BOLIVAR � The 10th Annual New York State Oil Producers Association Wall of Fame now includes four new names.
The four men who were inducted Friday at the Pioneer Oil Museum were John Bryner, Harold Benson, Richard "Steve" Gollaher and Charles Joyce. These four men were honored posthumously for their work and business in the oil industry. The induction plaques were given to their family members by Pioneer Oil Museum Board President Paul Plants and Director Kelly Lounsberry.
Along with awards given out in memory of the oil barons, state Sen. Catharine Young, who was present for the induction, presented a resolution from the state Senate, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Pioneer Oil Museum.
"It is important that our local communities protect their history for future generations," Young said in her presentation.
Young also presented Plants with a proclamation for his work in the oil industry. Plants was also given the Col. Edwin L. Drake Legendary Oilman Award on a previous date in Bradford, Pa. This award is the highest award given by the Petroleum History Institute to those who have dedicated their lives to careers in the oil business.
"I'm very humbled to accept this award for working in an industry I love so much," said Plants, who is also president and co-founder of Plants and Goodwin, Inc. in Shinglehouse, Pa.
Two private donations toward the Pioneer Oil Museum were presented at the end of the ceremony. Charles H. Joyce posthumously donated to the Pioneer Oil Museum and housed antique oil equipment will be put on display and named in his honor.
Lance Shaner made the biggest private donation the museum ever received, according to Lounsberry. The Lance T. Shaner Exhibition Building, which will be built at a later date, was officially dedicated to Shaner at the induction ceremony.
After the ceremony, a wine- and cheese-tasting event took place for those who bought tickets. The wine was provided by Bolivar Spirits and Wine and hors d'oeuvres were provided by the Pioneer Oil Museum Board and the Bolivar Lioness Club.