Jacksonville History

This community was once known as Harlow's Corners. For some years it was called by its little­known name of Van Cortlandt Village, after Col. Philip Van Cortlandt, a prominent Revolutionary War soldier, who visited Abuer Treman and other Revolutionary compatriots in the vicinity. Early deeds and school records refer to Van Cortlandt Village. Shortly after the battle of New Orleans in 1815, it was decided to change the name to Jacksonville in honor of Andrew Jackson.

The Cooper Inn was built in 1823 by Thomas Cooper. It was a stagecoach stop on the Ithaca and Geneva Turnpike. It contained a large ballroom with three inverted jugs in the ceiling to improve the acoustics. It is also believed to have been a link in the underground railroad system which helped slaves escape to Canada from the South. It was later owned by Diantha Johnson.

The large barn on the east side of Rt. 96 was torn down c. 1948. Arlee and Bruce Robinson have owned the Inn since c. 1950; they made it into apartments.

The other hotel/tavern in the community was built by John Mattison in 1812. In 1842 it was sold to Justus Thorpe who in turn sold to Isaac Bullard. It was later purchased by Harrison Van Order. The building was torn down by Robert Van Order c. 1949 and a gas station constructed. Roger K. Wright who runs the Mobil station purchased it in 1975.

Henry S. Granger was appointed the first postmaster on February 25, 1820. Mildred Baker served the longest; she was appointed November 16,1937 and moved the post office to her home. Before that it had been in the Cooper Inn and the two general stores. The present building was constructed and dedicated in 1962. Clarmarie S. Kenerson who succeeded Mrs. Baker was appointed January 12, 1962 and is assisted by Doris Swartwood.

A store has been located where the Jacksonville Grocery is for many years; Erastus C. Almy being there c. 1890. At one time John Mattison ran a private boys school in the building. Clarence Briggs later owned it and washed, sorted and packed beans for shipping there. The building was two stories high. Wilbur Gregg ran the store in the 1950's­60's. He tore it down in the summer of 1966 and constructed a one­level cinder block building. Leonard and Joan Keith have run the store since 1973.

A 1932 New York State historical marker notes the existence of the former Dans (not Dann) house. Celia E. Dans and Hattie E. Dans owned the house from 1882­1914. The marker proclaims it as the oldest house between Ithaca and Geneva. Fred Van Order who lived next door for 70 years felt "the first story­and­half house on the IthacaGeneva Turnpike" was more historically accurate. It was torn down by Harry Goodman, the last owner, in 1947 because it was in such poor condition. He later constructed a cinder block building and ran a liquor store. Jacksonville's newest business, Mae's Gift Shop, which opened November 21, 1975 in the building, is run by Joyce Hurd and Mae Sumner.

James Monroe Mattison started the Jacksonville Nursery in 1845 when the region was beginning to develop vast fruit orchards. His advertisements mentioned the excellent area transportation for facilitating the prompt delivery of orders for stock. After his death, a son consolidated the business with his own nursery in Englewood, N.J. Mr. Mattison had designed and built a stone house in c. 1869. From 1922 to 1947 it was owned by Gail and A. B. Stover, who sold it to Mr. and Mrs. H. Stuart Goldsmith. Mrs. Goldsmith ran a nursing home there for over 15 years before constructing a new and larger building on the Trumansburg Rd. closer to Ithaca.

-Nancy Dean

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