Discovering Market Street in Corning, NY: A Journey Through Time and Art

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | September 12, 2024

Step into a world where history, art, and small-town charm converge – welcome to Market Street in Corning, NY. This 90-minute walking tour, guided by the talented local artist Meghan O’Toole, is not just a stroll; it’s a vivid exploration of a community rich in tradition, innovation, and creativity. Meghan’s deep love for Corning shines through as she shares fascinating stories about the town’s architecture, public art, and its role in America’s glass-making history.

The Market Street Memorial Sculpture: A Gateway to History
The tour begins with the Market Street Memorial Sculpture, a beautifully crafted arch designed to commemorate Corning’s Centennial. Designed by artist George Brademeyer, the arch is a whimsical blend of Corning’s industrial past and its artistic future. Each element tells a story – coal, canals, cigars, glassworks, and a castle – highlighting the town’s legacy as a glass manufacturing powerhouse. Meghan shares the town’s unique relationship with public art, emphasizing how it fosters a sense of belonging and community.

A Stroll Through Time: The Golden Triangle and Brickwork
As you move along Market Street, Meghan draws attention to the Golden Triangle – the honey locust trees that line the street, soon to turn a brilliant yellow. These trees, combined with the height and uniformity of the brick buildings, create a sense of enclosure, making the street feel like a cozy, small-town movie set. And that’s not far from the truth! Meghan, a former window display artist for the Gaffer District, reminisces about the street’s transformation from a smoky, industrial hub to the vibrant cultural center it is today.

“Look up,” she urges, and you’ll see a variety of intricate brickwork patterns, each building telling a different story. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era, preserved by the foresight of three determined women in the late 1960s who fought to keep the town’s historical charm intact.

Women-Led Businesses and The Woolly Minded Yarn Store
Market Street is also home to many women-owned businesses, including the charming Woolly Minded Yarn Store. As Meghan points out, women have long been at the heart of Corning’s entrepreneurial spirit. She recalls the role women played in the town’s once-thriving cigar industry- factories where cigars were famously hand-rolled by women. Today, the town’s female business owners continue to infuse Market Street with creativity and resilience.