Jordan Historical Society & Museums

06/19/2026

Jordan Local History: Looking Back (1913–1916) -

1913: The local canning factories hit peak production, providing major seasonal employment for Jordan residents packing regional corn and peas.

1914: Jordan high school alumni and local residents push for expanded pavement projects on Main Street to better accommodate early automobile traffic alongside traditional horse-drawn carriages.

1915: The Skaneateles and Jordan Railroad operations, along with Erie Canal freight traffic, continue to serve as the economic backbone for moving agricultural products and coal through the village.

1916: Upgrades to the village water system and local electrical lines are introduced, modernizing Main Street storefronts and residential districts just before the onset of wartime rationing.

Jordan — 1917
Ticker and Somerset: Two new styles in men's linen collars. Soft collars in several new patterns; Nobby ties, stripes, and figures; Linge Waists, several new designs, all sizes. Middy blouses, striped and plain collars.
New poplins: Colors in white, pink, and blue. Cowell Bros.

Hippodrome (Saturday, April 14): Featuring "The Call of the Unborn" (in 2 parts). Big "U" drama, "The Evidence." "It's Great To Be Married" Victor comedy.

At Howes: Our line consists of choice brands of confectionery, candy, and fruits. Also the best brands in ci**rs and to***co.

For Sale: Early seed potatoes. $3.60 per bushel. H. J. Rickard, Jordan.

For Sale: Cheap 3-year-old mare. Inquire Donald Jones, Jordan.

For Sale: One black c**t, 3 years old. Inquire of Patrick Lawler, Memphis.

To Let on Shares: 100-acre farm, 60 acres in hay. Stop 83. Address Lock Box 6, Jordan.

June 27, 1918 — Historical Facts & Local Business

The American Hotel operated in town.

Dutch Hillicker held a cigar in the corner of his mouth at an elevation registering about 45 degrees.

Chet Loyd served as Heck Hoskins' confidential clerk. Hoskins was 80'ish years old.

W. W. Porter was the leading attorney in this section.

James Murray was the village miller.

Cal Wagner's Minstrels always made their first stand in American Hall when taking to the road for the season.

Morris Gould's tannery stood where the creamery now stands.
Yes, the same family of Gould's Pump, Seneca Falls today.

Hand-sleds were made in the old brick factory on Main Street.

Tanners Ointment — a popular salve in an early day — was made in Jordan, and the Tanner family lived on the hilltop where Henry Burke lives (1918).

Harvey LaRue served as Chief of Police.

Stephen Graves left the Railroad House, and a man named Thomas kept the store nearby.

Bill Lloyd was the barber just across the bridge in the Case Block.

James Byrnes was the station master at the New York Central depot.

James Peck's meat market was located on the dock.

Mastin and Reed's clothing store was in the Empire Block — run by Herbert Mastin and Frank Reed.

Griswold's California Grocery served as a canal rendezvous for Seneca and Cayuga Lake coal boats.

Bates Landing and McBurney Camp were the only places on Cross Lake dedicated to fishing and recreation.

Boughten's cheese was a farm-made product, alongside Ackles' Skaneateles crackers.

Thomas P. Harrington's blacksmith shop stood at the pump.

William Smith maintained a livery stable in the alley back of the main street.

- Local Dealers & Services (1918) -

The Sign of Service, Socony, was available at these local dealers:
Brace Hardware, Jordan; C. M. Quimby, Jordan ; C. W. McIntyre, Peru;
W. H. Smith, Weedsport; F. D. Lamphere & Son, Weedsport;
St. John & Goss, Weedsport

Trolley Lunch Room:
Ice Cream: 50¢ per quart.
French Ice Cream: 60¢ per quart.

06/19/2026

All on the reverse side of this photo -
John Dewitt Hest, Christine Geriken Hest
and sons
John G. & Peter S.

Lived on Mechanic Street when boys were young.
-Indian ?_____? Camp Woodland Boy Scouts.

06/19/2026

1948 - Kennnelle and Kay.
Uncovered in the Bond Family file.

Note the writing on the reverse side -
Kenne (Kenneth?) and Kay. 1948.

06/19/2026

- - The Golden Age of the Jordan Signal Tower - -

Back when railroading dominated American industry, the Jordan signal tower stood as a critical hub for controlling local rail traffic. Through its windows, passersby could glimpse rows of heavy manual levers used by the towerman to switch trains onto different tracks and sidings. Beneath the floorboards, the basement housed massive banks of electrical relays that regulated vital signaling and safety devices.

The towerman’s job required intense focus and precision. In addition to physically manipulating the switching levers, they maintained a meticulous log of train numbers, times, track assignments, and speeds—the latter measured by an electronic device spanning a fixed section of track. An intercom phone sat on the desk, allowing the towerman to relay constant updates to the main train dispatcher.

