Waverly Attractions
Forbidden Path, Waverly, NY:
The Forbidden Path leads to the cistern of the Carantouan Spring.This is said to have been the drinking fountain of the Andastes (Carantouans) and their successors. Sadly, a bronze plaque that was placed at this site by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) in 1927, has been stolen. Unfortunately, there is no parking at the beginning of this trail, which is very close to Chemung st. at the end of PA Route 220 in Waverly, NY. One needs to walk to this trail. There is no parking on Chemung street. One could park on Broad street and walk to this path, but another unfortunate thing is there is no safe place to cross over to the path, no crosswalks. Though there is no easy way to the entrance of this path, once there, it is a very nice path to the cistern/spring.
May 9, 1923 The Evening Times - The Iron Kettle Inn will open Friday, May 25th and plans have been made for informal dancing every evening. The new Sunset garden at the foot of the hill and surrounding Carantouan springs are to be a feature of the season's attractions. It is said that Indians came from many miles around especially to drink of the water from these never failing springs.
Sept. 26, 1927 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly D. A. R. Chapter Unveils Historic Marker at Indian Spring. Near the historic spring at Iron Kettle Inn around which are woven many Indian legends, a boulder was unveiled Saturday afternoon by Carantouan Chapter, D. A. R. The surroundings are extremely beautiful and the bright September sunshine enhanced the beauty, causing much favorable comment from the many visitors. The State Regent, Mrs. Samuel Jackson Kramer of Pelham, was the guest of honor and many regents of nearby chapters were present. To the boulder is attached a bronze tablet with the following inscription: "Carantouan Spring, drinking fountain of Andastes Indians and others from prehistoric times. Placed by Carantouan Chapter, D. A. R. and the State of New York." The ladies were called together by the assembly bugle call given by Miss Ruth Shafer of the Waverly Girl Scouts. The chapter song, "Carantouan" was sung by the members. The regent of Carantouan chapter, Mrs. Florence Floyd Merriam [304 Chemung st. Waverly], explained the reasons for the placing of the boulder. Mrs. Merriam presided at the out of door ceremonies and later at the luncheon at the Inn. The boulder was covered with the American flag and the D. A. R. flag. It was unveiled by Charlotte Knapp [208 Chemung st. Waverly] and Bobbie Williams who held the flags during the exercises. The children were dressed in Indian costumes. A historical paper written by Miss Mary Finch [495 Cayuta ave. Waverly] was read by Mrs. Frank L. Howard [470 Pennsylvania ave. Waverly]. The mess call was then sounded by the bugler and a delicious luncheon was served at Iron Kettle Inn. At the conclusion of the luncheon the D. A. R. ritual was carried out. Mrs. Gilbert Palen rendered a soprano solo and there were short talks by Mrs. Clarence Knapp of the Newark Valley Chapter; Mrs. James O. Sebring, regent of the Corning chapter and Mrs. Buck, regent of the Cortland chapter. Written messages were read from Mrs. James Slanfield of Panama, Canal Zone, an associate member of the local chapter and from Mrs. William Weldon, state historian. The address of the afternoon was given by Mrs. Samuel Jackson Kramer, the State Regent.
June 27, 1939 Elmira Star Gazette - Carantouans Doomed By Struggle For New World Control. ... Brule's party came to an open space as they traversed the wilderness, and there encountered the Senecas. Promptly attacking, they killed several, captured two, and dispersed the remainder. It will not be difficult to visualize this party of 12 Hurons leading their two captives, dominated by the intrepid Brule as they journeyed through our valley. Champlain was informed by Brule that when his party arrived at Spanish Hill, the inhabitants, the Carantouans, or Andastes, received them joyfully, made much feasting and celebration of the event, and influenced by Brule's ceaseless urging, finally held a council and decided to join Champlain to the northeast in his attack upon the Iroquois town. ... Brule's Entreaties Won Andastes Support For Champlain. ... Let us pause a moment and imagine the appearance of these 500 lusty Carantouan warriors, under the leadership of Brule, as they left Carantouan and passed up the slope of the hill in the rear of the Iron Kettle Inn, and by the spring known as and now marked as Carantouan Spring; then turning to the right and passing over the entrance of the present Waverly Country Club in the direction of Lockwood and onward to the valley of Cayuta Creek. ...
See pic. Mr. Wright points to the marker, commemorating the site of the spring, erected jointly in 1927 by Carantouan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and New York State. (Abner C. Wright, acting president of the Chemung County Historical Society)
June 26, 1954 The Evening Times - Waverly Spring Antedates White Man. A seemingly never-ending water supply bubbles from the ground from what is known as Carantouan spring at the rear of the Iron Kettle Inn near Waverly. It has been there since before the time of the white man in this area in 1615. Fed by a pipe from the ground into a cistern, the spring water is picked up by another pipe and led down the hillside to the River road outlet west of Waverly. Here it flows freely and continuously for the use of all. Persons by the hundreds during a summer fill their water jugs there; dozens of cars are taken there for regular wash jobs; and last summer during the heavy dry spell, River road rural residents reported that the spring water was a "God-send." They reported farmers collecting milk can after milk can of the spring supply which was used to water their stock. It is also reported that one farmer carried enough to water his herd of about 30 head during the entire dry period. Another area resident reported that farmers from as far away as Ridgebury came to the spring outlet to get milk cans of water. In the early days of the Erie railroad, water from the spring was piped to the Erie right of way where the engines took on water. Horses drawing coaches on the first Waverly to Elmira road, which followed along the Chemung river, used to be watered at a trough along the road and fed by the spring. When the Iron Kettle Inn was built, water from this spring was carried for use at the Inn. This procedure was followed until water from the Waverly reservoir was piped to the Inn. In the days of the Carantouan Indians, a powerful tribe of the Andastes which numbered some 5,000 and inhabited this Spanish Hill, the spring was a place where the Indians gathered for water, story-telling, some of the ceremonies and to rest. History records that Indians passing through this area always asked for "Carantouan Spring." In former years, the spring waters bubbled from the ground right at the base of the large tree trunk. A visit to the spring down the hillside in back of the Iron Kettle Inn today shows that the water flow has apparently shifted away from the nearest tree. The view from the hillside near the spring is magnificent. In 1927, the Carantouan Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Waverly which takes its Chapter name from the spring, developed the area around it by planting specially imported plants and ferns. They also placed park benches there and on a boulder, this bronze plaque with this inscription was placed: "Carantouan Spring. A drinking fountain of the Andastes and their successors from pre-historic time." Mrs. Gertrude Tracy, former owner of the Iron Kettle Inn, was one of the prime movers behind this development. The spring was so highly prized that a separate deed from the one covering the rest of the Iron Kettle Inn property drawn. When the Inn property was sold to Mr. and Mrs. William Conley some years ago, both deeds were included in the transaction. Mrs. Conley reported the area around the spring had been kept up until the severe windstorm of 1950 when a big tree near the spring source was toppled to the ground. Mrs. Conley reports that she is interested in re-developing the area around the spring as a beauty spot and one where visitors will come to enjoy the surrounding area as the Indians once did. Stephen Brule, a Frenchman sent here by Champlain in 1615, brought back a report of the Carantouan tribe and their spring. This recording was made by Champlain in a book written by him upon his return to Paris. In 1870 a second edition was published. Other American historians have recorded the same data.
See pic. - Mrs. William Conley, owner of Carantouan spring on the hillside at the rear of the Iron Kettle Inn, views the rock-constructed cistern into which the spring flows.
