A day in Jordan, NY: Photo essay of people, places in Upstate NY village (2024)

By Kathe Harrington | Contributing photographer

Located in the northwest part of the town of Elbridge, west of Syracuse, the village of Jordan bloomed with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. The village became incorporated in 1835.

The quaint town is small, with a population of around 1,368, but nevertheless is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Jordan Village Hall is on Mechanic Street, right alongside Skaneateles Creek.

Skaneateles Creek runs through the village. The Jordan Village Hall is seen in the distance.

View of Skaneateles Creek from the Erie Canal Trail and Aqueduct.

The Canalway Trail in Jordan is part of the Erie Canalway Trail National Heritage Corridor, which eventually will span all of Upstate New York.

This multi-arched aqueduct, built in 1840, functioned like a bridge and carried the Erie Canal over Skaneateles Creek, providing for transport of goods along the canal.

This building on South Main Street currently has an art gallery. There are hopes of a further development, possibly a breakfast spot, which would be welcomed by this community!

See Also

Jordan Village Historic District, Jordan Village, Onondaga County, Jordan NY 1308010-Day Weather Forecast for Jordan, NY - The Weather Channel | weather.com

This educational mural, by Dawn Jordan, illustrates life on the canal, complete with passing boats and mules co-existing with people.

Charming houses line North Main Street (Route 317).

Beautifully detailed house in the village of Jordan.

Unique houses in the village have interesting architectural details and colorful accents.

Christ Episcopal Church, 25 N. Main St., has been a part of the Jordan community since 1840.

The Erie Canal opened in Jordan in 1819.

The Canal Park makes a great sledding spot -- no equipment needed!

La Place Art Gallery is located in this beautiful historic building at 16-18 S. Main St. in Jordan. Paintings and photography, as well as some antiques and hand-painted furniture, can be found at the gallery.

Built in 1820, the Clinton Hotel was known to be the finest place to stay in Jordan.

"What, are you looking to buy the place?" "No," I said, "just admiring the architecture!" "Jordan is the town that time forgot. In a good way. We love it here. People think Jordan is so far away, but I can be at the Carrier Dome in 25 minutes!" (Dick Platten forgot to mention that he's been the Mayor of Jordan since 1979!)

The First Baptist Church of Jordan, on Clinton Street, was founded in 1835.

The first town meeting was held here at the H. Dodge House in 1829.

L.B. Antiques is housed inside the lower level of a state historic registry building at 220 Water St..

Mary said, "We're a staple here. I walk Casey every day. It's a great community!"

Jackie volunteered for six years at the Jordan library before moving away. When she returned, one of the first places she inquired about a job was the library, and they hired her right away. "I love it here. It's a small town, very family-oriented. The library is kind of the gathering place. It's great to get to know all the patrons, and I look forward to seeing everyone come through the door!"

The White Mill is the surviving mill from the village's early development. The former gristmill is still used as a grain and feed store and retains its simple Greek Revival detailing and some original equipment.

A colorful farmside stand, seen outside the village.

Built in 1847, Enlarged Erie Canal Lock No. 51 is located approximately two miles west of the village of Jordan, on the north side of Route 31.

Lock 51 was a double-chamber lock, with the north chamber on the right and the south chamber on the left. The lock had a 5.732-foot descent to the west.

New York State Historical Marker showing former Sperry & Rockwell Wheelbarrows. The Jordan Historical Society Museum still has a Jordan wooden wheelbarrow on display.

Bennett Bolt Works, located on Elbridge Street.

Wake Robin Farm is a small family farm located on Brutus Road in Jordan. It is owned and operated by Bruce, Meg and Hugh Schader.

From the Wake Robin Farm website: "Our farm consists of 75 acres of rolling farmland and a herd of about 35 Jersey cows. We milk about 12 cows year-round. We move our milking cows into fresh pasture twice a day during grazing season, we feed organic grain in the barn year round, and we make hay for the winter without the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers." .

Milk, yogurt and cheese may be purchased at CNY Regional Market, Skaneateles Bakery and right on the property at the Wake Robin Farm Store.

Photo: A view from Elbridge. Kathe Harrington for NYup.com

See more community photo essays

Our photographers are visiting small communities to take in the sheer beauty of life in Upstate New York. Here's a sample:

Elbridge

Seneca Falls

Port Gibson

Or see them all here.