Visit to Bainbridge - 1866

Visit to Bainbridge

Chenango Telegraph, Jan. 10, 1866

 

Last week we made a short visit at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and were agreeably surprised at the improvement manifest in the general appearance of the town.  Instead of being the dull thriftless place it seemed a few years ago, it is becoming one of the most enterprising and business like towns in the county.  In view of the early completion of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad, and its good natural advantages as a business location, skillful mechanics and men of enterprise and capital from other localities are establishing themselves there in their various vocations, and purchasing real estate with the design of making such improvements as are likely to be needed when the railroad reaches that place.  It is expected that the whistle of the locomotive will be heard there some time next summer.  The road will be finished to Unadilla in a few weeks; between there and Sydney the grading is nearly done, and from Sydney to Bainbridge there is but little heavy work to be done aside from bridge building.

 

A site has been selected near the Depot grounds for a large brick hotel.  The work upon it will be commenced early in the Spring.  Building lots are rapidly advancing in value in the central part of the town in consequence of the competition to secure desirable locations.  Several new stores have recently been opened, and all appear to be having a flourishing trade.  A new one is being built upon Capt. Bullock's lot opposite Marsh's Hotel.  The inhabitants of the surrounding country appear to have discovered that goods can be bought of the enterprising merchants of Bainbridge at rates that ensure a fair equivalent for their money.  The Methodist church has been "reconstructed" and "finished up" in a style that reflects credit upon the energy and architectural taste of the Society.

 

When the Railroad is completed, Bainbridge will be a point toward which the agricultural products of a fertile portion of country will naturally flow in their course to market.  We see no reason why it should not become one of the most important and flourishing towns between Albany and Binghamton. The beauty of its scenery, especially during the summer season, with its proverbial healthfulness, and ample railroad facilities, will be among the attractive features upon which its inhabitants may confidently rely to augment its population, and enhance its prosperity.