This Week in History – Week of Jan. 3rd
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 1947-48 and 1948-49 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 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.
Jan. 9th
1804
In a letter to William Alexander, James Murdock stated “Little Falls in itself from its command of water must eventually grow, and grow fast. Indeed there is no saying what it may be in time. One improvement gives birth and strength to another; all would contribute to the increase of population and business.”
1890
Eighty-five year old John Cantlin, the venerable grave digger, died at the home of his daughter. Mr. Cantlin, a worthy and respected citizen, dug the first grave in the Church Street cemetery.
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!
Additional Links
- Little Falls Historical Society
- Times Telegram
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- Little Falls City School District
- Little Falls Hospital
- City of Little Falls
- Little Falls Youth & Family Center
- Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
- Upstate Venture Connect
- Shop Little Falls, NY
- Preserve Our Past
- The Mohawk Valley Through the Lens
- My Little Falls
- Think Local Little Falls
- Little Falls Public Library