History of Elmira, New York, USA

WHAT THE ENGINEER SAYS.
HE WAS GETTING HIS DINNER PAIL OUT WHEN THE TRAIN PASSED OVER THE CROSSING - THE VICTIMS, RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY - ONE YOUNG MAN INJURED BUT WILL PROBABLY RECOVER.

Killed.
EDWARD BLANCHARD and wife;
MRS. MAGGIE PITTS;
MRS. WILLIAM CONKLIN.
Injured.
WILLIAM CONKLIN.

It was a horrible revelation that Baggageman Edward Hooker and Otis Breese unfolded to the engineer and other trainmen and passengers on Erie train No. 5 just after it had pulled into the depot in this city at 11 o'clock last night. On the pilot of the engine were the mangled remains of three human beings. The horrible accident, what had cost them their lives, occurred at the Erie's Pennsylvania Avenue crossing but no one on the flying train knew of the terrible catastrophe, until the train reached the station and the greatest excitement followed the awful discovery.

The accident vividly recalled another horrible catastrophe which occurred on the Erie a year ago last summer, when, as...

Elmira, a city and the capital of Chemung co., N.Y., and the largest town on the Erie Railroad between Paterson and Buffalo, is situated on both sides of the Chemung River, in a wide and fertile valley, at the mouth of New town Creek. By railroad it is 274 miles W.N.W. of New York, 149 miles E.S.E. of Buffalo, 46 miles S.S.W. of Ithaca, and 78 miles N. by E. of Williamsport. It is on the Erie Railroad where it crosses the Northern Central Railroad, and is a terminus of the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad. It contains a court-house, 26 churches, a high school, the Elmira Free Academy, 4 banks (2 of which are national), a State Reformatory, a Catholic academy, and the Elmira Female College, which has an endowment of $100,000 and a library of 3000 volumes. Three daily and 5 weekly newspapers are published here. Elmira has extensive manufactures of railroad-iron, iron castings, rail road-cars, farming-implements, iron bridges, boilers and engines, ploughs, woollen goods, boots and shoes,...

Elmira, a city and the capital of Chemung co., N.Y., is situated on both sides of the Chemung River, in a wide and fertile valley, at the mouth of Newtown Creek, and on the Erie, the Lackawanna, the Lehigh Valley and the Northern Central Rs., 274 miles WNW. of New York. It contains a government building, a state reformatory, state armory, the Steele Memorial Free Library, the Elmira College, the Academy of Our Lady, etc., and has extensive manufactures of railroad iron, iron castings, steel plate, iron bridges, farming-implements, steam fire-engines, boilers, boots and shoes, carriages, edge-tools, bicycles, incubators, glass, tobacco, etc. Here are extensive railroad- car shops. Elmira was incorporated in 1865. Pop. in 1 880, 20,541 ; in 1890, 30,893 ; in 1900, 35,672.

ELMIRA (AP). - Flood waters six inches deep swept through Elmira's main business district today and Mayor Emory Strachen declared a state of emergency.

The rain-swollen Chemung River rose 18 feet, more than a foot above flood stage, overnight.

Fire Chief Louis Mosher broadcast an appeal for everyone "who can lift a shovel to get out and work."

NO CASUALTIES were reported. Woodrow W. Ott, manager of radio station said, "the city faces imminent disaster and the water is rising so rapidly it's almost unbelievable."

A few minutes earlier, Police Chief Elvin D. Weaver said water had inundated the main thoroughfare of downtown Elmira, Water st., which parallels the river.

Ott said Main and Water sts., the main intersection in the city of 50,000, was under about six inches of water.

He said there was no estimate as to when the flood crest would be reached.

WEAVER CALLED police reserves and said he had doubled the day shift.

He said Wisner Park, in the business...

"In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes hit the East Coast with a monstrous and devastating force, bringing a deluge across multiple states and slamming four counties in the Southern Tier: Steuben, Chemung, Tioga, and Broome. Dozens died and property damage ran into the millions as Corning, Elmira, Owego, Binghamton, and other communities suddenly found themselves under water. The flood destroyed the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, staggered the Penn Central, shut down Corning Glass Works for weeks, and devastated the Corning Museum of Glass―a major cultural resource. Lives and landscapes were forever changed when homes and businesses washed away in a matter of minutes. Henceforth, the region’s history became permanently divided into the times before and the times after the 1972 flood. Through stunning images, The 1972 Flood in New York’s Southern Tier chronicles the extraordinary destruction of twisted rail lines, devastated streets, exhausted recovery workers, rivers bursting their banks, cars on...

Mark Twain Study:

Elmira is famously known as the summer home of Mark Twain. Visit the study where he wrote some of his most famous works. It's a fascinating glimpse into literary history.

Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum:

If you love the outdoors, Tanglewood offers hiking trails, a nature center, and educational programs. It's a great place to connect with nature.

Arnot Art Museum:

Appreciate the arts at the Arnot Art Museum. It features a diverse collection of European, American, and Asian art. Check out their rotating exhibits and events.

Eldridge Park:

This historic park has a beautiful lake, a vintage carousel, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for a relaxing day with family or friends.

Harris Hill Soaring Center:

For the adventurous, Harris Hill Soaring Center provides an opportunity to experience glider rides. Soar through the skies and enjoy breathtaking views of the region.

Chemung Valley History Museum:

Dive into the local history of...