HomeMy WebLinkAboutTime Line Town 2020 use 1 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
05/02/21
A Time Line for the Town of Enfield
Tompkins County New York
By
M. Clyde Hubbell
for
175th and 200th Birthday Celebration Town Enfield
and
Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian,
updating time line.
2 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Please note that not all events are listed each year, such as annual chicken
barbecues, harvest festivals, Grange events. It is hard to decide what events to
add to this Time Line. The following references are suggested for use in finding
more information regarding Town of Enfield. For references regarding Town
Officials see separate listings.
The Town of Enfield is part of the Tompkins County Electronic Document Management
System (Laserfiche). This program has enabled the Town of Enfield to scan Town
Minutes and Building Permits. The scans have been placed on the “cloud” under the
Laserfiche system. We have also been scanning and placing other “older” town
documents in this cloud storage area. This system will ensure that our town documents
will be around for future generations.
***We have also been granted space to place “public” documents on the Laserfiche
sight we think the community would like to view. We will be slowly adding other
documents as time goes by. A link to these public documents can be found on the
Town’s website under Archived Documents. www.townofenfield.org
Not all events regarding Black Oak Wind Farm will be noted in this time line. Information
regarding Black Oak Wind Farm events may be found on the towns website:
www.townofenfield.org. Enfield Town Board Minutes, Wind Farm Advisory Committee and
Archived Documents Laserfiche – Black Oak Wind Farm. There are many articles in local
newspapers regarding concerns with the Black Oak Wind Farm.
Board of Supervisors Proceedings for Tompkins County. Ithaca, New York Copies of
the Supervisors Proceedings may be found on the Tompkins County Clerk’s website.
Board of Elections of Tompkins County.
www.townofenfield.org
◦Enfield Local Laws numbered by year.
◦Minutes of the Town Board of Enfield.
◦Minutes of the Enfield Town Planning Board.
◦Historic documents
All references to EVFC come from Enfield Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. 1948-1998
Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, New York.
Ithaca Voice, Ithaca, New York
2002 the Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls book. A PDF version
of this book may be found at www.townofenfield.org – Historian. More detailed
information can be found on the subjects of this timeline in this book.
Population figures are number of residents recorded for the Town of Enfield from the
New York State and Federal Population Census.
Abbreviations: Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC)
3 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
All references to EVFC are from Enfield Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. 1948-1998]
1821
The Town of Enfield was created by the New York State Legislature March 16 th.
The Christian Church of Enfield was constituted1
1822
Enfield post office established Dec. 29th with John Applegate appointed first
postmaster2 3
1825
Population 2,000.
Roads to be surveyed, numbered, recorded by commissioners.4
1826 School money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $123.73.
1827 John Russel, William Bird, Jonathan Rumsey paid 2 cents by town for killing fox.
1828 Inspector of Schools Town of Enfield Hiram Cutter and John Hooper.
1829 Charles Woodward ,Trustee of Enfield Schools, $123.70 collected for school tax.
1830 Levi VanKirk Clerk of Election Town of Enfield. Population 2,332.
1831 Charles Wright, David Allen, Humphrey Taber, Town of Enfield Assessors.
1832
Presbyterian Church of Enfield organized as a church, Bostwick Corner s(area of
Enfield Main and Bostwick Roads.) Feb. 14th 5
West Enfield post office (on Georgia Road) established March 14th with James
Tompkins first postmaster
1833 Enfield Town Supervisor, William Hunter chosen Chairman, Tompkins County
Board of Supervisors
1834 School money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $121.50.
1835
Population 2,240.
Presbyterian Church of Enfield's house of worship completed.6
1 History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler Counties New York. Philadelphia.
Everts & Ensign 1879. Rpt. Ovid, N.Y. W.E. Morrison, 1976. Church building located in
front part of Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road, torn down in 1938.
2 Kaiser, Louis. A Checklist of the Post Offices of New York State to 1850. 1965.
3 Kay, John and Chester Smith Jr. New York Postal History The Post Offices and first
Postmasters from 1775 to 1980 published by American Philatelic Society 1982.
4 Roads and Road District Journal 1825 - 1866. Town of Enfield. Town Clerk’s Office.
5 Everts & Ensign, 1879.
6 Everts & Ensign, 1879.The permanent church was built in 1835-36 at Enfield Center. The
Church was used as a public Hall in 1837. 201 Enfield Main Road.
4 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Plot deeded to School District #25 from Gilbert Budd for public burials. (Budd
Cemetery)7 Methodist Episcopal Church of Enfield recognized Jan. 19th; a lot
purchased and buildings erected thereon June 3rd 8 9
1836 Moses Lovell10 appointed to Office of Commissioner of Deeds Town of Enfield.
1837 Moses Lovell appointed as 1 of 3 Superintendents of the County Poor House.
1838 School money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $113.36.
1839 Henry Brewer11 appointed to Office of Commissioner of Deeds Town of Enfield
1840
Carlos C. Applegate Chairman12, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors
Population 2340.
1841 West Enfield post office discontinued February 10th 13
1842 The First Baptist Church of Enfield completed a house of worship in Enfield
Center at a cost of $1,300 14
1844 Methodist Episcopal Church of Kennedy 's Corner's first bible class organized 15
1845 Population 2,283.
1846 Enfield Centre post office established on July 11th with Solon P. Sackett
appointed first postmaster 16
1848 The Kennedy's Corners Methodist edifice was built17
1849 Carlos C. Applegate Chairman, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors
1850 Population 2,117.
1851 Military Service - A roll of all able-bodied white male citizens, between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five was sworn to on August 2 nd.18
7 Warranty Deed 68/163. July 22, 1835. From Gilbert Budd to Trustees School District #25.
Tompkins County Clerks Office, Ithaca, NY.
