This Month in History – July, 2023

Jul 1st

1816

There were two taverns in Little Falls, one was the “American House” at the northwest corner of John and Ann streets, and the other “Cranes” on Main Street.

1842

Washington Hall was built at the northwest corner of Mill and Ann streets by S. W. Stimson, and was dedicated to free speech, anti-slavery, and temperance. Many famous people entertained here, including Jenny Lind. And for a time, Catholics and Universalists held services here. After the Skinner Opera house was built on Main Street its popularity declined, and in 1853 it was converted to tenements.

1892

A female baseball club from Brooklyn played a game with a picked nine from Furnace Street. Two of the locals actually knew something about the game; the rest were about as handy with a bat and ball as a goat would be with a typewriter.

1899

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Davis, with their machinist, arrived by automobile from New York City, on their way to San Francisco. While driving through Main Street, the right rear wheel collapsed. After repair, the “team” continued on to Utica, a run of 22 miles, taking three hours and twenty minutes.

1907

Miss Mabel Richards was appointed librarian. There was a joint public and school library from 1912 to 1930 at which time a separate library was established at the high school. The library moved to the Smith house in January 1912.

1920

Around this date, Reardon and Shults made a home-talent movie for their “Family Theatre” featuring local residents. The leading lady was Jeanette Horton who was employed by the Herkimer County Trust Company. A short-time resident, Mr. Lamke was the leading man, while Chief of Police Long was the heroine’s father. Many other locals resident were in the film.

2008

Anthony Carlisto, president of Little Falls Motel Associates, announced that the name of the Little Falls motel is being changed from “Best Western” to “The Knights Inn.”

Jul 2nd

1891

The “Taylor Driving Park” is the name given the new sporting grounds on the south side on the river, west of the village, in honor of its first president, Oscar Taylor.

1902

The Little Falls Fire Department received national exposure when they tested the new Eastman Nozzle System. The men were able to “throw” a solid two inch deluge stream nearly 100 feet above the MacKinnon factory, against a strong wind, all from one hydrant using only gravity pressure.

1904

The Tri County Firemen’s Convention was held in Little Falls, and crowds flocked to see the Auto parade.

1954

Cheney Hammer Co., one of Little Falls’ oldest industries, closed its doors today for the last time and 40 people lost their jobs. Collins Company of Connecticut bought the stock. The company began in 1844.

1969

A Rochester corporation, recognizing the unique and rare value of the 1833 old bank building, has expressed interest in purchasing the building, dismantling the structure, stone by stone, and rebuild it in the western part of the state in a historic village similar to the old Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown.

1982

After 1,139 days of construction, construction delays, controversy, and legal issues, the Theodore S. Wind Bridge, connecting the East–West Arterial to the New York State Thruway exit is open. Built at a cost of $13, 665,209, the 2,083 foot bridge is the final link in the arterial system.

Jul 3rd

1866

A fire at 2 o’clock in the morning at the Hinchman House Barn on Albany street caused $54,000 in damages. Valuable furnishings, goods and property were removed from the hotel and adjoining stores by the firemen. The whole corner of Main and Second streets, as well as the Hinchman House itself, was wiped out. It was felt that the fire was an act of arson.

1876

Everybody is going to the Centennial after haying.

1886

The new sports venue, Riverside Park. opened with a game between the newly formed Little Falls professional base ball team and Canastota before seven hundred fans. Admission was 25 cents; ladies free. The locals lost their inaugural game.

1896

It is stated that the overhead railroad crossing at Second Street is to be built at once, and will be ready for use by the middle of the month.

1903

George A. Wyman, the first person to cross America by motorcycle, riding from San Francisco to New York City, stopped in Little Falls mid-day. Here he sought out a repair shop to make a new leather drive belt which had slipped off seven times the previous day.

1918

Mayor Zoller and the Common Council met for the first time at the new City Hall for an official session.

1919

The first airplane to land near Little Falls was a DeHaviland-four, piloted by Lt. Malcolm Allison. He flew here to participate in the “Welcome Home” celebration.

1964

Mrs. Frederika Conrad, president of the Board of Education, signed a three year lease, at $1,500 per year, for one kindergarten classroom at the Masonic Temple.

1970

Today is the official opening of the “City of Little Falls Diamond Jubilee” celebration which will continue until July 12th with a gigantic parade and a display of fireworks to climax the memorable week of festivities.

1976

Moss Island, in Little Falls, is the 22nd natural landmark in New York State to be designated to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks by the United States Secretary of the Interior.

