The first settlers, Robert and Janet Whaley, along with Janet's brother, Daniel McKay, built the first sawmill. This was the beginning of many more stores, houses, and facilities to be built into the 1830's when the town's population boomed. In 1816, Ziba Hurd purchased land in the area that would become the Village of Castile. The Castile Historical House is the headquarters of the Castile Histor
ical Society, formed in December of 1952, and incorporated in April of 1955. It was built in 1865 by Civil War veteran Henry L. He died in 1900, and in 1907 his widow sold it to Mr. Frank Vining, who in 1955 sold it to an agent. It was purchased in 1956 and given to the society by Annie Eddy in memory of her husband, John E. Eddy (1873-1954). The building is used as a research center for persons interested in area history, as well as a museum where one may see tools, books, clothes, paintings, and furniture which belonged to people who have lived in the vicinity since Castile was founded. Most of the staff and the Board of Trustees are Society volunteers. Their work takes place in the office and research room, which houses records, files, maps, scrapbooks, and family histories made readily available to visitors seeking information. Also available on microfilm and online (fultonhistory.com) is "The Castilian", Castile's local newspaper which was started in 1878 by Alamanzer Gaines. At present there is no fee for admission or for searches. However, donations are always needed and gratefully accepted to help preserve the house and it's historical treasures.