8 Everts & Ensign, 1879.
9 Rural Index Compass System Map and Localized Almanac Tompkins County, N.Y. Rural
Directories Inc. Ithaca, N.Y.
10 Moses Lovell held the positions of Justice of Peace, Assessor, and School Commissioner in
the Town of Enfield during the 1820’s.
11 Henry Brewer, Enfield Town Supervisor 1859 – 1860.
12 More information on life of Carlos Applegate in Supervisor’s listing.
13 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
14 A program " The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center 175th Anniversary" dated September
13th 1992. Laserfiche.
15 Everts & Ensign, 1879.
16 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
17 Landmarks of Tompkins County New York edited by John H. Selkerg 1894 ; Everts &
Ensign, 1879.
18 Military Roll of the Town of Enfield 1851. Enfield Town Hall, Laserfiche
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1852 Lewis H. Van Kirk19 served as Tompkins County Sheriff 1852-54
1855 Population 1,912 persons
1860 Population 1,919 persons
1862 Governor of NY State appoints town committees to raise regiments for Civil War
(US 1860 - 1865). Enfield’s Committee consisted of: William L. Bostwick, Samuel V.
Graham, Joseph Rolfe, L.H. VanKirk and Henry Brewer.20
1865
Record of Military volunteers from the Town of Enfield US. Civil War 1961- 1865 .21
Population 1,693.
1866 Enfield Schools located on the Tompkins County Map. Stone & Stewart:
District #1 -Tubbs School northeast corner of Aiken and Podunk Roads.
District #2 - Rolfe School east side of VanDorn Road north of State Route 79.
District #4 - Millers School west side of Halseyville Road just north of State Route 79.
District #5 - Stone School House east side of Applegate Road south.
District #6 - Enfield Center School northwest corner of Rothermich and Fish Roads.
Later located on Enfield Center Road west across from the Methodist Church’
District #7 - Woodard School northeast corner Woodard and Hines Roads.
District #8 - Purdy School southeast corner of Bostwick and Colegrove Roads.
District #9 - Rollison - Enfield - Hector School - southeast corner of Route 79 and
Black Oak Road.
District #10 – Nobles School House east side of Connecticut Hill Road between
Griffin and Rumsey Hill Roads.
District #11 - Harvey Hill School north side of Harvey Hill Road west of Route 327.
District #13 - Christian Hill School southeast corner of Waterburg and Iradell Roads.
District #14 - Budd School in front of Budd Cemetery on the south side of Gray Road
1867
Eron C.Van Kirk served as Tompkins County Sheriff 1867-6922
Sarah Graham Palmer Young, Civil War Nurse, resident of Enfield, published “The
Story of Aunt Beckys Army Life”23
19 Lewis H. VanKirk of Enfield, was a cattle dealer and drover, and sheriff of Tompkins County
1852-1855. He also served as constable for the Town of Enfield throughout the 1830’s and
1840’s and Selkerg, 1894, 62 - part II.
20 Selkerg 1894.
21 Bureau of Military Record 1865 Town of Enfield. Enfield Town Clerk Office. Laserfiche
22 Selkerg, 1894, page 34, Part II.
23Sarah Graham Palmer Young “Aunt Becky” was born in 1830 to James and Ann Graham, her
family lived on Hayts Road in the Town of Enfield. Sarah married Abel Palmer around 1848.
She had two daughters. Abel died shortly before the civil war. Her brothers Theodore and
John Graham enlisted in the Civil War summer of 1862. Sarah's brothers asked that she
accompany them into the field to care for them if they fell ill. In September 1862, she kept that
promise, leaving her two daughters with relatives and joining the 109th Regiment, New York
Volunteers, as a matron, kitchen supervisor and nurse. Sarah served in the following hospitals
6 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
1870 Population 1,693 persons
1871 Bonds purchased March 1st in the amount of $25,000 to aid in the construction
of the Pennsylvania and Sodus Bay Railroad (P&SB R.R.) due March 1st 1901
1873
Enfield post office discontinued on Jan. 8th and reestablished on Jan. 27th 24
Eron C. Van Kirk served as Tompkins County Sheriff 1873-7525
1874 Enfield post office discontinued Oct. 13th 26
1875
Enfield Valley Grange #295 Patrons of Husbandry organized Feb.27
Population 1,685.
1876 Rolfe Cemetery Association incorporated June 10th 28
1877 Baptist parsonage erected at an expense of about $1,500 29
1878 Methodist Episcopal Church of Enfield dedicated moved building, Bostwick
Corners to West Enfield Center Road.30
1880 Population 1,690 persons
1881 The First Baptist Church of Enfield was moved across the road and refurbished
where it now stand (174 Enfield Main Road)31
1882 Enfield Falls post office established May 31st with Charles Budd appointed first
postmaster32
1888 District # 6 - Enfield Center School budget was $517.94. District #5 - Stone
School House - school budget $200.
during the civil war: Beltsville, Maryland, Falls Church, Virginia, Mason Island, Maryland, White
House Landing, Virginia. She came home in 1865. Sarah A. Palmer. The Story of Aunt Becky's
Army-Life. New York: John F. Trow, 1867.
24 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
25 Selkreg, 1894, 34 Part II.
26 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
27 Official program for the 100 Anniversary Enfield Valley Grange #295 Patrons of Husbandry
Sunday June 8th 1975. Laserfiche.
