June 1st
1870
The employees at the Herkimer County National Bank are being granted vacations. Two weeks are being allotted to the cashier and one week to the clerks.
1878
The first person to have a telephone in Little Falls was Frank Bramer who resided in our current library building. He had a private telephone connecting with his office in the Warrior Mower plant.
1895
D. H. Burrell & Company of Little Falls made three shipments of cheese making apparatus to New Zealand. Over the past two years New Zealand and Australia have become formidable competitors in butter and cheese markets in Europe.
1912
With business growing and demanding increased space, the National Herkimer County Bank started looking for a site for a new bank building. In April 1913, they selected property at the corner of Main and Ann streets, and in March 1914, made arrangements for D.H. Burrell to build a spacious office building including elegant facilities for the bank on the site.
1928
The first air mail flight passed over Little Falls. Beacon lights and emergency landing lights had been installed at Seymour Field.
1932
Airplanes flying over Little Falls communicated with WGY, the General Electric radio station in Schenectady, which rebroadcast through regular channels, the fliers describing the scenery above the city. Communications between ground stations and planes in mid-air using short wave radio is still considered in the experimental stage.
1954
Stella Lesksha suspended operation of the Little Falls & Dolgeville bus line. She had purchased the line from Roy Woolever after World War Two.
1973
Mrs. Catherine Van Allen lifted the first shovel as her son and associate, William, and city officials looked on during groundbreaking ceremonies for the new 80 bed Van Allen Nursing Home on upper East Monroe Street.
2005
Mickey Kasner, veteran Little Falls teacher and coach, was inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. From 1955 to 1993 she elevated girls’ interscholastic sports here, coaching seven different sports programs. She was the first female president of the NYSPHSAA.
June 2nd
1825
About 50 boats pass by Little Falls each day, and a number of rafts from the west. The grand staple from the west is flour, while passengers and merchandise from the east. The canal bank is the principal promenade for the people to see the elegant packet boats.
1830
In Little Falls there were only two streets, but there were two mills and two blacksmith shops. Ann Street north of Garden Street was a pasture. All that part of the village east of Second Street and south of Main Street, was a drear wilderness thickly covered with white cedar undergrowth. Although the Erie Canal opened in 1825, the policies of the alien Mr. Alexander Ellice kept the village nearly stationary till 1831.
1876
Around this date, Chr. Hansen’s Laboratories of Copenhagen, Denmark, the world’s premier manufacturer of rennet used in the production of cheese, along with coloring for cheese and butter, established a factory in Little Falls under the management of Mr. J. D. Frederiksen.
1952
The H. P. Snyder Company is “cranking out” Hopalong Cassidy bicycles to fill the demand of youngsters across the nation. Cowboy star William Boyd, who plays Cassidy on TV and in the movies, is known as The King of the Cowboy Merchandisers. The bicycle sells for $67 when an average boy’s bike sells for $17. (Note: in mint condition they now sell for nearly $3,000).
June 3rd
1944
WW II Era – Overtures are being made to city officials by Consolidated Airlines for Little Falls to be a stop on the proposed route of the airline after the war. The Kansas City company has asked for considerable demographic information concerning the city.
2000
Brett Wehrum and Florian Andreas (an exchange student from Germany,) students at LFHS, won the New York State All Class tennis doubles championship at the U. S. National Tennis Center in Flushing, Long Island, New York. David Talaba was their coach.
2011
With great fanfare, the 1961 sesquicentennial time capsule was unearthed near the Civil War monument in Eastern Park. People came from all over the country to retrieve letters written 50 years earlier by their ancestors. Water had seeped into the capsule through defective weld lines and all the paper contents had turned to “mush.” Coins and other metal objects survived.
June 4th
1818
Although it was built in 1796, the Octagon Church was not completed until 1818. During this 22 year period, the church relied on circuit riders and itinerant clergymen. The first resident pastor, Mr. Hezekiah N. Woodruff today delivered his first sermon – “Go up to the mountain and bring Wook and the House and I shall take pleasure in it.” Rev. Woodruff would be shared with worshippers in Herkimer.
