Cuba (town), New York
Encyclopedia
Cuba is a town
in Allegany County
, New York
, USA
. The Town lies on the western border of Allegany County, with the Village of Cuba
within its borders. Cuba is approximately an hour and a half drive south of Rochester
and Buffalo
, New York
. The federally recognized tribe of Seneca
Native Americans have a reservation on the western town line.
, the town has a total area of 35.8 square miles (92.8 km²), of which, 35.1 square miles (91.0 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (1.95%) is water.
The west town line is the border of Cattaraugus County
, New York.
The Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86
and New York State Route 17
) pass through the town running east-west. New York State Route 305
is a major north-south highway that intersects New York State Route 446
in the village of Cuba.
Cuba is on the main line of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, which operates the former Erie Railroad
between Hornell, New York
and Meadville, Pennsylvania
.
. It is east of the town of Ischua
in Cattaraugus County and west of the town of Friendship
.
Some people think that the town was named after the island of Cuba
. A common reason for this is that there are other towns in the area with names of Spanish
cities or towns, such as Salamanca
, Cadiz
, Panama
, Mexico
and Bolivar, to name a few. Another town, Belfast, although not Spanish, bears the name of another foreign city (in Northern Ireland
or Ulster
).
of 2000, there were 3,392 people, 1,336 households, and 915 families residing in the town. The population density
was 96.6 people per square mile (37.3/km²). There were 1,710 housing units at an average density of 48.7 per square mile (18.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.91% White, 0.27% Black or African American
, 0.24% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.27% from other races
, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
There were 1,336 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples
living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $33,939, and the median income for a family was $37,969. Males had a median income of $29,291 versus $21,115 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $17,247. About 6.0% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
. In 1830, Cuba was reduced by the formation of the Town of Genesee
. In 1835, Cuba was partitioned again to form the Town of Clarksville
.
Formerly known as Township 3 Range 2 of the Holland Land Purchase, the settlement of Cuba began in 1817, and the town was separated in 1822, and a village incorporated in 1850. Between 1810 to the late 1820s the place saw a boom in both settlement and population as many of the town's first businesses, churches and schools were established.
The McKinney Stables of Empire City Farms
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1999.
, New York, which houses Friendship Dairies, Cuba has been a top producer of dairy products since the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Cuba was known as the 'Cheese Capital of the World', but has since lost that reputation with the economic downturn in Upstate
-Central
-Western
New York
and the closing of several factories. Today, it is home to the Empire Cheese Factory, located on Haskell Road in the south end of Cuba. Empire Cheese is one of the town's top employers. Cuba is also the home of the world renowned Cuba Cheese Shoppe. Located on Genesee Street, the Cuba Cheese Shoppe serves as a retail outlet for many types of cheeses and dairy products. Cuba Cheese has won several awards and is known as one of the top producers of New York State Cheddar. Every year during the first week of June the town hosts Cuba Dairy Week. Cuba is also home to Farnsworth Cookies and many other local businesses.
Today, the lake mainly serves as a source of recreation for locals. It is surrounded by some 300+ homes, many of which are year-round dwellings. The road surrounding the lake is about 7 miles (11.3 km) in length and very narrow.
(Our thanks to the staff at USGS and GNIS, Reston, VA, for providing the correct elevation for the lake.)
. This is the site of the famed spring described by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph de La Roche Daillon
in 1627, the first recorded mention of oil on the North American Continent. In 1927, the New York State Oil Producers Association sponsored the dedication of a monument at the site describing the history of the oil industry in North America. The site is now under the supervision of the County of Allegany and a picnic area is available for those visiting there.
and the Czar of Russia sent a mare there to be mated with "Mckinney". It was once considered by the Anheuser Busch company as a spot to house its famous Clydesdales
. Each year in September it hosts the Cuba Garlic Festival
encompasses a four block, one quarter mile section of South Street (Route 305), the main north-south route through the village. The street is one of the village's most prestigious residential areas. Designated in 1988, when it was added to the State and National Historic Registers.
, New York school districts. The Middle High School sits north of the town on Route 305 and teaches grades 6-12. What is known as the "Old" High School on Elm Street now teaches grades K-5 as the "Old" Elementary School across the street is now the Elm Street Academy as part of a Boces program. The mascot of Cuba was the Greyhounds until the merger in the mid 1990s when the mascot was renamed to the Rebels.
, New York and Olean is St. Bonaventure University
; SBU's campus is located on the Olean/Allegany border. Some of SBU's teams, such as the basketball and baseball teams, play in the Atlantic 10 Conference of NCAA Division 1.
