text:
Scott, New York

Scott is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The population was 1,176 at the 2010 census. The town was named after General Winfield Scott. It is in the northwestern corner of Cortland County and is northwest of the City of Cortland.

History
Scott is within the former Central New York Military Tract. The first white settler arrived around 1799.

The town was formed in 1815 from the town of Preble. The population in 1865 was 1,149.

The town is the birthplace of James Henry Salisbury, who later went on to create the Salisbury Steak.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 58.1 km2, of which 57.7 km2 is land and 0.4 km2, or 0.65%, is water.

The western town line is the border of Cayuga County, and the northern town boundary is the border of Onondaga County. New York State Route 41 is a north-south highway in Scott.

The southern end of Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, is in the northwestern part of the town. Grout Brook, a noted trout-fishing stream, flows into the lake from the town. The hamlet of Fair Haven in the town of Scott, together with adjoining Glen Haven in the town of Niles and Spafford Landing in the town of Spafford, constitute a scenic destination for visitors as well as an attractive community for residents. Lodging and dining facilities are available, together with docking and a marina (below).

The eastern two-thirds of the town drains southward via Cold Brook and Factory Brook to the West Branch of the Tioughnioga River, part of the Susquehanna River watershed.

Hewitt State Forest, also known as Cortland Reforestation Area #1, is New York State’s first State Forest, comprising 937 acres, and is located in the Town of Scott, just off of State Route 41 on Hewitt Road.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,193 people, 417 households, and 321 families residing in the town. The population density was 53.6 PD/sqmi. There were 478 housing units at an average density of 21.5 per square mile (8.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.32% White, 0.08% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.34% Asian, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.17% of the population.

There were 417 households, out of which 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.8% were non-families. 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,000, and the median income for a family was $43,438. Males had a median income of $32,313 versus $20,817 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,588. About 7.7% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Scott

 * East Scott – A hamlet by the eastern town line on County Road 102.
 * Fair Haven – A hamlet on the eastern shore of Skaneateles Lake by the northern town line. Distinct from Glen Haven on the western side of the lake in the town of Sempronius. The Glen Haven District No. 4 School and Public Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
 * Grout Mill – A hamlet approximately one mile west of Scott village and close to the western town line.
 * Scott – The hamlet of Scott on Route 41 at the intersection of County Road 101. It was formerly called "Scott Center".

title: Scott, New York


text:
Solon, New York

Solon is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The town had a total population of 1,079 as of the 2010 census. The name of the town comes from the Greek lawmaker Solon.

The town is in the center of the county, east of the city of Cortland.

History
The region was part of the Central New York Military Tract used to pay soldiers of the American Revolution. Solon was first settled in 1794.

The town was created from part of the town of Homer in 1798, before the formation of Cortland County. Solon lost territory to the towns of Truxton (1811) and Taylor (1849).

The population of the town reached a peak of 2,311 in 1840. By 1865, the population had dropped to 995.

The Hatheway Homestead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 77.0 km2, of which 76.8 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 0.26%, is water.

New York State Route 41 is an east-west highway in the town.

Demographics
As of the year 2000 census, there were 1,108 people, 382 households, and 310 families residing in the town. The population density was 37.3 PD/sqmi. There were 419 housing units at an average density of 14.1 per square mile (5.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.74% White, 0.09% African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.

There were 382 households, out of which 43.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.6% were non-families. 10.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,167, and the median income for a family was $36,875. Males had a median income of $27,143 versus $20,833 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,555. About 6.4% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Solon

 * Mayberry Brook — A stream near the western town line that flows into Trout Brook at Mayberry Mills.
 * Mayberry Mills — A hamlet at the western town boundary.
 * Solon — The hamlet of Solon on NY Route 41.
 * Trout Brook — A tributary of the Tioughnioga River. Trout Brook flows westward from the town.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Solon, New York


text:
Taylor, New York

Taylor is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The town is in the eastern part of the county and is east of Cortland. The population was 523 at the 2010 census. The town is named after General Zachary Taylor, later the 12th president of the United States.

History
Taylor was within the Central New York Military Tract. The first settlers arrived around 1793.

