Nov. 1st
1891
Forty-eight Italians arrived in Little Falls from Buffalo to work on the Little Falls – Dolgeville railroad.
1893
“Big Frank,” the little 90 pound kangaroo, which was to have boxed at the Star Academy, died in that building from cramps.
1952
Radio station WLFH broadcast a pre-election segment to supplement their coverage of the Get Out the Vote campaign which began on Oct. 8 with the mission of registering unregistered voters and continued through the month as this week’s Election Day approached. The program was a live broadcast from 6:30-6:45 hosted by committee chairperson, Edwin Marion, who summarized the efforts and interviewed 4 key volunteers in the campaign: Mrs. Frederika Conrad, Miss Inez McCoy, Chief Francis Reardon and Mr. Walter Sheff.
Nov. 2nd
1893
Albert G. Story, a long-time fixture in Little Falls financial affairs, died of apoplexy sitting in his chair at the National Herkimer County Bank on South Ann Street.
1907
Construction of the new Hoffman Paper Company plant (later Burrows; then Twin Rivers), one of Little Falls’ newest industries, on West Main Street, is nearing completion. High grade tissues are the principal product of this manufactory.
1922
The second annual concert given by the Little Falls Military Band and sponsored by Little Falls Commandery, No. 26 K. T. was held at the Linton Theatre. Mr. George H. Bennett was the Director of the twenty-seven member group which is among the oldest bands of this type in New York State.
Nov. 3rd
1887
A reception was held today at the recently enlarged Barnet Bros. tannery on East Mill Street, the second largest tannery on this continent. Rich and poor alike were made welcome with several visitors from abroad. Music and speeches are to be followed by a banquet this evening at the Metropolitan Hotel.
1970
A resolution was passed by the Common Council authorizing the construction of a sewage disposal treatment plant for the City of Little Falls at an estimated cost of $5,700,000.
2006
Mary Haggerty, considered the “Jill-of-all-Civic-Trades” in Little Falls passed away today at age 58. An educator in Little Falls schools for 34 years, she was nationally prominent in the Girl Scouts and the Red Cross, and held leadership positions in the Hospital Guild, DAR, WCA, Community Chest, Holy Family Parish, and the Little Falls Historical Society.
2015
Mark Blask was elected as the new mayor of Little Falls on the Democratic ticket, gathering 745 votes, to 230 votes for current mayor Robert Peters Sr., and 36 for Michael Lonis.
Nov. 4th
1893
Jack Dempsey, perhaps the most popular American prize fighter, arrived in Little Falls this afternoon, and will stay at the Girvan House. He will appear in “Bottom of the Sea” at the Cronkhite Opera House tonight.
1989
Long-time LFHS wrestling coach, Charley Young, was inducted into the Central New York Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to leading the wrestling program for over twenty years, Young also coached football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and physical education during his tenure at Little Falls High School.
Nov. 5th
1874
The Chronkhite Opera House opened with a concert.
1897
The Little Falls fire companies were well known throughout the State for their expertise in fire drill competitions. They did not do as well in foot ball. The local Erina Chemicals team met the Herkimer Field Club at the county fairgrounds and came out on the short end of the contest. Little Falls lost 56 to 0.
1919
Rame Rovazzi (the unofficial mayor of the south side) led the Italian Citizens Band to the home of Nelson R. Gilbert to publicly congratulate him on being elected mayor of Little Falls. Gilbert’s motto had been “Fairness to All.”
1952
“More Than 99 Per Cent of Registered Voters visited the Polls Here” “Although it is still too early to know how this city stood in relation to the rest of the country, as far as the number of voters is concerned, it is evident that it stands very high and there is a strong possibility that Little Falls has produced the highest percentage on voters of any city in the country.”
Nov. 6th
1901
John and Patrick Kearney have the contract to complete the St. Mary’s church steeple for $8,300. The original church building was topped at the height of the bell tower. The contracting masons built the handsome 185 foot steeple, and “crowned” the new spire with a massive gilded cross.
1911
David H. Burrell laid the cornerstone of the present Y. M. C. A. building which was then called the Presbyterian Parish House.
