Almond - New York Historical Society

09/11/2026

We hope everyone is looking forward to coming to Almond Community Day tomorrow in Almond. The parade starts at 10 and the Almond Historical Society is planning to have vintage cars and walkers. Hope to see you there!

Though most of the past community days were held at the beginning of September, in 1979 it was on August 16. We have 3 articles about it but not explanation of why. Also no photos.

Plans were for games, rides, a ball game, bands, a helicopter and fireworks. Groups who were involved included the Almond Historical Society, 20th Century Club, St. Brendan's, the Grange, and the Almond Union of Churches. An article written after the event said the Moose band played in the park. The 4 mile run was won by Derek Frechette and antique car awards were given to Les Armstrong, Walter Benedict and Charles Wilkins.

Does anyone remember going then? We'll have a table set up tomorrow in the park so please stop by and see us. We'd love to see you.

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09/07/2026

Don't miss out on our meeting this Sunday, Sept 13, 2026.

“Getting Around With Glenn Curtiss” will be the topic of the Almond Historical Society’s fall meeting on Sunday afternoon, September 13, at the 1830s Hagadorn House, located at 7881 Main Street (corner of Main and Karrdale Avenue) in Almond.

The event’s special guest speaker will be Kirk House, Director of the Steuben County Historical Society. Hammondsport, New York, was the home of Glenn Curtiss, who made the first public pre-announced flight in America. Curtiss built an impressive list of accomplishments and inventions throughout his lifetime, including the famous JN-4 "Jenny" aircraft in which many World War I pilots learned to fly. House, who oversees the Steuben County Historical Society where the Curtiss files and treasures are preserved, will bring Curtiss’ fascinating story to life.

The Hagadorn House will be open for tours from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., House will present in the back meeting room. Following the talk, refreshments will be served in the fireplace room, which features a massive historical cooking fireplace discovered behind the wall by the late Mrs. Ken Hagadorn in the 1940s.

The public is welcome to attend.

08/28/2026

The building known as Muhleisen's has a long history. According to the Alfred Sun of 1988, the building was 100 years old then having been first used as a tannery and grist mill.

Many people in the area have known the building under the ownership of various people as a restaurant. The farthest back in our files refers to the Kant-U-Kume-Inn, sometimes called Ma's, and was owned by Bernice Quay. She sold the business to Bob Costello who renamed it Coslos. This is not the Coslos he later owned across the street in the old Richardson building.

In 1969 Bob sold the business to Jack and Patty Harvey who renamed it Harvey's Restaurant. Records tell us that at one time they had 11 full time and part time employees. They were famous for the fireplace, as a gathering place for snowmobilers, and where the Almond Lions met. But even more than that, they brought in well-known local bands who played on the weekends. Patty Harvey Curran gave us the attached menu from their time in the business.

On March 15, 1977 Jack and Patty sold the business to Jack Muhleisen who named it The Brother's Four to honor his 3 brothers. In 1985, after an extensive remodel. it was reopened as Muhleisen's Restaurant and Lounge. The business closed on March 28, 2025 and is up for sale.

What memories do you have of eating in Almond? We look forward to comments and don't forget we are always here to answer your questions about this community. We're open Fridays from 2 to 4.

08/21/2026

The Steuben County Historical Society posted a photo showing a play put on by the Alfred-Almond Central School. No cast members were identified nor was there a date. We found it in the 1950 Alcen with more information.

We identified Pat Zirkelbach as the woman on the far right sitting down. Possibly Dale Lorow is the tall person dressed as a woman in the center. If anyone else can tell us who other cast members in the photo are we would really appreciate that.

What fun memories we are able to share and learn more about with this post. We're digging in our files and sharing what we have but look forward to answering your questions on Fridays between 2 and 4 pm.

08/07/2026

School is still on our minds and in our files for Almond High School we have an amazing picture of the school. You should recognize the north end. It is now Mullen Carpets. But who knew about the addition that is now gone?

In The Evening Tribune of July 2, 1940 was printed an address given by Mrs. E. V. Greene who graduated in 1900. She spoke at the alumni banquet of 1940 and gave an overview of the school in Almond. It went from being a small wooden structure to eventually the brick building with an even larger addition.