28 Everts and Ensign, 1879.
29 The Enfield Baptist parsonage was located at 144 Enfield Main Road. The Enfield Baptist
church bought the property on June 27, 1877 from John and Lucinda Russell. According to
records the parsonage was built in 1877 at an expense of about $1,500.00. The parsonage
was sold to Thaddeus and Olga Patterson in May 1947 for $4,000.00 The total net profit
from the sale after expenses were taken out was $3,762.94
30 Everts and Ensign, 1879.
31 A program " The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center 175th Anniversary" dated September
13th 1992. Laserfiche. And Official Minutes of The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center.
Laserfiche.
32 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
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1889
Enfield Center Cemetery Association granted certification of incorporation June 10th
Leroy H. Van Kirk33 served as Tompkins County Clerk 1889-91.
1890 Population 1,393 persons
1892 Population 1,332 persons
1893 Enfield Centre post office name changed to Enfield Center 34
1894 Proposal from Frank Teeter (Teeter Hotel Enfield Center) and Mrs. Wortman
(Wortman Hall Enfield Center) to hold elections and put up and take down and store
voting booths for town elections. Mrs. Wortman chosen to be paid $32.50.
1895 Town Board hold meeting at Teeter’s Hall (Hotel) Enfield Center.
1896
Superintendent and Road Commissioner contact different Bridge Companies to
purchase one Iron Bridge to be placed over creek at Enfield Center and at their
discretion to purchase 3 or 5 more bridges deemed best for the interest of the town.
Deborah Earl Budd appointed postmaster of the Enfield Falls Post Office.35
1897
Bids for election sites include pulling up taking down and moving booths. Wortman
Hall designated to hold elections in 1 st district and Teeters Hall be designed to hold
elections in 2nd district Sept. 2, 1897.
1900 Population 1,214
1901 Office of Railroad Commissioners abolished and duties transferred to Supervisor
passed by Enfield Board Nov. 7th; passed by County Board Nov. 14 th. March 1st 10
bonds of $1,400 each made by R.R. Commissioners.
1902 Enfield Falls Post office discontinued August 30.
1903 Meeting of Town Board, March 10, cleaning out and burning old papers.
1904 $400 of the Gospel School fund be apportioned to the several Enfield School
Districts in the town. Motion carried by Town Board.
33 Leroy H. VanKirk son of Lewis VanKirk. was Town Supervisor 1876 and 1878. Born in
Enfield 1849. Selkerg, 1894.
34 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
35 In 1896 there were two women listed as “Postmaster” in Tompkins County. Deborah Earl
Budd was postmaster of the Enfield Falls Post Office and Mrs. Ella Drake of Myers, NY. In
1882 Deborah and her husband Charles used the parlor of their home as the post office.
Charles Budd was listed as Postmaster in 1882. After Charles death in 1896, Deborah was
appointed Postmaster. This post office was open until 1902. Deborah died March 15, 1903 at
their family home in Enfield Falls. Deborah was one of a small but growing number of women
postmasters in the United States. A more complete history of Women in the U.S. Postal
System can be found at:
http://postalmuseum.si.edu/WomenHistory/women_history/history_reconstruction.html
8 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
1905
Population 1,111.
June 24, Special Meeting of Town Board called for purpose of discussing fixing of
roads that have been washed out in the Town. Committee of two appointed to carry out
road repair decisions.
1908 Kennedy's Corners Ladies Aid Society organized May 36
1909 Resignation of James McCracken, Justice of the Peace, accepted by Town
Board. Wm. H. Huminston appointed to fill term
1910
Enfield Christian Church incorporated 37
Population 1,000
1911
Dr. Minor McDaniels38 member State Assembly
Town purchases the Walter Ferguson lot39 for a store house for Town machinery for
$225 Deed 177/474. Nov. 25th.
Town Board authorized Highway Superintendent to build shed to house Town
equipment November 25th
1912 Special Town Board Meeting called held at Wright’s Hall. N.B. Brown and W.V.
Rumsey negotiate with the right of way to straightening the road near the Baptist
Church sheds, Enfield Center.
1913 DeVoe Rumsey appointed Town Clerk (to fill vacancy by death of W.V. Rumsey)
Aug. 13th
1914 Approximately 22 men served in World War I (1914 – 1918) from Enfield 40
1915
Town Board votes to purchase sign for Devoe V. Rumsey, Town Clerks Office.
Population 1,407.
1916 District #4 - Millers School Annexed to District #6 on January 12. Appealed and
ordered void on October 9, 1917.
1917 Kennedy's Corners Church burned Oct. 16th 41
1918 Kennedy's Corners Church rebuilt. Enfield Center post office discontinued on
April 20th42
36Kennedy's Corners Ladies Aid Society Minutes Book. Laserfiche.
37Official documents held by the Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca, NY.
38See additional information on Dr. McDaniels in Physicians and Health,
39East side of road across from Enfield Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main Road.
40This information was collected through local newspaper articles and residents in the Town of
Enfield in 2002.
41 Kennedy's Corners Ladies Aid Society Minutes Book. Laserfiche.
42 Kaiser, 1965; Kay 1982.
9 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
1920
Population 867 persons.
Robert Treman transferred Old mill property to the State of New York, which put it into
a larger area to make up part of the present Robert H. Treman State Park.
