Albion

Avis A. Townsend

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Year: 2005
• Print ISBN: 9780738539294
• eBook ISBN: 9781439616529
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

Albion highlights a historic community in the Lake Ontairo region of western New York State. With vintage photographs and fascinating detail, the book records Courthouse Square, early salt roads and quarries, splendid cobblestone houses, the Erie Canal passing through town, famous resident George Pullman, Richs Corners, two correctional facilities, and the outstanding garden-style Mount Albion Cemetery.

One

EARLY YEARS AND PIONEERS

FIRST CABIN. The first log cabin in Albion was built on what is now Courthouse Square by William McCallister in 1811. When a foundation was dug for the county clerk’s office addition in 1957, the skeletal remains of Mrs. McCallister were discovered, as she had been buried on the property when she died. The photograph above is a replica, built in 1882 to be used as a museum on the Orleans County Fairgrounds. It was torn down in the early 20th century. (Courtesy of Orleans County Department of History.)

SWAN LIBRARY. A prominent Albion resident for many years, William G. Swan was well traveled and eventually became the superintendent of the Niagara Railway Suspension Bridge at the town of Suspension Bridge. He never forgot his roots, nor did he give up his property in Albion. He was treasurer and commissioner of Mount Albion Cemetery prior to his death in 1896. In his will, he gave an endowment of $35,000 to establish the Swan Library, which carries his name today. (Courtesy of Orleans County Department of History.)

SWAN LIBRARY TODAY. The library was chartered on December 21, 1899, and opened on March 17, 1900. It remains open to this day. Not much has changed. A historical marker to the south of the building tells its history, and a sign in front identifies it. Its brick is clean and casts a pinkish hue.

SEMINARY FOUNDERS. In 1836, Caroline Phipps borrowed $4,100 from some of Albion’s citizens and founded a female seminary school for young adult women. She ran the school with her husband, Henry Achilles, until it burned in 1875. She then built a boys’ school on Academy Street. That school became the Union Free School and, eventually, a high school. (Courtesy of Orleans County Department of History.)

PHIPPS UNION SEMINARY The Phipps Female Academy was in operation from 1837 until 1875. It was demolished in 1882 and was replaced by the Orleans County Clerk’s Office. (Courtesy of Orleans County Department of History.)

COURTHOUSE SQUARE. The courthouse was built in 1859 of red brick with white Greek Revival columns 50 feet high. Its silver dome, 100 feet high and 36 feet in diameter, can be seen from miles away. At the top is a cupola, from which visitors once viewed Lake Ontario, 10 miles away. Residents say the courthouse is especially impressive at Christmastime, when it is lit at night.

ODD FELLOWS AND A DONKEY. Members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge are in costume for one of their many pageants around 1910. Performances were conducted at Albion Temple No. 58, and even a donkey was allowed in the lodge as part of the ceremony, which was not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge. (Courtesy of Mark Tillman.)

THE POORHOUSE. The Orleans County Almshouse, known by locals as the Poorhouse, took in destitute pe...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• FOREWORD
• INTRODUCTION
• One - EARLY YEARS AND PIONEERS
• Two - FARMING AND BUSINESS
• Three - SCHOOL AND SPORTS
• Four - CANAL AND WATERWAYS
• Five - CHURCHES AND MOUNT ALBION
• Six - CHILDS AND GAINES
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS