South Westerlo

Location

South Westerlo is a hamlet near the south town line. It was formerly known as Smith's Mills.

History

David Smith and his brother Thomas Smith settled in this area and were first to construct and operate grist and saw mills and second to establish with partner, Reuben Wooster, the first general store and potash business. David and Thomas' sister Susannah married Nathaniel Saxton who lived near Saratoga, New York. Their son, Thomas came to work in his uncle's store and later became a store owner himself as well as the first village postmaster and large land owner. The community chose the name Smith's Mills after these Smith's. In 1829, when the first post office was established, the townsfolk, obsessed by religion as their brethren to the north, rejected the name Smith's Mills and instead chose the name of South Westerlo after Eilardus Westerlo a Dutch Reformed clergyman from Albany. It is also possible that having a Smith's Corners so near Smith's Mills might have been confusing to the residents and postmaster that this may have been the reason for the name change.

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  History courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  History courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  History courtesy of Dennis Fancher

Churches

• Christian Church

Schools

• South Westerlo Public School
• School District #1 in South Westerlo

Historic Businesses

This section will have the history of each business beginning from its establishment, through various ownerships and name changes. Pictures may be used provided you have authority to post them.

Hotels, Inns, Taverns, and Resorts

• George Robbins General Store
• Crystal Spring Farm
• The Blue Churn Country Store
• The Student Prince
• Grand View House
• Shepard Farm

Sawmills and Feedmills

• Grist Mill of David Smith

Industry

• The Elgin Creamery
• Clear View Speedway
• Harvesting Ice
• Calder's General Store

Cemeteries

• Westerlo Central Cemetery

Photo Gallery

This section is for scenic photos and post cards of the hamlet. Photos of people and families should be posted on biography or family pages.

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  Auction Sale, photo courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  Main Street
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  Post Card
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  Back of Post Card
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  Joe Farkas, photo courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  Stock Car, photo courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  Memorial Day Ribbon, photo courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  Mill Workers, photo courtesy of Dennis Fancher
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  Main Street
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  on top of hill next to so.westerlo fire house looking east at 32 and what turned into shepards...blinking light there now..
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  South Westerlo CR 405
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  Main street south westerlo, hand painted

Sources