This group of people don’t like to be called gypsies as it has a bad connotation as criminals. They call themself Romani. Although thought of as only living in Europe, there are groups living in just about everywhere in the world. The best estimate is that there about 1,000,000 living in the US.

Republic – Democrat

June 17, 1971

Hamlin Beach Denied To Gypsies

WITH ECOLOGY as the word of the day, Boy Scout Troop Nos. 85, 86, and 111 participated in OPERATION CLEANUP, on June 12, in the greater Brockport area. Directed by Mr. Allan Way, Comm. Chairman Troop No. 85, Walter Hellman and Keith Phend Sweep Clean, while aided by Mr. Anthony Defilipo, Unit Manger, Carrol’s of Brockport. Looking on are Richard Booth, Dale Van Eecke, and Mr. Jerry Rathbun, Supervisor, Carrol’s Restaurant.

Excitement prevailed in Clarkson for approximately two hours Monday afternoon when thirty caravans of gypsies lined both sides of the Lake Rd. south of the Ridge. A consultation was held as to their itinerary. It seems that reservations were made at Hamlin Beach Park for the night but upon arrival admittance was denied.

An avalanche of calls were received by both the State Police and Sheriff’s office, but the gypsies were doing no harm and promised to leave the county.

The leader stated that they would proceed through Brockport to the New York thruway and on to New York City. An offer of $300 was made by the leader to any Clarksonite who would permit them to ledge for the night but there were no takers.

It was the first contingent of gypsies seen in this area in many years. There were approximately one hundred men, women and children in the group Many were from the Philadelphia area. All of the trailers and vehicles depicted wealth as the majority of cars were in the $5,000 – $6,000 category.