Several of the state's SUNY
campuses are near Cuba as well. Olean is also home to a Jamestown Community College
satellite campus. About 30 miles (48.3 km) east of Cuba in Alfred
, New York are Alfred University
and Alfred State College
. Buffalo
, New York is home to several universities and colleges.
Also list of Soldiers buried in North Cuba Cemetery.
Historical Society and FHL/FHC microfilm. See WNYGS Journal, Vol. II, No. 1
PO Box 200
16 Genesee Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Town Historian
David Crowley,
Cuba Town Historian
44 South Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Cuba Town Clerk
Doris Hall
36 Spring Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Cuba Friends of Architecture
Donald Donovan, President
P.O. Box 274
Cuba, NY 14727
, father of Laura Ingalls Wilder
, the author of the popular Little House on the Prairie
, was born on a farm in the North Cuba area. Several members of the Ingalls family had settled there prior to 1835, and several brothers all had adjoining farmlands. It is not known exactly where the home is located wherein Charles Ingalls was born. Several homes still standing in the area are known to have been built around that era, and were owned by various members of the Ingalls family. Many descendants of the Landsford Ingalls still reside in the area.
John J. "Elmer" Lawton- 103 year old man still alive living in Houghton, NY retirement home. Lawton was a noted mayor of Cuba who authored several books about growing up with his 14 siblings.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in Allegany County
Allegany County, New York
Allegany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,946. Its name derives from a Delaware Indian word, applied by settlers of Western New York State to a trail that followed the Allegheny River. Its county seat is...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Town lies on the western border of Allegany County, with the Village of Cuba
Cuba (village), New York
Cuba is a village in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 1,633 at the 2000 census.The Village of Cuba is in the western part of the Town of Cuba at the junction of Routes 305 and 446 on Oil Creek.- History :...
within its borders. Cuba is approximately an hour and a half drive south of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The federally recognized tribe of Seneca
Seneca nation
The Seneca are a group of indigenous people native to North America. They were the nation located farthest to the west within the Six Nations or Iroquois League in New York before the American Revolution. While exact population figures are unknown, approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Seneca live in...
Native Americans have a reservation on the western town line.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 35.8 square miles (92.8 km²), of which, 35.1 square miles (91.0 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (1.95%) is water.
The west town line is the border of Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 80,317. The county seat is Little Valley.-History:...
, New York.
The Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86
Interstate 86 (east)
Interstate 86 is an Interstate Highway that extends for through northwestern Pennsylvania and southern New York in the United States...
and New York State Route 17
New York State Route 17
New York State Route 17 is a state highway that extends for through the Southern Tier and Downstate regions of New York in the United States...
) pass through the town running east-west. New York State Route 305
New York State Route 305
New York State Route 305 is a north–south route in the Southern Tier that runs from the Pennsylvania state line in Cattaraugus County to the hamlet of Belfast in Allegany County, where it ends at NY 19...
is a major north-south highway that intersects New York State Route 446
New York State Route 446
New York State Route 446 is a state highway in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. It parallels the Southern Tier Expressway very closely between Hinsdale and Cuba. The western terminus of the route is at an intersection with NY 16 north of the hamlet of Hinsdale...
in the village of Cuba.
Cuba is on the main line of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, which operates the former Erie Railroad
Erie Railroad
The Erie Railroad was a railroad that operated in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, originally connecting New York City with Lake Erie...
between Hornell, New York
Hornell, New York
Hornell is a city in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 9,019 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the Hornell family, early settlers. Its current population has not yet been released by the new census....
and Meadville, Pennsylvania
Meadville, Pennsylvania
Meadville is a city in and the county seat of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The city is generally considered part of the Pittsburgh Tri-State and is within 40 miles of Erie, Pennsylvania. It was the first permanent settlement in northwest Pennsylvania...
.
Communities and locations in the Town of Cuba
- Black CreekBlack Creek, New YorkBlack Creek is a hamlet in the town of New Hudson, in Allegany County, New York, United States. The name is derived from a stream that flows nearby. The community lies between Cuba and Belfast on Route 305....
– A former community in the town, now in the Town of New HudsonNew Hudson, New YorkNew Hudson is a town in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 736 at the 2000 census.The Town of New Hudson is on the west border of the county, northeast of Olean, New York.- History :The town was first settled around 1820....
. Black Creek is mentioned often in the early history of the town. - CubaCuba (village), New YorkCuba is a village in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 1,633 at the 2000 census.The Village of Cuba is in the western part of the Town of Cuba at the junction of Routes 305 and 446 on Oil Creek.- History :...
