Early Business & Industry | towns-and-villages

Early Business and Industry

Horseheads remained a small agricultural community until the construction of the Chemung Canal began in 1829. The village prospered during the three years of construction and the population nearly doubled. Horseheads became an industrial center, particularly known for its brick manufacturing. Mr. Albright founded the first brick factory, Westlake Brickyard, in 1840. Horseheads was also known for its celery production. In 1887, W.H. Smith established the Horseheads Celery Co., which shipped locally-grown celery and other produce all along the east coast from Maine to Florida. The village was also home to woolen factories, mills, foundries, and tanneries. These products were shipped across the United States on the no less than four railroads that passed through the town.

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Horseheads

Celery Field Col. Henry C. Hoffman’s celery fields, late 19th century
Ox Shoe Iron ox shoe found at a farm on Ridge Road in Horseheads
Empire Mill, 1870s
Key Key to an old mill in Horseheads
Inkwell Inkwell used by Tuttle Lumber Company in Horseheads, mid-19th century
Account Book The Dairyman's and Creameryman's Account Book compliments of Horseheads Creamery, 1894
Milk Bottle Horseheads Creamery milk bottle
Horseheads Brick, c. 1900 Bricks made in Horseheads were stamped at least three different ways: some with a single H; some with HH; and some with HHDS.
Brick Mold The Horseheads Brickyard originally opened around 1840. In 1858, Benjamin Westlake purchased the yard and expanded it to become one of the largest brick producers in the state.
Paving Crew In 1914, South Main Street was paved with locally-made bricks.
Railroad Spike There were as many as five railroad lines passing through Horseheads at one time. The last passenger train went through town on January 1, 1956.
Fireman's Medal Medal from the Acme Hose Co. No. 2 in Horseheads, organized in 1877
Fireman's Medal Souvenir medal from a Horseheads Fireman's Celebration, late 19th century
Medicine Bottle Medicine bottle from Wightman & Co. Pharmacists, Horseheads, late 19th century
Glass Tumbler from the Platt House The Platt House took its name from Rufus Platt who purchased the Tremby House in 1880 and renamed it. The hotel in Hanover Square hosted balls and galas and was the site of village elections for years. It was torn down in 1927.