This day in history: March 3

1870

The opening of the Skinner Hall ushered in an era of entertainment consisting of travelling shows, dances, G.A.R. meetings, and walking matches. Highlights of the day included a parade in the afternoon and dancing in the evening.

1903

A chapter of the Order of Eastern Star was instituted In Masonic Hall to be known as Rock City chapter, No. 148. There were 63 charter members.

1911

Beautiful Moreland Park in this city is the scene this winter of merry snowshoe and skiing parties of the younger crowd.

1916

The “White Schoolhouse” on the south side of the river went up in flames. The neighbors tried to extinguish the fire by means of a bucket brigade, but were unsuccessful. The building was entirely consumed along with the contents. Insurance carried was $1,000.

1932

The Great Depression is in its third year, and the common council appropriated an additional $5,000 for work relief projects. The police and firemen will contribute 5% of their salaries to relieve unemployment if other city workers and teachers do likewise.

1954

George Wiley, born in Little Falls on May 7, 1881, died today in the Little Falls Hospital. Starting bicycling as a young boy as a form of healthful outdoor exercise, he became a five-time American champion. He then made 14 trips to Europe where he won the world title, and performed before the Old World’s leading figures including the late Kaiser Wilhelm.

This day in history: March 4

1905

The New York Grocery at 583 East Main Street advertised the following prices: 4 cans of tomatoes, corn, peas, or beets – 25 cents; 4 packages of Macaroni – 25 cents;  3#  Tea – 25 cents;  Hams, per pound – 7 cents;  3 # Sausage or Frankfurters – 25 cents;  13 large, juicy Naval Oranges – 25 cents.

1971

The worst snow storm to hit Little Falls in years virtually closed the city. The blizzard dumped nearly 30 inches of snow. Main roads were plugged, secondary roads completely closed, schools closed, and many businesses and industries are shut down. Top Notch Road in the city was closed for four days.

This day in history: March 5

1811

After a fire at Crane’s Tavern, a roll-call showed that 23 volunteers from No. 1 company fought the  fire.

1841

At the ballroom built over the McKinster Tavern, called the Cotillion Hall, a lecture was so well attended that the floor threatened to collapse. All present adjourned to a new factory.

1886

A number of public spirited ladies, under the leadership of Mrs. W.H.H. Lintner, formed the “Little Falls Industrial School” at the Board of Education room at the Cronkhite block. Young ladies will be instructed in sewing and other similar pursuits.

1917

The American eagle which has graced the flagstaff of the new city hall, “after high winds, folded its wings and fluttered mournfully downward to the top of the tower.” Fire Chief Cooney ascended the tower, got the eagle, and once repaired will be returned to its place.

1921

An historic old tavern, the 100 year old Evans Hotel at the corner of John and Ann Streets, was destroyed by fire. It was at this point that the overland mail stages changed before the building of the railroad through the Mohawk Valley.

1970

The former Herkimer County Bank building, corner of Albany and South Ann Streets, has been entered into the “National Register of Historic Places.” This is an important step in the effort to preserve the old 1833 building.

This day in history: March 6

1936

The annual report for 1935 by Little Falls health officer Dr. George Eveleth showed there were 524 cases of contagious diseases in the city, including 260 cases of German Measles, 187 cases of measles, 25 cases of tuberculosis (5 fatal,) 27 cases of pneumonia (14 fatal,) and 16 cases of scarlet fever.

2020

Al Mlinar, a resident at the Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Center since September 2019, celebrated his 105th birthday today with family and friends. The native of Little Falls and long-time resident, Al remembers kerosene lamps, trolley cars, walking to school, working for the CCC planting trees in Virginia, and working in a local slipper factory for 24 ½ cents per hour.