HomeMy WebLinkAboutTime Line Town 2021 bicentennial 6It was
1 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
A Time Line for the Town of Enfield
Tompkins County New York
M. Clyde Hubbell, 175 years Time Line
and
Enfield Bicentennial Committee
Eric Carter, Ellie Hobbie, Alice Linton, Ann Rider, Barb Sadonvic, Debbie Teeter, Sue
Thompson, and Robert Wixom, updating time line 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.
If you have additions/corrections you would like to see in this Timeline contact Sue Thompson,
Enfield Town Historian, historian@townofenfield.org.
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
Abbreviations: ECC: Enfield Community Council; EVFC: Enfield Volunteer Fire Company
1821
Population 1304 persons.1
The Town of Enfield was created by the New York State Legislature March 16th.
The Christian Church of Enfield was constituted2
Town Supervisor Walter Pain (Payne)3; Town Clerk Samuel Rolfe; Town Justice: William
Hunter, Moses Lovell, Walter Paine (Payne), Samuel Rolfe.
1 Population in Enfield unknown, having been erected since the Census of 1820, and of
course included in that of Ulysses, which was 6,345. Estimating the population by the
electors probably the best guide, as the relative numbers were ascertained during the same
year, Enfield would have a population of 1304; Ithaca, of 2888; and the .new town of Ulysses
of 2153. Gazetteer of the State of New York embracing a comprehensive view of the
geographical, geology and general history of the State 1860. J.H. French, Frank Place.
2 Church building located in front part of Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road, torn down in
1938.
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Rumsey Cemetery, Trumbulls Corners Road. Oldest Recorded Headstone: George H.
Nobles, 2 year old son of Squire J. and Hannah Nobles, September 20, 1821.
Official book of “Marks and Strays” was recorded in the Town of Enfield. This book recorded
the marks (metal ear-tags or notching ears) farmers identified their livestock with.
1822
Enfield Post Office at Applegate Corners (Mecklenburg and Applegate Roads) established
December 29th with John Applegate4 appointed first postmaster.
Stone House built by Keturah (Dunlap) and Charles Woodward, Stone House Road. The house
was built of stone gathered from the surrounding area, still standing in 2021.
1823 Town Supervisor Walter Paine (Payne)
1824 Town Supervisor John Applegate
1825
Population 2,000 persons.
Roads in the Town of Enfield to be surveyed, numbered, recorded by commissioners.5
1826
School money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $123.73.
Woodward Cemetery, Woodward Road: oldest recorded headstone: Polly Ogden who died
October 13,1826.
1827
John Russel, William Bird, Jonathan Rumsey paid 2 cents by Town for killing fox.
Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road: oldest recorded headstone: Son of David and Rebecca
Beach, who died September 7, 1827.
1828
Inspectors of Schools, Town of Enfield, Hiram Cutter and John Hooper.
3 Walter Paine (Payne). Born in Broome County, NY in November 1782, he died January 19,
1864, in Erie, Ohio and is buried with his wife, Mary Ink (1786 - 1847), in Edwards Grove
Cemetery, Greenwich Ohio. On November 18, 1820, he was a delegate to a meeting that
was held to discuss the division of the Town of Ulysses and Hector into three Towns. He
was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1821 and then in 1823. He also served as Justice of the
Peace from 1821 – 1822. He served as one of the Highway Commissioners from 1830 –
1832. In 1833 he sold his property in Enfield and moved his family to Ripley, Ohio. They
had 9 children during their marriage.
4 John Applegate was born April 2, 1777, in West Windsor, New Jersey to Charles (1746)
and Mary Slover (1750). They had four children during their marriage.He died on December
14, 1825 in Enfield, New York. He is buried along with his wife Mary Rightmire (1784) in
Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate Road, Enfield. He was reported in the Ithaca Daily Journal as a
republican residing at “Bucktail Corners” in Enfield constantly battling with the democrats of
Tompkins County. He hosted at his home, the many meetings held to divide the Town of
Ulysses to create the Town of Enfield in 1821. He ran for New York State Governor,
legislative positions in the county and became Enfield Town Supervisor in 1822 then again in
1824. He was a member of the Board for the Ithaca Academy in 1820. He operated a tavern
at Applegate Corners recorded in 1807 and operated a post office there in 1823. He also
surveyed the “official roads” in Enfield in 1822 thru 1825.
5 Roads and Road District Journal 1825 – 1866. Town of Enfield. Town Clerk’s Office.
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Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road: oldest recorded headstone: Bethiah Newman,
wife of James Newman died March 30,1828.
1829
Charles Woodward, Trustee of Enfield Schools, $123.70 collected for school tax.
1830
Population 2,332 persons.
Enfield Clerk of Election, Levi VanKirk.
1831 Charles Wright, David Allen, Humphrey Taber, Enfield Assessors.
1832
Presbyterian Church of Enfield organized by Rev. William Page, Presbytery of Cayuga.
February 14. [Selkreg, Landmarks.]
West Enfield Post Office, Georgia Road, established March 14th with James Tompkins, first
postmaster.
1833 Town Supervisor, William Hunter chosen Chairman, Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors.
1834
School tax money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $121.
Budd Cemetery, Gray Road: oldest recorded headstone: Gilbert L. Rightmire son of Daniel
and Tamer who died February 26,1834.
1835
Population 2,240 persons.
Presbyterian Church of Enfield's house of worship completed, Enfield Center, located in front
of Presbyterian Cemetery. [Selkreg, Landmarks.]
Plot deeded to School District #25 from Gilbert Budd for public burials. (Budd Cemetery,
Gray Road)6
Methodist Episcopal Church of Enfield recognized January 19; a lot purchased and buildings
erected June 3 Bostwick Corners. [Selkreg, Landmarks.]
1836 Moses Lovell7 appointed to Enfield Office of Commissioner of Deeds.
1837 Moses Lovell appointed as 1 of 3 Superintendents of the Tompkins County Poor
House.
1838 School tax money received from Town of Enfield to Tompkins County $113.36.
1839
Henry Brewer8 appointed to Office of Commissioner of Deeds, Town of Enfield.
Isaac Rumsey's 1817 gristmill burned in the 1830's. Jared Treman replaced the Rumsey mill
after it burned in 1839 (located in Upper Robert H. Treman State Park).
1840
Population 2340 persons.
Carlos C. Applegate, Chairman9, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors.
1841 West Enfield Post Office discontinued February 10.
6 Warranty Deed 68/163. July 22, 1835. From Gilbert Budd to Trustees School District #25.
Tompkins County Clerks Office, Ithaca, NY.
7 Moses Lovell held the positions of Justice of Peace, Assessor, and School Commissioner in
the Town of Enfield during the 1820’s.
8 Henry Brewer, Enfield Town Supervisor 1859 – 1860.
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1842 First Baptist Church of Enfield completed a house of worship in Enfield Center at a cost
of $1,300.
1843 Abstract of Town of Enfield charges to Tompkins County: Town Expenses $203.77;
Schools $264.94; Highways $53.38, Poor monies due $53,38; Superintendent of Poor
$111.07; Due State $152.35; County Expenses $287.51. Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors 1843.
1844 Town Supervisor Jared Treman.10
1845 Population 2,283 persons.
1846 Enfield Centre Post Office established on July 11 with Solon P. Sackett appointed first
postmaster.
1847 Town Supervisor Cyrus Gray.11
1848 Kennedy's Corners Methodist Church edifice was built, 1538 Mecklenburg Road.
1849 Carlos C. Applegate, Chairman, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors.
1850 Population 2,117 persons.
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 2.12
1852 Lewis H. Van Kirk13 served as Tompkins County Sheriff 1852-1854.
1853 Enfield Falls Hotel (1853-1906) built and managed by Robert V. and Henrietta "Nettie"
Cone Wickham who came from East Haddam, Connecticut. Hotel was located at Enfield
Falls, now Upper Robert H. Treman State Park.14
1854 Town of Enfield taxes paid to Tompkins County Treasurer L. Millspaugh were
$1596.72. $150.00 was to be raised by the Town of Enfield for use by Commissioners of
Highway. November, Tompkins County Board of Supervisors.
1855 Population 1,912 persons.
1856 The American Party “Know Nothings” prevailed in Caroline electing John Bull
Supervisor; in Newfield, Enfield (Enfield Town Supervisor, Chester Rolfe) and Ulysses, the
Know Nothings won.15
9 Carlos Applegate was Enfield Town Supervisor from 1839 – 1841 and 1849. He was a
Justice of the Peace in 1853 and a Commissioner of Schools in Enfield from 1830 – 1833. He
was the son of Mary and John Applegate.
10 Jared Treman ( Tremaine or Truman)was born on October 5, 1800, in Trumansburg, NY, to
Abner (1761) and Mary McLallen (1767). He was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1844. He
married Anne Marie Louise Le Pine Paddock (1794-1857 NY) on November 23, 1819. They
had nine children during their marriage. He died on July 11, 1889 and is buried with his wives,
Anne Marie and Wealthy Crampton (1804-1881 NY) in Grove Cemetery, Trumansburg, NY
11 Cryus Gray was born October 17, 1795, in Rhode Island. He was listed as an Election Clerk
in 1826 and from 1826 to 1840 he was listed as a Surveyor of Highways and
Overseer/Commissioner of Highways. Cryus was Enfield Town Supervisor from 1846 –
1847. He died December 25, 1858 and is buried in Enfield Christian Cemetery
12 Military Roll of the Town of Enfield 1851. Enfield Town Clerks Office, Laserfiche.
13 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.