1921 Gilbert H. Fisher resigned as Town Superintendent of Highways July 12th
1922 Town to enter into a contract to purchase a safe ( not to exceed $380) that meets
State Department of records approval
1923 Town Supervisor authorized to purchase the building known as the Pigs Ear for a
sum not to exceed $200 September 4th 43
1925 Population 973 persons
1926 Enfield Valley Grange #295 Patrons of Husbandry Incorporated April 4 th. The
Enfield Valley Grange dedicated the new building, Enfield Center on Aug. 24th 44
1927 Olen King (1920 – 1929 Enfield Town Supervisor) chosen Chairman, Tompkins
County Board of Supervisors
1928 Town Board authorizes $24.80 to be paid for cutting brush, grass and cleaning
cemeteries, May.
1929 Town Board issues a license for the Enfield Valley Grange to conduct dances
providing the dances are conducted in a clean and safe manner. License fee of
$5.00, February
***The “Great Depression” (economic downturn) varied across the world; in most
countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s.
1930
Population 939.
Keystone Gas Co. given franchise to lay a gas line through the Town.
1931
Welfare officer be instructed that able bodies male applicants for public relief be given
work at the rate of 25 cents pr hour under the town supt. At cutting brush or other
work as he may advise. December 1931.
Pay of Town officials reduced due to high taxes and general depression effective
January 1st 1932
December 28th A committee appointed for the purpose of making arrangements for the
200th celebration of the birth of George Washington September 25th
1932 County acquired gravel bank from Edwin Owen in Town of Enfield June 2nd
1933
Motion made, supported and carried for labor on highway be reduced from 35 cents per
hour to 30 cents per hour to take effect to day March 11 th.
43 The "Pig's Ear", was originally a men's social club. The building was moved from Enfield Center
Road West and enlarged to be used as Enfield’s first town hall.
44 Official program, Enfield Valley Grange, 1975. Laserfiche.
10 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Town Board gives the Road Superintendent permission to use Town machinery as he
sees fit to fix baseball grounds, Millers Corners. (Enfield Main and Mecklenburg
Roads) March 11th
Wages for labor on highways be raised from 30 cents to 35 cents per hour to take
effect August 16th subject to National and State conditions August 17th
Resignation of Dr. J.W. Burton45 as health officer accepted. Given a vote of Thanks for
14 years of faithful service. November.
1934 Town board approves that any town officer to work on highway if he so desires.
January.
1935 District #14 - Budd School - closed in 1935 and the pupils were sent to Ithaca
Schools.
1937
Neva Laue one of the first women to serve as juror in Tompkins County
A bronze marker, placed by Cayuga Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
on the grave of Judah Baker [1763 - 1851] Revolutionary soldier [served as soldier
from 1777 to 1781 in different military units through the revolutionary war] in the
Christian Cemetery Enfield Main Road was dedicated by Mrs. E. A. Denton Chapter
regent, Sunday (September 19, 1937)
Automatic Voting Machines (2) purchased for $980 each from Jamestown, NY.
December 1937.
Town Board votes to refuse to transport the W.P.A. men from Newfield to take effect
Jan. 1, 1938. December 1937.
1938
At a special meeting of Town Board it was voted to purchase a gravel pit from Ed
Owens estate, located along south line of the Tompkins County gravel pit on the west
side of Enfield Valley State highway about one -half mile south from Enfield Center .
The gravel lot and right of way shall be $300 July 20th
NYS Governor Herbert Lehman renamed Enfield Glen Reservation as the Robert H.
Treman State Park in memory of Treman’s leadership, distinguished service, and
generous donation of land to our state park system.
1939
Approximately 108 men served in World War II from Enfield 46
Supervisor authorized to sign a cooperative fire fighting agreement with C.C.C. camp
S.P.6 at Enfield Falls October 2nd
1940 Population 1,082
1941 McFalls basement be designated as polling place for district No 1 and Town Hall
be designated a polling place for district no. 2 for the coming year, August.
1942 Gilbert Fisher appointed school attendance officer to fill vacancy caused by death
45See additional information on Dr. Burton in Physicians and Health,
46This information was collected through local newspaper articles and residents in the Town of
Enfield in 2002
11 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
of Wilbur Sheffield, November.
1943 District #9 - Rollison - Enfield - Hector School. District became part of the Odessa
Central Rural School on September 25, 1943.
1945 District #1 - Tubbs School Annexed to District #1 Town of Ulysses July 13, 1945.
1946 Bills were paid for $11.70 due Lewis Humphrey for mowing Rumsey Cemetery
and bill of $38.40 Leroy Whitaker for mowing Christian and Enfield Center
Cemeteries.
1947
Ithaca City Public Schools voters endorse the merge of 42 school districts.
District #9 - Rollison School burns down in 1947.
District #10 – Nobles School House, in June a special school meeting was held.
Voted "Yes" to send all pupils to Ithaca schools. Elementary pupils that September
attended Central School (site of GIAC). High School pupils attended the High School
at what is now Dewitt Mall, Ithaca, NY.
Baptist parsonage sold for $4,000 47
1948 Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC) granted a charter. Construction of a fire
station started. Membership of EVFC reached nearly one hundred members, May.
1949
EVFC Fire station completed in February. (182 Enfield Main Road)
Fire Company State Park donates flag pole from the C.C.C. camp to the fire company
First contract talks between EVFC and Town of Enfield for fire protection was held.
Three fire phone locations were picked so fires could be reported. The first call was to
Newhart's store, Enfield Center, May.
1950
Population 1,316
Fire Company became the sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 50 S. Harvey Stevenson
chosen Chairman, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors (position he held through
1961)
1951 Fire siren can now be operated from Newhart's store.
1952 Town Board approves following men be accepted as members of the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Dept: William Bush, Richard C. Stevenson, Roberts E. Young, Kermit
French, Carlton Snyder, October.
