USA > New York > Wyoming County > Perry > History of the town of Perry, New York > Part 4
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PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO
NATIONAL
HOTEL
South view in Perry village.
The above picture is a reproduction from an old gazeteer of the State of New York, published in the early 40's, and is a view from the south, looking north. It shows Lake street at the extreme left, also the M. E. Church and District Union School. The church at that time faced a road connecting Lake and Covington streets. The "National Hotel" shown is the building removed for the Wise block and remodeled into the Hotel Covington. The building at the left of the hotel is the present Record office, removed and remodeled, from the site of the Garrison (now Austin) block. These two buildings are among the oldest frame business buildings in the village. As may be noted, there were at that time no buildings between the hotel and the Bailey block, now occupied by Roche's grocery. The Presbyterian and Baptist churches are shown in the distance. At the extreme right may be seen the porch of the hotel conducted by A. B. Walker. It was destroyed by fire in 1857 and its site is now occupied by The Tavern.
came to a stop in front of the old National Hotel, kept by Thomas Livingston, near the corner of Main and Lake streets.
By the mail coach people found a means to visit other towns or receive and send money, goods, etc. J. A. McElwain was the proprietor of the line which ran from Perry to Can- andaigua, eastward, passing through Moscow, Geneseo, Li- vonia, Richmond and Bristol, at that time all of them being
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
places of considerable size. A line also ran from Perry to Buf- falo, by way of Buffalo Corners, west, via Orangeville, Sheldon, Wales, Aurora and Hamburg; one from Perry to Jamestown, via Pike and Ellicottville. The Warsaw and Batavia line pass- ed through Wyoming and Bethany and connected at Batavia with the New York Central Railroad. There was also a mail line to Sardinia via Gainesville, Orangeville, and Java. Those were the days that made the hearts of the tavern-keepers re- joice, for business was business, and there was plenty of it. . Between Castile and Geneseo were 11 taverns, all well patron- ized, and "full every night" was a common expression. As one travels the highways today in almost any direction, he may observe the buildings whose peculiar appearance marks them as being taverns of the early days, now remodeled to make them as nearly as possible into the modern residence.
Following is a list of the business places conducted at the time of which we write. Of groceries there were five, con- ducted respectively by H. A. Barton, R. Stratton, B. B. Hicks, Jivah Higgins, and Hicks & Bailey. The dry goods firms also numbered five, being two more than at the present time, viz : Parsons & Clark, John H. Bailey, G. L. Davis, Rufus H. Smith and S. W. Merrill & Sons.
Aplin & Owen and F. J. & N. Bullard manufactured har- ness and saddlery. Mr. Bullard conducted his business for over 30 years from this time.
Tailors were plenty, and prices for fashionable goods were much lower than at the present time. The list of tailors com- prised J. L. Wilson, Charles Wing, Hutchinson & Rockwell, and J. B. Farmer.
The boot and shoe dealers were John Ten Eyek, E. Hig- gins & Son, W. J. Chapin & Co., and Peter Alberty.
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PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO
C. O. Buddington manufactured hats and caps. One of the hats made by him is on exhibition at the Log Cabin near the Walker grounds at Silver Lake, and bears only a slight re- semblance to the modern styles.
The milliners were in full force, and had representatives in the persons of Mrs. Catherine Bayne, Mrs. Polly Higgins, Miss Martha Shearman, and Z. & S. Bullard. Miss Shearman continued her business in the same building, on the site of the present Sage garage, until about the year 1880.
The physicians were : Z. W. Joslyn, Mason G. Smith (who also occupied the position of Justice of the Peace and issued prescriptions and subpoenas at the same time;) G. L. Keeney and Otis Higgins.
The cabinet makers and furniture dealers were : David A. Shirley, Hooper & Buttre, and A. S. Horton. Mr. Buttre re- mained in business until about 1885.
John Carr and W. and Wm. Dolbeer carried on the busi- ness of carriage and wagon making.
Hicks & Bailey and A. Otis & Son managed the two foundries and did a vast amount of custom work.
Of lawyers, Perry had a large number, the legal business of that period being of greater proportion than at present. We find the names of I. N. Stoddard, J. J. Pettit, Wm. Mitchell (who was also Surrogate;) L. A. Hayward and Levi Gibbs.
E. C. Pease was a barber who advertised as follows :
"Those gents who would be shaved in a trice, And have their hair cut and combed very nice ;
Who would have all done with most perfect ease, Will not go amiss to call on E. C. Pease."
