Corning's Historic Market Street, a model for downtowns everywhere and the heart of America's Most Fun Small Town, was the lumber industry's central thoroughfare and enjoyed as much traffic then as it does today. And you know, it hasn't changed in appearance much either.
After 1855, brick and stone replaced the predominantly wooden structures that lined Market Street. Less susceptible to fire, it was Corning Brick Works that met the challenge to produce the bricks necessary to preserve the buildings that you enjoy today. The Victorian love for ornamentation prompted an additional terra cotta to the product line. This natural brick-like material could be molded into any decorative pattern or shape, and thus architectural integrity met beauty. Many unique examples of such splendor are still enjoyed today by citizens and tourists alike.
While the area's foundation was developed with the lumber and grew with brick, it's crystal that allowed the city to soar.
The growth of the railroad and the city's connection with the Erie Canal attracted the Brooklyn Flint Glass Company to move here from New York City in 1868. With that move the company took on the name of the town it now called home and became Corning Glass Works, which today is known around the world as Corning Incorporated.
Since that time the Crystal City of Corning, New York has enjoyed a brilliantly successful century and a half with no signs of dulling.
Points of Interest Description:
While not a part of the walking tour, these other structures in the Gaffer District are worth checking out. These stops can be found when you view the map and are marked in gray.
