Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, and state George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, presented New York State Historic Business awards to the Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point and Neckers Company General Store in Clymer to celebrate their incorporation into the state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Established by legislation passed in 2020 and newly launched this spring, the Historic Business Registry includes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history.

Goodell nominated the Hotel Lenhart and Neckers Company General Store to the registry, in recognition of their role helping shape the history, heritage and identity of Chautauqua County.

Overlooking beautiful Bemus Bay on Chautauqua Lake and now in the fourth generation of family ownership, Hotel Lenhart was built by Dr. J. J. Lenhart and his wife, the former Dora Baldwin, in 1881.

Pictured are state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown; state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay; Chautauqua County Legislator Pierre Chagnon, R-Bemus Point and legislature chairman; Larry Anderson, Ellery town supervisor, and Barbara Johnston, John Johnston and Deborah Johnston.

The current hotel, rebuilt following a fire in 1891, has a main floor and three upper sleeping floors, with a total of fifty-three rooms. Of special note is the 185-foot wrap-around veranda, which affords spectacular views of the sunsets over Bemus Bay. Other amenities include a cocktail lounge, full dining room, and live entertainment. Proprietors were John and Barbara Johnston, later generation members of the Lenhart family, before recently selling the business.

“Generations of residents and tourists have enjoyed rocking on the famous porch and all the other amenities offered by the hotel,” Goodell said. “This jewel of Chautauqua Lake deserves this honor.”

Sen. Borrello said the hotel is woven into the history of Chautauqua County.

“The Hotel Lenhart dates back to the Chautauqua Lake’s resort hotel and steamship era,” Borrello said. “It helped make Chautauqua Lake a major tourist destination. For 142 years, visitors from around the country and across the globe have stayed at the hotel and enjoyed the vistas from its porch. The Hotel Lenhart has certainly earned its place among our state’s historic hoteliers.”

Neckers Company General Store in Clymer was founded by John H. Neckers and Ed Neckers. The store opened at its current location in 1910. Groceries, dry goods, boots, shoes, kerosene and wallpaper were some of the items for sale. By 1947, the business was in the hands Delbert and Bernice Neckers. After Delbert passed in 1949, Bernice and her three sons operated it until her death in 1958.

Her grandson, Barry Neckers and his wife, Kathy Neckers, carry on the family tradition. They are the fourth generation of Neckers serving Clymer and nearby communities. Today the business sells groceries, fresh cut meats, made-to-order pizzas and subs, home decor, shoes, boots, apparel, and more.

“Many generations have grown up shopping at Neckers, enjoying their family style customer service and excellent products. It is a pleasure to honor and recognize this multi-generation local establishment,” Goodell said.

Sen. Borrello said Necker’s longevity is a testament to how valued and appreciated the business is in the community.

“Small businesses are the beating heart of our downtowns and our communities,” Borrello said. “Neckers’ success is based on the relationships they have built with their customers and their reputation for always putting their customers first. This honor is certainly well deserved.”

The honorary program, which provides educational and promotional assistance to help ensure businesses in the state remain viable, is coordinated through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). An interactive storyboard map, which provides information about the location and history of each business, can be found on the agency website parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx.