Corning in Steuben County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Galvin and Haines Insurance
Williams Block
| | Cornings Gaffer District | |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 12, 2014
1. Galvin and Haines Insurance Marker
This building, which houses Galvin and Haines Insurance Company, is extraordinarily elaborate in its fine terra cotta detailingmost notably the famous Owl of Market Street, perched on top of the pedimented cornice.
Known as the Williams Block, the building was constructed in 1887 and was designed by H. G. Tuthill and Sons of Corning. The building featured an elegant and spacious hall on the third floor, which was the site of many community functions.
In keeping with the revitalization effort along Market Street, Galvin and Haines renovated their storefront in 1977.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 42° 8.595′ N, 77° 3.199′ W. Marker is in Corning, New York, in Steuben County. It is on East Market Street just west of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker hangs midblock at the crosswalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27 E Market St, Corning NY 14830, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Southern Tier. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ecker Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rockwell Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Concert Hall Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
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Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 12, 2014
2. Galvin and Haines Insurance and Marker
Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 12, 2014
3. Williams Block
The Owl of Market Street is perched on the pediment on the left. In the narrow center section, above the third story window, “Willams Block.” and above the second story window, “1887.”
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on August 19, 2024, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Sharp close-up of the Owl of Market Street • Can you help?
