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| {{for|the village in Cayuga County, New York|Aurora, Cayuga County, New York}} | {{for|the village in Cayuga County, New York|Aurora, Cayuga County, New York}} | ||
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| | image_skyline = Aurora Theatre from Main Street.jpg | | image_skyline = Aurora Theatre from Main Street.jpg | ||
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| | image_caption = The Aurora Theatre from Main Street | | image_caption = The ] from Main Street | ||
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| | image_seal = <!-- Maps --> | | image_seal = <!-- Maps --> | ||
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| '''East Aurora''' is a ] in ], ], United States, southeast of ]. It lies in the eastern half of the town of ]. The village population was 5,998 per the 2020 census.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: East Aurora village, New York |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/eastauroravillagenewyork |access-date=2022 |
'''East Aurora''' is a ] in ], United States, southeast of ]. It lies in the eastern half of the town of ]. The village population was 5,998 per the 2020 census.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: East Aurora village, New York |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/eastauroravillagenewyork |access-date=August 4, 2022 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref> It is part of the ]. In 2015, East Aurora was rated the third-best town to raise a family in ] by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://local.niche.com/rankings/towns/best-places-for-families/s/new-york/ |title=2019 Best Places to Raise a Family in New York - Niche |publisher=Local.niche.com |access-date=January 16, 2020}}</ref> According to the National Council of Home Safety and Security, it is also among the safest places to live in New York State <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/lewiston-east-aurora-safest-places-to-live-in-wny/71-518896426 |title=Lewiston, East Aurora safest places to live in WNY |publisher=wgrz.com |date=February 14, 2018 |access-date=January 16, 2020}}</ref> (ranked 1st, 2018). | ||
| == History == | == History == | ||
| The village was founded in 1804,<ref>{{cite book|title=History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County: With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Volume I |author=Smith, H. Perry|page=|publisher=D. Mason & Co|year=1884|url=https://archive.org/details/historycitybuff00smitgoog}}</ref> and incorporated in 1874.<ref>{{cite news |title=East Aurora Bee |date= |
The village was founded in 1804,<ref>{{cite book|title=History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County: With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Volume I |author=Smith, H. Perry|page=|publisher=D. Mason & Co|year=1884|url=https://archive.org/details/historycitybuff00smitgoog}}</ref> and incorporated in 1874.<ref>{{cite news |title=East Aurora Bee |date=October 12, 2011 |url=http://www.eastaurorabee.com/node/11984 |access-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817125158/http://www.eastaurorabee.com/node/11984 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
| Prior to becoming ], ] lived in East Aurora with his wife ] from 1826 to 1830. The house he built there while practicing law in the beginning of his political career is currently maintained by the Aurora Historical Society. The 1825 structure is restored to that period and features some original Fillmore furniture of the era, as well as items from Fillmore's presidential years. The home is currently located at 24 Shearer Avenue in the village of East Aurora. ] | Prior to becoming ], ] lived in East Aurora with his wife ] from 1826 to 1830. The house he built there while practicing law in the beginning of his political career is currently maintained by the Aurora Historical Society. The 1825 structure is restored to that period and features some original Fillmore furniture of the era, as well as items from Fillmore's presidential years. The home is currently located at 24 Shearer Avenue in the village of East Aurora. ] | ||
| The founder of the ], ], also lived there during the turn of the twentieth century. Hubbard and his wife died on board the {{RMS|Lusitania}} in 1915. One of the town's most famous landmarks, the Roycroft Inn, was converted from the Hubbards' original print shop and opened as an inn in 1905 to accommodate the influx of famous visitors attracted by Hubbard's ideas as well as the books, Mission-style furniture and metalware produced by the 500 Roycroft artisans on the South Grove Street Roycroft campus. The Roycroft Campus was granted National Landmark Status in 1986. The Roycroft Inn was re-opened in June 1995 through the support of the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.roycroftinn.com/inn/inn_history.htm | title = The Roycroft Inn, East Aurora NY ‒ History | access-date = |