14 Archaeology in the Park: Walking Tour Brochure. https://tremanparkfriends.org
15 Carol Kammen. 2016. Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, NY.
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1857 Town Supervisor, Samuel Graham16
1858 Survey and alteration of Road No. 12 (Bostwick Road) involving the land owned by
William Newman, west of Colegrove Road 677 Bostwick Road.17
1859 A meeting with Emery Purdy and Hugh H. Smith, Enfield Road Commissioners, was
held at George Budd’s home on Gray Road, to discuss road by Daniel Wood home on Gray
Road.
1860 Population 1,919 persons.
1861 Town Supervisor William Bostwick.
1862 Governor of New York State appointed town committees to raise regiments for Civil
War (US 1860 - 1865). Enfield’s Committee consisted of: William L. Bostwick 18, Samuel V.
Graham, Joseph Rolfe, L.H. VanKirk and Henry Brewer.
1863 Election Results: “We are sorry to say that little Enfield allowed the Copperheads to
beat them on a portion of the ticket. Jehiel H. Bailey was the Republican Union Supervisor
against Daniel W. Bailey who won on the Copperhead ticket. Copperheads, whiskey, and
the fear of the draft, succeeded by 14 majority on Supervisor, majority on Collector or Town
Clerk (John G. Wortman won), we have not figures, and a portion of our own side also
elected”.19
1864 Union Meetings: Lincoln and Johnson the Union and Constitution the Suppression of
the Rebellion and Peace. County Union Committee for Tompkins, have appointed the
following meetings, to secure large meetings and a full vote in November for the Union and
Government: October 8, Enfield Centre – Rev. Mr. Bacon; October 13, Enfield Falls – S.H.
Wilcox, B.G. Jayne; October 20, Enfield Centre – F.M. Finch; Applegate’s Corners (Enfield)
– Hon. A. Wells, Capt. W.O. Wyckoff; November 3, Enfield Centre, J.H. Selkreg.
1865
Population 1,693 persons.
16 Samuel Graham was Enfield Town Supervisor - 1857-1858,1868-1870. He owned a farm
on Bostwick Road. In the summer of 1862 during the Civil War, he was one of the members
of the committee to help raise a regiment from the Town of Enfield. He was brother of Sarah
Graham Palmer Young, known as“Aunt Becky Civil War Nurse”. Samuel was married to Ann
Elizabeth, they had 5 children. He died in 1895. Samuel’s diary can be found in our public
document section at: http://townofenfield.org/documents-public-laserfi che/
17 Enfield Road Journal 1854 – 1858. Enfield Town Clerks Office, Ithaca, NY.
18 William Bostwick was Enfield Town Supervisor for two years starting in 1861 at the age of
24 years old. He farmed in Enfield located on Enfield Center Road. He purchased two lots
on South Albany Street in Ithaca in 1874. He was one of the owners of Military Lot #69,
where the Enfield Highway Facility is located, 475 Enfield Main Road. He was elected to the
State Legislature in 1874 and involved in the first compulsory Education Law. He was a
Ithaca Town Supervisor in 1867 and County Assemblymen in 1875. He died in 1896.
19 Ithaca Journal. J.H. Selkreg, editor In the 1860s, the Copperheads, also known as Peace
Democrats, were a faction of Democrats in the Union who opposed the American Civil
War and wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederates, April 15, 1863. In
1841, he moved to Ithaca, and became first co-publisher, later sole owner, of the Ithaca
Journal. The Journal was originally a Democratic paper, but supported Martin Van Buren and
the Free Soil Party in 1848, then continued as a Democratic paper until 1856 when Selkreg
supported John C. Frémont and adopted a Republican stance.
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Record of Military volunteers from the Town of Enfield US. Civil War 1961- 1865.20
Agricultural Census reports in the Town of Enfield that there were 13,887 improved and 4,591
unimproved acres in agricultural production equivalent to 80 percent of the entire town's
geographic area.
Eron C. Van Kirk served as Tompkins County Sheriff 21.
1866
Enfield Schools located on the Tompkins County 1866 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.
◦District #5 – Stone School House east side of Applegate Road south.
◦District #6 – Enfield Center School Enfield Center Road west.
◦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 - Black Oak Road.
◦District #10 - Nobles School House Connecticut Hill Road.
◦District #11 – Harvey Hill School north side of Harvey Hill Road.
◦District #13 – Christian Hill School southeast corner of Waterburg and Iradell Roads.
◦District #14 – Budd School in front of Budd Cemetery, Gray Road.
1867 Sarah Graham Palmer Young, Civil War Nurse, resident of Enfield, publishes “The
Story of Aunt Becky's Army Life” 22
1868 Ebenezer Havens23, appointed to School Commissioners of Tompkins County, to
examine the candidates for admission into the Cornell University, in accordance with Laws of
1865. Tompkins County Board of Supervisors Proceedings 1868.
1869 Town Board met at the home of E. VanMarter, November 4, 1869, to certify claims to
the Board of Town Auditors. Report totaled $871.82. Samuel V. Graham, Supervisor, John
M. Baker; Edwin S. Ford, Wm. Marshall, Orin Dearborn, Justices of Peace; W.H. Jones,
Town Clerk. Tompkins County Board of Supervisors Proceedings 1869.
1870
20 Bureau of Military Record 1865 Town of Enfield. Enfield Town Clerks Office. Laserfiche.
21 Eron C. VanKirk was born in the Town of Enfield June 23, 1836. His father was Enoch
VanKirk of Enfield. He was educated in the Ithaca Academy and pursued the vocation of a
teacher until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the 109th Regiment N.Y. Vol. Civil War
(US 1860 – 1865). In the fall of 1865 he was elected as Tompkins County Sheriff. In 1884 he
was again elected sheriff. In 1877 he became deputy postmaster of Ithaca, and in 1882 was
advanced to postmaster.
22 Sarah 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 in the summer of 1862. In September
1862, she joined the 109th Regiment, New York Volunteers, as a matron, kitchen supervisor
and nurse. She came home in 1865. Sarah A. Palmer. The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life.
New York: John F. Trow, 1867.
23 Ebenezer Havens was born August 8, 1798, in Franklin, Connecticut. He died August 11,
1866, Montour Falls, New York. Ebenezer was President of Rolfe Cemetery, 1876 and
Enfield Town Supervisor from 1872-1874.
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Population 1,693 persons.
Presbyterian Church was purchased by John Wortman and moved to its present location (201
Enfield Main Road). First a store and later an undertaker’s business were located in the
building, which has been used also as a town voting place and community recreational hall.
Families who owned the store were: Wortman, Wright, McFall, and Newhart.
1871 Bonds were purchased March 1, in the amount of $25,000 to aid in the construction of
the Pennsylvania and Sodus Bay Railroad. The Railroad bed was built north and south grade
section, parallel to NYState Route 327. Work ceased after 1872 and the Railroad was never
completed. Last payment the Town made was in 1911.
1872 Town Board met November 7, 1872, to certify claims to the Board of Town Auditors.
Report totaled $406.25. S.B. Rolfe, Supervisor; John M. Baker, Wm. Marshall, James M.
Lanning, Justices of Peace; Theodore J. Baker, Town Clerk. Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors Proceedings 1872.
1873 Enfield Center Post Office discontinued on January 8 and reestablished on January 27.
1874 Enfield Post Office discontinued Octtober 13,
1875
Population 1,685 persons.
Enfield Valley Grange #295 Patrons of Husbandry organized.
1876
Rolfe Cemetery Association incorporated June 10..
Patron’s Fire Relief Association was organized July 5, 1876, Enfield Grange members were
involved in creating this organization. This was the first organization of the kind formed in the
State.
1877 The First Baptist Church of Enfield parsonage erected at an expense of about $1,50024
1878 Methodist Episcopal Church of Enfield dedicated moved church building (1876) from
Bostwick Corners to West Enfield Center Road. June. [Hurd, History of Tompkins County]
1879 Town Supervisor Seth B. Harvey25
1880 Population 1,690 persons.
1881 The First Baptist Church of Enfield was moved from the east side to west side of
Enfield Main Road, 174 Enfield Main Road.
1882 Enfield Falls Post Office established, Charles Budd appointed postmaster.
1883 Elections held February 27, Town Supervisor Daniel W. Bailey, democrat, elected.
Moses L. Harvey Hall rented for government purposes. William H. Jones, Election
Inspector; E. Brewer and Charles L. Rolfe, Clerks of Election.
1884 Town Supervisor Lysander T. White26
24 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.
25 Seth B. Harvey was born July 1835 to Joseph and Hannah Harvey in the Town of Enfield.
He was Enfield Town Supervisor from 1879 – 1880. He served as Election Clerk and Road
Commissioner during the 1860’s and 1870’s in the Town of Enfield. He died February 7,
1885, and is buried in Hayts Cemetery, Ithaca, NY.
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1885 The history of Enfield was published in the book “An Outline History of Tioga and
Bradford Counties in Pennsylvania, Chemung, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins and Schuyler in
New York: by townships, villages, boro's and cities.” John L. Sexton. Elmira, N.Y.: Gazette
Co.
1886 A republican caucus was held at the house of Moses L. Harvey, Enfield Center, Friday
Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. to nominate town officers and transact other business. By order of Town
Committee. Ithaca Daily Journal February 12, 1886.
1887 At a covenant meeting of the First Baptist Church of Enfield held on, April 9, the Reverend
L.M. Gates was invited to become Pastor. His salary was $35.00 per month, the use of the
parsonage, a sociable for his benefit, and all the butter he needed for his family use.
1888 District # 6 – Enfield Center School budget was $517.94. District #5 – Stone School
House - school budget $200.
1889
Incorporation of the Enfield Cemetery Association of Enfield New York.
Leroy H. Van Kirk27 served as Tompkins County Clerk from 1889 to 1891.