The town was formed from the town of Solon in 1849. By 1865, the population was 1,167.

The Town Line Bridge and Union Valley Congregational Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 78.0 km2, of which 77.7 km2 is land and 0.3 km2  (0.41%) is water.

The eastern town line is the border of Chenango County.

New York State Route 26 passes across the southeastern part of the town.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 500 people, 177 households, and 138 families residing in the town. The population density was 16.6 inhabitants per square mile (6.4/km2). There were 216 housing units at an average density of 7.2 per square mile (2.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.20% White, 0.20% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.20% Asian, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.00% of the population.

There were 177 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.5% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,031, and the median income for a family was $39,500. Males had a median income of $29,444 versus $22,727 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,677. About 8.2% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Taylor

 * Potter Hill – A community in the northeastern part of the town that once included a school, cemetery and several houses, which is now part of Cuyler Hill State Forest.
 * Solon Pond – A small lake near the town's center.
 * Taylor – A hamlet in the southeastern corner of the town by the town line on NY Route 26. It was once called "East Solon", "Taylorville", and "Bangall".
 * Taylor Center – A hamlet adjacent to Solon Pond near the town center. It was once called "Solon Pond" after the nearby lake. The Taylor Center Methodist Episcopal Church and Taylor District No. 3 School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
 * Taylor Valley – A hamlet northwest of Taylor hamlet and southwest of Taylor Center. It takes its name from a valley in the western part of the town.
 * Union Valley (formerly "Dorantown") – A hamlet in the northeastern part of the town.

Notable person

 * Gary Wood (1942–1994), NFL quarterback for the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints

title: Taylor, New York


text:
Truxton, New York

Truxton is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The population was 1,133 at the 2010 census. The town is named for Commodore Thomas Truxtun, a privateer in the American Revolution and one of the US Navy's first commanding officers.

Truxton is in the northeastern part of the county, northeast of the city of Cortland.

History
The region that includes Cortland County was part of the Central New York Military Tract.

The first settler arrived around 1793. The town of Truxton was formed from part of the town of Fabius (in Onondaga County) when Cortland County was created in 1808. An addition was made in 1811 to Truxton from the town of Solon. In 1858, part of Truxton was used to form the town of Cuyler.

In 1865, the population was 1,689.

The Truxton Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Notable people

 * John McGraw (1873–1934), Hall of Fame manager for the New York Giants in the early 20th century; was a Truxton native. His monument stands in the village of Truxton.
 * Mary Blanchard Lynde (1819–1897), philanthropist and social reformer

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 115.8 km2, of which 115.6 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 0.17%, is water.

The northern town line is the border of Onondaga County.

The East Branch of the Tioughnioga River passes through the town.

New York State Route 13 intersects New York State Route 91 at Truxton village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,225 people, 440 households, and 337 families residing in the town. The population density was 27.4 PD/sqmi. There were 536 housing units at an average density of 12.0 per square mile (4.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.55% White, 0.57% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.16% Asian, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.65% of the population.

There were 440 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,115, and the median income for a family was $41,000. Males had a median income of $29,306 versus $21,384 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,516. About 8.9% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Truxton

 * Cheningo – A hamlet in the southern part of the town by Cheningo Creek.
 * Cheningo Creek A tributary of the East Branch Tioughnioga River in the southern part of Truxton.
 * Crains Mills – A hamlet east of Truxton village on Route 13.
 * Forest Lake Campground - A privately owned campground is home to 100+ families during the summer camping season.
 * Labrador Creek – A stream flowing southward to enter the East Branch of the Tioughnioga River near Truxton village.
 * Labrador Hollow Unique Area – A state-owned conservation area in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Labrador Mountain – A skiing area near the western town line.
 * Manchester Mills – A former community in the town near the East Branch Tioughnioga River.
 * Truxton – The hamlet of Truxton is on NY-13 and NY-91.
 * Tubville – A former community in the town.

title: Truxton, New York


text:
Virgil, New York

Virgil is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The population was 2,401 at the 2010 census. The name is from the Roman poet Virgil. The town is in the southwestern part of Cortland County and is south of the city of Cortland.

