This Week in History – Week of Oct. 17th
Oct. 17th
1839
At Couch’s Hall in the old McKinster House, Mr. and Mrs. Powell would present the tragedy “Doughs” on Monday, “The “Apostle” on Tuesday, and “Lady of the Lake” on Wednesday.
1844
The Little Falls Academy, the first large structure devoted to higher education in the village, was incorporated by the regents of the state of New York. The three story high stone structure, containing six large and 26 small rooms, was built at a cost of $12,000 and housed 217 students. The bell was donated by Dudley Burwell. The building was razed in 1896 to make room for the “new” Benton Hall Academy.
1895
There is a growing sentiment in this city that the principal streets, at least, ought to be paved. That is particularly true of Main Street. The cost is to be shared by the city, the street railway company, and the abutting property owners. The use of bricks for paving has given satisfaction and should be used.
1916
A large tree standing in front of the D. H. Burrell & Co. office building on Albany Street was blown over and struck the National Herkimer County Band building (current Little Falls Historical Society) across the street.
1991
Jewel thief and serial killer Gary Evans entered the jewelry and coin store in the basement of the Burrell building and murdered the owner, 36 year old Little Falls resident Gregory Jouben. Evans later escaped from police and committed suicide by jumping off a bridge into the Hudson River avoiding trial and jail time.
Oct. 18th
1855
M. Bowes built the Octagon house on Prospect Street.
1876
Dean Miller, born a slave in Danube at the home of General Nicholas Herkimer, now owned by his brother, George, died today at age 76. Mrs. Miller gained the respect and admiration of all of whom she ever came in contact – her virtues were many. Three descendants of the Herkimer family erected a monument to her memory at her grave at the “Colored People’s Burying Ground” in the Church Street Cemetery.
1933
The city has received a consignment of 1,900 pounds of pork from the federal government for needy families and the unemployed. The meat must be given to the families in addition to whatever other food supplies they have been getting.
Oct. 19th
1918
Little Falls’ allotment for the Fourth Liberty loan was $1,270,500 which was quickly attained in less than one month under the chairmanship of Frank Simpson. In addition, $27,000 was raised by selling war saving stamps.
1959
Studies undertaken by the U. S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce reported that the population density of Little Falls is greater than most urbanized areas of the country. For Little Falls 2,450 persons per square mile – average of USA urbanized areas: 849 persons per square mile.
Oct. 20th
1952
“Record Registration Wins City National Recognition”
“Little Falls has been designated as a “Model American City” by the American Heritage Foundation, as a result of the splendid efforts of local residents that resulted in a record high registration in this city this Fall. Word to this effect has been received by Edwin L. Marion, Jr., chairman of the Register and Vote Committee here.
Announcement of the national recognition that has come to Little Falls should serve as an incentive to the citizens to roll up a record vote on Election Day. The committee is now devoting its attention in seeing to it that the public is made as well acquainted as possible with the candidates and the issues and will also concentrate on the arrangements for a “Lights On-Votes Out” campaign to bring voters to the polls on Nov. 4.’”
Oct. 21st
1881
The YMCA first functioned in Little Falls as a “reading room” with Pledge of Allegiance author Rev. Francis Bellamy serving as meeting secretary. The first rooms occupied by the society were on the corner of John and Second streets.
1908
The merchants of the city will inaugurate a novel scheme to bring them more business. Beginning in November, they will run a special trolley from Frankfort, through the Valley towns, to Little Falls. Passengers will be given a circular book with advertisements from 38 city merchants, and if a purchase is made, free transportation home will be provided on the trolley.
1925
A bill to Dr. Grace from Smith- Addington Motor Company, 637 Main Street in Little Falls, for service on his automobile was for $5.73 – 3 ½ hours of labor ($4.38), 3 pounds grease ($0.75), and one head gasket ( $0.60.) Labor is charged at $1.25 per hour.
1998
Little Falls High School senior Erica Daniels, competing as an independent athlete since the school does not offer a swimming team, has qualified for the Section III championships in three events: 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard breaststroke.
Oct. 22nd
1904
The “March of Progress” has hit Little Falls as noted by the removal of the last wooden awning above Lower’s store in the old Klock Block on Main Street.
1923
The handsome new Gateway Theatre on Ann Street, the latest and finest motion picture house in the Mohawk Valley, opened to capacity audiences with a Laurel comedy, “The Green Goddess”, and a Pathe Review. The architect, J. Harold McDowell of Cleveland designed it in the English Colonial style.
Oct. 23rd
1817
The 1811 village charter stated five discrete freeholders would be elected as trustees, however there were no property owners since the Ellice Estate owned all the property. Therefore, only their agent was eligible. On this date, the first property was sold to one, James Etheridge.
1948
The unbeaten Little Falls High School football squad was ahead of Mohawk 7-0 with four minutes to go in the game when Mohawk scored to tie the game 7-7. Little Falls ended the season at 6-0-1 – the best record in school history. The team was led by backs Ted Wind, Bill Vosburg, John Zeman, and Don Dise, and linemen Tony Gabriel, Dan Lanza, Rudy Lorenzoni, Gino Biasi, Rocco Calicchia, Bill Donovan, and Joe Seifried.
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