1890 Population 1,393 persons.
1891 Town Supervisor Tertelus Jones28
1892 Population 1,332 persons.
1893 Enfield Centre Post Office name was changed to Enfield Center.
1894 Bids 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 was chosen, paid $32.50.
1895 Town Board holds meeting at Teeter’s Hotel, Enfield Center. March.
1896
Highway Superintendent and Road Commissioner contact different Bridge Companies to
purchase one Iron Bridge to be placed over creek at Enfield Center. At their discretion, able
to purchase 3 or 5 more bridges deemed best for the interest of the town.
Deborah Earl Budd appointed postmistress of the Enfield Falls Post Office.29
1897 Wortman Hall, Enfield Center, designated to hold elections in 1st district and Teeters
Hall (Hotel), Enfield Center be designated to hold elections in 2nd district September 2, 1897.
1898 Town Board meeting November 10 held in Teeter’s Hotel, Enfield Center. Present:
James Hine, Supervisor; H.D. Bailey, Town Clerk; H.A. Graham, Chas. Fletcher, Justices.
Resolved that two hundred and fifty dollars be raised for the use of roads and bridges.
Carried.
1900 Population 1,214 persons.
26 Lysander T. White was born August 2, 1843, in Cayutaville, NY. He was a practicing
physician in the Town of Enfield from 1883 – 1892. He served as Health Officer during his
time in Enfield. He was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1884. He died from Typhoid Fever in
Cortland, NY, January 16, 1898.
27 Leroy H. VanKirk, son of Lewis VanKirk, was Town Supervisor 1876 and 1878. Born in
Enfield 1849.
28 Tertelus Jones was born September 1936 in New Baltimore, NY. He served as Enfield
Town Supervisor in 1886 and 1891. He also held the positions of Bonding Commissioner
and Railroad Commissioner in the Town of Enfield. He died November 1923 in Eau Claire
Wisconsin.
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1901 Office of Railroad Commissioners abolished and duties transferred to Town Supervisor
passed by Town Board November 7. Resolution passed by Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors, November 14.
1902 Enfield Falls Post Office discontinued August 30.
1903 Meeting of the Town Board, March 10, cleaning out and burning old papers.
1904
Enfield Falls Post Office discontinued August 30.
Town Board apportioned $400 of the Gospel School fund to the several Enfield School
Districts.
1905
Population 1,111 persons.
Special Meeting of Town Board called for purpose of discussing fixing of roads that have
been washed out in the Town, June 24.
1906
A direct wire of the Enfield and Ulysses telephone line was connected from Enfield Center to
Jacksonville, also a direct wire from Enfield Center to Trumansburg. This gave an
interchange of service on the basis of 5 cent toll. (May 5, 1906. Free Press and Sentinel.
Trumansburg, NY)
1907 First School Commissioner District of Tompkins County, NY. Listing of Teachers in the
Town of Enfield30: May Byrum, Martha T. Smith, Adalede C. Tucker, Elsie M. Potter, Edna L.
Longcoy, Florence M. Blauvelt, Katherine D. Swick, Anna Karaline, Lena C. Jones, Ruth
Allen, Nellie Rumsey.
1908 Kennedy's Corners Methodist Church Ladies Aid Society organized May 31
1909 Resignation of James McCracken, Justice of the Peace, accepted by Town Board.
William H. Huminston appointed to fill term.
1910
Population 1,000 persons.
Enfield Christian Church incorporated.32
1911
Doctor Minor McDaniels,33 member State Assembly.
29 In 1896 there were two women listed as “Postmaster” in Tompkins County. Deborah Earl
Budd was Postmistress 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 Postmistress. 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 Postmistresses 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
30Free Press and Sentinel, Trumansburg, NY November 9, 1907.
31Kennedy's Corners Methodist Church Ladies Aid Society Minutes Book. Laserfiche.
32Official documents held by the Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca.
33Dr. McDaniels, 1904 – 1911, practicing physician in Enfield.
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Town Board purchases the Walter Ferguson lot34 for a store house for Town machinery for
$225, Enfield Center. November.
Town Board authorized Highway Superintendent to build shed to house Town equipment,
November.
1912
Special Town Board meeting 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.
Ithaca High School, 215 North Cayuga Street, burned to ground, February 14. Classes were
held at various homes and public buildings.
1913 On August 13, DeVoe Rumsey was appointed Enfield Town Clerk, to fill vacancy by
the death of William V. Rumsey who was Town Clerk from 1907 – 1913.
1914
Approximately 22 men from Enfield served in World War I (1914 – 1918).35
The American Agriculturist Farm Directory of 1914 listed 194 farmers in Enfield.
New Ithaca High school opens, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca.
1915
Population 1,407 persons.
February 2, the Enfield Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) held their meeting in
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emmet Tucker, a membership of 18 was present at this meeting.
1916 District #4 – Millers School annexed to District #6, Enfield Center School, on January
12. Appealed and ordered void on October 9, 1917.
1917 Kennedy's Corners Methodist Church burned, October 16.36
1918
Kennedy's Corners Methodist Church rebuilt.
Enfield Center Post Office discontinued April.
1919
“The See Saw” photoplay was partially filmed in Enfield Glen. Mrs. Robert E. Treman,
formerly Irene Castle portrayed the leading role, July
Enfield Democrat Party held their caucus to nominate a town ticket at 8, Saturday evening,
September 6 at Teeter Hotel, Enfield Center.
1920
Population 867 persons.
Robert Treman transferred Old Mill property to the State of New York, and it became a part
of Robert H. Treman State Park.
1921 Gilbert H. Fisher resigned as Town Highway Superintendent. Frank Rothermich
appponted to fill position. June.
1922 Last known date for operation of Teeter Hotel, Enfield Center, (285 Enfield Main Road)
operated in the 1850’s by VanMarters and 1870’s by Moses Harvey.
34 East side of road across from Enfield Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main Road. Deed Tompkins
County Clerks Office – 177/474.
35 This information was collected through local newspaper articles and residents in the Town of
Enfield in 2002.
36 Kennedy's Corners Ladies Aid Society Minutes Book. Laserfiche.
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1923 Town Supervisor authorized to purchase the building known as the Pigs Ear for a sum
not to exceed $200 September 4.37
1924 Special Town Board Meeting held at Town Building, Enfield Center. All members
present approved determinations and agreements for 1924 for road construction. Supervisor
Olin King; Justice of Peace (Councilpersons) Bert Kirby, Daniel Mitchell, J.C. Weatherby,
Albert Colegrove.
1925 Population 973 persons.
1926
Enfield Valley Grange #295 Patrons of Husbandry Incorporated April 4… The Enfield Valley
Grange dedicated new building, Enfield Center on August 24.
The NY State Historic Marker Program began in 1926 thru 1939, as a program of the State
Education Department to commemorate the Sequicentennial of the American Revolution.
Enfield’s markers: VanDorn Tavern, established in 1820 by Peter VanDorn (1793 – 1866)
located on the corner of Mecklenburg and VanDorn Roads.38; Applegate Tavern,built by
John Applegate, 1807. Settled in town 1805. 1st schoolhouse in town N. of tavern, erected
1809 Applegate's Corners, Applegate and Mecklenburg Roads; Wallenbeck Tavern, Route
of Catskill Turnpike first road built in town. Old Post road and Stage route used from
Mecklenburg to Kirby's, 1826, Fish and Buckhill Roads.
1927 Olin 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. February.
The “Great Depression” (economic downturn) varied across the world; in most countries, it
started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s.
On September 23, 1929, a 12 by 18 inch tablet was set in the wall of the Enfield Gorge by
friends of the Tremans. The tablet reads: "This glens singular charm was recognized and
rescued for the people of New York by Robert and Laura Treman, some of whose friends set
this tablet here in loving appreciation of their gift of Enfield Gorge to us all."
1930
Population 939 persons.
Keystone Gas Company franchise to lay a gas line through Town of Enfield.
1931
Welfare Officer was instructed that able bodies male applicants for public relief be given
work at the rate of 25 cents per hour under the Road Superintendent, at cutting brush or
other work as he may advise, December. Pay of Town officials reduced due to high taxes
and general depression effective January 1.
On December 28, a Enfield Town Committee was appointed for the purpose of making
arrangements for the 200th celebration of the birth of George Washington September 25.39
37 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.
38 Notable Characters. A Dutchman in Enfield…Taverns and Turnpikes. September 30,
Deborah Martin-Plugh.
It was
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1932
Town Board approved funds not to exceed $25 from the general fund to be paid to the
Treasurer of the National George Washington Bicentennial Commission to be used to help
defray expenses.
Frank David Boynton Jr. High School opened, Albany and Buffalo Sreets, Ithaca. All 7th
graders from all Elementary Schools attended and all 8th and 9th graders from Ithaca High
School attended. (October 25, 1932 Ithaca Journal)
1933
Motion made, supported and carried for labor on Enfield roads, be reduced from 35 cents
per hour to 30 cents per hour to take effect to day March 11.
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 11.
Wages for labor on Enfield roads be raised from 30 cents to 35 cents per hour to take effect
August 16 subject to National and State conditions August 17.
Ernest and Margaret Buteux built and opened 9 hole Hillendale Golf Course (Applegate
Road).40
Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) Company 1265 (1933 – 1943) stationed within Robert H.
Treman State Park. Responsible for construction of stone work within park.
“Mothers Club” went to Lisle, NY, for vacation in August. The club was started in the 1930’s by
Reverend Dutton S. Petterson and his wife Martha. The club was based on a need of the
women of local Enfield families to have some diversion from everyday life.
1934
Town Board approved that any town officer to work on highway if he so desires. January.
Old Home Day picnic at Schaber’s Grove (Enfield Main and Mecklenburg Roads) July 4.
