Little Falls Historical Society Museum Events
This day in history: October 19
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.
This day in history: October 20
1952
“Record Registration Wins City National Recognition”
“Little Falls has been designated as a “Model American City” by the American Heritage Foundation, as a result of the splendid efforts of local residents that resulted in a record high registration in this city this fall. Word to this effect has been received by Edwin L. Marion, Jr., chairman of the Register and Vote Committee here.
Announcement of the national recognition that has come to Little Falls should serve as an incentive to the citizens to roll up a record vote on Election Day. The committee is now devoting its attention in seeing to it that the public is made as well acquainted as possible with the candidates and the issues and will also concentrate on the arrangements for a “Lights On-Votes Out” campaign to bring voters to the polls on Nov. 4.’”
This day in history: October 21
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.
This day in history: October 22
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.
1952
Evening Times Headline: “Heritage Foundation Lauds ‘Times’ for Contribution to Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign”
The following letter from which the excerpts below were taken, appeared on this day.
To: John B. McGuire, Editor-Dear Mr. McGuire-We have now had the opportunity to examine the results of the Register and Vote campaign in Little Falls, which by all odds, seems to be one of the success stories of the national campaign….Little Falls is actually ahead of the rest of the country…We do not intend to let up until the polls close on Nov. 4…As you continue to cover the story, I hope you will keep your wire service connection filled in, and we shall work with the national magazines…All of us appreciate your continued support of the campaign. Sincerely, C.M. Vadeburg, Executive Director, American Heritage Foundation
From the Cooney Archives
Little Falls Patriots Day Past and Present
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThe Little Falls Historical Society will partner with the Yellow Church Cemetery Association to host a Patriots Day observance at their historic site beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 20. The rain date is Sunday May 21 at the same time. The event is free and open to the public.
2023 Writing Series Dedicated to Edward Cooney By Michael Cooney
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumEdward Cooney was City Historian for over forty years, president of the Herkimer County Historical Society, and one of the founding members of the Little Falls Historical Society.
2022 Annual Report
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumView the 2022 Little Falls Historical Society Annual report Including membership, sponsors, online activities, writing series, and more.
NYS Education Department Recognizes Black History Month
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumResources, Online, and In-Person Programming and Public Broadcasting Events Available Throughout February Across the State
Eagle Down by John Frazier
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumDonnie Coffin was somewhat of an enigma. Those who remember him recall him as an easygoing guy, but not many people have vivid memories of him.
Little Falls Philanthropy by Louis W. Baum
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumWhat did wealthy people do with their money? Some spent lavishly on themselves and their families caring little for their fellow man; others were philanthropic. Over the years, the citizens of Little Falls have greatly benefited in many different ways from the philanthropy of several of its leading residents who lived here in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Bygone Little Falls winters of skiing and sledding by Jeffrey Gressler
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumDecades before there was a Pine Ridge ski center in Salisbury or a Shu-maker Mountain ski area outside Little Falls, generations of Little Falls winter sports enthusiasts skied and sledded down the vertical drops that typify our steep, narrow Mohawk Valley topography.