– A village in the western part of the town. - Cuba Lake – A lake in the northwest corner of the town.
- North Cuba – A hamlet north of Cuba village on Route 305.
- Oil Springs Creek – It A stream passing through the Village of Cuba.
- Oil Springs ReservationOil Springs ReservationOil Springs Reservation is an Indian reservation of the Seneca tribe located in New York, USA. As of the 2010 census, the Indian reservation has one resident. Although the reservation is controlled by the Seneca tribe, as of 2005 no tribal members actually live on the Oil Springs Reservation. It is...
– A reservation of the Seneca at the western town line. - South Cuba – A hamlet south of Cuba village on Route 305.
- Seymour – A former community in the town located near North Cuba.
- 'Summit – A location east of Cuba village on County Road 20, also called "Cuba Summit."
- Tannery Creek – A stream flowing across the town and through Cuba village.
Adjacent towns
Cuba is north of the town of Clarksville and south of the town of New HudsonNew Hudson, New York
New Hudson is a town in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 736 at the 2000 census.The Town of New Hudson is on the west border of the county, northeast of Olean, New York.- History :The town was first settled around 1820....
. It is east of the town of Ischua
Ischua, New York
Ischua is a town in Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. The population was 895 at the 2000 census.The Town of Ischua is on the eastern border of the county, north of Olean, New York.- History :...
in Cattaraugus County and west of the town of Friendship
Friendship, New York
Friendship is a town in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 1,927 at the 2000 census. The town's name was adopted to mark the resolution of earlier conflicts....
.
Etymology
John S. Minard's: Civic History of Cuba, published in 1910, tells us that "Cuba is a Roman word and means Goddess or Protector of the Young. So in all probability, the Legislators of 1822, when they set aside the township from the town of Friendship, by accident, stumbled upon the word and appropriated the name, the significance of which is pleasant to think of." Simeon DeWitt, the surveyor general for New York State in the early 19th century, was an avid student of ancient Roman Mythology and is credited with suggesting the name.Some people think that the town was named after the island of Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. A common reason for this is that there are other towns in the area with names of Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
cities or towns, such as Salamanca
Salamanca
Salamanca is a city in western Spain, in the community of Castile and León. Because it is known for its beautiful buildings and urban environment, the Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is the most important university city in Spain and is known for its contributions to...
, Cadiz
Cádiz
Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. It is the capital of the homonymous province, one of eight which make up the autonomous community of Andalusia....
, Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and Bolivar, to name a few. Another town, Belfast, although not Spanish, bears the name of another foreign city (in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
or Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
).
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,392 people, 1,336 households, and 915 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 96.6 people per square mile (37.3/km²). There were 1,710 housing units at an average density of 48.7 per square mile (18.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.91% White, 0.27% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.24% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.27% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
There were 1,336 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $33,939, and the median income for a family was $37,969. Males had a median income of $29,291 versus $21,115 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $17,247. About 6.0% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
History
The Town of Cuba was formed in 1822 from part of the Town of FriendshipFriendship, New York
Friendship is a town in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 1,927 at the 2000 census. The town's name was adopted to mark the resolution of earlier conflicts....
. In 1830, Cuba was reduced by the formation of the Town of Genesee
Genesee, New York
Genesee is a town in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 1,803 at the 2000 census.The Town of Genesee is in the southwest corner of the county, southeast of Olean, New York.-History:The first settler arrived around 1823...
. In 1835, Cuba was partitioned again to form the Town of Clarksville
Clarksville, Allegany County, New York
Clarksville is a town located in Allegany County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,146. The town is named after S.N...
.
Formerly known as Township 3 Range 2 of the Holland Land Purchase, the settlement of Cuba began in 1817, and the town was separated in 1822, and a village incorporated in 1850. Between 1810 to the late 1820s the place saw a boom in both settlement and population as many of the town's first businesses, churches and schools were established.
The McKinney Stables of Empire City Farms
McKinney Stables of Empire City Farms
McKinney Stables of Empire City Farms is a historic stable building located at Cuba in Allegany County, New York. It is a massive concrete block and terra cotta horse barn built in 1907–1909, and located on a property in a semi-rural section of the town of Cuba. It was built by William Simpson...
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1999.
Cheese
Along with neighboring Town of FriendshipFriendship, New York
Friendship is a town in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 1,927 at the 2000 census. The town's name was adopted to mark the resolution of earlier conflicts....
, New York, which houses Friendship Dairies, Cuba has been a top producer of dairy products since the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Cuba was known as the 'Cheese Capital of the World', but has since lost that reputation with the economic downturn in Upstate
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
-Central
Central New York
Central New York is a term used to broadly describe the central region of New York State, roughly including the following counties and cities:...