1935
Flooding, 7.9 inches of rain destroyed property through Tompkins County. Enfield C.C.C.
Company 1265 repaired flood damage done in Robert H. Treman State Park, July
District #14 – Budd School closed and pupils were sent to Ithaca Schools.
1936 Resolution by Town Board was made that the road west of Enfield Park connecting the
Enfield-Ithaca Road with the Enfield-Newfield Road is one of the most important connecting
links in the Enfield Road system and should be topped this summer. The base of said road
having been laid years ago and is beginning to give way. Approved and submitted to Bert
Vann, Tompkins County Highway Superintendent, for his approval and recommendation to
the authorities of Albany.
1937
Neva Laue41 was one of the first women to serve as juror in Tompkins County.
39 On December 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed a joint resolution that established a
commission to oversee the 1932 Bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.
40Ithaca Journal July 17, 1958
41 Neva Tucker Laue was born in 1888. She died April 6, 1964. She was a member and
treasurer of Enfield Methodist Church, Golden Sheaf member of Enfield Valley Grange and
had been matron of the Juvenile Grange of Enfield for 20 years.
It was
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A bronze marker was placed on the grave of Judah Baker (1763 – 1851) at the Christian
Cemetery, Enfield Main Road. The marker was placed by the Cayuga Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution. [1763 – 1851). Judah served as a soldier from 1777 to 1781 in
different military units through the revolutionary war. September.
Town Board purchased two Automatic Voting Machines for $980 each from Jamestown,
NY. December.
1938
Town Board purchased a gravel pit from the Edwin Owens estate, located in the area of 320
Enfield Main Road. July.
NYS Governor Herbert Lehman, renamed the Enfield Glen Reservation as the Robert H.
Treman State Park.
Enfield Christian Church was sold and taken down in 1938. Building material was
transported to the west side of Cayuga Lake and converted into cottages and docks by Fred
Frazer.
1939
Approximately 108 men from Enfield served in World War II.42
Supervisor authorized to sign a cooperative fire fighting agreement with C.C.C. Company,
S.P. 6, at Enfield Falls, October.
1940
Population 1,082 persons.
Enfield Valley Grange marked its 65th Anniversary at a February 27, 194043 meeting. Isabella
Bohach, present lecturer, was in charge of the meeting.
1941 Polling locations: McFalls Hall, 201 Enfield Main Road, basement, District No. 1 and
Town Hall, Enfield Center, District No. 2. August.
1942 Hillendale Golf Course closed during WWII (1939 to 1945) years. Opened back up in
1945.
1943
District #9 – Rollison – Enfield – Hector School became part of the Odessa Central Rural
School on September 25, 1943.
At a special meeting of the Rolfe Cemetery Association it was resolved to dis-incorporate the
Association so that the Town of Enfield could care for the cemetery, November.
1944 Justices of Peace Daniel Mitchell and Thomas Brown resigned. James Coles and Fred
Bock approved to fill vacancies for the remainder of the year.
1945 District #1 – Tubbs School Annexed to District #1 Town of Ulysses July 13.
1946
Bills were paid by Town Board for $11.70 due Lewis Humphrey for mowing Rumsey
Cemetery and bill of $38.40 Leroy Whitaker for mowing Christian and Enfield Center
Cemeteries.
Agriculture in Enfield – Remaining horse power was replaced by mechanical horsepower. By
the late 1950's very few teams of work horses remained in daily service. Following World War
II, most farmers readily embraced the tractor which converted war production now made
42 This information was collected through local newspaper articles and residents in the Town of
Enfield in 2002
43 Watkins Express, Watkins Glen, New York March 6, 1940. Old Fulton Postcards.com.
It was
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available in large numbers. By the early 1950's nearly every farm had a tractor capable of
pulling a two bottom plow. 44
1947
Ithaca City Public Schools voters endorsed the merger of 42 school districts in Tompkins
County.
District #9 – Rollison School burned down.
District #10 – Nobles School House, voted "Yes" to send all pupils to Ithaca schools.
1948 Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC) granted a charter. Construction of a fire
station started in Enfield Center. Membership of EVFC reached nearly one hundred
members, May.
1949
EVFC fire station completed in February, 182 Enfield Main Road.
Robert H. Treman State Park donated flag pole from the C.C.C. camp to the EVFC.
First contract talks between EVFC and Town of Enfield for fire protection were held.
Three fire phone locations were picked so fires could be reported. The first call was to
Newhart's store (201 Enfield Main Road), Enfield Center, May.
1950
Population 1,316 persons.
Enfield Valley Grange celebrated 75th Anniversary with a Southern Fried Chicken Dinner and
program. Roy Linton was Grange Master at that time.
Town Supervisor, S. Harvey Stevenson, chosen Chairman, Tompkins County Board of
Supervisors, a position he held through 1961.
Clearing skies on the Fourth of July made the annual Enfield Old Home day a success. July
5,45.
A meeting to discuss the organization of an Enfield Community Council was held at the
EVFC Hall. August 3.46
1951 EVFC Fire siren operated from Newhart's Store, Enfield Center.
1952 Town Board approved following men to be accepted as members of he EVFC: William
Bush, Richard C. Stevenson, Roberts E. Young, Kermit French, Carlton Snyder, October.
1953
The Ladies Auxiliary of EVFC formed.
Most noted and largest farm implement dealership in Enfield, Ithaca Farm Equipment, owned
and operated by Mervyn Shroeder Mecklenburg Road. He retired from business in 1980.
1954 Talks begun on a civil defense radio system in October with EVFC. The civil defense
radio and siren tests were tested at noon on Saturdays.
1955 Town Board voted to put a fence and signs around the dump (Enfield Center) to
prevent any further dumping, August.
44 Agriculture Chapter. Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls 2002.
45Enfield Marks Old Home Day. July 5, 1950. Ithaca Journal. Ithaca, NY 14850.
46Enfield Falls. August 3, 1950. Ithaca Journal. Ithaca, NY 14850.
It was
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1956 Forty-two suburban school districts of Tompkins County voted in April to consolidate
with Ithaca City School District.47 Enfield School Districts #2, #4, #6, #7, #8, #10, #11, #14
were consolidated with the Ithaca City School District.
1957
Enfield School students grades 1 – 6 in Districts: 2 VanDorn; 4 Miller’s Corners’; 6 Enfield
Center; 7 Woodward; 10 Nobles; 11 Bostwick Corners; 14 Enfield Falls, registered to go to
West Hill School (Chestnut Street) Ithaca, NY. (August 20, 1957 Ithaca Journal).
Addition to EVFC fire station began, 24 feet by 30 feet, a two story expansion.
Town Board bought 5 acres of property on Waterburg Road.
In June 1957 a Certificate of Incorporation of Enfield Community Center Inc. was registered
in Tompkins County. The names and residences of the directors of the corporation until its
first annual meeting were: John W. Gunning, Ernest G. Laue, Lena M. Boyce, Frances M.
Newhart, Sarah Jane Michener all of RD 5, Ithaca, New York. Witnesses above plus Velma
G. Inman, Perl E. Calkins and Alice Laue.48
1958
September 8, 1958 first open day of Enfield Elementary School (20 Enfield Main Road).
Frank Spadaro was the first Enfield Elementary School Principal. He served as Principal until
1969.
ICSD announced Enfield Elementary School area: all of the Town of Enfield, ½ mile of
Bostwick Road east of Sheffield Road, all of Sheffield Road to Bundy Road, all of Gray Road
and the Mecklenburg Road east to Starland Farms. (May 5, 1988 Ithaca Journal).
The PTA (Parent Teachers Assocation) sponsored first social event held in Enfield
Elementary School on November 21, 1958.
Ithaca Army Reserve Center named in memory of Reynold J. King, who was a WWII soldier
from the Town of Enfield. Sept. 2849
Ithaca School Election Polling location changed from Enfield Center School to Enfield Town
Hall in Enfield Center. School had been sold to private owner. (May 5, 1958 Ithaca Journal)
1959
District #2 – Rolfe School was torn down and moved.
On February 19, a snow storm closed Enfield Elementary School at 10:00 am.50
1960
Population 1,573 persons.
47 Ithaca Journal, May 22, 1965. First School Erected in 1807.
48 Certificate was notarized and approved of the annexed Certificate of Incorporation by Justice
Supreme Court June 28, 1957. Stamp 70177 dated June 24, 1957.
49 Program 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 Olin 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.
50 Chapter, One Day On Connecticut Hill. Fern Buckingham Smith Ferris and family. Town of
Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls 2002.
It was
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Rolfe Cemetery maintenance taken over by Town of Enfield, Oct. 4.
R.H. (Ralph Herman) Denman hired to number houses in Enfield (Town’s present
numbering system).
Lease was obtained by the EVFC for the corner of State Routes. 79 and 327 to hold fund
raising carnivals. May. June was the first Kiddie Parade held during carnival.
New Ithaca High School opened, 1401 N. Cayuga Street. The “old” High School, 215 N.
Cayuga Street, reopened as Dewitt Junior High School.
Jr. High School (7, 8, 9) students assigned to Boynton Jr. High School, were districts:
Cayuga Heights, Enfield, Fall Creek, Hayts, West Hill and Willow Creek. Students assigned
to Dewitt Jr. High School were districts: Belle Sherman, Caroline, Danby, East Hill, Forest
Home, Henry St. John and South Hill.
1961
S. Harvey Stevenson retired as Chairman of the Tompkins County Board of Supervisors
(served as Enfield Town Supervisor for 28 years).
