Apr. 1st

1913

The water in the Mohawk River is believed to have been the highest since the great flood of 1865. John Stark, official water gauger for the city, reports a depth of 11 feet, 4 inches at the gauge located directly west of the Hansen Island bridge.

1916

The Little Falls Dairy Company’s plant near the Danube Street cut on the West Shore Railroad is open for business. There are 65 stockholders in the company which will receive and ship milk on a co-operative basis.

1921

There was a wireless telephone in the window of Coffee & McTiernan’s store which attracted considerable attention. It was run by two types of batteries and three dials.

1928

William E. Barnes came to Little Falls, after fifteen years in business in Corning, to open a watch repair business here in the city. A graduate of the Reese Engraving School, Barnes had his shop in the basement of the Burrell Building near the entrance to the elevator. He was visible from a large window facing the Main Street sidewalk. He was in business for decades.

1933

The four large brick and stone structures composing the Eagle Mills Company at the corner of West Main and Furnace streets, once owned by Hon. Titus Sheard, are being razed.

1949

Levee’s jewelry store advertised The RCA “Bystander” table model TV set for sale with “bright, clear, steady pictures on a big 52 sq. in. screen.” This is equivalent to a 7 ¼ inch screen!   No price was noted.

1971

After 48 years of service in the Little Falls Police Department, Francis F. Reardon retired today. Reardon had served as chief of the department faithfully and conscientiously for 30 years.

Apr. 2nd

1842

The village purchased two acres of land from James Monroe, at $90 per acre, for an addition to Church Street Cemetery.

1881

The estate of Henry Cheney, who died in 1878, was settled and the hammer factory was sold to Judge George A. Hardin, and the axe factory to Sheriff James H. Ives. Hardin, in turn, sold the hammer factory to Schuyler R. Ingham.

1917

Four days before the U. S. entered World War I, Company B of Cohoes arrived in Little Falls to guard the canal and railroad against sabotage. First stationed in the Zoller block, they moved to Moreland Park when the weather became warmer.

1929

Today marks the first appearance of the Legion Drum Corps.

2020

Arc Herkimer has purchased the Mohawk Valley Country Club and renamed it the “MV Golf and Event Center.” Established in 1907, it consists of an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and event space. Arc Herkimer is a private not-for-profit organization providing services and support at over 40 sites throughout Herkimer County for more than 600 people with disabilities.

Apr. 3rd

1780

The Rheimensnyders Bush mill and settlement, located east of the yellow church, on the Salisbury Road, just north of Little Falls was burned  by a party of sixty British and Indians, and many inhabitants were carried off to Canada.

1854

Little Falls had three paper mills, unfortunately all have been burned down. But Phoenix-like, they have all arisen again with new strength, beauty, and vigor. The Richmond mill is in operation, and the other two mills are nearly complete in construction.

1908

The city loses one of its most aged and interesting landmarks in the tearing down of the stone building on Main Street, once known as the McKinster Hotel. The building was recently visited by fire.

1917

A great campaign was initiated by Mayor Abram Zoller to have a branch of the American Red Cross in Little Falls. Led by many clubs and organizations, nearly 4,000 local citizens joined. The chapter was housed in the old bank building on South Ann Street after the bank’s move to new quarters in the Burrell building.

1933

As the Great Depression continues, the local taxpayers group demanded a further reduction in the city and school budgets, claiming homeowners can no longer afford current taxes. It was suggested that there be larger cuts for higher salaried municipal employees. There were heated verbal exchanges throughout the meeting. The city fathers approved the budgets.

Apr. 4th

1793

Before the Octagon Church was built, an agreement was drawn up stating that preaching was to be in German and English on alternating Sundays, and pews were to be sold to the highest bidders.

1833

Lawyer Arphaxed Loomis advertised water rights for sale.  About this time the Mill Street raceway was built that supplied power to many industries along the river.

1904

Titus Sheard, an industrial leader in Little Falls during the Gay Nineties, passed away today.

