Baldwinsville, NY

History

What is known today as Baldwinsville was founded as an unnamed settlement by John McHarrie (originally a farmer from Maryland), who used to provide portage across the Seneca River.

It is named after Dr. Jonas Baldwin and his wife Eliza who visited the area in 1798, returning to settle in 1808 to start the community. Dr. Baldwin built a dam across the Seneca River to generate energy and a private canal to keep the integrity of the water highway. It incorporated in 1848 as the Village of Baldwinsville.

Baldwinsville initially grew as a local center for a prosperous farming area, with a grain mill located on an island in the center of town between the old McCharrie Locks (now part of the New York State Barge Canal) and the Seneca River. It was also served by the Erie Lackawanna Railway, connecting Baldwinsville to the cities of Syracuse and Oswego.

In addition to agriculture, Baldwinsville had small factories, such as Morris Machine Works, Jardine Bronze Foundry, and others. A large brewery now owned by Anheuser-Busch was constructed in the 1970s to take advantage of ample water supplies from Lake Ontario. As agriculture and industry have receded, Baldwinsville has evolved into an attractive and picturesque community.

Grace Episcopal Church, formerly of Elizabeth Street, was one of the first churches in the United States to use electric lighting.

Culture

Several community festivals are held each year. Celebrate Baldwinsville, a festival that celebrates the village and surrounding community is held every September. The Rotary Club organizes the Seneca River Days festival (formerly the John McHarrie Day festival) occurs in July; it features an anything that floats race, which encourages entrants to build a floating vehicle without spending more than a set amount.

Many functions are held at the Anheuser-Busch amphitheater on Paper Mill Island. There have been several local, regional and national bands playing on weekends throughout the summer months. In the downtown area, there are several Bars and Restaurants, The Red Mill Inn, a great selection of breakfast stops (Canal Walk Cafe, Cottage Diner, Bville Diner, Agate, Vicki's) and a wide range of restaurants, Lake Effect, Edgewater, Fireside, Tassones wine garden and Mohegan Manor featuring exceptional dining and a Wine and Coffee Lounge.

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