Aug. 7, 1966 Elmira Star Gazette - Stephen Brule, the first white man to enter the area, brought news in the year 1615 to the explorer Samuel de Champlain - of a cool spring to which the Carantouan Indians came for refreshment.Three hundred and fifty years later, today's traveller can find excellent food and drink at the same location where the Carantouan hunters camped. The Carantouan Spring is located a "tomahawk's throw" behind the Iron Kettle Inn. The inn, on Spanish Hill (now Rt. 17) was built as a one room teahouse in 1903 by Gertrude Newman Tracy's father. This "tea room" is the present cocktail lounge and kitchen. These rooms are distinguished by high ceilings crossed with massive beams hand hewn by Mr. Newman from trees on the Iron Kettle property. ...The inn acquired a reputation among notables of society and government. William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and J. Edgar Hoover have been guests at the inn. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt sat in the Boston rocker which now occupies a place of honor in the lobby while she sat listening to her husband's first fireside chat on the N.R.A. Other notables include Tommy Bartlett of tv fame, Edward Everett Horton, Bob Brink the cartoonist, Hart Seeley, president of Rotary International and hundreds more. ... After considerable remodeling it was reopened July 1, 1945. Later the grounds were enlarged to 12 acres, the Carantouan cistern was redeveloped and a large barbecue fireplace, able to serve 100 people was added. The most recent addition was the beautiful dining balcony which affords an inspiring view of the Chemung River Valley. ...
Sept. 28, 1968 The Evening Times - Carantouan D. A. R. Marks Founder's Day. ... Miss Ferris chose to limit her remarks to the period from the organization of the chapter in 1921 through the 25th anniversary in 1946. ...The speaker noted that the name "Carantouan" was adopted by the chapter because of the imminence of the Carantouan Indians in days long gone, whose stronghold was Carantouan Hill, better known as Spanish Hill and whose tribes numbered as many as 5,000. Carantouan Spring which is set in the woods behind the Iron Kettle Inn was a gathering place of this tribe and has been noted by Carantouan Chapter with an inscribed bronze marker set in a boulder at the spring. "When the Erie railroad was first built pipes were laid from the spring to the Erie station where passing trains took water. The highway from Waverly to Elmira was near the river and at the White Wagon Bridge was a watering trough whose water came from Carantouan Spring. ... During the war between the states many in this vicinity were giving assistance to runaway slaves making their way from the Southern slave states to the Northern free states and Canada. Waverly took an active part in this underground railroad which was neither underground nor a railroad, but it did have stations and conductors. Elmira was one of the main stations, the route being from Washington, D. C. to Harrisburg, Williamsport, Elmira and vicinity, then north to Rochester, Niagara Falls and Canada. ... For a long period, intermittent digs have been conducted at Spanish Hill, establishing the fact that the hill was an Indian shrine. From fragments, implements and other artifacts, archeologists have determined that the Indian native village situated at the base of the hill, was one of the largest in the area. ...
June 26, 1973 The Evening Times - The highlight of the annual picnic of Carantouan Chapter DAR, held last Saturday at the home of Miss Madalene Williams and Miss Helen Ferris, in Waverly was the receipt of a grant of $200 from Betowski-VanDeMark Post No. 492 of Waverly to be added to the fund for the restoration of Carantoun Springs. ...
Feb. 19, 1974 The Evening Times - Iron Kettle Inn Is Destroyed by Fire. Waverly Area Landmark Destroyed.
June 24, 1974 The Evening Times - ... Mrs. Murray then reported that the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 12, had recently donated their time to help clear the new growth of weeds around Carantouan Springs. She mentioned that more work will be needed just to keep the weeds at bay as well as to continue landscape planning. ...
July 17, 1975 The Evening Times - Several committees were formed in Waverly and the Town of Barton at a meeting called by Waverly Mayor Daniel Leary and Max Dixson, chairman of the Town supervisors, and held Tuesday night. The meeting was called at the request of the Penn-York Bicentennial Committee, and Waverly clubs and organizations sent representatives and individual citizens were present. The purpose of the meeting was to explain Bicentennial plans and to determine Waverly's role in the celebration. Joseph Cummings, co-chairman of the P-Y committee and Waverly chairman, reported on the promotion being undertaken by the Carantouan Chapter of the DAR to make Carantouan Springs on Waverly Hill, in the rear of the former Iron Kettle Inn, a national monument. Richard Marko and Leon Thomas have been looking into access roads, and a great deal of work has already been done by the DAR on this project, he reported. ...
Aug. 5, 1975 The Evening Times - SUNY May Help Restore The Famed Carantouan Spring Area. Carantouan Spring in Waverly, a source of pure drinking water for Indians and early settlers alike, may be restored with the assistance of the State University at Binghamton's anthropology department. Located near the former Iron Kettle Inn, the spring still runs freely, although a brick enclosed pool and a DAR marker on the site are in a state of disrepair. According to Tioga County Planner Richard Marko, word was received Monday from Frederick Plog, chairman of the Department of Anthropology, pledging assistance in restoration efforts. The letter requested a time when it would be convenient for an archeologist to visit the spring and fully investigate its historic significance. The Valley chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently asked Legislator Leon Thomas to seek aid in restoring the site.
Sept. 15, 1975 The Evening Times - Tioga County Government By Leon Thomas. ... As for Carantouan Spring in Waverly, there are professionals looking into the archeological and anthropological aspects of the site, and hopefully there will be money available for restoration and beautification of the spring.
Oct. 4, 1975 The Evening Times - Lester Marshall Speaks to Waverly Rotary. "Sullivan's Campaign, Part II," was presented by Lester Marshall of Waverly to Waverly Rotarians Thursday noon at El-Ba Kitchen. The speaker presented a slide program of recent shots taken of the Sullivan campaign trail from Tioga Point to the battlefield at Newtown. ... From there, the armies traveled up the valley and over Waverly Hill, stopping at the Carantouan Spring and going over the hill at night, a seven hour, laborious hike with some artillery lost. ...
May 2, 1998 Elmira Star Gazette - Greenway opens short foot trail. The Carantouan Greenway officially opened a short foot trail Friday. The trail runs from the junction of Route 220 and Chemung Street, Waverly, through properties that the greenway now holds in the public trust. Several events will be held in honor of the opening: The public is invited to try out the trail and help resurface the trail with chips donated by Mike Mattison Company, today. Parking is available along Chemung Street west of Route 220 intersection. Work will be ongoing all day until the chips are distributed along the trail. The village and the greenway are planning some trailhead parking for the Forbidden Path-named for the Susquehannock trail that once went from what is now known as Spanish Hill to Olean-as well as for the Old River Road Trail which will be reconfigured this summer. The public is also invited Sunday, noon-5 p.m., to view the display of rare daffodils at the Merrill Farm north of Talmadge Hill Road, off 17c just east of Waverly.
From Historical Echoes of Chemung, NY - "Many artifacts have been uncovered in the Wilawana area belonging to the Lamoka People. The Susquehannocks were neighbors to the Senecas from the Athens/Waverly area and after 1700 the Iroquois permitted the Lenape people to reside in the area as well. The Seneca and Cayuga protected what was known as the western and southern doors of their nation, in the lower Chemung River Valley. The Chemung River was considered by the Iroquois as the "Forbidden Path" to Genesee and Niagara."
Sept. 26, 2020 Morning Times - The Carantouan Greenway's Forbidden Path, a 1/2 mile woodlands trail in the village of Waverly, ends at the Carantouan Spring. The spring represents a historic Andaste Indian site. A new sign has been erected on the path, identifying the spring as a drinking fountain of the Andastes and their successors from prehistoric times. The sign was donated by the DePumpo and Harding families, as a memorial to Kathryn DePumpo Harding. The Forbidden Path is open to the public and the trailhead can be accessed at the junction of NY Rt. 17C and PA Rt. 220 in Waverly, NY.
Kathryn DePumpo Harding (1972-2018) WHS Class of 1991 "An avid supporter of numerous charities and a practitioner of innumerable random acts of kindness. Katie's giving and forgiving nature brought out the best in others and made her impervious to drama or regret. She thrived on encouraging others. Hiking served to refresh and rejuvenate her own spirit." "No one ever became poor by giving." - Anne Frank
From the carantouangreenway.org website - "The trail, which is maintained almost exclusively by Carantouan member Barry Skeist, is a lovely, winding three-quarter mile out and back path that leads to the cistern of the Carantouan Springs."
Waverly Glen Park:
From the end of 220 South, turn right onto Chemung street, take the first left turn which is a left onto Pine street, (western part of the village of Waverly). Go past Tracy road. Then, turn left onto West Pine street, go past Clinton ave. Waverly Glen Park entrance is on the right at intersection with West Pine street and Moore street.
May 24, 1912 Waverly Free Press - "Beautifying" Waverly Glen. Just Why the Stone Crusher Was Taken to Newly Acquired Property. During the past week the stone crusher belonging to the village has been moved to the glen recently acquired by the purchase of the Waverly Water Works. In some way the statement went the rounds that this was done to beautify the glen, though to the impartial the presence of the crusher would not seem to add much to the beauty of the naturally lovely spot. There were wild rumors that the village board intended to make a handsome park out of the newly acquired property. As a matter of fact, the machine was placed in the glen for the purpose of crushing a certain kind of rock found there, for use on the streets of the corporation, a scheme about as visionary as any suggested by those who depended solely upon their imaginations. The rock found there is a loose shale, which slacks in the air, and is practically valueless as a street dressing, being no better than gravel, of which the village has an abundance without going to the expense of operating a stone crusher to procure it. The Glen, as a part of the Water Works property, would naturally fall under the supervision of the newly appointed water commission, who, by the way, were not in favor of having the machine placed there at all. ...
June 21, 1912 The Waverly Free Press - A Little More Light On The Street Question. Sun Defense of Jones and Hanna is Founded on False Arguments "”"” Gravel Supply Not Exhausted "”- Glen Rock Not Fit for Streets. The Waverly Sun of last week devoted a column to discussion of the criticisms arising from the placing of the stone crusher in Waverly Glen. ... For instance, the statement that the gravel in the East Waverly gravel bed is exhausted is without foundation. We are informed upon the best possible authority that there is still plenty of gravel there for all necessary purposes. And even if the supply is low, the fact would not excuse the using of worthless material upon the streets. That the rock taken from the glen is very inferior in quality is well known to anyone who has taken the trouble to investigate for himself. ...Not only can this rock be whittled with an ordinary jack knife, but a heavy wagon passing over it, grinds it to powder at once. ... Taxes in Waverly are outrageous to begin with, and the expenditure of every cent should be carefully guarded. ... The use of stone from Waverly Glen is not real economy. It may relieve the present administration of a little expense; but it will mean added expense in the future. ...
July 11, 1913 Waverly Free Press - Will Make Picnic Ground In Glen. A committee was appointed by President Jones on Monday evening to cooperate with the members of the fire council and the water commission in making a picnic ground of Waverly Glen. The glen has been considerably washed out by heavy rains, and considerable work will have to be done there before it is possible to remove the stone crusher, which has been there for more than a year. The committee appointed consists of trustees Eisenhart, Canoll, and Shipman. If the plans of the committees are carried out, a pavilion will be erected for the convenience of picnic parties. The firemen are especially anxious to have this completed before the meeting of the Valley Firemen's Association next year. All rubbish will be removed, and the place will be put in perfect shape.
Feb. 24, 1916 Elmira Star Gazette - Begin Work on Dam Early As Possible. Will Have to Use Dynamite To Loosen Shale Rock at Waverly Reservoir. E. W. Golden of Troy, N. Y., junior member of the contracting firm which is building the big dam at the Waverly reservoir, was here yesterday making arrangements to resume work at the earliest possible moment in the spring. A large number of men and teams have been engaged and the work will be rushed. Dynamite will be used in blasting away the shale rock and the work will in the opinion of the contractor be greatly facilitated.
Sept. 1, 1920 The Evening Times - Changes Made In Waverly Glen. An effort will be made to have the Waverly Glen in readiness for picnic parties next year and it is believed it can be converted into an ideal spot for gatherings of this kind. The glen is situated within easy walking distance of the Clinton avenue car line and already trees have been cut and other improvements made entirely changing the appearance of the glen. Water coming down from the overflow of the Waverly reservoirs form a pretty glen and below this there is to be a swimming pool for children of the village. The Rotary Club last year took up the work of converting the glen into a pleasure park.
Sept. 22, 1920 Montour Falls Free Press - New York Briefs - ... The board of trustees will take action on purchasing several acres of land adjacent to what is known as the Waverly glen to open a public park. The glen is admirably situated and water from the overflow of the Waverly reservoirs could be used to form a pond and swimming pool. The board of water commissioners is willing to assist the village and public sentiment favors the opening of a park.
April 29, 1922 Elmira Star Gazette - The new Waverly park commission consisting of Fred Austin, Charles Canoll and Frederick E. Lyford met yesterday and organized. Mr. Lyford was elected president. The commission later held a joint meeting with the water commission and discussed the lines between the water company property and the glen park near the reservoir. The two commissioners will make a trip tomorrow afternoon to the glen and decide upon the location of fences. The park commission will submit recommendations for the work of the coming summer to the board of the village trustees at Monday evening's meeting. Among the improvements proposed for glen park during the coming summer will be a swimming pool, bath houses and a dancing pavilion.
June 10, 1922 The Evening Times - All Work At Park Is Stopped - This Does not Mean, However that Public is Barred from Going There for Picnics or Family Gatherings - Glen Park is Property of Village. All work at Glen Park has been temporarily stopped and it seems unlikely that proposed permanent improvements will be carried out until after the question of whether the village property owners wish to raise $2200 by direct vote for carrying on park work has been definitely settled at the election to be held June 20. The park is open to the public, however, and many people of the village are taking advantage of it as a place for holding picnics and family gatherings. The drawing in of ashes and rubbish with which a fill was made has rendered the lower end of the park a somewhat unsightly place but residents of the village who are not acquainted with Glen Park should plan to visit it and satisfy themselves as to its possibilities. The plan of opening the park for a celebration on July 4th has been abandoned, conditions having arisen that made it unlikely that a celebration held at that time would be the success that its promoters as first hoped and anticipated. It was planned to have each business man of the village give one day's time prior to July 4th and on that day work at the park under supervision of street commissioner Byron J. Gould. The Rotary club had already arranged that each member should give a day at the park and plans were also being made to have the school children give one day to work at Glen Park. With what could be done in this way and by voluntary offerings on the part of those who are giving ashes for the making of fills, etc, it was expected to get a considerable amount of work done at no expense and at the same time encourage the community spirit that the park commissioners depended upon in order to make it an appreciated success. The three park commissioners have already given much time to the laying out of preliminary plans and all are men especially well fitted to carry to success an enterprise of this kind.
1922, Glen Park is opened to the Public.
Dec. 16, 1922 The Evening Times - Must Not Cut Trees In Park. It has come to the attention of the Park Commission that boys have been cutting Christmas trees in Glen Park. Should this mutilation of Park property continue the commission says it will be necessary to make an example of some of the offenders. The park is village property and defacing it in any way is against the law.
