In August 1893, a movement began to have the Village of Spring Valley Incorporated which would be the best means of providing improvements that were urgently needed. This meant government of the Village by its residents, and not by the Town of Ramapo. 
A meeting towards incorporating was held in Odd Fellows' Hall on October 9, 1894. A committee was appointed to employ a surveyor to layout the boundaries. When the committee gave its reports after research had been completed, the citizens did not approve it and the committee was discharged. 

     The question of incorporation was brought before the taxpayers in March, 1895. Again a survey was done on the boundaries. But again, on July 24, 1895 a special election was held and the proposition was downed by a vote of 116 to 71. Another vote on April 16, 1901 failed also with 63 for incorporation and 92 against. 

     At a meeting of the taxpayers on April 8,1902 it was unanimously voted to take the necessary steps to bring about the incorporation of the village. 

     Spring Valley was incorporated on July 9, 1902. The territory incorporated did not exceed one square mile. Its population was 1,555. 

     The first election was held on August 8,1902. Peter Van Orden was elected the first President, and Edward Turnure and Jacob Abrams were the first trustees. Augustus Van Zant was elected first treasurer. Jefferson Youmans elected as collector. When the village board was organized, Albert Goodhardt was appointed clerk and George Underhill as street commissioner. Wallace Van Houten was the first police officer.