History of Lyons, New York, USA

The first white settlers, the Featherly and Stansell families, made their way to what was to become Lyons in May 1789.

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In 1796 Charles Williamson gave the settlement the name of Lyons, because the topography was similar to Lyon, France.

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1811 - The Town of Lyons is formed.

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(Lyons) - Peppermint was the cash crop for many farmers in the mid 1800’s. Hotchkiss, Hale and Parshall are synonymous with the distillation of peppermint oil.

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1854 - The Village of Lyons is incorporated.

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1854 - Lyons
Lyons, a pleasant post-village, capital of Wayne county, New York, situated in the township of the same name, on the Erie canal, and on the direct railroad from Syracuse to Rochester, 44 miles E. by S. from Rochester. It contains a bank, 2 newspaper offices, a fine union school house, which cost $16,000, and churches for the Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. The first two churches are large and ornamental buildings. There are several flouring mills and manufactories here. Population of the township in 1850,4925; estimated pop. of the village in 1853, 2500.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1888 - Perpetual Motion
David Jennings, of Lyons, N.Y., who has spent twenty-one years and $30,000 in experiments, claimed on the 30th ult. to have discovered a means of perpetual motion.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 7, 1888

1895 - Lyons
Lyons, a post-village, capital of Wayne co., N.Y., in Lyons township, on the Erie Canal and the Clyde River, at the confluence of Canandaigua Outlet with Mud Creek. It is also on the New York Central Railroad, 45 miles W. of Syracuse, and 36 miles E. by S. of Rochester. It contains a fine stone court-house, 7 churches, a national bank, 2 banking-houses, a large union school, 2 newspaper offices, a pottery, a machine-shop, several flour-mills, extensive distilleries of peppermint oil, and manufactures of barrels and farm-implements. Pop. in 1890, 4475; of township, 6228.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - Blizzard - THE STORM STILL HOVERS OVER THE UNITED STATES. IT IS SEVEREST IN THE EAST. TRAFFIC ALMOST ENTIRELY AT A STANDSTILL -- RAILROAD TRAINS BLOCKADED -- BUSINESS PARALYZED -- PEOPLE FROZEN TO DEATH AT SEVERAL PLACES...
...Sixty Miles An Hour.
Lyons, N. Y., Feb. 9. - The wind is blowing at the rate of 60 miles an hour with no abatement in sight. Apple and onion shippers are growing nervous fro fear their stocks in the cold storage houses will freeze. They are putting in kerosene oil heaters to get the temperature up. It is believed that the loss from freezing fruit in storage in Wayne county will run up into the thousands of dollars...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Ohio
February 9, 1895

1896 - The Hotel Baltzel Burned
LYONS, N Y, Jan. 8 The Hotel Baltzel, the largest hotel in Wayne county, was partially destroyed by fire. During the fire Josie Fitzgerald of Port Byron, the cook and Lillian Dippy of this place, a dining room girl, jumped from the third story window to the ground, a distance of 40 feet. Miss Fitzgerald sustained a broken leg, injuries to the chest and head and was also internally hurt. Miss Dippy was also injured internally, and it is feared both will die.
Trenton Evening Times
Trenton, New Jersey
January 8, 1896

1907 - FELL BETWEEN CENTRAL TRACKS
Lyons Man Escapes Being Run Down by a Train.

LYONS, May 1. - Patrick Murphy, a New York Central engine fire cleaner, had a narrow escape from being ground up by the Fast Mail this afternoon. Murphy had hoed out an engine and was crossing track No. 2 when he happened to see the Fast Mail almost upon him. He gave a jump, caught his foot, stumbled and fell between tracks 1 and 2, fracturing his left collarbone.

He lay between the tracks partly unconscious as the Fast Mail passed within a few inches of his body. After the train passed by he was picked up, taken into the baggage room, where he was attended by Dr. James W. Putnam.
The Post Standard
Syracuse, New York
May 2, 1907

1916
Lyons, a banking post-village, capital of Wayne co., N.Y., in Lyons township (town), on the Erie Canal and on the Clyde River, at the confluence of Canandaigua Outlet with Mud Creek. It is also on the New York Central and Hudson River and the West Shore Rs., 36 miles E. by S. of Rochester. It contains a fine court-house and has several flour-mills, extensive distilleries of peppermint oil, a beet- sugar factory, and manufactures of silver-ware, barrels, and farm-implements, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4300; of the town, 5824.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

(Lyons) - In December 1920, the large school on the corner of William and Lawrence Streets burned to the ground, resulting in the death of two students.

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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Lyons, New York:
Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve:

Start your visit to Lyons with a serene walk through the Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve. It's a beautiful natural area with walking trails, wildflowers, and a chance to spot local wildlife. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy this spot.

Erie Canal Heritage Park:

Lyons played a significant role in the Erie Canal's history. At the Erie Canal Heritage Park, you can learn about the canal's construction and its impact on the region through exhibits and historic structures. Don't miss the chance to take a stroll along the canal's scenic towpath.

Lyons Main Street:

Lyons has a charming main street filled with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk and explore the local businesses. You might find unique gifts, antiques, or a cozy café to enjoy.

Ohmann Theatre:

Check out the Ohmann Theatre, a historic movie theater in Lyons. It's not only a great place to catch a film but also hosts live performances and events from ... Read MORE...