Jan. 3rd

1913

The three month long strike in the Little Falls textile mills is over. The workers will receive 60 hours of pay for a 54 hour week, and increases in the rate for piecework ranging from 8 to about 15 percent. All employees will be rehired.

1924

To safeguard coasters, motorists will be asked to stop at all intersections leading into Monroe Street. This was an exception as the commissioners decided to have the police enforce the ordinance against coasting on other city streets. Coasters are at risk of being struck by automobiles and trolley cars. It was observed that bobsleds go down East Monroe up to 40 mph.

1942

WW II Era – A Home Defense Council was appointed by Mayor Richard Conley. Home Defense units were formed: Firemen 150, Police 125, Air Wardens 400, Observers 40, First Aid 40, Red Cross 20, Transportation 20, Demolition 15, Public Works 30.

Jan. 4th

1893

Crowds greeted former heavyweight champion John L. Sullivan and his troupe as they checked into the Metropolitan hotel in advance of his performance in “The Man from Boston” a sensational and romantic drama. Admission is 50 cents to $1.00. The fellow sparring with Sullivan was Daniel Dwyer an old-time prize fighter.

1916

The contract for the new City Hall was given to George Wills Company for $104,706. Of this total, David H. Burrell donated $60,000.

1919

In his annual report, Chief of Police James Long reported 698 arrests during 1918 – 664 males and 34 females. Of special interest were the significant increase in the number of cases of juvenile delinquency, which Long laid principally at the door of parents who are indifferent to the welfare of their offspring.

1925

Tony Sarg’s marionettes made a great appeal at the afternoon  performance, “Pied Piper of Hamelin,” given to 1,500 school children of the city at the Rialto Theatre. The evening performance, for adults, was “Treasure Island.” Mrs. Loomis Burrell was in charge, assisted by Mrs. George H. Smith.

1934

The first truckload of machinery arrived from New York City for the Melrose Slipper Company, and was installed on the top floor of the former Phoenix Mill. The firm expanded and soon occupied all six floors of the building.

Jan. 5th

1883

An unknown caller left a little box containing $80 in gold at the home of Rev. Francis Bellamy. An accompanying card informed him that it was from his friends in the Baptist church.

1892

Patrick Kelly, of Little Falls, who has been serving a five year sentence in Auburn prison for mayhem, was pardoned by Governor Hill.

Jan. 6th

1885

On this date, Rev. Francis Bellamy wrote a letter to the Journal & Courier on behalf of a group of earnest ladies in Little Falls who were endeavoring to do something to relieve the suffering of the very poor in the village. In his letter, Bellamy distinguished between the “deserving poor” and the “undeserving poor.”

1900

The Little Falls fire and police departments and the recorder’s court have moved into the new municipal building at the corner of Albany and Second Streets. The first floor contains the fire department with stalls for the horses. Jail cells were in the basement.

1955

Capt. Milan Mosny died today in a collision of jets over Tokyo Bay. He was the valedictorian of his high school class, and a star basketball player at Little Falls High School under Coach Wilbur Crisp. At West point, the 5’9” Mosny was the team captain, the leading scorer, free throw and field goal percentage leader for both the 47/48 and 48/49 basketball seasons. He was buried in Church Street Cemetery.

Jan. 7th

1909

The city’s long cherished desire for a good modern hotel is realized at last with the opening of the Richmond (later Hotel Snyder) today. It is believed that it is the finest hostelry between Albany and Syracuse. The first big event was a banquet  to honor Homer P. Snyder and Fred G. Teall who, with their wives, were about to leave for a trip around the world.

 1942

WW II Era – With hundreds of residents participating and thousands of others giving splendid cooperation, Little Falls experienced its first “blackout” test with success. The fire alarm at 9:12 p.m. signaled residents to darken their homes, and the city was shrouded in complete darkness for 15 minutes.

Jan. 8th

1827

A military ball was held at Cranes Tavern (site of Chickering’s Restaurant) on Main Street on the anniversary of Jackson’s victory. Gentlemen were asked to appear in uniform. The tavern was the center of life in the Little Falls community.

1864

A new newspaper appeared in Little Falls this day when the Journal and the Courier were combined under that name, “Journal & Courier,” and this weekly paper was printed for many years.

1921

A murder case from four years ago was revived when authorities found the accused murderer, Ralph Getman, in jail in Tucker, Arkansas. Getman was charged with the heartless shooting of his young wife when she refused to move to Ilion.

1965

Dr. Fred Sabin, who was president of the successful Sesquicentennial Celebration, was elected the first president of the Little Falls Historical Society.

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!