Established 1900: Do you know about the Arkport Canning and Preserving Factory?

A look back at the short-lived, yet productive factory

From the Canisteo Valley Historical Society,

EARLY INDUSTRY IN ARKPORT

     In October 1899 local farmers and business men met at Weber Hall to consider building a canning factory. Shares were sold for $100 each and a month later a meeting of the [stockholders] was held to elect officers and consider the purchase of a site. In December ground was broken on land purchased from John Hurlbut for $400, located south of Hurlbut Street along the east side of the Shawmut [railroad] tracks. John D. Taylor was elected President and Frank Hurlbut Secretary of the new company. Walter Flint was hired to do the masonry work and Russell Higgins was employed to be the carpenter. Later Mr. Weston of Sayre, Pa. was hired to direct the construction.

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     Two months later in March 1900 the stone work was completed and frame work up. An engine and boiler had been delivered. In April a 60 foot smoke stack was built and pledges had been secured from local farmers for 100 acres of sweet corn and 50 acres of tomatoes, plus several acres of beans and other garden produce. In June Mr. Carpenter of Maine was employed to run the factory. The Shawmut [railroad] put in a siding so the shipping could be easily done.

     The first year 16,000 can of beans, 10,000 cans of beets, 80,000 cans of tomatoes were processed. All of the tomatoes were sold to the Wayland Canning Company for 51 cents per dozen cans. In December 1900 it is reported that the factory floor collapsed because of the weight of the canned goods.

     The factory was in business for only a short time. Some said that it failed because outsiders were brought in to run it. Those who invested in it lost most of their investment.