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In
the early 19th century, Somers, or as it was then generally known as
Somerstown Plains, contained hat factories, carriage factories,
three hotels, two general stores, an iron mine, a milk factory, and
a sanctuary for boys operated by the Christian Brothers. There was a
constant stream of goods and passengers to large markets and cities
through the village. As early as 1809, a weekly newspaper was
established, “Somers Museum and Westchester County Advertiser”.
Though primarily agricultural, the rural economy also supported a
varied population of weavers, preachers, merchants, cabinetmakers,
doctors, lawyers, teachers and servants. A good system of roads was
maintained and some operated as commercial “toll roads.” The
railroad, developed in the 1840’s, bypassed the town of Somers,
and affected a decline in growth over the next hundred years. The
presence of the railroad in nearby communities did allow the
agricultural emphasis to move towards dairy production and fruit
growing, since the products could be shipped to markets in the city.
Industries continued to thrive, with grist, paper, saw and clothing
mills operating in the area. Between 1890 and 1910, the Croton and
Muscoot Rivers were flooded to create the New York City Reservoir
system thereby changing the local landscape considerably. In the
1920’s small lake communities began to spring up as vacation
havens for summer visitors and farmers’ guests. Hamlets became
larger and firmly established to accommodate the influx of lake and
country loving folk, eventually becoming year-round communities.
After World War II the rolling hillside country attracted weekenders
from New York City, brought into closer proximity by the
proliferation of automobile travel. The construction of I-684 in the
mid-70’s facilitated additional residential and commercial
development. IBM and PepsiCo built complexes in the 1980’s,
bringing an international corporate element into the community.
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