WELCOME TO THE SANBORN AREA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
The hamlet of Sanborn is nestled just above the Niagara Escarpment, where views from the top can include Lake Ontario and even Toronto on a clear day. A quaint farming community it has become a major destination for antiques in WNY. There are more than 10 antique co ops and shops in less than a 10 minute drive. Spend the day and browse items from the past, and find that one of a kind gift!
Sanborn is also home to a wonderful historical museum which is free and open to the public. See artifacts from the areas rich history. Right around the corner is the Sanborn Farm Museum. This fifty eight acre property has multiple buildings filled with displays of farm equipment from the early days until modern times. Come and see the two headed calf! Check in often as there are special events happening all year long!
Also home to Niagara County Community College, the beautiful campus offers a variety of activities. And while you are here, don’t forget the nearby wine trail! A short 10 minute ride will put you at several of the outstanding wineries on the trail.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HISTORY
The hamlet of Sanborn is nestled just above the Niagara Escarpment, where views from the top can include Lake Ontario and even Toronto on a clear day. A quaint farming community it has become a major destination for antiques in WNY. There are more than 10 antique co ops and shops in less than a 10 minute drive. Spend the day and browse items from the past, and find that one of a kind gift!
Sanborn is also home to a wonderful historical museum which is free and open to the public. See artifacts from the areas rich history. Right around the corner is the Sanborn Farm Museum. This five acre property has multiple building filled with displays of farm equipment from the early days until modern times. Come and see the two headed calf! Check in often as there are special events happening all year long!
Also home to Niagara County Community College, the beautiful campus offers a variety of activities. And while you are here, don’t forget the nearby wine trail! A short 10 minute ride will put you at several of the outstanding wineries on the trail.
Timeline of the History of Sanborn:
| 1809 | Samuel Carney, first settler in Pekin purchased 500 acres on east side and Reynolds on the west side. |
| 1811 | Jairus Rose settled where Niagara County Community College is today. He was the first settler in what is now Sanborn. |
| 1815 | Dr. Myron Orton came to Pekin. One of the founders of the Niagara County Medical Society. |
| 1826 | Seth Lyon settled in the area (in the first house south of the RR tracks on Hoover Road.) |
| 1833 | Daniel Treichler and family moved from York Co, PA to 1/2 mile south of Lockport Rd. on Ward Rd. |
| 1836-1851 | The first railroad known as the Strap RR ran through Pekin, connecting Lockport and Niagara Falls. |
| 1846 | Rev. E.C. Sanborn, a Methodist minister, moved to the area |
| 1852 | Railroad came to South Pekin, via the Rochester, Lockport and Niagara Falls Companies |
| 1854 | Lee R. Sanborn built a sawmill in area on south side of Saunders Settlement Rd. near Townline Rd. |
| 1863 | Post Office established in South Pekin at railroad station. John Starr named postmaster. |
| 1864 | Rev. Griffin Smith and Lee R. Sanborn purchased 90 acres of land where Sanborn is today. Smith fences his land for farming. Sanborn divided his land into village lots for sale. Mr. Gutton was the first purchaser. |
| 1866 | Name of South Pekin changed to Sanborn while Lee R. Sanborn was postmaster. |
| 1867 | Methodist Church from Pekin, built in 1826, moved to Pearl Street for use as a Union Hall. Today it is the Sanborn American Legion Post 969. |
| 1868 | Sanborn established first grist mill. |
| 1870 | Dr. William Huggins, first doctor located in town. Construction began on Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of Buffalo and Tallman Streets. |
| 1874 | Rev. William Scism, a retired Methodist minister from Pekin operated store on west side of Buffalo St., north of railroad tracks. |
| 1876 | Map made of Sanborn businesses |
| 1879 | Baptist Church built on Buffalo Street |
| 1882 | Two story schoolhouse built on West Street |
| 1883 | L.B. Pike opened a general and drug store at Griffin & Niagara Streets |
| 1885 | First Fire Protection Company established, using buckets & hoses |
| 1895 | Frank R. Stover operated lumber & hardware business. In 1928 becomes D.F. Calkins Lumber Co. |
| 1906 | William J. Pike & Duncan opened a funeral parlor, later Pike & Jones. Now Rhoney Funeral Home. |
| 1908 | The first hotel built south of railroad tracks. It burned and was rebuilt in 1909 by A.F. Wendt as the Exchange Hotel. Later called the Marlboro Inn. |
| 1908 | Dr. Peart moved here. Lived and practiced across from the lumber company on Niagara Street. |
| 1910 | R.T. LeVan & Sons built a grocery store at Maple & Buffalo Streets. |
| 1912 | In 1912, eight passenger trains passed through Sanborn daily! |