Jul 4th

1825

At the fourth of July parade in the village, there were many veterans of the War of 1812 and a few from the Revolutionary War. Also in the line of march were Captain George Petrie’s Rifle Corps and the Newport Band.

1865

A solemn “Welcome Home Celebration” was held for all returning Civil War veterans, as survivors of the 121st Regiment arrived in town. It was bittersweet as only 445 out of 1076 who marched away had returned.

1869

Amusements in the village for the glorious 4th included an egg picking contest- a race in Eastern Square to retrieve a dozen hidden eggs – and a foot race from the corner of William and Main streets to the Benton House on Garden Street to gain a sack of flour. Mr. Blank won both races.

1880

A crowd of 15,000 gathered in Little Falls to watch the maiden flight of balloonist Mary Hawley. She had, for the occasion, chosen the professional name of “Carlotta, the Lady Aeronaut.” Her husband, Carl Meyers, the “Professor,” was the ingenious designer of balloons and the gas generators for filling them. Never again known as Mary, “Carlotta” made more than 60 flights over the next two years.

1887

Main and Second Streets were illuminated by four electric arc lamps loaned by Ilion, the current being furnished by Adam’s Box Shop.

1893

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the Little Norwegian ship, the Viking, passed through Little Falls on its way to the World’s Fair in Chicago. The ship’s captain and the college crew were entertained at the Metropolitan hotel by Mr. J.D. Fredericken.

1895

The ideal picnic ground – Camp Jolly – is now ready for business. Among the many features are a large covered dancing pavilion, a Base Ball Diamond, a quarter mile Bicycle track, Croquet, Tennis and Archery grounds, Steam Merry-go-Round, and Plenty of Swings & See Saws.  Also, Row Boats, Steam Launch, and Fishing Tackle. Round trip boat fare from Little Falls is 25 cents.

1897

Dynamite firecrackers were responsible for five bad accidents in Little Falls over the holiday. Two young boys lost their right hands, one boy had severe injuries to his fingers, another had injuries to his left eye when the contents exploded, and an older lady badly injured her hand while amusing her grandchildren.

1919

A large “Welcome Home and Peace Jubilee” was held in Little Falls. The program included band concerts, a mammoth parade & military review, community chorus of 200 voices, dancing at Western Park, a baseball game, gymnastic drills by the Polish Society, and a gorgeous display of fireworks at Burwell grounds.

1926

The Dresher Company, 39-41 West Main Street, offers specially priced, attractive, well-built rubber tired Scooters for $4.50. “A small down payment delivers a scooter to your home.”

1946

Governor Thomas E. Dewey, at his speech at Eastern Park highlighting the “Veterans’ Welcome Home” day observance, was cheered by thousands. The parade that followed, featuring hundreds of local veterans, was one of the largest and best ever seen in the city.

1999

The former Slovenian Home on Danube Street was damaged by a mudslide when thousands of pounds of mud, rocks, and water from the Rollway hit the building after a torrential rainstorm.

Jul 7th

1843

The woolen factory is booming, the village has more than 40 houses and more are being erected. Twenty new merchants have started within the past year. The new road to Fall Hill (Flint Avenue) has plenty of room for houses.

1906

An imposter, garbed as a Franciscan monk, has been soliciting contributions throughout the city, allegedly for the assistance of the order. His attire was a novelty, and he attracted a great deal of attention and considerable coin. Nabbed by Chief Long, and taken before Father White, he was quickly found to be a faker.

Jul 8th

1869

Madame Fernanto, the wonderful clairvoyant and healing medium, has taken rooms in the Hinchman House for one week. She has a marvelous and wonderful skill in revealing the present and future, and can cure all kinds of female diseases. Her stay was extended a few days.

1876

The “Daily Graphic” has a ten-page insert of maps of the country in which the Indian war is in progress, showing the location of two recent battles, an excellent portrait of General George A. Custer and Sioux chiefs, and reports and illustrations on the Centennial Exposition.

1932

As a result of provisions of the federal economy bill, employees of the post office will have a reduction of 8 1/3%.

Post Office employees, nationally as well as at the local post office, will have their pay cut about 8 % and receive reduced mileage allowance as a result of the Federal Economy bill passed by Congress.

Jul 9th

1722

Governor William Burnet purchased of the Mohawks the lands lying westward along the river from Little Falls to Utica. This action was known as the “Indian Deed.”