1856
A movement to secure entertainments of the better class has resulted in an organization that really means business. Hon. George A. Hardin is president of the Little Falls Entertainment Association, which has in its membership many of the prominent members of the community, that will strive to bring high-class revelry to Little Falls.
1889
Eight or ten men are at work on Western Park filling in the discarded reservoir. The grounds will be returned to their natural slope. Unfortunately, the project will require the removal of five large maple trees.
1964
One of the twin bridges between Hansen Island and Southern Avenue was lifted off its foundation and deposited on a barge. The second “twin” is owned by the city and was left standing. It was also eventually removed.
June 5th
1756
During the French & Indian War, General Prideau camped at the little falls on his way to Fort Niagara. His forces consisted of 2,680 Provincial troops, 2,300 British regulars, and 600 Indians.
1824
Increased travel on the Mohawk River and the new Erie Canal marked the appearance of floating museums, floating book stores, floating lottery offices, and floating dry goods stores.
1898
The locality most favored by the “thirsty” in Little Falls is South Ann Street between the tracks and the river, where in the immediate neighborhood are fifteen saloons.
June 6th
1926
One- hundred families of the National Catholic Polish Church, under the name of “Holy Spirit” parish, gathered for worship at the African Methodist-Episcopal Church on West Main Street. The local congregation was formerly affiliated with the Polish Roman Catholic Church on Furnace Street.
1986
A $21 million hydropower plant developed by the Little Falls Hydroelectric Associates on the Erie Canal and Mohawk River is nearing completion, and is expected to be in operation in the fall.
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 considerable shortage of homes.
June 8th
1855
Washburn’s Great Indian Circus was in town. All genuine Indians, ther chiefs accompanied by their warriors will parade at 10:00.
1885
James Jackson opened the “Temperance House” on the former Petrie block at the northeast corner of Albany and Second streets. Previously it was a hotel conducted by J. E. Kenfield on the second and third floors.
1927
A gang of gypsies arrived here from the west. Police officer Lockwood jumped on the running board of one of their automobiles and saw that they kept right on moving until they got out of town.
June 9th
1868
St. Paul’s Universalist Church on Albany Street was dedicated today. Originally holding services at either the old Octagon church or the stone school, the Universalists, showing the tolerant spirit of the times, had also held services at the Baptist Church and funerals at the Methodist Church.
1933
A big tanker, loaded with unrefined molasses, sank west of Lock 17, the entire cargo was lost, and the river for miles was made sticky and discolored. The river banks all the way to Fort Plain are lined with thousands of dead fish.
1997
LFHS senior Tess Malone won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C-D championship in the 400 meter dash in Kingston.
2008
Michael Masi was appointed chief of the Little Falls police department by a unanimous vote of the Police and Fire Board. Masi first came to the Little Falls Police Department in 1992. Former chief Gregg DeLuca retired last month.
June 10th
1919
The lifetime savings of Mr. and Mrs. Bart Latorre was missing after a fire of mysterious origin at their home on Flint Avenue. The money, $3,082, hidden away in bedding could not be found after the blaze was extinguished. Officials believe it to be a case of robbery. Firemen were held up by trains at two crossings.
1929
The new sewage lines on Southern Avenue are below the level of the river. Therefore, Southern Avenue sewage will be raised by pumps 11 feet to a line which will carry it to East Jefferson Street for movement to its disposal place in the river.
June 11th
1825
During his Revolutionary War 50th anniversary tour, General LaFayette, the famous French aristocrat and military officer, stopped to pay his respects at the grave of his old friend, Major Andrew Eacker Finck just east of Little Falls. Major Finck had been his Aide de Camp.
1862
The body of the first Little Falls soldier to die in the Civil War was returned home for burial. Matthew Kennedy was given all the solemn honors a bereaved community could bestow on one who gave his life for his country.
1901
The Common Council approved the purchase of five voting machines at a cost of $500 each. The machines will cut the number of election districts down to four, and one machine will be held in reserve.
1957
Adam Lorenzoni, of this city, appeared on the national TV program, “It Could Be You”, in California where he had a surprise reunion with his daughter Rita Lorenzoni Osredkar.