- Unsung Heroes of the Rails -
Many locals may still remember the nights when engineers would toot their whistles in greeting to the tower. But the towerman's role went far beyond courtesy; they were the unsung heroes of the rails. From their elevated vantage point, they frequently spotted dangerous equipment malfunctions or track hazards that the engineer couldn't see. By quickly throwing a red signal block, they forced trains to a safe halt, preventing countless disasters.

The Jordan signal tower finally closed its doors in the spring of 1952, rendered obsolete by automated, sophisticated equipment operated remotely from a new station in Lyons.

- From Flour Mills to Feed Mills: A Changing Landscape -
Today, little remains between the tracks to suggest that Jordan was once a bustling industrial section. In the early 1920s, a massive fire destroyed the town's prominent flour mill. The blaze was spectacular, lighting up the night sky for miles as airborne grain dust fueled high-shooting flames. A smaller mill was later built on the site to manufacture dog food, but that building was eventually demolished, leaving only a few small structures behind for storage.

- Surviving Landmarks and Modern Industry -
Against the odds, one iconic structure survived the decades of demolition and change: The Railroad Hotel (originally the Jordan Hotel). It operated continuously until 1979, when it was purchased and preserved by the Jordan American Legion Post.

While nothing remains between the tracks today, the area's rich legacy of agricultural service continues nearby with CNY Feeds on Carmer Road. Keeping a "farmer first" philosophy alive, they serve the community with precision mixing, consistent ingredients, no substitutions, and honest, upfront pricing.

Fascinatingly, local history suggests that Carmer Road itself may have been named after the Carmer family, who originally lived in the very area where CNY Feeds operates today. Central New York Feeds (CNY Feeds) is the Northeast’s largest independent dairy feed mill and its located in Jordan, NY.

One photo shows Harry Edgebert getting mail from the railroad car. Then he'd take the mail to the Jordan post office.

Can anyone name the men in the group photo?

Note: This account of Jordan’s railroad history remains an evolving record. As we systematically organize our files, new historical data frequently emerges. We look forward to continuously updating these records and sharing these comprehensive historical lessons with you all.

The photo of the Early Mill has been digitally enhanced to improve clarity and detail.
The transformation: original photo vs. digitally enhanced version.

06/19/2026

📜 The May 1921 Business Directory of Jordan & Vicinity is what is on our minds today.

Take the time and look at the bustling businesses, services, and local personalities that kept Jordan and its neighboring towns running over a century ago.

🚗 Auto, Garage & Transportation Services
Cowell's Garage (Elbridge St., in the Big Brick Shop): Chevrolet and all other cars sold; general auto repairing.

Frank Cook (Jordan Truck-man): General auto trucking "at home or abroad." Features a large auto truck capable of carrying a full car-load.

Markell and Comer (Mechanic St.): Tires, tubes, choice oils, and greases. Featuring a modern visible-measure gasoline pump so you can see exactly what you get!

Edgar Howe (Weedsport R.D.): Auto specials including inside solid tires, Express Spark Plugs, and many other motor auxiliaries.

🥩 Groceries, Meats & Local Produce
John Lewis: Jordan creamery products, including fresh butter, milk, and cream.

Smith's Market (Opposite the Masonic Building): Offering the best beef, lunch cuts, hamburger, and sausage. Ezra Skutt, expert meat cutter.

H. H. Sturdevant (Next door to the Post Office): Headquarters for green vegetables, fruit, groceries, and toys. Fresh Weedsport Bakery goods delivered daily.

W. J. Howe (Main St.): A local landmark offering ice cream, confectionery, fruits, to***co, and ci**rs.

Orser & Co. (Orser Block): General dealer in Jordan offering groceries, rubber goods, wall paper, and notions.

🛠️ Hardware, Trades & Agriculture
Brace Hardware Co., Inc.: Specializing in every kind of farm machinery, general hardware, roofing, plumbing, and heating installation. Also stocking harnesses, horse goods, sporting goods, and auto supplies.

The Warren Mills: Custom grind feeds; sellers of baled hay, grain, shavings, mill feeds, and flour, graham, and meal for family use.

Charles Diltz (Mechanic St.): General blacksmithing and lawnmower sharpening.

🪵 Fuel, Coal & Supply Companies
The Craner Coal Co. (Mechanic St.): All kinds of coal, wood, shingles, and roofing. Insurance policies written here as well.

W. H. O'Donnell (Main St.): Coal and wood dealers; grain buyers and shippers.

🏠 Home Decor, Repair & Specialty Shops
Harry Phillips (Mill St.): Painting, inside decorations, wall paper, and paints available at attractive prices.

