Louisville Sluggers used to get their start in Cattaraugus County. The white ash tree found locally in New York and Pennsylvania was harvested by Larimer and Norton Inc. of Ellicottville. Prior to this, the plant was owned by William O. Nannen and Sons.
The trees had to be at least 50 years old before they were cut. The wood was seasoned and split, then cut into "Billets" (large chunks of wood). They were then processed and dimensioned to have the right moisture content and size from which major league baseball bats were created. This product was then shipped to the Louisville Slugger Company near Louisville, Kentucky for final touches and finishing. A total of 1.4 million Louisvilee Slugger bats were produced annually. Larimer and Norton, Inc. manufactured all of the promotional bats that were given away on "Bat Day" at Major League Games, as well as producing the souvenir signed bats. Larimer & Norton Inc. plant closed September 1, 2006. With newer technology, most of the operations were moved to the Louisville area.
Now known as Ellicottville Square, the building was recently remodeled and houses newer businesses. here you will find an eight lane bowling alley (EVL Bowling), Tim-N-Bonnies Pizza (eat in, take out, delivery), the "Ellicottville Times" newspaper, MDA Consulting Engineer, and CCSE Federal Credit Union. In addition there is a Ellicottville media office, Medical Billing and 5 star Managment Services, a Satellite Agency Networker, a Fitness & Training Center (Core Performance), a barbershop, a hair salon, and apartments.
Source: Ellicottville Historical Museum.