 The village had modest rural beginnings, but began to grow economically with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, and through the economic activity of the local Shaker community, located on the south side of Lake Mascoma.This resulted in a significant number of Greek Revival and Italianate style houses in the village.The economic power of the Shakers was significant in the village; despite its location outside the village, the Shakers owned or controlled the mills that were the early economic centerpiece of the village.