Auburn, NY - 200 Years of History 1793-1993

North side qf Genesee Street
looking east. ca 1886.
Auburn Now
Chartered: 1848
Form of Government: Council-City Maaaarer
Population (1990 Federal Census): 31,258
Median Age: 34.1years
Tot.al Households: 11,936
Average No. of Persons per Household: 2.41
Voter Registration: Of23,981eligiblevot.ersshown inthe
Democratsand 4,776Republicanswere registered in 1a
Area: 8.6square miles
Altitude: 709feet
Assessed Valuation: $483,337,675
City's Bonded Debt: $11,850,800
Tot.alTax Levied (1991): $20,909,844
Financial: 4 CommercialBanks,3 Savings Banks
and
with combineddeposits over $550,000,000
Churches:30 and one Synagogue
Housing units: 12,682
Median value, single family home: $53,600
Median rent: $312
Trade: Retailterritory serves over 125,000people widt•
coveringa radius of 20miles
Hotels and Motels: 20with a tot.alof 006roomsOn
a
Transportation: 2 bus lines, 2 ma.jortmc'king e~
Amusements: 6 movie theaters, one drive-intheat.er
Radio: WMBO,
WPCXMutual,WDWNCayuga~
WAUB
AmericanBroadcasting Co.serve 12,000square
TV: Auburn Cablevision
City parks and recreation lands: 26onl30 acMS
Hospit.al: Auburn MemorialHospit.a.l
with 214beds
Education: 5 public elementary schools, 4parochlal
middleschools, one high school; 5,507students enroUe4
p:t
AuburnSchool District. BOCESOccupational Center;
College
Public Library: SeymourLibrarycontains over115,000
City Statistics: Total street mileageis 97, allpaved.
supply.90miles of mains.
Fire Department: 75firefighters;motorized andtwo.wa,
Police Department: 70officers, 12pieces of equJ.ptnent;
[Sources: 1992 Auburn City Dll'eet.ory; NewYori:
8tMe
AUBURN, N.Y. ·
200
YEARS
of history
1793 - 1993 ©
Cover:
The Village of Auburn Map of 1836,
owned by The Cayuga Museum.
We are grateful to the Cayuga County
Historian's office and The Cayuga
Museum who allowed us to use many
photographs from their archives.
Copyright 1992
Auburn Bicentennial Committee
Printing by
Lakeside Printing, Inc.
BOOKLEI'

MISSION STATEMENT
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2
Happy
Birthday,
Auburn!
The Board of the Auburn Bicentennial Celebration, Inc.
Acelebration of the magnitude of a 200th Birthday must be approached with clear
ideals and a well-rounded agenda of community events.
In April of 1991,a group of Auburnians gathered informally to begin discussing the
evolution of a bicentennial celebration which would have long-lasting impact on the
community and its citizens. After much discussion, a simple Mission Statement was
developed:
The mission of the Auburn Bicentennial Celebration is to celebrate the
Bicentennial of the City of Auburn by paying tribute to the city's
birth, history and development through the promotion of heritage
awareness; through the enhancement of community; through
increased education; and, through continued preservation.
Using the Mission Statement as a guide, the Auburn Bicentennial Celebration, Inc.
was formed and began in earnest to promote the concept of a 200th birthday through-
out the City.
The inaugural days of the Auburn Bicentennial were held on July 18and 19, 1992and
included the Opening Ceremony at City Hall, the 199thYear Fest, a Community Picnic
and many other events. For the next 12months, there are to be many events which will
appeal to all citizens of Auburn and the surrounding areas. Always bearing in mind that
our mission is to pay tribute to our City,the Board of the Auburn Bicentennial Celebra-
tion, Inc. will strive to serve as best we can. Our hope is that at the conclusion of the
year, all Citizens of Auburn and Cayuga County will have a better understanding not
only of the past and our rich collective history, but the present and what the future can
hold for us all if we work together to shape it.
The Board wishes to thank Victor Ianno and the staff of Lakeside Printing for their
assistance in designing and printing this publication; the members of the "200Club" for
their faith in the project; City officials and employees including Mayor Guy T.
Cosentino and City Manager James Malone who were most supportive; the members of
all Auburn Bicentennial Celebration Committees and especially the History Committee
who spent many hours collecting and editing materials for the publication; and most of
all, the Citizens of Auburn who supported Bicentennial events through volunteering,
participating and donating time, services and funds during the year-long celebration. It
is due to the contributions from all of these individuals, companies and governmental
agencies, that the Auburn Bicentennial Celebration will not only meet, but exceed its
mission.
The Board of the Auburn Bicentennial Celebration, Inc.*
Susan E. Marteney, Chair Peter Gabak
Douglas Adams, Vice-Chair Michael Long
Joyce Cavanaugh, Secretary Kathy Percy
Beth Ann Butera, Treasurer Cathy Sankey
Rev. Paul Carter David Stapleton
Laura Coburn Robert Steigerwald
Alan Fiermonte
* Members of the Board on September 16, 1992

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1.N ..T..R..o ..o..
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Remembering Our Past,
Envisioning Our Future
BYMAYORGUYTHOMASCOSENTINO
8ne of the greatest honors I have,
as Mayor of Auburn, is being in
office when we celebrate our
Bicentennial. It is a time to reassess,
as we look back on our accomplish-
ments, where we are as a
community right now, and decide
what needs to be done to make us
again one of the most progressive
communities in America.
OURPAST
Myfirst hope is that this is a year
of rediscovery for our community.
Auburn is a great city with a rich
past, a past that can teach us many
lessons. Over a twelve-month
period, events throughout the city
allow us to see how Auburn has
evolved over the last two centuries.
Auburnians have had an impact not
only on New York State, but the
country and the world. Touring
Auburn you can see dedications to
many of our better known residents:
WilliamH. Seward, Harriet Tubman
and Theodore Case.
Many of our less publicized sons
and daughters have had a national
impact on agriculture (the Osborne
family), business (William Bundy, a
grandparent of IBM), diplomacy (the
Dulles children), education (Jerome
Holland), law (Supreme Court Jus-
tice Thomas Blatchford), literature
(M.E. Kerr) and women's rights
(Martha Wright). These are just a
few of those whom we can be proud
of. Youwill hear and read much
more about our history during the
next year and in this book
Looking back at our past we can
say with pride that Auburn and
Auburnians have done great things.
The best lessons for our future can
be learned from our past endeavors.
We as citizens and as a City can do
more, and we will, with a rededica-
tion of our efforts to the long term.
OURFUTURE
Auburn is, to use a much overused
term, at a precipice in its life. This
year's events give us an opportunity
to set our compass for the rest of
this decade, the beginning of our
third century. There is no more
opportune time than the present to
do so. As we look back on our her-
itage, we can be proud of what has
been done right, learn from our mis-
takes and determine how we must
move forward.
This is one of the greatest chal-
lenges that we face. It goes far
beyond a master plan or a set of
reports. It is an agenda for change,
an agenda for our future. If we are to
survive as a community, we must
move forward with a set of goals
that we can agree on and principles
that we can all share. It is a risky
endeavor. If handled wrong, we will
become a stagnant community that
will just wither away.
I believe, though, that deep within
our soul, as a community we have
the will and the power to set a new
course. The British have a saying,
"Those who dare, win." Mycorollary
is, those who don't try, fail.
Setting this agenda for change
requires a commitment from all seg-
ments of this community. It is an
education process that puts our
goals ahead of all else. It means get-
ting rid of the oft-heard phrases like,
"Wellthat's the way it has always
been done." It means experimenting
with new ideas and when we fail, for
we will have setbacks from time to
time, to get back on course.
Auburn is known for the great
leaders of its past who risked much
and had the courage of their convic-
tions. If an agenda for change is
going to work, it is up to the leader
in each one of us. As I have written
often, "If it is to be, it's up to me."
We can set a new course together.
What better time to do it than on our
birthday?
OUR PEOPLE
A sample of the kind of spirit that
will help us achieve this agenda for
change is by recognizing the support
of the dozens of people who are
giving something back to their
City Officials, City of Auburn, New York
L to R: Mayor Guy Thomas Cosentino,
Councilor Ann E. Bunker,
Councilor James E. Hutchinson,
Councilor Mark H. Fandrich.
Councilor Christopher J. DeAngelis
was unavailable for photo.
community with great sacrifice and
no gain except for our thanks, those
who are putting this Bicentennial
celebration together. It is groups like
PRIDE and COPE who helped found
what is now known as the Auburn
Bicentennial Committee (ABC).
During the year you will hear
much more from the ABC.They are
organizing various events including
the printing of historical pieces and
a lecture series for us to learn more
about our past. Also, the City is hard
at work restoring City Hall.
From personal experience, I see
that there are dozens of individuals
involved with the ABCthat are
putting in countless hours on differ-
ent projects. The interesting thing
about this group is that it breaks
with many of the traditions of
normal organizations that commem-
orate a community's past. It is made
up not only of Auburnians, but also
of people from many of our sur-
rounding towns. The ABChas many
volunteers who are not considered
"real" Auburnians (an attitude that
we need to drop if we are to move
forward), those who were not born
and raised here, but decided to
come here later in life. Many are
newcomers who see all that Auburn
has to offer and think that this is a
community that has a lot to celebrate.
continued on page 5
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continued from page 3
Their work is invaluable, and we at
CityHall are proud of their efforts.
One of the goals of the ABCis to
get people involved. This year is not
one for passive observance. It is an
opportunity for young and old alike
to take part in planned events. ABC
has planned a great, big birthday
party for Auburn and the only way
to eajoy it is to take part. (When was
the last time you went to a birthday
party and just sat and watched,
doing nothing?) Don't sit around and
just read about what is being done
this year. Take part - be an activist
in the best sense of the word. We
want you to be be involved not only
in their events, but also in setting a
new agenda for this community.
This is your City's birthday -
join the party!
AUBURN, N.Y.
200
YEARS
of history
©
Thanks to all the generous people who
shared their photographs and written histo--
ries in the preparation of this booklet. Space
limitations prevented the inclusion of all the
material submitted. The committee is grateful
to everyone who participated. Additional
historical information may be obtained at
the Cayuga Museum, the Seymour Library,
the County Historians Office or the history
room at Cayuga Community College.
Cathy Sankey
Myrtle Chomyk
Martha Shosa
Anthony Gero
Mike Sorendo
Lydia Rosell
Elsie Ogar
Carole Leonello
TABLEOF CONTENTS
Mission Statement ........................................................................
2
Introduction ...............................................................................
3-5
OveIView:A Bicentennial Reflection ......................................
6-7
AnInteIViewwith Colonel Hardenbergh ...................................
7
Fire Department ......................................................................
9-13
Police Department ......................................................................
15
Early Taverns .........................................................................
16-17
First People ............................................................................
18-19
Owasco Tiesta.............................................................................
19
City Hall .......................................................................................
19
Fort Hill........................................................................................
21
Churches .................................................................................
23-39
Auburn Theological Seminary ............................................
.40-45
Auburn Schools .....................................................................
47-55
Military History......................................................................
56-67
'I'ransportation .......................................................................
69-73
Music.......................................................................................
75-77
Theater District......................................................................
77-83
Sports ...........................................................................................
85
Clubs &Organizations ...........................................................
87-91
Fainous People ......................................................................
93-99
Historic Buildings..............................................................
101-113
Businesses ..........................................................................
113-115
Reminiscence ............................................................................
117
200Club Members....................................................................
119
5

