Grape Sellers and Wine Cellars

Welcome to the Darwin R. Barker Historical Museum's first online Exhibit about Prohibition and its effects on the agricultural and social life of Fredonia and surrounding communities. We will be showcasing just some of the amazing artifacts that make up the Grape Belt Archive currently housed at the Museum. Since the archive is adding new materials daily, please visit again to see what new items we add.

About the Grape Belt Archive:

The Grape Belt Archive represents the research work of John Slater, who has spent many years collecting information and digital artifacts related to local agriculture, especially the extensive tradition of grape and specifically wine and grape juice production in the Grape Belt area of Chautauqua County. Items in this collection were generously donated by Mr. Slater, and the Archival staff at the Darwin R. Barker Historical Museum are hard at work turning the thousands of digital files into a digital archive for the public to examine, explore, research, and learn more about the amazing agricultural heritage right here in Chautauqua County.

If you have any questions related to this archive, are interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like to donate to support our ongoing work, please contact us.

Click here to browse the main site for the Grape Belt Archive.