Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Industry & Commerce, Site

Location

1825 County Road 19, Shortsville, NY 14548, USA

Lat/Long

42.9432187, -77.2210826

Grant Recipient

Hopewell Historical Society

The Littleville Dam once covered over a hundred fifty acres and supplied multiple communities and industries with electricity, allowing for rapid growth within the region. Constructed and operated by the Canandaigua Electric Light and Railroad Company until the early 1900s, the Littleville Dam and Power Plant spurred the development of electric street cars—or trollies—within nearby Canandaigua; another undertaking carried out by Canandaigua Electric.

The site of the dam was already an established source of waterpower by the time construction began. Maps from the 1860s show several mills about the area, highlighting the already recognized ability to transform the water from the Canandaigua Creek into power that could lead to profits. Hoping to benefit from the areas potential for hydroelectric power, the Canandaigua Electric Light (Railroad would be added in 1893) Company set to work constructing the dam and power station, beginning in 1893. Construction carried over into the next year, during which the Company received permission to begin work on the trolley system throughout Canandaigua, which it would not only install, but also provide energy to power. Construction on both were complete in 1894 much to the excitement of the local community.

The Littleville dam and power plant also supplied electricity for street lights to several of the surrounding towns and cities. Along with the trolley and lights, the energy produced by the Littleville dam and power plant helped local business and industries flourish. It would continue to do so throughout the early 20^th century, though during that period it was change ownership numerous times. By the 1830s the dam and power plant were being used as an auxiliary by the Rochester Gas & Electric Company. After a particularly damaging snow storm in 1935, the decision was made to abandon the power station in Littleville. In 1937 The Naples Record reported in its Wednesday, March 24^th edition:

“The power house in Littleville is being dismantled and sold for junk. Originally it furnished electricity for Shortsville and Manchester and adjacent territory of the old Ontario Light and Traction Company. After it was acquired by the Rochester Gas & Electric Company it was used as an auxiliary power station. It was closed after the ice storm a year ago.”

From the marker visitors will note remnants of the former power station: though the dam itself no longer exists, still visible is the 100’ long, 30’ wide and 15’ high headrace that stands alongside the old spillway of the dam. An impressive structure which speaks to the magnitude of the former power station, the tunnels which one can see along the base of the structure helped funnel the water necessary to generate electricity. This marker commemorates the Littleville dam and power station, and the immeasurable impact it had on the surrounding community and industries.