Wm. Taylor and Henry E. Homan attended to the butcher business and had first-class markets on Main street.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
E. M. Kimball and James Huntington sold watches, clocks, jewelry and accordeons.
Stephen Sherman attended to house and sign painting. Jos- iah Andrews had a land office. David Mitchell sold drugs and medieines. A. B. Waller conducted a livery stable. A. D. Smith attended to Uncle Sam's affairs at the postoffice, with Henry N. Page as deputy. Marcus D. Smith attended to car- riage painting and trimming, and was considered the "boss trimmer" in this section.
Perry had four flouring mills, viz : The one known as "The Lower Mill," because of its location on the outlet, was operated by Hateh & Bailey ; the second mill, operated by N. Severence & Co .; the third mill by Rufus H. Smith; and where Tomlin- son's mill now is, E. B. Sacket with George L. Davis in charge as agent, conducted the business.
Perry had a eurious genius in those days in the person of Levi S. Mitchell, who was better and more familiarly known as "Corporal" Mitchell, and who conducted a small restaurant on what was called "The Sweeney plan." His capital was so limited that he was compelled to borrow funds of his younger patrons whenever the traveling oyster vendor came on his monthly trip. Now, Judge Rufus H. Smith, who was his land- lord, would early discover that the "Corporal" had made a raise among the boys and laid in his stock of bivalves, and quietly giving the word to his friends to assemble, the Judge would walk in and call for oysters. After disposing of all that the "Corporal" had in stock, the Judge would tell him to "Chalk it down on rent," thus demolishing the latter's bank account and business at one fell swoop, while the young men who had furnished "the needful" were compelled to take buckwheat cakes or boiled eggs for their jay, instead of the choice oysters at "one-and-six" per plate, for which their mouths had watered.
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PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO
T. Prawl and Philander Simmons conducted two extensive blacksmith shops and had a thriving business.
One of the largest tanneries in the western part of the State was the one at Perry, operated by W. J. Chapin, Jairus Moffett and Brown.
Elisha Briggs managed the patent picket fence factory down the "Creek Road, " as it was called.
Rufus H. Smith owned the carding mill, and George Col- burn acted as manager, with 15 hands in their employ.
Perry boasted of three saw mills, one owned by R. H. Smith and operated by Charles Hope and Aaron Axtell, Sr., one by James Shearman, at the upper dam; and one by Ashall Shaw at the middle dam.
Ed. Root conducted a livery stable and toy store, and daily created more fun than all of the clowns in the circus business could manufacture in a whole season.
Bailey & Hatch managed quite an extensive flaxseed oil mill, using for that purpose a three-story building and employ- ing seven men. Davis & Sacket had a large distillery and ash- ery at the middle dam. Two cooper shops were doing busi- ness here, one operated by Beriah Brown and the other by Luther Bacheldor, each having a large business.
Perry had a select school kept by Mrs. Harriet Massette, also an academic school on Covington street, with J. C. Vander- cook as principal, and Miss R. Grisewood as assistant. Their terms of tuition were very moderate, as may be noted by one of their advertisements, from which we quote: "Tuition per term of 11 weeks : In the First Department, for Spelling, Read- ing and Rudiments of Geography, with varied oral exercises in
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
various other branches ... $1.50. The above, with Rudiments of Grammar, Arithmetic, Orthography, etc ... $2.00. The above, with advanced classes in Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, Composition and Penmanship ... $2.50. In the Higher Depart- ment : For all common English Branches, with Composition, Declamation, Natural Philosophy, History, Rhetoric, Logic and Book-Keeping ... $3.00. The above, with Intellectual Philo- sophy, Moral Science, Chemistry, Astronomy, Algebra, Survey- ing, Geometry, Rudiments of Latin and French Languages, etc ... $4.00. Lessons will also be given in Sketching, Land- scape, Oriental and Mezzotinto Drawing and Painting on terms to suit the convenience of those wishing to take the lessons. Mr. Vandercook will also organize classes at the request of mechanics, clerks, apprentices, and any others, to give them in- struction at any time they may choose, aside from the regular hours for school, as his principal wish is to make himself truly useful in his calling and benefit all with whom he may asso- ciate."
There was also a select school kept by Miss Harriet Ham- mond ; and a district school with T. S. Loomis, principal, who had four assistants. This school had an enrollment of 350 pupils.
A very popular society, known as "The Perry Musical As- sociation," was in existence at this time, with the following named officers: President, James McEntee; First Vice-Presi- dent, Alanson Lapham; Second Vice-President, Gilbert Mit- chell ; Secretary, E. G. Billings.
In May, 1844 a terrible hail storm occurred here, which practically ruined all of the crops. Stones weighing one ounce each were picked up on Main street ..