Apr. 5th

1892

Some property owners on East Main Street have begun proceedings against the Dolgeville Railroad Company for damages sustained by the bridging and cutting down of the highway in their vicinity. Damage in every case is laid at $1,000.

1973

Mayor Wind sent a letter to the president of the Little Falls Public Library informing him that the city would only fund the library for three months and not for the full year.

Apr. 6th

1903

The South Side Athletic Club has been reorganized with Frank O’Hara as manager. The club is negotiating for ball grounds on the north side between Little Falls and Herkimer that can be reached by trolley. 

1917

On this date, the United States entered World War I, and there was an immediate need for men, materials, and vast sums of money by means of patriotic loans to the federal government. The Trust  company organized a “Liberty Loan Club” for purchasing bonds and stamps.

1933

“New Beer’s Eve” passed quietly in Little Falls as the city went off the near beer standard. The tankard hoisters had their first legal brew at 3:00 am. It is questioned if the drinking public will pass up the heavier, more potent home brew for the just introduced Mr. 3.2 Per Cent.

1957

Showing faith in the future of Little Falls, two new retail stores opened for business – the P&C Market on North Ann Street and Walach’s Men’s and Boys’ Shop on East Main Street.

Apr. 7th

1899

The reserved seat sale has opened for the concert by the mandolin and banjo club of St. Lawrence University at the Skinner opera house. Prior to the concert, a full dress rehearsal will be given to the old folks of the city.

1914

At a special election, Little Falls voters approved a proposal to build a new City Hall, 786 to 75. David H. Burrell had made an offer one month earlier to donate $50,000 towards the cost of a new, centralized structure.

1933

Little Falls Dairy began to ship milk by tank truck instead of the West Shore Railroad.

1961

Three supermarkets were closed in Little Falls as a result of a strike against Loblaw’s by Local 1, Amalgamated Meatcutters, Butcher Workmen, and Affiliated Crafts Union. Affected locally, in addition to Loblaw’s were the Acme Market and the P&C Family Food Market. Pickets were on the streets.

Apr. 8th

1818

Robert Hinchman leased a lot on Main Street (site of former Woolworth store) from the Ellice Estate, and a hotel called the “Eagle Tavern” was built. Since few people could read or write, a bronze eagle adorned the building. Eventually it became known as the Hinchman House.

1890

A beautiful knitting mill, a substantial addition of the industrial wealth of Little Falls, has been built by Robert MacKinnon at the corner of Second and Mill Streets near the New York Central & Hudson River railroad.

1913

Through a bill signed by Governor Sulzer, the state has purchased the General Herkimer home in Danube. The homestead will be looked after by the State D.A.R. and the German-American Alliance. It will be opened as a historical site.

Apr. 9th

1804

The “Fall Hill and Turnpike Company” was chartered. The company was to build a wooden bridge across the river under the direction of Theodore Burr, which was believed to have been come into use in 1807 as a toll bridge.  The Fall Hill Turnpike came down Church Street from Eatonsbush, joined the Mohawk Turnpike, crossed the river, and went down the current Flint Avenue and continued west.

1868

The Little Falls Dramatic Association will give their first entertainment in Keller Hall.  Two splendid pieces, “The Idiot Witness” and the laughable farce “Don Paddy de Bazan,” will be presented with new scenery.

1889

While digging for the foundation for the new schoolhouse on Church street several skeletons have been found. When the old octagon church, which was built in 1792, stood on the site, the grounds were used for a cemetery.

1898

The first burial was made in the Fairview cemetery on the Eatonville Road, being that of the body of Jesse Flagg.

1917

A national guard sentry at Lock 17 on Moss Island was fired at by an unknown intruder at 10 o’clock this evening. An intense search by national guard troops and Little Falls police offered no clues as to the perpetrator. It was also reported that a sentry at the suspension bridge was shot at a few nights ago.

1959

The Allegro Shoe Company of Little Falls, a division of Cosmos Footwear Corporation, moved up to eighth place in the entire nation for shoe production in 1958. The local company, which has approximately 600 employees, shipped 4,229,454 pairs of shoes last year with a sales value of about $6,135,000.

