[3] Amenia held an annual field day in 1913 and 1914, where Harlem trains brought hundreds of passengers up from Grand Central Terminal.

The field day was held at the fairgrounds on North Road Amenia, which played host to many early industries in upper Dutchess County.

Early businesses and industries in the town included a tannery, steelworks, a dairy and milk plant and three important iron mines, all of which utilized the railroad as a means of shipping and receiving goods.

All business was located in close proximity to the tracks, making the Harlem Line the common carrier for each.

Several large hotels were constructed in town, most notably, the Barton House and the Amenia Inn.