1883 Life in Olean and The Year Ahead

North Olean History OLEAN in 1883 - Looking Ahead to 1884
The year 1883 closed with a not so very clear sky over Olean as far as business interests were concerned. There had been during the year certain adverse influences, which had caused if not exactly a backward movement at least a very near approach to a stand still in the progress, which had for some years previous to that time been a characteristic in the history of the town. It is not at all improper nor unwise that we should at this time review what has taken place in 1883 in our city and by comparing it with the year preceding determine whether there has been any change for the better or not. It is easy to be seen that Olean certainly has not stood still during 1883. Let us see what has been done in the twelve months just gone by.

THE NEW BAPTIST CHURCH As the amount of building done is a comparatively fair index of the growth of a town it may not be out of place to note the changes in that direction. Fire has necessitated many changes in this respect. The Baptist church was destroyed by fire originating in some unknown way, March 1st. The embers had scarcely ceased to smoke when the church and society held a solemn council and determined to rebuild on the site of the old edifice and plans were laid accordingly at once. Everyone went to work, the ladies entering into the enterprise with no less spirit than those of the sterner sex. The result is that there is well under way a stone Church, beautiful, commodious and a credit to Olean.

WORK OF THE FLAMES Brooks’ pottery, which was destroyed by fire the day after the Baptist church went down, has not yet been rebuilt, although we hope it may be in the near future. Its loss was a serious blow to the town. Three days afterward a terrible fire swept away along a row of buildings on State Street occupied by F.C. Mayer, D. Frank, J. Clemens and J. Sigel. With commendable enterprise, the sufferers from the conflagration at once set about rebuilding. The fine blocks reaching from Merritt’s westward on State Street prove that those who were burned out had full faith in Olean’s future. The change wrought in what was once known by the unsavory sobriquet “Robber’s Row” is indeed wonderful.

BUILDING OF UNION STREET A few months afterward, in the night of August 17th, fire broke out in the rear of Oakleaf’s new store on Union Street, right in the heart of town. That was the hardest fight the firemen have had during the year. Step by step, the flames advanced till they had laid in ashes the buildings standing between the Oil City provision store on the north and Dr. J.C.D. Coon’s drug store on the south, including the Eaton block, Oakleaf’s new rooms, the Herald office, Jackson’s 99 cent store and Michael’s clothing store, besides Henry Hartman’s tailoring establishment and Blair’s photograph rooms.
Only a few weeks elapsed before steps were taken to replace the buildings thus destroyed by substantial brick blocks. The contract was let and operations begun. On the site of the structures, which went down, an imposing row of business places now rises, nearly completed, and already partially occupied. In these new buildings may be found the splendid jewelry store of F.R. Eaton, the basement and second story of which will be occupied by THE TIMES in a day or two. These rooms having been constructed with a special view to the demands of our business, and comprising the finest office in Western N.Y., the new rooms of F.H. Oakleaf, the boot and shoe store of J.M. Johnson & Co., and the fine offices of F.W. Higgins, over Oakleaf’s. Other parts of these blocks will hereafter be tenanted.

OTHER BUILDINGS Besides the buildings above named, we may mention the large three story buildings put up by Weaver & Williams and Gillingham & Co., on Union Street. The new house occupied by Citizens Hose 2 and Hose 5, the planning mill of W.D. Moore nearing completion, and a large number of private houses together with a multitude of additions built to places already used for business places.
Within the past year this city had put a new system of water works, at an expense of about $80,000. These have been fully described in the columns of THE TIMES, while in process of construction. The city is now receiving its water supply from the reservoir.

OLEAN GLASS WORKS Also in 1883, a glass manufactory was established here, proving conclusively that there lies within the reach of our citizens untold wealth in the sand rock scattered broadcast over the hills adjacent. Glass of a superior quality has been produced at a comparatively small cost. THE TIME believed, and still believes, that the works already in operation will prove but the entering wedge, which will unlock a store of resources such as, Olean little dreams of at present. It is sincerely to be regretted that these works should be crippled for want of sufficient fuel, and it is to be hoped that some way will be speedily found to obviate further trouble from that direction.

INCREASE OF RAILROAD FACILITIES The railway facilities of Olean have been increased by the construction of the Olean and Salamanca railroad, forming a connecting link in an important system of railways. By combinations made with other roads the lines, already running through Olean shops was a substantial victory for the town and secured after considerable effort of the part of our citizens.

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES OF OLEAN Our schools have been placed on a firmer footing than ever before. Their record has never been surpassed in the history of Olean. Our churches, all presided over by ministers of eminence are working harmoniously together for the advancement of the Christian religion, and they may reasonable expect to see a work of evangelization begun very soon.

THE SUMMING UP It will be seen from this brief review that while there has been no “boom” in Olean during 1883, the town has made steady progress. Whatever had been done has been done quietly and with a view to permanent results. And this is certainly the part of wisdom. A mushroom growth is rarely lasting. The advancement made in 1883 warrants the belief that 1884 will find Olean still further onward toward becoming one of the most active and thrifty towns in Western New York.

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