Dr. Otis Avery (1808-1904), at one time America’s oldest practicing dentist, was a remarkable man. As one writer commented, “He invented his own occupation,” crafting his own tools and becoming a skilled dentist before the first school of dentistry in America was founded in 1839. Until he settled in Honesdale, PA for good, Dr. Avery saw patients in hotel rooms over an area that stretched from Honesdale to Utica, NY. In addition to his dental instruments and prize-winning false teeth, Dr. Avery invented a sewing machine that was considered a worthy competitor to Singer. He was awarded a prize at the 1853 World’s Fair for the “best seam.” He was also an associate judge of Wayne County and a passenger on a second running of the Stourbridge Lion on August 8, 1829. Having missed the first trip, Avery and Nathan Kellogg were allowed on a second, going as far as the Lackawaxen River.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.