1912
A citizens’ mass meeting was held at the Hippodrome Theatre, sponsored by people not sympathetic with the strikers at the Phoenix Mill. The object of the meeting was: “to take action for the preservation of peace, business stability and the welfare in general to businessmen and wage earners alike, and the enforcement of laws regulating riotous and disorderly acts.”
1953
Dr. Mary K. Irving returned to Little Falls and set up a medical practice at 29 North Ann Street, the same location as Dr. J. J. McEvilly. She was the first woman doctor to practice in the city’s history.
Nov. 7th
1896
The employees of MacKinnon’s mill received their wages in gold. There is no longer a scarcity of the yellow metal, for there is no object to hoarding it, and all prospect of profit by doing so is dispelled by the election of McKinley.
1909
An early morning large fire caused the destruction of the John Pierce Company stone crushing plant on Burnt Rocks, with the loss estimated at $150,000. The fire started in the electric transformer. The flames were difficult to fight because of the inaccessibility to the plant.
1950
A new chapter was written in the city’s administrative history when local voters decided that the school board, now appointive, should become elective in the future.
Nov. 8th
1901
A good start for better streets made this week in Little Falls as paving some of the main thoroughfares with bricks has been started. The first street to be completed was from the railroad tracks to the Mohawk River bridge on South Ann Street.
1918
Leslie Bride has been twice wounded in action in France and is currently in a Red Cross hospital. After capturing an enemy trench, a grenade with a time fuse exploded and shattered his legs. Several of his comrades were killed.
2006
The Italian Community Bake Oven, on the outskirts of Little Falls, built around 1891 by Italian immigrant laborers near their work camp, who were building the Little Falls – Dolgeville Railroad, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of loaves of bread were baked each day. The oven was 16 feet wide, 20 feet deep, and 6 feet high.
Nov. 9th
1908
The I.O.O.F. Temple (“Odd Fellows”) opened on South William Street. It was the home of the Hippodrome Theatre movie house.
1914
The Board of Fire & Police purchased an Overland car for the fire chief. This was the first motor driven apparatus in the city. It carried two pyrene and two acid soda extinguishers.
1933
Mrs. Katherine S. Goodbread, of Little Falls, passed away at age 93. As a young lady, she joined the Nurses’ corps and served in the Civil War. Her passing brings to an end the 121st regiment of nurses, of which she was the last survivor.
Nov. 10th
1831
Abijah Mann and his son of Fairfield were crossing the Ann Street bridge over the Mohawk River, when a herd of 90 oxen were driven on it and the structure collapsed. The men were saved by clinging to the tails of the oxen as they swam downstream
1871
The new organized Band was out for the first time and gave a concert in front of the Cottage Hotel of P. J. Casler.
1894
Dr. Stephen A. Ingham, assisted by Drs. Gildman, Garlock, and Douglas, performed the first appendectomy at the Little Falls hospital. The operation was entirely successful and was concluded without any sign of difficulty or uncertainty. The patient, Miss Emma Shear, is having a remarkable recovery.
1900
The Charity Ball, held on the second floor of the new Robert MacKinnon Mill, made thousands with the proceeds going to the Little Falls Hospital. Besides being a great financial success it was an important social event. Rath’s orchestra of Utica provided the dance music. After 11 o’clock a sumptuous supper was served on the third floor. MacKinnon paid all expenses.
1903
Little Falls native, Admiral Lester Anthony Beardslee, died this evening in Maine. A graduate of the Naval Academy, he participated in the Civil War, was Commander-in-Chief of the naval forces in the Pacific, and served under Commodore Perry in Japan.
1928
Phil Darling opened a Chevrolet dealership at the northeast corner of Albany and Mary streets in a building he had erected. The grand opening featured an orchestra. When World War II shut off the supply of autos, he closed his garage and sold the building to the American Store markets.
2013
Legendary Little Falls High School baseball coach Ted Schoff was inducted in the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame at ceremonies at the Hilton Hotel in Troy. Over a 31 year coaching career, Schoff’s Mounties won 533 games, several league and 1sectional championships, and a state title in 1982.
Nov. 11th
1918
The Cronkhite Opera House on the corner of South Ann and West Main streets burned.
1975
Loomis Burrell, son of David H. Burrell, husband of Louisa Loomis Burrell, died at his home at 659 East Main Street at age 103. Following in his father’s footsteps, he greatly improved dairy machinery, the efficiency of milk processing, and safety in the industry. He was the first Board Chairman of Cherry-Burrell.
1993
The center span of the Little Falls Aqueduct stood for 171 years; it finally collapsed late this evening. It had been more than a century since the last maintenance was conducted on it, a testimony of both the fitness of the original design and the skill of the workmen who built it. The aqueduct was built in 1822 as a feeder from the Western Inland Lock Navigation Canal.
Nov. 12th
1757
During the French & Indian War, the Mohawk Valley was the scene of much activity. On this day, Little Falls was raided by a party of French and their Indian allies known as “The Expedition of de Belletiere.”
1900
The Eagle Mills suffered a heavy loss, estimated at $25,000, in an early morning fire. The fire department was handicapped by the lack of long ladders, and the presence of mud in the fire hydrants. The fire started in the third floor carding room.
1915
Officer John Noonan is the first Little Falls policeman to have a motorcycle. In the first few weeks of the “breaking-in” period many speeding arrests were made, and now the fact of an officer in uniform standing by the machine has slowed down the speed artists.
1996
Third Ward Alderman Gregg DeLuca was officially appointed temporary Little Falls police chief at a special meeting of the Police and Fire Board. Deluca will replace Frank Lawrence who passed away in July after serving as police chief for 26 years.
Nov. 13th
1813
Commodore Perry passed through Little Falls on a packet after his victory at Lake Erie.
1828
It takes packet boats on the canal 24 to 28 hours to travel through Little Falls going from Schenectady to Utica.
1894
Excavation for the new passenger depot has begun with the excavated material being used for filling on Hansen Island.
1912
At 4 o’clock this morning, the Cheney Hammer shop was practically destroyed by fire of unknown origin. When discovered, the whole building was a mass of flames. Forty men are out of work, owner says the building will be rebuilt at once.
Nov. 15th
1893
The first hospital in Herkimer County opened, with four rooms for patients, in a renovated house at 14 North Ann Street in Little Falls. Mrs. E. B. Waite headed a group of women to form the hospital. Mrs. Jennie Johnson was matron and Miss Keegan was nurse. The first patient was a William Hoover.
1895
Two old lithographs of Little Falls are on exhibition in Donavan’s window, one dated 1847 and the other 1862. They have attracted a good deal of attention.
Nov. 17th
1832
At a meeting held at the stone school house, the local Methodist Society was incorporated. There were 88 members and the salary of the pastor was $280 a year.
1854
Edward M. Griffing, editor of the first newspaper published in Little Falls, passed away. Griffing was 23 years of age when he started a weekly newspaper called “The People’s Friend” in 1821. First published at the brick house at the top of Mary Street on Garden Street, it later became known as the “Journal and Courier.”
1896
The imposing monument at the homestead of General Nicholas Herkimer was formally dedicated with appropriate and interesting exercises at the cemetery and the Skinner Opera House by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York and the D.A.R. The 65 foot high obelisk, made from the finest Barre granite, was erected by the State under the direction of Hon. John Vrooman and Hon. Titus Sheard.
Nov. 18th
1795
The 4,752 foot long Western Inland Lock Navigation Company (WILNC) canal, containing five lifting locks and a guard lock, was “rendered passable” around the little falls and opened for business. 2,550 feet was through solid rock. The finished cost was $100,000. Porteous opined: ”It adds a degree of ornament to the whole place that is only exceeded by the amazing conveniency it occasions.” The toll is a dollar a ton.
1845
Herkimer County Bank in Little Falls announced a semi-annual Dividend of four percent, on the capital, declared payable on and after the first day of December.
1890
About 35 feet of the unfinished wall of Hansen’s Laboratory on Lock Island, which had attained the height of about twenty feet, collapsed without any warning. Three workmen suffered serious injuries and were extricated from the debris. Cause of the collapse was believed to be some fault in the construction.
