To Hancock I go

By WANDA WAYFARER

It’s a fine mix of modern day essentials and old world charm. Hancock, NY, located at the northernmost point of scenic Route 97, is a small city of beauty, history and convenience.

In 1988, the village celebrated its centennial year. Hancock, named officially after John Hancock, is deemed “Gateway to the Upper Delaware.” The northern terminus of Delaware River’s main stem is located at Point Mountain in Hancock.

The drive up Route 97 is both breathtaking and amazing. Houses and landmarks seem to get further and further apart. When the first real signs of town show up on your travel northward, you know you have reached Hancock.

Once called by the Leni Lenape, Chehocton, meaning where the waters marry, Hancock was officially renamed in 1848. The name was changed by the heavy commerce brought in by the Erie Railroad. The name, too close to Cochecton, was confusing because the two towns were not more than thirty miles apart.

Hancock was the perfect stop for passengers and workers alike who came from Syracuse and other points north. The businesses and people in the town relied heavily on railroad traffic throughout the year.

Logging became another of the village’s industries during the 1800s. Rafts used to float down the Delaware carrying the timber. The timber’s final destination was Philadelphia, PA.

The main street is filled with striking architectural detail, dating into the mid nineteenth century. The storefronts, with their big showpiece windows, are an important piece of the town’s history. These stores have been everything from hotels and inns to saloons. A deserted candy shop on the main street still advertises an ice cream sundae as costing only five cents.

A McDonald’s fast food restaurant and a Rite Aid call Hancock their home. They seem to be almost out of place there. But they are not. They carry on just like the old barber shop that still has its red, white and blue spinning post outside its doors.

Hancock boasts a number of one-of-a-kind restaurants and taverns. The Delaware Inn, a beautiful four-story giant, sits in front of the Erie railroad. This historic tavern, inn and restaurant bring you back in time to the mid 1870s. Hancock is also home to Maclean’s Scottish Pub, home to a number of international ales. Delaware Delicacies, a smokehouse, offers everything from eels to cornish hens. Chinese food has also made its way to Hancock as well as a number of diners and restaurants featuring primarily American fare.

One local and lifelong resident, Don Marino, owner of Marino’s Outdoor World, is a historical collector. Peeking into his windows from the front of the street you’ll see locally shot and stuffed animals including a coyote and bobcat. He also has historic products displayed inside including pictures of his store from the 1850s and American Indian tools from hundreds of years ago. Not only is Marino a collector of historic pieces, he is also a font of local information about Hancock and its surrounding villages.

Marino’s sons still run the store. Aspread that was done by Field and Stream magazine is displayed on the wall of the store, featuring Hancock as a fantastic place to boat, fish and visit. The Marinos should know: the men have been all over the world and have always returned to their hometown.

Four real estate agencies call Hancock their home. River front properties as well as rural suburban homes are moving quickly.

A movie theater as well as a bowling hall broaden the range of available entertainment, while river activities including rating, kayaking and fishing provide an important source of tourist income.

The river and railroad make Hancock self sufficient if need be. From clothing stores to car dealers, everything that you could possible want or need is in this small town. The architecture of buildings more than a hundred years old combined with the Delaware River and a relaxed pace of life are assets to this community. Gas prices notwithstanding, this town is well worth the trip up Route 97.