History
The region was part of the Central New York Military Tract used to pay soldiers of the American Revolution. "Virgil" was the name of one of the townships of the Military Tract, this name being assigned by a clerk interested in the Classics.

Virgil was first settled circa 1792. The town was formed from the town of Homer in 1804. Virgil was reduced by the formation of the towns of Harford and Lapeer in 1845. Virgil also lost territory to the towns of Cortlandville and Freetown.

In 1865, the population was 2,009.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 122.7 km2, of which 122.6 km2 is land and 0.1 km2, or 0.08%, is water. The eastern half of the town drains mainly via Gridley Creek to the Tioughnioga River, which flows southwards and is part of the Susquehanna River watershed, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay. Water from a small southern part of the town flows south towards the East Branch of Owego Creek, also part of the Susquehanna watershed. The western half of the town, part of the Allegheny Plateau, drains primarily via Virgil Creek, as well as other streams, westward to Fall Creek, part of the Cayuga Lake watershed leading north towards Lake Ontario and thence to the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Virgil Creek, which shares a through-valley with Gridley Creek, is notable for rising above the Valley Heads Moraine and cutting through it from above.

The west town line is shared with Dryden in Tompkins County. Most of the east town line is shared with Freetown. The north town line and part of the east town line is shared with Cortlandville; the eastern part follows the Tioughnioga River. The south town line separates Virgil from Harford and Lapeer.

U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81 pass near the east town line by the Tioghnioga River. New York State Route 215, which begins in Cortland, ends at the intersection with New York State Route 392 in the hamlet of Virgil. New York State Route 13 cuts across the northwest corner of the town.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,287 people, 833 households, and 623 families residing in the town. The population density was 48.3 PD/sqmi. There were 982 housing units at an average density of 20.7 per square mile (8.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.46% White, 0.61% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 833 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.4% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,292, and the median income for a family was $45,402. Males had a median income of $31,974 versus $23,788 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,024. About 5.2% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Virgil

 * East Virgil – A hamlet in the southeastern part of the town on NY-392.
 * Franks Corners – A location in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Gee Hill – An area on the western edge of the town, originally settled by John Gee and his family in 1795. Third settlement in the town.
 * Greek Peak Mountain Resort – A skiing area on NY-392, east of Virgil hamlet.
 * Hollenbeck Hollow – A valley near the western town line.
 * Hollenbeck's Cidermill – Hollenbeck's was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck. It is near the center of Virgil. It opened in 1932.
 * Messengerville (also known as "State Bridge") – A hamlet at the eastern town line where NY-392 terminates at its intersection with U.S. Route 11.
 * Virgil – The hamlet of Virgil at the junction of Routes NY-215 and NY-392. Virgil Creek flows through this community.
 * Virgil Elementary School is on Church Street and Rt. 392 in the center of Virgil. The playground is the only park in Virgil. The playground has a walking trail with exercise places among it. It was extended with a gazebo on the new trail. The new trail goes to the court house and does not have school kids go on there during school hours.

Notable people

 * Martha B. O'Donnell (1836-1925) — temperance activist, suffragist, newspaper and magazine editor and publisher

title: Virgil, New York


text:
Willet, New York

Willet is a town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The population was 1,043 at the 2010 census. The town is named after Colonel Marinus Willet. It is in the southeast corner of the county, southeast of the City of Cortland.

History
Willet was within the former Central New York Military Tract. The area was first settled circa 1797.

Willet was created from a part of the town of Cincinnatus in 1818. In 1865, the population was 982.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 67.5 km2, of which 66.6 km2 is land and 0.8 km2, or 1.23%, is water.

The Otselic River flows southward through the town.

The eastern town line is the border of Chenango County, and the southern town boundary is the border of Broome County.

New York State Route 26 intersects New York State Route 41 at Willet village. New York State Route 221 intersects the conjoined NY-26 and NY-41 west of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,011 people, 368 households, and 281 families residing in the town. The population density was 39.1 PD/sqmi. There were 525 housing units at an average density of 20.3 per square mile (7.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.42% White, 0.20% Native American, 0.10% Asian, and 1.29% from two or more races.

