This Week in History – Week of Jun. 12th

Jun. 12th

1908

After a heated discussion, the Board of Education reconsidered and will allow the graduating Class of 1908 to hold their exercises at the Skinner Opera House. The class had protested the BOE choice, the Methodist Church, was unsafe and their invitations listed the opera house. Chief Cooney had stated the opera house was more unsafe and corrections must be made.

1917

Earlier in the month, President Wilson called on all men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register. As of this date, Herkimer County had registered 6,703 men including 1495 from Little Falls.

1920

A big rush is expected at the Little Falls fire station for the sale of “army” jam, with the sale continuing until the supply lasts. The cost is about one-third of making the preserves. Flavors available are peach, blackberry- apple, blackberry, melon-lemon, and melon-ginger. One entrepreneur ordered 288 jars.

1942

WW II Era – The first dance recital was presented by the pupils of Bernadette Hecox at the St. Mary’s Hall. The programme consisted of forty dance numbers; some of the dancers were Jo Anne Howe, Rosalie Placidi, Ann Reardon, Nan McEvoy, Jean Pettingail, Joan Skinner, Mary Cody, Curtis Tucker,  Carol Edgerton, Louise Van Slyke, and Joan Benthal.

1982

Joe Morotti won his seventh game of the post-season, his second of the day, as the Ted Schoff coached Little Falls High School Mounties defeated Wilson Central 12 -5 to win the New York State Public High School Athletic Association baseball championship for Class C & D. The games were played in Little Falls’ Veterans Memorial Park before over 1,200 fans.

2003

Dr. Radford C. Tanzer, age 97, Little Falls native, Dartmouth graduate, Harvard Medical School, passed away on this date. After stints in New York City, London, and the army, Dr. Tanzer returned to Dartmouth Medical School where he became an internationally renowned pioneer in reconstructive surgery. Note: He was valedictorian of his LFHS class at age 14.

Jun. 13th

1863

It was a big day in Little Falls when veterans of the 34th returned from the War. All the buildings were decorated and people came into town on horseback and in wagons for the big parade. At 11:00 a.m. the trained puffed into the station to happy shouting and cheering – but only about 400 of the 786 returned.

1890

A merry-go-round is now being erected on the vacant lot opposite the north-east corner of Eastern Park, run by the Star Amusement Association. It furnishes a harmless and fascinating entertainment and will be well patronized. Take a ride!

1898

There is sentiment growing for the reunion of those now surviving who first attended school in the old academy building in Little Falls after its completion in 1844. The “Old Guard” wants to gather within the old walls before they are torn down by the hands of improvement which is soon to happen.

1930

Dr. Stephen Ambler Ingham, a practicing physician in Little Falls for over 56 years, has passed away. Many in the city had come to rely on him as their family physician. A life member of the Masonic Lodge, he once served as Health Officer and Coroner – was a devoted member and officer of the Presbyterian church.

1940

The Safety Bureau of the ICC and the New York State Public Service Commission released their joint, 27 page report deeming that the cause of the April 19th train wreck at Little Falls’ Gulf Curve, resulting in the loss of 31 lives, was “excessive speed on a sharp curve.” Blame was placed squarely on the Engineer , Jesse Earl.

1976

The Elks float won the grand prize in the huge six division Flag Day parade in Little Falls as a part of the local celebration of our nation’s bicentennial. Second place went to the City of Little Falls, and third place was a tie between the Moreland Park Mountain Men and the Polish Community Home.

Jun. 14th

1881

A grand concert given at the Cronkhite Opera House was undoubtedly the musical event of the season.  Appearing were Mr. E. A. Stoddaerd, baritone of New York City, Miss Nellie Bianyelt, mezzo soprano of Brooklyn, Miss Blanche Houghton Miss Adeline H. Green and Miss Annie Snell.

1907

The Allerton Hotel, a landmark in Little Falls, is being razed to make room for a new up-to-date hotel (Hotel Snyder.) The nucleus of the structure was an old stone dwelling built over one hundred years ago. Always the site of a hotel – the first being the Benton House built by Nathaniel Benton in 1845 and later the Girvan House in 1872.

1914

Seventy-nine motorcycles lined up at the Little Falls Motorcycle Club on South Second Street for the run to Spruce Creek. Messrs. O’Neil and Deyo, of Little Falls, hosted a dinner at Hall’s for the motorists and riders in the party.

Jun. 15th

1782

Around this time, a band of nearly 300 Royalists and Iroquois Indians, attacked and destroyed the Petrie grist mill at Little Falls killing several occupants and forcing others into captivity in Canada. The event occurred one year after the revolutionary War had “unofficially” ended.

1869

Edward Evans purchased the old American House hotel and the Evans House became the headquarters of the Cheese Market.

1886

Improvements have been completed at the Cronkhite Opera House under the direction of a firm from Chicago. The stage has been enlarged, beautiful new scenery and appointments put in place, and the easiest of orchestra chairs installed. The opening performance next week will be “Mikado.”

1907

One of Little Falls’ most recent industries is the plant of Hoffman Paper Company, on West Main Street. High grade tissues are the product of this manufacturer, the outcome of local enterprise and capital. Later known as Burrow’s Paper Co., and then Twin Rivers Paper Co.

1910

The first fatal automobile accident to occur in Little Falls took place near the corner of East Main Street and Waverly Place. A young lad, playing in Ward Square, darted in front of the chauffeur driven auto, was struck and thrown to the ground. He was taken to the hospital and died shortly afterwards.

1964

The end of an era. The last train on the ten mile branch of the Little Falls – Dolgeville Railroad travelled the rails today when the efforts of Herkimer businessman Don Reile came to naught. The spur has been losing money for years and the New York Central finally called it quits.

Jun. 16th

1874

The grand excursion, by the Gen. Z. C. Priest Steamer Co., to Saratoga Springs from Little Falls, was enjoyed by people from all over the Mohawk Valley. Demand for palace cars exceeded expectations, and extra cars had to be added. General Priest’s private car led the way.

1906

Opposition on the part of property owners to the installation of distribution poles by Bell Telephone linemen has escalated. Mrs. Catherine Fleming confronted the workers with an ax and a crowbar (she was disarmed), a water hose (which was cut), and buckets of water from an upper window. The wet linemen got warrants, Fleming got a lawyer – the pole was installed.

1921

The doors of the new, modern Little Falls National Bank building were opened to the public, and large numbers of people visited the new structure at the corner of West Main and South Ann streets.

1930

The Evening Times proclaimed Barnett’s Tannery in Little Falls as the second largest leather producing plant in the United States. Shortly afterwards, the plant moved to Woburn, Massachusetts. Views differ as to the reason for the move – some say high local taxes, others say the death of the plant manager, Edward White.

Jun. 17th

1890

Under the name “Talaquega Tribe,” a branch of the Improved Order of Red Men was organized in this village with 39 charter members. Its name is taken from an old Indian name in this locality.

1902

The Interstate Telephone Co. reported that there were 340 telephones in use in Little Falls with the number growing.

1910

“The City Theatre” is the name which Reardon & Shults have decided that Skinner Opera House will be hereafter known. 

Jun. 18th