September 29, 2026
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY HISTORIAN GRIFFIN BATES:
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Dr. James D. Folts, Jr.
Name: Dr. James D. Folts, Jr.
D.O.B.: 1947
D.O.D.:
Summary:
James D. Folts, Jr. was born to Grace and James D. Folts, Sr. in Cohocton, NY in 1947. By the time Folts graduated from Cohocton High School he had already found his passion for local history when he wrote his senior paper, “History of Cohocton”, in 1965. He graduated from his class in 1965 as Valedictorian. He first went to the State University of New York in Albany where he received his B.A. Degree; he then received a Doctor of History from the University of Rochester, an academic achievement that supports his career, still, today. Starting off as Cohocton Town Historian, Dr. Folts is a keen local historian with an aptitude for finding the answer to many historical questions and curiosities, with a special interest in legal history. After his tenure at the Cohocton Town Historian Office, Dr. Folts moved on to larger institutions, first to Cornell University where he was Assistant Archivist. In 1980 he was appointed as an Archivist for the New York State Archives, where he remains to this day as head of Researcher Services at the NYS Archives. His decades of service to local and New York State History is tangible with the numerous publications he has either authored or been a contributor to, including publications about the Genesee Region, a bibliography of Steuben County, Native American/Indian History of Steuben County, History of the NYS Ed. Dept. and the State University of New York, and more recently, publications on the historical records of the New York State Courts.
Keywords:
Historian, Author, Archivist
Nominator: Griffin Bates, County Historian
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Joseph J. Haruyski
Name: Joseph J. Haruyski
D.O.B.: August 3, 1946
D.O.D.:
Summary:
Joseph Haruyski was born in 1946 to Joseph and Elsie Haruyski on the family farm in South Bradford. Haruyski graduated from Campbell Central School, where he then graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree. He worked as a science teacher in the Corning School District from 1969-1972. He worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 32 years from 1972-2004. After retiring from service with the USDA, Haruyski started his second career serving the people of Steuben County, first as a legislator representing the towns of Campbell, Bradford, and Wayne; he later was Chair of the Legislature, where he could now represent all of Steuben County. Haryski joined the legislature during a very difficult economic period in the U.S. with the “Recession of 2007” that led to a decade or more of financial struggle for Steuben County. With the recession in full swing, Haruyski led the County government through major changes aimed to keeping the government afloat, navigating the constantly shifting financial climate of post-recession life. One of the most drastic changes that the county government took, led by Haruyski, was the reorganization of the county governmental structure, moving from an administrator form of government to the creation of a County Manager. This move, combined with changes to government operations, led to a government that avoided mass-layoffs, minimal raised taxes, and no serious disruptions to important government services.
He did not stop there, he was determined to better the connection between the public, the county government offices, and the legislature. With increased communication in mind, Hauryski partnered with the Executive Director for the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, New York State, and Federal Government partners to find ways to maintain and improve current industrial sustainability. This new initiative helped the old Polly-O Cheese Factory through a major sale of the factory to Kraft, saving many jobs in Campbell. Hauryski also helped found the Steuben County Land Bank, a government operation to purchase abandoned or dilapidated property and converting it into useful land to support the tax roll. In reaching out to former colleagues of Joe, they all came to this similar conclusion, through his quiet but firm leadership, the County Government was left better off, surviving great financial stress, maintaining stability, working together on the common goal of bettering the people of Steuben County.
Keywords:
Leader, Legislator
Nominator: 2026 – Kathleen Hagenbuch, Hall of Fame Committee
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Joseph “Bud” Meade III
Name: Joseph “Bud” Meade III
D.O.B.: October 25, 1952
D.O.D.:
Summary:
Joseph F. “Bud” Meade III, born October 25, 1950, in Hammondsport, New York, to Joseph F. and Helen Meade II, is a visionary leader whose career and philanthropy profoundly shaped Steuben County. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in local history, Meade graduated from Hammondsport Central School in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University in 1974 and an M.B.A. from Syracuse University in 1976.
