PO Box 35 :: Perry NY 14530 :: 585-237-5040 :: joinus@perrychamber.com
History of Perry
 North Main Street, Looking South Around 1910 |
The lore of this highland country we know today as Perry, New York, has enticed many individuals to become addicted to the land. History records how the men who came into this region during the Revolutionary War couldn't wait to return and take up residence. The soldiers had contributed to the soldier's desire to return to what they considered Eden.
The signing of the Big Tree Treaty with the Iroquois nation at Geneseo in 1797, gave the signal that land was now available for the masses of settlers who came here from New England. This treaty led to the developer's purchases of the lands west of the Genesee River. It was the land speculators who sold the land to the settlers traveling through the forests with their stone bolts and oxen, carrying whatever possessions they could carry on them.
The first known white settler to arrive in the land that came to be known as Perry, was John Woodward. According to legend, he stayed only two years and then disappeared into obscurity. 1809 saw Samuel Gates, who is recognized as the first permanent resident. He cleared the land on a site overlooking Silver Lake, raised the first wheat crop and planted the first orchard. The first white child to be born in Perry was his daughter, Nancy Gates. On early maps of the area, Silver Lake was known as Little Lake.
However, the name of the village and the town did not become Perry until after the War of 1812. According to Frank Roberts, noted historian, this town was originally called Slabtown, Shacksberg, Beechville, Columbia and Ninevah. These names were reflective of the status of the village having five names in as many years by the original settlers. The name change to Perry originated when the postal authorities decided there were too many Ninevahs in New York State.
There is little written to tell us of the town meetings and the decision of making General Oliver Hazard Perry, hero of the Battle of Lake Erie, the namesake of what became a thriving mill community on the banks of Silver Lake Outlet. These mill sites are now immortalized with boulders giving the past history and can be seen with a walking tour of the village.
Town meetings have always been a source of pride and discussion among Perryites. Citizens will tell you with pride that there is a larger census of cows than of people. Surrounding the village are some of the most productive farms found in the state of New York. Large barns, housing 700 or more milking cows brings a very productive industry to this area.
Located on a plateau which overlooks both the Genesee Valley and the Oatka Valley, Perry provides beautiful scenery, fields of grain and corn, beans, soybeans, alfalfa, and other produce.
To the east, lies Letchworth State Park where there are excellent camping facilities, to the south, lies Silver Lake, with its clear waters, boating, fishing, campgrounds, the YMCA Camp Hough, the Methodist Assembly Grounds, boat marinas, swimming beaches, and the Pioneer Cabin.
The Wyoming County Council of the Arts located in downtown Perry provides much of the backing for the area cultural events. Music, plays, historic interpretations, and other programs blending into the Perry scene. Open daily, they show many prints of the Perry Artists who live in this area.
Gem of Main Street is the Perry Public Library built in 1914 with monies provided by the Carnegie Foundation. the Library has a large collection of reading materials, tapes, computers, and archives for a large collection of Perry history. The Art Gallery connected with the library features the works of Lemuel and Irving Wiles, noted late 19th century artists. Open to the public and the focus of many interested national art museums, people come from all over the country to view this exhibit.
The Perry School system has a large campus with a brand new (2000) Elementary-Middle School located at the east end, and the High School at the west end. Recently approved by the voted has been the forthcoming indoor swimming pool and new gymnasium teaching station.
The Village Park provides baseball fields, wading pool with a life guard for small children, the Fireman's building, excellent tennis courts and basketball courts for outdoor exercise during the summer. Wintertime finds a skating rink an cabin where the future Olympians are able to practice.
Nearby is the Trailsides Lodge located in Letchworth State Park. Ski trails and areas are also located within a short distance from Perry. Golf courses and driving ranges can be found within minutes of downtown.
All major religious denominations can be found in Perry's fifteen churches. All of the churches welcome new-comers and visitors to their midst. Worshipping is a Saturday evening or Sunday morning ritual for those individuals who live or visit here.
Perry is home to two banks, large grocery stores, automobile showrooms, and many other diverse businesses.
Popular events are too numerous to list. The Sea Serpent Balloon Festival allows individuals to fly lighter than aircraft over the terrain where the beautiful countryside can be enjoyed.