Tom Yots - President
For 31 years Tom Yots was a Chemistry Teacher at Lewiston Porter High School. Upon retirement he completed a Master’s Degree in Architecture at the SUNY Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and established Preservation Studios, a full service historic preservation consulting firm in Buffalo. He and his wife Louise lived in Niagara Falls for 40 years where they owned and operated Park Place Bed and Breakfast. They currently reside in Buffalo. Tom became involved with Oakwood Cemetery when he was the City Historian in Niagara Falls and chair of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission. He is currently involved in preparing local, State and National Register nominations for historic Oakwood. Tom and Louise have two sons, Jason who lives in Buffalo and Ben who lives in New York City and five grandchildren.
Oakwood Cemetery Association
Reader Comments (1)
Dear Mr. Yots,
What can you tell me about the Pattersons of Niagara Falls?
I understand that they were one of the first African American families to own and operate a hotel in the United States and they were a part of the Underground Railroad. I also understand that they are buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
Can you tell me their first names?
What was the name of their hotel they owned?
Do you have any documentation of their U.G.R.R. activity?
Do you have images of them?
Anything you can share will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Don Papson
President
North Country Underground Railroad
Historical Association
1131 Mace Chasm Road
Ausable Chasm, NY 12911-1704
518-834-5180