Shortsville History by Tim Munn Contrary to its name, Shortsville New York has a long list of historical contributions. Once the gateway for early fur traders who navigated the many streams that would transverse the land, Shortsville would be settled in 1804 by Theophilus Short. Originally referred to as Short Mill, the rushing waters of the Canandaigua outlet would provide enough power to maintain four kinds of mills(flour, paper, woolen and a distillery). Later during the 19th and the early 20th century Shortsville would house three national manufacturers, the Empire Grain Drill Company(1850), the Shortsville Wheel Company(1889) and the Papec Farm Machinery Company(1909). Throughout history many Shortsville residents have achieved national recognition with the two most notable being Myron Mason Buck, Railroad inventor and founder of the worlds largest railroad supply house in St. Louis during the building of the Great Transcontinental Railroad, and Philip Bredesen, The 48th Governor for the State of Tennessee.

Manchester History from Village of Manchester's website

The village has the honor of being the oldest settlement in the Town of Manchester.  The first settlers arrived in  1793 and the first deed was issued to Joel Gillet on June 23, 1796. He built the first log home, just west of the village cemetery. The other early settlers were Stephen Phelps, Joel Jared, Ambrose Phelps and Deacon John McLouth.

The town of Farmington was divided in half on March 21, 1821. The new Eastern town was named Burt, after a member of the Legislature that had sponsored the bill. This name was not liked by town residents and on April 16, 1822, it was changed to Manchester. The 1890's saw changes come to the hamlet of Manchester, after 80 years as a small quiet mill town. The arrival of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the choice of Manchester as a division point with a round house, ice house and rail yard, put additional pressure on the residents.

On August 16 1892, at the barber shop of John Moore, the vote passed 71 to 0 for incorporation. Dr. John R. Pratt, became the President of the Village and William Wilson, Walter Mason and Levi Redfield were the Trustees. Village improvements were started and by 1893 sidewalks were complete on Main and State Streets.