Residents of the Enfield area in June 1962 adopted the name “Enfield Community Council”
for their new organization.51
1962
In June a motion to rescind a motion for a Planning Committee appointed in June 1961 and
make a new committee. (did not indicate if approved)
Town Board appointed Civic Improvement Committee.
Ordinances suggested by Civic Improvement Committee were tabled for indefinite time:
regulate second hand or used materials, junk, auto parts activities and businesses in the
Town; regulating and licensing of Trailer Parks, regulating and licensing trailers within the
town, adoption of a Building Code for the Town. Committee was released of duty.
In September the Town Board approved the establishment of the Office of Deputy
Supervisor. Town Supervisor Clair Updike appointed his wife, Matilda Updike, as his Deputy
Supervisor, no salary.
1963
Town Board appointed Inspectors of Election – 1st District: Sarah Jane Michener; Katherine
Miles; Frances LaBombard. 2nd District: Marian Lovelace; Mabel Rumsey; Elnora Warren.
In April 196352 Carlton W. Snyder was named chairman of a Enfield Recreation Committee
which named directors to carry on a program for Enfield’s Youth.
Gregg’s Junction Market, owned by Richard Gregg, opened at the corner of Mecklenburg
and Enfield Main Roads.
In August 196353 two weeks of free swimming instruction for children from six through
teenage was held. Sponsored by the Enfield Community Council. Lessons were given at
lower Treman State Park and followed approved American Red Cross Style.
1964
Town Board gave permission to Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. of Houston Texas to
cross Black Oak Corners Road, with their pipeline.
Annual Meeting of the Assessors and Town Supervisor, was held July 6, for the purpose of
making a list of persons to serve as Trial Jurors for the ensuing year 1964-1965.
51Enfield Area Group Names Its Council. June 7, 1962. Ithaca Journal. Ithaca, NY 14850.
52Snyder Chairman of Play Unit. April 13 1963. Ithaca Journal. Ithaca, NY 14850
53Swimming Class to Start Monday. August 2, 1963. Ithaca Journal. Ithaca, NY 14850
It was
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1965 The Sandy Creek Trailer Park, Mecklenburg Road, was opened in 1965-1966 and the
sales of mobile homes were added in 1967.
1966
Town Board bought lot (168 Enfield Main Road) from Harry Willis north of Baptist Church,
Enfield Center. James Stevenson contracted to build new Town Hall and highway building
on this lot.
Eastern Artificial Insemination Cooperative, Inc. was formed from five New York and New
England Cooperatives54
1967
First Annual Election Day Dinner held at the Enfield Valley Grange. November.
ICSD discussed moving to Middle schools designation instead of Jr. High. This would move
6th graders from elementary schools. (April 21, 1967 Ithaca Journal).
ICSD voters turned down new Middle Schools to be built. (December 10.1968 Ithaca
Journal).
1968
Second fire siren for EVFC installed on John Smith’s barn at 230 South Applegate Road.
ICSD referendum passed to build two new Middle Schools (January 19, 1968 Ithaca Journal).
1969
A direct telephone line for the EVFC was connected to the Ithaca Fire Control.
A Enfield Elementary School addition was designed by local architects Levatich, Miller, and
Hoffman including a library on the north-west end.
1970
Enfield and Newfield combined into one legislative representative district (Town Supervisor
no longer to serve on Tompkins County Board of Supervisors which changed to
Representatives.)
In the 1970's Agricultural Districts were formed in Tompkins County for the purpose of taxing
farmed land on the basis of soil classification.
Enfield Town Dump, 103 Waterburg Road, was closed by Tompkins County on July 1.
1971
Enfield Dirt Diggers Motocross Club started in 1971. The Motocross track was located on
Enfield Center Road,
More than 500 sheep and other livestock died in a barn fire on the Donald K. and Linda
Gunning farm on Weatherby Road. March 7.
ICSD students assigned to Boynton Middle School were Districts: Cayuga Heights, Central,
Enfield, Fall Creek, Glenwood and West Hill. (February 11, 1971 Ithaca Journal).
ICSD students assigned to Dewitt Middle School were Districts: Belle Sherman, Caroline,
Danby, East hill, Henry St. John, South Hill and Northeast. (February 11, 1971 Ithaca
Journal).
ICSD Middle Schools built: Boynton (1601 N. Cayuga Street) and Dewitt Middle (560 Warren
Road). They were opened September 1, 1971. (August 14, 1971 Ithaca Journal).
54 Headquarters 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.
It was
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1972 EVFC members and equipment were sent to the Elmira-Corning area to help flood
victims after flood waters devastate area.
1973
Town Board purchased additional property bordering 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.
Town Board changed telephone to a private line for Highway Department, Town Barn. June.
Teeter Road extended two tenths of a mile to Willard cabin with gravel provided by Eddy
Family. July.
ECC Nursery School located in Enfield Methodist Church. Joanna Sturgeon was hired as the
teacher for the fall of 1974.
Jack and Helen Williams opens Partners Market, Mecklenburg Road, This Store was
originally named Gregg’s Market. The store closed in 1997.
1975
Enfield Community Council (ECC) founded,
ECC After School Program classes began for PreK – 5th Grades.
ECC baseball and softball programs begin under the direction of Roger Laue.
Enfield Harvest Festival was held at Enfield Elementary School for first time, to celebrate
accomplishments of the young people in the Summer Day Camp Programs, October.
Harry A. Kerr, Enfield-Newfield Representative was chosen as Chairman, Tompkins County
Board of Representatives.
Fern Smith was appointed in September 1975 as Town Councilperson to fill the position of
Earl Smith, her husband, who died in July. Term to December 1975.
Enfield Valley Grange celebrates their 100th Anniversary with a dish to pass dinner and
program.
Woodside Inn burned to the ground, 2303 Mecklenburg Road, in May. The Inn was built in
1939 by Chauncey McKeegan. It was rebuilt in 1975. The Inn changed owners in 1981 and
opened up as Kuma Disco.
1976
Certificate of Incorporation of the Enfield Community Council submitted in March. Initial
directors of the Corporation were: Rhoda Linton, Tommy L. Brown, and Nancy Wurster.
James W. Ray, appointed Enfield-Newfield Tompkins County Legislator after Harry Kerr’s
resignation.
Enfield Valley Grange NYS Grange Building Fund Walk-A-Thon. Walk went from the Enfield
Grange Hall to the Trumansburg Fair Grounds. This was part of NYS Grange Bicentennial
Committee Project.
1977
Town Clerk and Tax Collector positions combined by June.
Justices of the Peace no longer served as Town Board members55.
Mabel Purdy retired after 25 years as Town Clerk.
55 NYS Justices of the Peace elected prior to July 1, 1977 served as members of the Town
Board.
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Edna Palmer retired after 25 years as Tax Collector.
Enfield Community Council (ECC) incorporated.
Harvest Festival, Enfield Grange and EVFC Fire Hall, Enfield Center, October 15. Sampler
luncheon and crafts.
1978
Robert Linton, Councilperson, motioned that the Town Board wished to express their
approval of the Agricultural District 756 which was formed in Enfield and neighboring towns.
Passed.
Betty Howard, Councilperson, resigned as of November 7. Reappointed at December 6,
Town Board meeting.
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 retired after 20 years as Highway Superintendent.
1980
Population 2,375 persons.
First, ECC Auction was organized and coordinated by Pam Whitaker in June 1980.
The ECC issued its first Town newsletter, 2020 called “Currents”.
ECC Fall and Winter programs held in baton, dance, gymnastics, exercise, guitar lessons,
German language, woodworking, play Groups, Basketball and TC3 Courses, Red Cross Swim
Instruction, Baseball, Softball.
In January parents with 5th graders from all 12 ICSD Elementary schools were asked to state
preferences for placement to 6th grade for Middle school. Their choice were, Boynton or Dewitt
Middle school or stay in elementary school K-6. Enfield Elementary sent 22 to Boynton and 13
students remained in Enfield Elementary school. (January 31, 1980 Ithaca Journal).
ICSD School Board closed Elementary schools, Danby, Glenwood and Cayuga Heights.
Students were moved to Elementary Schools: Danby to South Hill, Glenwood to Enfield and
Cayuga Heights to Northeast. (June 29, 1980 Ithaca Journal).
1981
EVFC fire station was dedicated in memory of the late Harry Willis, a long time Enfield
fireman and supporter.
Fern Ferris resigned as Councilperson. April 1981 Charles Hubbell appointed to fill the
position.
On June 17, 1981, the Instituet de Selection Animale (ISA) acquired Babcock Poultry Farm
from A. H. Robins. Twenty Enfield Babcock Farm facilities, which were built in the mid-1960's
on Podunk Road, were closed and sold.
1982
EVFC purchased 7 acres of land behind the fire station from Gladys Willis as the site for the
new fire station. October.
John and Helen Smith, donated land to the Agape Church, 264 Applegate Road, upon which
to build a church.
56 In the 1970's Agricultural Districts were formed in Tompkins County for the purpose of taxing
farmed land based on soil classification. This afforded farms some protection from the onslaught
of development in agricultural areas. Agriculture Chapter. The Town of Enfield New York
Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. 2002.
It was
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1983
Beatrice Bock appointed first Court Clerk (with no pay). Served 1983 – 1989. February.
First service held in new Agape Church building on Applegate Road. July
Kennedy's Corners United Methodist Church, Mecklenburg Road, declared officially
abandoned. June.
Large pond built behind EVFC fire station.
Roger Laue was appointed, March 1983, as Councilperson to fill the position of Harold Clark
who died in February.
Natural Lean Pork purchased 145 acre Enfield Farm includes 13 houses originally part of
ISA/Babcock Breeders Inc. August.