1963
The Little Falls First Baptist Church dedicated a plaque to the memory of Francis Bellamy, the author of the Pledge of Allegiance. The plaque was placed on the front of the church located on Albany Street. Bellamy was ordained in Little Falls and served the local congregation from 1879 to 1885.
June 12th
1908
After a heated discussion, the Board of Education reconsidered and will allow the graduating Class of 1908 to hold their exercises at the Skinner Opera House. The class had protested the BOE choice, the Methodist Church, was unsafe and their invitations listed the opera house. Chief Cooney had stated the opera house was more unsafe and corrections must be made.
1917
Earlier in the month, President Wilson called on all men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register. As of this date, Herkimer County had registered 6,703 men including 1495 from Little Falls.
1920
A big rush is expected at the Little Falls fire station for the sale of “army” jam, with the sale continuing until the supply lasts. The cost is about one-third of making the preserves. Flavors available are peach, blackberry- apple, blackberry, melon-lemon, and melon-ginger. One entrepreneur ordered 288 jars.
1942
WW II Era – The first dance recital was presented by the pupils of Bernadette Hecox at the St. Mary’s Hall. The program consisted of forty dance numbers; some of the dancers were Jo Anne Howe, Rosalie Placidi, Ann Reardon, Nan McEvoy, Jean Pettingail, Joan Skinner, Mary Cody, Curtis Tucker, Carol Edgerton, Louise Van Slyke, and Joan Benthal.
1982
Joe Morotti won his seventh game of the post-season, his second of the day, as the Ted Schoff coached Little Falls High School Mounties defeated Wilson Central 12 -5 to win the New York State Public High School Athletic Association baseball championship for Class C & D. The games were played in Little Falls’ Veterans Memorial Park before over 1,200 fans.
2003
Dr. Radford C. Tanzer, age 97, Little Falls native, Dartmouth graduate, Harvard Medical School, passed away on this date. After stints in New York City, London, and the army, Dr. Tanzer returned to Dartmouth Medical School where he became an internationally renowned pioneer in reconstructive surgery. Note: He was valedictorian of his LFHS class at age 14.
June 13th
1863
It was a big day in Little Falls when veterans of the 34th returned from the War. All the buildings were decorated and people came into town on horseback and in wagons for the big parade. At 11:00 a.m. the train puffed into the station to happy shouting and cheering – but only about 400 of the 786 returned.
1890
A merry-go-round is now being erected on the vacant lot opposite the north-east corner of Eastern Park, run by the Star Amusement Association. It furnishes a harmless and fascinating entertainment and will be well patronized. Take a ride!
1898
There is sentiment growing for the reunion of those now surviving who first attended school in the old academy building in Little Falls after its completion in 1844. The “Old Guard” wants to gather within the old walls before they are torn down by the hands of improvement which is soon to happen.
1930
Dr. Stephen Ambler Ingham, a practicing physician in Little Falls for over 56 years, has passed away. Many in the city had come to rely on him as their family physician. A life member of the Masonic Lodge, he once served as Health Officer and Coroner – was a devoted member and officer of the Presbyterian church.
1940
The Safety Bureau of the ICC and the New York State Public Service Commission released their joint, 27 page report deeming that the cause of the April 19th train wreck at Little Falls’ Gulf Curve, resulting in the loss of 31 lives, was “excessive speed on a sharp curve.” Blame was placed squarely on the Engineer, Jesse Earl.
1976
The Elks float won the grand prize in the huge six division Flag Day parade in Little Falls as a part of the local celebration of our nation’s bicentennial. Second place went to the City of Little Falls, and third place was a tie between the Moreland Park Mountain Men and the Polish Community Home.
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 and Miss Annie Snell.
1907
The Allerton Hotel, a landmark in Little Falls, is being razed to make room for a new up-to-date hotel (Hotel Snyder.) The nucleus of the structure was an old stone dwelling built over one hundred years ago. Always the site of a hotel – the first being the Benton House built by Nathaniel Benton in 1845 and later the Girvan House in 1872.
