Corinth

Rachel A. Clothier

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Year: 2009
• Print ISBN: 9780738565743
• eBook ISBN: 9781439622278
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

Corinth's name, selected from the Bible, was chosen when the township was first incorporated in 1818. Situated perfectly to benefit from the surrounding natural resources, Corinth has a long history as a mill town, processing timber, wool, and grains using the power of the Hudson River. Located at the northern edge of Saratoga County, Corinth has been both a rural agricultural community and an industrial center. It is home to several churches, community organizations, and businesses, as well as one of International Paper's largest mills, which used the Hudson for both transportation and energy generation. Within Corinth, readers will discover the area's past through images of mill workers, schoolchildren, farmers, shopkeepers, and other residents, as well as the homes and businesses they built.

Three

THE GROWTH OF CORINTH

During the early part of the 19th century, Corinth grew at a modest rate. Businesses were established, churches were founded, common schools were organized, and the local government met once a year to handle business. The population of Corinth increased with the success of the paper mill, and the 1890s saw a housing boom. Other industries related to the paper mill began to thrive. Services for the community were founded, including two fire companies, and the village of Corinth was established in 1886. Electricity was generated in the village beginning in 1896 but not after midnight or on moonlit evenings. The Corinth National Bank was formed in 1902. Four years later, the Corinth Telephone Exchange was in operation. It is no wonder that in 1913 Corinth was considered “one of the most up-to-date, most progressive and prosperous villages in northern New York.” G. H. Wyman, the proprietor of the Corinthian newspaper also said, “Remember, if you fail to visit Corinth you will forever regret your mistake.”

The Jessup’s Landing map of 1856 shows the homes, businesses, and churches located in what is now called the village of Corinth. The north-south road is Main Street. The street in the center leading to the left is Maple Street, and the small portion of a street at the bottom right is Palmer Avenue. “S. H.” denotes the schoolhouse. “B. S.” is the abbreviation for blacksmith shop, and “W. S.” denotes the wagon shop.

This is an overview of Palmer Avenue about 1900. The Presbyterian church can be seen at the left, and farther down the street, the steeple of the Immaculate Conception Church is seen rising above the tree line. The Melville house is in the lower-right side of the photograph.

The hotel at the corner of Main and Mallery Streets was the focal point of news during the Civil War. It was also the location of the post office during this time. The newspaper was read from the steps to keep the residents informed of the recent happenings. The hotel became known as Brady’s and was destroyed in a fire on December 15, 1959.

The Central House stood for over a century and was considered a landmark of Corinth at the corner of Maple and Center Streets. It was advertised as giving special attention to commercial men. In 1913, it bragged about having steam heat, baths, electric lights, and 26 rooms to rent. Rates were $2 to $2.50 per day. This hotel was destroyed by fire in October 1971.

The Palmer Falls Hotel was situated on the corner of Palmer Avenue and Sixth Street. The hotel had 30 rooms, and in 1906, the rates were $1 per day. In the early 1900s, the building was cut in half and part of it was moved down near the mill for a rooming house.

The Commercial Hotel, operated by H. R. Kathan, was a very respectable establishment in the late 1890s. It stood on the corner of Maple Street and Hamilton Avenue. This image shows three of the teachers who roomed there. The hotel’s livery stable can be seen on the left side...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• One - THE EARLY YEARS
• Two - THE PAPER MILL
• Three - THE GROWTH OF CORINTH
• Four - CORINTH IN THE MILITARY
• Five - ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION