We'd love for you to join us.

In every aspect of life in these Southern Tier communities, you are sure to see the common threads of respect, dedication and diligence. Growth is steady and observable in the housing, retail and industrial sectors. Health care is better than ever before. Government is responsive to real needs. Residents truly care about one another and about things that matter.
Now it’s time to look to the future. You have an opportunity to be part of it, and to benefit from the strong commitment to quality that is evident everywhere. Can you see yourself and your business as part of the fabric of life in the Olean area? Just look a little closer.

Get to know the leaders of our community.


New York State is divided into 62 counties. Outside of New York City, each county is divided into towns. In southwestern New York, a town is about 35 to 40 square miles. Legend says that when the Holland Land Company originally surveyed and divided the area into counties and towns, the size was determined by how far the surveyor could ride on horseback in one day.
Cattaraugus County is a municipal corporation governed by the County Legislature, which consists of 21 members. Citizens elect members to four-year terms to represent 10 legislative districts. The County Legislature is responsible for planning, financing and operating municipal services. Nine committees carry out this work. The Legislature also appoints a county administrator to oversee daily governmental operations. Olean was the first settlement in the county. In 1860, Little Valley became the county seat.
New York State Police have a presence in the county and support the county sheriff. For fire protection, area-wide mutual-aid partnerships exist throughout the entire region. This ensures adequate personnel and equipment for every call.
Each town is governed by an elected board and elected supervisor, and some also have a town court. Located inside the towns are villages. Each is governed by an elected council and elected mayor. Allegany, Portville, Ellicottville, Franklinville, Gowanda and Randolph are villages in Cattaraugus County. Cities are not considered to be part of a town, and an elected council and elected mayor govern them. There are two cities — Olean and Salamanca — in Cattaraugus County.

CONTACT INFORMATION

U.S. Senators
Hillary Rodham Clinton (Buffalo office) 716-854-9726
Charles E. Schumer (Buffalo office) 716-846-4111

State Senator
Catherine M. Young, District 57 (Olean office) 716-372-4901

State Assembly
Daniel J. Burling, District 147 585-788-0180
Joe Demiglio, District 149 (Olean office) 716-373-7103

Cattaraugus County
Administrator 716-938-9111, ext. 2232
Attorney 716-938-9111, ext. 2391 & 2392
Clerk 716-938-9111, ext. 2297
Sheriff 716-938-9191
Treasurer 716-938-9111, ext. 2285

Allegany
Town Clerk 716-373-0120
Village Clerk 716-373-1460
Police Department 716-373-0873

Olean
City Clerk 716-376-5600
Community Development 716-376-5647
Fire Department 716-376-5687
Mayor 716-376-5615
Police Department 716-376-5676
Town Clerk 716-373-0582
Town Supervisor 716-373-4281

Portville
Town Municipal Building 716-933-6658
Village Police Department 716-933-8773
Village Office 716-933-8407

Ellicottville
Town Clerk 716-699-2240
Town/Village Police Department 716-699-2120
State Police Substation 716-699-8012
Village Clerk 716-699-2240
Village Mayor 716-699-4636

Franklinville
Town Clerk 716-676-3077
Fire Department 716-676-2539
Village Clerk 716-676-3010
Village Police Department 716-676-5697

Hinsdale
Fire Hall 716-557-2513
Municipal Building 716-557-2478

Salamanca
City Clerk 716-945-4620
Department of Development 716-945-3230
Fire Headquarters 716-945-3311
Mayor 716-945-3110
Police Department 716-945-2330
Town Hall 716-945-4775

Step out for a delightful day at our community's shops and restaurants.

