The Ischua Valley Historical Society owns 2 buildings in which we house historical items and documents. In order to maintain the integrity of the buildings we need to establish a Building Maintenance Fund, the money from which will go toward necessary repairs. We are asking for donations for the Fund. As a non-profit organization, the money you send to us is tax deductible. It's a great way to lower your tax liability.

If you are able, please make your check out to IVHS Treasurer and mail it to:

Ischua Valley Historical Society P.O. Box 153 Franklinville, NY 14737 ~For proper distribution, be sure to write "Building Maintenance Fund" in the memo portion of your check. Thank you for your consideration!

Farmersville: For settlers who chose to stay in the area farming and dairying became important occupations. Cheese factories also quickly appeared. At one time it was an important railroad center, but in 1992 the trains were discontinued and the tracks were taken out. Today snowmobilers use these trails in the winter.

Franklinville: General Joseph McCluer was one of the first pioneers in what we know today as Cattaraugus County, New York. He was born in Belchertown, Hampshire County, Massachusetts where he was educated. In 1806 he moved his wife and family to the Ischua valley where he was an agent and surveyor for the Holland Land Company. It was here that he established McCluer's Settlement, now known as Franklinville, NY.

Ischua: Early settlers arrived in this area between 1812 and 1823. Originally known as Rice, it was renamed Ischua on March 27, 1855. The first public house was built in 1816 and other hotels followed. Industries included a hat factory, a brick yard, a foundry for plows, sleigh shoes and castings, a tannery, and wagon maker. There was a basket factory in the early 1900s.

Lyndon: The first settlers in Lyndon were the Rawson brothers who arrived there in 1808 from Pennsylvania. They were followed by the Markhams and for a number of years these two families were the only inhabitants. It wasn’t until 1821 that more settlers arrived. Many were Scottish immigrants and New England pioneers.

Machias: Major Timothy Butler came to this area from Machias, Maine in 1807. He was followed by other settlers from Maine and the name Machias was adopted for this town. Machias Village has also been called Five Corners and Chikasaw.

Membership in the Ischua Valley Historical Society is available starting at $10 per year. Funds are used for supplies, archival materials, preservation of our collection, maintenance of equipment and buildings, purchase of newly discovered historical materials, etc. The quarterly IVHS Newsletter is sent to MEMBERS ONLY. Our patrons are an integral part of our success.

Upcoming Events, Article of the Month, Membership, Available Resources, Online Resources, Cemeteries, and Search Request.

We are a member of APHNYS - Association of Public Historians of New York State.

The Ischua Valley Historical Society collects, preserves, researches and interprets the historical and cultural heritage of the Ischua Valley region.

The Ischua Valley Historical Society (IVHS) was founded in 1966.