In local politics, there's no bigger name than Barber Conable.
The longtime Genesee County resident started his career as an attorney in Batavia, and eventually became a 10-term congressman who went on to lead the World Bank.
Besides championing creation of 401(k) accounts, Conable also sponsored legislation that eventually made microbreweries possible (though that wasn't his intent -- he just thought one of his constituents should be able to brew his own beer).
Conable remains highly regarded for his integrity and intelligence.
The Post Office in Batavia is named after him as is the Conable Technology Center at Genesee Community College.
Then, there is the matter of his stately house in Alexander.
Conable and his wife, Charlotte, purchased the home in 1959 and raised their four children there. Until recently, Emily Conable lived in the house, but with her youngest son going off to college, Emily decided to move out of the 2,772-square-foot residence and put it up for sale.
The remaining household items of Barber and Charlotte are also being auctioned off at Bontrager's (a number of items are up for auction tonight (see pictures below)).
The listing went to Paul and Mary Ellen Hartwick, of Nothnagle, who lived for many years across Main Street in Alexander and were friends with Barber and Charlotte.
The Hartwick's took me on a tour of the house today and clearly cherished their memories of the Conables.
The house has four bedrooms and was built in 1830 by an Alexander attorney, A.B. Harrington. Harrington also built, for his son, the house across the street where the Hartwicks now live.
"If we could make our living selling historic homes, that's all we would do," Paul said.
The house, at 10532 N. Main St., sits on a five-acre, park-like lot that zigzags from Main Road to Route 20.
The house is listed for $199,900.
Chair given to Barber Conable by the Brookings Institute.
Barber Conable's collection of license plates
Barber Conable's Cornell University yearbook (Conable is in the first column, lower right).
A book by Henry Kissenger, former secretary of state, signed to Barber Conable by Kissenger.
