A Short History of Elmira NY
January 16, 2020
We are hometown proud!
Known as "The Queen City," Elmira, NY, has always been a place rich in history. Originally named the Township of Chemung, the village officially changed its name to the Town of Elmira at a town meeting at Teal's Tavern. Legend has it the town was named after the owner's daughter, you can still enjoy a cold brew and tasty food today on Elmira’s Southside!
A Town on the Forefront of Industry and Education
Connecting commercial centers in Rochester and Buffalo with New York City and Albany, Elmira became a major transportation hub by the late 19th century. Helping to make this possible was the Chemung Canal completed in 1833, connecting Elmira and Corning and the Erie and New York Railroads.
Another noteworthy part of Elmira's history is the crucial role it played in the Underground Railroad, thanks to its proximity to Canada. Here are a few other notable Elmira institutions.
Star Gazette 1828
The first Gannett newspaper. It was founded as the Elmira Gazette in 1828 and became an evening daily in 1856. Frank Gannett bought a half-interest in the paper in 1906 to begin what would eventually be Gannett Co., Inc. The following year, he merged the Elmira Gazette with a competitor, the Evening Sun, to form the Star Gazette.
Chemung Canal Trust Company 1833
Since October 22, 1883, Chemung Canal Trust Company has provided continuous, progressive financial and credit services to the area.
Elmira College 1855
Founded in 1855 as Elmira Female College, it was the first college in the world to grant a baccalaureate degree to women, equal to those given to men. Elmira College is known as the "mother of women's colleges." Elmira College became co-educational in 1969.
H. Strauss Clothier 1858
Eight years after Elmira was incorporated, H. Strauss Clothier opened.
ID Booth and Booth Electrical Supplies 1875
Irving D. Booth started his "heavy hardware" business in 1875. Today, ID Booth is a fifth-generation family-owned business.
Kennedy Valve 1877
Daniel Kennedy started making gate valves in Manhattan. In 1907, Kennedy Valve continued to develop rapidly, and a larger, more modern plant was built on a 20-acre site in Elmira, NY.
FM Howell 1833
Founded in 1883, Howell originally manufactured wooden cigar boxes and later became a high-quality printer of cigar box labels, cigar bands, and menus for hotel restaurants steamship lines and railroads.
Hardinge 1890
In 1890, Hardinge began the manufacture of industrial use Super-Precision and general precision turning machines.
Hilliard 1905
Founded in 1905, The Hilliard Corporation has evolved from a one-product business into a special-applications engineering company serving customers worldwide.
St. Joseph's Hospital 1908
It all started in September of 1908 when the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, along with several key community leaders, saw the need for a new hospital in Elmira.
Gerould's Pharmacy 1921
Established in 1921 as a pharmacy, Gerould's is now one of the largest suppliers of medical equipment and home health care items in the entire Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Clemens Center 1925
The Clemens Center first opened on December 21, 1925, as a 2,500 seat vaudeville and silent film house. Described as "the largest and most magnificent theater between New York City and Buffalo."
Treu Office Supply 1938
The roots of retail go back many generations in the Treu family. Adam Treu was the Vice President at Macy's Department Store in New York City. His son, Harold L. Treu, founded HL Treu Office Supply in downtown Elmira in 1938. Today, Treu Office Supply is a third-generation family-owned business.
The Takeaway
At Wallin Insurance Agency, we are proud to be a part of the fabric of the town of Elmira, NY. Our insurance experts are here to help you find the coverage you need. Whether it is for your home, auto, or business, we are committed to finding the right coverage for your situation and budget. Want to start a conversation? Call us at 607-734-8799.
Auto insurance companies are facing unprecedented rate increases due to inflation and the increasing cost of repairs. One of the most simple ways to assure your auto insurance rate is providing the best value is to take a defensive driving course - which is available to you online ! For residents of New York, the Improv Traffic School is currently offering their top-rated, fully-online defensive driving course for under $30, making it easier and more affordable than ever to both become a better driver, and save on auto insurance premiums. Some benefits of taking the course include: A guaranteed reduction of up to 10% on insurance rates - The certificate is recognized by all New York State auto insurance companies. Reduction in points on your license - For people with points attached to their driving record, the Defensive Driving Course can help eliminate those marks on your driving history. A fully online learning environment - The course can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with an instant awarding of your certificate upon completion. No final exam - Anxious test-takers, worry not. The Improv School’s course is content-oriented, making the focus more about taking in information than being able to reiterate the contents of the class. The course is designed to benefit you. If your defensive driving certificate is near its expiration date, now is the perfect time to renew without going out of your way. For folks who have previously completed a Defensive Driving Course, the Improv School also offers a 3 Year Renewal Course in order for you to retain your discount. If an online course does not sound like the right choice for you, there is a classroom-style Defensive Driving Course for your consideration. The classroom-based course offers all of the same benefits as the online equivalent, including the reduction of up to 10% on your insurance rates. Whether you’ve been seeking a way to lower your premiums, or simply desire to improve your driving habits, learning more about defensive driving strategies is a simple and efficient way to start.
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