Salamanca in Cattaraugus County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Sweet Water Spring

By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 30, 2018

1. Sweet Water Spring Marker

The original marker has been replaced with this one, having much of the same text.

Inscription.
Sweet Water Spring Legend has it that the Sweet Water Spring gets its name from a Buffalo druggist who was in the area searching for gold with the property owner, N.L. Mr. Kysor. Evidently when the druggist tasted the water, he pronounced it "sweet."

The Sweet Water Spring was discovered in the late 1880s when the Patterson Lumber Company, blasting to create a logging road over South Mountain, ruptured an underground vein that produced an abundance of free-flowing water. Work crews enjoyed the sweet, clear water and eventually so did Salamancans, who carried it home in jugs. Years later, the spring became a popular picnicking spot.

In 1926 during the construction of a scenic highway from Salamanca to the Red House valley, the spring surfaced farther doen the hill. Its channel was reopened and the water rerouted to an area carved from the steep bank. On June 9, 1927, the Allegany State Park Commission authorizaed the construction of a well curb and fountain at that location. Three months later Senator Albert T. Fancher, chair of the commission, dedicated the Sweet Water Spring to Salamanca residents and to all who would come to enjoy it. By January 1929, all work on the project was completed.

The design for the fountain and semi-circular basin at the spring's base, seen in this 1933 photograph,

By Yugoboy, August 15, 2012

2. Sweet Water Spring Marker

As can be seen, the marker has suffered some water damage from the weather. It is unknown by the submitter whether/when/if there are plans to replace the marker. Given the fact that the budget reduced park staff by about half this year, chances are low it will happen soon.

incorporated stones unearthed during construction of the scenic highway.

At one side of the fountain, the spring water was piped to a faucet attached to the stone wall. Stone steps were constructed to either side of the structure to provide access to the small platform at the top of the waterfall, where visitors picniced and enjoyed the view.

In 2008, on National Public Lands Day, volunteers cleared away the weeds and debris from Sweet Water. Theirs was the first project undertaken at the spring since 1964, when a State Youth Opportunity Camp repaired the reservoir, replaced about 500 feet of pipe, and re-laid the stone wall.

The Allegany Historical Society replaced the old Sweet Water Spring sign, and on MAy 5, 2012, crews weeded the fountain and surrounding area as part of the first-ever I Love My Park Day activities. They also removed gravel at the foot of the structure and revealed its stone base.

Albert T. Fancher, the first chairman of the Allegany Park Commission, served from 1921 until 1930.

[original inscription] The Sweet Water Spring was discovered in the late 1880s when the Patterson Lumber Company, blasting to create a logging road over South Mountain, ruptured an underground vein that produced an abundance of free-flowing water. Work crews enjoyed the sweet, clear water and eventually so did Salamancans, who carried

Sweet Water Spring and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 30, 2018

3. Sweet Water Spring and Marker

it home in jugs. Years later, the spring became a popular picnicking spot. At one side of the fountain, the spring water was piped to a faucet attached to the stone wall. Stone steps were constructed to either side of the structure to provide access to the small platform at the top of the waterfall. The area above the fountain is cleared and flat so they would climb up there to picnic. There was a nice view from there since the land drops away on the other side of the road. In 1926 during the construction of a scenic highway, the spring surfaced further down the hill. Its channel was reopened and the water rerouted to an area carved form the steep bank. On June 9, 1927, the Allegany Park Commission authorized the construction of a well curb and fountain at that location. Three months later Senator Albert T. Fancher, chair of the commission dedicated the Sweet Water Spring to the residents of Salamance and to all the people who would come and enjoy it. Work on the project was completed by January 1929. Legend has it that the Sweet Water Spring gets its name from a Buffalo druggist who was in the area searching for gold with Mr. Kysorm then owner of the land. Evidently when the druggist tasted the water, he pronounced it "sweet."

Location. 42° 8.329′ N, 78° 42.819′ W. Marker is in Salamanca, New

Sweet Water Spring Marker as seen facing north image. Click for full size.

By Yugoboy, August 15, 2012

4. Sweet Water Spring Marker as seen facing north

York, in Cattaraugus County. Marker is on Allegany State Park Route 1 one mile north of Stone Tower Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salamanca NY 14779, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fire Observation Stations: / Fire Tower is Reborn (approx. 1.1 miles away); In Memory of Our Dead Comrades (approx. 1.4 miles away); Dedicated to Those from the Salamanca Area (approx. 1.7 miles away); From the Mountains of Afghanistan (approx. 1.7 miles away); These Gates Erected by Salamanca (approx. 1.7 miles away); Allegany State Park's Camp Allegany (approx. 2.8 miles away); Ski Jumping (approx. 3 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salamanca.

Regarding Sweet Water Spring. When I visited this summer, there was no water running in the fountain. I did not have a chance to ask about why this might be.

Also see . . . Sweet Water Spring - You Tube. A short vignette of the site by Paul Crawford of the Friends of Allegany State Park. (Submitted on June 30, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Categories. • Charity & Public Work • Environment • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas •

Sweet Water Spring Marker as seen facing south image. Click for full size.

By Yugoboy, August 15, 2012

5. Sweet Water Spring Marker as seen facing south

Sweet Water Spring from a distance image. Click for full size.

By Yugoboy, August 15, 2012

6. Sweet Water Spring from a distance

Sweet Water Spring closer view image. Click for full size.

By Yugoboy, August 15, 2012

7. Sweet Water Spring closer view

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2018. This page originally submitted on October 7, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 459 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 30, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 2. submitted on October 7, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. 3. submitted on June 30, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 7, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.