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cortlandhistory
Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving! As we Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving! As we gather with family and friends, let’s reflect on the blessings of the past year and the rich history that connects us all. #cortlandhistory #cortlandcounty #thanksgiving #experiencecortland
100 Objects for 100 Years 40/100 In direct sight 100 Objects for 100 Years 40/100 In direct sight of my desk in the CCHS research center there are four bird’s eye view maps of Cortland and Homer. While I’ve spent quite a bit of time gazing closely at the 1855 and 1888 Cortland village maps out in the entry hallway, I have not given the same attention to these bird’s eye maps. Until today that is! And what a marvel they are, both in terms of beauty and accuracy (quite a feat in an era before the airplane). Each building was drawn to match what the actual structure looked like, down to the number of windows. Maps like these provide a realistic visualization of what a community looked like in a snapshot of time. In 1892, we can see the large industrial complexes of the Wickwire Bros, and the Cortland Wagon Company, and also interesting to note is that W Court Street didn't extend much further than what appears to be Monroe Heights. Chris Buck gave a fantastic presentation on bird’s eye maps, the recording of which is available on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9319C9XcTP4. We also have reproductions of the 1892 Cortland map available for purchase! In 2025 CCHS is turning one hundred years old! In preparation of our landmark birthday, we are celebrating the unique collections you have entrusted to us over the years. ~Sophie, Collections & Research Assistant #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #museum #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #100objectsfor100years
Photo of the week! John Dewey Ketcham (1899-1985) Photo of the week! John Dewey Ketcham (1899-1985) on 1928 Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a side car. John lived in Harford and is buried in the Marathon Cemetery. #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos #motorcycles #vintagemotorcycle
There's plenty of Cortland County related gifts fo There's plenty of Cortland County related gifts for you to peruse in our gift shop! Stop by Wednesday-Saturday from 12-5pm 🙂
Cortland County Historical Society is the memory b Cortland County Historical Society is the memory bank of the community ❤️
Instagram post 18069870826715874 Instagram post 18069870826715874
Join us as we step back in time to the year 1918! Join us as we step back in time to the year 1918! This vintage photo captures the brave soldiers marching down Tompkins Street—a powerful reminder of our community’s role during World War I. These heroes exemplified courage and sacrifice, shaping the history of Cortland County. #VeteransDay2024 #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #cortlandhistory #cortlandcounty #wwi
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Photo Scavenger Hunt! We were once again deeply impressed by the creativity exhibited in the submissions, and it was tough to pick the best photo, but Emma's spooky vibe won us over. 🎃 Find the link to view all the amazing photos on our website: https://cortlandhistory.org/events/.
100 Objects for 100 Years 37/100 With Veterans Da 100 Objects for 100 Years 37/100 With Veterans Day coming up, I felt it appropriate to take the opportunity to feature one of the many military uniforms from our collections. This particular uniform was worn by R. Curtis Harris (1898-1966). Ed Raus provides us the following biographical information as an introduction to a compilation of historical writings by R. Curtis Harris: "Roger Curtis Harris was born in Richmond Hill, Long Island, New York on August 31, 1898 and... moved to Homer in 1915 where Harris attended high school. Two months after America entered the war, Harris, "looking for adventure," left school in his senior year to enlist. As an early Homer recruit, he was given the honor of leading the big June 17 Red Cross parade down Main Street on horseback carrying a large silk American flag. He served in Battery A of the activated 104th New York field artillery of the New York State National Guard and saw action in France during the St.Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives. After discharge in 1919, he returned home to marry Marion Frances McMaster and settle down to help raise eight children and enjoy a productive and respected life of public service." Harris was appointed Cortland County Historian in 1964 and was on the board of directors of CCHS. He was also a staff writer for the "7 Valley Villager," by which he would be remembered as "a good man, dependable, proud, hard working and a good friend," with a keen ability for matters historical for which he was best known. "In him, the older generation of Cortland County saw a touch of their early days in life because he would always recall the colorful days of yesteryear in a style no one thus far has duplicated." In 2025 CCHS is turning one hundred years old! In preparation of our landmark birthday, we are celebrating the unique collections you have entrusted to us over the years. ~Sophie, Collections & Research Assistant #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #museum #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #100objectsfor100years
Let your kids learn about history through play! Yo Let your kids learn about history through play! You'll always enjoy free admission to the Then & Now Children's Room at the Cortland County Historical Society so plan your visit today 🙂
Slumbering Souls: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Lewis Slumbering Souls: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Lewis Riggs From a humble Connecticut upbringing to becoming a respected physician, congressman, and dedicated community figure in Homer, Dr. Lewis Riggs lived a life filled with perseverance and service. His journey took him from carpentry to medicine and even into the halls of Congress, where he mingled with future U.S. Presidents. But his true passion remained in caring for the people of Cortland County. Discover the full story of Dr. Riggs’ incredible life and legacy, including his medical career, political service, and personal challenges, in our latest blog post. Read more by clicking the link in our bio! #CortlandHistory #DrLewisRiggs #SlumberingSouls #HomerNY #CortlandCounty #HistoricalFigures #HistoryMatters #experiencecortland #atwatercemetery ##cortlandcounty #homerny