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'!Y.
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A Bicentennial Reflection
BYMICHAEL
J. CUDDY,JR.
U.S.S. Monitor were produced by
Auburnians.
After the war, the city's attention
was again focused on economic
prosperity. The ever-expanding mills
and factories provided employment
in the difficulty experienced by
blacks in finding suitable accommo-
dations, at a time when an
increasing number of blacks were
settling in Auburn.
The changed nature of the
national economy has pre-
•
hen John L. Hardenbergh pur-
chased a tract of land along
the Owasco River on Febru-
ary 16, 1792,he could hardly have
imagined that he would one day be
considered the founder of a thriving
community noted for its educa-
tional and cultural institutions,
manufacturing and commercial
enterprises and natural beauty.
.---------------------, sented great challenges to
Yet the seeds of prosperity were
sowed by men and women,
black and white, who were the ,,
early settlers of Hardenbergh's
Comers, later christened
Auburn. They harnessed the
available water power, erected
sturdy homes, churches and
mills, and provided well for the
education of their children.
In 1815,the citizens of
Auburn secured a village char-
ter, which established improved
modes of local self-government.
The State of New York identi-
fied Auburn as an ideal site for
the state prison. The prestige of
the village was further
enhanced by the establishment
of Auburn Theological Semi-
nary in 1818.The Auburn and
Syracuse Railroad, opened in
1836,was the first railroad in
Central New York, and added to
Auburn's distinct commercial
advantages. A vigorous printing and
book publishing industry furthered
Auburn's image as a thriving center
of educational and commercial
endeavor. In 1848,the village
became a city, although the grant of
a city charter simply made official
what most New Yorkers already
knew: that Auburn was a center of
industry, commerce, government
and letters.
The CivilWar provided the city
with an opportunity to demonstrate
its abilities in the service of the
nation. T.J. Kennedy of Auburn was
first to offer his services to the
Union as a war between the states
seemed inevitable. The manufac-
turing enterprises of the city were
put to the use of the military as well,
and important components of the
6
to the steady stream of immigrants
who found in Auburn the economic
opportunity, the political and reli-
gious freedom, and prospects for a
better life for their children that
were so often lacking in their native
lands. The city's ethnic and religious
diversity is still in evidence in its
churches, schools, social organiza-
tions and family traditions.
The twentieth century presented
many challenges to the "Queen City
of the Finger Lakes." The Great
Depression resulted in the removal
from Auburn of the theological semi-
nary. The city was mobilized, like
the rest of the nation, for wars
fought on a global battlefield, yet
was unprepared to house returning
veterans and their young families.
The housing shortage was reflected
Auburn. Plant closings in
recent decades have displaced
many thousands of workers.
Community leaders continue
the effort to attract new indus-
try; the establishment of a
foreign-owned steel mill is one
of only a few bright spots in an
otherwise bleak manufacturing
economy. The eroding tax base,
the decline of the central busi-
ness district, population shifts
to the developing "suburbs,"
and an aging infrastructure,
will for years to come occupy
the attention of community
leaders.
Auburn has traditionally pro-
duced leaders in a wide variety
of fields at the local, state,
national, and international lev-
els. William H. Seward rose to
the defense of "the higher law"
when slavery threatened the
unity of the nation. Harriet Tub-
man waged a personal struggle
against slavery, and led over
three hundred others to freedom on
the Underground Railroad. Inventors
and industrialists such as Cyrenus
Wheeler and D.M.Osborne invested
in Auburn and its human resources,
and employed thousands in the man-
ufacture of agricultural implements
used around the world. The
women's movement in the United
States owes a debt to Martha Wright,
who, with Elizabeth Cady Stanton
and Lucretia Mott, organized the
first women's rights convention,
held at Seneca Falls in 1848.The sci-
entific innovations of Theodore W.
Case included the technology that
made sound-on-film possible.
Jerome Holland served as United
States Ambassador to Sweden, the
first African American to serve as an
ambassador to a European nation.

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To continue the litany in this
space would not be practical. Yet
many are the professions in which
Aubumians have distinguished
themselves, both in Auburn and
beyond. The contributions of the
men and women who have claimed
Auburn as home, and who are in
tum claimed by Auburn as sons and
daughters, are a credit to this
community.
The people of Auburn have histor-
ically used their talents and
resources to better their community.
The issues which confront us as we
celebrate the city's bicentennial
require the same great level of per-
sonal and professional commitment.
The example of those who have
gone before us should inspire us to
ensure for future generations the
educational, cultural, spiritual and
economic opportunities that have,
for two centuries, been the hallmark
of our city.
FOUNDER
Horse and Dog Drinking Fountain at Richardson Square
Uunction of South & Exchange Streets).
Erected in 1906 by the national Humane Society alliance.
An Interview With
Colonel John L. Hardenbergh
BYTHOMASG. ELDRED,
CAYUGACOUNTYHISTORIAN
It was the year I worked as an
apprentice for the Pace Brothers,
publishers of the Gazette in
Aurora. Lack of legal notices was
beginning to dry up the advertising
revenues with the County Courts
having moved to Sherwood first and
later to Hardenbergh's. The old,
chubby fellows sent me out to inter-
view the founder of the crossroads,
now the County Seat. The sixty-year-
old veteran of the late revolutionary
conflict met me at his log home next
to the Owasco River that rushes
through the middle of the settlement
bearing his name. Hardenbergh is
about six feet tall and is deeply
tanned from years spent out of
doors in our country's service and
living on the frontier. He moves with
an agility that belies his age and lit
up a clay pipe as we talked. Later, he
showed me a pipe that he hollowed
out of a knot of a tree root. He is an
incessant smoker.
I was introduced to his wife, Mar-
tina, 27 years his junior. She is the
daughter of Roeliff Brinkerhoff, the
leader of a group of Pennsylvania
Dutch settlers that have recently
moved to Owasco. There are three
children, John Henry 8, Maria 6, and
Cornelia 12,the daughter of his first
wife, who died from complications
during the birth of Cornelia. Harden-
bergh was first married when he was
47 years old. His first wife Maria was
44 when she passed away.
I asked him why he had settled in
the wilderness by the Indian cross-
ing of the Owasco River. He told me
that in 1776,when the war for inde-
pendence began, he was in the
illster County militia. The group was
ushered into service as the 2nd New
York regiment, with Hardenbergh as
Lieutenant. The
2nd New York
was distinguished in service at Val-
ley Forge and Saratoga before
participation in the Sullivan-Clinton
expedition against the Iroquois in
1779. In 1781,before the end of the
conflict, New York State decided to
pay the veterans of the war in land
bounties on the sparsely settled
frontier. The Treaty of Paris ended
the revolution in our favor and later
the Treaty of Fort Stanwix extin-
guished the Indian title for western
lands. The military tract of bounty
lands was laid out in 1789.Harden-
bergh was one of the surveyors
hired by Simon Dewitt to determine
the town boundaries and lot lines. It
was at this time, he said, that he saw
the rapids and falls of the Owasco
River at the Cayuga Indian crossing.
continued on page 8
7

FOUNDER
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•••••••••
•••••••••••••••
Captain Hardenbergh was assign-
ed lots in Cicero and Fabius as a
bounty for his service. The lot he
wanted was Lot 47 in the Town of
Aurelius. This lot was assigned to
Captain Thomas Doughty, who pre-
ferring not to settle on the frontier,
sold it to land speculators, Martin
and Josiah Hoffman. Hardenbergh
sold his other lots and bought the
treasured Lot 47 from the Hoffmans
for 180(pounds sterling). The deed
was recorded on February 16, 1792.
He told me that he crone to the
land he purchased in the winter
months of 1793,following the
enlarged Indian trail cut out of the
forest by General Wadsworth's party
on their way to the Genesee Country
from Whitestown by the upper
Mohawk River ford. He was accom-
panied by his slaves, Harry and Kate,
later to become freemen by manu-
mission. After checking many spots
that year, he decided to build his log
dwelling on the northeast bank of
the Owasco near the crossing of
Wadsworth's trail. After the death of
Maria, he returned in the summer of
1794with his infant daughter. The
first cabin was heated in the Dutch
fashion with a stone fire pit and
adjacent wall with a smoke hole in
the roof, but without an enclosed
fireplace and chimney.
Hardenbergh completed a log grist
and saw mill 24 feet square across
the river from his cabin, taking
advantage of the water power from
the rapids. Other emigrants crone to
the crossing and settled nearby.
Gilbert Goodrich operated a tavern,
where settlers stayed until their
dwellings were built. Captain Hard-
enbergh married his second wife in
1796at the log Dutch Church at
Sand Beach by Owasco Lake, estab-
lished by the Owasco pioneers. He
told me that he met young Martina
when she was sent by her father to
his mill with grain to be ground into
meal.
When Cayuga County was orga-
nized in 1799,John Hardenbergh
was designated as Colonel of the
militia and thereafter has been
referred to as Colonel. The govern-
ment of the Town of Aurelius was
organized at Hardenbergh's cabin in
1794.The Colonel was elected first
Justice of Peace and Town Clerk
8
Two years later the Aurelius public
school committee met at the
Colonel's cabin to provide an educa-
tion for the youngsters in the
settlement.
The Seneca Turnpike Company
was organized to improve the road
between Whitestown and
Canandaigua. In 1802and 1803the
company rebuilt the Genesee Road
through the settlement and built a
new bridge over the Owasco River.
This activity released a flood of new
settlers into the community. Just last
year, a stage line began running
coaches twice a week through Hard-
enbergh's. Through all the growth
the Colonel has been a modest
village mentioned in Goldsmith's
poem. The Colonel would have pre-
ferred simply, "Hardenbergh."
Before I returned to Aurora,
Colonel Hardenbergh told me of the
confusion that occurred during the
4th of July celebration two years
ago. Someone had used a red banner
to fly from a pole as the village
lacked a flag. Since the banner
resembled the British ensign, the
Colonel ordered it shot down.
Before the command could be car-
ried out the perpetrator removed the
offensive banner.
For last year's celebration a new
5-star flag was hoisted with proper
ceremonies. Colonel Hardenbergh
The Hardenbergh mill was constructed in 1825-26 by John H. Hardenbergh, son of
Colonel Hardenbergh. William Hills ran the millfrom 1827-1865, Orlando Lewis
from 1865-1898, Lewis & Brister, 1899-1907, and C.W.Brister & Sonfrom 1908 to
1926. Located at the foot of East Genesee Street hill, present site of Mr. Donut.
patriarch. He has assisted numerous
pioneers in getting started and
unselfishly given his time and shared
his experience to encourage the
growth of his community.
The growth has inspired some of
the citizens to consider a more
imposing name for Hardenbergh's
Comers, as long as the County Seat
is situated here. The nrone of favor,
Auburn, was suggested by Dr.
Sronuel Crossett after the Irish
continues to take much pride in the
progress and development of his
community. As we parted, he took a
draw on his pipe and as the tobacco
smoke rose toward the roof, he
urged me to get my publishers to
move their newspaper enterprise to
what he believed would be the cen-
tral community of Cayuga County -
he founded it and fostered its early
growth.