Meade began his career at Mercury Aircraft’s subsidiary plant in Faribault, Minnesota. While there, he met Katherine Saufferer, marrying her in 1978. After nearly a decade in Minnesota, the family returned to Hammondsport so Meade could train under his father. When his father retired in 1987, Meade became President of Mercury Aircraft, Inc., ushering in an era of careful and calculated expansion.
Under his forward-thinking leadership, Mercury navigated massive industry shifts. Meade expanded operations by adding two new manufacturing plants in Bath, New York, and Mexico. He also founded AirSpeed, LLC, a strategic joint venture that ensured the company remained globally competitive. These initiatives injected economic vitality into the region, adding over 1,000 jobs to the Hammondsport area alone. When competitors relocated to Asia, Meade’s foresight and investments in advanced robotics insulated Mercury from the devastating market crash of the early 2000s.
Retiring in 2018, Meade helped create Hammondsport Community Services and supported numerous non-profits through the Meade Foundation. A champion of community service, he served on numerous boards including Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital, Keuka Health Care foundation, and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. He donated the historic Taylor Wine property to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in 2014, securing a permanent home for the growing, regional museum. If you could sum up Joseph F. “Bud” Meade III, in one sentence, it would be with his own company’s motto: “Be The Best”.
Keywords:
Leader, Visionary, Philanthropist
Nominator: 2026 – Mike Hanna, Steuben County Legislator
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Joseph John Nasser
Name: Joseph John Nasser
D.O.B.: February 26, 1914
D.O.D.: March 21, 1988
Summary:
Joseph John Nasser was born to John and Mary David Nasser on February 26, 1914, in Syracuse, NY. The Nasser family lived in Corning, and after graduating from high school and college, Joseph became a lawyer and was in practice in Corning. Of note, he became the Corning City Attorney by the 1950s, and in this capacity, he had an important role in the shaping of the Market Street scene. After the Corning Glass Center (now Corning Museum of Glass) was formed, the 200-inch disc that was installed at Centerway Square was being moved to the new museum space, and there was a rumor that the famous Centerway Clock Tower would also be removed. At the time, Nasser was the Attorney, but his predecessor, Attorney James Sebring presented an injunction, prohibiting the disturbance of the Clock Tower. Though Nasser did not have any official decision making in that matter, he, none-the-less, was thrust into an important change in the Corning Market Street scene.
Nasser’s greatest act of service to his community was in the capacity of Mayor of the City of Corning, from 1960-1983. He could not imagine that his role as Mayor would be tested by the worst disaster ever recorded in history, here in the county. The Flood of 1972 caused widespread damage and took the lives of 19 people. Corning was the worst hit and was in a state of destruction quite a while afterward. Under his leadership, the city rebuilt from the destruction, transformed its business districts, and, most importantly, rallied a devastated community to work together and rebuild for the future. This effort was not Nasser’s work, alone. But with his unceasing commitment to fixing the city greatly contributed to Corning rising from the ruins. What you see with Market Street, today, is in part thanks to Mayor Nasser’s support and leadership. What used to be an industrial city was transformed into an award winning downtown full of shops, restaurants, and “small town” charm. He died on March 21, 1988, at the age of 74. When he was nominated to the Hall of Fame, years ago, a high volume of letters written by adults and children of Corning, all attested to the great impact that Mayor Nasser left on Corning, still seen today.
Keywords:
Leader, Humanitarian, Politics
Nominator: 1990 – Severn Elementary School 5th Graders | 2026 – Griffin Bates, County Historian
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Ellen J. Sherwood McDowell Oliver
Name: Ellen J. Sherwood McDowell Oliver
D.O.B.: June 10, 1916
D.O.D.: November 18, 2009
Summary:
Ellen J. Sherwood McDowell Oliver was born to Albert and Mayne Sherwood on June 10, 1916, in Belmont, NY. Raised by her father, the Mayor of Belmont, she was exposed to politics early on. She graduated from Belmont High School in 1933 and Alfred University in 1937 with a bachelor’s degree in education. While teaching mathematics and English at Cohocton Central School, she met her husband, Robert McDowell. They married in 1938 and had their first daughter, Roberta, a year later.
