Wolcottsburg, New York

During a walking tour of Clarence Center recently, Wolcottsburg came up. It's a hamlet located in the north-central region of Clarence. This was new to a native of the area, who had grown up in Clarence Center. So it was necessary to drive him up Goodrich Road so he could see for himself what he had missed.

And, let's face it. It is easy to miss Wolcottsburg. By definition it is an unincorporated area, as opposed to the town/village/city distinction from state. But it lives on as a part of Clarence.

The northern part of Clarence, near Tonawanda Creek, was originally settled by German immigrants. The land there resembled the land they had left in the Home Country, so they felt right at home. In fact, the area was originally called East Prussia. 

It is difficult to know where Wolcottsburg begins and ends. But the center is obvious - the intersection of Goodrich and Wolcott/Delaware Roads. At that intersection, there is a church - St. Paul Lutheran with German roots - and a bar - Marvin's Bar and Grill. That's an interesting combination. The sign pictured here is on the outside wall at Marvin's. We can assume that Clarence Center (zip 14032) is in charge of Wolcottsburg's land. The Kelkenburg Farm is down the street on Wolcott Road, and visitors are welcome (kelkenburgfarm.com). Looks like an interesting place. 

I think there used to be a sign in Wolcottsburg identifying the hamlet, but there's no sign (ahem) of it now. Written proof of its existence can be found on the clock at the Four Corners in Clarence Center, at Goodrich and Clarence Center Road. 

We can add a layer of confusion to the story here. There is another hamlet called Wolcottsville to the north and east of Wolcottsburg. It is in Niagara County, and located on the western edge of the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. St. Michael Lutheran Church is on Wolcottsville Road near Fisk Road. It takes about 15 minutes to drive the 10 miles from Wolcottsburg to Wolcottsville.