1953 Ladies Auxiliary of Enfield Fire Company formed
1954 Talks began on civil defense radio system in October with EVFC. The civil
defense radio and siren tests will be at noon on Saturdays
1955 Motion made and passed by Hulse Smith and supported by Harold Laue that a
fence and signs be put up around the dump (Enfield Center) to prevent any further
dumping, August.
47 A program " The First Baptist Church of Enfield Center 175th Anniversary" dated September
13th 1992. Laserfiche.
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1956 School Districts #2, #4, #6, #7, #8, #10, #11, #14 to be consolidated with the
Ithaca City School District
1957
Addition to EVFC fire house began 24 feet by 30 feet a two story expansion.
January 5th the Town bought 5 acres of property on Waterburg Road.
1958
September 8, 1958 was the first open day of Enfield Elementary School (20 Enfield
Main Road). Grades kindergarten through sixth occupied the Enfield Elementary
School building
Cafeteria service was not ready on September 8 at Enfield Elementary School so the
pupils had to bring their own lunches
Frank Spadaro was the first Enfield Elementary School principal - 1958 – 1969
Army Reserve Center , 101 Sunrise Road Ithaca , named in memory of Reynold J.
King Sept. 28th48
1959
District #2 - Rolfe School was torn down and moved. Two of the black boards and
the cement block to the entrance of the school are owned by a local Enfield resident.
On February 19, 1959 snow storm closed Enfield Elementary School at 10:00 am
1960
Rolfe Cemetery taken over by Town Oct. 4th
Population 1,573.
Mr. Denmam hired to number houses in Enfield (our present numbering system)
May a lease was obtained by the EVFC for the corner of State. Routes. 79 and 327 to
hold fund raising carnivals.
June was the first Kiddie Parade held at the time of EVFC carnival.
1961 S. Harvey Stevenson retired as Chairman of the Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors (served as Enfield Town Supervisor for 28 years )
1963 Town Board appoints Inspectors of Election – 1 st District: Sarah Jane Michener;
Katherine Miles; Frances LaBombard. 2nd District: Marian Lovelace; Mabel Rumsey;
Elnora Warren.
1966
Town bought lot from Harry Willis north of Baptist Church, Enfield Center, Enfield
Main Road.
48Program for Dedication and Memorialization of the Sergeant Reynold J. King Army Reserve
Center 28 Sept. 1958 He entered military service on January 1942. He was son of Olen A
King, Enfield Town Supervisor (1920 – 1929). Sgt. King was killed during World War II near Fort
Eminence, France on August 15, 1944. He led his squad in covering the withdrawal of his
company, then himself covered the squad’s withdrawal until a sniper’s bullet fatally inured him.
He received a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross, the 3rd highest honor in the United States
Army. He was also award the Bronze Star, Purple Hear, Good Conduct Medal and World War II
Victory Medal.
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James Stevenson contracted to build new Town Hall and highway building, 168
Enfield Main Road.
Eastern Artificial Insemination Cooperative, Inc. formed from five New York and New
England Cooperatives49
1967
Town Board declares State Route 327 and 79 and Enfield Center road in the vicinity
of the Enfield School area hazardous for travel by school children certified copy of
resolution. Mr. Bardwell Superintendent of Schools, November
1968 Second fire siren for EVFC installed on John Smith’s barn at 230 South
Applegate Road.
1969
A direct telephone line connected to the Ithaca fire control
Enfield Elementary School addition designed by local architects Levatich, Miller, and
Hoffman. North-west end with the library.
1970
Enfield and Newfield combined into one legislative representative district (Supervisor
no longer to serve on Tompkins County Board of Supervisors which changed to
Representatives.)
Town Dump (103 Waterburg Road) was closed by the County on July 1st
1971 Second addition to EFVC fire station added in October .
1972
EVFC members and equipment were sent to the Elmira-Corning area to help flood
victims after flood waters devastate area.
Position of Deputy Highway Superintendent created
1973
Town purchased additional property bordering present Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main
Road.
First automatic alarm in Enfield connected the Enfield Elementary School to the
Tompkins County Fire Control via radio.
1974
Mill at Robert H Treman State Park renewed as a site for Historic registration, May.
A motion made and carried to have the telephone changed to a private line for
Highway Department, Town Barn. June 5th
Teeter Road extended two tenths of a mile to Willard cabin with gravel provided by
Eddy's July 3rd
49Headquarters for the new cooperative was established at the NYABC facility in Ithaca, New
York. In 1976, the first new livestock unit was built near the corner of Sheffield and Hayts
Roads. See Chapter 14. Agriculture by Gary Fisher. The Town of Enfield, NY Christian Hill to
Enfield Falls. Enfield Historical Society. 2002.
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1975
Harry A. Kerr Enfield-Newfield legislative representative chosen as Chairman,
Tompkins County Board of Representatives.
Enfield Harvest Festival held at Enfield Elementary School, first time to celebrate
accomplishments of the young people in the Summer Day Camp Programs, October.
1976
James W. Ray appointed Enfield-Newfield Tompkins County Legislator after Harry
Kerr’s resignation
Mr. Inman appointed to update house numbers Aug. 4th
September 1st, Hubbell low bidder for addition to town barns, 168 Enfield Main Road.
1977
Town Clerk and tax collector positions to be combined by June.
Mabel Purdy leaving after 25 years as Town Clerk
Edna Palmer leaving after 25 years as Tax Collector
Justices of the Peace to no longer serve as Town Board members 50.
1978 The EVFC rescue squad started
1979
Porter Hill Road. Ext, name changed to Hubbell Drive
Buck Hill Lodge Road name changed to Griffin Road
New Road, name changed to Fish Road.