HISTORY
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Fire Department
In 1793, the area which we now
call Auburn, was being settled
by several families. This was
thought of as an ideal location
because of its ample water supply
from the river running through
(Owasco Outlet), and also because
of its central location between
Skaneateles and Seneca Falls. The
stage coach traveled through on
the old Indian trail (Genesee St.)
from Albany to Buf-
falo, and with twelve
coaches passing daily,
Auburn was a "good •.ff
stopping hole." It took I/
a~out fifteen hours (8 ,; .) ;.
miles an hour) to reach 1• . if,
Hardenbergh Corners, _-. • ;
as Auburn was •~alled '
at that time, from
either direction.
Indians and Settlers
alike helped each other
in a time of crisis. Indi-
ans had houses built of
wooden stakes, bark,
and in some instances,
animal fur. The Settlers, on the most
part, had log cabins or wooden
framed houses and both types of
houses were highly flammable. All
of the homes and businesses had at
least one fireplace for cooking and
heating, and fire was always on their
minds. They always seemed to be
thinking "fire prevention" when
using their fireplaces and stoves.
If fire broke out, the only means
of extinguishing it was water carried
in barrels, bowls and buckets and
the help of everybody that was able
to walk. Literally, the village of
Hardenbergh Comers would be
closed down during any fire call.
In June of 1805,Hardenbergh Cor-
ners was chosen as the County Seat
or as the VillageFathers preferred,
Capital of Cayuga County. One year
later, the VillageFathers decided
Hardenbergh Comers wasn't an
appropriate name for a Capital city.
Dr. Samuel Crossett suggested the
name of Auburn because when he
visited his uncle in the Villageof
Auburn, Ireland, it was a peaceful,
beautiful and very much uninhabited
area. Col. Hardenbergh and some
others were opposed to this idea
because they said Auburn was syn-
onymous with "deserted village."
Col. Hardenbergh suggested to drop
the name Comers and just call it
"Hardenbergh." Also suggested were
"Mount Maria"and "Centre." It
wasn't until 1815that Hardenbergh
Comers was officially changed to
Auburn.
Auburn Fire Department
View of Hose Company #3 men and
equipment at the Clark Street Station.
129 Clark Street,foot of Jefferson Street
ca 1910
On December 21, 1816,the first
recorded fire broke out at the
Samual Dill Saw and Carding Mill
(located where Dunn and McCarthy
Co. is now). The fire was noticed at
about 11:45PMduring a blizzard.
The temperature was below freez-
ing, and when the call for help rang
throughout the village, the response
wasn't very good. On top of the
problem of lack of manpower, the
people fighting the fire were hin-
dered with iced water and
frostbitten hands and feet.
Within the week, the Village
Fathers ordered a fire engine and
decided to take Fire Fighting and
Fire Prevention seriously. The
only recorded event thus far was
in September of that year in which
the Village Trustees ordered that
a leather bucket be placed in all
dwellings and other type build-
ings, one for each fireplace and if
over three stories high, additional
buckets would be ordered. At the
sound of a fire, all buckets were
placed on the front porch. If no
buckets were placed, no one had
better be home, or if any buckets
were missing from the porch, a
twenty-five cent fine for each
bucket missing would be assessed.
In January 1817, Auburn
received its first fire engine,
known as a "Goose
Neck Engine." It con-
sisted of two handles,
one on either side, for
pumping water
through the "Goose
Neck" hose and a cou-
ple of ladders and
leather buckets. The
engine was located on
Market Street, behind
the Village Hall (now
the site of the Police
Station). Mr. Archie
Kasson was elected
foreman and the Gen-
eral Manager was the
Village President. The Village
President had many responsibili-
ties: he was the Mayor, City
Manager, Police Chief and Fire
Chief. The President, in time of
fire, wore a white belt, a badge on
his hat and carried a trumpet. The
Village Trustees, whose job
included that of City Council,
Asst. Police Chief and Asst. Fire
Chief, would pick up the buckets
from the porches on the way to a
fire. The Trustees wore a white
belt and carried a cane. The fire-
men's job was to get the fire
engine to the scene of the fire, sup-
ply the "Goose Neck" with water
and pump the water through the
hose. The firemen wore leather
hats.
The VillageFathers picked their
firemen every year and if they volun-
teered for the job, they were
expected to obey all the rules. If a
fireman "willfullyor negligently"
failed to attend any fire, he would be
fined three dollars for the first
offense, and he would be dismissed
and his name published in the paper,
continued on page 11
9

FIRE DEPARTMENT HISTORY
...................................................................................................................................................................
for the second offense.
Cisterns were dug at various loca-
tions throughout the Villagefor
water supply. The owner of the
property on which the cistern was
dug would be responsible to keep
the cistern full and accessible.
The Citizens of Auburn, during a
fire, were automatically under the
direction of the VillagePresident
and the four Trustees. Any man or
boy became an instant volunteer for
their fire fighting operations.
The VillageFathers were deter-
mined, through the influence of
businessmen, not to have a repeat of
the Saw MillFire. They realized the
importance of the fire department
and organization was needed.
Through public awareness and
cooperation of the civilians, laws
were passed throughout the follow-
ing years to protect civilians and
their properties from fire damage.
They even passed a law that would
provide for a fireman who became
disabled while attending a fire call to
receive five dollars per week, not
exceeding ten weeks. And a dollar
per week for all time after that if he
should remain disabled after the
tenth week
After each fire, the fire depart-
ment would create new ideas on
how to fight fires. On January 21,
1837,at about 11:30PM,the Hyde,
Waterous and Co. Dry-Good Store
caught fire. The snow was deep and
the temperature was below zero. All
of the stores surrounding Hyde and
Co. were constructed of wood
except two stores which were made
with bricks. Fourteen businesses
were destroyed and the two brick
buildings received minor smoke and
water damage. Hyde and Co. was
rebuilt with brick construction as
were many other stores.
In 1848,the Village of Auburn
became the City of Auburn. Auburn
elected its first Mayor, Cyrus C. Den-
nis. Because Auburn was growing,
the City Fathers felt that a well orga-
nized fire department with modem
equipment would encourage busi-
nesses to settle in Auburn. (At this
time, Auburn was bigger than Syra-
cuse.)
By 1869,through the efforts of the
fire commissioners, businessmen,
insurance companies and citizens,
f
Auburn Fire Department Hose Company #2 out of 57 Owasco Street Station.
Use of sleigh in winter was easier than trying to pull a wagon through the snow.
ca 1900
Auburn had ten fire companies to
serve the community. They were:
l. "Neptune Hose Co." on Market
Street.
2. "Letchworth Hose Co." then
located at 45 Owasco Street and in
1884moved to what is now the
Utopia Club. Later the engine and
men moved to the comer of Milland
Owasco Streets and was called
Engine Co. number two. It since
moved to Frederick Street where it
now stands.
3. "Niagara," an engine company,
was located on WilliamStreet. At
the end of the CivilWar, the return-
ing Veterans purchased the building
and engine and renamed it "Exempt
Co." Being privately owned, they
were exempt from regulations and
orders of any Chief Officer of the
Auburn Fire Department. This
caused a few problems, but on the
whole, when the alarm rang, all com-
panies had a job to do and it was
done to the best of everyone's abil-
ity.
4. "Patrol Extinguisher" was also
called "Cayuga Patrol" and later
called "Seward Hose." This was
located on Franklin Street, behind
"Neptune Hose." "Patrol Extin-
guisher" was later renamed Engine
Co. number four.
5. "Ross Hose" was on the comer of
Walland Aurelius Streets. This
building was sold and turned into
the Italian Club House.
6. "Good WillHose" started on the
comer of Wall and State Streets.
Later it was moved to State and
VanAnden Streets. When it moved to
Chase and Pulaski Streets, it was
renamed "Alert Co." Finally it ended
up as what is now the "Ole Fire
House" restaurant.
7. "Active Co." was located on Jef-
ferson and Clark Streets. It was
renamed Engine Co. number three.
It was moved to Clark Street and
Columbus Street which is now its
present location.
8. "Hook and Ladder Co." on Mar-
ket Street was in the same building
where "Neptune" and "Patrol" Com-
panies were located.
9. "Clapp Hose." Auburn was fortu-
nate to have many businessmen that
took fire protection very seriously
and one man was E.D. Clapp. Mr.
Clapp owned a factory and a fire
company which were located on
Genesee Street. This also was a pri-
vately owned company and wasn't
under the Fire Chiefs regulations.
But, Clapp's employees/firemen
were under the order of Mr. E.D.
Clapp, and E.D. Clapp's orders were
to follow orders from the Auburn
Fire Chief or the Chief in Charge.
There were no recorded problems
between "Clapp Hose Co." and the
City Co.'s.
10."Auburn Prison Hose." The State
of New York and the City of Auburn
made an agreement that if there
11