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PERRY THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO
The Countryman was being published in Perry at this per- iod. A perusal of a copy of this paper reveals an almost entire absence of local items, the greater part of the paper being made up of advertisements and foreign news. The Country- man was a six column sheet and contained but nine columns of reading matter, being in marked contrast to the local papers of the present, with their many columns of live community news and interesting miscellany. And yet the patrons of The Countryman were glad to pay $3.00 per year for even such a paper as that. The editor, Mr. D. S. Curtis, called on his pat- rons to either "pay postage on communications or get them franked, as we cannot stand the expense." The joke will be seen when it is understood that persons could send all the mail they chose and were not compelled to prepay postage, the fol- lowing being the rates of postage charged at the time: Under 30 miles, 6c; over 30 miles and under 80, 10c; over 80 miles and under 150, 121/2c ; over 150 and under 400, 1834c; over 400 miles, 25c; with double rates for every additional sheet of paper, without regard to the weight. As a consequence, no envelopes were used, the letter being folded, and sealed with a wafer, and directed on the back.
Horse racing was one of the most popular sports of the early 40's. At this period and until the construction of the race track at the fair grounds, races were held on South Main street, the course being from the top of the "Universalist Hill" to Needham's woods. That horse racing was considered a man's sport by the local editor, at least, is the conclusion nec- essarily reached from the following which we copy in its en- tirety from the issue of the American Citizen, published in ' Perry by Mitchell & Lewis, dated Sept. 27th, 1837.
"We perceive by handbills in circulation that our Gaines- ville (Silver Springs) neighbors are to be treated by one of
.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
those schools of public morals, with something a little extra, at least in our region.
" After describing certain regulations, the handbill informs us that 'Convenient seats will be arranged for the LADIES.' Ladies at a horse race! ! ! Astonishing! ! Who could have thought that we had arrived at such a pitch of refinement ? But we forgot-they had a dancing school in that vicinity last winter."
The following statistics of Perry Village for the year 1845 were compiled at the close of that year by the late Col. Wm. Dolbeer :
Population within the Corporation. . . . Male, 522 Female, 549
Value of Manufactured Products- -
Four Grist Mills
$65,880.00
Three Saw Mills
1,992.00
Oil Mill 2,400.00
Tannery 14,500.00
Ashery 1,300.00
Two Foundries
10,115.00
Fulling Mill
1,175.00
Carding Mill
4,000.00
Total $101,362.00
General Stores 8
Boot and Shoe Stores 1
Drugs and Book Store 1 Groceries 5
Taverns
2
Churches
4
Buildings 150
CHAPTER V
Early Industrial Development-Distilleries and Asheries Important Features-Foundry, Flax Mill and "Clothiery" Were Other Industries.
When the pioneers first came to Perry, the land was cov- ered with a fine growth of timber, which, owing to the scarcity of mills and roads, was practically valueless in its natural state ; but by gathering the ashes that remained after burning the timber and putting them through a certain process, the settlers manufactured black salts, which found a ready market at the nearest settlement. The manufacture of potash, at that time commonly called "black salts," was the principal source of rev- enue for the settlers until they could prepare their land and harvest their crops.
At an early date in the town's history, David Thorp, Sam- uer Howard, Jason Lathrop, and Langon, Leonard & Sanger started asheries at Perry Center, and from that time most of the farmers discontinued making potash and sold their ashes to these concerns. Mr. Lathrop's ashery, which was erected on Lot No. 5, was in existence for many years.
During the first few years, the settlers raised only a suf- ficient amount of grain for their own needs, as there was no market nearby, and the cost of transportation was too great to convey it any long distance. About the year 1820, Samuel How- ard erected a distillery on Lot No. 17 at Perry Center, and this acted as an incentive to the farmers to raise more grain, as the spirit into which the distillery converted it could be trans- ported at much less expense. Benjamin Gardner built a distillery in the village in about 1822. Still another was erect- ed at West Perry about the year 1825. The completion of the
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
Erie Canal opened the Eastern markets to farm products and rendered distilling unprofitable, and the industry struggled for a time against the inevitable, but finally yielded to necessity and succumbed.
As stated elsewhere, John Hammersley constructed what is now known as the Whipple dam, in 1811. In the year 1813 he erected a grist mill and a saw mill. The grist mill was sit- uated on the south side of the dam, just below the present lo- cation of Wm. Whipple's shop. In 1817 Mr. Hammersley sold the grist mill to Childs & Gardner, Mr. Childs subsequently sell- ing his interest to Mr. Gardner, who continued to operate the mill until 1828. Later it was converted into a wooden dish mill and pails, tubs, bowls, etc., were made there for a number of years. It finally fell into disuse and was torn down.
