Page 17 - 2025 Cortland Travel Guide

HISTORY

The John J. McGraw Field

6290 Railroad Street, Truxton
In 1938, a historic exhibition game between the NY Giants and Truxton Giants was held in
Truxton, NY, to honor baseball legend John J. McGraw. Dubbed the “Greatest Sporting Event
in the History of Cortland County,” the game drew 10,000 spectators, each paying $1.10 to
attend. Today, McGraw Fields, where McGraw first fell in love with the game, still hosts events
and stands as a tribute to his legacy.

Blinky the Clown Gravestone

Virgil Rural Cemetery, 1175 NY-392, Cortland

Harry Bloomer, a lonely orphan turned beloved clown, had two unique final wishes. The first, that he
be buried in his hometown as his alter ego, Blinky the Clown. The second, that his gravestone bear the
cryptic epitaph: “Here lies Blinky the clown. Doesn’t know whether he’s going up or down. Only knows
he has to leave town.” Still adored by many, his grave has become a mysterious spot where strange gifts
often appear, left by those who can’t resist the pull of Blinky’s ghostly charm.

Dasher’s Bar Shaker

2 North Main Street, Homer

Dasher’s Corner Pub is packed with quirky local history, like an 1865 hand-crank Coles ice cream shaker discovered buried in the pub’s
basement. Restored and transformed into a cocktail shaker, it now whips up their signature Whiskey Sour with a rattling force that’ll
shake your bones if you’re leaning on the bar. Bolted to the original 1905 bar, this relic of the past isn’t just for show—it’s a living,
clanking piece of Homer’s weird and wonderful history.

Dio Way

Dio Way, Cortland
Ronnie James Dio’s journey began in Cortland, where he spent his early years on this very street,
listening to Italian opera and honing his trumpet skills in high school band class. In 1957, he joined
his first local band, The Vegas Kings, and over time, he rose to become one of hard rock and heavy metal’s
most iconic vocalists, eventually fronting the legendary Black Sabbath. Legend has it, on a full moon
night, you can still hear the echoes of Ronnie rocking out, his music lingering in the air, trapped in time.

The Mysterious Marguerite

Cortland County Historical Society, 25 Homer Avenue, Cortland
Meet the mysterious Marguerite, a peculiar doll created in 1899 by the A.P. McGraw Corset Company. You never know just where
you’ll find her hiding at the Suggett Museum. She is accompanied by a haunting card that reads: “I can call on you or be seen with
my adopted guardian.” Are you brave enough to invite Marguerite to call on you?

YOUR UNCONVENTIONAL ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

Plan your strange trip back in time at
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@cortlandcuriosities. Stay curious, travelers! Curiosities 17
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