There were 368 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,893, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $28,274 versus $21,932 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,552. About 9.2% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Willet

 * Burlingame's Mills – A former location in the town east of Willet village.
 * Georgetown – A hamlet east of Willet village on NY-41.
 * Lakeview – A hamlet at the eastern town line on NY-41.
 * Landers Corners – A location in the southwestern part of the town on NY-26.
 * Penelope – A hamlet at the southern town line.
 * Stump Pond – A small lake south of Georgetown.
 * Willet – A hamlet in the northern part of the town at the junction of NY-26 and NY-41.

title: Willet, New York


text:
Bovina, New York

Bovina is a town in Delaware County, New York, United States. The population was 658 at the 2020 census. The name "Bovina" was suggested by General Erastus Root, who noted the area's fitness for grazing. Bovina is an interior town in the eastern part of the county.

History
The town formed in 1820 from parts of the towns of Delhi, Stamford, and Middletown. The town's population was around 1,200 at its creation, but after reaching a peak in the 1840s, it steadily declined. The town became noted for the quality of its dairy products, especially butter, in the late 19th century.

The Burns Family Farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Geography
The town has some of the highest uplands in the county. The elevation of the highest point exceeds 3340 ft above sea level, on an unnamed summit at the eastern corner of the town overlooking the Plattekill Mountain ski area in neighboring Roxbury.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Bovina has a total area of 115.2 km2, of which 114.6 km2 is land and 0.6 km2, or 0.52%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 664 people, 277 households, and 193 families residing in the town. The population density was 15.0 people per square mile (5.8/km2). There were 521 housing units at an average density of 11.7 per square mile (4.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.34% White, 0.15% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.71% of the population.

There were 277 households, out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,359, and the median income for a family was $46,094. Males had a median income of $30,875 versus $21,442 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,653. About 3.4% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Bovina

 * Bovina
 * Bovina Center - The Bovina Center Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

title: Bovina, New York


text:
Colchester, New York

Colchester is a town in Delaware County, New York, United States. The population was 1,782 at the 2020 census. The town is in the southwestern part of the county.

History
Colchester was formed from part of the town of Middletown in 1792. It was named after Colchester, Connecticut.

Geography
The southern town line is the border of Sullivan County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 368.2 km2, of which 354.3 km2 is land and 14.0 km2, or 3.80%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,042 people, 837 households, and 547 families residing in the town. The population density was 14.9 people per square mile (5.7/km2). There were 1,587 housing units at an average density of 11.5 per square mile (4.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.53% White, 0.34% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.78% of the population.

There were 837 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,147, and the median income for a family was $37,895. Males had a median income of $27,143 versus $20,694 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,636. About 8.5% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Colchester

 * Agloe – A fictional hamlet and copyright trap that served as the inspiration for the 2008 novel Paper Towns
 * Butternut Grove – A hamlet located northwest of Cooks Falls.
 * Cooks Falls – A hamlet located southeast of Butternut Grove.
 * Corbett – A hamlet located north of Horton.
 * Downsville – A hamlet and former village in the town.
 * Little Spring Brook- A small hamlet on the easternmost side of the town of Colchester, New York, located 5 mi north of Roscoe and 5 mi south of the Pepacton Reservoir on NYS Route 206. Population is 15 full-time residents and 35 seasonal residents. Little Spring Brook is the gateway to more than 1000 acre of state-owned land and Forest Preserve managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation which is used for seasonal hunting, snowmobiling and hiking.
 * Gregorytown – A hamlet located southwest of Corbett.
 * Horton – A hamlet located northwest of Butternut Grove.
 * Pepacton Reservoir – Part of the New York City Water System.
 * Shinhopple – A hamlet located northwest of Horton.

Notable native

 * William Elbridge Sewell, governor of Guam, was born here

title: Colchester, New York


text:
Davenport, New York

Davenport is a town in Delaware County, New York, United States. The population was 2,955 at the 2020 census. The town is in the northeastern part of the county.

History
The town was formed in 1817 from part of the towns of Kortright and Meredith. Davenport is named after an early settler, John Davenport, who also became the first town supervisor.

Geography
The northern town line is the border of Otsego County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 134.5 km2, of which 133.5 km2 is land and 0.9 km2, or 0.67%, is water.