The saw mill which had been built on the north side of the dam, was also sold to Mr. Gardner and was operated by him un- til his death in 1834, when it passed into the hands of Jamès N. Sherman, who erected a new saw mill on the same site. A few years later, Mr. Sherman sold the mill to Hon. Rufus H. Smith. After a period of use it was converted into a wooden pump factory, operated by Brazilla Howe, who was familiarly known among the citizens at "Pump" Howe. This establish- ment was in operation until about the year 1860.
In 1818, Wm. Wiles built a grist mill near the present site of Mark Phelps' residence on Gardeau street, on the east bank of the outlet. The machinery, or gearing, used in this mill was made entirely of wood. This mill changed hands several times and was used for a number of years. It finally went into dis- use, and in 1860 was destroyed by firc.
Although a considerable quantity of the products manu- factured by these early promoters of industry was sold to the numerous immigrants who were taking up land in the Genesee
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EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
61 TI
Country, as well as to those who were striking out for a more distant Western home, the greater portion was sold in the east. . It was impracticable for each manufacturer to deliver his products to Albany, and at length an extensive system of trans- portation was established. Experience demonstrated that one teamster could manage six horses as well as two, and thus re- duce the cost. Six horse teams, with harness to match, were no trifling affairs in those days. The horses were furnished mostly by the Dutch settlers of the Mohawk Valley, and were noted for their solidity and strength. Most of the wagons were covered and sufficiently strong to carry eight to ten tons. The driver rode the "off" wheel horse and used one guiding rein only. Thus equipped, the "Dutch ship," as it was called, struck out for Albany with its cargo of flour, potash and whis- key as freight, to be loaded on the return trip with all sorts of machinery and merchandise. Thirty days were allowed for a round trip, although in good going the time was shortened a few days, while in the Spring and Fall it was not uncommon to be out forty days.
About the year 1822, a foundry was erected by Harvey Prichard on Water street, on the west bank of the outlet, a short distance south of Walnut street, and was used for the manufacture of iron castings, principally plow points and sleigh shoes. Mr. Prichard had a potash kettle lined with clay, and melted his iron with charcoal. It has been said that his plow points were so hard that they would outlast any two that are on the market today. Prior to his venture into the foundry business, he had been a flax spinner and a rope maker, but had found that there was not enough demand for such commodities among the residents to make their manufacture profitable. Although considered a genius at whatever work he undertook, he was inclined to neglect his business, preferring his dog and gun to his work, consequently he was not as successful in his
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
various enterprises as his talents would have permitted. In 1842 the foundry was sold to A. Otis & Son, who continued the business for several years, after which it was remodeled into a flax mill and operated under the management of Wm. T. Ham- lin. Tow, which was used extensively in upholstering, was manufactured here for several years. A part of the old foundry was used for a time as a cooper shop.
RICHARD T. TUTTLE Born on September 30th, 1830. Died on April 27th, 1896.
A cloth factory, or "clothiery" as it was called, and a saw mill were built in the village about 1822. The saw mill was afterward enlarged and is still in operation, under the manage-
Born Oct. 10, 1825
DAVID ANDRUS
Died July 9, 1909
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
The above picture shows in the foreground the old wooden bridge on Gardeau street, which was replaced in 1883 by the present culvert. The view is taken from the north, looking south, and shows the Wylie woolen mill in the distance. The mill stood at the rear of The Tavern, a short dis- tance north of Andrus' planing mill. The man on the bridge is James Hildum.
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EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
ment of the Andrus Estate. This is the oldest established in- dustry in the town, the lumber business having been carried on there continuously for a period of 92 years. Among those who have operated this mill we find the names of Hon. Rufus H. Smith, Edmund M. Bills, E. M. Read & Co., (Jerome Allen,) E. M. Read & Co., (R. T. Tuttle and James Wyckoff,) Read & Andrus, and David Andrus.
The "elothiery" was converted into a woolen mill about the year 1856 by John Post. He was succeeded by Henry N.
JAMES WYLIE Born at Elderslie, Scotland, in 1826. Died on June 29th, 1906.
Page, a Mr. Green, who later operated the Green woolen mill at Pike, then by Wylie & Morton, and later by James Wylie.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
While conducted by Mr. Wylie, the Perry Woolen Factory, as it was known, employed a capital of $20,000, contained 216 spindles, five looms, and manufactured annually about 16,000 yards of cloth. The mill was operated continuously until its destruction by fire on August 7th, 1880.