1853

Henry P. Alexander, one of the largest land owners in Little Falls, sold parts of lots No. 99 and No. 100 on North Ann Street and No. 1 and 2 on Garden Street to the trustees of the First Presbyterian Society. The current Presbyterian Church stands at the corner of Ann and Albany Streets.

1886

A new law gives women the right to vote at school meetings providing they reside in the school district, has a child who has attended school for eight weeks within one year preceding, the child resides with him or her permanently, and owns personal property exceeding $55.

1985

Nine-year old John DuPont drowned today in the city’s municipal swimming pool.  The finding of his body was delayed for a day before it was found, because of murky water due to an improperly functioning diatomaceous earth filter system.

1996

Two Chevrolet Caprice patrol cars, formerly used by the Little Falls Police Department, are on their way to Cairo, Egypt via the Bronx. A dealer bought the cars at a public auction,, and ships them to Africa where they have a higher resale value.

Jul 10th

1921

A new form of entertainment, a pavement dance, was held on East Gansevoort Street adjacent to Western Park.

1996

More than 50 people were evacuated from their homes on West Main Street when a contractor hit an eight-inch natural gas main causing a major gas burst. Factory workers at nearby Burrows Paper Company were also evacuated.

Jul 11th

1761

A letter from a British official, John Bradstreet, to the Petries: “I am directed by his Excellency General Amherst to acquaint you both of his being informed of your obstructing his Majesty’s Service at the Little Falls. If you do immediately desist from such insolent behavior, he will treat you both with the severity your Crimes deserve.”

The Bradstreet letter was important because, outside the Water Powers, these and adjoining lots east were valuable as they controlled the carrying place around the Falls of the river, and the leases of lands for taverns, stores, and the license of passing the lands went with the title. 

1876

Over two thousand tickets to Herkimer were sold at the railroad depot today.

1892

The members of the New York Liederkranz society lay claim to being the first gentleman to ride over a part of the Little Falls & Dolgeville railroad.  However, the credit really belongs to about 400 public spirited citizens and youths who walked out to the work area and returned to the village in eleven work cars.

1913

The Little Falls Building, Savings And Loan Association was  organized with the objective of the encouragement of industry, frugality, home owning and saving of money by its members.

1921

Letter from Homer P. Snyder to employees: We closed our factory on December 1, 1920, when the sale of bicycles suddenly ceased because of the general business depression and the increasing cost of material and high labor costs. We can now purchase material at a reduced price, and can reopen July 17^th, on a limited basis, with a plan for a reduced scale of wages.

1964

One of the city’s oldest houses is the victim of Urban Renewal. A pile of rubble is all that is left of the brick home at the corner of Albany and Mary streets which was built in 1830 by Dr. Milton Gray.

1968

Eleven months after the voters gave approval, Rupert Palmer, President of the Board of Education, signed a contract for $2,395,457 for the construction of the new Little Falls Junior-Senior High School at the Top Notch Road site. Work was to begin immediately.

Jul 12th

1812

Colonel Morgan, proprietor of the “Stags Head Tavern” (formerly Cranes Tavern) entertained General Stephen Van Rensselaer and his officers on their way to the Canadian frontier. A sumptuous banquet was served followed by the usual toasts.

1831

Edward Ellice sold his father’s property at Little Falls, consisting of lots from the Burnetsfield and Fall Hill Patents and other parcels, to Albany and New York City interests. A new Little Falls lawyer, Arphaxed Loomis, had aroused the local citizens against Ellice because of his unfair leasing practices. Commercial development at Little Falls had been hindered by lawsuits around Ellice’s sale of properties involving water rights.

1855

A ball was held by The African M. E. Zion Church at the Temperance Hall in Little Falls to commemorate the 27th anniversary of their freedom in the North. Large crowds watched the festivities from the balconies of the hall.

1901

He’s located; he’s not. Hadley Jones has been “located” by the newspapers but not yet by the officials and detectives looking for him. A gentleman who knew both Mr. and Mrs. Jones claim they were fellow passengers on a vessel sailing from New York City to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. From there, they took a steamer to a port further south. Most doubt these reports.

1969

The Aldermen were unanimous in their approval of the plans for the East-West Arterial through Little Falls. The project will run from Glen Avenue to east of Ward Street, and will entail tearing down the homes on the south side of Hancock Street and many on John Street. Affected residents are asking that the route be changed.

Jul 13th

1855

James Conover, having business on the Roll Way, took his nine-year old son along with him to the foot of the hill. Although he was told to “stay put,” the boy ascended the steep hill to a considerable height following his father, became dizzy, lost his balance and fell to the bottom of the hill. He was seriously injured and is under the care of Dr. Ingham.

