I Ran Away to Penn Yan, New York & Found Myself | A News Cafe
In late October, a journalist embarked on an unexpected and spontaneous journey from Shasta County, California, to Penn Yan, New York, a village of approximately 5,000 residents in Yates County. The trip, funded entirely by credit card, was driven by a sense of urgency and a need for personal and professional distance.
A Spontaneous Departure
The decision to travel was made without consulting anyone, and the journalist departed via a multi-leg flight – Redding to San Francisco, then to Chicago, and finally to Rochester, New York – before renting a car for the final leg to Penn Yan. The timing was specifically chosen to coincide with Election Day and Halloween, and to experience the fall foliage before the arrival of winter weather.
The Allure of Penn Yan
Penn Yan, settled in 1799 by people from Pennsylvania and New England, proved to be unexpectedly captivating. The journalist described clean streets, friendly residents, and a sense of safety and peace. The area is characterized by its location on Keuka Lake, numerous wineries, historic buildings, churches, and cemeteries.
A Personal Quest
The trip was deeply rooted in a decades-long genealogical quest concerning a tragic event involving the journalist’s maternal grandfather in nearby Middlesex, New York. Research had been ongoing throughout the journalist’s adult life, and Penn Yan’s proximity to the location of this event made it a long-held, though previously unrealistic, destination.
Unexpected Assistance
Upon arrival, the journalist found a surprisingly welcoming and helpful community of local historians and volunteers. A chance encounter at the Oliver House Museum with two volunteers, Andy Baus and Bill Murray, led to the discovery of crucial historical records and newspaper stories. The journalist noted the serendipitous nature of these connections, with individuals appearing at just the right time to provide assistance.
A Sense of Connection
Throughout the trip, the journalist experienced a profound sense of connection to their grandfather, whom they had never met. The experience was described as emotionally powerful, with a feeling that their grandfather was present throughout the journey. The unique character of Yates County – from unattended farm stands operating on an honor system to the presence of a strong Mennonite community – contributed to a sense of wonder and disbelief.
Looking Ahead
The research conducted in Penn Yan is intended for a book about the journalist’s grandfather and the incident in Yates County. The trip appears to have provided a sense of clarity and renewed direction, influencing a recent pivot in the journalist’s professional work. The book will be completed and shared with readers in the future. Further research and writing are likely to be required to bring the project to fruition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the journalist choose Penn Yan?
The journalist chose Penn Yan due to its proximity to Middlesex, New York, where a significant event involving their maternal grandfather occurred, and which they had been researching for decades.
How was the trip funded?
The trip was funded entirely by credit card, despite the journalist acknowledging it was a financially irresponsible decision.
What role did local historians play in the journalist’s research?
Local historians and volunteers, particularly at the Yates County History centre and the Oliver House Museum, were instrumental in providing access to crucial records and information.
What compels someone to embark on such a deeply personal and spontaneous journey?