Mottville, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mottville
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 Mottville
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Onondaga |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
13119, 13152
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| Area code(s) | 315 |
Mottville is a small community called a hamlet in New York, United States. It is located within the Town of Skaneateles. On July 28, 2002, a tornado touched down in Mottville.
Contents
Mottville's Early Days
Mottville was first known by a different name, "Sodom." It was later called "Mottsville" before becoming Mottville. The community got its name from Arthur Mott. He was the son of Lydia P. Mott.
Arthur Mott moved to the area around 1820. He started a woolen factory. This factory was built where an old flour mill used to be. Arthur Mott was an important person in the community for a while.
The very first person to settle in the area that became Mottville was a "squatter" named Sabin Elliott. A squatter is someone who lives on land without owning it.
Mottville in 1836
By 1836, Mottville was growing. It had about thirty homes. There was also a post office. The community had a furnace, a mill for grinding grain (grist mill), and a saw mill for cutting wood. A tavern, which was like an inn or hotel, was run by W. H. Mershon.
Many merchants had businesses in Mottville. These included Earll, Watson & Co., Alanson Watson, and S. L. Benedict. The Benedict Brothers also had a store, but it was destroyed by fire in October 1865.
After 1816, Putnam, Porter & Leonard built a factory that made parts for water wheels. In 1831, S. C. Wheadon, Erastus Nye, and George P. Adams took over this business. George B. Harwood used to have a shop that made harnesses for horses.
Other small communities also grew nearby. These included Kellogg's Mills, Willow Glen, and Glenside.
The Skaneateles Community
Near Mottville, there was a unique group called the Skaneateles Community. They published a newspaper called The Communitist. This paper came out every two weeks starting in 1844. Its motto was: "Free inquiry—general progression—common possessions—oneness of interest—universal brotherhood."
The main person behind this newspaper was John A. Collins. He was an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He also believed in communal living, where people share everything. The newspaper did not have any advertisements.
Lydia P. Mott and the "Hive" School
Lydia P. Mott was a very interesting person. She was born on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean on February 23, 1775. Since she was on her way to Philadelphia, she was named Lydia Philadelphia Stansbury.
She grew up in the Episcopal church. Later, she became a well-known member and preacher in the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. In 1797, she married Robert Mott.
After her husband passed away, Lydia Mott moved to Skaneateles around 1818. She bought a farm and lived there with her son, Arthur, who later founded Mottville.
Lydia Mott started a school for girls called the "Friends Female Boarding School." It was also known as the "Hive." This school was located on the Cuddeback farm, on the west side of Skaneateles lake. People described her as a kind, caring, and excellent teacher.