Peter Doty: Expert repairs on watches, clocks, and jewelry. Also sharpens razors, knives, and shears. All work guaranteed.

E. Williams (Rose St.): Custom umbrella maker and repairer. Complete stock of handles, ribs, and covers. Jordan and Elbridge residents can send a card to request an at-home cost estimate; out-of-town work accepted via parcel post.

🩺 Professional Services & Health
Dr. R. V. Turner (Mill St.): All branches of dentistry, practiced out of his home office.

Dr. Turner (Mill St. - Side Hustle): Also selling live baby chicks! Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns available.

👔 Personal Care, Laundry & Hospitality
Ira Earll (Sanitary Barber Shop): General barber services, with children's hair cutting as a proud specialty.

Mirback Laundry Branch: Local laundry services represented by Mortimer O'Donnell.

Cross Keys Inn (Elbridge): Special attention given to dinner parties. "Tell us what you want and how many you wish to feed—and leave it to us."

💼 Finery, Music & Financial Services
B. L. Bush (Harold Mann, Manager): Offering Columbia Graphanolas at pre-war prices—only $150 (a savings of $75!).

Robert Bard (Syracuse Florist): Beautiful floral arrangements; orders can be carefully placed and left with B. L. Bush in Jordan.

O'Donnell & Bowes (Main St.): All kinds of insurance written through reliable companies. Notary Public available with official seal.

Description - A Grafonola (sometimes misspelled as "Graphanola") is a line of antique, spring-wound phonographs produced by the Columbia Graphophone Company beginning in 1907. They are historically significant because they were the first internal-horn alternatives designed to look like fine furniture rather than mechanical devices.

Note - 1921-1922 Jordan High School (located on Quince Street) Basketball Team.

06/19/2026

Who knows the answer?

Happy Finger Lakes' Trivia Tuesday! Test Your Finger Lakes Knowledge! ⚓

06/19/2026

This photo was discovered in the Bond family file.
Taken April 25 with no year.

Left to right -
Edward Becker
Bob Hudson
Harold Mann
Ned Bond

front row
Eddie Becker’s brother

06/18/2026

Why Do Some Graves Have No Headstone?
This happens more often than you think.

There are several common reasons why a grave might lack a traditional, visible headstone. These typically fall into a few key categories:

1. Financial & Personal Choices
Financial Hardship: The most frequent cause is simply cost. Families are often unable to afford the high expense of a permanent stone memorial.

2. Historical Practices & Social Status. The Deceased’s Background: Historically, a person's life circumstances dictated how they were buried. Those who died in poverty, lacked surviving family, or had a criminal background were often given unmarked graves.

3. Weathering & Environmental Exposure
Material Deterioration: Older markers made from temporary or fragile materials—such as wood, iron, or soft sandstone—easily erode, decay, and disappear entirely over the years.

4. Displacement and Sinking: Heavy stones can shift over time, frequently sinking deep into the soil or getting knocked over by lawnmowers until they are completely buried beneath the turf.


Note - If you suspect there is an unmarked grave always check with the cemetery sexton. They can check old cemetery records for you.
file-photo.

06/18/2026

Sgt. Coe Home After 18 Months In Prison Camp
-July 1945 -

S/Sgt. Alfred Coe, son of Mr and Mrs. Charles Keller of Memphis, is home on 60-day furlough after spending 18 months in a German prison camp. A member of the 15th Air Force, Sgt.
Coe saw action over Africa, Italy, Germany and Greece.

Overseas 28 months, he was shot down over Greece, Dee. 20, 1943. He was hit by enemy fire as they crash landed the plane.

Trying to escape in a life-raft in the Adriatic Sea, the entire crew was captured by Germans and brought to Salonika. After Christmas they were sent in box cars to Frankfort and later to Krems, Austria, the prisoners remained 17 months.

In April of this year when the Russians were advancing toward Krems, Austria the prisoners were evacuated to Braunau, 250 miles away. This journey was made by foot and took 16 days.

The first two days were foodless and the prisoners ate grass along the roadside as they marched.

The third day they were given a loaf of bread to be divided among 18 men.

Liberated May 3, 1945, by Patton's Third Army, the prisoners marched through villages where before the irhabitants had thrown stones at them and were now waving white flags. However, the prisoners didn't forget the treatment they had received before.

S/Sgt. Coe wears the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Citation, Purple Heart, Gunner's wings, Air Megal with a silver cluster and a Bronze Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with two citations, European theater of war ribbon and six battle stars.

He also wears five overseas stripes. S/Sgt. Coe will report to Atlantic City at the completion of his 60-day furlough.