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HISTORY The Village of Dansville, NY was founded in 1795, and named after Dan Faulkner, the village's first storekeeper and militia captain. Another pioneer was Nathaniel Rochester who later founded the city that bears his name.
Dansville has an unusually rich history. It is the home of the first chapter of the American Red Cross, established by Clara Barton in 1881 after maintaining a residence here for more than a decade.
Dansville gained national prominence in 1858 when a water cure enterprise was established which rivaled the health resorts of Europe and attracted such luminaries as Frederick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony, and Horace Greeley. Operated by Dr. Caleb Jackson, the "Castle on the hill" thrived for decades. Dr. Jackson and his successor, Bernarr Macffaden (1921), were early proponents of proper diet, and physical fitness. The Castle on the Hill became known for some time as somewhat of a haven for the rich and famous to "get away from it all."
Today, entrepreneurial spirit abounds with a selection of shops from department stores to novelty shops and family restaurants to fast foods. The Dansville business district has newly paved streets and sidewalks, along wit new lighting that adds picturesque ambiance and charm…surrounded by beautifully landscaped plantings of floral design and greenery. The central business hosts both retail and convenience stores including hair salons, pharmacies, taverns and entertainment, along with specialty retail shops offering everything from jewelry, men's and women's clothing, shoes, leather goods, electronics, antiques and furniture shops to photo shops, custom framing, sporting goods and fitness centers. Dansville also offers major car dealerships both at the north and south ends of the village and two shopping plazas which include grocery, department, gift shops and retail stores at the north end of the village along Route 36. The residential streets are lined by tall maple trees set amidst tree covered surrounding hills and valleys, country streams and wooded countryside. For detailed information, visit Dansville's community web site at www.dansville.lib.ny.us, or contact, Quent Masolotte, Town Historian, at (716) 335-6587. |