Empire Block – History
The Empire Block also referred as the Steven’s block was originally decorated in a Greek Revival style with a roof balustrade and a one story portico supported by 10 columns and a smaller balustrade atop the portico roof with square posts and wrought iron balusters in what appears to be a lyre or fern motif.
It has morphed over the years into a more Italianate design. A large window, located in the center of the third floor is an early 20th century alteration as evidenced by an early photograph of the Empire Block along with currently visible seams where the original windows were once located. The window appears in old pictures dated in the late 19th century which has led some to incorrectly conclude that it had always been there. The alteration was requested by a photographer who had a studio there and was accomplished by moving two of the original windows toward the center window to consolidate them into the large window you see today, presumably done to bring in more light.
The current façade still has the original cast iron pilasters that were made by McEwen Bro’s of Wellsville. The pilasters have leafy Corinthian-type capitals. Although many of the leafy embellishment pieces are missing, we plan to restore them using casts of the originals.
One of Cuba’s especially colorful crossing guards remembers living in the rear second-floor apartment and regularly having breakfast in her sunroom off the back. She recalls that it was her favorite spot to hang out. She was one of the last inhabitants of the upper-story apartments some 45 years ago.
One Cuba Patriot reference from May 1930 posts an announcement that shows that a Knights of Honor meeting was to be held at the Odd Fellows Lodge then located in the Empire Block. The Empire Block was also referred to as the Stevens Block, named for one of the original owners. A Cuba Patriot reference in November, 1890, “in the Story block, soon removing to his present location in the Stevens Block.”
That same article referred to the following historical occupants of the Empire Block.
- Jewelry and Crockery. –T. F. Rude, corner South and Main, in trade since 1869.
- Farm Implements, etc.–Grant Ingalls.
- Millinery. –Mrs. A. A. Colwell, Mrs. M. R. Rice, Mrs. M. L. Quinn.
- News and Groceries.–C. A. DeKay.
- Hardware, Stoves, etc.–Sisson & Ackerlys. (B. G. Sisson, C. A. and W. B. Ackerly) succeeded Mr. Sisson in the hardware trade in January, 1891.
- The present stand was started by H. A. Mead, and the successive owners have been Mr. Wilcox, Perry & Pettit, Pettit Brothers, Crippen & Ackerlys, Hermance & Sisson, Gideon Sisson, Jr., B. G. Sisson and Sisson & Ackerlys, which also succeeded the Pettit Hardware Co. They deal in general hardware and agricultural implements. They have two stores, on West Main street and on Genesee street. J. G. Olive has a hardware store on West Main street.
- James Story had his dry goods store located in the Empire Block after his original store burned and before he completed his Story Block building in 1876 located across the street.
- It was most recently occupied by Doc’s Hair Salon and is now home to a Head Start and Early Head Start pre-kindergarten and daycare center.
