Schoellkopf Family of Buffalo - Table of Contents

Seeheim:
Jacob F. Schoellkopf II's "Home by the Lake"

By Donald Spittler, Lake View Historian

Seeheim: This was the name adopted by the family of Jacob F. Schoellkopf II for their large estate in Lake View.  The translation from German means "Home by the Lake."  Their holdings included several hundred acres that extended from the shore of the Lake Erie to the right of way of the Buffalo and Erie trolley line (now the right of way of the Niagara Mohawk Power line that parallels the con-rail.  It was an assembly of parcels that included the farms of Elliot Stewart and Pat Kinney

In the late 20's, the Seeheim Corp. ventured into several agricultural practices.  At the south side of the intersection of Old Lake Shore Road and Kellermans Road (now named Schoellkopf Road) several batteries of green houses were erected.  They were heated by a large soft coal boiler.  Carl Werner of N. Evans served for many years as boiler tender.  Initially tomatoes and other fresh vegetables were produced, but the growing of flowers proved more profitable.  Harry Burrows was hired to supervise the operation.  Flower production prospered for several years under Mr. Burrows supervision.  His assistant was Walter McAllister who took over the reins after Mr. Burrows passed away.  The corporation provided a home on the premises for the supervisors.  In the 40's the operation was closed and the greenhouses were demolished.
    
On the site of the Pat Kinney farm, the corporation established a headquarters for a large farming operation.  Houses were built for the permanent farm workers and these homes still exist under other ownership.  Initially grain and grape products were the main crops.  In the 30's, under the supervision of Floyd Chilson, beef cattle production took priority.  A huge barn was erected to house the cattle during the winter months.  The pasture area extended from N. Creek Road to the Lake View Road , thence down Lake View Road to Route 5, thence along Route 5 to the point of beginning.  Annually, Mr. Chilson went to West Virginia (vicinity of Cameron) to purchase young stock, mostly white face Herefords.  These cattle were shipped to Lake View by rail.  The unloading point was opposite the New York Central Station (that stood in the path of the present day Lake View Road crossing).  A large wooden ramp was provided for the cattle to descend.  Farm hands and several local spectators herded the stock through a gate in the adjacent pasture fence.  The entire farming operation ended in the mid 30's.  The large barn was dismantled and the salvaged lumber was used for home construction.
    
On the west side of the Lake Shore Road, opposite the junction of Schoellkopf Road (formerly Kellerman Road) stood the residence for the farm supervisor.  Immediately behind the residence, was the large horse stable.  Before automobiles became common-place the Schoellkopf's employed a coachman to operate a fancy horse drawn carriage.  During the late 20's and early 30's, Nell and Judy, the daughters of J. F. III became very interested in show horses.  Nell's favorite mount was jet black and appropriately named "Midnight."  Judy's favorite was a two wheeled carriage pulled by a sleek black Shetland pony named Pancake.  The seating area was in the form of a large wicker basket with a small door in the rear.  Passengers sat on both sided facing each other. 

At many of the annual lawn fetes at the Lake View Congregational Church, Judy provided kiddie rides with Pancake pulling this buggy.  They employed a full time groom named Fred Lattimer; his assistant was Herbert Buggenhagen.  Fred was an excellent horseman, who frequently rode mounts at the Derby Horse Show, especially in the steeple chase.  In addition to his equestrian ability,  Fred was also an accomplished banjo player.  Occasionally he would drive a horse and carriage up to Spittler's store.  After shopping he would mount the carriage, whip out his banjo, and entertain the local patrons. One of his favorite tunes was the 12th Street Rag.  Freds' daughter Beatrice, also possessed a strong bent for music, and she excelled in the piano.         


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