The founder of the ], ], also lived there during the turn of the twentieth century. Hubbard and his wife died on board the {{RMS|Lusitania}} in 1915. One of the town's most famous landmarks, the Roycroft Inn, was converted from the Hubbards' original print shop and opened as an inn in 1905 to accommodate the influx of famous visitors attracted by Hubbard's ideas as well as the books, Mission-style furniture and metalware produced by the 500 Roycroft artisans on the South Grove Street Roycroft campus. The Roycroft Campus was granted National Landmark Status in 1986. The Roycroft Inn was re-opened in June 1995 through the support of the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.roycroftinn.com/inn/inn_history.htm | title = The Roycroft Inn, East Aurora NY ‒ History | access-date = February 15, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070312042831/http://www.roycroftinn.com/inn/inn_history.htm | archive-date = March 12, 2007 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The inn was completely restored and is open to the public for dining and accommodations. ] on Oakwood Avenue features an extensive collection of Roycroft books and Arts & Crafts pieces.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} | ||
| ⚫ | East Aurora is also the birthplace of and home to the corporate headquarters for ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp | title = Fisher-Price Website| access-date = October 3, 2007 }}</ref> From 1987 through 2007<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.toytownusa.com/events/toyfest.htm | title = Toyfest | access-date = March 16, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080613220441/http://www.toytownusa.com/events/toyfest.htm | archive-date = June 13, 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref> the village and the ] (an independent non-profit organization located on the Fisher-Price campus) held the Toyfest Festival,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.east-aurora.ny.us/history.htm | title = Village of East Aurora History | access-date = October 3, 2007 | archive-date = October 25, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071025045248/http://www.east-aurora.ny.us/history.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> which included the Toyfest parade featuring giant replicas of classic Fisher-Price toys. The three-day event was usually held at Hamlin Park and included an amusement park, circus-like attractions and a Fisher-Price play area where young children could play with a variety of toys.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} | ||
| The inn was completely restored and is open to the public for dining and accommodations. ] on Oakwood Avenue features an extensive collection of Roycroft books and Arts & Crafts pieces.{{cn|date=December 2022}} | |||
| ⚫ | East Aurora is also the birthplace of and home to the corporate headquarters for ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp | title = Fisher-Price Website| access-date = 2007 |
||
| ] | ] | ||
| The town was the home of the inaugural owner of the NHL franchise ], ]. The Knox Estates, now known as ], is a {{convert|633|acre|km2|adj=on}} New York state park. It is located on the northwest edge of the village. | The town was the home of the inaugural owner of the NHL franchise ], ]. The Knox Estates, now known as ], is a {{convert|633|acre|km2|adj=on}} New York state park. It is located on the northwest edge of the village. | ||
| ⚫ | East Aurora is home to the corporate headquarters of ]. Moog is a designer and manufacturer of motion and fluid controls and control systems for applications in aerospace, defense, industrial and medical devices. The company operates under three segments: aircraft controls, space and defense controls, and industrial systems. | ||
| The ], ], and ] are listed on the ].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref> The Adams family were the first settlers to stay a winter in East Aurora in 1804 and the family farm still stands today on Olean Road. | The ], ], and ] are listed on the ].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref> The Adams family were the first settlers to stay a winter in East Aurora in 1804 and the family farm still stands today on Olean Road. | ||
| == Contemporary issues == | == Contemporary issues == | ||
| East Aurora was one of the first communities to successfully block a ] store, in 1995 and again in 1999. The act was led by a community group in an attempt to preserve the small town values, and help support privately owned businesses. ] also attempted to come to East Aurora, but it was blocked by ], the only grocery store in East Aurora.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nationaltrust.org/11Most/list.asp?i=109 | title = 11 Most Endangered Places at National Trust for Historic Preservation | access-date = |