Jan. 9, 1924 The Evening Times - To Make Glen Park Bird, Game Refuge. Waverly village trustees have decided to make the Glen Park a bird and game refuge for a period of 10 years. A petition setting forth the desires of the trustees will be presented to the state conservation commission and it is believed that their desires will be complied with. Every effort is being made to get birds to make their home in Glen Park, houses are to be built for them and the board believes that it can be so managed that children studying birds can go there and find many different kinds. Under the present law shooting a gun in the park is punishable, but if it can be made a Bird and Game refuge it will not be necessary to prove the actual firing of the weapon the carrying of firearms there being prohibited.
April 9, 1924 The Tribune, Scranton, PA - Waverly, N. Y. - April 8. - By action taken by the Waverly Board of Trustees at their regular meeting last night, Waverly Glen will become a shelter home for game over a ten-year period. The glen will be placed under the jurisdiction of the State Conservation Committee, the trustees decided. This spot is one of the best known for scenic beauty in this section and will make an ideal place for harborage for wild game of all kinds. The board decided to purchase oil application to local streets in May, one month earlier than usual. One scarlet fever case, due to infection from an outside dairy, was reported by Health Officer Carpenter. The latter suggested to the trustees that all dairies in this village be required to provide sanitary milk houses.
July 2, 1924 The Evening Times - Notice to Picnickers And Golfers. Ice cream can now be purchased at Valley View Farm, directly across from Glen Park and No. 8 Green, Waverly, N. Y. Phone 102-W.
July 5, 1924 The Evening Times - Glen Park is rapidly becoming one of the most popular locations for picnicking and motoring parties in this part of the state. The pavilion, equipped with tables and benches, the large stone ovens and the excellent spring water, combined with the natural beauty of the place, proves most alluring. Moses O'Hart, the caretaker, says hardly a night passes but what one or more automobile parties takes advantage of the Glen's hospitality. On Friday, a large number of picnic parties filled all the tables and several of the smaller family parties were compelled to eat their dinner seat upon the ground.
April 11, 1925 The Evening Times - Acting upon the request made by Clarence Albertson at the meeting last Monday night, the village board of trustees has voted to give the road through the glen and over West Hill an official title. The road has been called by various names in the past, being known most frequently as West Pine street. According to the action of the trustees of the village it will be known in the future as "Glen Park Road" and mail addressed to all those residing on that road should bear that address in the future.
May 12, 1925 The Evening Times - At a recent meeting of the park commission of Waverly, C. W. Canoll was made president for the coming year. The other members of the commission are Frank L. Howard and Hugh MacDonald, the latter being appointed recently to succeed Fred Austin whose term of office had expired. Three years ago the village fathers decided to open glen park to the public and to see what could be done about beautifying the spot which has endeared itself to every child who ever grew up in Waverly. Landscape gardeners from Cornell University came to Waverly and made an examination of the the glen, after which they drew a map with many changes and improvements which they suggested. These improvements included rustic bridges, pavilions, outdoor stone fire places, some changes in the bed of Dry Brook and many new paths and cleared spots, all of which when completed would make Glen Park one of the most beautiful public parks in the southern tier. It was estimated that the cost of all these improvements would be about $10,000. A park commission was appointed by the trustees of the village and as much of the work along the lines suggested by the landscape men from Cornell as is possible is done each year. The trustees have appropriated $2,000 for the past three years, and if this practice is continued in ten years all of the work will be completed. At the April meeting Mr. Howard requested the board to assure the commission that $400 could be expended on work that should be done immediately, pending the adoption of the budget and the appropriations for the coming year.
Aug. 3, 1925 The Evening Times - Glen Park To Be Equipped As Playground. Commissioner Orders Swings, Slides and Teeter Boards for Use of Children Who Frequent Popular Resort. Playground equipment has been ordered by the Park Commission of the village of Waverly to be installed in Glen Park for the use of the large number of children who frequent that popular resort. The equipment, which is expected to arrive very soon, includes a number of swings, slides, teeter boards and other devices dear to the heart of childhood. The equipment will be placed in the open space just above the pavilion and a row of strong posts are to be place across the glen just south of the pavilion to prevent automobiles driving up far enough to endanger the children. The road from the new concrete bridge, leading to the beautiful pine grove above will be completed this year, giving more space for picnic parties among the wonderful old pine trees. Stone fireplaces, tables and benches are to be constructed in this grove as soon as possible, adding a great deal to the attractiveness of the place. Glen park is growing in popularity each year and there is hardly a day when some fraternal or religious organization or family reunion is not scheduled to hold a picnic in the glen. Usually there are several picnic parties in the park at the same time, taking turns in good natured fashion in using the stone ovens and making room for each other at the tables in the covered pavilion. Picnic parties from Sayre, Athens and even other towns in Pennsylvania are seen in the glen nearly as often as New York State parties, and nearly every night during the warm weather one or more touring parties camp in the glen during the night. The Park Commission, which consists of C. W. Canoll, Frank L. Howard and Hugh McDonald, deserve much credit for the capable manner in which they are spending the funds at their disposal and gradually increasing, both the natural beauty of the place and its many convenient features as well. Moses O'Hart, employed by the Park Commission as the caretaker, keeps the place clean and sanitary all the time and free of litter and is always on hand to see that no depredations are committed and to be of whatever assistance possible to visitors to this park.
Aug. 23, 1927 Elmira Star Gazette - William G. O'Brien, of the Valley View farm near Glen Park, Waverly, appeared before the Village Board of Trustees at the special meeting Monday evening to complain that permission to construct a temporary electric power line over his property to the park for a Community Sing last Spring had evidently been taken by the Park Commissioners as permission to erect a permanent line. The Park Commissioners, Charles Austin, Dr. J. J. Mills and James Crisman have been instructed to appear at the next regular meeting of the board to answer Mr.O'Brien's complaint.
Aug. 21, 1929 Elmira Star Gazette - Glen Park, Waverly's popular playground, had been a very popular place for outings during the Summer. Sayre and Athens people seem to appreciate it even more than Waverly people, the annual picnics of many societies from down the valley having been held there. The park commission, under the direction of Chairman LeRoy Broack, is having a tennis court fitted up to add to the present attractions which will be ready for use within a few days. The court will be located near the entrance on Pine Street.
March 7, 1931 The Evening Times - Plans for Improvements to Glen Park, Waverly, during the coming summer, as contained in the report made to the village board by LeRoy Broock, chairman of the park committee, include reconstruction of the foot bridge and stairs leading to the pine grove at the top of the hill. The present footbridge and stairs were constructed of wood and are worn out and deemed unsafe. The park commission proposes to replace these with a footbridge and stairs of steel and concrete, at an estimated cost of $656. The park commission also hopes to construct a concrete wall for the creek where the new channel has been built. This, it is estimated, will cost about $500. The tennis court at the foot of the glen is to be completed this year, the large pavilion is to be repaired and repainted, six new picnic tables are to be built and three small pavilions at the top of the hill. It is also proposed to have two additional fireplaces constructed at the top of the hill. Glen Park is one of the most popular places for picnic parties in the entire valley. Each year additional tables, fireplaces and pavilions are added to the equipment and each year during the picnic season parties have to be on hand long before eating time to reserve a table. An appropriation of $3000 is asked of the village board this year to take care of the proposed construction work and also pay the salary of the caretaker.
