he History of Sherburne, New York
In 1788, New York State purchased the "Valley of Chenango" from the Oneida Indians a later sold parcels at an auction in New York City.
During the winter of 1792 the first pioneers arrived from Duanesburg to settle in what was to become Sherburne Township #9. The Township of Sherburne was organized in 1795 and 20 families made their home in the tiny hamlet. Sherburne grew quickly, by 1800 there were 1,282 residents and by 1835 that number grew to about 3,100.
The opening of the Chenango Canal in 1837 between Utica and Binghamton, which ran right down the middle of Sherburne, greatly reduced the cost and time of receiving goods and supplies. During the Civil War, Union soldiers set up camp on the banks of the canal, on what is now the home of Westlake Village. The railroad, like elsewhere around New York, replaced the canal in 1867 and two trains came through town on a daily basis.
In 1881, the Village water supply was developed. Two reservoirs on East Hill Road still supply the Village with quality water to this day.
Westlake Village is built on the site of the original Sherburne Fairgrounds. The first fair was held in 1871. Annual memberships cost just 1 dollar! The well kept race track was the center of interest. 1906 was the last year Sherburne hosted the annual event. However, the new owners of the property maintained the half mile track and several of the buildings for the townspeople that enjoyed the sport of harness racing.
M.W. Farley built and owned the house that is now the Community House for Westlake Village. Farley was a major dealers for hops during the era that Chenango County was a prime producer of the crop. The hops were delivered to the barn besides the house and then distributed throughout the county to wholesale pharmacies and breweries. In the mid twentieth century, the building housed an egg distribution business called FUL-OF-PEP. What a fitting name for the Westlake Village wellness center that is housed in that very same building!
For more history, visit the Sherburne Public Library or as to look at our reference books.
Poster advertising the Annual Fair held on the grounds of Westlake Village circa 1875. The Fair was popular for years.
Early photograph of the harness racing track held on the grounds of Westlake Village in the mid to late 1800's.
Originally on Main Street, the notable Sherburne "Octagon House" is no longer standing.
he "Sherburne House" stood in the center of Sherburne for several decades. It was a popular stop for travelers and locals alike. The structure is no longer standing.
The famous "Pageant of Bands" is held each year on the first Saturday in June and attracts bands from around the U.S.
The Village of Sherburne, Today
Grand old homes and historic landmarks still grace the streets of the Village of Sherburne. A large portion of the village was revitalized with brick sidewalks, Victorian lighting and tree lined streets.
The park in the center of town is the home of Sherburne Rotary's "Music in the Park". An acoustical stage is set up for national recording artist performances every Wednesday evening in July and August.
The municipal park offers a swimming pool, two pavilions and ball parks for recreation.
New York State Rogers Environmental Center has educational buildings, gardens, walking trails, ponds and wildlife for year around enjoyment.
Sherburne is located just 12 miles from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. Cooperstown is just 37 miles from Sherburne.
Major metropolitan areas such as Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton are around an hour's drive. New York City is about a 4 hour's drive.
The Sherburne Public Library is just a short walk from Westlake Village and offers a great reading selection.
Rogers Environmental Center offers year around activity and is located just down the road from Westlake Village.
Beautiful churches are found in the Village of Sherburne..
The Park on State Street hosts live performances during the summer months.
The Earlville Opera House in nearby Earlville, New York, hosts national recording artist in an intimate setting with great acoustics. An art gallery shows various artwork.
The intersection of Route 12 and Route 80 in the center of Sherburne, New York.
Welcome to Westlake Village
"Living Happily Ever After"
36 West State Street
Sherburne, NY 13460