This Week in History – Week of July 19th
July 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 especially 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.
July 20th
1945
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.
July 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.
July 22nd
1957
Dr. George S. Eveleth, a general practitioner in Little Falls for over 60 years, died at his retirement home in Newport, New Hampshire at age 92.
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 biggest 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.
July 23rd
1902
There was a fire in the card room at the MacKinnon Mill.
July 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
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.
July 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.
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
- Little Falls, NY
- 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