Wesley Rolfe leaving after 20 years as Highway Superintendent
Eastern Production Center, Eastern Artificial Insemination Cooperative, Inc.51
constructed west side Sheffield Road.
Last class at Glenwood Elementary School held June 1979 school merges with
Enfield Elementary School
1980
Population 2,375.
Enfield School Shines Logo was created Mr. Douglass, Music teacher.
1980's a playground was built at the Enfield Elementary School
1980's Enfield Elementary School was considered for closing
1981
Town board approved the ordinance authorizing and regulating the conduct of the
games of chance in the Town February 4th
EVFC Fire House dedicated in memory of the late Harry Willis, a long time Enfield
fireman and supporter.
1982
EVFC Company purchased additional land behind fire house.
50NYS Justices of the Peace elected prior to July 1, 1977 served as members of the Town
Board.
51See 1966 History of Eastern Artificial Insemination Cooperative, Inc.
15 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Land given to Agape Church to build on by John & Helen Smith, 264 South Applegate
Road
1983
Beatrice Bock appointed first Court Clerk (with no pay) February 5
July 1st, first service held in new Agape Church building on Applegate Road South
Kennedy's Corners United Methodist Church, Mecklenburg Road, declared officially
abandoned June 16th
Large pond built behind fire house.
1984
T.V. franchise awarded Haefele T.V. Inc. Dec. 26th
James W. Ray, Enfield Representative, resigns from Tompkins County Board of
Representatives Dec. 24th.
1985
April 3rd, two election districts designated dividing the Town to coincide with the
Tompkins County legislative districts (Ulysses-Enfield and Newfield Enfield )
Sept. 5th Town adopts local law on Uniform fire protection and building code
administration and enforcement.
Donald Brown, Enfield Representative, appointed to Tompkins County Board of
Representatives Jan. 3rd.
Daniel Winch, Enfield Representative, appointed to Tompkins County Board of
Representatives Feb. 26th (after Donald Brown's resignation )
1986
Etta Gray, first woman Supervisor took office Jan. 1st
Enfield Elementary School 6th graders attend Ithaca Schools - Dewitt Middle School
went to Boynton Middle School previously.
1987
Three Town Clerks in a two month period. Shirley Holcomb resigns May. Joanne
Lychalk appointed June 3rd Joanne Lychalk resigns June. Jean Scofield appointed
July 1st
1988
Ground broken for new EVFC 52 fire station (172 Enfield Main Road)
Town Board accepts old EVFC fire house for $1 Sept. 7th (182 Enfield Main Road,
referred to Enfield Community Building after the acceptance).
Fire trucks moved into new station Aug. 20th
1989 An open house held at the new fire station Oct. 15th
1990
Population 3,054 persons
Enfield Elementary School holds its first bicycle rodeo, June
Robert Howard, Enfield resident, retires as Tompkins County Sheriff Dec 31st after 28
years.
52182 Enfield Main Road, Enfield Center.
16 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
1991 Approval of cellular phone tower 544 Bostwick Road. Dec 3rd
1992
First Baptist Church of Enfield celebrates 175th birthday
Enfield Elementary School officially opens its new wing of 5 classrooms, a
gymnasium and storage area, October
Flag flew over present Town Hall for first time.
1993
Jean Scofield Town Clerk resigns May 19th
Betty Poole appointed interim Town Clerk June 9th
Blizzard of 93 March 14th & 15th
1994
Enfield Elementary School receives a $30,000 grant for the National Foundation for
the Improvement of Education part of the Road Ahead Program sponsored through
Microsoft Bill Gates.
Blizzard of 94 occurred March 3rd, roads were closed by the Sheriff , many buildings
collapsed from the weight.
1995
Elizabeth Stevenson Bennett Forest Preserve dedication on Trumbull’s Corner Road
June 17th
A Yellow warning light set up on Enfield Main road for Enfield Elementary School Zone.
1996
March 16, Town celebrates its 175th Anniversary with formal ceremony at the Enfield
Elementary School.
State Archives and Records Administration grant for indexing and microflmng town
board meeting minutes back to 1889.
1997
Garry Achilles recognized for his dedication to the Town, resigns due to ill health July.
Pat Dougherty appointed Town Councilperson to finish G. Achilles term.
A garden bench in the Memorial Garden in front of the Enfield Elementary School, is
dedicated to the memory of Alfred Wurster.53
1998
EVFC Celebrates 50th anniversary January.
1999
Town receives $400,000 grant from the USD Housing and Urban Development to
replace 17 – 18 mobile homes, December 6.
2000
Enfield Baptist Church congregation building a new church, 162 Enfield Main road.
53The Enfield Community Council dedicated a garden bench in the Memorial Garden in front of
the school, in memory of Alfred Wurster, who was lost in a tractor accident last June. Alfred
was a Master Gardener who helped with the initial installation of raised beds around the
elementary school.
17 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Enfield Valley Grange starts celebration of 125 year anniversary 1875.
Enfield Community Planning Forum held at Community Center for review of Preferred
Future of the Town of Enfield, 4 forums to be held, November.
Population 3,369.
2001
A outdoor tile mural celebrating Enfield Elementary Schools garden centered
curriculum was unveiled at the Fifth Grade choral concert on June 13.
Unearthing Enfield Falls Tryon, Duncan families, Cornell University project, April 21.
Tompkins County cancels all Tuesday primaries because of terrorist attacks in New
York City, and Washington on September 11, Republican primary for highway
superintendent in Enfield, September 12.
Enfield town clerk Alice Laue wins election with record-breaking 328 write-in votes,
November.
