Gary’s interest in history came from his late father, Earl, who enjoyed reading American military history and taking the family to historic sites. Then a friend introduced Gary to reenacting at Old Fort Niagara. In addition to reenacting, Gary presents talks on the Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, Indians in Upstate NY, World War II in Europe, and his father’s experiences in that war, and other topics. He has presented some of these for our GHS programs.
Gary and his wife Carol moved to Gates as newlyweds thirty-seven years ago. Carol also volunteers at the Hinchey House. Both retired now, they enjoy visiting old houses, museums and other historic sites. They’ve visited England and many of the National Parks in the Rockies and elsewhere. They also share a love of classical music and have a part-time hobby of ushering for events at Roberts Wesleyan.
If you’ve taken a tour of the Hinchey House, there’s a good chance you have met Gary, one of GHS’ most active docents. A member of the Gates Historical Society for over ten years, Gary condensed past GHS President Laura Nolan’s notes for the tour. Of course, as our collection changes over the years the tour gets updated. The tours of the Hinchey House have been curtailed in the past couple of years due to Covid restrictions, but we will be able to offer them starting this Spring. Gary is looking forward to guiding visitors through this historic house again.