-Western
Western New York
Western New York is the westernmost region of the state of New York. It includes the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, the surrounding suburbs, as well as the outlying rural areas of the Great Lakes lowlands, the Genesee Valley, and the Southern Tier. Some historians, scholars and others...
New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and the closing of several factories. Today, it is home to the Empire Cheese Factory, located on Haskell Road in the south end of Cuba. Empire Cheese is one of the town's top employers. Cuba is also the home of the world renowned Cuba Cheese Shoppe. Located on Genesee Street, the Cuba Cheese Shoppe serves as a retail outlet for many types of cheeses and dairy products. Cuba Cheese has won several awards and is known as one of the top producers of New York State Cheddar. Every year during the first week of June the town hosts Cuba Dairy Week. Cuba is also home to Farnsworth Cookies and many other local businesses.
Cuba Lake
About two miles (3 km) north of the village is a man-made lake at 1545 feet (470.9 m) above sea level, Cuba Lake is the highest reservoir in Allegany County. In western New York State, Cuba Lake is the sixth highest reservoir. (Ref.: Digital copy of the US Geological Survey map.) It was constructed in 1858 at a cost of $150,000, as a reservoir to feed the Genesee Valley Canal. At the time of its construction, Cuba Lake was the largest man-made lake in the world.Today, the lake mainly serves as a source of recreation for locals. It is surrounded by some 300+ homes, many of which are year-round dwellings. The road surrounding the lake is about 7 miles (11.3 km) in length and very narrow.
(Our thanks to the staff at USGS and GNIS, Reston, VA, for providing the correct elevation for the lake.)
The Seneca Oil Spring
The spring is located near the spillway end of Cuba Lake on the Oil Springs Reservation, Allegany County, New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. This is the site of the famed spring described by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph de La Roche Daillon
Joseph de La Roche Daillon
Joseph de La Roche Daillon was a French Catholic missionary to the Huron Indians and a Franciscan Récollet priest. He is best remembered in Canada as an explorer and missionary, and in the United States as the discoverer of oil near the Allegany River.He was the son of Jacques de La Roche,...
in 1627, the first recorded mention of oil on the North American Continent. In 1927, the New York State Oil Producers Association sponsored the dedication of a monument at the site describing the history of the oil industry in North America. The site is now under the supervision of the County of Allegany and a picnic area is available for those visiting there.
Block Barn
Cuba is also home to what the locals refer to as the Block Barn on Route 305 just past the Conrail overpass south of the Historic District. Constructed in 1909, this structure, which is made almost entirely of cement, spans nearly 350 feet (106.7 m) long and is completely fireproof. It was built to house William Simpson's "McKinney" horses. It has been a popular stableStable
A stable is a building in which livestock, especially horses, are kept. It most commonly means a building that is divided into separate stalls for individual animals...
and the Czar of Russia sent a mare there to be mated with "Mckinney". It was once considered by the Anheuser Busch company as a spot to house its famous Clydesdales
Clydesdale (breed)
The Clydesdale is a breed of draught horse derived from the farm horses of Clydesdale, Scotland, and named after that region. Although originally one of the smaller breeds of draught horses, it is now a tall breed. Often bay in colour, they show significant white markings due to the presence of...
. Each year in September it hosts the Cuba Garlic Festival
South Street Historic District
The South Street Historic DistrictSouth Street Historic District (Cuba, New York)
South Street Historic District is a national historic district located at Cuba in Allegany County, New York. The district consists of and includes 48 contributing buildings. It encompasses the village of Cuba's most distinguished residential enclave. The structures date from about 1840 to about...
encompasses a four block, one quarter mile section of South Street (Route 305), the main north-south route through the village. The street is one of the village's most prestigious residential areas. Designated in 1988, when it was added to the State and National Historic Registers.
Local schools
The main high school in Cuba is Cuba-Rushford Middle High School, which formed after a merger of the Cuba and RushfordRushford, New York
Rushford is a town in Allegany County, New York, United States. The population was 1,259 at the 2000 census.The Town of Rushford is in the northwest part of Allegany County and is northeast of Olean, New York....
, New York school districts. The Middle High School sits north of the town on Route 305 and teaches grades 6-12. What is known as the "Old" High School on Elm Street now teaches grades K-5 as the "Old" Elementary School across the street is now the Elm Street Academy as part of a Boces program. The mascot of Cuba was the Greyhounds until the merger in the mid 1990s when the mascot was renamed to the Rebels.