1984
Agricultural District Number Two was started by the Tompkins County Board of
Representatives on June 26, 1984. Agricultural District Two, included farm land in Ulysses,
Newfield, Danby and Ithaca Townships. [Agricultural District Number Two was modified and
approved for an additional eight years in 1992.]
Merton Inman resigns as Justice of Peace, November. Jake Smithers appointed in
November to fill position.
Town Board awarded franchise to Haefele TV. Inc. of Spencer, NY. December.
1985
Two election districts designated dividing the Town to coincide with the Tompkins County
legislative districts (Ulysses-Enfield and Newfield Enfield) April.
G-Quist Farms owned by George and Julie Holmes was selected as a Dairy of Distinction in
1985.
1986
Dairy Buyout Program – The impact within the Town of Enfield was substantial. Of nine
Tompkins County farmers electing to participate in the buyout program, four were from Enfield.
It is estimated that the four farms represented approximately 25 percent of the existing Enfield
dairy farms when the program was initiated in 1986.
Etta Gray, first woman Town Supervisor took office January 1.
Enfield Youth Group met on Tuesday nights, at Enfield Elementary School, membership
starting at 11 years old, Joann Smith was leader of group.
Teresa Holmes, daughter of George and Julie Holmes, was the 1986-1987 Tompkins County
Dairy Princess.
1987
Three Town Clerks in a two month period. Shirley Holcomb resigned May. Joanne Lychalk
appointed June 3, Joanne Lychalk resigned June. Jean Scofield appointed July 1.
Valley Korners Convenient Store opened, Mecklenburg Road, Dan and Diane Achilles,
owners. Expanded to bigger store in 1990.
1988
Ground was broken for new EVFC57 fire station,172 Enfield Main Road.
Town Board accepted old EVFC fire station for $1 September, 182 Enfield Main Road. This
building was referred to as Enfield Community Building after the acceptance.
57182 Enfield Main Road, Enfield Center.
It was
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Enfield Elementary School 6th grade students attend Dewitt Middle School starting
September 1988. They previously attended Boynton Middle School. (January 27, 1988
Ithaca Journal).
1989
Open house was held at the new EVFC fire station. October.
Larchmont Farm, owned by Peter L. and Jane B. Hanson located on North Buck Hill Road
selected for the Dairy of Distinction Award in 1989.
Enfield Planning Board formed. Board consisted of 7 members from the community at-large
and 2 members who derived at least half their income from agricultural pursuits.
1990
Population 3,054 persons.
Enfield Elementary School held its first bicycle rodeo. June.
1991
Approval of cellular phone tower, 544 Bostwick Road. December.
Hillendale Golf Course (Applegate Road) became an 18 hole golf course under the direction of
Mary Novickas.
1992
First Baptist Church of Enfield celebrated its 175th birthday.
Enfield Elementary School opens new wing of 5 classrooms, gymnasium and storage area,
October.
Larchmont Farm, owned by Peter L. and Jane B. Hanson, was awarded a Northeast DHIA
Outstanding Quality Milk Award for 1992.
1993
Blizzard of 1993 on March 14 and15, officially more than 30 inches of snow fell in Tompkins
County.
Jean Scofield,Town Clerk, resigns May 19, Betty Poole appointed interim Town Clerk June
9..
1994
Blizzard of 1994 occurred March 3, roads were closed by the Sheriff, many buildings
collapsed from the weight of the snow. Tompkins County reported 2 feet of snow.58
Carl Newhart resigned as Councilperson in July. Robert Linton appointed to fill the position
until December 1994.
The 1994-1995 Tompkins County Dairy Princess, Carry Gunning, daughter of Donald and
Linda Gunning, Weatherby Road.
1995
Enfield Elementary School receives grant from the National Foundation for the Improvement
of Education, part of the Road Ahead Program, sponsored through Microsoft Corporation
Chairman, Bill Gates. Involved teacher training, grant writing, technology, nature and
gardening.59
58County is buried under 2 feet of snow. March 4, 1994. Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, NY.
59 Three-year grant carries experiences for future learning. October 25, 1997. Ithaca Journal,
Ithaca, NY.
It was
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Elizabeth Stevenson Bennett Forest Preserve dedicated located on Trumbull’s Corner Road.
June.60
1996
March 16, Town celebrated its 175th Birthday (1821 – 1996) with formal ceremony at the
Enfield Elementary School. United States Postal Service canceled stamps at the Enfield
Elementary School on March 16, with a special commemorative post mark honoring the
Town. The cancellations were the first done in Enfield since the Enfield Center Post Office
closed in 1918.
Town of Enfield received State Archives and Records Administration Grant for indexing and
microfilming Town Board meeting minutes back to 1889.
1997
A garden bench in the Memorial Garden in front of the Enfield Elementary School, was
dedicated to the memory of Alfred Wurster.61
Garry Achilles, Councilperson, recognized for his dedication to the Town, resigns due to ill
health. July. Pat Dougherty appointed to finish term.
Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park organized.
Partners Market, Mecklenburg Road, closed permanently.
1998
EVFC celebrated 50th Anniversary. January.
Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park and the park staff, partner with archaeology
Professor Sherene Baugher and Cornell University students, to rediscover the life and times
of Enfield Falls.
Site work, rough grading the area for the new Baptist Church,162 Enfield Main Road,
building is completed. August.
1999
Town of Enfield received $400,000 grant from the USDA Housing and Urban Development
to replace 17 – 18 mobile homes. December 6.
Tom Drew, Councilperson, resigned in March. Joe Schehr appointed to fill the position until
December 1999.
Neil Poppensiek (1945 - 2008) publishes, “The Hamlet of Enfield Falls” Robert H. Treman
State Park.
After School Program - No longer sponsors the after school program at Enfield Elementary
School. The ECC facilitated several presentations involving other after school day care
providers. By vote of any parent at the Enfield School that wished to vote, the YMCA was
selected as the 1999/2000 provider for the after school daycare program.62
Farm City Day held at the Ainslie Dairy Farm, established 1929, Hayts Road. Sponsored by
Tompkins County Cooperative Extension. August.
2000
60 Twenty five acres of the preserve had been in the Stevenson family of Enfield since after the
Revolutionary War. In 1977, Elizabeth Stevenson Bennett donated the property. In 1998 and
1999, the preserve grew to 83 acres.
61 Alfred Wurster, who was lost in a tractor accident June 1997. Alfred was a Master Gardener
who helped with the initial installation of raised beds at Enfield Elementary School.
62 Fall/Winter The Enfield Community Currents Newsletter, October 15, 1999. Enfield After
School Program. Jane Murphy, past Treasurer and active ECC volunteer.
It was
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Population 3,369 persons.
Enfield Valley Grange celebrated 125th Anniversary, 1875.
2001
Enfield Baptist Church congregation started construction of new church building, 162 Enfield
Main Road, June. Building shell and roof in place. November.
Richard Holley resigned as Councilperson, February 2001.
Unearthing Enfield Falls, Tryon, Duncan families, Cornell University project. April,
Tompkins County canceled all Tuesday primaries because of terrorist attacks in New York
City, and Washington DC on September 11. Republican Primary for Enfield Highway
Superintendent scheduled for September 12 was canceled.
Enfield Town Clerk Alice Laue, wins election with record-breaking 328 write-in votes,
November. Alice was Enfield Town Clerk from 1994 thru 2009.
Pat Gumaer took the Oath of Office for the vacant, since February, Councilperson position
that ended December 31. Pat Gumaer and Greg Stevenson were winners of Enfield
Councilpersons positions in November elections, their terms to start in 2002.
2002
Tompkins County Community Beautification Program gave a grant to Enfield for historical
sign and plantings at entrance to Enfield Center. November.
Town Board purchased land for the construction of a new Enfield Highway Department
Facility at 475 Enfield Main Road. December.
2003
Town of Enfield received $400,000 a grant from NY’s Office for Small Cities for housing
rehabilitation. September.
Pat Gumaer, Councilperson, resigned as of December 2003. Lawrence Lanning appointed
to fill the position.
2004
Enfield Elementary School Nurse actions save Enfield family from carbon monoxide
poisoning in their home on January 30.
$15,000 Community Development Grant awarded to Town. The Town hired the economic
development consulting firm Camoin Associates in Saratoga Spring to help spark economic
development in the community. Meeting held at Community Center, February 19.
Justices of the Peace, asked Town Board to move courts to Enfield Community Building,182
Enfield Main Road. October.
2005
New Town Web site – www.townofenfield.org
“Road Side Marker” to commemorate Judah and Lydia Chase Baker 1804, was placed near
Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road. January.
Sherene Baugher, Archaeology Cornell University class helped 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 was held at Enfield Grange Hall. July.
No winner was declared in the Election for Enfield Town Supervisor between Jean Owens,
Democrat and Gary Fisher, Republican, ballots challenged, November. Jean Owens
declared winner in 2006.
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First Baptist Church of Enfield Center63 dedicated new house of worship, 162 Enfield Main
Road. April 30, May 1.
2006
Enfield Energy LLC, a renewable energy utility,, begins planning development for Wind
Farm64.
Frank Podufalski resigned as Enfield Deputy Supervisor, February. Dave Bock appointed to
fill position in February.
Bookkeeper files complaint against Town because Town buildings do not comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Town Board votes to allow Bookkeeper to work at home
because Bookkeeper’s office is not ADA compliant, April.
Tompkins County Board of Elections changes polling location to Enfield Elementary School,
20 Enfield Main Road, September.
Enfield Community Building Project, converting building for holding Town Board Meetings
and Town Court, June 19.
Enfield Elementary School 6th grade students attended Boynton Middle School starting
September 2006 They previously attended Dewitt Middle School. (February 16, 2006.
Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, NY.)
