June 28th 1812 On this date hostilities began between the United States and Great Britain in what became to be known as “The War of 1812.”  The Western Inland Lock Navigation Company canal at Little Falls, with its five locks, experienced high volumes of passage…

June 21st 1821 While the stage was rapidly passing westward through the village, a passenger was thrown off and crushed beneath the wheels. Joseph Cowden, a merchant from Genesee County, returning home, died twenty minutes later. His remains were buried in our village cemetery. 1870…

June 14th 1881 A grand concert given at the Cronkhite Opera House was undoubtedly the musical event of the season.  Appearing were Mr. E. A. Stoddaerd, baritone of New York City, Miss Nellie Bianyelt, mezzo soprano of Brooklyn, Miss Blanche Houghton, Miss Adeline H. Green…

June 7th 1921 Seventy-five people, from seven families, were driven from their homes this morning, with only scant, belongings in a tenement fire on East Mill Street near Seeley Street. Where the people can move to is in question, as the city already has a…

May 31st 1812 From the journal of Rev. James Joyce of the local Concord Society – “Mrs. John Alexander accused Mrs. William Alexander of riding with three men to Herkimer. I was first agitated on hearing this, but I believe there was more impurity in…

May 24th 1933 The verdict was against the 18th amendment as the anti-prohibitionists carried the city by a 2003 to 188 vote for repeal of the Dry Law. 1970 In a letter read at Sunday Masses at St. Mary’s Church, it was made known that…

May 17th 1824 Dr. James Kennedy, Little Falls’ first doctor, who came to the “village” around 1797, sold his business and property on Church Street to Dr. Hosea Hamilton and John Dygert. 1847 Confusion reigned as the main roadway through the village was called at…

May 11th 1858 The village rented a building owned by McChesney & Furnan ,at the southwest corner of Albany and Second streets, for a new firehouse for Protection Engine Company #2 at a rate of $100 a year. As a result of this move, the…

May 5th 1882 The Herkimer Telephone Company is fitting up an office in the Petrie Block, at the northeast corner of Main and Second Streets. Connections will be had with Utica and there are 25 subscribers. Rates are $40 a year for business places, and…

Apr. 26th 1901 Former Little Falls mayor, Hadley Jones and his wife have left the city suddenly under regrettable circumstances, never to be seen again. He was a fugitive from justice, accused of forgeries involving stock certificates of the Herkimer County Bank. Rumors are that…