1931
The whopping big tire made by the Goodyear Rubber Company had travelled 46,000 miles around the country, and has no experience like that at Little Falls. It could not pass under the Central railroad bridge. The tire was deflated by the local Goodyear agent and inflated to its normal pressure after it was hauled to the other side of the bridge to continue on its journey.
1932
Three solemn funeral masses were held at St. Mary’s church for Mrs. Hannah Sellman, conducted concurrently by her three sons, Rev. Edward Sellman, Rev. Raymond Sellman , and Rev. Leland Sellman before a large attendance of Clergy, Sisterhood, and Laity.
1989
George “Buddy” O’Neil was honored as he retired after serving 35 years in the Little Falls Police Department. At his retirement party, accolades were “heaped” on O’Neil by fellow police officials and lawmakers from all over upstate New York.
Nov. 19th
1807
Edward Ellice, acting as executor of the estate of his father, Alexander Ellice, leased to William Alexander all that Tract of Land situated at the Little Falls for $1,000 per year. He also stated “If War should unfortunately take place between Great Britain and America, Mr. Alexander is to be exempted from Rent during its continuance.”
1889
Village President Petree received a petition from all the village clergymen indicating that several “dance houses” and “concert halls” are believed to be a public nuisance and a menace to the morals of the town. They asked the village president to use every means of his power for their suppression.
1901
The New York Central Railroad ordered that engine crews currently living in Little Falls, a majority of whom have families and own homes and are some of our best citizens, must move to the ends of the railroad division. This involves 29 engineers and 28 firemen.
1947
Mayor Clifton E. Wagoner cut the ribbon to open the $2,500,000 project, changing the course of the Mohawk River and eliminating the dangerous gulf curve on the New York Central railroad through the city. The westward bound Empire State Express made the inaugural run over the new tracks.
Nov. 20th
1873
The big steam fire whistle, bought by the Board, has been located on the Mohawk Mills (Old Stone Mill.)
1896
Five shares of Little Falls National Bank stock were sold at auction ($800 per share) and ten shares of National Herkimer County Bank stock ($850 per share) from the estate of Jonathan Beattie. The prices show the high standing of our local banks.
Nov. 21st
1921
Bootleggers, using three powerful automobiles, made a valuable haul of nearly one hundred cases of wines and liquors, with a monetary worth of $10,000, from the home of L. O. Bucklin on North William Street.
1931
State Highway Commissioner A. W. Brandt rebuffed Little Falls’ request to build Route 5S over Lovers’ Leap through the city’s south side “when it cannot take care of the notorious River Road” which he deemed as one of the most disgraceful stretches he knows of for a main line road.
2014
A fire of major proportions was adverted at historic St. Mary’s church when a young man walking his dog at 11:30 pm alerted the Little Falls fire department of a fire in progress. Several area fire departments responded, and the fire was confined to a storage room. The church itself only had smoke and water damage.
Nov. 22nd
1832
We are happy to announce that the stone bridge across the Mohawk River is completed. It reflects to great credit the mechanical skills of Robert Stewart and Captain William Chase.
1902
The cornerstone of the Bethel Mission Chapel on the south side of the city was placed today. The construction is being paid for by David H. Burrell, head of the great Burrell & Co. industries, on a lot donated by William Milligan, the venerable retired president of the National Herkimer County Bank.
1920
The Women’s Christian Association (W.C.A.) was formally opened, before a crowd of over 500, for the use of women and girls of Little Falls. It was affectionately dedicated to the memory of Anne Louise Burrell who was a pioneer in work for the higher interests of girls and women. Visitors were escorted through the building by the Girl Scouts.
2013
Little Falls resident Mary Woodward Pillsworth was an eye witness to history. Fifty years ago today, Mary, a women’s news reporter for the Dallas Morning News was directly in front of the Texas School Book Depository when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She is considered the fifth closest witness to the assignation, and can be seen in the Zapruder film.
Nov. 23rd
1918
Sold at the post office under mortgage foreclosure, what is believed to be the oldest property in the city. This historic building was the old stone mill located between the Andrew Little shop and the Cheney Hammer plant. This building was built about 1800 on the foundation of the Revolutionary War era grist mill that was a haven for people fleeing Indian attacks.