East Aurora was one of the first communities to successfully block a ] store, in 1995 and again in 1999. The act was led by a community group in an attempt to preserve the small town values, and help support privately owned businesses. ] also attempted to come to East Aurora, but it was blocked by ], the only grocery store in East Aurora.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nationaltrust.org/11Most/list.asp?i=109 | title = 11 Most Endangered Places at National Trust for Historic Preservation | access-date = February 15, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060928233624/http://www.nationaltrust.org/11Most/list.asp?i=109 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = September 28, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://eastaurora.org/about.aspx | title = East Aurora New York ‒ Village History | access-date = February 15, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070307120546/http://www.eastaurora.org/about.aspx | archive-date = March 7, 2007 | url-status = dead }}</ref> | ||
| == Geography == | == Geography == | ||
| East Aurora is located at {{Coord|42|46|1|N|78|37|2|W|type:city}} (42.766809, -78.617121).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date= |
East Aurora is located at {{Coord|42|46|1|N|78|37|2|W|type:city}} (42.766809, -78.617121).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> | ||
| According to the ], the village has a total area of {{convert|2.5|sqmi|km2}}, all land. | According to the ], the village has a total area of {{convert|2.5|sqmi|km2}}, all land. | ||
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| === Points of interest === | === Points of interest === | ||
| Main Street in East Aurora is lined with a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, churches, municipal buildings and carefully preserved homes. Businesses include |
Main Street in East Aurora is lined with a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, churches, municipal buildings and carefully preserved homes. Businesses include The ''East Aurora Advertiser'', the community newspaper since 1872, which has occupied its Main St. office for more than 100 years. On Riley Street sits the East Aurora Classic Rink, which was created by the Aurora Ice Association. The rink’s components such as the boards, glass and refrigeration system were purchased by the Aurora Ice Association and is the same equipment used in the 2008 NHL Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7632/ | title = Cinema Treasures ‒ Aurora Theater | access-date = February 15, 2007 }}</ref> | ||
| == Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
| Line 121: | Line 117: | ||
| |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> | |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| As of the ]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=] |access-date= |
As of the ]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2020, there were 5,998 people, 2,596 households, and 1,728 families residing in the village. The population density was {{convert|2,653.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 2,729 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,085.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. | ||
| There were 2,596 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were ] living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05. | There were 2,596 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were ] living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05. | ||
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| == Schools == | == Schools == | ||
| Children living in the village of East Aurora attend Parkdale Elementary (grades K–4), East Aurora Middle School (grades 5–8), and ] (grades |
Children living in the village of East Aurora attend Parkdale Elementary (grades K–4), East Aurora Middle School (grades 5–8), and ] (grades 9–12). Children living in the Town of Aurora attend the same public schools, with the notable exception of children living on Highland Drive in the Town of Aurora who attend the Iroquois School District due to a decision made in the 1960s. Immaculate Conception Catholic School (grades K-8) is the ] and the Mandala school, a school that incorporates democratic and hands-on learning, are the alternatives. Children from the ages of one through four can attend ] on the Fisher Price campus, at the Duck Duck Goose Childcare Center or at some of the churches in East Aurora. Another option is the East Aurora ] for ages two through five. Children may also attend Sprouting Minds Montessori School which is a school for infants through sixth grade providing a full Montessori curriculum to children in preschool through sixth grade. Sprouting Minds Montessori is located in the Town of Aurora near the West Falls borderline. Although not in East Aurora, the Aurora Waldorf School is a nearby option in West Falls providing an alternative Waldorf education to children from infancy through eighth grade. | ||
| In 2008 and 2009 additions and renovations totaling $24 million<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=53153 | title = Capital Facilities Project Overview | access-date = 2010 |
