The Largest Village in Cattaraugus

Village of "Uptown" Olean in 1855
This article appeared in
the Olean Journal in July of 1855.
The author later confessed that he included the Erie Depot (North Olean) and the Martin Farms (East Olean) in his description of Olean. The population of Olean, including the Erie Depot and Martin Farms was 1,300.

The Census of Olean, just now completed, disclosed the gratifying fact that this village is the largest in Cattaraugus County. A few months ago, a census was taken for the purpose of Incorporation, showing a population of a trifle over 800. Today we have a population exceeding 1,000 --- which is more by two or three hundred than that of any other village within the limits of the County. The population of Ellicottville is but 690, a little more than enough required by law to entitle it to sidewalks and “Village Father.” Randolph claims a population of 784, but this includes the West and a part of the East Village—a mile distance. The population of Gowanda we have not yet when stated, but presume it will come between that of the two villages last mentioned.

We may also add that we have four Churches, six Ministers, five Lawyers, four Physicians, two Dentists, two Hotels—besides one just burnt (The Newbold house) and another new building, fourteen stores, three Groceries, one Drug and Book Store, one Harness Shop, two Steam Saw Mills, one Water do, the best Flouring Mill in the County, two Foundries which manufacture Steam Engines and Boilers, two Carriage Shops, a Steam Sash Factory, successfully operated by some half dozen “cute New-England Yankees, Pottery, an Academy now in operation, a Printing Office which lives without any County patronage, and beats all its neighbors is doing good work, and we will close by saying that the Hotel which stands over the way is admitted to be the best in Western New York. There! If that don’t show a healthy state of things here, and a “live and kicking” village, which lets politics and its neighbors alone, and attends entirely to business, than we don’t know.

There is probably more business done here than at any point between Elmira and Dunkirk, and double that of any other in the County. The businessmen here are all doing well, and are all responsible and “above board.” The great want of this town is capital. Our business men are all doing as much business as possible with their present means, and might do vastly more with proper facilities. More stores would flourish here, so also would other Sash Factories and Foundries. A large Boot and Shoe establishment and a large Woolen Factory are also much needed. There is hardly any branch of Mercantile or Manufacturing business, that would not succeed admirable here. In view of the unsurpassed business facilities of Olean, real estate is offered at very reasonable prices. Good business locations can be had at half the price they will command three years hence. Now is the time to settle here and engage in any kind of business.

This is also the best market in the Country for all kinds of produce, and we wish the farmers to bear in mind that if they have Beef Cattle, Pork, Hay, Oats, Butter, Cheese, etc. to sell, they can bring them here and receive the cash for them---and a little more than they can get elsewhere.

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