Montgomery. My early years were spent in the little yellow cottage on River Street that now serves as a museum. I left the village during the 1950s, and lived in nearby Aurora and later in Oswego.

I have always been close to my family and friends in Montgomery, so once again I am living in my hometown, enjoying the familiar faces and walking familiar streets.

In 1985 I co-authored and edited the Montgomery History Book along with Julia
Smotzer, Jim Phillips and my sister Barbara Peck.

I have written or edited other books, particularly one by the late Jim Phillips, Raising Kane, The Fox Chronicles. His book is for sale at the museum and the proceeds go to the museum upkeep. Many residents followed the exploits of Phillips' alter ego “The Fox” as he worked to stop pollution of the waterways in the area in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

It’s quite interesting to compare life in the village today with the past. With all of the
remarkable progress, much that made it unique is now only a memory. The fabulous
Riverview Park, renamed Fox River Park is just one of them.

Another important incident was the mustering in of Civil War recruits at Camp Hammond in Montgomery. Still there are a few people who do remember, or remember being told about them. It is our hope they will share these memories with the rest of us.

The museum is seeking artifacts from the past and would welcome these and any photos or memorabilia you are willing to share. (Copies can be made and you can keep your originals.)

If you lived in Montgomery during the depression years, I’d like to hear from you
and learn your story. My e-mail address is ptorrance@comcast.net. I am particularly interested in that period of time, but any memories would be welcome. Members of the Montgomery Historical Commission would be happy to set up a time for an interview so your stories can be added to our collection.