Nov. 24th
1884
The cool weather has partially abated a nuisance on Furnace Street, which has caused the residents in the vicinity much annoyance. On the east side is a large pig sty from which has emitted a most offensive stench. Such a thing ought not to be permitted within the corporate limits.
1906
The sinking of a boat loaded with soda ash near Fort Herkimer changed the chemistry of the river water and adversely affected the fish population all the way to Little Falls. The fish surfaced gasping for air and wriggled feebly. Many local residents caught them with market baskets, umbrellas, old bags and anything that was handy. Reports indicated best “fishing” ever here.
1945
The Secretary of Agriculture announced, now that the war is over, the rationing of meat, butter, and all shortening ended today. The rationing began on March 29, 1943. Sugar is now, the only food left on the ration list.
1956
In 1937, a new St. Joseph’s church was built at the corner of Albany and William streets, replacing one destroyed earlier that year by fire. Today marks one of the most joyous occasions for the parish and its friends, that of the burning of the mortgage on the church. The parish was founded in 1923 in Little Falls.
1990
The popular 1¼ mile route in the Industrial Park, for local walkers, was dedicated as a “fitness walking trail” in a joint project by the Little Falls Family YMCA, Redco Foods, and the City of Little Falls.
Nov. 25th
1902
Under a new city ordinance, Chief Cooney is stationing firemen in public halls when they contain a gathering – tonight at the Skinner and Chronkhite opera houses, and the Beaumont dancing assembly.
1907
An embittered man’s will – Fred I. Small of Little Falls left an estate of $300,000 which had some bizarre provisions. Nothing was to be paid “To those unsexing institutions known as a female college.” The city of Little Falls receives $200 for him to be buried in a grave ”at least six feet deep, and bricked in so as to be water tight.”
1950
The worst wind storm in recent memory pounded Little Falls and vicinity, uprooting trees, blowing off roofs, shattering windows, and downing electric and telephone lines.
Nov. 26th
1890
About 250 couples were present at the nineteenth annual ball of the Celtic Lyceum and Chemical Engine Company in the Skinner Opera House. Supper was served at the Girvin House and music was furnished by Fallis’ orchestra.
Nov. 27th
1940
The first contingent of eleven men from the Little Falls draft board left this morning for the army induction center in Albany. They were escorted from City Hall to the railroad depot by the high school marching band. The station was jammed with well-wishers, parents, and sweethearts.
Nov. 28th
1891
At Riley’s Hall, at the corner of German (Flint Avenue) and Jefferson streets, a wonderful exhibition of mechanical wonders which every laboring man, especially in Little Falls, should see. A grist mill in operation, blacksmith shop, band playing and other marvelous figures. Admission is ten cents.
1962
The Little Falls Historical Society was organized at a meeting held in the Burrell Memorial room of City Hall. City Historian Edward Cooney presided at the meeting. Future meetings are open to the public, and there will be no dues since there are no expenses. A museum will be set up in the former GAR rooms at the city hall.
Nov. 29th
1878
W. S. Tucker advertised a lot of Indian tanned buffalo robes for sale. They may be seen at his residence on Monroe Street.
1894
About 200 people braved the frigid cold weather at the Taylor driving park and watched Little Falls Academies defeat Ilion in a close and exciting football game, 10 – 0. The Little Falls boys used a “V” mass play and easily forced holes through the Ilion line.
1912
For the past week, the largely reinforced local police department, has not allowed speaking on streets or public places by strike leaders. Also not allowed were any parades or mass picketing by the workers.
Nov. 30th
1915
“Good-Bye to the Old Locks” Changes will be made on the Erie Canal this winter in anticipation of the opening of the new 40 ½ foot high lock next year. The five old locks will “come up”, and 22 old lock tenders will be out of jobs, to be replaced with three crews of three men each working eight-hour shifts.
1977
Because of deteriorating conditions, the New York State Department of Transportation has posted a weight limit of one ton on the emergency bridge between Mohawk Street and East Jefferson Street across the canal, and indicated the city is responsible for its enforcement. Mayor Ted Wind said the city has no intension of accepting the state’s order.
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!