1914
Seventy-nine motorcycles lined up at the Little Falls Motorcycle Club on South Second Street for the run to Spruce Creek. Messrs. O’Neil and Deyo, of Little Falls, hosted a dinner at Hall’s for the motorists and riders in the party.
June 15th
1782
Around this time, a band of nearly 300 Royalists and Iroquois Indians, attacked and destroyed the Petrie grist mill at Little Falls killing several occupants and forcing others into captivity in Canada. The event occurred one year after the Revolutionary War had “unofficially” ended.
1869
Edward Evans purchased the old American House hotel and the Evans House became the headquarters of the Cheese Market.
1886
Improvements have been completed at the Cronkhite Opera House under the direction of a firm from Chicago. The stage has been enlarged, beautiful new scenery and appointments put in place, and the easiest of orchestra chairs installed. The opening performance next week will be “Mikado.”
1907
One of Little Falls’ most recent industries is the plant of Hoffman Paper Company, on West Main Street. High grade tissues are the product of this manufacturer, the outcome of local enterprise and capital. Later known as Burrows Paper Co.
1910
The first fatal automobile accident to occur in Little Falls took place near the corner of East Main Street and Waverly Place. A young lad, playing in Ward Square, darted in front of the chauffeur driven auto, was struck and thrown to the ground. He was taken to the hospital and died shortly afterwards.
1964
The end of an era. The last train on the ten mile branch of the Little Falls – Dolgeville Railroad travelled the rails today when the efforts of Herkimer businessman Don Reile came to naught. The spur has been losing money for years and the New York Central finally called it quits.
June 16th
1827
The first fire company was organized and this was one of the greatest social events in the village.
1874
The grand excursion, by the Gen. Z. C. Priest Steamer Co., to Saratoga Springs from Little Falls, was enjoyed by people from all over the Mohawk Valley. Demand for palace cars exceeded expectations, and extra cars had to be added. General Priest’s private car led the way.
1906
Opposition on the part of property owners to the installation of distribution poles by Bell Telephone linemen has escalated. Mrs. Catherine Fleming confronted the workers with an ax and a crowbar (she was disarmed), a water hose (which was cut), and buckets of water from an upper window. The wet linemen got warrants, Fleming got a lawyer – the pole was installed.
1921
The doors of the new, modern Little Falls National Bank building were opened to the public, and large numbers of people visited the new structure at the corner of West Main and South Ann streets.
1930
The Evening Times proclaimed Barnett’s Tannery in Little Falls as the second largest leather producing plant in the United States. Shortly afterwards, the plant moved to Woburn, Massachusetts. Views differ as to the reason for the move – some say high local taxes, others say the death of the plant manager, Edward White.
June 17th
1890
Under the name “Talaquega Tribe,” a branch of the Improved Order of Red Men was organized in this village with 39 charter members. Its name is taken from an old Indian name in this locality.
1902
The Interstate Telephone Co. reported that there were 340 telephones in use in Little Falls with the number growing.
1910
“The City Theatre” is the name which Reardon & Shults have decided that Skinner Opera House will be hereafter known.
June 18th
1844
A ratification meeting was held at Washington Hall on South Ann Street for James K. Polk and George Dallas. Polk was to be elected as the eleventh president of the United States, and during his term of office the territory of the country expanded significantly with the annexation of the Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession.
1887
A blast on Moss Island threw a rock weighing 9 ½ lbs. across the river and through the roof of the E. B. Waite’s paper mill. The rock struck with such force as to break a 3 x 6 rafter in the roof.
1890
Between fifteen hundred and two thousand people gathered at Eastern Park to enjoy the first band concert of the season. The band played a number of selections in first-class style.
1895
A private driveway has been made through the Lansing property, which connects Church and Lansing streets.
1896
The steamboat, Titus Sheard, with sixteen aboard, left Little Falls at 1:20 PM for the short voyage to Taylor Driving Park with Van Buren Young at the helm. As it neared the park, the steam engine exploded killing Young and ten others. Heroic efforts by park patrons saved five others including Miss Rhonda Warren who graduated from the local high school later that week.
