Zoar, New York facts for kids
Zoar is a small community, also called a hamlet, located in Erie County, New York. It's part of the town of Collins. Even though it's in Collins, mail sent to Zoar uses the Gowanda ZIP code. Zoar is found on the north side of the beautiful Zoar Valley.
Contents
Zoar's Past: A Look at History
Ancient Life: Stone Age People
Long ago, during the Stone Age, people called Algonquians lived in the Zoar area. These people were nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place. They did not stay in one spot.
A very old mound, built by the Algonquians, is found on a farm near Zoar. Experts believe this mound is about 3,500 years old. When people dug there, they found old tools. These included spearheads, copper heads, and simple stone tools.
Secret Paths: The Underground Railroad
Zoar has a hidden history. It was once a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of safe places. It helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada. This happened around the 1860s, during the American Civil War.
A secret tunnel still exists today. It connects an old train stop to a property once owned by William and Evelyn Glazier. Their home was a safe house for those seeking freedom. A special sign marks the tunnel's exit on their land.
Old Trees and Sweet Syrup
Many maple trees in Zoar are very old, some 200 to 300 years old. You can find them along South Quaker Street and Vail Road. For many decades, locals have tapped these trees each spring. They collect the sap to make delicious maple syrup and maple sugar candy.
Sadly, some of these old trees have become sick and died. Others were cut down when South Quaker Street was rebuilt around 1990-1995.
Life in the Zoar Community
The Zoar community is home to many families. They live in a hilly area with lots of open space. You can see pastures, fields, woods, and ponds. Some residents own farms with dairy cows, horses, and other animals. Other people simply own homes without farmland.
Businesses in Zoar
Local Farms and Nurseries
For many years, a company called Congdon and Weller Nurseries owned land here. They grew trees, shrubs, and other plants. Today, Capella Farms operates on South Quaker Street. They have been farming in the area for decades.
Mining and Water Concerns
On Vail Road, there is an excavation site run by the Gernatt Family of Companies. In 2013, people living nearby worried about this site. The company wanted to expand its mining. Residents were concerned about how this would affect the natural environment. They also worried about their water supply. Most homes in Zoar get their water from wells or natural springs. So, protecting the water is very important to them.
Motorcycle Shop: A Popular Stop
Reid's Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Shop is a family-owned business. It has been on Gowanda-Zoar Road for many years. This shop is a popular place for bikers. People come from all over the United States and Canada to visit it.