1932

Chief of Police James Long had a caller this morning – Mike Masco whom the chief had arrested in November 1916 for Little Falls’ celebrated trunk murder. Recently released from prison, Masco came to this city and wanted the chief to secure a job for him so he and his wife could start life anew.

Jul 14th

1864

The prolongation of the Civil War necessitated replenishing the Union ranks, and volunteers weren’t numerous or enthusiastic. Major Zenas Priest, county supervisor from Little Falls village, proposed that the county offer a “bounty” of $300 to each man joining the colors.

1896

The Bicycle Club, Rifle Corps, and the Union Guards joined together and incorporated as the Athletic Association of Little Falls. Dues will be used to equip the gymnasium and drill hall.

1905

The Sheard’s Park bandstand on Furnace Street is now open.

1911

A boulder weighing two tons has been drawn to the site of the old Octagon church, on Church Street, and will be fitted up as a marker. The D. A. R. will dedicate the marker during centennial week in September.

1914

The aldermen have started the proceedings to condemn the property at the corner of Main and William streets, owned by Dr. D.H. Rowe, as a site for its $100,000 city hall. Dr. Rowe uses the property for a barn and a hospital for the care of animals.

1915

New York State Comptroller Travis, after a review of the 1914 fiscal year for Little Falls, has deemed the city government to be confused and in a “chaotic condition.” Three incidents that have occurred are permitting friendship to intervene in the matter of enforcing the law, significant friction between city departments, and motives of personal revenge.

1931

Birger Lundstrom is branching out in the business world. What started out as a joke, selling hotdogs and ice cream from a floating dispensary on Ingham Lake (Keyser Lake), has turned into a profitable business. His enterprise has been well received by the flocks of bathers and campers who congregate there.

1952

Employees of industrial plants in Little Falls were being asked to volunteer to be observers for the local aircraft warning post atop Hotel Snyder. Forty observers were needed.

Jul 15th

1918

Hugh Fitzgibbons, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Fitzgibbons of 68 West Monroe Street, the local aviator flying with the English Royal Flying Corps, previously reported missing after combat with a German flyer, is safe and will shortly return home.

Jul 16th

1957

Dr. George S. Elveleth succumbed to infirmaries at his house in Newprort, NH. Dr. Elveleth practiced medicine here for 60 years.

1880

The Little Falls  Fire Department’s annual convention of the Firemen’s Association State of New York will be held in Auburn and continue in session for three days.  All of the fire companies have received an invitation to a picnic and dance at St. Johnsville, Thursday of next week.

Jul 17th

1777

Finding that Barry St, Ledger had massed troops and loyalists at Oswego in preparation to invade the Mohawk Valley, General Nicholas Herkimer issued a proclamation calling for all men from sixteen to sixty  to arm themselves and prepare to march to Fort Stanwix in defense of the valley. Men over sixty were to defend the homes.

1874

Judge Loomis is having the swamp lot, on the corner north of the Catholic church, filled in with gravel from the hills above. This will make a good building site, and be an improvement over the duck pond that has existed there for years.

1883

A contract was made by the village with McDermott & Ashenhurst to build a sewerage system for a city of 10,200 people.

1945

WW II Era – Another accident at the Gorge View highway entrance to Little Falls as four tons of fish spilled when a  freighter upsets on East Main Street. It wasn’t Friday, but  dozens, if not hundreds, of local families had fish as their main course for dinner.

Jul 18th

1908

20,000 people came from all over to visit the camp of U. S. Army cavalrymen located on the outskirts of Little Falls. The group from Fort Ethan Allen in Vermont, on their way to Pine Camp near Watertown, consisted of 450 men, with more than that number of horses and many mules to draw supply wagons.

1964

The former Arkay Hall is being torn down as a part of the Urban Renewal program. The building, at the rear of the McCauley block on Main Street, was built after the big fire in 1893. Used for a variety of purposes, it was the meeting place for the “Independent Order of Red Men,” home of basketball games, boxing and wrestling matches, a rifle range, and a bowling alley.

Jul 19th

1812

General Christopher Bellinger, a native of Little Falls, was one of the American commanders in the Battle of Sackett’s Harbor on Lake Ontario, the first land battle of the War of 1812. Bellinger was the son of Colonel Peter Bellinger and Delia Herkimer Bellinger, sister of General Nicholas Herkimer.

