Addison, New York History, Economy and Politics

By | April 7, 2023

Addison, New York is a small town situated in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and is located in Steuben County, approximately halfway between Corning and Bath. Addison lies along the eastern shore of Keuka Lake, one of the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes. The lake runs through the center of town, providing access to a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. Check computerminus for information about Albany County, New York.

The terrain around Addison is mostly hilly with a few flat areas near the lakefront. The highest point in town is located on an unnamed hill that rises over 1,200 feet above sea level. Much of the surrounding area consists of rolling hills covered with forests and farmland.

The climate in Addison is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from about 20°F during winter months to around 77°F during summer months. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year with snowfall occurring from late October through March.

The local economy in Addison revolves largely around agriculture, with many small family farms dotting the landscape surrounding town. Dairy farming is especially prevalent in this region as are vineyards growing grapes for wine production. Other industries include tourism as well as manufacturing related to agriculture such as canning vegetables or making cheese products for sale at local markets or restaurants.

Addison offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking and camping at nearby state parks like Keuka Lake State Park or Watkins Glen State Park which offer stunning views of the Finger Lakes region’s natural beauty. Boating and fishing are also popular activities on Keuka Lake while nearby Hammondsport offers a variety boat tours for visitors to explore more distant parts of the lake system from its starting point near Addison’s waterfront park area.

Addison, New York

History of Addison, New York

Addison, New York was first settled in 1796 by a group of pioneers from Massachusetts. The town was initially named “Addisonville,” after Revolutionary War hero Alexander Addison, who had served under General Washington in the Battle of Saratoga. The town was officially incorporated in 1808 and changed its name to simply “Addison.”

The early settlers of Addison were primarily farmers and the town grew slowly with the arrival of new settlers throughout the 19th century. As more and more people moved to the area, local businesses began to develop including sawmills, gristmills, tanneries and a leather goods factory. By the mid-1800s, Addison had become an important hub for commerce in the region due to its proximity to Keuka Lake and the Chemung Canal which connected it to Corning.

In 1871, a rail line was built connecting Addison to Rochester which helped stimulate further growth in the area as more people moved into town looking for work or simply seeking a better life. Around this time, several churches were established as well as schools for both boys and girls. In 1885, electric power came to Addison when an electric plant opened on Main Street providing lighting for businesses and homes alike.

By 1900, most of Addison’s economic activity revolved around agriculture with many small family farms dotting the landscape surrounding town. Dairy farming was especially prevalent in this region as were vineyards growing grapes for wine production. This trend continued into the 20th century when tourism began to play an increasingly important role in Addison’s economy due to its proximity to Keuka Lake and other Finger Lakes attractions such as Watkins Glen State Park.

Today, Addison is a vibrant community of over 2,000 people that still retains much of its small-town charm while also offering all kinds of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing on Keuka Lake as well as hiking and camping at nearby state parks like Keuka Lake State Park or Watkins Glen State Park which offer stunning views of upstate New York’s natural beauty.

Economy of Addison, New York

The economy of Addison, New York is rooted in its agricultural heritage. Dairy farming has been a major part of the town’s economy since the 19th century and today there are still many small family farms that produce milk and other dairy products. In addition to dairy, Addison is also home to a number of vineyards that produce wine grapes for local wineries. Other crops grown in the area include apples, corn, wheat, and vegetables.

In the late 1800s, Addison was connected to Rochester by rail which helped stimulate economic growth as more people moved into town looking for work or simply seeking a better life. This connection brought with it new businesses such as sawmills, gristmills, tanneries, and leather goods factories. The arrival of electric power in 1885 further encouraged economic development as businesses and homes alike began to use electric lighting.

Today, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Addison’s economy due to its proximity to Keuka Lake and other Finger Lakes attractions such as Watkins Glen State Park. Visitors come to enjoy activities like swimming, boating and fishing on Keuka Lake or hiking and camping at nearby state parks like Keuka Lake State Park or Watkins Glen State Park which offer stunning views of upstate New York’s natural beauty.

In addition to agriculture and tourism related activities, there are also a number of small businesses located within the town limits including restaurants, shops and galleries offering locally made goods such as pottery or wood carvings as well as services including hair salons and auto repair shops. There is also a small industrial park located on the outskirts of town which houses several manufacturing companies producing products ranging from computer components to medical supplies.

The economy of Addison is diverse but remains rooted in its agricultural heritage with many local farmers continuing their family traditions while others have embraced new opportunities brought about by tourism or industry related activities. With its beautiful lakefront setting nestled among rolling hillsides dotted with vineyards and farms, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to this charming little upstate New York town year after year!

Politics in Addison, New York

Addison, New York is a small town located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. With a population of just over 3,000 people, Addison is a predominantly rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. Despite its small size, Addison has an active political scene and every year citizens come together to cast their votes for local elections.

The town of Addison operates under the council-manager form of government which is made up of an elected mayor and four council members who are elected on a nonpartisan basis for two-year terms. The mayor is the head of the government and presides over all meetings and serves as the official representative for the town at public functions. The council members are responsible for setting policy, approving budgets and making other decisions related to governing the town.

At present, there are two major political parties in Addison: Democrats and Republicans. Although there have been some minor third party candidates in recent years, they have not had much success in local elections. The Democratic Party has traditionally been dominant since it was founded in 1828 but more recently Republican candidates have made gains due to shifting demographics within the area as well as an influx of new residents from other parts of New York State.

In addition to local elections, citizens of Addison also take part in state and national elections by voting for representatives at all levels of government including state senators and assembly members as well as members of Congress who represent them at the federal level.

Overall, Addison’s politics remain firmly rooted in its agricultural heritage while also embracing new opportunities brought about by tourism or industry related activities which have helped shape its economy into what it is today – diverse yet grounded in tradition!