At the outbreak of WWII, Ellen answered a critical need at Avoca High School, filling vacant teaching positions left by those sent to war. Out of duty, she stayed in Avoca for weeks on end, deeply missing her young family. She also served as a wartime plane spotter, observing aircraft for civil defense before modern radar existed.
In 1946, Ellen joined the Parent-Teacher Association as an organizer, launching a career focused on community leadership. By 1954, she joined her husband Bob’s law firm and political office. Her support helped him rise from Town of Cohocton Supervisor to a New York State Supreme Court Justice. By the 1960s, Ellen began writing campaign speeches. Her talent led her to write for notable candidates, including Thomas E. Dewey, Nelson Rockefeller, George Pataki, Al D’Amato, Amory Houghton, Randy Kuhl, and Richard Wesley. Consequently, she was invited to numerous Gubernatorial and Presidential Inauguration Balls and received the Lincoln Day Dinner Award. Even in her older years, campaigns sought her writing tact.
After Bob’s passing, she married Steuben County Historian Charles Oliver. Together, they helped establish the Benjamin Patterson Inn (now part of the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes). Ellen later moved to Hornell to care for Charles, donating a great deal of artifacts to the Cohocton, Corning-Painted Post, and Steuben County Historical Societies.
In her elder years at Clark Meadows in Canandaigua, Ellen joined the resident council to advocate for residents’ health and prosperity. No matter where she was, Ellen led her community without hesitation. Sadly, on November 18, 2009, Ellen S. M. Oliver died at the age of 93.
Keywords:
Leadership, Education, Politics
Nominator: 2012 – Congressmember Tom Reed | 2026 – Griffin Bates, County Historian
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Frank C. Platt
Name: Frank C. Platt
D.O.B.: January 23, 1866
D.O.D.: May 31, 1952
Summary:
Frank C. Platt was born to Cephas and Mary Erwin Platt on January 23, 1866, in Painted Post, NY. Platt, in his youth, was noted to have a keen interest in politics. This was reinforced by the fact at age twenty-three (1889) he wanted to be included in the committee from the Town of Erwin to be a delegate in Albany for two important voter reform bills that aimed at curtailing any corruption in the state government. Platt, though eager to attend, was told he was too young. The delegation travelled to NYC, and when they got there, they were met by a familiar, surprising face, Frank C. Platt, an ambitious 23-year-old who would not take “no” for an answer.
Now that he was with the delegation, against their instructions, he was given an opportunity to speak on the topic, outlining positives and negatives of the reform bills. This delegation from Erwin (and likely other delegations, elsewhere) New York passed new voter reform laws that protected the voter from big business intimidation, especially a proviison that blocked railroads from forcing your vote on any issues regarding the rails. These were the first reform laws passed in New York State in 75 years. Platt was riding off of the success of his political foray and was elected Supervisor of the Town of Erwin, served on numerous committees, including as Chairman of the Committee of Coroners. This position supported his election to the NYS Assembly from 1900-1906, and the NYS Senate from 1908-1912. He was a supporter of election, agriculture, highway, and work reforms – a notable achievement was his active role in funding the NY State highway system.
The most important part of Platt’s career, as a State Senator, was his observation of workers’ safety and factory standards in NYC. On March 26, 1911, a day after the infamous Triangle Shirt Waist Factory Fire, he was there first-hand to observe the horrific death and destruction. This traumatic experience brought concern and may have even incensed Platt and his fellow Senators to enact safety laws; to prevent another incident like this. The result was 62 bills being passed in the legislature, over a span of six years, aimed at workers’ safety laws. Outside of politics, Platt also operated his family dairy farm, selling dairy products door-to-door in the Painted Post and Corning areas, his dairy business even got the accreditation of local doctors who suggested his milk to newborn babies specifically because his milk was the cleanest. Platt died on March 31, 1952, in Batavia, NY. He was 86 years old.
