Twin Tiers Memories

by Rachel Dworkin On April 14, 2026, the Chemung County Historical Society unveiled our latest historic marker on Bancroft Road. It marks the spot where a group of boys found the body of Katie Bredehoft in the creek under a bridge on January 6, 1884. She had been murdered there by her fiancé William Menken two days earlier. Bredehoft was a German immigrant and resident of New York City. She had been in Elmira for less than a week at the time of her murder. Upon learning of her story, I wondered how the police had ever identified her, let alone solved her murder. Sketch of the crime scene from Elmira Advertiser, 1884 Police today have a number of advantages when it comes …

This first video, shared with us by Randy Baker, shows a canoe trip taken by Boy Scout Troop 43 in Pine City back in the 1960's. It's a cool piece of history and a huge thank you to him for sending us the links! Part 1 The Second video is a collecton of Troop 43's other activities, including a trip to Camp Seneca in Valois, a Klondike Derby, and more.

For those who grew up in the Twin Tiers or have lived here long enough, there’s sure to be special memories of places or people to share. So much local history is passed down through storytelling and reminiscing. Let’s share some here!

"Blue Tattoo" is song by Joe Crookston that tells the story of Holocaust survivor Dina Jacobson, who came to live in Elmira.

Elmira from East Hill, c. 1862 Elmira from Watercure Hill, 1870's Elmira F. D. Companies 1 and 2 Elmira Advertiser fire, 1888 Great Fire of 1874, Water Street Road into Elmira ( Watercure? ) 1870's 1897 Unknown blacksmith, date unknown Lake Street, c. 1908

The "New" Bridge What remains today ( photographer unknown ) Roller Coaster

With the arrival of spring, Eldridge Park is reopening. So let's take a look at the park's earliest years! Dr. Edwin Eldridge, whose vision started it all. Eldridge Park layout, 1870's c. 1870's c. 1870's c.1876 The Dance Hall, exact date unknown Just a few of the statues found throughout the park Andromeda Horse races, exact date unknown c. 1875 The Springhouse, c. 1870's c. 1890's The Bear Pit, early 1900's

We'll put some new pics on here, just for @Jack from around Hanover Square and the general vicinity. Exact date unknown Main St. - c.1906

Here's some old newspaper Christmas ads from long ago: December 23, 1920 and December 21, 1938 The Gorton Coy ( 1949) and Chemung Canal Trust Company ( 1947 ) Tressler's And Rosenbaum's ( December 24, 1947 )

Several years ago I spent a few hours at the Chemung County Historical Society going throught their archives to collect as many holiday pictures as I could. The focus was on the Arctic League as well as the annual Iszard's Christmas parade. Thanks to Rachel Dworkin for her assistance and scanning these pics on to a thumbdrive for me!