Apr. 10th

1885

The Washington Hall property is undergoing extensive repairs preparatory to being turned into a hotel. The old cupola and the veranda on the side of the building have been removed.

1907

The Gem Theatre moved to a new location on Main Street.

Apr. 11th

1952

Attorney George Fiesinger sent a letter to the Police and Fire Board urging enforcement of a state law that children under 16 not be permitted to enter a theater unless accompanied by an adult. No action was taken.

1961

The University of Notre Dame concert band appeared at the Rialto Theatre sponsored by the Knights of Columbus No. 220.

Apr. 12th

1847

The Benton House, on the site of the future Hotel Snyder, opened for business to the public. The owner was Hon. Nathaniel Benton. The Post Office was also located there.

1866

An effort is being made locally to raise funds to send an agent to England to report upon the process of manufacturing and marketing cheese, the probable effect of the cattle plague, and other matters pertaining to the dairying interests in the state.

1877

Louis Ransom, the inventor of the steam street cars which are so successful in Philadelphia, is a native of Little Falls.

1941

An explosion in the cellar of the Murray gas station and home at the corner of Ward and East Main Streets demolished the building. William Murray was seriously hurt and later died from his injuries. It was thought that a buildup of gas fumes in the cellar caused the explosion.

1965

A wrecking crane was brought in to begin razing old structures in the “Downtown Urban Renewal” project. The first buildings to go will be the former Jay Smith Garage and the Grange Store at the corner of Albany and Second streets.

1972

Demolition is nearing completion on the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Jackson and Lansing streets.

Apr. 13th

1824

Gresham Skinner, a native of Connecticut, died in the Town of Columbia (south of Ilion) at age 76. Mr. Skinner was the miller at the Little Falls gristmill at the time of the June 1782 attack by Royalists and Indians. He escaped by hiding under the water wheel.

1904

The people of Little Falls were sorry and shocked to learn of the death today of the Hon. Titus Sheard who was well known throughout the entire state. As a young boy, he worked in the mills in Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States in 1856. He saved his money for school, became a teacher and eventually was the owner of several large mills in Little Falls.

Apr. 14th

1795

A complete inventory of the property at the little falls under the management of John Porteous listed twelve houses, and also a bark mill, smith shop, currier’s shop, joiner shop, cooper’s shop, grist mill, fulling mill, saw mill, in addition to his dwelling and store. These buildings represented the beginning of the village of Little Falls. 

1902

John R. Taylor, proprietor of a local hardware store, inaugurated a movement to form a retail hardware dealers association in New York State.

1917

A great loyalty demonstration was held with two thousand men, young and old alike, parading prior to the patriotic meeting in the City theatre. Rev. C.B. Papa of Utica spoke in Italian and Steve Zeman in Slovak.

Apr. 15th

1915

Workman began tearing down the Wheeler – Harding block at the northeast corner of Main and Ann streets to make way for the new Burrell building.

Apr. 16th

1847

At the MacKinster Hotel, Little Falls citizens celebrated the triumph of the Americans in the Mexican War. Decoration and illumination were done in good taste, and addresses were made by George H. Feeter and George W. Smith.

1901

Hon. George A. Hardin, of Little Falls, one of the foremost jurists in New York State for 28 years, and one of the grand old men of central New York, died today. He also was District Attorney of Herkimer County and in 1893 he edited a “History of Herkimer County, New York.”

1907

The business community felt the lack of good hotel accommodations handicapped the industrial growth of Little Falls. A stock company was formed, and after considering three locations, the members voted 324 to 49  to purchase and raze the Allerton, and construct a new modern hotel – the Richmond.

1955

Doctors in Little Falls do not yet have any of the Salk vaccine, nor do they know when it will be available or how much they will be able to obtain. They expect to be governed by a system of priorities even when the vaccine is obtainable.

1975

A Thursday only, gas special at the Little Falls Texaco station was posted at 46.9 cents per gallon.

