1808 – 1847

The Narcissa Prentiss House

Narcissa Prentiss was born in Prattsburgh on March 14, 1808.  Her father, Stephen Prentiss, came to Prattsburgh in 1805.  Although the house he built for his family is quite small, Stephen and his wife Clarissa raised 9 children there.  Narcissa attended Franklin Academy and became a schoolteacher – teaching in Prattsburgh and Bath, and she was active in church affairs and dreamed of becoming a missionary.  She married Dr. Marcus Whitman in 1836 and together they journeyed 3,000 miles through country largely unknown to white men, ending their journey in the Oregon country claimed jointly by the United States and Great Britain.  She was one of the first 2 white women to cross the Rockies.  The Whitmans established a mission among the Cayuse Indians.  With Marcus as doctor and Narcissa as school teacher, they tended the physical and spiritual needs of Indians and weary travelers.  On November 29, 1847, the Indians massacred everyone at the mission.

Thanks to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington and the Narcissa Prentiss House here, the Whitmans’ legacy is alive.

Narcissa was a well-known woman in the 19^th century.  In 1998, she was recognized by the New York Governor’s Commission honoring the achievements of women and she has been included in numerous publications including “Her Story” A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America.”

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman

In 1979, the Narcissa Prentiss House was incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.  A visit will acquaint you with one of America’s most fascinating – and tragic – couples.  In addition to being Narcissa’s birthplace, the house contains artifacts, quilts, antique clothing, and a room dedicated to the Pratt family, founders of Prattsburgh.

The house is open from 1-4 pm on weekends in July and August and by appointment.  Groups and individuals interested in setting up a tour or a tea at the home should contact Charlene Wilson at (607) 522-3542 or Lynn Dinehart at (607) 522-4737.  Tours and teas are free.  Donations toward the preservation of the home are appreciated.

In 1848, the village of Prattsburgh was incorporated.

In 1852 H.A. Hopkins built the first of three town clocks.

In 1852The Park Hotel was built. This was torn down in 1955. The Arrowmart now stands ont he hotel’s site.

In 1868 after being located in several locations, the Methodist Church built its present building on Porter Street.

In 1872 originally the railroad was to run from Canandaigua to Bath through Prattsburgh. This didn’t materialize. Then in 1881 a railroad was proposed to run from Bath to Stanley but this would be in competition with Lake Keuka and Hammondsport Railroad which was already transporting most of the freight and passengers. After many, many meetings on October 8, 1889 “Huldy” made the first complete trip over the lines drawing two coaches filled with passengers at the cost of 50 cents per person, round trip. It made this trip in 28 minutes from Kanona to Prattsburgh.

In 1876 a potato bug called a Colorado Beetle was discovered. These beetles dessimated the potato crop. They had to be knocked off the vine with sticks, into a pan and burned with kerosene oil.

In 1877 the first of three bandstands were built in the Town Park.

In 1879 A.K. Smith started the first bank in Prattsburgh.