Cheshire, New York - From the Family Album

Cheshire, New York, is a hamlet in the Town of Canandaigua, in New York's Finger Lakes region. Ever since it was settled in the 1790s by Connecticut pioneers and veterans of the American Revolution, it has been the business and social center for residents of the southern half of the Town. Cheshire grew by leaps and bounds during the 19th century, home to a school, a church, a meeting hall, a blacksmith, harness makers, a spoke factory, a cider mill, general stores and dealers in shoes and boots. Its property owners continue to use and maintain most of its 19th and early 20th century structures. Join us for a look at some of the historic places that give Cheshire its special character and charm, and test your powers of observation comparing an old print or photo with the same view today.

Unless otherwise indicated, historic images are from the photo collections of the Ontario County Historical Society.