In 2008 and 2009 additions and renovations totaling $24 million<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=53153 | title = Capital Facilities Project Overview | access-date = April 5, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307071154/http://eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/blank/browse.asp?a=383&bcob=0&bmdrn=2000&c=53153 | archive-date = March 7, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> were made to the district's schools to address space and maintenance issues.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=288445&C=56928 | title = Capital Facilities Project History | access-date = April 5, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160310131813/http://eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/cwp/view.asp?a=3&c=56928&q=288445 | archive-date = March 10, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Prior to 2009 students attended Parkdale Elementary in grades K–2, and Main Street Elementary for grades 3–8. Elements of the Roycroft style influenced the design of Parkdale Elementary's new entrance.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/lib/114010522142145140/September_October_2008_Project_Status.pdf | title = Capital Facilities Project July–August 2008 Update | access-date = April 5, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307125309/http://eastauroraschools.org/114010522142145140/lib/114010522142145140/september_october_2008_project_status.pdf | archive-date = March 7, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| The district gained approval on January 25, 2011, to begin contracting a roof repair project at the high school that would take place over the summer of 2011. The project did not have any tax impact on the community as it used funds from the district's emergency building repair fund and New York State Building Aid. The work was scheduled to begin on June 27, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010128202613737/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=58391 |title=Archived copy |access-date= |
The district gained approval on January 25, 2011, to begin contracting a roof repair project at the high school that would take place over the summer of 2011. The project did not have any tax impact on the community as it used funds from the district's emergency building repair fund and New York State Building Aid. The work was scheduled to begin on June 27, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastauroraschools.org/114010128202613737/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=58391 |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306175756/http://eastauroraschools.org/114010128202613737/blank/browse.asp?a=383&bcob=0&bmdrn=2000&c=58391 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
| == Notable people == | == Notable people == | ||
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| *], 13th President of the United States of America | *], 13th President of the United States of America | ||
| *], former Washington bureau chief for ] | *], former Washington bureau chief for ] | ||
| * |
*], writer, publisher, artist, philosopher, and founder of the Roycroft artist community; died aboard the sinking of the RMS ''Lusitania'' on May 7, 1915. | ||
| *], owner of the ] | *], owner of the ] | ||
| *], Professional Hockey player for the NWHL ] | *], Professional Hockey player for the NWHL ] | ||
| *Felix Spencer Keigh, musician<ref name="Perla 2016">{{cite web|first1=Cory|last1=Perla|url=http://www.dailypublic.com/articles/08172016/spotlight-uncertain|title=Spotlight: Uncertain|work=]|publisher=Buffalo Public Media, LLC|date=August 17, 2016|accessdate=May 17, 2022|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826201121/http://www.dailypublic.com/articles/08172016/spotlight-uncertain|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| *], original owner of the ] | *], original owner of the ] | ||
| *], Wisconsin state assemblyman | *], Wisconsin state assemblyman | ||
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| *], co-founder of ] and former mayor of East Aurora | *], co-founder of ] and former mayor of East Aurora | ||
| *], co-founder of ] | *], co-founder of ] | ||
| *], New York School poet, moved to East Aurora with his family when he was 15 |
*], New York School poet, moved to East Aurora with his family when he was 15 (the town is the setting for two of his poems, "The Morning of the Poem" and "A Few Days") | ||
| *], singer-songwriter | *], singer-songwriter | ||
| *], ] college football player | *], ] college football player | ||
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| ==Art== | ==Art== | ||
| East Aurora has been home to a number of regional landscape painters, most notably Carl W. Illig (1910-1987), who grew up and lived in the village for nearly all of his life. He painted landscape scenes along ], and fields and hills around East Aurora, in all seasons. His paintings are found in many homes in the village and surrounding towns. | East Aurora has been home to a number of regional landscape painters, most notably Carl W. Illig (1910-1987), who grew up and lived in the village for nearly all of his life. He painted landscape scenes along ], and fields and hills around East Aurora, in all seasons. His paintings are found in many homes in the village and surrounding towns. | ||
| ==Economy== | |||
| ⚫ | ==Cultural references== | ||
| ] is based in East Aurora. | |||