An eclectic blend of local crafts, imports and national brand favorites combine to form the shopping profile for Olean and the neighboring communities. Historic downtown areas have become destinations for visitors and those who love the unique and unusual. Rural areas preserve the beauty and artistry of handmade items. Malls, such as Grand Center Station in Salamanca, inject the excitement of the new and innovative.
Retail sales in Olean — the retail center for more than 200,000 residents and thousands of visitors — total more than $550 million annually. Olean Center Mall brings a metropolitan influence with its nationally known stores, while providing opportunities for local merchants to sell their merchandise. Downtown Olean is the place for specialty shops featuring clothing, home décor, equestrian supplies, imports and even sporting goods.
Downtown Ellicottville is a resort destination with upscale lodging, bars and restaurants, and the kind of shopping one would expect to find in such a charming setting. Boutiques, galleries and niche retail businesses feature clothing, furniture, handcrafted and decorative items, gifts and seasonal specialties.
Located in the heart of Amish country, Randolph is a village defined by its 19th-century homes and the historic downtown with its unique shops. Several bed and breakfasts are inviting destinations for visitors. This is the starting point for Amish Country. Handmade items — furniture, baked goods, quilts and wooden toys — are available in many home shops.
Throughout the countryside of the Southern Tier in the summer, farmers sell fruits, vegetables and homemade goods at open-air markets and roadside stands. Antique lovers are sure to enjoy following the Antique Trail Map to the great finds in Franklinville, Ellicottville, Hinsdale, Salamanca and Olean.
When it’s time to eat, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are served in great style at the tables of the pubs, delis, cafés, grills and family restaurants. With choices for every taste, budget and time of day, the cities and villages of this area finds many ways to please. Grab a beef on wick or a barbecue sandwich. Feast on tacos or prime rib. Enjoy egg rolls or pizza. No matter what you’re hungry for, you will find something to satisfy. Restaurants serving Mexican entrées, Southern cooking, American standards, Asian cuisine and the finest steaks are waiting for you.
Stop by the Ellicottville Brewing Company, a craft brewery and grill, and order their famous Shepard’s Pie. Enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings of their German Beer Garden. When you’re finished, you can even take a tour of the microbrewery.
Because of its location near the ski resorts, Ellicottville is also the site of many lodging options, including inns and lodges. There are also more than 20 bed and breakfasts in the area. Many of them are in historic houses and feature antique furnishings. More than 20 hotels and motels — both national favorites and locally owned — provide comfortable rooms and many amenities. For those who want to stay longer, cabins, condos, chalets and townhouses are popular rental properties.
Come for a day, a weekend or a season. You will always feel welcomed by the friendly people and the attractive surroundings of the Enchanted Mountains.


*****
CLOSE UP
Beef on Wick Sandwich
If you’re looking for an unforgettable sandwich, be sure to try the famous Beef on Wick (or Beef on Weck). Commonly served in the Buffalo-Rochester area, this delicious local delicacy is served at Foster’s Pub in Ellicottville, Beef ‘N Barrel in Olean, and R&M Restaurant in Randolph, as well as at several other restaurants in the area.
This sandwich features very thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a salty kummelweck (or kimmelweck) roll, which is a Kaiser roll topped with lots of pretzel salt and caraway seeds. Tradition says that William Wahr, a German baker, brought the kummelweck roll to Buffalo from the Black Forest in Germany. Accompaniments include a dish of juice for dipping, freshly grated horseradish and kosher dill pickles.
*****

Families of faith share a rich spiritual heritage.

