Salamanca Area Historical Society Museum

04/04/2026

"Monuments are the grappling irons that bind one generation to another...."
RIP: 64 Main Street

03/28/2026

UPDATE ON 64 MAIN STREET: As of this writing, Saturday March 28th, the building is still standing but this could change as early as next week. Our Facebook post of the dire straits facing this historic landmark has had over 18,000 views and many positive comments on how to save this facade. People really do care!

JOSH ARMSTRONG took the photo of the building, and had it enhanced to show just how beautiful the building could look.

AT THIS TIME...I am trying to secure at least the metal rings at the very top of the building but not sure if that is even possible...

03/14/2026

Is this "Farewell" to 64 Main Street?? Formally known as the Odd Fellow Building, this structure was damaged by fire and demolition is imminent. Built in 1904, the building is architecturally significant as an example of Renaissance Revival style and was constructed as the headquarter for the local chapter of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).
Located immediately adjacent to the Masonic Temple, this building has significant architectural features, including the letters IOOF spelled out below the windows and the joined rings at the center of the top cornice.
The building is privately owned and is not on the tax roll. As such, the City of Salamanca is not in a position to try and save the building, as they did with the building adjacent to our museum.
The Salamanca Area Historical Society and Museum feels strongly that this building facade should somehow be saved and believe creative thinking outside of the box is needed immediately.

The Salamanca Area Historical Society Museum is located in a beautifully restored 1882 bank builing.

02/05/2026

The Salamanca Class of 1976 held their reunion. Was it the 10th ? Appears to be the Moose Club. Recognize anyone?

01/31/2026

Presenting the Prospect Elementary 1963 Kindergarten Class. And I have absolutely no names to go with it. I believe the teacher may be Mrs. Barnes ? Does anybody recognize anyone ??

01/17/2026

This is labeled "Federal Flood Project" and appeared in the 1968 Allegany State Park supplement.

12/27/2025

This station had several owners, including Dan Magiera and Arleigh Hill...

12/27/2025

Corner of Main and Clinton...adjacent to the theater. Date is 1959...

12/20/2025

United Association of Journeymen Plumbers, Gas & Steam Fitters, Local 454, Salamanca, NY... Year unknown

11/22/2025

The 1908 Cattaraugus County Centennial Parade !! Note the Centennial Arch at the end of Main Street, which was re-created for the 2008 Bi-Centennial Parade on the same site. These photos were post cards sold to help defray the cost of the celebration...

11/15/2025

A slight change of pace.... I came across this "copy of a copy of a copy" photograph and thought it was especially interesting because it shows four modes of transportation on our Main Street Bridge: an early auto, a bicycle, a horse and carriage and walking. Note the cool streetlamps and what appears to be a billboard on the left. That is, I believe Andrews Theater on the left so I am thinking this must be after the great fire of 1923. But I would be interested in what our Facebook friends have to say...

10/30/2025

One of our favorite pictures of Main Street. The stores all seem to have bright colored awnings and note the second and third floor balconies on the Nies Building on the left. On the right the sign indicates "Empire Store- Clothes for Men Women and Children" According to the 1914 City Directory, the Empire Clothing company was located at 58 Main Street and was owned by Louis Kohn. I have not researched to see if Mort Kohn is his son. Future occupants of 58 Main would include the Larkin Economy Store, the O'Rourke Furniture Company and City Carpet and Linoleum...