Apr. 17th

1858

The Little Falls newspaper, the “Mohawk Courier”, in an extra edition, wrote “Glad Tidings, the United States and England have exchanged greetings, through the Atlantic Cable.”

1952

Restante’s Dairy Bar opened at 67 Flint Avenue featuring milk, cream, buttermilk, and specialty homemade ice cream. It was operated by Paul Restante Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and John. In 1960, they purchased an ice cream truck and peddled their wares evenings throughout the city neighborhoods.

1964

Long mislaid headstones were uncovered this week when the old West Shore freight house was razed. Both stones bear the name “Bellinger” with date of 1886-1889 and 1884-1893. It appears the stones were shipped via the West Shore Railroad and never picked up.

Apr. 18th

1876

Dudley Burwell, prominent Little Falls attorney and one-time member of the State legislature, died at his home in what is now Moreland Park. He donated the land for the park and is buried at the top-of-the-hill with his beloved dog.

1894

Date of a letter to Zaida Zoller of Little Falls from Susan B. Anthony asking that on November 6th the adjective “male” be stricken from the suffrage clause of the U. S. Constitution.

1896

Frank Vincent, of Little Falls, has purchased a lot on Southern Avenue, directly across from Casler & Eaton’s ice house, and will erect a building to be used as a mattress factory. He had started a small mattress business in Casler’s saw mill a few years ago.

1942

WW II Era –  The “Salvage for Victory” campaign got off to a good start when the old German cannon, a fixture in Eastern Park since 1920, was dismantled by workman from Matlow & Sons scrap yard.

Apr. 19th

1940

At 11:33 pm, the New York Central Lake Shore Limited, speeding to make up for lost time, crashed at the sharp Gulf Curve in Little Falls killing 31 and injuring over 100 others.  The massive pileup taxed the resources of the local hospital and community; however, they responded in a magnificent and heroic manner to the disaster.

1958

At the former LiFalco Manufacturing plant on East Mill Street, a small group of local entrepreneurs are building canoes out of a new material, fiberglass. All of the canoes are being taken by Horrocks & Ibbotson Company of Utica, a distributor of sporting goods. Neil Baum is president, Ed Cigale vice-president, and Ed Gregorka secretary-treasurer.

Apr. 20th

1831

A group of Albany men, purchased the Ellice’s holdings, and held a meeting at the McKinster House to dispose of the lots and property.

1883

It has been decided to build a footbridge on the east side of the Mohawk River bridge. This will accommodate foot passers who currently risk being knocked off should a runaway team happen along, or have to wade through slush and mud during spring and autumn.

The Board of Health should compel the removal of all slaughter houses to outside the corporate limits, at least during the summer months. No one wants to be near the numerous establishments on Mill Street and vicinity that are close to our mills and many dwellings. Windows had to be closed on account of the nauseating odors emanating from them.

1887

There will be a balloon ascension tonight at 8 o’clock on Main Street.

1918

As a part of the Liberty Loan campaign, a seven foot diameter ball is being rolled from Buffalo to New York City. The jouncing sphere was pushed through Little Falls by Boy Scouts ahead of a five division parade with twenty five hundred people in line, including fifteen hundred union members. After a speech by Mayor Zoller, the scouts rolled the ball to East Creek.

1940

The recently remodeled and redecorated Sokol Hall on Flint Avenue will host a big gymnastic meet and exhibition today with venues at both the Y.M.C.A. and the hall. Teams from Rochester, Gloversville, Binghamton, Johnstown, and Little Falls will be in competition.

Apr. 21st

1831

Several new streets are to be opened and a number of new buildings are to be erected including two houses of public worship – Baptist and Presbyterian – and a third, the Episcopal, is in contemplation. The chant is “Let the people with money come on to Little Falls and use the water front.”

1908

Miss Annie S. Wall, deputy state factory inspector, was brought to the city by the mill owners to get an official interpretation of the newly amended state factory law. She indicated they were conforming with the law, but were not fully aware of its provisions. Further, she said, “ …. and the mill owners of this city now gives as little trouble as any in the state.”