2002
Survey of Town’s Economic Development Committee canvasses 120 businesses in
Enfield only 25 percent of the businesses respond.
Tompkins County Community Beautification Program gives grant to Enfield for
historical sign and plantings at entrance to Enfield Center and plantings at Enfield
Baptist church, November.
Enfield Town Board purchases land from Gary Schilling for the construction of a new
highway barn. The proposed new building location is to be on the west side of Enfield
Main Road between cross roads of Hubbell Drive and Trumbull's Corners Road,
December. (475 Enfield Main Road).
2003
Town of Enfield receives $400,000 grant from NY’s Office for Small Cities for housing
rehabilitation, September.
2004
Town Justices ask Town Board to move courts to Enfield Community building (182
Enfield Main Road) October.
Stained Glass Windows installed in Baptist Church (162 Enfield Main) a memorial to
the Willis/Jackson family. February.
2005
New Town Web site – www.townofenfield.org
Plaque to commemorate Judah and Lydia Chase Baker 1804, placed near Christian
Cemetery, Enfield Main Road, January.
Sherene Baugher, archaeology Cornell University class helps build indoor and
outdoor exhibit for Enfield Falls Community at Upper Robert H. Treman State Park,
April.
Enfield one- and two-room school house reunion held at Enfield Grange Hall, July.
The Loomis Gang, program presented to the Enfield Historical Society, August.
No winner was declared in the Election for Enfield Town Supervisor between Jeans
Owens, Democrat and Gary Fisher, Republican, ballots challenged, November.
18 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
First Baptist Church of Enfield Center 54 building dedicates new house of worship, 162
Enfield Main Road. April 30, May 1.
2006
Jean Owens declared winner in Supervisor Election.
Black Oak Wind Farm LLC55 begins planning development for Black Oak Wind
Farm in Enfield.
Town Bookkeeper, Pat Podufalski files complaint against town to New York State
Human Rights Division because town buildings don't comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, April.
Resolution No. 2006 – 19 Town Board votes to allow bookkeeper to work at home
because Enfield bookkeepers office is not ADA compliant, April.
Tompkins County Board of Elections changes polling location from Enfield Community
Building to Enfield Elementary School, 20 Enfield Main Road, September.
Enfield Elementary School 5th graders will attend Boynton Middle School in Ithaca
they have been attending Dewitt Middle School, September
Town Board meeting held at Town Hall. Community Building closed for renovations
and asbestos testing. December.
2008
Enfield Town Highway Barn taken down.56
Enfield Community Building Project starts converting building for holding Town Board
and Town Court, January.
Dispute between Town of Enfield and Enfield Volunteer Fire Company may force the
Ithaca City School District to close Enfield Elementary School, March..
Informal informational meeting held in basement of Enfield community building
regarding proposed wind turbine farm. Town Supervisor, intervenes and calls
meeting to order a number of times, May.
United Methodist Episcopal Church at Enfield Center closes. Church congregation
moves to the Jacksonville Methodist Church.
Councilperson Jennifer Fisher resigns, August. Bryon Smith appointed to fill position in
September.
54 Official Program for dedication from Baptist Church. Laserfiche. Ithaca Journal. Enfield
Church expands, builds school debt-free. November 15, 2005.
55 Not all events regarding Black Oak Wind Farm will be noted in this time line. Information
regarding Black Oak Wind Farm events may be found on the towns website:
www.townofenfield.org.: Town Board Minutes, Wind Farm Advisory Committee and Archived
Documents Laserfiche – Black Oak Wind Farm. There are many articles in local newspapers
regarding concerns with the Black Oak Wind Farm.
56On November 25, 1911 the Town Board authorized Hiram Rockwell, Enfield Highway
Superintendent, to build a shed to house town highway equipment. This was built on the
“Ferguson lot” recently purchased by the town (across from the current Town Hall, 168 Enfield
Main Road). In 1930 another Town Barn to store highway equipment was built on that same
property, this building was demolished in 2008.
19 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
2008
Enfield Wind Law of 2007 is repealed, March
Enfield highway race too close to call between Barry Rollins, Jr. and Dennis Hubbell
739 – 699, absentee ballots to be counted. Rollins declared winner, November.
2009
Citizen escorted out of Town Board meeting, Councilwoman Stephanie Gaynor walks
out, all about lack of openness and budgets affecting town, May.
Harris Beach Law Firm enters into agreement with town to represent town for the life of
the Black Oak Wind Project, July.
2010
Population 3,512.
Application submitted to Town Board by developer John Rancich for 20 - turbine wind
farm along Black Oak Road, January.
Enfield Elementary School holds 50th Birthday Party - June 4
Bond Resolution to borrow up to $1.1 million dollars for new highway facility. Subject to
public referendum. Referendum approved. July and November.
Volunteer Recognition Program – started August. Pat Doughtery (August), Pam
Whittaker (September – Volunteer of the Quarter), Ann Rider (October) 57 Bill
Eisenhardt (November)58 Linda and Larry Stillwell (December) awarded honor.
2011
First Baptist Church of Enfield Center, constructed in 1842, sold to a private owner.
Code Enforcement positions changed from two positions to one. July
Public Hearing held November 30 at Enfield Elementary School on possible moratorium
or a ban on fracking in Town, November.
New Highway Facility built – 475 Enfield Main Road.
Poll location for November elections moved from Enfield Elementary School to Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company.
Volunteer Recognition Program Awards – Mary and Ken Eckert (April), Jack Hubbell
(May), Roy Wollney (June), Larry and Tracy Saulsgiver (July), Victoria Woodcock,
Faye Coyne, Katie Gaffney, and Alex Stinson [Volunteer Basketball Coaches]
(August), Jim McConkey (September), Sue Thompson (October)59, Jean Owens
(December) and awarded honor.