Main Street Monday Throwback to Cortland's Rich Hi Main Street Monday Throwback to Cortland's Rich History! Did you know that the northwest corner of Main and W Court Streets has a fascinating past? From a bustling tavern run by Joshua Ballard to a female seminary, and eventually the iconic Wallace Building, this spot has seen it all! In the mid-1800s, it was home to the Gazette and Banner newspaper and later transformed into a vibrant business block. With tales of fire, growth, and community, this corner has a story worth telling. Want to dive deeper into Cortland's history? Check out the full story on our blog! Link in bio to explore more! #CortlandHistory #MainStreet #HistoricalSociety #LocalHistory #DiscoverCortland #cortlandhistory #cortlandcounty #experiencecortland #cortlandny
Photo of the week! Walking by the Hopkins block o Photo of the week! Walking by the Hopkins block on the east side of Main Street, facing north. Circa 1900. #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos
Shh! 🤫 Don't give away the answers! You have l Shh! 🤫 Don't give away the answers! You have less than two weeks to complete our photo scavenger hunt challenge! Solve the eight riddles, explore some highlights from our county’s history, and snap photos! 📸 We will choose two winners from those that guess all eight clues correctly, and a winner for BEST PHOTO! Head over to https://cortlandhistory.org/events/ to download the clue sheet and for the link to submit photos.
Photo of the week! Group of Boy Scouts, from a ph Photo of the week! Group of Boy Scouts, from a photo album belonging to George Meddaugh (1878-1959) who was scoutmaster for the North Presbyterian Church troop. #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos
Photo of the week! Noah J. Parsons (left) and ano Photo of the week! Noah J. Parsons (left) and another unidentified man pose with a washing machine, c.1870s. According to his obituary in the Cortland Standard, Noah Parsons (1831-1909) came to Cortland in 1860, bought a team and started out selling washing machines. A separate obit in the Cortland Democrat puts it a bit differently: "After nine years at gold prospecting he became interested in a patent washing machine, returned east by water, took out additional patents and travelled extensively in the central and eastern states." Other later sources credit him with inventing said washing machine in 1873 and traveling far and wide to display it. In 1958, it was said that there were only two known surviving examples of Parsons' washing machine, one of which appears to have made its way into the CCHS collections! #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos
Step back in time with us as we uncover the fascin Step back in time with us as we uncover the fascinating story of Samuel F. Andrews, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Peacock! From a tiny 12x16 foot house in Homer Gulf to building barns across Cortland County, the Andrews family's journey is one of perseverance and craftsmanship. Samuel's carpenter's level, now in our collection, holds the very essence of his life's work. Discover how this couple's love story intertwined with local history, and learn about the surprising connection between weaving looms and family values in 19th century Cortland County. Want to know more about the Andrews family and their impact on our community? Head to our blog to read the full story in our Slumbering Souls series. Unearth the hidden gems of Cortland's past with us! Follow the link in our bio. #CortlandHistory #SlumberingSouls #LocalHeroes #experiencecortland #homerny #atwatercemetery #weavinglooms #familyvalues
The weather promises to be perfect, so stop by and The weather promises to be perfect, so stop by and say hello!
Photo of the week! "A Perfect One Man Cow Dog Own Photo of the week! "A Perfect One Man Cow Dog Owned by Tom Jones" Back: "Jim" "The dog John Loucks spoiled to be a cow dog. I trained him so I could send him after the cows out of sight and he would get them all. Could send him down on low flat 1/2 mile he'd sort Nezer's out, take back across creek bridge then bring mine to the barn, he was better than a man in the barn, especially with young stock. Could tell him at bedtime I wanted the cows 1/2 hr. early the next morning, he would have them at the gate. Dad wouldn't believe so had to prove it. He always slept under our bed room window, especially after Janet was born. Was offered $200 for him after a man saw him work. Told him that he was, STRICTLY A ONE MAN DOG, had to prove it. I probably didn't appreciate him as I should have." Written by Tom Jones, Willet #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #historicalphotographs #historicalphotos
100 Objects for 100 Years 32/100 This week's obje 100 Objects for 100 Years 32/100 This week's object touches on a bit of Cortland County's less savory history, that of crime! In our collections is this wooden ball with a hook and bolt through the middle for a chain attachment. Perhaps it was used in the jail attached to the rear of the second courthouse (located where the Cortland Free Library now stands), or from even earlier when the jail was located on the hill overlooking Monroe Heights! The "old gaol" on the hill shows up on the 1855 map, and Helen Jewett McAleer (1891-1982) recollected playing in its ruins. In our research library, we have several "crimes" binders containing newspaper clippings documenting various incidents of criminal activity, the most common seeming to be that of burglary. There is also a binder of clippings regarding the three jails we've had, and even a report from an inspection of the second jail from 1912: "There have been practically no improvements in years and the jail has gradually deteriorated. The old stone vault-like cells are without ventilation except through the heavy grate doors. There are ten of these cells, five on a side, and are supplied with bunks and very good bedding... "The plumbing seems to be in very bad condition, causing an odor to be present throughout the jail and sheriff's quarters. Large quantities of disinfectants are used. The cells are frequently whitewashed and the sheriff seems to be doing everything possible to keep the jail habitable." It was another 12 years before a new jail was made available. In 2025 CCHS is turning one hundred years old! In preparation of our landmark birthday, we are celebrating the unique collections you have entrusted to us over the years. ~Sophie, Collections & Research Assistant #cortlandcountyhistory #cortlandny #centralnyhistory #experiencecortland #museum #cortlandcountyhistoricalsociety #history #100objectsfor100years
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2021-04-12

News and More

  • General Randall’s Eagle July 4, 2025
  • Slumbering Souls: Stephen Knapp February 23, 2025
  • Slumbering Souls: Giles Chittenden, Jr. January 26, 2025

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Cortland County Historical Society
25 Homer Ave
Cortland, New York, 13045
607.756.6071
info@cortlandhistory.org