1923
Photographs of Little Falls were taken from the air by the Fairchild Aerial Corporation if New York as the machine circled twice around the city. The photos will be used for marketing purposes.
June 19th
1903
Mrs. Emily E. Jones has been granted an absolute divorce from her husband, Hadley Jones, whose whereabouts are not known. Mrs. Jones, by virtue of the decree, will resume her maiden name, Mrs. Emily E. Neff.
1909
The newly completed Little Falls Country Club is located on ample lands midway between Little Falls and Herkimer. It is an attractive place easily reached at any time by highway or electric road. A great number of the city’s most prominent residents are members.
1915
Distinguished Masons from throughout the state gathered in Little Falls to dedicate the majestic, new Masonic Temple at the corner of Prospect and School streets The building was designed, after the French Medieval Period, by William Neil Smith, Masonic Grand Lodge Master Architect.
1986
The City of Little Falls was fined $1,000 by the New York State Department of Health for swimming pool violations after an investigation into the drowning of nine-year-old John DuPont in July 1985. The city was charged with “failure to maintain diatomaceous earth filters and proper operating condition,” and “failure to maintain the pool sidewall and bottom free from visible residue.”
June 20th
1866
Boys playing with matches set fire to the wooden framed St. Mary’s church, the first Catholic church building in Little Falls, which had been constructed in 1847. The loss amounted to ten thousand dollars. Services were held in Keller Hall until a new edifice could be built.
1895
The first bicycle turned out at the shop of Snyder & Fisher made its appearance on the streets of Little Falls this afternoon. It is a handsome machine capable of carrying a weight of 900 pounds.
1898
A quantity of black bass from the state hatchery were placed in the Mohawk River.
1912
The problem of sterilization of milking machines and dairy equipment was a puzzling dilemma. Loomis Burrell reached out to Cornell University in 1911 for help. They sent a young bacteriologist, Lois Watson Wing, to Little Falls and she, working with Burrell, solved the problem with a solution of chlorine and lime (Clorox.) The couple married on this date in Ithaca.
1997
An 1855 stone building on the Mohawk River in Canal Place is being rehabilitated for the Little Falls Antique Center better known as Mills at 25 West. The project, being undertaken by Alan and Linda Vincent, will house a greatly expanded antique center, executive loft apartments, and professional office space.
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
Recently, a new block at the corner of Main and Second Streets was erected by Hon. William I. Skinner, and designed by J. E. Warren of Rochester. The three story building, with a beautiful Mansard roof, stretches 120 feet on Second Street and 70 feet on Main Street. The structure contains 700,000 bricks made by Mr. Skinner. It will be known as the Skinner Opera House.
1889
After a meeting of the Village Board, and at the suggestion of the Trustees, a local campaign was started for the relief of the sufferers by the great flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In a short order, $2,700 in cash was raised in twenty-four hours.
1892
A severe shock of an earthquake was felt about 11:30 AM. There was a tremulous motion accompanied by a rumbling sound like that of distant thunder. Windows rattled and glassware jingled. About four minutes after the first shock a second one occurred but less severe than the first. No damage was reported.
1901
The Pinkerton detective agency has taken up the search for Hadley Jones. The agency has branch offices all over the world including Central and South America. The Pinkertons are employed by the Bankers’ Association, to which the area banks, which have been defrauded by Jones, belong.
1911
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show made its farewell stop in Little Falls. Colonel Cody was quite feeble and nearly fell off of his horse.
Work began on the construction of the Y.M.C.A.
2016
Independent candidate for Congress Martin Babinec, of Little Falls, announced the launch of the petition drive to gather signatures to qualify the Upstate Jobs Party as an independent party line for the November ballot.
June 22nd
1913
At 3:00 am, a blaze, starting from defective light wiring, caused considerable damage at the Chronkite block at the southwest corner of Main and Ann streets. Thick volumes of smoke were rolling from the Thomas Fitzgerald saloon, the Lasch & Kirchner tailor shop, and the Joseph Fleming shoe store.
1952
WLFH began broadcasts today at 1230 on the dial with Robert Earle as station manager. In addition to local programing, comedy, mystery, and news programs will be relayed from the Mutual Broadcasting System. Included in the congratulatory messages will be one from Johannes Hansen, chairman of the board of Chr. Hansen’s Laboratories.
