Feb. 27th

1953

The first boys homemaking class at Little Falls High School was in full swing. Students included Thursty” McKusick,  Fred Urich, Tito DiTata, and Ted Van Slyke. Laura Ehman was teacher.

Feb. 28th

1936

Clemens Drug Store at 507 East Main Street advertised ice cream at 25 c per pint and 39 c per quart. An electric corn popper with a can of Jolly Time Popcorn sold for 98 c.

Mar. 1st

1814

At a meeting, residents of Little Falls gave their consent and professed a desire to erect a library in the village.

1839

Richard Ray Ward transferred land to Nicholas Devereaux for a Catholic cemetery in Little Falls. Note:  The one-half acre of land was adjacent to the Church Street cemetery, and was eventually sold to the village and became “Arthur Street” when the Catholic cemetery was opened on Sherman Street.

1896

The hospital, formerly located on North Ann Street, has been moved to larger quarters at the Ackerman property at 610 West Monroe Street. Future plans call for erection of a new building once the hospital association is in shape fiscally.

1912

The Polish Roman Catholic community in Little Falls dedicated their new “basement” church on Furnace Street.

1929

“Talkies” make a hit. Large crowds witness the initial Vitaphone productions at the Rialto and many praise the clarity of the machine. The movie, “Alias Jimmy Valentine” featured Lionel Barrymore, William Haines, and May McEvoy.

1956

Stephen Adasek, son of parents from Myjava, Slovakia, had a dream. He wanted to build a theme park, “The Land of the Easter Bunny”, near Little Falls. Construction plans and specifications were drawn up for eighteen buildings and financial backing was received from New York City banks. However local banks did not back the plan and the dream died.

1965

Today is moving-in day at the Valley View Courts housing project. The first five families to move in are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grogan, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Wauffle, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. James Bucenec and family, and Mrs. Alice Curtis.

Mar. 2nd

1849

Rev. Samuel Orvis gave a lecture at Washington Hall on anti-slavery.

Mar. 3rd

1870

The opening of the Skinner Hall ushered in an era of entertainment consisting of travelling shows, dances, G.A.R. meetings, and walking matches. Highlights of the day included a parade in the afternoon and dancing in the evening.

1903

A chapter of the Order of Eastern Star was instituted in Masonic Hall to be known as Rock City chapter, No. 148. There were 63 charter members.

1911

Beautiful Moreland Park in this city is the scene this winter of merry snowshoe and skiing parties of the younger crowd.

1916

The “White Schoolhouse” on the south side of the river went up in flames. The neighbors tried to extinguish the fire by means of a bucket brigade, but were unsuccessful. The building was entirely consumed along with the contents. Insurance carried was $1,000.

1932

The Great Depression is in its third year, and the common council appropriated an additional $5,000 for work relief projects. The police and firemen will contribute 5% of their salaries to relieve unemployment if other city workers and teachers do likewise.

1954

George Wiley, born in Little Falls on May 7, 1881, died today in the Little Falls Hospital. Starting bicycling as a young boy as a form of healthful outdoor exercise, he became a five-time American champion. He then made 14 trips to Europe where he won the world title, and performed before the Old World’s leading figures including the late Kaiser Wilhelm.

Mar. 4th

1905

The New York Grocery at 583 East Main Street advertised the following prices: 4 cans of tomatoes, corn, peas, or beets – 25 cents; 4 packages of Macaroni – 25 cents;  3#  Tea – 25 cents;  Hams, per pound – 7 cents;  3 # Sausage or Frankfurters – 25 cents;  13 large, juicy Naval Oranges – 25 cents.

1971

The worst snow storm to hit Little Falls in years virtually closed the city. The blizzard dumped nearly 30 inches of snow. Main roads were plugged, secondary roads completely closed, schools closed, and many businesses and industries are shut down. Top Notch Road in the city was closed for four days.

Mar. 5th

1811

After a fire at Crane’s Tavern, a roll-call showed that 23 volunteers from No. 1 company fought the  fire.

1841

At the ballroom built over the McKinster Tavern, called the Cotillion Hall, a lecture was so well attended that the floor threatened to collapse. All present adjourned to a new factory.

1886

A number of public spirited ladies, under the leadership of Mrs. W.H.H. Lintner, formed the “Little Falls Industrial School” at the Board of Education room at the Cronkhite block. Young ladies will be instructed in sewing and other similar pursuits.

1917

The American eagle which has graced the flagstaff of the new city hall, “after high winds, folded its wings and fluttered mournfully downward to the top of the tower.” Fire Chief Cooney ascended the tower, got the eagle, and once repaired will be returned to its place.

1921

An historic old tavern, the 100 year old Evans Hotel at the corner of John and Ann Streets, was destroyed by fire. It was at this point that the overland mail stages changed before the building of the railroad through the Mohawk Valley.

1970

The former Herkimer County Bank building, corner of Albany and South Ann Streets, has been entered into the “National Register of Historic Places.” This is an important step in the effort to preserve the old 1833 building.

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!