| ⚫ | In the ] movie '']'', Nick Smith (played by ]) says that he will soon be taking a train to East Aurora, where he will meet his "stepmother of untrammeled malevolence, quite possibly to be murdered." | ||
| ⚫ | East Aurora is home to the corporate headquarters of ]. Moog is a designer and manufacturer of motion and fluid controls and control systems for applications in aerospace, defense, industrial and medical devices. The company operates under three segments: aircraft controls, space and defense controls, and industrial systems. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | ==Cultural references== | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * In the ] movie '']'', Nick Smith (played by ]) says that he will soon be taking a train to East Aurora, where he will meet his "stepmother of untrammeled malevolence, quite possibly to be murdered." | ||
| * '']'' was filmed in the village of East Aurora and premiered on the ION network on November 29, 2015. | |||
| ⚫ | * ''A Christmas in Vermont'' was filmed in the village of East Aurora and other locations entirely in western NY. It premiered on the ION network on November 27, 2016. | ||
| ⚫ | * ''Cold Brook'' was directed by William Fichtner was filmed in the village of East Aurora and other locations in Western NY. The movie was released October 15, 2018. | ||
| == References == | == References == | ||
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| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| *{{Wikivoyage |
*{{Wikivoyage inline|East Aurora}} | ||
| {{Erie County, New York}} | {{Erie County, New York}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:29, 13 October 2024
For the village in Cayuga County, New York, see Aurora, Cayuga County, New York.Village in New York, United States
| East Aurora, New York | |
|---|---|
| Village | |
 The Aurora Theatre from Main Street | |
 Location in Erie County and the state of New York. | |
| Coordinates: 42°46′1″N 78°37′2″W / 42.76694°N 78.61722°W / 42.76694; -78.61722 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Erie |
| Town | Aurora |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.52 sq mi (6.53 km) |
| • Land | 2.51 sq mi (6.50 km) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km) |
| Elevation | 919 ft (280 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 5,998 |
| • Density | 2,388.69/sq mi (922.30/km) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 14052 |
| Area code(s) | 716, 585 |
| FIPS code | 36-21589 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0948967 |
| Website | www |
East Aurora is a village in Erie County, New York, United States, southeast of Buffalo. It lies in the eastern half of the town of Aurora. The village population was 5,998 per the 2020 census. It is part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. In 2015, East Aurora was rated the third-best town to raise a family in New York State by Niche. According to the National Council of Home Safety and Security, it is also among the safest places to live in New York State (ranked 1st, 2018).
History
The village was founded in 1804, and incorporated in 1874.
Prior to becoming President of the United States, Millard Fillmore lived in East Aurora with his wife Abigail from 1826 to 1830. The house he built there while practicing law in the beginning of his political career is currently maintained by the Aurora Historical Society. The 1825 structure is restored to that period and features some original Fillmore furniture of the era, as well as items from Fillmore's presidential years. The home is currently located at 24 Shearer Avenue in the village of East Aurora.
The founder of the Roycroft Movement, Elbert Hubbard, also lived there during the turn of the twentieth century. Hubbard and his wife died on board the RMS Lusitania in 1915. One of the town's most famous landmarks, the Roycroft Inn, was converted from the Hubbards' original print shop and opened as an inn in 1905 to accommodate the influx of famous visitors attracted by Hubbard's ideas as well as the books, Mission-style furniture and metalware produced by the 500 Roycroft artisans on the South Grove Street Roycroft campus. The Roycroft Campus was granted National Landmark Status in 1986. The Roycroft Inn was re-opened in June 1995 through the support of the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation. The inn was completely restored and is open to the public for dining and accommodations. The Elbert Hubbard Museum on Oakwood Avenue features an extensive collection of Roycroft books and Arts & Crafts pieces.
East Aurora is also the birthplace of and home to the corporate headquarters for Fisher-Price. From 1987 through 2007 the village and the Toy Town Museum (an independent non-profit organization located on the Fisher-Price campus) held the Toyfest Festival, which included the Toyfest parade featuring giant replicas of classic Fisher-Price toys. The three-day event was usually held at Hamlin Park and included an amusement park, circus-like attractions and a Fisher-Price play area where young children could play with a variety of toys.
