Tri-Counties Genealogy & History by Joyce M. Tice 1890s Article Fragment, Elmira, Chemung County, NY Chemung County NY

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Elmira Article 1890s - Fragment

The Elmira Telegram Dec. 21, 1890

.........the Macadam pavement, at an expense of about $100,000. In the year 1891 the perfect sewerage system to which patriotic Elmirans refer with pride when comparing the city's advantages over Binghamton and other degenerated towns, was completed. It cost the tax payers an amount about equal to that expended in improving the streets to finish the system of sewerage, but they have never regretted this outlay, which has resulted in making Elmira one of the healthiest cities in the world. John viewed with amazement the fine hotel that was erected five years ago opposite the Lackawanna depot, and as he turned in the direction of Lake street he was even more surprised, when he saw the great carriage manufactory that was built in 1894 on the old Arnot field north of the Lackawanna tracks. But there were other surprises in store for Mr. Johnson. He had heard of the great public market, but he had only a vague idea of its proportions and the amount of business transacted there every week day morning. Turning down Lake street, over which the street-sweeper had passed the night before, leaving, the pavement as smooth and clean as the floor in the kitchen of an industrious housewife, John drove along until he reached the market, where he alight and after tying his horse to a hitching post, he walked through the building. "I attended school here when the old academy stood on this ground," said he to on of the market men: "when was the building removed?" "Oh, it wasn't removed exactly." said the dealer, "It was remodeled and made into a market. Since then it has been enlarged. Have you seen the new academy building? It is the finest high school in the state." "No," said John, "but I will before I leave town." "I noticed you when you drove up. You are a stranger, I reckon?" "I haven't been home in ten years," said John, "and, by Jove, I wouldn't know the place, it has changed so much." "Oh, we're up to the times, but here comes a customer, so you'll have to excuse me." "Oh, certainly. I don't want to bother you. I'm much obliged," said John, politely. "Not at all. Good morning," said the dealer. "I wish you a merry Christmas." "The same to you.," said John and he pleasantly continue his walk through the great building. After inspecting the market John untied his horse and drove toward Eldridge lake. He noticed the shade trees on both sides of the streets, now planted and cared for at the expense of the city, and when he reached Elmira's most beautiful public resort he was overcome with amazement. He drove around the lake and through the old McCann plot, over Davison avenue, admiring the statuary that greets the eye everywhere. John is a base ball enthusiast, and he expressed aloud his approval of the ball grounds, in the tract that was once used for state fair purposes. After spending a half hour of so in the public museum, which was built from lumber that was at one time a part of the main exhibition building, he drove up the Boulevard, connecting this city with the lively town of Horseheads. About fifty members of the bicycle club were speeding their wheels on the cinder path between the two rows of maple trees in the center of the wide thoroughfare, and John turned up the driveway at the right and endeavored to keep pace with the ‘cyclers, but his animal was fatigued and he was soon distanced. It was high noon when John returned to the livery stable. As he left the barn he saw the police patrol wagon dash rapidly by. "Where are those officers going in such haste?" he asked a pedestrian. "Oh, I presume a patrolman in the suburbs needs assistance and has telephoned for help. Perhaps he has a prisoner locked in the iron cage on his beat and has rung for the Central station officers to take him in." "How many fire stations in the city now?" "Four. The Central station on Market street, opposite the new Telegram building: branch station No. 1, in the first ward: branch No. 2 in the fifth: branch No. 3, from which the second and sixth wards are covered, and branch No. 4 which is located in the seventh ward, near the third ward line." "I presume the old city hall has been removed and a new building placed on the site?" "Yes, the city sold the old shell and the ground and a wholesale clothing house now stands on the spot." "But where is city hall? "What was once the Masonic temple is know known as city hall. The Masons sold the building to the city during Mayor Davison's administration and have built a fine structure on Church street. The recorder holds court in the old post office apartment and the chief of police and police matron also have offices on that floor. The city chamberlain's office remains where it was nine years ago when the building was bought. Upstairs the mayor and city clerk....
 

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