Leonardsville, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonardsville
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 Leonardsville
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Madison |
| Town | Brookfield |
| Elevation | 1,168 ft (356 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 243 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 955217 |
Leonardsville is a small community called a hamlet. It is located on the Unadilla River in Madison County, New York. A small part of it also extends into Otsego County.
Contents
A Look Back at Leonardsville
How Leonardsville Started
In the early 1800s, Leonardsville began as a group of small factories. These factories used power from a dam on the Unadilla River. Locals called these places "the shops." They made things like scythes and hoes. There was also a blacksmith shop and a grist mill. A saw mill and a wagon shop were also part of the community.
Getting Its Name
Like many small towns, Leonardsville got its name from the Post Office Department. They named it after Reuben Leonard. He ran a local grocery and dry goods business. His store was a handy spot for people to drop off their mail.
Changes Over Time
In 1856, a fire destroyed the grist mill, saw mill, and a factory. But they were all rebuilt right away. Soon after, the Babcock family bought the shops. They ran them until the 1930s. At their busiest, they employed over 100 workers.
Until the 1950s, Leonardsville was a stop on the Unadilla Valley Railway. It also had a milk station, which is now a recycling center. There was also a feed store. None of the old factory buildings are left today. However, the former Crandall Department Store still stands. It is now a well-known restaurant called the Horned Dorset.
Schools and History
Leonardsville had its own school for all grades, from kindergarten to 12th grade. This school operated until 1969. Then, the school district joined with nearby towns. This created the Mount Markham Central School District. The old Leonardsville school building became an elementary school until 2001. Now, it is used for special educational programs.
The Wheeler House Complex is an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Population Information
In 2010, the population of Leonardsville was 243 people. By 2016, the population had decreased to 110. The average age of people living there in 2016 was 52 years old.