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.
were any fires within the Prison
Walls,that Auburn Fire Fighters
would respond. With the security at
the prison and time delay problem in
getting Auburn equipment into the
institution, the State of New York
purchased a pumper that would be
manned by civilians living close to
the prison. The engine was placed in
a building adjacent to the prison and
easy access was possible. Response
to a fire in the prison was very poor,
mainly due to the fact that when a
fire broke out, the warden would
have to give permission to allow
"Auburn Prison Hose" into the facil-
ity. The warden waited to hear how
bad the fire was, and then decided
whether or not his company could
handle the situation. This created
even more of a delay.
Today, the Auburn Correctional
Facility has its own fire house and
engine within the walls of the
prison. A Correctional Officer, Ed
Brewster, is the Chief, and he has
one Correctional Officer for each
shift that will be in charge of a com-
pany made up of inmates. The
Auburn Fire Department still
responds to calls at the request of
the warden.
Auburn was the site of the first
Firemen's Convention, which was
held on Genesee Street where the
museum now stands. Firemen from
as far away as Chicago attended.
The main purpose was to organize a
National Firemen's Association,
although it didn't happen; what did
happen was the Firemen from New
York State organized a State Fire-
men's Association.
The first "Gamewell" fire alarm
system was hooked up to the clap-
per on the 6,070pound Wheeler Bell
and operated electrically.
In 1890the City Fathers were
being pressured by businessmen to
consider seriously updating the fire
department and to have full-time
paid firemen. Even though the taxes
would increase to pay these men,
the cost of the fire insurance would
decrease that much more. After
debating and eventually with the
backing of the rest of the citizens,
thirty men were hired to full time
positions as firemen in 1893.In 1894,
four fire companies were being paid
four dollars per month.
12
The volunteer companies soon
developed a great resentment
towards the paid firemen, which led
to a lack of cooperation between the
volunteers and the paid firemen. By
the end of 1893,all firemen were
being paid. The citizens and volun-
teers were faithful and courageous,
and accomplished much in the early
days when equipment was not effi-
cient enough for its needs. The men
of the paid department carried out
traditions, bringing our system to
even greater efficiency, and meeting
every crisis with courage and devo-
tion.
Between January 1, 1884and Jan-
uary 1, 1894,395 fires had occurred
with a total loss of $411,795,while
under the paid department from Jan-
uary 1, 1894to January 1, 1904,there
were 652fires that resulted in a total
loss of only $191,030.
On January 1, 1894,Edward J.
Jewhurst became Auburn Fire
Department's first paid Chief. With
the completion of water mains being
laid and fifty hydrants throughout
the city, plus new fire engines and
equipment being delivered for the
city, Chief Jewhurst ordered con-
structive training for his firefighters.
The public was invited to attend
these trainings and public support
for the fire department grew.
Chief Jewhurst was not only a tall,
large- framed man, he was a distin-
guished gentleman who deserved a
lot of respect and got it. He pushed
for certain ordinances to be passed
and usually got what he wanted. He
found that he had a great deal of
power and enforced building codes.
Auburn Fire Department
Hose Company #2
Located at 57 Owasco Street
ca1900
When he made public that "unre-
stricted stretching of wires within
the limits of the city" should be dealt
with because it hampered the lad-
ders that his men would have to put
up to a building in case of fire, the
utilities began making plans to keep
amends with the Chief.
The first recorded arson fire
occurred July 7, 1902.The Avery
Hotel had about twenty people
sleeping in the early morning when
Charlie Coleman, the night watch-
man, heard the call of fire. Realizing
immediately the fire was in his hotel,
he ran out, saw
Patrolman Boynton
close by and asked
him to tum in the
call while he
returned to awaken
the guests. Boynton
pulled Box 62 and
Coleman made sure
everyone was out of
the building. The fire-
fighters found three
separate fires going
in different locations
of the hotel. The
owner, George
Shimer, was in
Rochester, and after
being notified of the
fire, said that he
couldn't think of any-
one who could do
such a thing. The

FIRE DEPARTMENT HISORY
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arsonist was never found and minor
damage was the result of the hotel
fire.
1903.The Fire Fighters work six
days a week with one hour off per
day. Rate of pay is forty-five dollars
per month.
The Cayuga County Court House
(on the same site as it is today), on
April 30, 1922caught fire. The entire
building was gutted and the dome
collapsed.
A dreadful and frightful crisis hit
the Auburn Fire Fighters and the cit-
izens of Auburn on December 21,
1931.An employee of the "Citizen
Advertiser" noticed a fire behind
Hislop's Department Store. The
alarm sounded and the fire had
already spread to the adjacent build-
ings. Eventually, the entire west
portion of the block was destroyed
and mutual aid as far away as Syra-
cuse arrived to help prevent further
spread of the fire. The block was
destroyed and one life was lost. Fire
Lieutenant Irving W.Dwyer died
while performing his job.
On March 30, 1960,Lieutenant
Alfred Murphy, Fire Fighters John
Searing and Anthony Contrera died
at a gasoline station explosion. Also
killed were Mr.John Bell and Mr.
Walter Ockenfels. The gas station
was destroyed.
On April 7, 1971the bells rang
denoting a box was pulled at the
Auburn High School. Engine Co. 2,
Engine Co. 4, Truck Co. 1 and the
Chiefs car responded to the scene.
Engine Co. 3 went to Headquarters
to stand by in case of another call.
Upon arrival at the High School
there was no sign of fire. The Chief
Auburn Fire Department Fire Training
School destroyed by fire set by arsonist.
ordered the men to search
throughout the school.
While everyone was in the
school, the Chiefs driver
received a call over the
radio that there is a
reported fire at Luke
Williams and Sons Lumber
Yard on Green Street. The
Chiefs driver (portable
radios were not in the fire
service at that time) located
the Chief and told him the
news. The Chief ordered all
fire personnel back to the
trucks but they were scattered
throughout the school so the P.A.
system was used and the trucks
couldn't leave until all were
accounted for. The Chief turned off
White Friars Drive to South Street
and saw flames and smoke in the
sky. The Chief ordered a third alarm.
After the fire, it was determined that
if it wasn't for that false alarm at the
High School, the loss would not
have been total.
The Auburn Fire Department and
the Auburn Fire Fighters have
learned things, usually the hard way,
as time went on. No fire, like no day,
is exactly the same. With new prod-
ucts such as petroleum-based
furniture, clothing materials,
draperies, decorative items and
detergents and cleaning products,
fire and smoke react in different
ways. Through cooperation and
organization, Fire Departments
throughout the country and the
world have helped each other by
reporting to the State level all fires.
Fire Departments throughout the
United States have the advantage of
numerous publications on the fire
service which includes: new equip-
ment, ideas, training, actual fires and
Fire at Cayuga Museum
203 Genesee Street
September 13, 1973
much more. Also there are State and
Federal agencies that do testing and
offer special services to local fire
departments. The National Fire
Academy in Maryland has an excel-
lent program for the fire service
which departments from all over the
world send people to attend. Mon-
tour Falls, New York is where the
State Academy is located. Both of
these Academies are fairly inexpen-
sive but have a waiting list in many
courses that are offered. The New
York State Association of Fire
Chiefs offers courses and seminars
at periodic times of the year. Cayuga
County Community College has a
Fire Science degree program. Emer-
gency Medical Technician courses
are offered to those that work in the
fire, police and medical services.
The benefit of experience from oth-
ers, testing by State and Federal
agencies and training is there to
assist a firefighter in his education
of the fire service. ~
13

LAW ENFORCEMENT
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Police Department
rrom a small building on the
Owasco River, to a village in
1807, to a city in 1848, the
area known as Auburn is now
celebrating its bicentennial.
Since the beginning when people
gathered into communities, there
soon followed ways of controlling
the groups. This protects the
interests of the community as a
whole (law).
Though law enforcement existed
in Auburn, it was 1879 before an
organized law enforcement agency
was founded. Since that time the
eleven individuals listed below
have served Auburn as Chief of
Police.
Charles W. Jennings
Henry D. Crosbie
John A. Davis
George Fullmer
Charles E. McMaster
William C. Bell
Chester J. Bills
John F. Tenity
John T. Costello
Apptd. March 13, 1879
Apptd. June 4, 1881
Apptd. November 7, 1889
Apptd. August 31, 1891
Apptd. June 4, 1892
Apptd. February 1, 1904
Apptd. April 1, 1929
John C. Walter Apptd. February 2, 1988
James C. Moochler Apptd. September 9, 1991
John A. Ecklund Apptd. Oct. 19, 1992
Since its inception, the mission
of the Auburn Police Department
is to enhance the quality of life in
the City of Auburn by working
cooperatively with the citizenry to
enforce the laws, preserve the
peace, reduce fear and provide for
a safe environment in a way which
strikes the optimum balance
between the collective interests of
all and the personal rights of indi-
viduals.
The best to the present and
future residents of the City of
Auburn.
William C. Bell, Chief of Police
Appointed February 1, 1904
ABOVE: Some of
Auburn's finest,
1900-1910
(names unknown).
LEFT: Police Depart-
ment Building,
North and Market Sts.
Auburn.
15

