According to the Jan. 11, 1936 Port Byron Chronicle, Roswell Saeli purchased the Springlake Store from William Marshall.

At that time there were three thriving stores in the Town of Conquest - two in Conquest center and this one in Springlake.

The store was typical of the “general stores” of the time. Oiled wooden floors, the smell of spices, meat, and cheese, groceries on one side and clothes, shoes, hardware, nuts, bolts and plowpoints on the other.

Other businesses that had been in town were the E.J. Carter Store, Sawmill, Blacksmith Shop, Springlake Creamery and Masson's Creamery, where cheese was made.

Roswell Saeli was not only a prominent prosperous businessman but also involved in local activities.

He was an officer in the local Grange, ran for public office (Justice of the Peace), was part of the county committee to elect Dwight Eisenhower president and involved in the Boy Scout organization.

He and his wife (the former Evelyn Contigulia) entertained often. Mrs. Saeli's shopping trips and travels were often noted in local columns detailing the comings and goings of this little community.

They lived in the lovely brick home close to the store. Local families and Mrs. Saeli's family from Auburn and Syracuse were often entertained here.

Relatives from Italy were of great interest in this rural community.

In 1940, an ad, shown at right, ran in a local paper.

Bob Howell, a long time resident of Conquest, has been so helpful, sharing stories and photos of Springlake. An aerial view of Springlake shows the Saeli Store in the trees. It is difficult to date this photo #- there are no cars on the roads #- if you can help, or if you would like to contribute your memories please give me a call.

Joni Lincoln is the town of Conquest historian