1895

The old veterans of Little Falls will hold a basket picnic this evening at Camp Jolly. An invitation has been extended to the Women’s Relief Corps to join in the festivities. The boat will leave Little Falls at 9:30 am and at 1:00 pm.

1921

An evening fire drove guests out of the Metropolitan Hotel, and destroyed the stock of the Modern Cloak and Suit Shop, an establishment specially for ladies. The early discovery of the fire and prompt action of the firemen prevented further damage.

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.”

2009

After 22 years at 572 East Monroe Street, Kelly’s Meat Market will open today at it new location at 520 Albany Street in the Kinney Plaza.

Jul 20th

1945

WW II Era – B.P.O.E. #42 has secured the Whitman property, one of the city’s finest private homes, at the corner of Ann and Gansevoort Streets for their new fraternal home. The purchase price of $6,000 was easily raised by the Elks who are enthusiastically working on readying their new permanent home for occupation.

Jul 21st

1896

The Raines Law is proving a great success, not only in reducing the number of saloons in the city and the hours for selling, as well as keeping the saloons closed on Sunday, except for hotels serving “food”, but also in the amount of revenue received from the tax imposed.

2009

After 61 years of serving the community at various locations with quality senior care, Van Allen Nursing home is no more. The business has been sold, and will now be known as Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Jul 22nd

1961

A gigantic parade highlighted week-long festivities, as the City of Little Falls celebrated the sesquicentennial of its incorporation as a village in 1811. Over 25,000 viewers were present at the biggewst event of its kind ever held in the city.

Little Falls’ first “space age” aviation hero, Lt. Thomas Johnson, was one of the special guests and rode in the Sesquicentennial parade today. Lt. Johnson recently piloted his jet to a second place finish in Bend Trophy race this spring. 

Jul 23rd

1902

There was a fire in the card room at the MacKinnon Mill.

Jul 24th

1902

Damage caused by a cloud burst in this city will run into the thousands. Much loss and damage to city streets was caused by choked drainage. The loss to merchant’s stocks and to private dwellings is terrific in its vastness.

1942

WW II Era – Immigration officials in Albany authorized the release of Frank Roma, held by Little Falls police when it was found the “enemy alien” did not have permission to travel from Albany to Utica.

1963

The new South Side Arterial highway will necessitate the removal of the long abandoned West Shore freight house. The structure was built in 1883 and was most recently used as a feed store. Old timer George Boyle recalled, the New York Central never did own the West Shore, but rented it for 375 years with an option to extend the lease for another 400 years.

Jul 25th

1923

Governor Alfred E. Smith made a brief stop in Little Falls, and strolled into the City Hall to renew his friendship with the mayor and other city officials who were at the time attending a meeting of the Grade Crossing Commission. “Hello fellows,” said the state executive, who had his wife and children in tow, as he stepped into the room.

1941

Little Falls threw a street dance for 300 men in the 18th Quartermaster Battalion of the 4th Armored Division who camped overnight on the Middleville Road. The Rhythm Dukes provided music, and about 2,000 Little Falls residents watched or joined in.

1952

Restante’s Dairy Bar at 87 Flint Avenue advertised “a new taste thrill,” their own spumoni ice cream.

Jul 26th

1848

Village Trustees contracted with J. Clark Company of Cazenovia for a town clock for $250. It was to be placed in a church designated by the trustees. The clock was to run without winding for eight days, and strike loud enough to be heard two miles away.

1895

The Alumni Association of the Little Falls Academy raised money for the library. The subscription netted over $1,000 and the Regents Department added $500 for the fund.

Jul 27th

1802

From the diary of Rev. John Taylor of Deerfield Massachusetts: “… a small village, called Little Falls, by which the canals built in 1795 containing six locks pass. The village is built upon a ledge of rock and promises to be a place of business as to trade. They have a new and beautiful meeting-house, standing 40 rods back on the hill, built in the form of an octagon. The appearance of the falls is sublime.”

1854

Sanford’s Minstrels were at the Temperance Hall Admission 25 cents.

1885

Farmers who were selling their cheese on Albany Street were ordered off the street by Sheriff Abbott after a couple of residents claimed their teams were a nuisance. After the sellers threatened to go to Utica, better accommodations were found for them on Bridge Street.

1998

Six bicyclists making a 3,741, seven week trip across the country from San Francisco, California to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stopped today in Little Falls – the 3,445 mile marker. The group is making the ride in support of Habitat for Humanity

Jul 28th

1892

A public spirited citizen, Mr. P. W. Casler, having watched hundreds of boys swimming in the river from the point of Hansen Island, has generously donated some bath houses to be located there. In the name of decency and cleanliness, a small fee might be charged for the use of bathing suits and towels.

