A day in Angelica: Photo essay of people, places in Upstate NY town (2024)

By Kathe Harrington | Contributing photographer

Angelica is small, historical village nestled in the foothills of Allegany County, with a population under 900. Angelica was first settled in 1802 and established in 1805 by Captain Philip Church. Church, a nephew of Alexander Hamilton, named the town after his mother, Angelica Schuyler Church.

The Angelica village clock stands on the pretty, tree-lined West Main Street.

Nicknamed the "Street of Shops," downtown Angelica historic district is filled with quaint shops and eateries, including Angelica Country Store, with the large cow in front!

Angelica Sweet Shop is a bakeshop and candy store. They also serve coffee and ice-cream and sell maple syrup and other local gift items.

Don and Karen Ash own the Sweet Shop. When asked what he loved most about having a shop in Angelica, Don replied, "It's just all about the people. We love to see old friends stop by, or new customers because they stay and chat awhile and become friends."

Heritage Antiques is a large multi-dealer shop in the village.

Black Eyed Susan Acoustic Cafe currently hosts private events and celebrations at its West Main Street restaurant.

The Canteen serves breakfast and lunch in their 1940's-themed restaurant.

Retail shops on West Main Street in the village.

Angelica Community Radio Inc. is a low-power FM radio station managed entirely by volunteers. On Christmas Eve, they featured a reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in its entirety!

June Ronald owns the building that houses Angelica Gallery, a co-op art, antique and collectable store. She told me, "We fell in love with the building. We had to hunt down the owners and they agreed to sell it. It's just the best small town atmosphere. The people, our customers, are just amazing. We really love it here."

"The Little Builiding" is home to Angelica Booster Citizens.

Angelica Bakery was established in 1969. They once had a storefront and many different baked goods. After a few years, however, they closed the storefront and decided to put all their efforts into their famous Salt Rising Bread.

If you pass through the village in the morning, there is a good chance you will smell this unique Salt Rising Bread!

Artists Terri Ross, Staci Curry and Linda Ross come together as Three Clay Sisters Pottery Studio and Gift Shop at 23 Main St.

The gorgeous Angelica Free Library at 55 W. Main St. was dedicated in 1900 by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sullivan Smith.

The Arnold Home was built from stone quarried at Joncy Gorge. The west side has no windows. The Gibson Hotel once stood next to it, and it is said that the Arnold family did not want to view the hotel! Old Stone House Antiques is now in this building.

The Hartshorn House, now operating as Magnolia House catering, was built in 1850.

In 1805, Captain Philip Church selected the site of the village and directed surveyor Everett van Wickle to lay it out. A central circle was made into a park, and all the important community structures were built on its circumference. Five churches, the post office and courthouse are all around the circle.

Angelica Baptist Church is one of the five churches built around Park Circle.

Atop a hill overlooking Park Circle is the 1826 Burr home.

Built in 1884, the Park Circle is a beautifully restored Bed and Breakfast located on Angelica's Park Circle at 2 E. Main St.

St Paul's Episcopal Church on Park Circle was built in 1847 to replace the 1831 church destroyed by fire. It has three registered Tiffany windows and an ornately carved sanctuary.

Former Grange and Presbyterian Church on Park Circle.

Town of Angelica Historical Marker on Park Circle.

The Old Allegany Courthouse was built in 1819. Today it is used as the village town hall.

A snow-covered gazebo in Park Circle.

Built in 1885, this building has been Angelica Post Office since 1908.

Once a year, folks flock the tiny Angelica post office to mail their Christmas cards and get a special Angel postal cancellation. This tradition is in its 21st year. Since the stamp must be destroyed each season, artist Pat Kaake creates a new one for the next year. A poster of all the designs hangs in the lobby.

Built in 1805, the American Hotel is a full-service restaurant and bar at 28 Main St. I hear they have an amazing Sunday brunch!

The Joncy Bridge (Alton Sylor Memorial Bridge) is the longest, clear-span timber arch in the United States at 274.10 feet. It was built 39 feet over the Angelica Creek, which flows into the Genesee River. It opened in 2003, replacing the 1930s-era steel girder truss structure.

David Haggstrom, former mayor of Angelica, was kind enough to meet me and show me the bridge trail. He's a lifelong Angelica resident and he knows all the history!

The famed Villa Belvidere, was started by John Barker Church and his wife, Angelica (for whom Angelica is named). It was completed in 1810 and became the home of son Philip and his wife, Anna Matilda Church. The Hamilton-Burr dueling pistols were once held at the Belvidere. The pistols were originally owned by John Church. He lent them to his brother-in-law Alexander Hamilton and his associate Aaron Burr for their famous duel in New Jersey. Today the dueling pistols are located in the headquarters of J.P. Morgan Chase on Park Avenue in New York City.

Villa Belvidere had 30 rooms and 13 fireplaces and was built just above the Genesee River. Today it is a private residence.

Add in these views and Angelica becomes one of the most charming, historically interesting and friendliest villages I've ever visited. Every single person I met went out of their way to help me. I think that's just everyday life in Angelica.

See more community photo essays

Our photographers are visiting small communities to take in the sheer beauty of life in Upstate New York. Here's a sample:

Orchard Park

Ellicottville

Salamanca

Or see them all here.