In 1824, Bailey & Hatch erected an oil mill, a short dis- tance below the Prichard foundry. Linseed oil was manu- factured here until 1848. This firm also owned a grist mill which they had purchased in 1827.
Another clothiery was established about the year 1827 by Wheeler & Buddington. It was located on Water street, a short distance from Gardeau street. Mr. Buddington also carried on an extensive hat business in connection with the clothiery. The factory was afterward converted into a grist mill and was operated successively. by N. Severance, Palmer & Atwood, John Richmond, and then by his son-in-law, Wm. Hutton. The building was torn down in 1898. The old roadway which led to this mill may still be seen, leading off from Water street.
A short distance below the buildings of the Perry Knitting Cc., another grist mill was erected about the year 1819 by a certain Mr. Bailey, a former resident of LeRoy. Before falling into disuse, this mill changed ownership no less than 18 differ- ent times, as follows : Bailey, (LeRoy ;) C. P. Bailey & Samuel Hatch ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Grisewood; Bailey, Brown & Co .; Robert Grisewood ; Calvin P. Bailey ; Brown & Frost; G. Taylor; Anson D. Smith ; Robert Grisewood; Grisewood & Bradfield ; Bradfield & Bolton; Bradfield & Loomis; White & Harrington ; Cornish & Chase ; L. P. Cornish ; J. B. Hutton.
The first tannery to be erected in the town was established near Simmons' Corners by John Olin about the year 1817, and a good business was carried on until 1841, when the tannery was closed. The second tannery to be erected was built about 1820
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EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
by Samuel and Henry Phoenix on the present site of Herry's blacksmith shop on Covington street in the rear of the former Bailey (now Hatch) block. At this time a plank road was laid over the creek (which flows under Main street through a cul-
22
The above picture shows the former Richmond Mill referred to. The old sluice-way leading to Hamlin's Flax Mill is shown in the foreground The view is taken from the north, looking toward the south.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
vert, ) for the convenience of farmers in unloading their tanbark, which was used in the process of manufacturing leather. Some two or three years later another tannery was constructed by Willard J.Chapin. This was situated on the Crocker property on Leicester street. In 1832 the two firms consolidated under the name of Phoenix, Chapin & Co., and used the Phoenix property as their main factory. The following year they removed into a building in the ravine of the outlet, near the present lo-
WILLARD J. CHAPIN -- Born on March 6th, 1791; died on July 28th, 1852. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and Postmaster of Perry in the year 1838. Mr. Chapin was interested in lake property and owned what was known as "Chapin's Landing." He also laid out the present road that runs from the Allegany road to the lake, past the water works standpipe. Mr. Chapin was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, of which he was clerk for a number of years .- (From an old pencil drawing.)
69
EARLY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
cation of the electric power plant belonging to the Perry Knit- ting Co. Following the dissolution of this firm in 1837, the Phoenix brothers removed to Wisconsin, where they founded the town of Delevan. Then a new firm was organized in Perry with Willard J. Chapin, Jairus Moffett and a certain Mr. Brown as members. A son of Mr. Chapin (G. C.) succeeded this firm and continued the business until about the year 1872. The building was then converted into a spoke factory and con- ducted as such a few years by David Chase.
JAIRUS MOFFETT-Prominent in the early days of Perry; was elected Sheriff of Wyoming County in November, 1852, and served three years.
About the year 1828, John Gregg, erected a foundry on the site occupied by the stone building that is now a part of the Robeson cutlery factory. On November 24th, 1837, he sold the
70
· HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERRY
property to Ellery Hicks. Within one year or two following the sale, a severe electrical storm visited this section and the building was struck by lightning and burned. It was a serious financial loss to Mr. Hicks, who did not possess sufficient capi- tal to erect and equip another plant to take its place. With the double purpose in view of expressing their sympathy for Mr. Hicks in his misfortune and of saving the industry to the town, a public meeting was called. It resulted in a day being set for the farmers to come with their teams and wagons, a gen- eral agreement having been made to draw all of the cobble- stones necessary to construct a much larger and better build- ing than the one that had been destroyed. Stone masons, car- penters, and men from the various walks of life contributed their services, some for a day, others for a longer period and in a comparatively short time, the stone building that is now a part of the Robeson cutlery factory had been completed, practi- cally without cost to Mr. Hicks. Such was the public spirit of the citizens of the Town of Perry in the late 30's, which we are pleased to state is characteristic of the present day, as has been frequently manifested and is evidenced by many public and private improvements.
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