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Auburn's Early Taverns
[Reprinted from 1976 Vol. 19,
#74 Yesteryears]
I s the roads opened up the
country for settlement, taverns
and inns sprang up to care for
the wants of the traveling public.
The tavern was truly the community
center. Auburn had more of its share
of these hostelries in its early days.
But the tavern had not yet taken
on the stigma of a back-street
saloon. It was a tourist home, hotel,
restaurant, bar and meeting house
all rolled into one. Lawyers had little
offices in the rear or upstairs, and it
usually contained a large hall called
a "long room" in which a variety of
events were held.
Since Auburn was on that great
thoroughfare known as the Seneca
Turnpike, it was only natural that
such establishments would exist.
For over this rutted road passed the
hoards of pioneers, tinkers, ped-
dlers, droves of cattle, sheep, ducks
and turkeys and large freight wag-
ons filled with produce bound for
the hungry east.
Before the coming of the railroad,
no less than two stagecoaches an
hour during daylight hours pulled up
to such famous inns as the Western
Exchange and American Hotels. In
the early days of Auburn, taverns
outnumbered churches nearly 10to
1.In fact, in 1810,there were no
churches at all, and the various
denominations were meeting in the
old county courthouse.
Later, houses of worship were
built so, as one British traveler put
it, "the Methodists and Presbyterians
would not clash." But the topic is
not churches; it is taverns. In the
years following the War of 1812,
Auburn rang with the sound of a
bustling community on a scale
which would resemble a Dodge City
of later years.
Auburn's rapid growth in the early
years, both economically and politi-
cally, placed it on the threshold of
becoming the State Capital and it
was indeed becoming the "loveliest
village on the plain." What brought
all this about? Being on the turnpike
16
BY RICHARD PALMER .
had something to do with it. Other
factors were the abundance of
waterpower and the construction of
the prison. The prison brought in a
multitude of artisans and craftsmen
who turned to other pursuits after
the "correctional facility" was com-
pleted.
Rather than try to discuss every
tavern that ever existed in Auburn, I
have chosen a few of the more well-
known ones to outline.
First, we'll stop at the Center
House, which stood at the comer of
Genesee and Market streets. Here
we meet the venerable Deacon
David Homer, who, in a few years,
would be succeeded by Henry
Ammerman. During Homer's tenure
as landlord, it is recorded that the
term "Okay" originated here.
A guest of the house had fallen
asleep in his chair, by the fireplace,
and the Deacon was desirous of
rousing him, to induce him to go
away. All efforts to wake him up
were futile. The Deacon shook him
again, and told him to get out.
Finally, the man, half-awake,
philosophically replied, "Okay, Dea-
con Homer," and went on with his
snooze. The Deacon's efforts to
remove him were fruitless until he
got through with his nap.
The Center House was started by
William Smith in 1805and com-
pleted by Homer a year later. He
conducted it for about six years,
when he sold it to Charles Reading.
In those days, the village trustees
met here.
Eventually, Ammerman took over,
and in an advertisement dated 1818
we read "No NOISYRABBLESWILLBE
ALLOWED
A PLACEIN THISHOUSE
WHEREBYTHE RESTOF THE WEARYMAY
BE DISTURBED.LIQUORSAND OTHER
REFRESHMENTSOF FIRST QUALITY
WILL
BE SERVED."
It was here that Enos T. Throop,
later governor of New York, had his
first law office. The First Presbyter-
ian Society was organized in the hall
upstairs in 1810,and the first Sunday
Schools were held here.
In 1829,the old structure was
moved to Fulton Street and is incor-
porated in a house standing opposite
the Fulton Street School. Let's now
go up Genesee Street to the present
site of the Grant Store. Here, in 1798,
William Bostwick built a double log
house, which he opened as a tavern
a few years later.
Although at first not a public
house in that sense of the word, the
latchstring was always out to the
wayfarer. For in those days, the hos-
pitality of the pioneers was
proverbial. In 1803-04,Bostwick
built a framed tavern at the comer
of Genesee and Exchange streets,
which can justifiably be called
Auburn's first formal hotel. It was
large and commodious, with barns,
stables, and sheds, affording good
accommodations for man and beast.
Auburn's first public ball was held
here on Independence day, 1805.
The celebrated LaFayette ball, in
honor of the French General who so
graciously aided in this country's
cause during the Revolution, was
held here in 1825.
Mr. Bostwick sold the place to
Canfield Coe, who made many
improvements. Later, it was further
enlarged by Emmanuel D. Hudson,
who christened it the Western Ex-
change. It stood until 1868when it
was tom down to give way to the old
Pearson block
Next, let's visit the celebrated
"American Hotel," built by Isaac and
John M. Sherwood, local stagecoach
proprietors, and opened on New
Years Day, 1830.It was a four-story
stone structure, nearly square, with
two piazzas extending across the
front and east side. These piazzas
were supported by columns of the
Ionic order of architecture. The top

HOSTELRIES
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....
of the second piazza afforded an
uncovered promenade for the fourth
story.
The central entrance opened into
the main hall, on the left front was
the guest's parlor, or reading room;
on the right, the bar-room. The
"Ladies' parlor" was on the second
floor. Tne rest of the building was
mainly devoted to guests, while the
servants lived on the top floor.
The front hall opened into a dining
room. The stage office was in the
southeast comer of the basement,
where the Sherwoods, in their ruf-
fled shirts and broadcloth, managed
the affairs of the celebrated Tele-
graph line of stagecoaches.
It's guest book boasted such
names as Daniel Webster, Martin
Van Buren, Henry Clay and General
Winfield Scott. A British tourist,
walking around the top promenade,
surveying the scenery, termed the
area as "rich and luxuriant as the
valley of Egypt."
With the advent of the railroad,
the wistful days of the stagecoach
and turnpike ended. The "American"
and other hotels like it faded. It
eventually fell into the hands of
Anthony Shimer, whose idiosyn-
crasies as a millionaire could match
those of Hetty Greene and Daniel
Drew.
Shimer owned the Lion's share of
downtown Auburn after the Civil
War. He is characterized as an unim-
posing appearing man with an
unkempt appearance.
Shimer purchased the American in
1870and renamed it the St. James.
He rebuilt and toggled its interior,
out of all semblance to anything ever
known before or since in the hotel
line. Meanwhile the bedding and
other furnishings were left to rot
under the eternally leaky roofs.
Finally he "shoved the whole busi-
ness" into a line of immense stores
flush with the curb on Genesee
Street too big and too open to the
weather to be considered as ideal
rental space.
Shimer put in sheet iron fronts in
place of brick walls, making it an
eyesore. In a way, Shimer had the
Midas touch. Only everything he
came in contact with had a tendency
to deteriorate and crumble.
Finally, the building burned March
The Western Exchange Hotel on Genesee Street, corner of Exchange Street,
opened originally as William Bostwick's Tavern in 1801,.
24, 1884and with the last flickering
flames went the last remnant of the
era of the gentlemanly landlord. The
old time proprietor was a man of
character who silently disappeared
when the stagecoach was stored
away in the shed and the horses
turned out to pasture.
In his place came the less impres-
sive tavern with its swinging doors,
chandeliers, sawdust on the floor
and honky-tonk atmosphere.
Eleazer Hunter's Tavern -1798, East Genesee Road
17

THE FIRST PEOPLE
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The First Americans at ''The Crossing''
BYTHOMASG. ELDRED
CAYUGACOUNTYHISTORIAN
There are several accounts that
tell us about the Indian people
that preceded the white settle-
ment in the Auburn area. We know
that the earliest white settlers were
impressed with the potential of the
lands adjacent to the rapids of the
Owasco Outlet. They originally
found this place by following Iro-
quois Indian trails which crossed the
Outlet approximately where the pre-
sent Genesee Street bridge is
located. Wadsworth's axemen
widened the trail to the Genesee
River in 1791,creating the Genesee
Road.
Henry Hall tells of a Cayuga vil-
lage of several long houses located
where Auburn Correctional Facility
is now. Hall called it "Wasco."
Schoolcraft identifies the same
Indian village as "Osco" indicating
the difference as white men tried to
translate the sounds and inflections
of Iroquois language to written Eng-
lish. All agree that the word meant
"the crossing place." It was at this
village that the famous Cayuga ora-
tor, Tahgaltjute, was born ca. 1725.
His father, Shikellimy, moved his
family to the Susquehanna Valley in
what is now central Pennsylvania.
He was sent by the Onondaga Coun-
cil to be a leader among these
southern Iroquois. The Cayugas who
lived in that area were called Min-
gos. Tahgaltjute assumed the
English name Logan after James
Logan, who was secretary to Gover-
nor William Penn and held in high
regard by the Indian people for his
kindnesses.
Logan moved with his extended
family to the Ohio lands by 1771.
Thirteen of his relations were killed
in an isolated massacre during Lord
Dunmore's War. When a peace con-
ference was arranged later, he was
invited but refused to attend. Col.
John Gibson was sent to implore
Logan to change his mind. Gibson
carried Logan's eloquent refusal to
the conference ending with the
phrase "Who is there to mourn for
Logan?" Thomas Jefferson repeated
18
the oration in his notes on Virginia.
McGuffey reprinted it in his series of
readers used by many public schools
around the country in the last cen-
tury.
In 1852,Aubumians recalled the
memory of Logan by erecting a 56-
foot high obelisk at the highest
elevation of Fort Hill Cemetery. At
the base of the stone monument is
quoted the last line of Logan's
lament, "Who is there to mourn for
Logan?" The Cayuga County Council
of Boy Scouts of America also
remember Logan by naming the
local Order of the Arrow Chapter,
Tahgaltjute Lodge.
Logan Monument
(Photo ca 1906)
Henry Hallfollows the notions of
Schoolcraft's earlier work calling
Fort Hill a fortification used by the
ancient Alleghens as a fortress. The
New York State Archaeologist,
William Ritchie, classified the study
of these early people in 1960.Those
people who lived before the discov-
ery of agriculture he calls Archaic
and those who plant and harvest
crops are called Woodland. Archaic
are those whose remains were found
on Frontenac Island in Cayuga Lake
carbon-dated to 3,500 B.C.
Perhaps the ancient Alleghens
referred to by Hall and Schoolcraft
are actually Ritchie's Archaic peo-
ple. They may be similar to the
mound builders of Illinois and Ohio
- but if Fort Hill was a defensive
position, who were their enemies?
In 1915,E.H. Gohl discovered arti-
facts in the area at the foot of
Owasco Lake in what is now Emer-
son Park. Subsequent archaeological
forays in 1922by Arthur Parker and
by Ritchie in 1944in that place des-
ignated the Woodland culture of the
Owasco people predecessors of the
Iroquois. Apparently these people
lived in the area around 1100A.D.
The Cayuga Nation of the Iroquois
Confederacy evolved out of the
Owasco culture. The main village of
the Cayugas was located near Great
Gully Creek south of Union Springs.
By the treaty of Fort Stanwix their
lands were reduced to a reservation
on both sides of the north end of
Cayuga Lake. These lands were sold
to New York State in the question-
able Treaty of Cayuga Ferry in 1795.
Several times surviving Cayugas
have sued to recover what was
taken and the settlement has been
monetary payments by the state. The
United States Supreme Court has
ruled in 1985that the Oneida Nation
had a right to land claimed in their
suit. In a similar suit the claims
made by the Cayuga Nation for their
reservation lands are under negotia-
tion subject to approval by the
Federal Court.
But what of Wasco? Henry Hall
tells us that the Indians who lived
there traded with the settlers at
Hardenbergh's Comers. Like most
Cayuga villages, it was made up of
several longhouses of elm bark. The
Cayugas were friendly and peaceful;
growing crops, fishing, and hunting
in a swamp north of the village
which had lots of game. By 1797,
after trading for the settler's store
liquor, they engaged in brawls in
which the settlers intervened to pre-

....................................................................................
F..1.R..s.T ....P.E.o .P.L..E./ .c·'··T .v.....
H. A ..L.L..................................................................................
.
vent bloodshed. After a particularly
bad night when the Indians were
fighting and throwing burning sticks
at each other, the settlers were sur-
prised to find the village deserted in
the morning. The Indians never
returned.
Owasco Teyetasta
The Owasco Teyetasta is a
museum of local Native Ameri-
can cultures from prehistoric
times to the present Cayugas of the
Iroquois Confederacy. This museum,
located at Emerson Park on Route
38A,was originally the creation of
Adelphina Logan and Walter Long.
Owasco village.
In 1990,the village was dis-
mantled and in the following year
the museum building was relocated
to a more accessible site adjacent to
the Agricultural Museum on the east
side of the park. In 1992the site was
renamed Owasco Teyetasta to better
reflect the mission of the site.
Owasco was chosen because it was
At one point, this location included
both a museum of artifacts and mod-
em Native American art, and a full
scale, reconstructed Owasco village.
The actual construction of the
museum and village was performed
by many local civic groups together
with the Onondagas and other local
Native Americans. The location of
the Owasco Teyetasta is in the
immediate area of the site of a major
a culture from whom the Iroquois
evolved and because it denotes the
location of the site. Teyetasta is an
Iroquois word meaning lodge, or
more precisely, a stand oflogs and
earthworks. Although the Owasco
Teyetasta has exhibits of Native
American artifacts and artworks, its
primary function is that of a meeting
place where ideas can be shared and
cultures can learn about each other.
It is a site of living and growing and
looking to the future as much as
remembering the past.
---------------------❖❖❖---------------------
City Hall
Auburn's old city hall (right) faced
North Street at the junction of Franklin
and Market Streets. Before Genesee
Street was opened (about 1800)village
business was centered about the Market,
North and Franklin St.junction, where all
traffic east, west, north and south was
obliged to pass in crossing the Owasco
Outlet on the old North Street Bridge that
stood about where the present bridge
stands.
The cityjail and fire departments were
housed here. Currently the Police and
Fire Departments stand where the old
city hall stood.
City Hall, 26 South Street (left), was
dedicated April 5, 1930.Currently the
mayor, city council and other city offices
are housed in this building. The dome on
the top of city hall is the basis for the logo
of the Bicentennial Celebration.
19

