This day in history: March 22

1832

A strong hope was indulged that after petitioning for a bank at this place for the last ten years, and after frequent favorable reports that our wants would be gratified, but when it came to a showdown it was killed, the reason of a result so unexpected and injurious to our interest, is supposed to be the ungenerous opposition from the Village of Herkimer.

1872

“The man who was seen walking off with the Thermometer in front of No. 5 Keller Block, will please return it to its nail, and no questions asked.” – Newspaper advertisement by George Keller

1987

After being a thorn in the city’s side for the last ten years, the Allegro Shoe Company’s six story, 140,000 square foot building on South Ann Street is coming down. One of the largest shoe manufacturers in the nation, and a major employer in the city for many years, the company fell victim to cheap foreign imports. In 1974  the company moved to a smaller facility in the Little Falls Industrial Park.

1988

Almost half of the City of Little Falls is tax exempt. The state Board of Equalization and Assessment reported a 42.8% exempt ratio for the city, with 110 properties totally exempt; and 506 partially exempt, out of a total of 2,189 properties. Statewide the exempt ratio is 33%, and for Herkimer County 27.1%.

This day in history: March 23

1928

The Slovenian Home, first formed in 1905 as a cultural, social, and beneficial society, became incorporated under New York State law on this date. The members had immigrated  to Little Falls from the Slovenia area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1984

Leon Dussault, born in Little Falls in 1895, and co-owner of the “Journal & Courier” printing company, died on this date. Mr. Dussault founded the Little Falls Symphony Orchestra in 1927, and conducted the exceptional ensemble of local and area musicians through its final concert in 1971. National and international acclaimed performers  frequently appeared with the orchestra.

This day in history: March 24

1791

Elbana Williams offered a resolution to the State Legislature to make a survey around the rapids in the Mohawk River.

1842

As of this date, Little Falls has 3,000 population, 40 stores, 2 printing offices, 5 hotels, 1 bank, 5 churches, numerous schools,  – the manufacturies consists of 2 paper mills, 3 paper mills, 2 saw mills, 3 foundries, 1 machine shop, 1 sash factory, 1 axe factory, 1 woolen factory, 1 clothing factory, 1 distillery, 1 brewery, 1 plasster mill, 2 trip-hammers, and numerous factories in the n=manufacture of Copper, cabinets, carriages etc.

1894

A. M. Kinney, dealer in horses, will have two car loads of horses for sale today.

This day in history: March 26

1993

The former Andy’s Grill on Loomis Street, a long-time bar and meeting place in the Manheim section of Little Falls, is no more. As a part of Urban Renewal, the property has been turned into a residence for which applications are being made from first-time home owners.