Village of Millport

In 1798, Green Bentley, a veteran of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, purchased 300 acres of land in the area that is now the Village of Millport. Other settlers soon followed, building homes and businesses along the route between Elmira and Watkins Glen. Millport was originally called Millvale but the name was changed in 1829 when the Chemung Canal was authorized for construction. The canal brought prosperity to the village. It is said to have rivaled Elmira in wealth and influence for a time. Millport was officially incorporated as a village in 1923.

Millport

Bird’s eye view of Millport, c. 1910 During its heyday in the mid-1800s, Millport had nearly 1,000 residents and many businesses including five blacksmith shops, four tanneries, two churches, a hotel, several general stores, a distillery, a jeweler, three milliners, two foundries, several mills, a furniture factory, an undertaker, and a newspaper.
Catharine Creek, early 1900s In the 1820s, settlers in Millport built sawmills and gristmills along Catharine Creek. Today, the creek draws anglers from around the country and world during trout season.
Union School, c. 1916 When School No. 8 in Millport opened in 1869 it had 120 pupils. The distinct octagon-shaped building had two floors and served grades one through eight. It was torn down in 1930 and replaced with a red brick schoolhouse.
Miniature portrait, late 1800s Irene Smith Murray was the great-granddaughter of Captain Caleb Bentley, half-brother of Green Bentley, the first white settler in Millport.
Medicine case, mid-1800s This wooden medicine case was carried by Millport doctor Horace Seaman.
Animal trap, 1919 Millport trapper Harry Tuttle used this animal trap in the early 1900s.
Pelt stretcher, c. 1910s Millport trapper Harry Tuttle used this pelt stretcher in the early 1900s.
Advertising circular, 1882 A.F. Jackson & Son of Millport manufactured and sold wooden churns, butter firkins, tubs, barrels, and wine kegs.
Botsford Home in Millport Talitha Botsford painted this watercolor of her family home in Millport. She was an artist, musician, composer, and poet. Her father William was a furniture maker. Her brother Hull died aboard the Titanic.
Toy dresser, 1906 This toy dresser with working drawers was made by William Botsford for his daughter Talitha in 1906.
Framed watercolor, early 1900s This watercolor by Talitha Botsford is in a wooden frame hand carved by her father William Botsford.
Typewriter, c. 1900 This typewriter was used by Hull Botsford.

Village of Millport

Bird’s eye view of Millport, c. 1910

Catharine Creek, early 1900s

In the 1820s, settlers in Millport built sawmills and gristmills along Catharine Creek. Today, the creek draws anglers from around the country and world during trout season.

Union School, c. 1916

When School No. 8 in Millport opened in 1869 it had 120 pupils. The distinct octagon-shaped building had two floors and served grades one through eight. It was torn down in 1930 and replaced with a red brick schoolhouse.

Miniature portrait, late 1800s

Irene Smith Murray was the great-granddaughter of Captain Caleb Bentley, half-brother of Green Bentley, the first white settler in Millport.

Medicine case, mid-1800s

This wooden medicine case was carried by Millport doctor Horace Seaman.

Animal trap, 1919

Millport trapper Harry Tuttle used this animal trap in the early 1900s.

Pelt stretcher, c. 1910s

Millport trapper Harry Tuttle used this pelt stretcher in the early 1900s.

Advertising circular, 1882

A.F. Jackson & Son of Millport manufactured and sold wooden churns, butter firkins, tubs, barrels, and wine kegs.

Botsford Home in Millport

Talitha Botsford painted this watercolor of her family home in Millport. She was an artist, musician, composer, and poet. Her father William was a furniture maker. Her brother Hull died aboard the Titanic.

Toy dresser, 1906

This toy dresser with working drawers was made by William Botsford for his daughter Talitha in 1906.

Framed watercolor, early 1900s

This watercolor by Talitha Botsford is in a wooden frame hand carved by her father William Botsford.

Typewriter, c. 1900

This typewriter was used by Hull Botsford.