The town was the home of the inaugural owner of the NHL franchise Buffalo Sabres, Seymour H. Knox III. The Knox Estates, now known as Knox Farm, is a 633-acre (2.56 km) New York state park. It is located on the northwest edge of the village.
The Millard Fillmore House, George and Gladys Scheidemantel House, and Roycroft Campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Adams family were the first settlers to stay a winter in East Aurora in 1804 and the family farm still stands today on Olean Road.
Contemporary issues
East Aurora was one of the first communities to successfully block a Walmart store, in 1995 and again in 1999. The act was led by a community group in an attempt to preserve the small town values, and help support privately owned businesses. Wegmans also attempted to come to East Aurora, but it was blocked by Tops, the only grocery store in East Aurora.
Geography
East Aurora is located at 42°46′1″N 78°37′2″W / 42.76694°N 78.61722°W / 42.76694; -78.61722 (42.766809, -78.617121).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.5 km), all land.
Main Street in the village is U.S. Route 20A.
Points of interest
Main Street in East Aurora is lined with a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, churches, municipal buildings and carefully preserved homes. Businesses include The East Aurora Advertiser, the community newspaper since 1872, which has occupied its Main St. office for more than 100 years. On Riley Street sits the East Aurora Classic Rink, which was created by the Aurora Ice Association. The rink’s components such as the boards, glass and refrigeration system were purchased by the Aurora Ice Association and is the same equipment used in the 2008 NHL Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 1,109 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,582 | 42.7% | |
| 1900 | 2,366 | 49.6% | |
| 1910 | 2,781 | 17.5% | |
| 1920 | 3,703 | 33.2% | |
| 1930 | 4,815 | 30.0% | |
| 1940 | 5,253 | 9.1% | |
| 1950 | 5,962 | 13.5% | |
| 1960 | 6,791 | 13.9% | |
| 1970 | 7,033 | 3.6% | |
| 1980 | 6,803 | −3.3% | |
| 1990 | 6,647 | −2.3% | |
| 2000 | 6,673 | 0.4% | |
| 2010 | 6,236 | −6.5% | |
| 2020 | 5,998 | −3.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the census of 2020, there were 5,998 people, 2,596 households, and 1,728 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,653.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,024.6/km). There were 2,729 housing units at an average density of 1,085.3 per square mile (419.0/km).
There were 2,596 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males. Since 2012, there has been a boost in families with very young children.
Schools
Children living in the village of East Aurora attend Parkdale Elementary (grades K–4), East Aurora Middle School (grades 5–8), and East Aurora High School (grades 9–12). Children living in the Town of Aurora attend the same public schools, with the notable exception of children living on Highland Drive in the Town of Aurora who attend the Iroquois School District due to a decision made in the 1960s. Immaculate Conception Catholic School (grades K-8) is the parochial and the Mandala school, a school that incorporates democratic and hands-on learning, are the alternatives. Children from the ages of one through four can attend nursery school on the Fisher Price campus, at the Duck Duck Goose Childcare Center or at some of the churches in East Aurora. Another option is the East Aurora Montessori School for ages two through five. Children may also attend Sprouting Minds Montessori School which is a school for infants through sixth grade providing a full Montessori curriculum to children in preschool through sixth grade. Sprouting Minds Montessori is located in the Town of Aurora near the West Falls borderline. Although not in East Aurora, the Aurora Waldorf School is a nearby option in West Falls providing an alternative Waldorf education to children from infancy through eighth grade.
In 2008 and 2009 additions and renovations totaling $24 million were made to the district's schools to address space and maintenance issues. Prior to 2009 students attended Parkdale Elementary in grades K–2, and Main Street Elementary for grades 3–8. Elements of the Roycroft style influenced the design of Parkdale Elementary's new entrance.
