Oak Valley Inn History

Livingston County's Hallmark of Distinction

~:Oak Valley Inn:~
4562 Millennium Dr.
Geneseo, NY 14454
(585) 243-5570
or email us at: oakvalleyinn@oakvalleyinn.com

History:

The Almshouse was built on this side of the road in 1849 to render services to the poor and needy. The land purchased for this house included 136 acres on both sides of the old Canandaigua Road.

In 1850, "about 13 chains from the original site" a new three-story brick building was completed. There were quarters in the center section for the Poorhouse Keeper, Almeron Howard and his family. There were two wings and a basement containing eighty-one rooms for lodging the poor (and several more for the infirmed). Building construction included twelve fireplaces. By 1860, due to the expanded population of one-hundred and six, a new building was deemed necessary.

A two-story brick building (now the Inn) was constructed to the west, about 1868, with an addition added in 1873 that could accommodate another 50 people.

On February 6, 1868, a tragic fire took place that was reported by the "Livingston Republican" newspaper (in true Victorian fashion) to be 'one of the most terrible calamites ever to befall its village.' Five people perished. Since there was not enough water on the premises, nothing could be done.

The Poorhouse was visited by hundreds of curious people from far and near. The cause of the fire remained undetermined.

The western most building of the three was ready for use on January 1, 1880 with space for forty-four. The building, made of brick with intricate metal trim and a slate roof, was modern for its time as, by 1905, it contained gas lights.

In 1964, new buildings were constructed nearby and the Alms house closed. In 1989, these buildings were aquired from the county to be opened in 1990 as a country inn, with proprietors Keith and Marilyn Hollis. View photos of the dramatic restoration

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