This Week in History – Week of Oct. 18th
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, and then 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 the family has 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 urbanizes areas 849 persons per square mile.
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.
Oct. 24th
1884
Thomas Dale’s sons have commissioned the erection of a fine brick dwelling on Petrie Street, near the corner of Alexander. The building, designed by G. Edward Cooper of Utica, will be fitted with all the modern improvements. The bricks were from the old Catholic church.
1915
Festivities concluded today with a solemn high mass to celebrate the formal reopening of St. Mary’s church. The church has undergone extensive modernization highlighted by the installation of the beautiful stained glass windows made at the studios of John Hardman & Company of Birmingham, England.
1941
Robert Livingston and Edward Marion announced that Bernard J. Malone had been added to their firm as an associate. The law offices were located on the fourth floor of the Burrell building.
1987
Two local teachers, and one retired local history teacher are producing a videotape program “Journey to Yesterday: A Visual History of Little Falls.” Ralph Van Horn , legendary former history teacher, is narrator and current history teacher, Hector Allen, assists. Biology teacher, Joe Loiacono is the cameraman. Over a three-year period it is hoped to have three 1 ½ video presentations.
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