The district gained approval on January 25, 2011, to begin contracting a roof repair project at the high school that would take place over the summer of 2011. The project did not have any tax impact on the community as it used funds from the district's emergency building repair fund and New York State Building Aid. The work was scheduled to begin on June 27, 2011.
Notable people
- Randall James Bayer, botanist
- Merritt C. Buxton, U.S. National Champion jockey
- Christine Estabrook, actress
- Margaret Evans Price, illustrator, co-founder of Fisher-Price
- Abigail Fillmore, former First Lady of the United States
- Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States of America
- William Headline, former Washington bureau chief for CNN
- Elbert Hubbard, writer, publisher, artist, philosopher, and founder of the Roycroft artist community; died aboard the sinking of the RMS Lusitania on May 7, 1915.
- Jeremy Jacobs, owner of the Boston Bruins
- Emily Janiga, Professional Hockey player for the NWHL Buffalo Beauts
- Seymour H. Knox III, original owner of the Buffalo Sabres
- Joseph McKeen Morrow, Wisconsin state assemblyman
- Henry H. Persons, banker, businessman, New York State Senator.
- Irving Price, co-founder of Fisher-Price and former mayor of East Aurora
- Helen Schelle, co-founder of Fisher-Price
- James Schuyler, New York School poet, moved to East Aurora with his family when he was 15 (the town is the setting for two of his poems, "The Morning of the Poem" and "A Few Days")
- Julie Byrne, singer-songwriter
- Albert Sharpe, All-American college football player
- Luke Tasker, CFL wide receiver
- Joe Slade White, political strategist
Art
East Aurora has been home to a number of regional landscape painters, most notably Carl W. Illig (1910-1987), who grew up and lived in the village for nearly all of his life. He painted landscape scenes along Cazenovia Creek, and fields and hills around East Aurora, in all seasons. His paintings are found in many homes in the village and surrounding towns.
Economy
Astronics is based in East Aurora.
East Aurora is home to the corporate headquarters of Moog, Inc. Moog is a designer and manufacturer of motion and fluid controls and control systems for applications in aerospace, defense, industrial and medical devices. The company operates under three segments: aircraft controls, space and defense controls, and industrial systems.
Cultural references
- In the Whit Stillman movie Metropolitan, Nick Smith (played by Chris Eigeman) says that he will soon be taking a train to East Aurora, where he will meet his "stepmother of untrammeled malevolence, quite possibly to be murdered."
- A Prince for Christmas was filmed in the village of East Aurora and premiered on the ION network on November 29, 2015.
- A Christmas in Vermont was filmed in the village of East Aurora and other locations entirely in western NY. It premiered on the ION network on November 27, 2016.
- Cold Brook was directed by William Fichtner was filmed in the village of East Aurora and other locations in Western NY. The movie was released October 15, 2018.
References
- "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: East Aurora village, New York". www.census.gov. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- "2019 Best Places to Raise a Family in New York - Niche". Local.niche.com. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- "Lewiston, East Aurora safest places to live in WNY". wgrz.com. February 14, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- Smith, H. Perry (1884). History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County: With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Volume I. D. Mason & Co. p. 537.
- "East Aurora Bee". October 12, 2011. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
- "The Roycroft Inn, East Aurora NY ‒ History". Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- "Fisher-Price Website". Retrieved October 3, 2007.
- "Toyfest". Archived from the original on June 13, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
- "Village of East Aurora History". Archived from the original on October 25, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2007.
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- "11 Most Endangered Places at National Trust for Historic Preservation". Archived from the original on September 28, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- "East Aurora New York ‒ Village History". Archived from the original on March 7, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- "Cinema Treasures ‒ Aurora Theater". Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- "Capital Facilities Project Overview". Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
- "Capital Facilities Project History". Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
- "Capital Facilities Project July–August 2008 Update" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links
- Village of East Aurora official website
- East Aurora Advertiser, local newspaper
- Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce
- East Aurora Union Free School District
East Aurora travel guide from Wikivoyage
