Southern Erie County, around North Collins, was originally inhabited by the Seneca Nation of Native Americans. Beginning in the late 1790s, English Quakers moving west from New England arrived, and as the 1800s progressed, waves of German and Italian immigrants followed, seeking political and economic stability. Later, immigrants of other nationalities settled in the area, adding their contributions to this area of rich diversity.
Around North Collins contains a unique combination of vintage photographs and historical knowledge on North Collins and fourteen other communities: Shirley, Langford, Clarksburg, New Oregon, Marshfield, Collins Center, Collins, Gowanda, Lawtons Station, Brant, Farnham, Angola, Pontiac, and Kerr's Corners. The photographs, many of which have never before been published, come from the collections of local historians, historical societies, and area families. Pictured are people at home, at school, at ceremonies, and at work, using the tools of their craft.