Keywords:
Leader, Legislator, Advocate
Nominator: 2012, 2026 – Richard Platt, Grandson
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Dr. Karol Wight
Name: Dr. Karol Wight
D.O.B.: August 21, 1958
D.O.D.:
Summary:
Dr. Karol Wight is an American art historian and museum director born on August 21, 1958, in Ramsey, Minnesota. After growing up in San Jose, California, and graduating from Blackford High School in 1976, she earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and a master’s and doctorate in Art History from the University of California. Specialized in ancient Roman glass, she worked at the J. Paul Getty Museum from 1985 to 2011, rising to Senior Curator of Antiquities at the Getty Villa.
In August 2011, she moved to the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) as Executive Director, expanding her role to President and Executive Director in 2015. During her transformative tenure, Dr. Wight successfully navigated the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded massive institutional expansions. She oversaw the construction of the award-winning Contemporary Art + Design Wing, the Amphitheater Hot Shop, and a major Studio expansion. Under her leadership, CMoG achieved national acclaim, earning accolades in The New York Times, a spot on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places for its Studio, and a third-place ranking among America’s best art museums by Newsweek readers. Globally recognized, she has published 25 works, curated 13 major exhibitions, and delivered 68 lectures. Dr. Wight serves on several prestigious boards, and she was appointed by the U.S. Department of State to the Cultural Property Advisory Committee to advise on international cultural property ethics from 2017-2022. After 15 years of leadership, she retired from CMoG in 2026.
Keywords:
Leader, Academic, Visionary
Nominator: 2026 – Anne Lavancher and Nichole Cotter, former colleagues
Hall of Fame Nominee Summary – Dr. Paul Wolfgruber
Name: Dr. Paul Wolfgruber
D.O.B.: January 3, 1919
D.O.D.: March 5, 2012
Summary:
Dr. Paul Wolfgruber was born to Paul and Louise Koch Wolfgruber in Buffalo, NY on January 3, 1919. He graduated from Houghton College with a B.A. in General Science in 1940. He later graduated from the University of Buffalo Medical School in 1940. When America joined in the fighting during WWII, he served in the European and Pacific theaters of the war, serving in the Philippines until the end of the war.
In the fall of 1946, he married Leona Kumro and set up a medical practice in the northern region of New York. At the plea of the Arkport Exchange Club, Dr. Wolfgruber moved his family and practice to Arkport and set up a General Practice. He served the community by attending over 1,200 births, holding regular office hours six days a week, and even known for going on house calls to help those in need. His expertise expanded to both Bethesda and St. James Hospitals in Hornell, where he offered emergency room, medical-surgery, and obstetric and pediatric care.
Dr. Wolfgruber helped modernize Bethesda Hospital in the 1950s, and it was a fortunate decision for Steuben County, for this was the time of major epidemics: Polio; Hepatitis; Strep; and other diseases. He brought in specialist from the University of Rochester Medical School to help consult with local area physicians, further improving the quality of healthcare in our area. His greatest achievement, however, was his pioneering research and implementation of a lifesaving treatment for babies. This treatment treated hemolytic disease – when there is a difference in the blood RH factor between the mother and the baby, the mother’s blood would attack the baby’s blood, leading to death. Dr. Wolfgruber implemented a method that showed real world evidence of success in treating the disease. He retired after 40 years in the medical field, to Loon Lake, where he passed away at his home there, at the age of 93.
Keywords:
Doctor, Innovator, Lifesaver
Nominator: 2005 – Gretchen McManus, 2013 – Nancy Glover | 2026 – Griffin Bates, County Historian