In early days of Cattaraugus County, union churches were built. Various religious denominations shared the use of the buildings. Today there are many places of worship here as well as many faith traditions: Bahá’í, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Christian. One of the largest Amish communities is located near Randolph. Through community service projects, interfaith groups and even ecumenical worship services, dialog and understanding have developed.
French Franciscan missionary priests brought Christianity to the area in the 1800s.
St. Bonaventure University in Allegany began as a seminary in 1858 to train young men for the priesthood. Now there is a significant Roman Catholic community in the area, with 10 parishes. Catholic education is available to students from pre-kindergarten through college.
Bringing together more than 15 Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and other Christian churches, the Greater Olean Association of Churches (GOAC) has been active in the area for more than 40 years. This group meets several times a year to share news about the ministry activities various congregations are doing. This group supports the local food pantries, Interfaith Caregivers who care for the elderly, and Genesis House for homeless families. They participate in the annual CROP walk to raise money for local and world hunger relief. Volunteers provide pastoral care at Olean General Hospital and lead worship services at The Pines Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. Special community services for holidays, the World Day of Prayer, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are sponsored by GOAC. The Good Friday Way of the Cross is a procession through Olean from noon to 3 p.m. The group stops at seven churches along the way for a time of prayer.
Every morning at Mt Zion Christian Assembly, a Christian group gathers to pray for the community. This effort began three years ago and has grown to include other joint activities, such as the week-long tent meeting in Olean in 2006, men’s ministry and women’s ministry study and fellowship events, and gathering more than 1,800 gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child®, a national project of Samaritan’s Purse.
One of the most practical and far-reaching ministries of area churches involves food. Loaves and Fishes food pantry at Hillside Wesleyan Church in Olean receives contributions from many churches and local businesses. The Salvation Army operates a pantry for emergency needs only. Extra food goes to soup kitchens operated by Mt. Zion Christian Assembly and St. Bonaventure University.
Working together to improve the quality of life and increase cooperation, the faith communities of Olean and the surrounding communities are actively caring and communicating. They may not change the world, but they are changing lives every day.

*****
CLOSE UP
United Faith Community
From the terrorist tragedy of September 11, 2001, came a cooperative effort for communication among the various faith traditions in the Olean area. The United Faith Community began as an organization to encourage gatherings and education among Christians, Jews and Muslims. Through the years, the group has expanded to include individuals from the Hindu, Buddhist, Bahá’í, Sikh and All Nations (Native American) traditions. Formal gatherings take place four times a year at different locations.

*****

This region provides four seasons of indoor and outdoor diversions.


Outdoors, indoors, all year long — Olean and the surrounding communities provide fun for the entire family. Your favorite sport or activity is nearby with a friendly staff and safe surroundings waiting to greet you. Your favorite holiday or season is celebrated in grand style. Step into beauty and charm reminiscent of simpler times. Challenge yourself with a new adventure. Take time to relax and appreciate all the area has to offer: Cattaraugus County — Naturally Yours to Enjoy.

WINTER SPORTS PARADISE

An average annual snowfall of 180 inches makes this an ideal location for many winter sports. The area is home to the Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski resorts and is a well-known ski destination. More than 600,000 visitors come here each year during ski season.
Holiday Valley is the state's most popular ski resort. Along with the nearby Village of Ellicottville, it is often called the “Aspen of the East.” It covers 1,400 acres, with 270 of those acres being used for skiing. Offering great skiing, great times, great friends, this resort features 53 slopes — 37 of which are open for night skiing – and a 750-foot vertical drop. There are 12 lifts, and 95 percent snowmaking coverage is guaranteed. From November to April, it is open seven days a week and operates all day and night. Skiing lessons are available for all ages, including an adaptive ski instruction program for those with visual, physical or mental challenges. NASTAR racing adds to the excitement on the slopes. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and tubing are also popular here. Holiday Valley has three base lodges: Inn at Holiday Valley, Clubhouse Chalet and Yodeler Lodge. Many services and amenities are available on site, including restaurants, lounges, repair shops, day care, ski rental, equipment and clothing retail shops, therapeutic massage, and a spa.
HoliMont Ski Area is North America’s largest private ski resort. It offers skiing, pure and simple, to non-members Monday through Friday (except Christmas week). Weekends are reserved for members and their invited guests. With 140 ski-able acres, the resort has 50 slopes with 700 vertical feet and wall-to-wall, top-to-bottom snowmaking. There are eight lifts, including one T-bar, two triple chairs and two quad chairs. Other resort features are trails for cross country skiing, a half pipe for snowboarding and a terrain park. The resort’s A-frame Chalet offers delicious menus for meals and snacks throughout the day. Comfortable lodging accommodations await in the hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts of Ellicottville.
Odea’s Mountain in Allegany is the Mountain “Sno” Tubing Paradise. Boasting the highest, fastest and longest tubing hill in the world, its run is 1,400 feet long and features night lighting. Enthusiasts may be able to reach speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour. And golfers don’t have to wait for green grass to play. They can enjoy SnoGolf on the three-hole, par three course here.
Allegany State Park’s Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area in Salamanca has some of the best cross country skiing and mountain bike trails in the Northeast. There are also 90 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and it is possible to travel the entire Southwest New York area by snowmobile.

