Oneida County History Center

This view of Broad Street was taken in the late 19th Century. All of the businesses pictured here were listed in the 1897 Utica City Directory. On the left is the Mann Building which housed the Misfit Clothing Company. Their ad touted Good Clothing. Low Price. Repairs free for a year. Next to the Mann building was the home of the Utica Sunday Tribune, a weekly which was published from 1877 until either 1912 or 1922, depending on the source. Thomas and Jones Tailor was ...owned by George H. Thomas and S. E. Jones. On the right was the original site of Carl Frey’s photography studio. Mr. Frey had a career which lasted for 64 years, during which time he created many portraits of citizens of the area. In 1920 he purchased the building on Genesee Street where he remained until his business closed. Mr. Frey died in 1937. The wagon was the property of American Hard Wall Plaster, a business which continued into the 21st century. A lengthy and costly strike against the American Hardwall Plaster Company in 1937 prompted the President of that company, Thomas Proctor Eldred to suggest the need for builders, and others involved in the industry, to form an association. That association, the Utica Builders’ Exchange, was formed the following year and in 1968 was incorporated as the Mohawk Valley Builders’ Exchange. #throwbackthursday

Have you heard? The Oneida County History Center is a finalist for the Greater Utica Chamber Business of the Year in the non-profit with under 50 employees category! We are excited to be considered among the other amazing finalist in our category, YWCA Mohawk Valley and Empowered Pathways CNY . Mark your calendars to tune in on Tuesday December 15th on CBS-Utica from 7pm to 8pm for the Chamber's Business of the Year Awards! https://greateruticachamber.org/2020-business-of-the-year-/

This week's (12/7) mystery photo comes from follower Gregory M. He is trying to identify this photo he believes to be taken in Utica. Members of the Hess family, who ran a boarding house on Schuyler St., are standing on the bridge, and there appears to be a lumber yard on the left side of the picture. We are looking to determine a specific location and any other information you might be able to provide. Thank in advance for your help solving this photo mystery! #localhistory #oneidacountyny #photomysterymonday

Local history crossword puzzles are back! This weeks puzzle (12/6/20) challenge's you to see how much you know about Indigenous culture & history in and around central New York! Enjoy & good luck! https://crosswordhobbyist.com//Native-American-Culture-His

This building housed Utica’s Turkish and Russian Baths and was located at 11 Blandina Street Just a step from Genesee, Opp City Hall. Mr.G. J. Weilhamer was the proprieter and claimed that his establishtment ranked with the best in the state. Patrons were charged $1.00 for either Turkish or Russian baths, 50 cents for a plan bath and $1.50 for a massage. They also provided that service at your house for $2.00. They advertised comfortable private rooms and said that gu...ests could remain as long as they wish. Ladies’ Day was on Monday of each week. The photo was taken from their ad and touted that the baths were Beneficial to Everyone. The ad further claimed In judging the value of these baths, one must consider their effect upon all classes of people. Upon persons in perfect health the action is as beneficial as it is agreeable, and even for certain classes of invalids it is invaluable. The danger is purely an imaginary one. The bather may demand a cold shower, but in nearly every case it is so graduated as to give no shock. Many critics seem to overlook the fact that these baths are not only excellent for the nervous system, but also stimulate the circulation. #throwbackthursday