Peppermint Museum (formerly the Hotchkiss Building)

Historic Site #:	05-006 (Exists) Type: A1,B2,C1,H	Town:	Lyons
Site Name:	Peppermint Museum (formerly the Hotchkiss Building)	GPS Coordinates:	43.062848, -76.996205
Address:	95 Water St, Lyons, NY 14489
Description:
The Peppermint Museum is owned by and is now the home of the Lyons Heritage Society. It houses original artifacts from the once international prized medal peppermint oil company. A tour of the building will take you through 10 rooms that were once used in the process of making the world famous Hotchkiss Peppermint Oil. Unique artifacts on display are a blown glass show globe used at the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia, a Gold Medal certificate signed by Prince Albert and another signed by Napoleon Bonaparte, III, and an oil vault in the basement. The museum shoppe offers peppermint items including the original recipe of peppermint oil. For more information, please call 315-946-4596. Mint in the Mucklands, by Jenny Ann Mikulski (2007 Thesis)


Photo by Bavis	Hotchkiss Peppermint Oil - History Happened Here Historic Marker Vignette

Photo by Linda Guest	Photo by Patty Alena

Photo by Patty Alena

Historic narrative:
H. G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Company Plant in Lyons was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places on November 2, 1987, and is located at 95 Water Street, Lyons. Constructed on the north bank of the Erie Canal, the Hotchkiss Company was a major producer of peppermint oils used in the manufacture of healing remedies. The oils were bottled in glass containers produced by the Clyde Glass Works Company in nearby Clyde, NY. The Hiram G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Company in Lyons began in the late 1830s. Having worked with his father and brother producing essential oils in Phelps since the 1820s, Hiram decided it would be better to be located on the Erie Canal – for better transport of goods along the canal – especially the fragile glass bottles containing the special peppermint oil. The industry grew to become a world leader in quality essential oil production earning Lyons the title of “Peppermint Capital of the World.” Now a museum dedicated to the history of the Lyons peppermint industry, visitors can tour the building. Permanent exhibits include Hiram G. Hotchkiss’ office, the bottling room, the chemical lab, the filter room, and a Lyons history room with artifacts and art from Lyons’ history. Allow an hour for a tour. The Hotchkiss Building is also part of the Broad and Water Streets Historic District – named to the National Registry in 1973.

References:

See also HS 05-016 - Hotchkiss Mural

Lyons Heritage Society Website

Mint in the Mucklands, by Jenny Ann Mikulski (2007 Thesis)

Hotchkiss Peppermint Oil - History Happened Here Historic Marker Vignette