The path you walk today began as a trail for the Native people before the Iroquois, following the Onondaga Escarpment from the Genesee River to Lake Erie.

In 1799 the Holland Land Company offered lots ten miles apart on the old Buffalo Road to those who would build taverns to accommodate travelers. The Town of Clarence was established in 1808.

We invite you to explore Clarence Hollow in the spirit of those who stopped for a time to rest and relax, and we hope you enjoy our friendship and hospitality today!
#24 - The Meeting House - 10465 Main St. Abraham Shope donated land to the Clarence Church of Christ Disciples, who built a stone church on the property in 1844. The building served as a tenant house for the Automobile Club and a restaurant before the Historical Society purchased it. Please stop in and find out more about the history of Clarence and its people!

#26 - Asa Ransom Grist Mill - 10529 Main St. Asa Ransom purchased a large tract of land from the Holland Land Company and is counted as one of the "founding fathers" of Clarence Hollow. In 1803 he opened a grist mill on the creek on his property (Ransom Creek). The tradition of providing respite for weary travelers in historically furnished rooms continues today at the Asa Ransom House.

#33 - Clarence Classical School - 10643 Main St. In 1841 this building was moved by horse and cart to this site (it originally stood opposite the present Clarence Bowling Academy) to make room for the railroad. It was established as a private school, charging tuition for a "classical" education as opposed to the one-room school. It became Jacob Wagner's Bakery in 1906 and is now an ice cream parlor.

#42 - German Methodist Church - 10803 Main St. A German Methodist church was built on this site in 1876. This congregation merged with other Methodists and the building became the Grange Hall in 1907.

#45 - The Clarence Free Library - 9695 Main St. The Clarence Free Library was built in 1936 by the WPA after the depression.

#50 - The Rice-Sinclair House - 10897 Main St. One of the oldest buildings in the Hollow is enclosed within the home of Mr. & Mrs. David Brace. Inside is the two story log cabin built before 1811 complete with hand-hewn timbers and plank floors.

#88 - The Clarence Church - Built in 1877, the interior construction allowed for movable walls which surrounded the baptistry located at the front of the sanctuary.

#94 - I.O.O.F. Hall - 10830 Main St. The Odd Fellows Hall was built in 1911, designed by Edward M. Fisler of Buffalo. The carpentry work was done by William Dietz, a local lumberman, the masonry work by J.P. Leising of Swormville. Today Tschopp Stained Glass offers specialized glass restoration and exquisite pieces for purchase in the restored hall.

#93 - West Shore House - 10768 Main St. William Spoor built the stone tavern in 1812, during the time when Buffalo was being burned by the British. In 1850 in continued as the Sadler House and the West Shore House (named after the West Shore Railroad which ran just behind the hostelry).

#92 - Presbyterian Church - 10750 Main St. The Presbyterian Society built this building in 1843. The growing congregation put up a new church farther west in 1956, near the present library and high school. Today the building houses the Aurora Sewing Center.

#84 - Humbert Mercantile and Drug Store - 10626 Main St. Arthur Humbert's store, established across the street in 1901, was the place to purchase groceries and care for "what ailed you." Later a familiar Red & White grocery, the building now offers restoration lighting at Antique Lighting.


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