2007
Dispute between Town Board and EVFC was predicted to force the Ithaca City School
District to close Enfield Elementary School, March. Town Board approved new contract
with EVFC April 11.
Jennifer Fisher, Councilperson, submitted letter of resignation August 8. Byron Smith
appointed to fill the position.65
David DeGroat, of Cortland, NY, contracted with Enfield Town Board for the construction of
two Welcome to Enfield signs. Signs placed in November next to Enfield Elementary School
(20 Enfield Main Road) and Enfield Highway Facility (475 Enfield Main Road).
2008
United Methodist Episcopal Church at Enfield Center sold building to private owner in May.
The building is reopened as McMillan Art Center – Art Studio, Art Gallery and Performance
space. Church closed in 2007.
Enfield Wind Law of 2007 repealed, March.
Enfield Highway Superindent election was too close to call between Barry Rollins, Jr. and
Dennis Hubbell. Absentee ballots were counted and Barry Rollins was declared winner.
November.
Welcome to Enfield sign stolen April 26. Town Board contracted to have sign replaced.
August. (Original sign was recovered.)
2009
Enfield Town Highway (1930’s) building demolished, located across from Town Hall (168
Enfield Main Road). March.
63 Official Program for dedication from Baptist Church. Laserfiche. Ithaca Journal. Enfield
Church expands, builds school debt-free. November 15, 2005.
64 Enfield Energy incorporated 2006, https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ny/3433906 ;
Black Oak Wind Farm incorporated 2011, https://gust.com/companies/black-oak-wind-farm-llc
65Enfield Town Board Minutes. September 6, 2007.
It was
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ECC Summer Camp was held at Lower Robert H. Treman State Park because of construction
on Enfield Elementary School.66
First Baptist Church of Enfield incorporated as Living Water Christian Fellowship. October.
2010
Population 3,512 persons.
Enfield Neighbors for Safe Air and Water (ENSAW) organized. (stated from ensaw.org web
site dated March 2010). Their mission is to connect and inform the Enfield community about
issues affecting the safety and preservation of our local natural resources and environment.
Enfield Elementary School held 50th Birthday Party, June 4
Bond Resolution to borrow up to $1.1 million dollars for new Enfield Highway Facility, subject
to public referendum. Referendum approved. July and November.
Enfield Volunteer Recognition Program started. August.
Public Hearing held November 30 at Enfield Elementary School on possible moratorium or a
ban on fracking in Town, November.
2011
The First Baptist Church of Enfield (1842) building sold, 174 Enfield Main Road. February.
Ithaca Crop Mob event held at Enfield maple sugaring Operation Sapsquatch, 2247
Mecklenburg Road. May.
Informational meetings held regarding high-volume hydraulic fracking. Events sponsored by
Town Board and ENSAW.
Open House held at Highway Facility, 475 Enfield Main Road. December. Highway
department crew moved into facility February 2012.
Poll location for November elections moved from Enfield Elementary School to Enfield
Volunteer Fire Station, 172 Enfield Main Road.
Enfield Code Enforcement positions changed from two positions to one. July 13.
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. Congressional District 23, 58th New York
State Senate District and 125 Assembly District.
Robert H. Treman State Park Heritage Day dedicated plaque in the Mill honoring the
contributions of the late Neil Poppensiek, founder and first president of the Friends of Robert
H. Treman State Park. November.
Public Hearing held to hear residents opinions on proposed one-year moratorium on gas
drilling, Enfield Elementary School, March.
James Varricchio, Justice of Peace, died in 2012. Betty Poole was Justice for both positions
through March 2013. In March Betty Poole was appointed as single Justice through
December 2013.
Roy Barriere, Town Supervisor resigned, Councilperson Ann Rider approved to fill position
until December 31, 2013.
2013
ECC Country Faire – Enfield Elementary School – pig roast, basket raffle, vendors, games,
Enfield history, agriculture, May 11.
66Enfield Summer Day Camp. Enfield Community Currents Newsletter. Spring 2009 .
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Public Hearing held on proposed 12.6 megawatt Black Oak Wind Farm. July.
Tompkins County and Town of Enfield declared local emergencies related to response and
recovery from rain/wind storm. August. 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 14.67
Justices of the Peace Referendum held at November elections. Town votes to have only 1
Justice of the Peace.
Michael Carpenter appointed to fill vacant Councilperson postion in February.
Town of Enfield entered into contract with USGS to conduct an Aquifer Study.
Charlie Sheffield recognized for 55 years of service in EVFC. Charlie is an elite member of a
prestigious club of “one”, first ever for Enfield. The Fireman’s Association of New York
State (FASNY) also presented Charlie with a plaque recognizing his years of volunteer
service.68
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 – Proposition:
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 approved Solar Farm 1 by Renovus Solar located at 1805 Mecklenburg
Road, December.
Enfield Planning Board membership reduced from seven to five members. December.
Town of Enfield demolished 1921 Town Hall – Enfield Main Road. October.
Beth McGee, Councilperson, resigned September 30. Michael Miles appointed to fill position.
November.
2016
Wind Farm Advisory Committee formed. January.
Enfield Planning Board approved Solar Farm 2 by Renovus Solar located at 1805
Mecklenburg Road. March.
Black Oak Wind Farm public hearing held at Enfield Elementary School, March 28 and April
12.
Dedication ceremony September 28 at TC3 in Dryden for four monuments representing civil
war nurses of Tompkins County, one nurse honored, Sarah Graham Palmer “Aunt Becky”
from Enfield.
2017
67 The preserve is part of the Finger Lakes Land Conference and Finger Lakes Trust located on
Military Lot #75 consisting of 48 acres. Is is "possibly the most outstanding maple grove in
Central New York, with a tree that may be 300 years old," Originally owned by Samuel
Harvey this land has been passed down to his descendants. The land was donated by the
Bock Family. The Finger Lakes Trail runs through the preserve.
68Honoring a Home Town Hero. Enfield Community Currents Newsletter. April – June 2014.
It was
27 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Bicentennial of Tompkins County, April 7, 1817, was first formed from parts of Cayuga and
Seneca counties.
Dedication of Enfield Historic Sign November 18, at the Enfield Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main
Road. Sign says, “Town of Enfield. Iroquois hunting grounds, then part of Town of Ulysses,
until 1821 when 36 lots became Town of Enfield in Tompkins County. 1917 Tompkins
County 2017. Forming of Town of Enfield.
Enfield Planning Board approved Site Plans for: APC (Dollar General Store) and Verizon
Towers, Fish Road. March.
Town of Enfield moratorium on commercial wind and solar energy facilities approved. June.
Bicentennial celebration of the First Baptist Church of Enfield Center in (1817 – 2017)
New polling location, Enfield Highway Facility, 475 Enfield Main Road. November.
Black Oak Wind Farm declared bankruptcy; renewable energy project canceled.69
2018
New polling location, Living Water Christian Fellowship Church, 162 Enfield Main Road.
Enfield Valley Grange started monthly “Enfield Talks” Potluck in February. Their goal was to
help Enfield residents connect with each other and have creative and respectful
conversations about the issues affecting Enfield.
Joe Dawson, Enfield resident, built new Posting Sign for Town Hall. June.
Wayne Snyder and family retire from Cemetery Maintenance, (records showed participation
since 2000). Enfield Town Highway Department asked to maintain cemeteries. April and
May.
Town Board supported Tompkins County’s Proclamation of LGBTQ+ Pride Month of June.
June.
Enfield Food Pantry70 closes due to “equipment” problems. A new Walk-In Freezer is
purchased and Food Pantry is re-opened. June and July.
New Excavator purchased by Enfield Highway Department. July.
Town of Enfield received grant from Home Depot for improvements to be made in basement
of Enfield Community Building. August.
Town of Enfield designated as a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing its leadership in reducing
energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally. May
Enfield Planning Board Secretary falls under the purview of, and be delegated by, the Enfield
Town Clerk. December.
Town of Enfield awarded a grant for a salt storage building in the amount of $340,700.
December.
2019
Town Board extended Town moratorium on commercial wind and solar energy facilities.
August.
Town Board approved Flag and Banner Display Policies for Town Hall and Public Lands.
ECC to plan the 2021 Bicentennial of Enfield. July.
Town Board to approve EVFC Firefighter Memberships71.
69Ithaca Voice, Ithaca, NY. December 31, 2017.
70 Enfield Food Distribution has been distributing food to Enfield residents since 1982. Enfield
News February, 1989.
It was
28 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Enfield Democratic Committee in February, votes unanimously to move to the
petition/primary method of choosing Democratic candidates for local offices.
Democratic Primary held in Enfield on June 25.
The polling site in the Town of Enfield runs out of ballots more than two hours before polls
closed at 9 p.m. on Election Day, leaving some residents unhappy about possibly losing the
opportunity to vote. November.
2020
Population 3,362 persons.
United States President Donald J. Trump administration declared a public health emergency
due to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 – Covid 19, 3 days after the Word Health Organization
declares a Global Health Emergency. January – February.
Town Board to no longer include Pledge of Allegiance to Flag in Agenda. February.
Town Board signed agreement with Tompkins County Sheriff for Satellite Office in Enfield
Town Hall. March.
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.
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 public referendum held at November elections to approve local law to abolish elected
positions of Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk and move to appointed positions,
referendum failed. July and November.
Becky Sims resigned as Deputy Supervisor April 1. Stephanie Redmond appointed as
Deputy Supervisor April 15.
In response to George Floyd’s murder and as a part of activism around the country,
Enfielders gather in the Town Hall garage to discuss race and racism. This was the first
meeting of AntiRacists in Enfield. June.
Over a hundred people participated in a Black Lives Matter March in Enfield, September 5.