HALL OF FAME
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••·•
Fort Hill
BYMICHAEL
J. SORENDO
The City of Auburn is privileged
to have within its boundaries
Fort Hill Cemetery. Entering
the grounds is like being placed in a
unique hall of fame that contains a
rich existence; an era that flourished
with the idea of moving forward; a
time of creating, inventing and build-
ing of America.
As the tombs encase the many
departed souls, so do they encase
the true events of history. Fort Hill
does not bury the past but rather
preserves the memory, meaning and
existence of each departed person.
According to the Fort HillCeme-
tery Association pamphlet, the
existence of Fort Hillas a cemetery
began on May 15th of 1851,when a
group of civic leaders met with a
local attorney, Thomas Y.How, Jr.,
to formally hold the 22 acres to
serve as a burial ground, since the
North Street Cemetery had served
its purpose.
A formal dedication was initiated
on July 7th, 1852,and opened with
an introductory address by Michael
Myers,who was the First President
of the Board of Trustees of Fort Hill
Cemetery. The ceremony consisted
of several speakers and the singing
of hymns. A benediction closed the
day's special services and was given
by the Rev. H.A.Nelson, then pastor
of the First Presbyterian Church in
Auburn.
Several outstanding historical fig-
ures are buried in Fort Hill:
• Harriet Tubman - Escaped
slave who was a conductor of the
Underground Railroad and helped
free over 300slaves. She also served
as an agent for the Union behind
enemy lines during the CivilWar.
• Colonel John L. Hardenburgh -
Founder of Auburn who served with
George Washington at Valley Forge.
• WilliamH. Seward - Served as
Secretary of State under Presidents
Lincoln and Johnson and was the
person responsible for the purchase
of Alaska.
• Myles Keogh - Fought in sev-
eral CivilWar battles and died at the
Fort Hill Cemetery entrance
Little Big Hom as a captain with
General George Armstrong Custer.
• Thomas Mott Osborne- Noted
for being the "Father of Prison
Reform," initiating reform of prison-
ers instead ofjust punishment.
• Theodore Case - Inventor of
sound (talking) motion pictures.
Several structures were added to
the cemetery grounds after
its incorporation. Since the
land was the Indians' first,
a monument was erected in
1852,upon a mound
believed to be an ancient
Indian altar. It was made of
native stone and stands 56
feet high. Called the Logan
Monument, the bearer of its
name was the honorary
recipient. He was the cele-
brated chief of the Cayuga
Indians whose entire family
was murdered by white
men.
Two other structures
adjacent to each other fac-
ing the north side of the
cemetery are the Bradley
Memorial Chapel and the
Administration Building,
both of Gothic Architec-
ture. The chapel was
completed in 1893,and was
given as a gift to the ceme-
tery association by Mrs.
Bradley in memory of her
husband, Silas L.Bradley.
was given as a gift by Mrs. Eliza
Wright Osborne.
The last structure is the Under-
wood Memorial Gateway, completed
in 1930,and serves as an entrance
from the South end of the cemetery.
It was also a gift and given by the
children of J. Platt Underwood in
remembrance of their father's love
for Auburn.
...
#, •• , '"' .....
"'----·...
.::.,,,,.
i
View of the Case-Willard monument in
Fort Hill Cemetery.
The administration building -----------------•
was completed in 1928,and continued on page 23
21

FORT HILL
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Above: WoodruJj Monument
Right: Rathbun Family Plot
.............................................................................................................
c.H.U.R.C.H ..E..s ........................................................................................................
.
Auburn Alliance Church
The Auburn Alliance Church had its
beginning in 1939,when Rev.
Samuel Anderson and his wife came
to Auburn from Endicott, New York.
Rev.Anderson was a "church
planter" and had begun several new
churches throughout New York and
Northern Pennsylvania.
A large tent was pitched in the
yard of 35 Franklin Street in the
summer of 1939,and the Anderson
family rented a house at that loca-
tion. The meetings moved from the
tent to the Anderson residence. The
home rented by the Andersons was
eventually purchased by them to
house the new church. The house
had been the parsonage of the First
Presbyterian Church. (The original
deed for the land in the early 1800s
listed the location as the Village of
Auburn, The Town of Aurelius.)
The church was organized offi-
cially on April 10, 1944at which time
there were 24 charter members. The
congregation bought the building
from the Andersons in 1945and
incorporated on October 24, 1945as
"The Christian and Missionary
Alliance Church" of Auburn. At that
time, there was a small auditorium
and some of the living quarters were
used for Sunday School rooms.
In February of 1950,Rev. Ander-
son retired and Rev. William Benson
and his wife came to the church. The
whole main floor was used for
church and Sunday School, while
the Bensons lived on the second
floor.
Rev. and Mrs. Benson left in
March of 1953,and Rev.Jerry Reid
and his family came to keep the
small work going. They also lived on
the second floor as the Bensons had
done, but Rev. Reid began to do
much work to remodel the basement
so it could be used for Sunday
School rooms. A small bathroom
was later added, and much remodel-
ing work was done to the outside of
the building. In 1971,land was pur-
chased on North Seward Avenue,
and a new parsonage was built.
Rev. Reid retired in the summer of
1977,and Rev. George Smith and his
family came to continue the ministry
in Auburn. Under Rev. Smith's min-
istry the new church building on
Seward Avenue was begun in March
of 1981and dedicated in May of
1982.The new church contains a
sanctuary, large foyer, kitchen,
social area, ten Sunday School class-
rooms, and four bathrooms. Much of
the work in both the parsonage and
church complex was accomplished
by church members and friends.
Rev. George Smith left the chrn:,ch
in January of 1982.Rev. Fred Spence
served as intern pastor for several
months until Rev. Rick Rose and his
family were called by the church in
Auburn
Alliance
Church
1982.The church continued to grow
during the seven-year ministry of
Pastor Rose. In August of 1990Rev.
David Richter and his family came to
Auburn. Pastor Richter continues as
present pastor of the church.
23

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.H.U
.R.c
..
H..
E
..
s...........................................................................
.
Auburn Assembly of God
The Pentecostal church originally
came to Auburn through a woman,
Rev. Margorie Harris. Trained at the
Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New
York, she began ministry here in
1933.At that time, the church was
non-denominational. Called the
Gospel Tabernacle, it met in various
rented storefronts.
Following Rev. Harris were nine
other pastors of this independent
work The seventh pastor, Rev.
David Wellard, donated a home at
101North Street to the church. The
house (known as the "White
House"), was used for both the pas-
tor's residence and services.
Rev. Leonard Clingerman (1946-
1949)began to see the need for
denominational affiliation, and in
1950Assemblies of God affiliation
came with Rev. Leon Miles. Charter
members of the new church were
Rev. Miles, Revs. Clingerman and
Wellard, Mrs. Pearl Hamilton, Mrs.
Gwen Hawley, Mrs. Grace Snyder, a
Mr. Phillipps and a Mr. Freeze.
The church purchased its current
property on East Genesee Street and
built the basement of the new
church building in 1959,where it
met for nearly three years. Built
totally by the members, workers
included Russell Swartz, Kenneth
Wrightson, Earl Brant, Leonard
Clingerman, Joe Spinosa and Phil
Spinosa.
The current building was com-
pleted under the leadership of Rev.
David Hansen in 1962.He ended his
six-year term in 1967to become a
missionary to Peru. Since his depar-
ture, five other ministers have led
the flock, two of whom still minister
locally: Rev. Sonny Persad in Throop
and Rev. Wayne Hampton in
Moravia. The current pastor since
1989is Rev. Bruce L. Green.
St. Nicholas Russian
Orthodox Church
St. Nicholas Parish was founded
on December 1, 1908.The property
at the comer of Cross and Cottage
Streets was purchased on December
4, 1908,and religious services were
first held in a small house that stood
on the premises and which was
remodeled into a chapel.
24
The first officers and vestry of the
church in 1908-09were Thomas D.
Garbinsky, president and treasurer;
Basil Kimak, vice president and sex-
ton; John Pestik, secretary; Joseph
Garbinsky, George Mitrus, Joseph
Pingrin, Gregory Maykovich, Halak-
tion Melnick, Maxim Zanowiak,
Frank Gaylo, George Brannick and
GeorgeJanochko.V.Rev.A.
Hotovitsky and V.Rev.Abbot
Arseny served as rectors the first
year.
The holy temple built originally in
1909-10was constructed of red con-
crete blocks and dedicated June 21,
1910.This building was remodeled
and enlarged in 1946-47under super-
vision of and plans by Wallace P.
Beardsley, architect, of Auburn. The
house adjoining the church at 28
Cross Street was purchased for use
Original Church
as a rectory in 1913and remodeled
in 1949.A new rectory was built at
73 Cottage Street in 1972.
Current rector is Rev. Stephen
Mack St. Nicholas' cemetery plot is
located at Half Acre.
St. Hyacinth Church
In the early 1900sas the number
of Poles immigrating to Auburn
increased, a delegation was sent to
the bishop of the Rochester Diocese
to request that a Polish parish be
established and a Polish priest be
assigned to minister to the needs of
the Polish population of Auburn. In
1905,Friar Stanislaus J. Szupa was
sent to Auburn for this purpose.
After considerable campaigning,
sufficient contributions were
received to assure construction of a
church building. Construction began
in 1906and was completed in the
spring of 1907.The patron saint cho-
sen for the new church was St.
Hyacinth, a Polish Dominican Friar.
In 1926,the Bishop entrusted the
parish to the care of the Franciscan
Friars Minor Conventual of the St.
Anthony Province who continue to
serve St. Hyacinth's to the present
day. By 1962,as the parish contin-
ued to grow, the parishioners
recognized the need for a new,
larger church building. At that time
plans were drawn up and construc-
tion began on the present church
which has a seating capacity of 700
and is located at 61 Pulaski Street.
Church of the Nazarene
The Auburn Church of the
Nazarene was founded September
23, 1937,with 15 charter members.
The church building, in the early
years, was a house at Seminary
Avenue and Seminary Street. In
1953,construction of a church build-
ing began adjacent to the house.
Services were held in the basement
while the congregation completed
the remainder of the structure. The
building was dedicated in 1960.
In 1986the church moved into
another building. Again, the congre-
gation did the majority of the
construction and began worshiping
in the new building in December of
1990.The facility, located East of
Auburn on Route 20, is attractive,
modem and efficient. There is ample
room for Sunday School for all ages,
including two nurseries with profes-
sional attendants. The sanctuary
gives meaning to the concept of the
"family of God" by helping wor-
shipers feel close to one another. A
gym and kitchen provide for recre-
ation and fellowship.
Our desire is to be a vital member
of the Christian community in
Auburn and the surrounding area.
We are interested in the needs of our
community and we are currently
cooperating with the Alzheimer's
Association of Central New York as
they provide day care services in our
facility.