SUMMER FUN

Within a 50-mile radius of Olean, there are at least 252 holes of golf available — which is sure to bring a smile and present a challenge to any golfer. There is even a miniature golf course and driving range at Odea’s Mountain in Allegany. Consider playing these courses:

• Bartlett Country Club in Olean – private, 18 holes, par 70
• Birch Run Country Club in Allegany – public, 9 holes, par 35
• Cardinal Hills Golf Club in Randolph – public, 18 holes, par 72
• Elkdale Country Club in Salamanca – public, 18 holes, par 70
• Holiday Valley Golf Course in Ellicottville – public, 18 holes, par 72
• Holiday Valley Resort – public, 18 holes, par 72
• Ischua Valley Country Club in Franklinville – public, 9 holes, par 36
• St. Bonaventure Golf Course – public, 9 holes, par 36

Holiday Valley hums with activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors enjoy the tennis courts and swimming pools, as well as hiking and mountain biking. A favorite site for weddings and receptions — either in the lodges or outdoors — Holiday Valley's staff of experienced planners and caterers are ready to assist couples in planning their special day. There is a large reception area that will handle up to 450 guests.
For more than 18 years, the Ellicottville Championship Rodeo has been a summer highlight with four performances in late June and early July. This is one of the largest IPRA-sanctioned rodeos in the Northeast and includes seven events. The famous grilled chicken barbeque dinners keep visitors and residents coming back for more.
Area parks come alive in the summer with sports and other events. In Olean, Lincoln Park is the site of summer concerts and Steak Bakes. In July are the Old Fashion Ice Cream Social and the Memorabilia and Heritage Day. To celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, the Community Picnic is held in War Vets Park, along with the Band Fest and fireworks display at Bradner Stadium. In Salamanca, the Jefferson Park Concert Series takes place June through August.

