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Business & Industry

The first industry in Baldwin was lumbering. The thick forests were logged off to make way for homes and farms. Logs and lumber were floated down Baldwin Creek to Elmira to be sold. The land that was cleared was not great for farming, but it could support grain crops that went to feed dairy cows. Several creameries operated in North Chemung in the late 1800s producing butter and cheese. Small businesses such as gristmills, blacksmith shops, wagon shops, general stores, and inns served the local population in the 19th century. There were never any railroad or street car lines through the town, so no large companies set up operations there.

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