1919

Corporal John B. Reardon enjoys the distinction of being the only man from Little Falls cited for bravery during World War I. A member of the 77th division, his citation was for bringing food and ammunition to his comrades in the “lost battalion” in the Argonne sector. His Captain said “He would carry rations to hell if men needed them there.”

Apr. 22nd

1890

One of the most pleasant social events of the waning season was the private social given by the Celtic Lyceum at the Star Academy tonight. Refreshments were served, and Fallis’ Orchestra furnished music for the occasion.

1903

The grand colored ball and cake walk was held this evening at the Chronkhite Opera House under the direction of Professor Johnson. The cake walk was participated in by couples from Utica, Syracuse and other neighboring cities.

1911

The wreck of the American Mail & Express train in Little Falls has been determined to be premediated. A person or persons, put obstructions in the switches causing the engine to “leap” from the rails. The engineer and fireman were badly injured.

1917

The fire alarm system was transferred to the City Hall which was still under construction. Fire Chief Ed Cooney moved in that day, so as to take care of the equipment.

Apr. 23rd

1892

John Chester resigned his position as boss spinner at the Saxony Knitting Mills after thirty-one years of service. The spinners presented him an elegant gold-headed cane. The cane is a handsome ebony stick with a massive gold head monogramed with the letters “J. C.”

1949

Dr. Augustus B. Santry, three-time mayor of Little Falls (1908-1909 and 1931-1935) passed away today. Dr. Santry practiced medicine in Little Falls for more than half a century and served for many years as health officer of the city.

1953

Honey Russell, basketball coach at Seton Hall, was the speaker at the Varsity Club’s ninth annual Athletic Awards banquet at the Masonic Temple. Trophies were awarded to star athletes from LFHS and St. Mary’s. Russell was also reunited with three members of the 1929-30 LFHS state championship basketball team who had played for him on a Utica pro basketball team.

1963

The Little Falls Historical Society received a provisional charter from the University of the State of New York Education Department. This capped a multi-year battle with the Urban Renewal Agency to prevent the 1833 historic Herkimer County Bank building from being torn down.

1964

The Little Falls Housing Authority awarded contracts for the construction of the housing development, the Valley View Courts, on East Monroe Street Extension. Work is expected to start next month.

Apr. 24th

1833

In the first village census, it was reported Little Falls had 1602 inhabitants of whom 85 were listed as “colored.”

1911

A huge boulder rolled 326 feet down from the Rollway cliffs on the South Side, and plunged through the roof of a German Street (Flint Avenue) residence landing on the second story bed of Frank Van Wie , carrying the bed and Van Wie through to the cellar. Mr. Van Wie was killed instantly. A mother and a young child in a room below that of Van Wie’s were unharmed.

1936

The Rovazzi Grill on Second Street advertised a mushroom stew sandwich for 15 cents and spaghetti with chicken for 40 cents.

1983

The Mohawk Valley Choral Society and Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Christensen, Conductor, presented Mozart’s “Requiem” at St. Mary’s Church before a large audience..

1986

The Evening Times received a letter from President Ronald Reagan congratulating the newspaper on its 100th anniversary of publishing and service to the greater Little Falls community.

Apr. 25th

1887

A human skeleton was found in a box which had floated down the Mohawk River and grounded on Moss Island. It was joined together by wires and was evidently the property of some doctor. Queer driftwood!

1895

The Cronkhite Opera House had a program “Tent Life in Palestine”, a tale of travel in the world’s most interesting land.

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 he has fled “somewhere south of the border.”

1927

The Burrell family contributed a major portion of the cost of purchasing the property, and equipping and conditioning the new recreation park and playground on West Monroe Street. Mr. D. H. Burrell, Jr. ($6,500), E. J. Burrell ($2,000), Loomis Burrell ($1,000), and M. Elizabeth Burrell ($500.) A total of $16,729 was collected.

