LIBRARY TO OFFER PROGRAM ON HISTORY OF SALVATION ARMY IN TOMPKINS COUNTY

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Salvation Army Colonels Frank and Yvonne Payton for a fascinating look at the history of the Salvation Army in Tompkins County, Wednesday, November 17 at 5:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

The Paytons were born into the Salvation Army family--both Frank and Yvonne’s parents were Salvation Army officers—and they have spent their lives serving the organization in various capacities.

Frank’s parents, Edwin and Elsie Payton, moved to Ithaca, with four-month-old Frank, in 1933 to take the helm of the local Salvation Army Corps. During their nearly two years in Ithaca the elder Paytons were instrumental in establishing the men’s lodge in the basement of the Salvation Army building at 121 West State Street and the still-active Salvation Army Brass Band.

While they were called to other areas, Edwin and Elsie grew so fond of the Ithaca area that they purchased property in Danby and spent annual family vacations there---instilling in Frank a lifelong love and admiration for the area.

Yvonne was born in Johnson City to Salvation Army officer parents and became an officer herself in 1958. She and Frank traveled extensively through their work with S.A., including posts in Puerto Rico, Argentina, Jamaica and Mexico.

Now formally retired, the Payton’s reside locally and are dedicated volunteers of the local Salvation Army. Their talk will provide an illustrated look at the history of the Salvation Army and its work in Tompkins County. They have been conducting research about the Salvation Army at the Library for more than a year, in preparation for the organization’s 125th anniversary.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248.