Charlotte Valley Central School is the only public school in Davenport. There are two volunteer fire departments in the town, as well as four churches, three post offices and one traffic light. There are four hamlets within the borders of the town: Davenport, Davenport Center, West Davenport and Fergusonville. Other places located in Davenport are Pindars Corners, Butts Corners, and Hoseaville.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,774 people, 1,132 households, and 758 families residing in the town. The population density was 53.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,478 housing units at an average density of 28.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.98% White, 0.54% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 1,132 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,676, and the median income for a family was $37,917. Males had a median income of $28,348 versus $22,895 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,075. About 6.6% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Davenport

 * Butts Corners – a hamlet east of Davenport village on Route 23.
 * Davenport – the hamlet of Davenport on Route 23.
 * Davenport Center – a hamlet between Davenport and West Davenport.
 * Fergusonville – a historic location north of Davenport village.
 * Hoseaville – a hamlet east of Davenport village on Route 23.
 * West Davenport – a hamlet in the western part of the town.
 * Pindars Corners – a four-way intersection near West Davenport.

title: Davenport, New York


text:
Fleischmanns, New York

Fleischmanns is a village within the town of Middletown in Delaware County, New York, United States. The population was 351 at the 2010 census. It is named after Charles Louis Fleischmann, a Hungarian Jewish manufacturer.

History
Early settlers of this area came from Germany, England, the Netherlands and Ireland. To reach this mountainous place, they traveled by horse and wagon (and later by stagecoach) over rough, dusty roads in summer and rutted, snowy paths in winter. Eventually, the road was resurfaced with planks from Kingston to Pine Hill with the cost of maintenance covered by tollgates along the way. Still, it was a difficult journey until the Ulster and Delaware Railroad reached the village from Rondout and Kingston on May 23, 1870.

Fleischmanns was initially named Griffin Corners in honor of Matthew Griffin, a prominent lawyer (he was admitted to the bar in 1851) and businessman (he owned a store and later a hotel). He also helped to secure the village's first post office in 1848. Griffin died on January 11, 1903.

Originally part of the towns of Woodstock and Rochester in Ulster County, the area known today as Fleischmanns became part of Middletown in Delaware County on March 3, 1789. At that time, vast tracts of land were owned by a few individuals and farmed by tenants. All 8,000 acre of Fleischmanns land was owned by General Henry Armstrong. The Anti-Rent War, an uprising of Catskill tenant farmers in 1844-1845, led to reforms which put an end to the unfair lease system, and the area began to grow under private ownership.

According to available local sources, it was in 1883 that Charles Louis Fleischmann (born near Budapest, Hungary, educated in Vienna and Prague, founder of the Fleischmann Company famous for its yeast and whiskey) bought property west of the village near the Ulster and Delaware railroad station from John M. Blish. Mr. Blish, an astute local businessman, sold the property at a cheap price to the Fleischmann family, recognizing that a summer colony would bring prosperity. Soon, summer families built beautiful summer homes, abounding with porches, turrets, and terraces and costing $30,000-$40,000 (an enormous sum in those days). They also constructed a deer park, a riding stable, a heated pool filled with spring water and a trout pond: all luxuries unheard-of by the people in this valley. The Fleischmann family even outfitted the Fleischmann-Griffin Corners band with uniforms so that the band could greet the family's private railroad cars at the station.

From 1890-1912, the present community actually went by two separate names. From the east end of the village to Division Street (now Bridge Street) was Griffin Corners and from Division Street to the Ulster and Delaware Railroad was Fleischmann (no "s"). When the village incorporated in 1913, it became Fleischmanns.

Fleischmanns Park, which dominated the north side of Wagner Avenue, was a gift to the village in May 1914 from Julius Fleischmann, son of Charles. Among the many interests of the Fleischmann family was major league baseball. The park, formerly known as the Mountain Athletic Club, was where their players came to get in shape before the start of the regular season. One player in particular stood out--Honus Wagner. Wagner was known to his fans as the Flying Dutchman and was admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Stipulations were added, which still remain: that it always be used as a park and athletic grounds; that it always be kept in good condition; that it never be sold or sublet and always be of free access to the public. However, in 1934, the village obtained from the heirs a release from the word "free" so that for certain events a fee could be charged.

