This day in history: May 20

1864

News notes:  Seven men and one woman were prosecuted in Little Falls for violation of the village law prohibiting cattle in the street and paid a fine of one dollar. There were 8 west bound and 7 east bound trains through Little Falls at this date.

1910

The Barge Canal construction has practically ruined the celebrated “Profile Rock” on Moss Island. A large concrete retaining wall is built alongside this historic structure. Initial plans called for entire obliteration of the rock, but a public appeal asked that as much of the rock be saved as possible.

1918

Clocks were turned ahead in Little Falls, as the community joined the rest of the country in the first Daylight Saving Time.

1977

It was a banner day for environmentalists as the decision was made that a Thruway connector bridge will not be built across Moss Island.  City officials siting “an indeterminable delay” at the federal level, reluctantly agreed to a route east of the island.

This day in history: May 21

1872

Amos King came to Little Falls when he purchased the Saxony Mill, and for four years made woolen cloth, then made the facility a knitting mill when his son, Charles, joined him, as later did Homer P. Snyder. The mill was bought in 1901 by Carl J. Lundstrom for his bookcase factory.

1885

The village trustees appointed a committee of 12 prominent men to investigate the subject of a water works which, after an extensive study, recommended the use of Beaver Brook as a village owned system.

1886

Hancock Street is the name of the new street recently laid out over the Gildersleeve Rocks. Building lots are in high demand.

1895

James Long was appointed to the police force in 1895, shortly after Little Falls became a city, and was promoted to Chief on February 6, 1906. After a long and colorful career, Long retired after 45 years of service and was given the honorary title of Police Chief Emeritus.

1907

A remarkable railroad wreck occurred at Finck’s Basin when a passenger train was hurled from its track by boulders, in front of the fast Buffalo and Cleveland Special train. The only fatality was that of the baggageman. Ten passengers were hurt, none seriously. All traffic was moved to the West Shore Railroad.

This day in history: May 22

1861

The local press stated “Notwithstanding the hard times, failures and war rumors, our dairymen are hurrying forward their produce.” The streets of Little Falls were crowded with wagons as farmers shipped 1087 boxes of cheese weighing 70,503 pounds at the depot. Farmers and buyers made their bargains along South Ann Street by the bank building.

This day in history: May 23

1883

The State sold the basin, bounded by South Ann and East Mill streets, (Clinton Park) to the village for one dollar. The basin had used the Inland Canal as a feeder, and was connected to the Erie Canal via the Aqueduct so boats could satisfy the needs of the “North-Side” merchants. The old Inland Canal was gradually filled in. The people continued to use what was once the basin as a dump.

1902

The handsome new home of Irving E. Stacey on Waverly place is about completed and Mr. and Mrs. Stacey have begun moving into it. It is a fine ornament to that locality. Currently, it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Babinec.

1905

Hallinan Bros. have completed their contract of blasting and leveling the rock on the five acre plot on east Burwell Street. The “Girvan Square,” as it is called, is to provide a playground for the city. The rock will have a covering of dirt and will then be level and well adapted for baseball and other sports. The contractors receive $600 for the job.

1969

There were a wide variety of exhibits by local businesses and manufacturers at the “Know Your City “ Show at the high school gymnasium. More than 3,000 residents and 1,000 students filed through the elaborate and comprehensive displays.