John Robert Nipher recognized by the Catherine Schuyler Chapter
From the Daughters of the American Revolution, pictured is Nipher and Chapter Regent Deborah Snyder
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) provides, through its Community Service Award Committee, local chapters a unique way to recognize worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding volunteer service. At the Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR’s October 17, 2024 meeting, held at the Fawcett Post 1582 American Legion in Canaseraga, just such an award was given.
According to the official documentation submitted to the National Society, John Robert “Bob” Nipher spent six years researching and writing a user-friendly historical record of Canaseraga, New York. His research was done by personally choosing primary sources, spending countless hours looking through archives, and writing his notes in longhand. He additionally interviewed older citizens through personal visits, phone interviews and paper correspondence.
Bob’s goal was to create a book to be sold exclusively by Canaseraga’s Essential Club Free Library and Marjorie Dieter Mastin Historical Society with all printing expenses paid by himself and 100% of proceeds to benefit the two institutions. “Down in the Valley:Recollections of a Canaseraga Boy” was produced in 300 hard cover copies, which included numerous photographs. They sold out within three months of availability and still are an excellent resource for local history fact-finding about the period described: mid-1800’s to early 1960’s.
In addition to researching and writing this historically valuable book for local resources and donating all the profits, Bob has provided in other ways towards the upkeep and repairs for the historical society buildings. He is a humble man, seeking no formal recognition, and often turning any praise for himself to another subject.
When presenting the chapter’s 2024 DAR Community Service Award to Mr. Nipher, Chapter Regent Deborah Snyder noted that every year Bob phones to ask whether there is any significant item needed for the historical society facility, and that he has indeed, purchased several items on the society’s wish list. His often-stated desire is, “Just tell me how I can help.”