Beth McGee resigned as Town Supervisor September 30. No appointment of Town
Supervisor in 2020. Stephanie Redmond, Deputy Supervisor, temporary acting Town
Supervisor.
Mimi Mehaffey, Councilperson, resigned October 14. Michael Miles appointed to fill
Councilperson position, November 11.
Stephanie Redmond, Councilperson resigned December 9. James Ricks, first black
Councilperson, appointed December 16 to fill vacant position.
Town Board voted to participate in the Rural Water Association Source Water Protection
Program. September.
Town Board adopted Plan for Operations in the Event of a Declared Public Health
Emergency Involving a Communicable Disease. December
71 First EVFC memberships were approved by Enfield Town Board April 1948. It was stated in
a letter dated April 3, 1948 that “to comply with New York State Laws governing Corporations
we find it necessary that we must submit for your approval the names of any persons who
wish to become members in our Fire Co.” from Arland L. Crester, Secretary Enfield Volunteer
Fire Co.
It was
29 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
2021
Stephanie Redmond appointed as Town Supervisor January 12.
Jude Lemke appointed to fill vacant Councilperson position February 10.
Michael Miles, Councilperson, resigned January 9.
Mary Cornell appointed as Second Deputy Town Clerk February 10.
Ellen Woods, Town Clerk resigned March 10.
Mary Cornell appointed March 14 to fill Town Clerk vacancy.
Laura Norman appointed as Enfield Deputy Town Clerk, April 2.
Alice Linton appointed as Second Deputy Town Clerk, April 2.
ECC purchased Living Water Christian Fellowship Church, Enfield Main Road, new
“Community Center”.
Enfield Community Building, 182 Enfield Main Road, renamed Enfield Town Court Building.
May.
ECC Country Faire, held at Enfield Community Center, 174 Enfield Main Road. May.
Enfield Bicentennial Ceremony held at ECC County Faire. Presentation of 2021 Proclamation
presented by Stephanie Redmond. May.72
Enfield Pop-Up Clinic Covid vaccines held at Enfield Community Building, May.
ECC Summer Day Camp to be held at the Enfield Community Center.
Town Board first “in-person” meeting at the Enfield Town Court building since April 2020, July
14. A Zoom meeting portal was also available to residents at this meeting.
.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Amberge, Hilda D. 1993. All Roads Lead To Rome or Yes, Virginia, There is a Podunk, New
York, Tompkins County.
American Journal – Village of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York – 11/22/1820 – 3/23/1821.
Balloting Book and Other Documents Relating to Military bounty Lands in the State of New York.
W.E. Morrison and Company. Ovid (reprinted) 1983.
72 Town Of Enfield 2021 Bicentennial Proclamation. Whereas, the Town of Enfield stands on
the traditional land of the Gayogohó꞉nǫ, known as the Cayuga Nation, members of the
Haudenosaunee Confederation, also known as The People of the Long House, and we
recognize them as custodians and Whereas, on March 16, 1821, the Town of Enfield,
consisting of a population of 1,304 people, was founded and incorporated by subdividing
approximately 6 square miles from thirty-six lots of the southern portion of Military Township
Lot no. 22, of the Town of Ulysses...
It was
30 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Not all events regarding Enfield Energy, LLC/Black Oak Wind Farm LLC, iwill 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 Elections of Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY.
Board of Supervisors Proceedings for Tompkins County. Ithaca, New York. 1858 – 1993. Copies
of the Supervisors Proceedings may be found on the Tompkins County Clerk’s website.
Day, Charles G., Report of the Semi-centennial Jubilee and Reunion of the 1/2 Century Club of
Tompkins County, September 8, 1881, Ithaca, NY, Adrus and Church, 1881.
Dewitt Historical Society of Tompkins County – Bulletin, Volume 6, No. 4. pg. 2. June 1958.
Ithaca, NY.
Dewitt Historical Society of Tompkins County – Bulletin, Volume 10, No. 3. pg 36. March 1962.
Ithaca, NY.
Dewitt Historical Society of Tompkins County – Bulletin, Volume 13, No. 2. pg 30. December
1964. Ithaca, NY.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. 1948-1998. Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, Enfield, NY.
Finley, George; Winch, Frances; Anderson, Andrew; Andersen, Robin; Chaffee, Alan. Newfield –
150 Years (1822-1972).
Galpin W. Freeman, Central New York: An Inland Empire Comprising: Oneida, Cayuga,
Madison, Tompkins, Onondaga, Cortland, Chenango Counties and Their People, Volume I,
Department of History Syracuse University, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., NY. 1941.
Gurowitz, Sandra P. Guide to Ithaca.
History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins, and Schuyler Counties [Four County History] New York. By
H. B. Pierce and D. Hamilton Hurd. Philadelphia: Everts & Ensign, 1879. Rpt. Ovid, N.Y.: W. E.
Morrison, 1976.
Hubbell, M. Clyde. 1989. Military Townships and lots in numerical order #136.
Hubbell, M. Clyde. Interviews with the Enfield Town Historian. 1993.
Laws of the State of New York passed at the forty fourth Session of the Legislature begun and
held at the city of Albany, the seventh day of November 1820 printed by Cantine and Leake
printers to the State
It was
31 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Malone, Harry R. History of Central New York Embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario,
Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties. Historical
Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana. 1932.
Mayer, Virginia W., Ithaca Past and Present. Art Craft of Ithaca, Inc., Ithaca, NY. 1956.
New York A Guide to the Empire State – American Guide Series. New York State Historical
Association. Oxford University Press, NY. 1955.
Newspapers on Line: Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, New York; Ithaca Voice, Ithaca, New York;
Trumansburg Newspapers – Ulysses Philomathic Library - https://trumansburglibrary.org/UPL/
Population figures are number of residents recorded for the Town of Enfield from the New York
State and Federal Population Census.
Selkreg, John H., Ed. Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York. Syracuse: D. Mason, 1894.
Tompkins County Board of Supervisors Proceedings. Ithaca, New York Various Years.
Town of Enfield: www.townofenfield.org: Enfield Local Laws numbered by year; Minutes of the
Enfield Town Board; Minutes of the Enfield Town Planning Board; Historic Town of Enfield
documents.
Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. Enfiield Historical Society and Sue
Thompson, Enfield Historian. 2002. A PDF version of this book may be found at
www.townofenfield.org – Historian.
It was
32 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
The Enfield Bicentennial Committee (1821 – 2021)
In late 2019, the Enfield Community Council agreed to make the Bicentennial
Celebration of the Town of Enfield one of their programs. A Bicentennial Celebration Committee
was formed consisting of Ann Rider, Enfield Community Council, Co-chairman; Sue Thompson,
Enfield Town Historian, Co-chairman; Ellie Hobbie, Deputy Enfield Town Historian; Barbara
Sadovnic, Enfield Community Council; Alice Linton, Enfield Resident; Debbie Teeter, Enfield
Community Council; Robert Wixom, Researcher and Genealogist, Eric Carter, Tompkins
County Cooperative Extension; Judy Fernandes, Enfield Elementary School; Tammy Alling,
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company.
Our meetings were in person until April 17, 2020 when we held our first virtual “Zoom” meeting
because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many ideas were discussed and many plans were
postponed including the March 16, 2021 birthday celebration. The Committee set a date of
May 8 at the new Community Center to hold a dedication ceremony in conjunction with the
Country Faire.
Here are the projects that are planned:
1.Tony Ingraham – A Walk In The Park – Video tours of Enfield and arranging an
inperson talk in October. https://ithacafingerlakes.com/about-us/
2.Leon Ginenthal – Antique Roses in Christian Cemetery – June 12, 2021 with Historic
Ithaca.
3.Quilt – The Ohio Star pattern was chosen because it was available in the 1820’s and is
still popular today. Ann Rider gathered cutters and sewers to put together this quilt.
Quilter’s Corners owner and Enfield resident, Linda VanNederyn, donated the fabric for
the quilt. So many squares were produced that a single quilt and a bed throw are also
being completed. The quilts and throw will be raffled at the Enfield Harvest Festival in
October. Tickets will be on sale May 8.
4.Logo Contest- Two designs were submitted and will be used to print T-shirts.
5.Eric Carter, Tompkins County Cooperative Extension with Enfield Youth Group are
working on a digital project using historical maps and current maps to locate “historical”
locations in the town, churches, stores, farms, etc. Interviews with older residents on
living in Enfield are being conducted with members of the Grange. The group will also
be producing a video of the bicentennial reenactment.
6.Using the 1850 census (the first one listing all residents’ names and ages), we
identified 18 residents born close to 1821, possibly in Enfield (as it turns out, several
were born elsewhere, but arrived here before 1850). Researcher and genealogist
Robert Wixom wrote short biographies of these people and their families, which
can be read on the ECC web page: http://www.enfieldcommunitycouncil.org/who-
was-born-in-enfield-in-1821/
Jonathan Auble Jane Dey (Johnson) Bostwick
Abram Bragaw William C. Chase
Charles Compton Clarissa A. Cowen
Mary A. (Lovell) Georgia Calista (Godding) Byrum
It was
33 - Enfield Time Line 1821 - 2021
Samuel A. Holmes Priscilla (Smith) Lyon
Freelove (Carman) Rolfe Myron Augustin Sexton
Lydia Ann (Crawford) Sherer Nelson R. Updike
John VanDorn John H. Willis
Mary Budd Wood Orsemus Wortman
8. Update of Enfield History Book - The Town of Enfield, New York – Christian Hill to Enfield
Falls. 2002. Copies of these documents can be located on www.townofenfield.org -
Archived Documents. Contact Sue Thompson, Enfield Historian, at
historian@townofenfield.org. A pdf version of the original history can also be found
under Historian on www.townofenfield.org.
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