FRANC PUGSLEY |
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Main Cemetery -- Area J |
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Franc was born in Perinton to John and Alice May Barnesdale Fassett in 1871. Her father, John, served in two different branches of the service during the Civil War. He first enlisted in the 8th New York Calvary and was discharged in 1862. He then re-enlisted in the 108th New York Volunteer Infantry where he served until the end of the War. His only daughter, Franc, was very proud of his service. Franc attended Fairport schools where she undoubtedly found her interest in reciting and speaking in front of people, as well as in biology and studying how plants and animals could be saved from extinction. All her life, it seems, she was tremendously involved in learning about and preserving plants and animals that were becoming endangered. She passionately sought out plants that were nearing extinction and brought them to her own garden; where she further studied and carefully tended them. Franc married Frank Pugsley, who had lived in Pittsford all of his life. He became Mayor of the Village, as well as historian, and enjoyed plants as much as his wife. Together they created a veritable jungle nursery in their garden behind their home at 2 Rand Place in the village, complete with small springs and waterfalls that attracted rare birds. Together they hunted for, transplanted and carefully tended all kinds of wild flowers. Mrs. Pugsley wanted others to know and care about flowers, plants and animals, so she invited a few friends who had shown interest in learning more about the environment to attend a meeting at her home where she suggested that they form a group that met regularly and present information about rare and different flowers and plants. It was ninety years ago, in 1930 when this small group became The Pittsford Garden Club and Mrs. Pugsley served as its president from its inception until 1933. The membership has increased along with their knowledge and expertise. Perhaps all of the members don’t know as many species as Franc Pugsley did, but they still seek to know more about the flowers and plants of the area in which we live. Mrs. Pugsley was well known as an expert about flora and fauna of upstate New York and was often asked to give advice and speak to other interested groups. She was also well known as an elocutionist and many times was asked to be the Mistress of Ceremonies and/ or Speaker at various events. She was, also, a noted poetess. In 1939, in recognition of her work, Franc was awarded the District medal by the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State for “a lifetime of constructive conservation work”. Today, everyone is interested in the vital problems of conservation, but when Mrs. Pugsley started her work, this was not the case. She, however, saw the need of protection for native plants and animals. In accepting the honor, Mrs. Pugsley spoke about her conservation work at the Bergen Swamp, in Genesee County, which up until then had been almost totally ignored. She was a woman ahead of her time and she left this earth a better and certainly a greener place with many people concerned and caring for the local environment. |
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