1977
Professional baseball comes to Little Falls. The Little Falls Mets, a farm team of the New York Mets, played their first game at beautiful Veterans Memorial Park before a crowd of 1371 fans. Little Falls beat the Utica Blue Sox 4-2 in an exciting contest.
June 23rd
1898
The Ringling Brother’s circus performed in Little Falls.
1916
Insurance inspectors have notified Fire Chief Cooney that residential fire rates may be doubled unless suggested improvements are made. Recommendations made include two new chemical engines and more men.
1925
The Prentice Vise Company of New York City completed the purchase of the Henry Cheney Hammer Company. Elmer S. Mulford moved to Little Falls and became Secretary and Treasurer. His father, Edwin H. Mulford, was President. The company employed 75 people.
June 24th
1881
The recently condemned Catholic church on Petrie Street is being torn down by Thomas Dale & Sons for $4,525. The material was then used by the Dale Bros. for the construction of three beautiful brick residences along the corner of Alexander and Petrie Streets.
1898
Charles King’s Saxony Mills in Little Falls turned out high quality and high priced underwear, however the recent business recession led people to a cheaper grade of garments. King has been forced to close his mills and the business has been forced into receivership by his creditors.
1902
The building occupied by police and fire headquarters, corner of Second and Albany streets, was sold at mortgage foreclosure by Deputy Sheriff Kelley. This was the property on which Hadley Jones placed several mortgages which were of doubtful character. The property was sold for $9,878.
1917
The “Bird Women,” Katherine Stinson, became the first female to fly over Little Falls. Six years prior, the first man, Harry Atwood, passed over the city.
1923
It was announced that Mrs. D. H. Burrell, Sr. was planning the erection of a home for nurses on Whited Street. Mrs. Burrell passed away in 1924 before the nurses’ residence was completed.
1927
A formal presentation of the Carnegie Hero Medal was made to a young Slovak girl, 11 year- old Susie Mizerak, at a large dinner sponsored by the Exchange Club. She had jumped into the canal to rescue a 4–year boy; “caught hold of his clothing” and swam 22 feet to the ladder in the wall, and waited for help to arrive.
1932
A carload of flour, which will be given away free to needy families, has arrived in the city. The flour, made from government owned wheat, was obtained through the national Red Cross, and will be distributed this evening at 7 o’clock.
1961
One of the most memorable events of Little Falls Sesquicentennial Year transpired with the opening of the city’s new distribution reservoir, on Top Notch Road, which was dedicated to long-time resident and public servant George W. Boyle.
June 25th
1834
Richard Ray Ward bought lots in the east end of the village and offered water lots for sale. “Water Power for sale at auction; Twenty lots; Upper Fall on north side of Mohawk River; Each a quantity of water to propel four run of stone or 4,000 spindles.” The lots extend from the center of the river north to the old Inland Canal.
1896
Mayor James K. M’Guire has gotten married, and he and his bride will soon sail for Le Havre, France for a six week honeymoon in Europe. The new city charter does not provide for an Acting Mayor so questions are asked if city business will go on. M’Guire said he can be reached by cable at any time.
June 26th
1885
The new brick yard on the south side of the river is in full operation. The first kiln of brick is now being burned and will be done next week.
June 27th
1902
At the request of the Fire & Police Board, Little Falls now has a fully paid fire department, and soon all evidence of a volunteer fire department will be obliterated. Within a few months the much-beset taxpayers were grumbling as the city charter had to be amended to increase the allowance from $10,000 to $12,000. The Board wants the allowance to be $15,000.
1978
A 44 car Conrail freight train struck and killed two Crow Indian brothers just east of Little Falls. The boys – Bobby, 13 and Tyler Billings, 11 – had run away a day earlier from their adoptive parents and family who lived in the idyllic “Burrell’s Mansion” in Little Falls.
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 of stores, supplies, and military personnel destined to Lake Ontario to support the war effort.
