Ontario House at Port Ontario

One of the most popular summer resorts in the Pulaski area for many years was the Ontario House, or Wood's Hotel at Port Ontario.  It was located on the south side of the Salmon River, near the intersection of Routes 3 and 13, and was originally a stagecoach inn. It burned to the ground on July 1, 1917. At the time it was operated by Charles Mosher. The fire started in the kitchen. The total loss was $6,000, half of which was covered by insurance. This hotel was very popular with fishermen. Photo taken about 1908.

Fancher House in Central Square

On the site of the fire house on Main Street in Central Square  once stood a hotel called the Fancher House, built in 1826. Like all local hotels, it frequently changed ownership and management over the years. The last owner was H.P. Goettel who remodeled it into eight apartments, called the "Beehive." In 1926 it was sold to Standard Oil Co. and it was demolished to make way for a new gas station.  Route 11 in those days was nothing but a muddy trail much of the time before the days of improved paved highways.

Dixon House in Central Square

One of the last remnants of stagecoach days between Syracuse and Watertown was the Dixon House, built in 1836. It was destroyed by fire on June 1, 1916. A large hall in the rear of the hotel was totally destroyed in  the fire, along with its contents. A nearby livery stable and garage were also consumed in the flames. C.A. Williams was the last owner.