FALL COLORS AND HAPPENINGS

World-famous for the riot of color that comes with its autumn foliage, the Northeast is a popular tourist site. Cattaraugus County offers some delightful destinations that are set against the colorful backdrop of this season.
Pumpkinville, located in Great Valley, is open from the third Saturday of September through October 31. Owned by the Pawlowski family, this is the oldest original pumpkin farm in New York State. Admission is free, and visitors enjoy the many attractions here: Pumpkin Yard; Story Land; Goat Mountain; the Corn Field Maze; Bounty Barn; the Boutique; Craft Barn, featuring crafts from local artisans; Apple Barn; Betty’s Barn, with painted pumpkins; Corn Cannon; and Pumpkinville Grill. Tasty treats include cider, popcorn, candy apples, barbeque, pastries and donuts. Pick your own pumpkin, or choose one that is waiting for you along with corn, squash and gourds. During the season, picnicking, hay rides and pony rides are available.
When Halloween arrives, visit O’Dea’s Mountain for the Walk of Terror, or take one of the Nightmare Hayrides in Ellicottville.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Allegany State Park in Salamanca, created in 1921, is the largest park in New York State, with 65,000 acres. Open all year, this is a favorite place to experience the Northeast’s version of autumn. Its forested valleys are home to many types of wildlife. Red House and Quaker are the developed areas, featuring sand beaches, picnic areas, museums and trails. There are 18 hiking trails; three of these are self-guided nature trails. Three miles of paved walking/bicycling trails go around Red House Lake. Popular activities include bird watching, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, canoeing and horseback riding. The park has 424 campsites and 375 cabins and was named as one of the Top 100 U.S. Campgrounds in 2004.
A favorite site for canoeing, kayaking and fishing is the Allegheny River. Along the river in Allegany, Olean and near St. Bonaventure University is the Allegheny River Valley Trail. This asphalt trail is 10 feet wide and 5.6 miles long. It is used for walking, bicycling, in-line skating and cross country skiing.
Onoville Marina is located on the 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir, just north of the Allegheny National Forest and west of Allegany State Park. Surrounded by woodlands, the reservoir has 91 miles of shoreline. Boating enthusiasts enjoy the easy access that Onoville Marina provides. There are 365 dock slips for boats up to 40 feet with shorepower, as well as a fuel dock and a launch ramp.
Rock City Park, a privately owned park in Allegany, features large rock formations rising several stories high. This unique geological formation is found only in the Northeast and a few northern European locations. Those who climb the rocks are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Enchanted Mountains.
Founded in 1988, Pfeiffer Nature Center is building a foundation of knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Located near Portville and Olean, the center features nature-based educational programs that focus on responsibility and stewardship for nature. On its more than 600 acres, visitors learn about a variety of ecotypes while enjoying spectacular views of the area. There are nine miles of trails, with guided nature walks available. Special programs for school groups and Camp Typnahdi make this a favorite destination for students. This is also a research site for St. Bonaventure University. Pfeiffer Nature Center Library offers a growing collection of journals and publications.
Often called “The Jewel in the Crown of Ellicottville,” Nannen Arboretum is one of the area’s most beautiful treasures. Organized in 1976, it is affiliated with the Cornell University Cooperative Extension program. On the 8-acre site are more than 400 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennial flowers and herbs. A Japanese stone meditation garden and a pond add to the serenity of this place. The Butterfly Ballroom is a home to live butterflies, as well as native and tropical insects. Chapman Nature Sanctuary and Northrup Nature Hall are favorite locations for wedding and outdoor entertainment. Local churches hold special services in the Sanctuary during the summer months.


OLEAN YMCA

With the help of committed citizens and Jamestown Community College (JCC), the opening of the new $3 million Olean YMCA in 2004 became a testimony to the results of cooperation. Community fundraising efforts and the continuation of a strong relationship between JCC and the YMCA made the project possible. More than $750,000 in tax credits were provided through the efforts of the Cattaraugus Empire Zone Corporation.
In the new two-story brick building on Wayne Street in Olean, the YMCA has 65,000 square feet of space to utilize. Facilities include two gymnasiums; an indoor walking/running track; a heated six-lane, 25-yard pool and a family/zero-depth entry pool; a climbing wall; Family Adventure Center; “The Skyline” Teen Center; two handball/racquetball courts; a co-ed steam room and dry sauna; the Wellness Center, with Nautilus Nitro Plus stations, free weights and cardiovascular equipment; two group exercise studios with shock-absorbing floors; Youth Fitness Center, with strength-training equipment designed for children in grades three through eight; the Health Resource Center; and the Child Care Center. The facility is open daily, and parking is free.
Dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and social interaction, the trained and certified staff provides services for youth, teens, active older adults and families. Aerobics and fitness classes, swim lessons, and senior programs are offered. There's After-School Child Care during the school year, plus programs, YCamp and Youth Sports Camp in the summer. The YMCA also sponsors community events, such as Healthy Kids Day and the Wellness Rally.
Since 1909, the YMCA has provided facilities and programs to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities in the Olean area. Each year, the YMCA serves more than 16,000 children, teens and adults. Services are never denied due to a person’s or family’s inability to pay.
Jamestown Community College and the YMCA have entered into a 30-year shared lease agreement, with the YMCA as the major owner and JCC as part owner. Now students and staff have access to this modern facility for physical-education classes, athletics, intramural activities, recreation, ceremonies and other college-related activities. JCC Jaguars men’s and women’s basketball teams use the gyms for practices and intercollegiate games. This is the first collaboration of its kind in New York State and is sure to be a model for other such ventures.

SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO

Seneca Allegany Casino, a business venture of The Seneca Nation of Indians, opened in 2004. The casino offers 48,000 square feet of world-class gaming with more than 1,900 slot machines and table games. Turtle Island is a non-smoking casino. Complimentary beverages are available to those who are gaming. Poker tournaments are held daily in the Poker Room, and the casino hosts national tour tournaments each year, including the World Series of Poker and the On The Border Poker Challenge.
When taking a break from gaming, enjoy the live music or the delicious food served at the Thunder Mountain Buffet. Eight Clans Gift Shop has logo items, golf wear, jewelry, toys and authentic Native American items.
Under construction is a new 11-story luxury hotel. When completed, it will have 220 rooms, including 16 corner suites and four grand suites; additional gaming; three restaurants; a full-service spa and salon; an exercise area; an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub and deck; a children’s pool; four meeting rooms; a ballroom; event rooms; and retail shops.

BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS

Just 80 miles away, experience the excitement created by Buffalo’s professional sports teams:

• Buffalo Bills NFL football at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Stadium
• Buffalo Sabres Hockey at HSBC Arena
• Buffalo Bisons International Baseball League (AAA) at Dunn Tire Park
• Buffalo Bandits National Lacrosse League at HSBC Arena

Niagara Falls, with its scenic grandeur, is 100 miles north. The outdoor and entertainment activities that have grown up around this natural wonder make the area a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike.

*****
CLOSE UP
Festivals for All Seasons

WINTER
November
Beer & Wine Festival at Holiday Valley
Santa Claus Lane Parade in Olean

November/December
Christmas in Ellicottville, The Gift of Lights

December
Christmas Stroll in Ellicottville
Holiday Fest in Franklinville
New Year’s Eve Celebration in Ellicottville
Old Fashioned Country Christmas & Festival of Trees
Silver Bells Festival in Salamanca
Victorian Christmas in Franklinville

January
Winter Blues Festival in Ellicottville

February
CanAm Dog Sled Races in Allegany State Park
Case Lake Ice Fishing Derby in Franklinville
Fest Uhler de Schnee in Franklinville
Penguin Paddle in Ellicottville
Spring Round Up in Ellicottville
Winter Fun Fest in Allegany State Park

SPRING
March
Cultural Diversity Weekend in Olean
Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show
Maple Weekend in Cattaraugus County
Mardi Gras Parade & Winter Carnival in Ellicottville

April
Maple Festival in Franklinville

May
Ellicottville Jazz Festival
Pioneer Days in Gowanda

SUMMER
June
Arts & Crafts Festival
Heritage Days Festival in Hinsdale
Summer Festival of the Arts in Ellicottville

July
Airport Open House/STARS Rally at Olean Municipal Airport
Come Home to Salamanca Festival
Give the Dog a Bone Tour in Olean
Pow Wow in Olean
Seneca Allegany Casino Veterans Pow Wow in Salamanca
Shop Hop/Cruise In
Weekend Horse Show

August
Children First Festival in Ellicottville
Heritage Days in Allegany
Taste of Ellicottville
Rock ’ n’ Oldies Weekend in Ellicottville
Taste of Olean and Art in the Park

FALL
September
Creekside Roundup Carriage Drive in Franklinville
Falling Leaves Festival in Salamanca
Heritage Harvest Festival in Gowanda
Irish Festival in Allegany
Johnny Appleseed Festival

October
Fall Festival in Ellicottville
Portville Library Arts & Crafts Fair

*****