March 3, 1936 Elmira Star Gazette - J. William Merrill, park commission chairman, reported a number of improvements in Glen Park. The park commission is requesting and increase of $1,035 over its $1,500 appropriation of last year in order to repair the band stand at the high school park, repair the tennis court at Glen Park, erect pavilions and additional concrete wall at Glen Park.
March 2, 1937 Elmira Star Gazette - Show Village Finances in Better State ... Park Commissioners J. William Merrill and V. L. Buley showed the construction during the year of two small pavilions, painting of the large pavilion, transfer of playground equipment from East Waverly to Glen Park, repairs and construction of stone wall along creek bed damaged by March flood, and planting of shrubbery at entrance of Glen Park with the co-operation of the Waverly Garden Club. Budget as presented for the year 1937 includes $1,000 for labor, $100 for electricity and electric repairs, $125 for repairs to bandstand in High School Park, stairs to hill, $200 team and truck, $75 tennis court, $75 hardware, $60 construction of small pavilion with tables, $200 repairs to playground equipment, $50 nailing of concrete wall already constructed, $150, and concrete wall construction, $500, a total of $2,535, which includes care of Glen Park, High School Park, Ithaca and Chemung Street Park and the placing and storage of equipment.
July 26, 1937 The Evening Times - Charles W. Canoll, the second oldest man in business in Waverly, died last night about 11 o'clock at his home, 145 Chemung street, after an extended illness. He was 76 years of age. Mr. Canoll was born in Binghamton in 1861. After living seven years in Candor, and a short time in Owego, he came to Waverly in 1872 at the age of 11 years. At 14 he started working as a grocery clerk, then was employed for a time in a clothing store. When he was 16 years old he began to learn the cigar making trade, which was at that time a flourishing business here. For 36 years he was employed by the H. M. Ferguson company, cigar makers, where his duties consisted of rolling expensive cigars, and also being on the road as salesman. On Nov. 2, 1883 he was married to Miss Harriet J. Horton of Waverly, in the house where they lived up until his death. Mr. Canoll was active in village affairs all his life, having served three terms on the village board of trustees. He was one of the three original park commissioners who were instrumental in making Waverly glen the attractive spot it has become. He once said this was his most proud achievement. During the NRA he was president of the Tioga county solid fuel dealers association. He was a director of the Citizens National Bank since 1919. Mr. Canoll was a member of the Presbyterian church. He had been a member of Rotary almost since its inception in Waverly. He was active in the Masonic lodges, being a member of Cayuta chapter, R. A. M. and of Waverly lodge 407, F. and A. M. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Ralph Bouton of Wilawana; two sons, Percy E. Canoll of Waverly and Leon H. of West Palm Beach, Fla.; also six grandchildren: Harriett E. Bouton of Wilawana, Charles H. Canoll of Waverly, Miss Caroline Canoll of Waverly, Mrs. Thomas Keefer, Paul Wilbur and Eloise Canoll of West Palm Beach, Fla. The funeral services will be held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, with Rev. Thomas Tighe, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church officiating. Burial will be made in Tioga Point cemetery.
April 16, 1938 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - All roads will lead to the Waverly Glen Park Sunday afternoon as far as Waverly youngsters are concerned, for that is where the big Easter Egg Hunt will be in progress. More than 700 eggs will be distributed in the glen early in the day by Waverly firemen. The eggs are all hardboiled, too, so if you don't find any with a special marking to win a prize you can make salad of the ones you do find. Mayor J. C. Drake will be the official starter for the hunt which will open at 2:30 p.m. It will be concluded two hours later and prizes will be distributed immediately. Henry Martin, originator of the hunt, is in general charge of the arrangements.
Aug. 24, 1938 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - A new tennis court which has been under construction at Waverly Glen Park this summer will probably be ready for use by Sept. 1, Victor Buley, chairman of the village park commission, announced today. A second court which is also nearing completion may not be opened this season but will be ready for use next spring. It was expected that both the new courts would be completed this year but work has been held up by heavy rains. The new courts will relieve an overcrowding which has existed for several years on the park's present single court. Glen Park offers the only public tennis courts in Waverly.
June 5, 1939 The Evening Times - Work is being done on one of three partly-complete tennis courts at Glen park, J. William Merrill, chairman of the village park commission, announced today. The court is expected to be ready for use sometime early in July. Earlier this spring, it was thought that none of three courts would be completed this season. However, plans for the completion of at least one of them were worked out in recent conferences between Mr. Merrill and Mayor Fred Gillen. The additional court will mean the doubling of present tennis facilities at Glen park, only one court being in use there now. The present court has always been taxed to capacity during past seasons, and local tennis enthusiast will welcome the additional playing area.
July 5, 1939 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - One of the three new tennis courts under construction in Waverly Glen Park the past year has been completed and put into use. There are now two courts available in the Glen Park. The old court in the lower glen will be reconditioned this week.
April 8, 1947 The Evening Times - Damage, estimated by Mayor Leon Evans of Waverly at $500, has been done to Waverly Glen Park during the past several weeks by vandals, it was revealed as a result of a check made this week. Prior to starting work of repairing Glen park for summer opening, Mayor Evans and Willis Klink, newly appointed park commissioner, made a survey of facilities and found costly damage to fireplaces, tennis courts, stairs to slides and the pavilion roof. Mayor Evans stated that fireplaces were knocked over and broken with grills bent or missing; large boulders tossed on the roof of the pavilion; stairways to the slides tipped over and poles to hold wire netting around the upper tennis courts were bent over. Police Chief Lloyd M. Hedges was notified of the damage and started work on investigation of the happenings. If the vandals are taken into custody, they will be prosecuted and punished under the law. For the next few weeks, village workmen will clean up the grounds, rebuild fireplaces; replace slides and paint benches and tables in preparation for the official opening about May 30. Tennis courts will be resurfaced and new netting and uprights will be installed. Mayor Evans asks residents and children to use consideration when they are using facilities at the village owned park. He stated that it takes considerable amounts of money to make repairs for damage, which is sometimes caused by people's poor judgement.
July 8, 1947 Elmira Star Gazette - Park Wading Pool Voted At Waverly. Construction of a wading pool in Waverly Glen Park for youngsters was approved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees Monday night following the suggestion offered by Dr. John B. Schamel, village health officer. Approval of the State Board of Health will be sought and depth of the pool will be such that no paid attendant will be required. Members of the board offered to assist in constructing the forms for the pool and appropriated $200 for the construction from the Recreation Fund with the possibility that more will be taken from the Park Appropriation fund. The pool would be constructed above the creek level near the large pavilion.
July 12, 1947 Evening Times - ... The three glen tennis courts, two upper and one lower, are being used to capacity each day, with exception of rain storms. ... The Waverly mayor further stated that people are not only using the table and cooking facilities at noon and evening, but he has also seen many residents preparing their breakfast at Waverly's recreation spot. Plans for the new wading pool are progressing rapidly, Mayor Evans said. Materials are being secured and the project may be completed within two weeks.
June 8, 1948 The Evening Times - Store at Waverly Glen now open. Ice cream sold by dish or qt. Also plenty of pop and charcoal.
June 30, 1949 Elmira Star Gazette - Playground Registration Slated Friday. Waverly - Andrew Codispoti, Waverly recreation director, announced today that registration for the Waverly playgrounds will be Friday. ... Mr. Codispoti said a concession will be operated at Waverly Glen but there was no other reason for youngsters to carry money to the playground areas. Official opening of the Lincoln Street Field and Glen Park will be July 5.
