History of Chemung Spring Water Co. and the Chemung Spring
The Town of Chemung derives its name from an Indian word meaning “Big Horn” due to the fact that several mastodon tusks were found along the banks of the Chemung River.
The first written record of the area was by the officers of General John Sullivan, who fought against the Indians during the year 1779. The officers describe finding Indian camps and cooking fires around a large spring in this area. The spring was later referred to in the early maps of the area as the “never failing spring”. This is the site and spring from which Chemung Spring Water Co., Inc. uses as its spring water source, today.
Due to the evidence of use of the spring by the Indians and early settlers, Chemung Spring Water Co., Inc. established its trademark of an Indian male standing at the spring filling a cup with its waters.
Chemung Spring Water Co., Inc. was founded by John H. Holbert. As early as 1880, Mr. Holbert sold water to travelers for ten cents per glass, while letting the horses of the travelers drink for free.
In 1910, the main structure of the present facility was constructed. During this period, water was piped into railroad tank cars and shipped to New York City, where the water was bottled and sold. This ended with the onset of World War I, which caused the railroad to end its commitment.
Today, there are 19 employees utilizing ten vehicles for delivery purposes. Homes, business and offices in a 60+ mile radius are served from the Company’s operations at the original location in Chemung, New York.