CHURCHES
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••···•·
St. Luke's
United Church of Christ
In 1873,Rev. Shapflin came from
Syracuse, at the request of the Ger-
man families who had settled in and
near Auburn, to help them start a
German church. It was in 1875that
the first regular meeting was held in
St. George's Hall conducted by the
Rev. Zur Nedden. It was called St.
Luke's German Evangelical Church.
Meetings were later held at the
Y.M.C.A.and the chapel of the
_. '--:<
,...~. '
:.:, IJ
St. Luke's, 25 Seminary Ave.
Auburn Theological Seminary.
Abuilding lot was purchased on
Seminary Avenue and the new
church completed in 1881.Over the
years a parsonage was built next to
the church and various changes
were made in the church building. In
1950a major addition was made on
the south side of the church and
another major remodeling project
was finished in 1960.
St. Luke's started out as an Evan-
gelical and Reformed Church. In
1959the Evangelical and Reformed
Church united with the Congrega-
tion-Christian Churches to become
known as the United Church of
Christ.
Present pastor is the Rev. Andrew
Armstrong.
Congregation
B'Nai Israel
Historical records of Auburn show
that Jacob Levi,a CivilWar veteran,
operated a clothing store in this
community some time after the war
between the states. He is believed to
be the first Jewish settler in
Auburn.The tempo of Jewish settlers
in Auburn increased in the 1890sand
a need for a religious congregation
became apparent. Rabbi Yaffecame
to Auburn about that time and was
the first known rabbi ever to live in
the City of Auburn.
On March 24, 1903,26 charter
members led by president Moses
Saperstein, vice president Louis
Bernson, and secretary and trea-
surer Lewis Gardner fulfilled the
demand for a congregation and
B'Nai Israel (the children of Israel)
of Auburn, New York was born.
Rabbi Yaffewas named Orthodox
spiritual leader.
The Congregation first met on
State Street at an upstairs site, near
the location of the Auburn Pants
Factory. Later it moved to what was
known as Saperstein's Hall, a large
meeting room on the second floor of
the building at State and Dill Streets.
In 1906the meeting place was
switched to Redman's Hall on Mar-
ket Street, where the Fire
Department now stands. Ayear later
the Congregation moved again, to a
second floor over what was Fulton's
Jewelry Store, and remained there
for five years.
In 1911,its members voted to pur-
chase the Annette L.Hall residence
at 18Seminary Avenue for $3500as
a home for the Rabbi and the site for
a future temple.
In 1912,the Congregation worship
and meeting site was moved to
Woodman's Hall, in the auditorium
building annex on Water Street. The
auditorium was subsequently known
as the Strand Theatre which was a
movie house.
In 1920,Samuel Schwartz was
elected president of the Congrega-
tion and he was determined to
follow through with the building of
the planned synagogue. To spur the
lagging fund drive, one device used
in raising construction funds, was
the window auction at Woodman's
Hall which took place in 1921.Jack
Shapero performed as auctioneer
and was able to raise an unbeliev-
able $4,000from fellow members. In
return, they gained the privilege of
having their families' names etched
on the stained glass windows. With
enough funds available, the con-
struction became a reality. The
synagogue was designed by archi-
tect Carl Tallman of Auburn. The
Congregation B'Nai Israel
18 Seminary Ave.
building was dedicated in April 1922,
and the first spiritual leader to serve
the new synagogue was Rabbi
Reuthberg. The Rabbi's house and
meeting center which had stood on
the site was not destroyed but rather
was uprooted and moved to the rear
of 17Franklin Street.
In 1950,through the efforts of
Harry Teder, the Congregation
arranged with Fort Hill Cemetery for
a special B'Nai Israel burial section.
It is called B'Nai Israel Pine View
and has been set aside forever for
the Congregation's use.
The property at 20 Seminary
Avenue was purchased by the Annie
Abuza Aronson Temple Fund and
was presented to the Congregation
on April 7, 1963,to house a study for
the rabbi, a secretary's office and
two classrooms. At the 60th Anniver-
sary dinner on April 7th at the
Auburn Inn the formal dedication
took place. Sophie Tucker, sister of
Annie Aronson, spoke at the dinner
and members were honored for 50
years of membership.
In the year 1973the synagogue at
18Seminary Avenue was sold to the
State of New York and razed to
make way for the Arterial. The cor-
nerstone for the new synagogue was
laid on July 30, 1973at 8 John Smith
Avenue. George Michaels was presi-
dent of the Congregation at that
time. Honored at this ceremony
were Sam Goldman and Harry
Teder, oldest members of the
25

congregation and Mrs. Robert D.
Louis as the only surviving charter
member of the Congregation.
The building was dedicated in cer-
emonies on March 29 and 30, 1974.
The final service service at 18Semi-
nary Avenue was held on March 29,
1974at 5:30p.m. and services were
held at 6:30p.m. at the new syna-
gogue.
The Episcopal Church of
Saints Peter and John
In 1791,Colonel John L.Harden-
bergh, surveyor of this area, started
the present City of Auburn. Settlers
rapidly came and by 1798an itiner-
ant missionary, the Rev. Philander
Chase (later Bishop of Ohio and Illi-
nois), began to provide services to
several families in the home of
WilliamBostwick. In 1801,the Rev.
David Irish, a congregational minis-
ter, began holding regular services.
This continued until on one Sunday
the congregational minister failed to
appear and Mr. Bostwick was
requested to read the service from
the Book of Common Prayer of the
Episcopal Church. The following
Sunday the congregational minister
gave his whole sermon denouncing
the Episcopal Church and the men
who dared to use her liturgy. This
incident led to the creation of St.
Peter's Church in Auburn on July 1,
1805.At this meeting wardens and
vestrymen were elected.
Four years later, the congregation
decided to build a church and
WilliamBostwick deeded the land to
the Vestry, March 13, 1810.On
August 22, 1812,the Rt. Rev. Henry
Hobart, Assistant Bishop of the Dio-
cese of New York, consecrated the
church. While on a later visit to St.
Peter's, Bishop Hobart took ill and
died at the Rectory on September
12,1830.
In 1831,the congregation deemed
an enlargement was needed and
shortly after plans had started, fire
struck, destroying St. Peter's
Church, February 5, 1832.A new
church was then built and conse-
crated on August 8, 1833.In March
of 1868,the Church was taken down
and its material used in the con-
struction of the present chapel.
Easter, 1870,the present Church
was first used for worship and in
CHURCHES
1883,the Chancel was enlarged with
robing room and organ chamber.
In 1955,St. Peter's Church made
plans for a year long observance of
its sesquicentennial year. This
included redecoration of the church,
publication of the church history,
and beautification of the grounds.
In September 1986,the Episcopal
parishes of St. Peter's and St. John's
merged, creating a new name for the
parish, the Episcopal Church of
Saints Peter and John. Today, with
the Rev. Robert C.Ayers, Ph.D., as
Rector, the parish is renewed and
growing, serving the needs of Epis-
copalians of Auburn.
United Church
of Auburn
The United Church of Auburn,
located at 77Metcalf Drive, was
formed in July of 1980by the uniting
of two congregations: The First Bap-
tist Church of Auburn and the Lake
Avenue Christian Church.
The First Baptist Church was
formed in 1817and worshiped at a
building on the present site of the
new Auburn Post Office. In 1977
structural problems in the 93-year-
old building forced the decision to
relocate and a decision was made to
unite with the Lake Avenue congre-
gation.
The Lake Avenue Christian
Church was formed in 1965when
the First Church of Christ (incorpo-
rated in 1846and located on
Division Street, where the 1891
building still stands) and the Central
Church of Christ (located at 172
West Genesee Street) reconciled a
58-year separation which caused the
formation of the Central Church of
Christ in 1917.The newly formed
Lake Avenue Church built the pre-
sent building at 77 Metcalf Drive in
1967.
While the church supports the
mission of American Baptist
Churches, USAand the Christian
Church [Disciples of Christ], the
congregation today consists of peo-
ple from many denominational
backgrounds. The mission of the
church is to worship God, proclaim
the Gospel of Jesus Christ both
locally and throughout the world,
and to promote the spiritual growth.
of each participant.
The First Baptist Church corners of W. Genesee & James Sts.
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27

