History of Penn Yan, New York, USA

The first frame dwelling at Penn Yan was built in 1799.

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1823 - The village of Penn Yan became the county seat in 1823, when Yates county was created.

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Penn Yan was incorporated in 1833.

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1836 - Penn Yan
Penn Yan, founded by Mr. Abraham Waggener, incorporated 29th April, 1833; the shire town about half a mile below the foot of the east arm of Crooked Lake upon a pleasant plain, and on the outlet, partly in the town of Benton, contains a new court house of brick, a prison of stone, a fire-proof office for the county clerk, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist and 1 Episcopal church,; an academy, incorporated and highly flourishing; 18 general stores, 2 book stores, 2 printing offices, each issuing a weekly paper; 5 taverns, a bank, incorporated April 2nd, 1831, with a capital of $100,000; 2 grist and 2 saw mills, and 450 dwellings. This is a thriving village, growing rapidly,and has many good buildings. It is finely exhibited to the passenger descending the hill on the road from Geneva. Its singular name was derived from the circumstance that its inhabitants were Pennsylvanians and Yankees, in equal numbers.
Gordon's Gazetteer, 1836

1854 - Penn Yan
Penn Yan, a thriving post-village of Milo township, capital of Yates county, New York, on the outlet of Crooked lake, and on the Canandaigua and Elmira railroad, 192 miles W. from Albany, and 43 miles N. by W. from Elmira. The Crooked Lake canal, connecting the Crooked with Seneca lake, passes through the village, and furnishes abundant water- power, having 27 locks in the distance of 7 miles. Penn Yan contains, besides the county buildings, 7 churches, 2 banks, several academies and union schools, 2 newspaper offices, 70 stores. 1 iron furnace, 1 plough factory, and several flouring and saw mills. Population in 1&53, about 3000.
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.

1892 - Penn Yan
n the northern portion of township No. 7, of the first range, better and more commonly known as the town of Milo, at a point near and about the foot of Ogoyago, or Crooked Lake, where the waters find an outlet through a narrow channel, and eventually discharge into Seneca Lake, nature provided a splendid site upon which civilized man might build up a thriving, prosperous village. That consummation has been reached, in fact was attained nearly three quarters of a century ago, but each succeeding year has witnessed some material improvement, some development of new resources, until by slow stages it has grown to contain a population of more than 4,000 souls, and is provided with all the enterprises, the industries and commercial advantages that can be found in any interior village in the Empire State.

Little did that worthy old pioneer, that steady going, honest plodder, follower of the " Friend," David Wagener, think or dream that on the tract of land bought by him in 1796, would... Read MORE...

1895 - Penn Yan
Penn Yan, a post-village, capital of Yates co., N.Y., is situated at the outlet and northern end of Keuka Lake, on the Northern Central Railroad, 45 miles N. by W. of Elmira, and 53 miles S.E. of Rochester. It is £ in Benton township and mostly in Milo. Steamboats ply daily between this place and Hammondsport, at the head of the lake. Penn Yan contains a court-house, 5 churches, an academy, 2 banks, 2 flouring-mills, 2 foundries, manufactures of carriages, threshing-machines, lumber, sash, blinds, &c., and 3 newspaper offices. Pop. (1890) 4254.
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 - SAILBOAT CAPSIZED. PERRY TUFFT, HIS WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN DROWN IN LAKE KENKA.
Penn Yan, N.Y., July 10. - On Lake Kenka yesterday PERRY TUFFT, his wife and three children lost their lives by the capsizing of a sailboat. When MR. TUFFT and his family started they were advised not to go as the lake was rough. Not heeding the advice they started in a small boat with a "mutton leg" sail.

Their boat was found drifting with a string dragging behind, to which was a toy boat that one of the children had attached to it. The string was tangled up around the bodies of two of the children. The bodies of the father and mother were recovered shortly after, the mother having one of her children clasped in her arms. The children were all under 12 years of age.
Evening Bulletin
Maysville, Kentucky
July 10, 1895

1906
Penn Yan', a post-village, capital of Yates co., N.Y., is situated at the outlet and northern end of Keuka Lake, on the Northern Central and the New York Central and Hudson River Rs., 45 miles N. by W. of Elmira. It has manufactures of iron, tacks, fruitbaskets, and wine, and is the seat of Penn Yan Academy. Pop. in 1900, 4650.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

In 1921 the Penn Yan Boat Company was founded by German immigrant Charles A. Herrman.
The Penn Yan Boat Company was a renowned American boat manufacturer that operated for over 100 years. It was founded in 1921 in Penn Yan, New York. The company gained popularity for producing a variety of watercraft, including wooden and later fiberglass boats, that were known for their quality, durability, and craftsmanship. Penn Yan boats were well-regarded in the boating community and were used for activities such as fishing, cruising, and watersports. The company went through various ownership changes and challenges over the years. It eventually closed its doors in the early 2000s, marking the end of an era for a significant player in the boating industry.

1949 - Gas Explosion Injures Plumber
Methodist Church Slightly Damaged

Lew Blakeslee of 231 Lake street, Penn Yan, was seriously injured at 11 a. m. Friday, March 18, in a gas boiler explosion.

Burned badly about the face, hands and arms, he was given emergency treatment at the Foster-Hatch Medical group by Dr. John L. Shultz and was taken to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial hospital, where his condition is reported as fair. His attending physician is Dr. Glenn Hatch. At press time Mr. Blakeslee's condition was reported as "fair, but improved."

The explosion occurred in the basement of the First Methodist church, corner of main and Chapel streets. Mr. Blakeslee and William Coates were working on part of the church heating equipment, putting on a new shut-off valve. Gas apparently leaked into the boiler and was ignited by the pilot light as Mr. Blakeslee opened the door, exploding and burning Mr. Blakeslee severely. Mr. Coates was not injured. The boiler, located in the church basement below the auditorium was... Read MORE...

2023 - Penn Yan has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Penn Yan:
Keuka Lake: Start your visit with a trip to Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. You can swim, boat, kayak, or just relax by the lake's serene shores. Don't forget to capture the beautiful scenery and sunsets!

Wine Tasting: The Finger Lakes region is famous for its wineries, and Penn Yan is no exception. You can explore numerous wineries in the area, such as Keuka Spring Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery, and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. Enjoy tastings of local wines while taking in panoramic views of the vineyards.

Keuka Lake State Park: This state park offers hiking trails, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. It's a great place for a family outing or a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore.

Boating and Water Sports: Rent a boat or kayak to explore Keuka Lake from the water. The calm, clear waters are perfect for boating and water sports, including water skiing and tubing.

Windmill Farm and Craft Market: This unique market, located in nearby Penn Yan, features a wide ... Read MORE...