It was during this period that the village began to grow. Many rich and famous people built summer homes here, among them: Herbert Lehman (Governor of New York, 1932), the Leibman family (owners of Leibman Brewery), and Anton Seidl (conductor of the Metropolitan opera). Nearby on Highmount were the palatial summer homes of coloratura soprano Amelita Galli-Curci and Shakespearean actress Julia Marlowe. Fleischmanns was also home to actress and producer Gertrude Berg.

Lake Switzerland, just north of the village, was built for boating and swimming in the summer and for harvesting ice during the winter. Construction was started in 1906 using teams of horses and oxen for power. The official opening was one year later, when the gate was closed and the lake allowed to fill. However, the dam leaked, and the following year repairs were made. A few years later, townspeople, fearing dam failure would inundate the community, insisted that the dam be lowered by four feet to decrease the pressure against it.

On Main Street, the Skene Memorial Library was founded by celebrated surgeon Alexander Skene and his wife, who were summer residents of Highmount for many years. It was through the influence of Mrs. Skene that a $5,000 donation was obtained from Andrew Carnegie, making construction of the free public library possible. The cornerstone was laid in November 1901. The two war memorials located in front of the library honor those who fought in World War I & II (dedicated Memorial Day, 1954) and those who fought in Korea and Vietnam (dedicated Memorial Day, 1987).

Prior to 1909, the only school was a one-room schoolhouse located on the Old Halcott Road. Increased enrollment made it necessary to add on more rooms and eventually necessitated the erection of Griffin-Fleischmanns High School on upper Wagner Avenue. The name of that school was changed to Fleischmanns High in 1928. After consolidation with Margaretville in the fall of 1968, grades 1-4 remained in the Fleischmanns building. Declining enrollment in the district forced the closing of this building in June 1984. Put on the auction block in 1985, it was purchased by a local businessman (and former student) who converted the old wooden part of the structure into apartments. An art deco brick addition dates from 1935, and currently houses a day center of the Delaware County Association for Retarded Children. The school's gymnasium remains intact and is still used for concerts and public functions.

Fleischmanns began to prosper as a summer boarding colony in the late 19th century. The mountains, the fresh air, the spring water, and the time factor involved in reaching the mountains from the city led to a building boom. As more boarders came, more homes and hotels were built or enlarged and they all competed intensely for tourists. It is said that, during the 1940s, the permanent population was 500; but by the Fourth of July there would be 10,000 in town. Of the fifty-some great lodging places within the village and surrounding area, only a few remain: The Regis, Mathes Hotel (Kosher Plaza), Alpine, Lorraine, Fleischmanns Hotel (Roberts' Auction), Meinstein Lodge (Highland Fling Inn), and the Palace Hotel. However, Fleischmanns is currently experiencing a resurgence as seekers of mountain air and recreation are restoring old homes as well as building new ones.

The Amelita Galli-Curci Estate, Congregation Bnai Israel Synagogue, Maxbilt Theatre, and Skene Memorial Library are listed on National Register of Historic Places.

The Dead Don't Die, a 2019 movie starring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Selena Gomez and Steve Buscemi, was filmed in Fleischmanns, which was recast as the fictional town of Centerville.

Geography
Fleischmanns is located on the north side of NY 28 a short distance west of the Ulster County line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.7 sqmi, of which 0.7 sqmi is land and 1.47% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 351 people, 137 households, and 77 families residing in the village. The population density was 501.4 /sqmi. There were 290 housing units at an average density of 414.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 70.1% White, 0.6% African American, 2.3% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 25.6% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 36.5% of the population.

There were 137 households, out of which 27% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 59.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.39.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8% from 18 to 24, 29% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,083, and the median income for a family was $29,643. Males had a median income of $29,091 versus $27,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,468. About 19.2% of families and 30.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.7 of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

Houses of worship

 * Congregation B'nai Israel Synagogue
 * Spinka Synagogue
 * Fleischmanns Community Church (United Methodist)
 * Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church
 * USA Shaolin Temple

title: Fleischmanns, New York