PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK
The Village of Philadelphia was originally known as Quaker Settlement. In February 16,1804 an agreement between 13 Philadelphia Pennsylvanians and James D. Leray was made to purchase 16 lots of 440 acres each at $3.00 per acre to be paid in 5 installments. This formed the town of Philadelphia. James D. Leray gave the center lot 316 to promote education and religion. In 1872 this lot would be incorporated as the Village of Philadelphia. Voting was held at the Public House of J. Washburn, corner of Main and Antwerp streets, to decide on incorporation of the Village. The certificate of canvas showed 96 votes cast: 73 yes votes, and 23 no votes. In 1872 this lot would be incorporated as the Village of Philadelphia. Town names were being considered for the village, Elizabethtown and Bazinet. the Quakers who were making the decision at the time decided on Philadelphia as most of them had come from the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. The first election of officers was held March 4, 1872 with results as follows.
President: Daniel H. Schofield
Trustees: Seth Strickland
Orin A. Cross
George A. Tucker
Clerk: Asa E. Macomber
Street Commissioner: James Barr
The Village contained 625 residents. Now according to the 2000 census there were 1519 residents living in 584 housing units.
The original water system was established in 1890. Village electors banded 430,000 for the construction of the reservoir approximately 4 miles from the Village and water was piped into the Village. The system was designed by a local engineer, Alvin Hims.
Prior to the 1906, oil lamps were used for street lamps. in September 1906 the first current ran through the Village from a electric plant the village built on Sandy Hollow Road. The cost of the plant was $17,000. The sewer system was started and completed in 1969.
