This day in history: December 31

1634

Dutch explorer Harmen Meyndertsz van den Bogaert left Fort Orange (Albany), and passed around the little falls, possibly south of Fall Hill, while visiting Iroquois Indian villages on his way to Oneida Lake. Most likely, he was the first white person to have visited this area.

1863

Dr. Maungwaduas, of the Chippewa nation, will have medicines for sale all this winter at a home on Gibraltar  Street , south side of the river, in Little Falls. The medicines are of roots and herbs for many diseases belonging to this country. Printed directions will accompany the medicines.

1896

The Register of Vital Statistics reported 171 deaths in Little Falls during 1896, including 31 deaths of children under the age of seven. The death rate was 17.1 per 1000 population. Twenty-one died in accidents, 23 from pneumonia, and 18 of consumption. Various other forms of lung trouble caused a good portion of the deaths.

This day in history: January 1

1816

A report for 1815 showed Herkimer County had forty-three slave holders having fifty-three slaves valued at $8,465. Slaves and horses were about equal value. The county was divided into six slave towns (Columbia, Fairfield, German Flatts, Herkimer, and Schuyler) and five free towns (Frankfort, Newport, Norway, Litchfield, and Russia.) The Town of Little Falls had not yet been organized.

1866

The Journal & Courier published the 1865 income of notable Little Falls residents – N.S. Benton $3683, Geo. A. Feeter  $2379, J.J. Gilbert Sr. $8508, D.H. Burrell $1323, Z.C. Priest $9920, W.G. Milligan $2662, Nelson Rust $8550, X.A. Willard $1315, A. Loomis $1992, Harry Burrell $8549.

1875

Golden Gate Lodge No. 414, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) paid recognition to its five charter members, and the installation of the first officers at the new lodge meeting rooms in the Wheeler & Milligan building in Little Falls. Preceding the ceremonies, a sumptuous banquet was served at the Hinchman House.

1887

Today marks the eleventh week of the lockout of the employees belonging to the Knights of Labor in the Little Falls knitting mills. The mills are all running, the manufacturers being satisfied with their present help.

1890

“Uncle” John Feeter again announced the arrival of the new year by firing his old revolutionary flint lock musket.

1920

A Main Street block was swept by a costly fire, one of the worst fires experienced in many years, with damages amounting to $50,000. The fire originated in the Burney Brothers Hardware Store (current White Rose Bakery) and spread to M.J. Coats, B.E. Chapman, Michael J. Creedon, and L.O. Bucklin businesses.

1950

It has always been rumored that Little Falls has more Bars/Grills/Drinking Establishments per capita than any community in New York State. The city has 41 such places, 11 on the South Side. Based on our population, that is one bar for every 239 persons – one for every 179 persons of drinking age.

1994

At the start of the year, there were nine lawyers in Little Falls.

This day in history: January 2

1874

General Z. C. Priest informs us that during the past ten years, there have passed over this division of the N. Y. Central Railroad, 5,700,000 cars, or an average of one every minute during that long time. The number of carloads of hogs has

This day in history: January 3

1913

The three month long strike in the Little Falls textile mills is over. The workers will receive 60 hours of pay for a 54 hour week, and increases in the rate for piecework ranging from 8 to about 15 percent. All employees will be rehired.

1924

To safeguard coasters, motorists will be asked to stop at all intersections leading into Monroe Street. This was an exception as the commissioners decided to have the police enforce the ordinance against coasting on other city streets. Coasters are at risk of being struck by automobiles and trolley cars. It was observed that bobsleds go down East Monroe up to 40 mph.

1942

WW II Era – A Home Defense Council was appointed by Mayor Richard Conley. Home Defense units were formed: Firemen 150, Police 125, Air Wardens 400, Observers 40, First Aid 40, Red Cross 20, Transportation 20, Demolition 15, Public Works 30.