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Hop Kilns of Central New
York
Madison County
improved
landmark status: Some eligible for State and
National Listing.
threat: Deterioration, lack of adaptive use
Commercial
hop farming was a major industry in New York State from its introduction
in Madison County in 1808 until its decline in the 20th century.
Forty-three counties reported having at least one hop farm and
by 1880, 80% of the nation's hops came from New York State. The
end of cultivation did not, however, result in the complete loss
of the industry’s built heritage. In Madison County alone,
35 kilns remain from the estimated 100 once in use, and five of
these are in danger of collapse. As part of the organization known
as KILNS (Kilns in the Landscape of New York State), the Madison
County Historical Society sponsored the Seven to Save nomination,
and they will work with the League to promote better documentation
of remaining kilns, stabilization and, when appropriate, designation
of the fragile resources as landmarks. The project is timely, as
the “I Love New York Beer Trail” is a recently-created
economic strategy to boost the state’s growing microbrewery industry.
Kiln advocates believe that inclusion of preserved hop kilns would
add an important dimension to the heritage tourism experience.
By offering more incentive to keep kilns in the landscape of New
York State, the statewide Beer Trail will not only support a growing
industry, but also demonstrate its connection to the state's agricultural
past.
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