1895

It is said that Little Falls has more pneumatic tired carriages than any other place of even double its size in this section of the state.

1921

A grateful community turned out at St. Mary’s church for the funeral of Deloir A. Marco, the first of its boys to make the supreme sacrifice on the battlefields of France, and the first whose body was brought home to its final resting place.

Jul 29th

1913

Stones, undoubtedly the walls of the 1796 Octagon Church, were unearthed by workmen employed on a drainage and heating system project for the Church Street School.

1923

The Italian Roman Catholics in Little Falls now have their own parish. The wood-framed church at the northeast corner of East John and South Mary streets was opened today under the leadership of Rev. Anthony Spina.

Jul 30th

1783

George Washington toured the upper Hudson Valley, the Saratoga and Lake George areas, and the Mohawk Valley to thank the citizens for their steadfast support and efforts during the Revolutionary War. At the little falls, he allegedly spoke about the need to build a canal to facilitate the movement of men and materials around the rapids. A decade later, the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company canal was built.

1825

Joseph Bonaparte, brother of the famous Napoleon Bonaparte, arrived in Little Falls accompanied by his daughter and her cousin, the young Prince Murat, and the usual train of attendants. They stayed at the Little Falls Hotel. Murat and one of the attendants attended church.

1835

The bridge across the Mohawk River at Mr. Finks, which has been under construction, is now ready for use.

1867

Ceremonies were held with the laying of the cornerstone for the new Universalist Church with the Rev. L. Holmes of Orange, Massachusetts installed as the new pastor. A glass jar containing various articles was deposited in a niche prepared for it.

1901

Whether it was the increase in the price paid for cheese, great weather, a bumper hay crop, or something else, the farmers had big night in town. The stores as well as the saloons did a large business. There were many fights and nineteen arrests were made, thirteen by policeman James “Dusty” Long.

1915

The city still has a night watchman, a man who goes around and sees that all the doors are locked:  In fact he is the one who “closes up the town.” Sylvanus “Pop” Holmes, a retired Little Falls policeman, is paid by the store owners, and has been on the job for many years.

1916

In a letter to Little Falls Mayor Abram Zoller, Chief of Police James Long listed 23 individuals (including two women) who had entered three Main Street saloons on this Sunday date. Information included time entering and leaving the saloon, and the individual’s addresses.

1968

In a joyous reunion, Mrs. Anthony Lamanna of Little Falls was reunited here with her brother, Vincent Perna of Monteleone, Italy after 53 years. Perna came to Little Falls at age 11, attended Jefferson Street school, but he returned to Italy when he was 18 years old. He has many friends in our city.

2002

Speeders beware – the Little Falls Police Department is testing a new laser radar gun that can track a speeding car 3,000 feet away. According to a police spokesman, “A ton of tickets have been issued in the past three days.”

Jul 31st

1856

The boiler exploded at the Little Falls Cotton Factory. Mr. Thomas Stevenson who lived nearby and was having dinner, heard the explosion, went to his door and was crushed to death by the falling boiler. Several women and children were also hurt by falling debris. A Grand Jury determined the cause to be a faulty boiler operated by an inexperienced boiler man.

1885

The water in the Eastern Park reservoir is so impure that the fish in it have all died. This stagnant pool is liable, during the existing hot weather, to breed disease among those who live in the neighborhood.

1908

Frank Gregorka has invented a water bicycle without any plans or drawings, and is testing his odd craft on the canal in Little Falls. The power is supplied by a bicycle frame connected to a 13” propeller by means of bevel gears. The body has two 6 ½ foot floats fastened 3 feet apart.

1929

A count showed 633 out-of-state automobiles went through the city in six hours – a rate of nearly two per minute. The survey was taken for one hour each day for six consecutive days. The states which led the totals were Michigan (92), Ohio (91), Massachusetts (88), and New Jersey (56.) Cars were also from many other states and California, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, D.C., and the Panama Canal Zone.

1942

WW II Era – Two Little Falls garages, Whitcomb on West Lansing Street and R.G. Smith on West Main and Third Streets, went out of business because of restrictions on the sale of autos and the rationing of tires and gasoline.

1963

No One was injured in an accident on the New York Central this afternoon, at milepost 216.30, in which eighteen cars were derailed just east of Second Street in this city. The engine and the first six cars remained upright on the track.

“This Month 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!