In 1902 the Almond Union School became the Almond High School. In 1928 the brick addition was put up and the commencement exercises that year were in the new auditorium.

The current structure was described as "the last word in modern school buildings." And our alumni have benefited from that building.

There are so many treasures like this in our archives. We invite you to come see what we have any Friday, between 2 and 4, or make an appointment. We'd love to see you!

07/24/2026

This is alumni weekend so we're posting a blast from the past, all the way back to 1892. Students attended school at what is now the Grange Hall in Almond. What a treasure this is. We have their names. Enjoy your time together!

We have many more group photos from classes at the Almond School. Come in and check them out. We're here Fridays, 2 to 4 pm and enjoy sharing our collection.

07/10/2026

Come dance with us this Summer 2026 💕

Monday, August 3rd at Mullen Carpets Studio:
2-6 years 10:00-10:30
7-10 years 10:30-11:00
11+ years 11:00-11:30

Tuesday, August 4th at Calvary Chapel Almond
10:00-11:00 (parents please plan to stay) run-through dances

Wednesday, August 5th at Calvary Chapel Almond
10:00 Students come for costumes & warm up
10:30 Show

Please contact us to sign up & for more information 💕☀️

07/03/2026

The 250th birthday of our great country is on everyone's mind as we look forward to tomorrow. We have information in our files on Almond citizens who fought in the major wars.

The Almond area was a summer camp ground for Native Americans before 1781. Several people who served our country in the Revolutionary War later settled in Almond. They include Andrew Gray, Benejah J. Hayes, Christopher Hurlbut, Henry McHenry and Moses Van Campen.

Andrew Gray was born in Ireland. The family emigrated to Holland then to America. He joined the Continental Army at the age of 19. He was taken prisoner by the British in the Battle of Long Island and was thrown into the prison ship Jersey which had the reputation of being the worst of the 6 British prison ships. After several months he jumped overboard and made his way back to fight in some of the hardest fought battles of the rest of the war.

Benejah J. Hayes fought in the Revolutionary War then came to the Almond area sometime between 1805 and 1807. He bought a grist mill at the north end of Almond, rebuilt it, then sold it to Jesse Angel.

Christopher Hurlbut, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, belonged to the Almond church until 1835. He settled in Arkport.

Henry McHenry had been a captain in the Revolutionary War then came to Almond in 1797. He settled in South or McHenry Valley after leaving Wyoming, PA.

In 1776 Moses Van Campen received the rank of Ensign. His fighting in the Revolutionary War was mostly directed toward the British and the Indians allied with them. In 1780 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant under General Sullivan. It was during that expedition that he had the famous encounter with Shongo.

Almond may not have been a settled location but future settlers who came here were instrumental in the creation of our great country.

This is just a taste of the treasures we have here at the Almond Historical Society. We look forward to helping people on Fridays from 2 to 4 pm as you look into your personal family history.

06/26/2026

The Strawberry Festival was a big hit even as the weather tried to interfere. People often start forming the line for takeout as early as 4:45. Last year there were 3 in line at that time but this year there were 10. The lines for both sit down and take out stayed pretty consistent the whole evening. A total of between 40 and 50 portions were sold which was down a little, most likely because of the predicted rain. We always look forward to the delicious food and hope next year will be sunny again.

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06/19/2026

Things are hopping at the Hagadorn House as we prepare for Monday's Strawberry Festival. We have been holding this fundraiser for over 50 years. Back in the beginning the serving and eating was all done in the Hagadorn House. Volunteers did everything from picking the strawberries to serving the finished product. We are so grateful to have the covered area now which holds even more people.

Serving starts at 5:00 pm and continues until all is gone. Even if it is raining, come on out to eat-in or order take-out. Prices are $8.00 for the works, $7.00 for the works minus the ice cream, and $6.00 for a small shortcake special. Water can be purchased for $1.00.

We look forward to seeing you there and don't forget to come in some Friday between 2 and 4 with questions about your Almond history.