Candor

History

Settlement of the town began around 1794 on land purchased as part of the Watkins and Flint Patent of 1794. The Town of Candor was formed from the Town of Spencer in 1811. Citizens wanted to name the town "Washington," but did not do so due to the existence of another town by that name in New York (Dutchess County). The source of the name "Candor" is unknown. Candor was the community identified as "Springdale" in Vidich and Bensman's 1958 book, Small Town in Mass Society, which caused controversy for how it portrayed the politics of the Candor community and for how it failed to sufficiently anonymize residents.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 94.6 square miles (245.0 km2), of which 94.5 square miles (244.8 km2) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km2) (0.06%) is water. New York State Route 96 intersects New York State Route 96B in Candor village. The West Branch of Owego Creek defines the eastern town line.

Race & ethnicity