Aug. 6, 1949 The Evening Times - Waverly Glen park has undergone a face-lifting this year for the first time since the war, and is rapidly regaining its popularity as a picnic and play area for young and old, who flock there by the hundreds daily, especially in hot weather. The eye-catching waterfall at the upper end of the park is one of the many focal points for those who like spectacular scenery. - Three new slides have been added this year. - fireplaces and picnic tables - The park was built and is maintained out of Waverly village funds. - The wading pool, one of the most popular features at the park. The amacite walk surrounding the pool was built this year. - The tennis courts have been refurbished this year, - refreshment stand - There are many games available, quoits for the oldsters, and of course softball for the more active ones. - The sand box is forever popular - The Miracle Whirl is a new piece of equipment added this year, and popular as can be - A Jungle Gym, consisting of parallel and horizontal bars, is another new fun producer. -
Aug. 8, 1954 Elmira Star Gazette - ... Miss Doris Line is the playground director at the Waverly Glen where during the hot weather the wading pool, open from 1 to 3 p.m. daily is the big attraction for the children. Then at the Glen also are the very best of swings, slides and other playground equipment and there also a record player is used for both music and for the telling of stories during a special period in the day. Both active and inactive games of high and low organization are held at the Glen Park, with badminton, horseshoes, jokari (a new type of paddle ball game), and arts and crafts listed among the activities. Also at the Glen are the weekly tennis instruction classes for all ages, and both boys and girls, with instructor Harold Monroe. ... Summer dances are slated once a week at the Waverly Glen.
Aug. 8, 1962 The Evening Times - Annual Affair Conducted at Waverly Glen. Susan Cannavino and Frank Roney were crowned queen and king yesterday afternoon at the annual Waverly Recreation Wading Pool contest held at the Waverly Glen pool. Runners-up were a brother and sister duet, Mark and Mary Ann Hogan. The four winners received boxes of candy donated by Mrs. Louise Brewer. Susan and Frank received trophies and the runners-up were presented rosettes. Miss Bonnie Brewer crowned the king and Paul Bohn, recreation commission, crowned the queen. While the children marched around the pool, music was provided by the Waverly Glen playground registrants under the supervision of Miss Nancy Campbell. Miss Brewer escorted the children to the pool area. The contestants were judged on posture, coordination, neatness, dress, cleanliness and grooming. Judges were members of the Waverly Senior Citizens club, Mrs. Esther Wheat, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood and Mrs. Effie Eastham. The Recreation Department extended thanks to the Loyal Order of the Moose for the use of chairs for spectators.
From Elmira Star Gazette Aug. 8, 1965 - ...The village of Waverly has owned the glen since the early 1920's, when village officials began purchasing blocks of property from various owners. Prior to that it had enjoyed a local reputation as a pleasant location for a family outing when the weather became warm. In the 1920's village officials began the purchase of land from the Ohart farm, Austin farm and Glenwood Cemetery Association that owned land in the glen.
By 1923 the major portion of the property was obtained. It included some of the land that is part of the Waverly Water Department property, that department having been added in 1912 with the purchase of a private water company by the village. It was during the 1920's that a plan for development of the glen was drawn by Cornell University representatives. The plan outlined possible means through which the glen could be converted into a park. First a pavilion and concession stand was constructed (it is still in use), with the local fire department lending its assistance in this venture.
Swings, slides, teeter-totters and other amusements were added for the younger set. Safety fences and other protections were included to prevent possible accidents on the steep side hills.
Picnic tables under open pavilions were provided for picnics. Roads were installed and constantly improved to provide better access to the facilities. A bridge across Dry Brook was erected and a roadway cut through to the upper glen. Steps were installed on the steep embankment between the upper and lower glen areas, with a pavilion being constructed halfway up the hillside. As the glen was developed, its use by Valley residents increased, with Athens, Sayre and South Waverly folks also using the park. Tennis courts were later added at the glen entrance and a wading pool installed.
July 29, 1974 The Evening Times - "Beg, Borrow and Steel," a popular rock group, will again be at Waverly Glen, Tuesday evening, July 30, from 8 o'clock until 11 for another dance. There will be a small donation. A spokesman for the Glen stated that the reception to the Waverly facility by the people has been tremendous this summer. Each weekend the tables are full of picnickers and there are many others there. Not only is the Glen being used during the day, but also used evenings with concerts and dances for all ages and more are scheduled. Steve Crosby and Roger Bacorn will present a young people's concert on Aug. 8, and later in August, a Barbershop Quartet will present a concert. The is the most the Glen has been used in many years and the facilities are the cleanest and well-cared for. The Waverly Glen is for the public to enjoy and all are invited to take advantage of the facility.
Aug. 11, 1974 The Evening Times - Waverly Glen is having one of its most successful seasons. Henry Laman, Waverly Parks Commissioner, stated that the use of the facilities by various groups for reunions, employer - employe picnics and others has been far in excess of previous years. Maintenance has been of prime importance, due to the employment of summer help, but a great deal of credit must be given to those who use the Glen and properly dispose of all refuse. This indicates an interest and pride and lends itself to a continuation of the present programs. An added attraction this year has been the appearance of various musical groups, with more making reservations for future appearances. Due to the diversification of the forms of entertainment, there will be something for everyone, Laman stated. Those wishing to make reservations should call 565-9010 or 565-2603.
June 26, 1976 Elmira Star Gazette - Joseph R. Cummings, recreation director for the village since 1973, as been named superintendent of parks by the village board. Cummings, 28, is a 1965 graduate of Waverly High School and received his bachelor of science degree in recreation from Cortland State University in 1969. ... Cummings receives $12,300 a year as recreation director. He will be paid $2,000 more for the added parks position. Village officials are planning improvements at the Waverly Glen Park under Cummings' supervision. Leary noted that the East Waverly park was upgraded largely under Cummings supervision. "We will match Waverly's recreation program with any in the state," Leary said. "The East Waverly complex speaks for itself."
Sept. 11, 1977 Elmira Star Gazette - State park is proposed for storm-hit Tioga area. Waverly - What Hurricane Agnes destroyed could be transformed into a wonderland for tourists and an economic boon for this border-line village. Mayor Daniel F. Leary and County Legislator Leon U. Thomas last week formally proposed that the Waverly Water Board reservoirs and up to 500 acres of timberland become Tioga County's first state park. "One thing in our favor is that we have the land already," said Leary. A letter has been sent to the Finger Lakes Parks and Recreation Commission for a priority rating. Administrator of that unit is Andrew Mazzella, former Hornell mayor. Leary and Thomas said the main hopes of financial support for the state park are contained in the Economic Action Bond Act of 1977 that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot statewide. The two and county legislator chairman Edward Hubbarb were given a preview of the bond advantages by state officials recently in Owego. Leary said the proposed three-year, $750 million bond issue is expected to generate $3 billion in capitol programs for the state. The state park idea stems from the fact that high waters from the 1972 Agnes storm weakened the upper Waverly reservoir. Army Corps of Engineers' crews breached the bigger dam, pocketed among thousands of tall pine trees. In the project proposal, drafted by parks Supt. Joseph Cummings, Leary said a number of economic and recreation advantages were outlined. The bond issue is being promoted by state officials as a job generator, industry incentive and a vehicle to get federal aid for state programs. Leary noted that with the Southern Tier Expressway (Rt. 17) having two exits for Waverly, it would be practical to incorporate campsites in the park plan. Also, he said the state is intensifying a push for tourism and a possible swimming, motors boat launching area and nature trails would enhance this effort. Indications are Gov. Hugh Carey would appoint a six-panel committee that would review all applications. Final approval would be by the state senate. This would all be contingent upon the abandonment of the reservoirs after the new well is established," Leary said. The water board has plans for about $2 million in distribution improvements. The breach of the dam caused the capacity of the production system to drop, necessitating steps to replenish the water supply. The board in August accepted a $12,840 bid for the drilling of a production well on the Pembleton Place site that was determined a possible good water source. In line with the ground water supply system, the Water Board has obtained a $600,000 five per cent loan from the Farmers Home Administration for construction of a covered storage tank. Leary said added local incentive comes from a speech he heard by Carey at the June state Mayor's Convention. "He indicated at that time there would be a concerned effort to stimulate interest to get back industry and jobs lost in New York in the past two years." On Sept. 1, Leary and Thomas met with David Colchamiro of the Governor's Economic Task Force at Owego and six other state representatives. Two sample village projects mentioned for inclusion under the bond act at that time were the water storage tank and a $50,000 plan for improving Waverly parks. Leary said the village had secured funding for the water project and that Cummings had filed an application for "A new state park would stimulate growth in the area, not only in tourism, but for small business and industry," said Leary. Thomas, a little skeptical about the upstate area benefitting from the bond issue but in support of the Waverly park plan, said, "I'm afraid that small counties like Tioga will get shoved right in the corner." Agreeing with Leary that it would boost the economy, he said Tioga may be the only county in the state without a state-owned park. "I feel the citizens in Tioga County rate the same as the rest of the state," Thomas said. If the bond issue goes down in defeat, Leary said he would join with Thomas in seeking federal funding for development of the reservoir park. Once developed, he said it would be almost certain that the state would want to assume management.
Aug. 9, 1978 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly Water Board to get new storage tank. A $410,200 contract for a 600,000 gallon water storage tank was awarded to Preload Technology Corp. of Garden City Tuesday by the Waverly Water Board. ... Taylor said, "It's doubtful whether the tank will be completed before winter sets in but it will not create a problem." The village has been drawing water from three wells and during peak periods, from the reservoir above Waverly Glen. Still under study by the water board are the two impounding areas that for many years were used as village reservoirs. Tayor said a local study on the abandonment of the reservoirs is being conducted. Also projected in the construction of a fourth well "to complete the system as an emergency measure," Taylor said. He noted that the three ground water sources are adequate but said in event of maintenance problems, a fourth supply would guarantee a good supply. ... One well that was drilled off Pembleton Place has not been put into operation. Taylor said a pump house is needed but bids for that project haven't been let.
Aug. 14, 1983 Elmira Star Gazette - By Rebecca Vucetich - Waverly - Dry Brook Creek in Waverly Glen Park will have 350 feet of new stream bank thanks to the efforts of six high school kids working on a summer project. The six Barton teens, hired under a Tioga County-run project funded by the state, this week will finish their work. They are building "gabien baskets" into the west side of the stream bank along tennis courts at the park, to keep it from washing away. The gabiens are rocks covered with wire mesh. The project is one of several park projects throughout the county done by the Environmental Youth Corps. The workers, selected through a lottery, are paid minimum wage for their work. The Soil and Water Conservation District oversees the projects. Now there is barely a trickle of water in the creek, but last fall high water in the creek washed away a flood retention wall and might eventually have endangered the two rebuilt tennis courts along the creek. The two walls of stone, one atop the other and tilted at an angle into the bank, are about 8 feet high. Each wall is 4 feet deep, one set in 2 feet deeper. The six students had to dig out the stream bed a foot deep to put in the gabiens. The walls will be covered with dirt and then planted with greenery to keep it from wearing away. The students had to comb the area for flat rocks for the gabiens. "There are no more flat stones in Waverly, " said supervisor Miles McNett.
mytwintiers.com - Waverly Glen Park revitalization project. by: Nikita Ramos posted Dec. 27, 2018. Updated Dec. 27, 2018. Waverly Glen Park will be getting quite the makeover in the next few years. A New York State grant awarded $490,000 to the municipality to fund a number of major upgrades throughout the park. Daniel Leary, former mayor of Waverly and the project coordinator, said community contributions for the project reached nearly $50,000 of the village's $150,000 portion of the grant. Upgrades will include: Upper pavilion restoration, picnic tables, landscaping, updates to entryway, install pathways, fix bathrooms, improve waterfall area, pave parking area, install amphitheater. The amphitheater installation is one of the biggest updates of the project. "Starting in June every year, we probably put on 12 to 14 band concert in the Muldoon Park every year, you'd be surprised at the senior citizens that come out to just listen to music, and we want to provide that into the glen area and we think that we can do that," Leary said. Work on the project is expected to begin as early as Jan. 4. The project will be divided into three different phases, the last part will be completed by 2021. Waverly Glen Park is comprised of about 60 acres of forest and park land, priding itself on its natural assets. "Peak season, May, June, July, we average anywhere from 1,000 to 1500 people in here," David Shaw, the Parks and Recreation Director for the Village of Waverly, said. Within the next few years, the Gem tucked in the north westernmost corner of the village can be seeing even more visitors. The mayor of Waverly believes that park strikes a sense of nostalgia for other generations. "A lot of memories for people going back generations, they played here as children, they come as adults, they bring their own children, their grandchildren its a wonderful place, it's beautiful," Patrick Ayres, Mayor of Waverly, said. The project will modernize the park but also maintain the natural beauty and charm of the glen.
July 26, 2021 - Posted on fb by Waverly Police Department - Community Event - Waverly Glen - Saturday August 7th 11 AM - 3 PM - The Village of Waverly will be hosting a community event Saturday 8/7 to commemorate all of the upgrades and improvements to the Waverly Glen Park.
Admission is free to all members of the public, there will be music and refreshments throughout the event.
*** Important - Parking & Shuttle Service - please read ***
Parking inside the park will be limited to handicap permitted vehicles only, parking on surrounding streets is permitted according to posted regulations.
The Waverly Central School District will be providing a shuttle service beginning at 10:30 AM at the Lincoln Street Elementary School. Attendees can park at the lot between Lincoln & Center to utilize the shuttle service which will run throughout the event.
Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area:
In 2005, Two Rivers State Park officially became known as a state park. It contains 553 acres. Hiking trails can be accessed from Waverly Glen Park, which can be entered at the intersection of West Pine street and Moore street and also accessed from the parking area on Banzhoff road.
From the end of 220 South, turn right onto Chemung street, take the first left turn which is a left onto Pine street, (western part of the village of Waverly). Go past Tracy road. Then, turn left onto West Pine street, go past Clinton ave. Waverly Glen Park entrance is on the right at intersection with West Pine street and Moore street.
About one mile past the entrance to Waverly Glen Park, there is a parking lot on West Pine Street/Banzhoff road for access to the state park. The parking lot is just past Stropes Road on the right. West Pine street turns into Banzhoff road.
The State Park features trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing/X-country skiing.
