Early History

In 1815, Basil Sperry settled in the “Red Chalk” area of what is now Erin. He was the first to build a house, clear a field, and plant crops but he was soon joined by other settlers, many of whom were Scotch and Dutch. On May 29, 1822, the Town of Erin was created from the northern part of the Town of Chemung. Logging was the first industry in Erin. James and Joseph McMillan built the first sawmill on Newtown Creek in 1824. Other early industries included chair and cabinet making, blacksmithing, tanning, and basket making. By 1845, the population of the town was 1,581.

Erin

Downtown Erin There are several named areas within the Town of Erin including South Erin, Erin Center, Red Chalk, and Herrington Corners. There is also Scotchtown, named for the Scotch settlers; Austin Hill, named for Ardon Austin; Park Hill, for Robert and Alexander Park; and Tuthill Ridge, for Col. John Tuthill. (Courtesy of the Erin Historical Society)
Oxen-drawn hay wagon After trees had been cleared by the logging industry, fields were planted with grains and potatoes. The land was particularly well suited for grazing cows, which led to a flourishing dairy industry. (Courtesy of the Erin Historical Society)
St. Patrick's Day envelope, 1979 Irishman Michael Robinson named the town “Erin Go Bragh” but the latter part was soon dropped. In 1952, 11,000 commemorative St. Patrick’s Day envelopes were canceled in Erin and mailed all over the United States.
Candle mold, early 19th century From the collection of the Erin Historical Society
Mason jar with zinc lid, c. 1871 From the collection of the Erin Historical Society
Vegetable slicer, c. 1889 From the collection of the Erin Historical Society
Knit scarf Th is scarf was made from wool raised, carded, prepared, spun, and knit in Erin on the Ennis farm.

Early History

Downtown Erin

Oxen-drawn hay wagon

After trees had been cleared by the logging industry, fields were planted with grains and potatoes. The land was particularly well suited for grazing cows, which led to a flourishing dairy industry. (Courtesy of the Erin Historical Society)

St. Patrick's Day envelope, 1979

Irishman Michael Robinson named the town “Erin Go Bragh” but the latter part was soon dropped. In 1952, 11,000 commemorative St. Patrick’s Day envelopes were canceled in Erin and mailed all over the United States.

Candle mold, early 19th century

From the collection of the Erin Historical Society

Mason jar with zinc lid, c. 1871

From the collection of the Erin Historical Society

Vegetable slicer, c. 1889

From the collection of the Erin Historical Society

Knit scarf

Th is scarf was made from wool raised, carded, prepared, spun, and knit in Erin on the Ennis farm.