07/30/2026
: The Retsof salt mine provided jobs for locals for more than 100 years, and even to the present day, salt mining is a generational industry for many Genesee Valley families.
In this image, taken circa 1890s-early 1900s, men at the Retsof plant pack heavy bags of salt. Others worked deep underground, excavating and transporting salt to the surface. It was difficult and often dangerous work, but the jobs attracted locals and new arrivals alike, especially those from Italy who were looking for opportunities in America.
Near the Retsof mine, the company town for workers came to be known as Little Italy, a tight-knit settlement of men and their families. Little Italy was a busy community from the 1880s to the 1930s, and descendants of the original residents still live in the vicinity. Although Little Italy's homes are now gone except for their foundations, the site is open to visitors as a nature preserve managed by the Genesee Valley Conservancy.
Looking for more photos from our local past? The County Historian has made hundreds of images available from throughout the County here: https://buff.ly/fJLuVot
Special thanks to the Historian's Office for providing this glimpse into our County's rich history.
American Rock Salt Company, LLC Geneseo, New York