2012
Tompkins County legislators went from 15 legislators to 14 legislators. Enfield is
represented by two members of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives -
District 5 (Ulysses) and District 8 (Newfield). The law also enumerated districts which
split Enfield from 2 districts to 3 districts. All of Tompkins County became U.S.
57Town Board Minutes October 13, 2010
58Town Board Minutes November 10, 2010.
59Enfield Currents Government Newsletter December 2011 – March 2012.
20 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Congressional District 23, 58 th New York State Senate District and 125 Assembly
District.
Public Hearing to hear residents opinions on proposed one-year moratorium on gas
drilling, Enfield Elementary School, March.
Moratorium on Gas Drilling - Town of Enfield Local Law 2012 #1
Volunteer Recognition Program Awards: Dave Owens (February), Roger Hubbell (July),
Nancy Spero and Judy Hyman (August), Kevin Morse Jr., Sam Hubbell and Trevor
Alling (October), Roy Barriere (December)
2013
Public Hearing on proposed 12.6 megawatt Black Oak Wind Farm July.
Tompkins County and Town of Enfield declare local emergencies related to response
and recovery from storm August 8.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company received Volunteer of the Month Award for their work
during the Flooding of August 8.
Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve, Rockwell Road, dedicated September 14.
Justices of the Peace Referendum held November election Town votes to have only 1
Justice of the Peace.
Town of Enfield enters into contract with USGS to conduct an Aquifer Study,
December.
2014
Comprehensive Plan Committee formed, February.
Enfield Volunteer Firefighter, Denny Hubbell , recognized for 39 years of service since
1975, March.
2015
Ithaca City School District School Elections held at Enfield Elementary School -
propositions: No. 2 Authorizing the Enfield Community Council to rent 4.2 acres of
vacant and unimproved land near the Enfield Elementary School for a community
center at a $1 yearly cost for 30 years. Proposition passed. May
Enfield Elementary School water samples test high for lead, August.
Planning Board approves Solar Farm 1 by Renovus Solar located at 1805 Mecklenburg
Road, December
Enfield Planning Board membership reduced from seven to five members, December
Town demolishes 1921 Town Hall – Enfield Main Road. October
Volunteers of Month for November 2015 8 7 th and 8 grade Enfield volunteering at
Enfield Harvest Festival. The students were: Vanessa Lopez-Drake, Jade Gonzalez,
Darie Burlingame, Teddy Trenchard, Jacob Carl, Oscar Vasquez, Michael Predmore,
Brandon Kelly.
2016
Wind Farm Advisory Committee formed, January.
Planning Board approves Solar Farm 2 by Renovus Solar located at 1805
Mecklenburg Road, March.
21 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Black Oak Wind Farm public hearing held at Enfield Elementary School, March 28
and April 12.
Park and Ride area moved to east side of Enfield main Road (across from Enfield
Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main Road), April.
Dedication ceremony September 28 at TC3 in Dryden for four monuments
representing civil war nurses of Tompkins County, one will be honoring Enfield’s Sarah
Graham Palmer “Aunt Becky”.
2017
April 7 marks the bicentennial of when the county was first formed from parts of
Cayuga and Seneca counties.
Dedication of Historic Sign November 18, 2017. Sign says the forming of Town of
Enfield. Placed at the Enfield Town Hall 168 Enfield Main Road. In honor of the 200 th
Bicentennial celebration of Tompkins County, NY (1817-2017).
Planning Approves Site Plans for: APC (Dollar General Store) and Verizon Towers,
Fish Road. March.
Enfield moratorium on commercial wind and solar energy facilities approved. June.
200th Bicentennial celebration of the First Baptist church of Enfield Center in 2017
(1817 – 2017)
New Polling location Enfield Highway Dept. – 475 Enfield Main Road. November.
Black Oak Wind Farm declares bankruptcy renewable energy project canceled.60
2018
New Polling location Living Waters Church, Enfield Main Road.
Building of Town Information Sign for Town Hall by Joe Dawson. March.
2019
Extending Town moratorium on commercial wind and solar energy facilities. August.
Town approves Flag and Banner Display Policies for Town Hall and Public Lands.
Community Council to plan the 2021 Bicentennial of Enfield. July
Town Board to approve Volunteer Firefighter Memberships.
Town of Enfield was awarded a grant for a salt storage building a 50/50 grant.
December
2020
President Donald J. Trump administration declares a public health emergency due to
the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 – Covid 19, 3 days after the Who Health Organization
declares a Global Health Emergency. January - February.
Town Board votes to no longer include Pledge of Allegiance to Flag in Agenda.
February
Town signs agreement with Tompkins County Sheriff for Satellite Office in Town Hall.
March.
60Ithaca Voice. December 31, 2017.
22 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
First person reported to have Covid 19 in Tompkins County .March 5.
Tompkins County Schools closed on March 15 until mid April due to Covid 19.
Enfield Town Board holds first virtual meeting via Zoom meeting portal due to Covid
19 restrictions.
Temporary Hiring and purchasing freeze approved by Town Board due to uncertainty
regarding New York State Finances. April
A local law to abolish elected positions of Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk
and move to appointed positions. Subject to public referendum. Referendum failed.
July and November.
Town Board votes to participate in the Rural Water Association Source Water
Protection Program. September
Enfield residents march in support of Black Lives Matter. September
Adopt Plan for Operations in the Event of a Declared Public Health Emergency
Involving a Communicable Disease. December