1878
Authorities are enforcing the law regarding cattle running in the village streets. It is hoped that property owners will take down cattle fences in front of their homes, put in beautiful lawns, and beautify our streets. These changes can be made without danger of four-footed intruders.
1887
Watts T. Loomis has two fine banana trees on the lawn in front of his residence. Quite a new thing for this locality.
1892
Bids will be received today for the construction of a new iron bridge across the Mohawk River at the foot of Ann Street. Bids will also be received for repair of the current stone structure. It is estimated that cost for repair will be one third the cost of a new bridge.
1961
A skeleton was uncovered while workers were excavating for the new addition to the Elk’s home on North Ann Street. The bones were located five feet beneath the surface. Chief of Police Reardon indicated the State Police Laboratory analysis shows the bones were from three or more persons. A doctor’s office was, at one time, located next door to the site.
2012
A fire broke out overnight in the mechanical/carpenter shop at Little Falls Lumber Company on Southern Avenue. Firemen fought the blaze for two hours and continued to fight hotspots for several hours.
June 29th
1812
The Presbyterian congregation was organized on this date, and the first elders were chosen in 1813, and the assemblage entered into ecclesiastical connection with the Presbytery of Oneida. The congregation originally worshiped at the old Octagon church until a brick church was erected in 1842 on the corner of Ann and Albany Streets.
1869
Born in New Hampshire, studied under Daniel Webster, fought in the War of 1812, author of the first history of Herkimer County, longtime Little Falls resident and political activist, Nathaniel S. Benton passed away today at his 1825 home, built by him, on Garden Street. A lawyer, he served as Surrogate of Herkimer County, was a member of the New York State Senate, a U. S. Attorney, & auditor of the canal department. Benton Hall Academy and Benton’s Landing were named in his honor.
1898
The Board of Education contracted with William Dove for the erection of a new Grade and High School on the site of the Academy and Benton Hall. While work was progressing during the winter, classes were held in Quackenbush Hall.
1919
In a solemn ceremony, Mayor Zoller paid tribute to twenty-three local men who died during service in World War I. Eleven had died from battle wounds and twelve from the flu pandemic.
June 30th
1831
“Pirates” on the canal! The crew of the boat “Rising Sun” stole goods from a Canajoharie judge. They were followed up the canal to Little Falls by a constable. After a chase up the Rollway, the constable, with local assistance, arrested the rogues and returned them to Canajoharie.
1889
Rev. A.V. Dickson, of the A. M. E. Zion church of Little Falls, has made arrangements for a ten day grand old-fashioned colored camp meeting at Wilcox’s Grove. All ground privileges have been sold, and ministers from Washington, Jersey City, Elmira, Oneida, Gloversville, and Troy will be in attendance. A troupe of colored jubilee singers from New York City has been engaged. . Admission is 10 cents.
1890
Two immense greenhouses, each 130 feet by 20 feet, are to be located up-the-hill from D. H. Burrell’s “Overlook Mansion.” In addition to flowers for decorating the tables and grounds of the estate, rare orchards will be grown under controlled conditions.
1916
The Lift Lock Celebration began for the opening of Lock 17, the highest single lift in the Western Hemisphere at 40 ½ feet. In conjunction with the opening, a mammoth Historical Pageant of the Mohawk Valley and a large parade were held in Little Falls.
1933
The last trolley leaves Little Falls at 10:52 pm, unhonored and unsung, to make the final interurban run between the city and up-valley towns. At the same time, two bus companies inaugurated service between the various communities.
1963
Superintendent of Schools, Joseph S. Horton, retired after over 30 years of service as a chief school administrator and eleven years in the local school system.
1965
Mrs. Catherine Van Allen has purchased the Ford Trask home at 48 North Ann Street for use as a home for the aged. The “St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged” will be operated by Mrs. Van Allen’s son Bill and his wife Theresa. Note: In March 1974 this home and Mrs. Van Allen’s nursing home at 29 Jackson Street both moved to a new facility on upper East Monroe Street.
This Week in History” is brought to you by the Little Falls Historical Society. Please visit the Little Falls Historical Society Website and please consider supporting the Museum by becoming a Member. Download the membership form here!