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 games, 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 5th

1832

The undisputed Asiatic Cholera is extending over our country, and one case is reported in Little Falls. An ordinance for the protection of our village was passed. It ordained that no boatman or other person shall land or set ashore from the Erie Canal. No inhabitant shall let a sick person in the house, Inn, etc. without a certificate from the village president and physician stating the person is not afflicted with cholera.

1893

Charles Dee, proprietor of the West Shore Hotel, was arrested, charged with keeping a disorderly house, the evidence being furnished by one Mattie Hill who was present when raided by the police. E. G. Van Allen, who runs a saloon on the towpath, was arrested on the same offense- bail for both was $500 each.

1936

Gypsies arrived in the city at 11:00 a.m. expecting to park their five cars and stay awhile. They were promptly escorted out of the city by Police Chief “Dusty” Long.

Jul 6th

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 Fakir.

Jul 7th

1882

Two cannon balls, one 20# and the other 10#, were found on West Shore Road near the brick school (Jefferson Street School.) Others had been found in the area by construction workers, and they were thought to date back to the Revolutionary War.

1891

The great candle in Anderson & Houghton’s jewelry store at 550 East Main Street is to be lighted. A contest is being held to guess the length of time it will burn. General W. F. Lansing was the winner of a gold watch with a guess of 4 days, 4 hours, 3 minutes and 3 seconds. The actual time was 4 days, 4 hours and 17 minutes.

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.

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!