2014

Visitors to Moss Island will now have access to an environmentally friendly restroom. Main Street First worked as a conduit between the donor and the city to use the $50,000 donated for the project. The funds will also cover maintenance costs for the next 12 to 14 years for the facility which uses no chemicals, no water, and is completely solar powered.

Apr. 27th

1866

By a 49 to 0 vote, approval was given to build the South Side Hose House on Mohawk Street,, opposite the river bridge, at a cost of $3,000 to be raised by a special tax.

1881

A new church, made of native stone, was dedicated by the Little Falls Presbyterian community. The cost for the new building was $39,706 and the lot on Jackson and East Lansing streets was $5,562.

1883

The aqueduct crossing the river has been declared unsafe, and sign- boards were erected at each end forbidding persons from crossing it.

1889

A seventy-two hour “go-as-you please” walking match was held at Quackenbush Hall. Rules indicate each contestant must make 110 miles to secure his entrance money. The track is 28 laps to the mile and walkers were inspired by Eldridge’s orchestra. Prizes ranged from $10 to $100. Gardner Austin won with 197 miles.

1901

A search of former mayor Hadley Jones’ safe revealed a book containing blank stock certificates of the local National Herkimer County Bank. Seventeen of the certificates, worth at least $25,000, had been used with the names of William A. Milligan, president,  and Albert Story, cashier, forged thereon. 

1917

Rev. Father O’Connor, of St. Mary’s, said that all lands surrounding the church property would be dug up and used for garden purposes.  He also suggested that parish members do the same around their homes.

1981

Herkimer County Trust Company is offering six month money market certificates at an annual interest rate of 13.871% and saving certificates (2 ½ years) at 11.75%.

Apr. 28th

1831

In an election for the highest village office, Arphaxed Loomis received 62 votes and Col. David Petree received 24 votes. Loomis had led the fight to break up the Ellice Estate.

1881

Thirty–two carloads of immigrants, drawn by two locomotives, passed through Little Falls bound west. That was only from one line of railroad for one day. Immigration is practically unrestricted, but most immigrants come from northern European countries.

1939

Crown Prince Frederik and Princes Ingrid of Denmark travelled to Little Falls, by a special railroad car, to visit the Hansen plant. A crowd of one thousand people welcomed them along with 200 employees atop the roof of the factory waving American and Danish flags.

1962

The last passenger train to stop in Little Falls left the city today. Mr. and Mrs. Austin Chase boarded the train to travel east to Schenectady to visit family. They returned by train, but had to travel to Utica and take a bus home to Little Falls.

Apr. 29th

1861

From the diary of Arnold Petrie of Little Falls (1830-1869): “Scott came and told me that the man whome Father had hired as a substitute for me, in the volunteers, his name is Fye, had run away. It proved, however, that he had only gone home to take leave of his family.” Petrie thought that Fye might lose his life that he might live. Note: Records show that George Fye mustered out on June 30, 1862 in Albany.

1903

A gala celebration in Little Falls greeted the first of the electric inter-urbans (trolleys) to reach the city from Utica and Rome. A large crowd awaited the arrival of the car and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The Adams cannon fired salutes, and the school children waved greetings. There is half hour service between Little Falls and Herkimer.

1920

The Exchange Club was formed in Little Falls – a national organization that that was more concerned with country-wide problems than local causes and endeavors. In 1933, it became the Little Falls Civic Club.

1933

The last passengers were carried on the Little Falls & Dolgeville Railroad, and a dream of the Gay Nineties passed into history.

1979

An article in the Evening Times  indicated that a more liberal interpretation of the George L. Smith will and estate would make $500,000 available of the $1,500,000 total for the Little Falls Public Library expansion.

2015

Ninety-five years to the day it was formed, the Little Falls Civic Club (Exchange Club: 1920 – 1933) disbanded. Long active in a wide variety of humanitarian and community affairs, the club was a victim of the times, changing interests, and dwindling membership. During its tenure, the club gave out $72,750 in scholarships to 220 graduating local high school seniors.

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!