Getzville brings together tangible traces of a historic hamlet and a local history in which the railroad played an important role. The hamlet was located near the intersection of Campbell Boulevard and Dodge Road and had a railroad stop. Properties in the hamlet are considered significant because of their connection to the historic site and its relationship with the railroad. Getzville Fire Department Park adds another place, with a focus on sports.
Historic District and Buildings
The Hamlet of Getzville Historic District is listed in the Town of Amherst’s 2023 register of designated historic properties. It includes parts of 175 Campbell Boulevard, 260 Campbell Boulevard, and 1–7 Center Street. The designation expressly applies to parts of these addresses, so it should not be read as referring to each entire property. A building in the vernacular Italianate style stands at 260 Campbell Boulevard. It was probably formerly used as an inn and tavern. For an overview of Getzville’s local history, the district, addresses, and building history offer distinct but related clues.
Mill and Railroad History
The Getzville Grist Mill was built around 1860 as a two-and-a-half-story timber-frame building with a gabled roof and stone foundation.
The former railroad right-of-way has been removed and is represented by an earthen embankment. This leaves two distinct reminders of the railroad side by side in Getzville: the hamlet’s historic stop and the embankment representing the right-of-way. The hamlet’s properties are significant precisely because of the connection between settlement history and the railroad. This makes it possible to understand the railroad not only as part of local history; the embankment also provides its own point of reference in the landscape.
Getzville Fire Department Park
Getzville Fire Department Park is located at the southeast corner of Dodge Road and Stahl Road. It has two unlighted softball fields, one of which has an outfield fence. The park also has a large paved parking lot, as well as additional street parking. The specific information about its location, fields, and parking helps identify the park as a distinct focal point alongside the historic sites. If the fields or parking spaces are important to your plans, it is a good idea to confirm current details, as amenities and parking options may change.
Which focus suits your trip?
Getzville is of particular interest to travelers who are interested in the history of a hamlet, its connection to the railroad, and historic architectural styles. The park adds softball fields and parking to the picture of the area. Consider which of these is more important for your stay. If you plan to use the fields or parking, check their current conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Angola, Collins, Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, East Aurora, Depew, Buffalo, Orchard Park
For the overarching travel guide: Erie.