June 21, 2005 The Ithaca Journal - State uses Tioga fourth-grader's idea for new park name - Pataki, officials hope park will boost Waverly-area economy. By Jeff Murray. Gannett New Service. Waverly - A Tioga County fourth-grader came up with the name of the county's first state park - Two Rivers - Gov. George Pataki and other state officials announced Monday. Pataki, who appeared Monday at the site off Waverly Street Extension for the announcement, was joined by fourth-grade pupils from several Tioga County schools who participated in a contest to name the park. Local and state officials say the park could boost the economy in the Waverly area. "Tioga County is a wonderful place to be. We've worked hard to improve your economic climate," Pataki said. This is the first time the state has asked schoolchildren to come up with a name for a park, said Bernadette Castro, commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. About 150 fourth-graders turned in ideas. The winning entry was submitted by Nathan Zimmer of Tioga Elementary School, who said he came up with the name after studying local and state history in school. "We found out the Indians called Waverly Oo-non-Tioga. That means village on the hill between the waters," Zimmer wrote in his essay. "I saw on a map that Waverly is between the Chemung River and the Susquehanna River. I think people will want to come to the park because they can hike the hill and can go kayaking, boating and fishing on the nearby rivers." Local officials who attended Monday's ceremony were excited about the opportunities that will open up for the area when the new park is fully open. "Waverly is really on a roll, and we have the state of New York to thank. There's a lot to be grateful for," said Waverly Mayor Anne Z. Martin. "Waverly is at a crossroads. This park will serve as a destination as well as a gateway to the Finger Lakes," said Marty Borko, chairman of the Tioga County Legislature. The new park is part of Pataki's pledge to create 1 million acres of new parkland during his tenure. It's also part of the state's effort to pair economic development with quality of life issues, he said. The governor's office and Castro's office also worked closely with state Assemblyman Tom O'Mara, R-137th District, and state Sen. Thomas Libous, R-52nd District, to put the park package together. The initial plan was to buy the land and set it aside because there was no money to develop it, Libous said. "I was able to work with Tom O'Mara and we got $1 million in the budget this year," he said. "That's critical. That development hopefully will begin later this year." The state announced in April that it had acquired 380 acres from the village of Waverly and another 100 acres from a private landowner to create the park, which will feature boating, fishing, hiking trails, camping and picnic areas. Since then, the state closed a deal to buy another 73 acres from Donald B. Frederick Sr. of Waverly, Pataki announced Monday, bringing the total acreage to 553. Frederick turned down several other offers for the property before the state came knocking. "I have been very much a conservationist and lover of the outdoors," Frederick said. "I had the opportunity to sell parts of it. I never wanted to get into development of it. I think a state park is the ultimate best use.
April 24, 2006 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Outlook bright for new state park. By Debbie Swartz - Gannett News Service. Visitors to Two Rivers State Park this summer will have limited opportunities - hiking, and maybe picnicking and mountain biking. But the future could include scores of activities. The 553-acre park, acquired in 2005, will not have many amenities in 2006 because several studies and a master plan have yet to be completed, said Sue Poelvoorde, senior natural resources planner for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The installation of toilets, picnic tables and a small parking lot are on the agenda this year, she said. In addition, the completion of $50,000 worth of studies needs to be done, including a biodiversity study on the animal, plant and aquatic life, she said. Once the studies near completion - and before the master plan is completed in late 2007 - comment from the public will be sought. "We are working on plans for the park," she said, "and we will be having public information meetings to talk with folks. We need to hear from the community." The site features mostly wooded acreage, with some open spaces, a stream and a reservoir. It is located north of Chemung Street, between Walker Hill Road and Banzhoff Road. The land in Tioga County's first state park includes plots purchased from the village of Waverly and two private landowners for $615,988. The village will donate its $162,000 sale price to the state for development of the park. the park got its name, Two Rivers, from Tioga Central School District fourth-grader Nathan Zimmer, who thought people who use the park might also like to use the nearby Chemung and Susquehanna rivers. Future possibilities for the multimillion-dollar park include a campground, cabins, swimming in a man-mad facility, athletic playing fields, concession stands, non motorized boating, all-season fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, Poelvoorde said. The park might include a path for snowmobiles, but no all-terrain vehicles will be permitted. One definite plan is to have playgrounds. "We're doing playgrounds that would appeal and are appropriate with different age groups," Poelvoorde said. Admission to the park will likely be free this year, she said, and future fees will be based on the amenities offered. Poelvoorde and Stella Reschke, Tioga County tourism director, agreed that the park would provide an economic boost to the area. "It's a fantastic opportunity to gain visitors," Reschke said, "and to have them spend money in our towns and villages."
Aug. 19, 2007 Elmira Star Gazette - Finger Lakes State Parks Commission, of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, meeting; 10 a.m. Two Rivers State Park, Park House, Waverly.
May 19, 2012 The Ithaca Journal - Facilities escape from closure, but not unscathed. By Jeff Murray - Only a few years ago, it appeared some of those parks would have to severely curtail their hours or even close. Newtown Battlefield State Park near Elmira and Two Rivers State Park just outside Waverly were among the sites slated for closure. In May 2010, then-Gov. David Paterson and the state legislature agreed on a plan to preserve 41 state parks and 14 historic sites. All parks are ready and open for business, but that doesn't mean there aren't lingering problems, said Tim Joseph, regional director for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "A chronic issue we have is swimming and lifeguards, particularly at Robert Treman and Buttermilk Falls (in Ithaca). We're always struggling to keep swimming open," Joseph said. ... The total state park operating budget for the Finger Lakes region is slightly more than $4 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year, Joseph said. That's 23 percent less than five years ago, when the operating budget was $5.2 million. Maintenance issues. Funding for routine maintenance and upkeep is also a chronic problem for state parks, and has been for at least the last 10 years, Joseph said. ...
May 6, 2017 Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin - Volunteer to clean, enhance local parks - Katie Sullivan - On Saturday, parks across New York where many often gather to relax will be filled with people hard at work. Volunteers will be clearing brush, picking up liter and spreading gravel at area parks as part of I Love My Park Day. ... Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area will team up with Waverly Glen Village Park to map trails, paint bird houses and clean up the trail head area. ...
Oct. 22, 2017 Elmira Star Gazette - Hunting at Finger Lakes state parks - Many state parks in the Finger Lakes Region are open to various types of hunting activities. In the Southern Tier, Watkins Glen State Park, Two Rivers State Park in Waverly, Newtown Battlefield near Elmira, Mark Twain State Park in Horseheads and the Pinnacle in Addison are among state parks open to archery hunting for deer. Pinnacle and Two Rivers State Park are also open for muzzleloader hunting only during the regular deer season. ...
Dec. 29, 2017 The Ithaca Journal - First Day Hikes - Here are some examples of hikes in our area on Jan. 1. ... Two Rivers State Park, Waverly Meet-up location: Parking area: restrooms off Banzhoff Road. Beginning time of walk/hike: 10 a.m. Approximate distance: 2 miles. Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate. ...
2021 - From the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website - Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area - Banzhoff Road Waverly, NY. Finger Lakes Region.
Deer hunting (bow and muzzleloading only - no shotgun or rifle) is permitted in season. Please reference the NYS DEC Hunting and Trapping Guide for current dates and rules. A valid New York State hunting license with the proper hunting stamps will serve as the regional hunting permit. Note: Additional park specific permits include (1) daily signing in and out at the Romtek bathroom on Banzhoff Road and (2) a self-issued permit to be carried on hunter at all times when hunting and are available at the daily sign in location. ... Signs will be posted at all parks during hunting season to notify patrons of this activity. Handguns will not be permitted in any of the parks. No trapping is allowed. For additional information, please contact Two Rivers State Park at: 607 - 732 - 6287.
Amenities: Biking, Hiking, Hunting, Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing.
Waverly Historical Society Museum:
A museum at 435 Chemung street, dedicated to preserving and displaying historical items and events from Waverly and surrounding areas. The museum is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 - 4 pm excluding major holidays. Private/group tours can be arranged as well as class reunions, etc. by contacting waverlyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC):
Located at 345 Broad street, is dedicated to the education, research and preservation of the prehistoric and early historic archaeological record of the region. Their museum is open 1 -5 pm Tuesdays through Fridays and Saturdays 11 am - 4 pm, with a gift shop. Please check their website for hours in case of changes.