Higher education
West of Cuba, between the village of AlleganyAllegany, New York
Allegany, New York may refer to:*Two locations in Cattaraugus County, New York:**Allegany , New York**Allegany , New York*Allegany County, New York...
, New York and Olean is St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure University is a private, Franciscan Catholic university, located in Allegany, Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. It has roughly 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students....
; SBU's campus is located on the Olean/Allegany border. Some of SBU's teams, such as the basketball and baseball teams, play in the Atlantic 10 Conference of NCAA Division 1.
Several of the state's SUNY
State University of New York
The State University of New York, abbreviated SUNY , is a system of public institutions of higher education in New York, United States. It is the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States, with a total enrollment of 465,000 students, plus...
campuses are near Cuba as well. Olean is also home to a Jamestown Community College
Jamestown Community College
Jamestown Community College is a two-year college in the SUNY system. JCC has two campuses in Chautauqua County, New York, located in Dunkirk and Jamestown. A third campus serves Cattaraugus County in Olean. A fourth site is located in Warren, Pennsylvania...
satellite campus. About 30 miles (48.3 km) east of Cuba in Alfred
Alfred (village), New York
Alfred is a village located in the Town of Alfred in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 3,954 at the 2000 census. The village is named after Alfred the Great....
, New York are Alfred University
Alfred University
Alfred University is a small, comprehensive university in the Village of Alfred in Western New York, USA, an hour and a half south of Rochester and two hours southeast of Buffalo. Alfred has an undergraduate population of around 2,000, and approximately 300 graduate students...
and Alfred State College
Alfred State College
Alfred State College is a State University of New York College of Technology located in Alfred, New York in Allegany County. This college, formerly the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, now grants baccalaureate degrees in 18 areas, associate degrees in nearly 60 areas, as well as a...
. Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, New York is home to several universities and colleges.
Churches
- Baptist - organized 1825
- The Second Baptist Church - organized 15 February 1834.
- Presbyterian
- Christ Church (Episcopal)
- Universalist - organized 3 February 1867.
- Methodist Episcopal - organized in 1844.
- Catholic - Our Lady of Angels
- North Park Wesleyan, Pastor Jonathan Ward
Cemeteries
- Cemetery - code 15-1; (Town 3, Range 2HC, lot 45), Cuba Village
- Cemetery - code 15-2; (lot 54), Witter Road
- Cemetery - code 15-3; (lot 45), Cuba Village
- Catholic Cemetery - code 15-4; (lot 45), Cuba Village
- North Cuba Cemetery - code 15-5; (lot 47), near Cuba Dam;
Also list of Soldiers buried in North Cuba Cemetery.
- Cemetery - code 15-6; near Cuba Lake
- Cuba Cemetery tombstone list (not sure which one above this refers to).
- code numbers refer to the Allegany County Cemetery Index card file at the Allegany County
Historical Society and FHL/FHC microfilm. See WNYGS Journal, Vol. II, No. 1
Addresses of interest
Cuba Historical SocietyPO Box 200
16 Genesee Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Town Historian
David Crowley,
Cuba Town Historian
44 South Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Cuba Town Clerk
Doris Hall
36 Spring Street
Cuba, NY 14727
Cuba Friends of Architecture
Donald Donovan, President
P.O. Box 274
Cuba, NY 14727
Naomi Olive
Naomi Olive, who was murdered by her 16 year old daughter Marlene and her boyfriend Chuck Riley, was originally from Cuba. The story was made famous in the 1982 book Bad Blood: A Family Murder in Marin County, by Richard M. Levine.Charles "Pa" Ingalls
Charles Phillip IngallsCharles Ingalls
Charles Phillip Ingalls was the father of Laura Ingalls Wilder, known for her Little House on the Prairie series of books...
, father of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder was an American author who wrote the Little House series of books based on her childhood in a pioneer family...
, the author of the popular Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie
Little House is a series of children's books by Laura Ingalls Wilder that was published originally between 1932 and 1943, with four additional books published posthumously, in 1962, 1971, 1974 and 2006.-History:...
, was born on a farm in the North Cuba area. Several members of the Ingalls family had settled there prior to 1835, and several brothers all had adjoining farmlands. It is not known exactly where the home is located wherein Charles Ingalls was born. Several homes still standing in the area are known to have been built around that era, and were owned by various members of the Ingalls family. Many descendants of the Landsford Ingalls still reside in the area.
John J. "Elmer" Lawton- 103 year old man still alive living in Houghton, NY retirement home. Lawton was a noted mayor of Cuba who authored several books about growing up with his 14 siblings.