On the corner of Main Street in Owego sits a church with a storied past in the abolitionist movement. Founded in 1831, it would later become one of the first congregations in the state that featured sermons speaking out against slavery.

In the mid-1800’s, that didn’t come without its challenges; some where lives were on the line.

“They were criticized that they were violating the Sabbath by preaching against slavery in the sanctuary of the church,” said Ed Nizalowski, local historian.

Nizalowski is a historian who’s spent years researching this very movement. According to written history, it was January 10, 1840 when Main Street Baptist Church held a meeting to discuss ways to help in the fight. It didn’t take long for word to get out to the community.

“They broke the windows. They threw rotten eggs at them along with other things that we're not entirely sure. But it was stuff that was really foul and nasty. And so afterward, these people said, oh, my goodness, you know, we're not safe from our neighbors,” said Nizalowski.

What You Need To Know

  • Founded in 1831, First Baptist in Owego would later become one of the first congregations in the state that featured sermons speaking out against slavery

  • According to written history, it was January 10, 1840 when Main Street Baptist church held a meeting to discuss ways to help in the fight

  • A home on Main Street was, at one time, the residence of Hammon Pinney, a friend of Frederick Douglass, and an abolitionist who’s believed to have harbored escaped slaves

 

But this small village's fight against slavery didn’t end there. As we take a drive to a home, just down the street, we step foot on yet another crucial piece of history.

A home on Main Street was, at one time, the residence of Hammon Pinney, a friend of Frederick Douglass, and an abolitionist who’s believed to have harbored escaped slaves. A local article published in 1850, highlights an interview given by one escapee from Maryland, who made it all the way to Owego.

“He talked with somebody here, to a newspaper reporter, and he said, you know, I'm I'm currently, you know, a fugitive slave. I'm from Maryland. I had a master who was extremely sadistic. He would beat me on a regular basis for no reason whatsoever," said Nizalowski.

Written history even details the fact that this escapee was told his son was going to be purchased, and taken away from him. Frederick Douglass would later publish the story in the abolitionist paper known as the North Star.

“When he heard that, he said, I've got to try to get North. I can't just bear the thought that I'm going to be separated from my flesh and blood. And he made it as far as a week ago," said Nizalowski.

How many more escapees came through this small village? We may never know. But it’s clear Owego played a crucial in giving at least one family a second chance.

While not confirmed, tunnels can also be found in several homes and local businesses in Owego that many believe were once part of hideouts or traveling locations in the Underground Railroad.