Alfred, NY

Alfred's History

In 1809, Clark Crandall built a pail factory, probably the first of several small "tinker" businesses which later lent their collective identity to the hamlet between Bakers Bridge and Alfred Centre now known as Tinkertown. A diverse economy followed it, in home-building, tanneries, sawmills, cooper shops, carding mills, and asheries, all preceding the later manufacturing in brick and ceramic products.

The inhabitants, many being church members, built a school in 1816. The first frame house built in what became the center of Alfred business became the home of the select school for male and female students in 1836, which emerged as the nation's second co-educational college. The private college evolved into Alfred University, chartered in 1857, from which was formed the New York State College of Clayworking in 1900 (now known as The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University), and New York State College of Agriculture, which became an independent institution in 1948, now known as Alfred State College.

Alfred Station's residents founded the Alfred Clay Company, and Alfred (Centre)'s inhabitants founded the Celadon Terra Cotta Company, both of which produced roof tile which is still an Alfred distinctive, although both companies ceased operations in this area many years ago. Celadon was bought by Ludowici after the tile works were destroyed multiple times by disastrous fires. The operation was moved to Ohio, where manufacturing continues.

At the turning of the new century and millennium, Alfred retains much of that tradition and unique character that has made it a dynamic rural community, while it embraces the new possibilities that present themselves.

Written by Douglas Clarke