CHURCHES
·········································································································•··•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
St. Francis of Assisi
Church
In the year 1907,the first Bishop
of the Rochester Diocese, Bernard J.
McQuaid, called Father John Robotti
to his office and told him that his
would be the important task of
founding an Italian Parish in
Auburn.
In 1908,the first Italian national
church in Auburn was completed. In
building the church, which is no
longer in use, there was a consider-
able amount of donated labor, and
the total cost, $17,000,was an enor-
mous expense in those early days.
In 1915-17,a small school con-
ducted by the Sisters of Mercy was
formed. The rectory was enlarged
and the ground on which the Lady of
St. Francis of Assisi, Auburn, N.Y.
Lourdes shrine and new church now
stand was purchased by Father
Moia.
Father John J. Nacca was
assigned to St. Francis Parish in July
1949and was told by Bishop Kear-
ney that the Parish needed a new
church and school. Construction of
the school started in 1950,and was
opened for classes in September
1951.
Along with school construction,
construction of Our Lady of Lourdes
shrine was also carried on. The
grounds were beautified, a convent
home was purchased for the Sisters.
In 1958the new church was com-
pleted.
In 1985,Father Nacca reached the
mandatory age for retirement and
was succeeded by Father Patrick
Seelman, TOR.Fr. Seelman assumed
his duties as pastor in June of 1985.
He established the first Parish Coun-
cil, he hired the first lay-Director of
28
Religious Education and pastoral
Associate.
Father John F. Gagnier was called
by Bishop Matthew Clark to assume
the Pastorship of St. Francis of
Assisi in June of 1991.Since his
installation as pastor, Fr. Gagnier
has established a Knights of Colum-
bus Council and is actively engaged
in the construction of a memorial
shrine to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini,
the first American Citizen Saint. Also
being built is a new site for the life-
size Nativity Scene and Statue of
Our Lady of Fatima.
Bishop Dennis W.Hickey will ded-
icate the statue on October 13, 1992,
and Bishop Matthew W.Clark will
dedicate the Nativity and Mother
Cabrini Memorial on October 18.
SS. Peter & Paul
Ukrainian Greek Catholic
Church
In 1900a small group of about
fourteen Catholic families of Ukrain-
ian descent came to reside in
Auburn. This small group of people
felt the need for a church of their
own rite and tradition. At first they
attended services at St. Alphonsus
Church on Water Street. However,
as they could speak very little Eng-
lish, they were in need of a priest of
their own nationality for services in
their native language. They orga-
nized a church building committee
and enough funds were collected to
buy a lot on Washington Street for
the sum of $160.00.
On October 10, 1901their first
church was dedicated. Rev. Leo
Giretsky was the first resident priest
in Auburn and resided at the
Osborne Hotel. Additional lots were
purchased in 1905and 1906.A new
(and the present) church on the cor-
ner of Washington and Perrine
Streets was dedicated in 1911.
The rectory was built next to the
church in 1914.On December 10,
1961,the convent at 105Cottage
Street was dedicated. The little
church built in 1901was later used
as a school, with the current school
building erected in 1951and added
to since that time.
Many renovations have been made
over the years and this beautiful
church with a membership of over
SS. Peter & Paul
Ukrainian Catholic Church
Auburn, N.Y.
400 families continues to serve
Auburnians of Ukrainian heritage.
The present pastor is V.Rev. Arch-
priest Charles A. Mezzomo,
Assistant Pastor Bruce J. Power and
Deacon WillisJ. Hornick.
Wall Street United
Methodist Church
In the year 1856,Rev. B.I. Ives was
appointed to the Wall Street Mission
in the northwest part of the city.
That year 37 members worshiped in
an old brick building on the comer
of Washington and Seymour Streets.
Under his ministry they flourished
and soon many members were
added to the church. Their first
building cost $3,000and was dedi-
cated in 1860.At that time there
were 184members of the church.
Wall Street Methodist Church
Auburn, N.Y.
The present building was dedicated
in January 1887when Rev. Thomas
Sharpe was pastor. This building

CHURCHES
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
cost $14,000and the parsonage was
at 61 Wall Street.
In 1929,during the pastorate of
Rev. M.D.Foster, the lot adjoining
the church on the north was pur-
chased. The parsonage on Wall
Street was sold and a new one built,
changing the pastor's residence to
81 Washington Street where it
remains.
Although membership has
declined considerably, those attend-
ing are proud of their classic brick
building, beautiful sanctuary, irre-
placeable W.J. Staub & Son
Syracuse, New York organ, and the
family fellowship.
Under current Pastor E. Dail
Pinkard, new members have joined
and Sunday School classes resumed.
In this bicentennial year, Wall Street
United Methodist Church proudly
stands tall as a landmark in the City
of Auburn.
Victory Tabernacle
In June of 1980,Pastor Erickson
and his family moved to Auburn
from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The
pastor organized the present church
congregation which was originally
called the United Pentecostal
Church of Auburn, and changed in
1981to the Victory Tabernacle.
The pastor's family first moved
into a rental house on First Avenue
and started holding church services
on Sunday, September 7, 1980.Fol-
Victory Tabernacle
East Genesee Street Road
Auburn, N.Y.
lowing that event, for one year,
services were held in their living
room. Before long attendance grew,
and a need for a church was a pri-
mary vision.
In 1981,the church services were
conducted in an office complex on
York Street; then to the basement of
Genesee Street Mall for three years,
maintaining a congregation of
approximately 50 persons.
On November 18, 1988,the build-
ing on East Genesee Street was
dedicated. The church is apprecia-
tive of its congregation and the
community for raising monies for
missions, etc., and views the com-
munity as being very cooperative
and friendly.
Trinity United Methodist
Church
In post-Civil War times, Auburn
began to grow and prosper. About
1870,the folks at First Methodist
Church took a survey of the area
New Trinity M.E. Church
Auburn, N.Y.
and discovered, to their surprise, a
fast-growing community of
Methodists had settled in the area
north and east of the factories and
stores that resulted from the early
growth on the west banks of the
Owasco River. In 1886,First
Methodist discovered they had out-
grown their quarters and moved to
99 South Street.
To encourage the burgeoning new
parish east of the Owasco River, a
new chapel was provided for on
Evans Street. This was begun in
1885and completed in 1886.Many
were the sacrifices and improvisa-
tions designed to furnish facilities
for worship in the new chapel. A
young man, Rev. Arthur Copeland,
was warmly welcomed as first pas-
tor from 1886-89.
For altar flowers, parishioners
brought the best specimens from
their home jardinieres and, to inter-
ject a note of cheer, these same
contributors would hang a cage of
their favorite canaries to brighten
worship in the sanctuary with their
cheery songs. A large hitching barn
provided shelter for the faithful fam-
ily team which had conveyed the
entire family to worship.
Happily, the little chapel was out-
grown in a short 20 years, and by
1905the lot on the comer of Evans
and East Genesee Streets was pur-
chased and a foundation begun.
During the years 1904-08,the Syra-
cuse Area Bishop had appointed
Rev. Charles DrakeSkinner, known
as the "Builder of Cathedrals" (Indi-
anapolis, Kansas City and Tulsa), to
supervise construction of the pro-
posed new church. Indiana
sandstone was selected as the mate-
rial to be used, with Bishop Earl
Ledden sending Rev. Skinner to do
the job. Despite difficulties with con-
tractors, the grand, new edifice was
completed, almost on schedule.
The new church was completed in
September 1906.It seated 555 in the
main sanctuary and could be
arranged to seat 1400.The steeple
was 115feet above street level and
contained a powerful lantern which
shone to the eastern hills of
Skaneateles. The beautiful Moeller
organ, stained glass windows, and
many other appurtenances, like tne
memorial Hull Chimes, have all
served well. Two stained glass
domes light the interior.
Freedom Baptist Church
In 1976,a group of people felt the
need for a church that believed in
the Authorized version of the Bible,
the Word in the English language.
They met weekly in the home of
Mrs. Paul Robinson for a Bible
study. First Bible Baptist Church of
Rochester, New York supplied the
teacher for this rapidly growing
group. In 1977they incorporated as
First Bible Baptist Church of Auburn
and selected Rev. Charles Perkins as
their pastor.
The church met in the Masonic
Temple on South Street until it was
possible to buy land and build a new
facility on East Genesee Street Road
29

CHURCHES
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cantinued from page 29
in 1978.Later an additional building
was constructed to house Sunday
School classes, a kitchen and fellow-
ship hall.
In its fifteen-year history, the
church has had four pastors. Rev.
Charles Perkins (1977-81),Dr.
Samuel Gipp (1982-86),Rev. William
Gent (1987-91),and Rev. David Dun-
bar from 1991to the present time.
Under the direction of Dr. Gipp,
the church chose to change their
name to Freedom Baptist. The name
was chosen to proclaim the freedom
over sin, death, hell and the grave
that is only possible through Jesus
Christ.
Freedom Baptist Church has a
worldwide vision and is actively sup-
porting missionaries both at home
and abroad. Currently, two of its
members are acting as missionaries
to Bolivia.
First Presbyterian Church
of Auburn
The First Presbyterian Church of
Auburn has had over 180years of
history, in which its congregations
have served the community of the
Auburn area.
The church's organization stems
as far back as 1811;in fact, its first
pastor, Rev. David Higgins, preached
the sermon at the funeral in 1806of
Colonel Hardenbergh, the founder of
Auburn.
Its first church was built in 1817
and was used as a place of worship
by the First Presbyterian Church of
Auburn until 1869.Located then on
the comer of Franklin and North
Streets, the structure was moved to
the comer of Franklin and Capitol
Streets in 1869to make way for a
new church by the First Presbyter-
ian Church of Auburn. This original
church still stands today as the Cal-
vary Church and is the oldest church
edifice in Auburn.
The First Presbyterian Church of
Auburn built its second church in
1870on the same site where the
original church once stood. This
church was a great stone gothic
building which was used as a place
of worship until 1973.It then came
to an abrupt halt when a fierce
storm was responsible for the col-
lapse of the steeple.
It was then that the congregation
decided to build a new church on
South Street, the present location of
the First Presbyterian Church of
Auburn.
Several Pastors of this church
stand out in their contributions to
the history of Auburn:
•Rev.Dr. Direk Lansing (served
1817-1829)established the Auburn
Theological Seminary which opened
in 1819and moved in 1939.
•Rev.Dr. Henry Nelson (served
1846-1856),because of his firm stand
against slavery, is generally known
as being the person who saved Mis-
souri for the Union.
•Rev.Dr. Charles Hawley (served
1857-1885)founded the Cayuga
County Historical Society and was
its first president.
•Rev.Ralph Wagner (served 1959-
1974)established Auburn's first
ecumenical service (for all denomi-
nations) with Monsignor Cuffney of
St. Mary's on Sunday, May 15, 1966.
He founded and was president of the
Cayuga County Action Program.
First Presbyterian Church
112 South St., Auburn, N.Y.
First Church of Christ, Scientist
Christian Science services were
first held in Auburn in 1889,in pri-
vate homes. This group was
recognized as a Christian Science
Society in September 1897,and
organized under the Religious Cor-
porations Law as First Church of
Christ, Scientist, Auburn, New York,
on December 1, 1898.
In 1900the church moved to the
Flint Block on Genesee Street and,
in 1910,moved again to 193Genesee
Street. On December 14, 1924,the
church was dedicated.
Construction of a new church edi-
fice at 615 North Seward Avenue
was started in March 1966.The cor-
nerstone was laid in June 1966,the
same year that marked the centen-
nial of the founding of Christian
Science. The pipe organ from the
original church edifice was installed
in the new edifice along with the
original pews, auditorium lights, and
platform furniture. The first Sunday
service was held in the new edifice
on November 13, 1966,and it was
dedicated on September 24, 1978.
First Church of Christ, Scientist Auburn, N.Y.
31

Auburn, NY - 200 Years of History 1793-1993

Auburn, NY - 200 Years of History 1793-1993

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