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
The Old Bank Building Survives and Thrives by Pat Frezza-Gressler
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThe wisdom of historic preservation has not always been a given. The desire by some to preserve old buildings and places is at times pitted against those who would rather “start over” with new construction.
Palatine Germans in Search of a Land to Call Home by Ginny Rogers
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumJanuary 17, 2022 marks the 300th anniversary of the Burnetsfield Patent.
The earliest European settlers in the Mohawk Valley came from what is now southwest Germany. Under near constant threat of destruction, whether from multiple wars, invasions, or the plague, in the near hundred years leading up to the 18th century, the southwest German population experienced extreme hardship.
MISS HELEN DUNTEMAN
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumHelen Dunteman was a highly respected social studies teacher in the Little Falls school district for many years, retiring in 1962. Helen was both a lifelong Little Falls resident and a graduate of Oneonta State Normal School. She passed away in 1984.
Growing up on the South Side from the early 1950’s through the late 1960’s By Donald F. Staffo
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumIn the 1950s and 1960s, Little Falls was a bustling blue-collar mill town of about 9,000 people with many hard-working citizens employed in its numerous factories. Most of the factories were on Mill Street which ran parallel to the railroad tracks on the southern side with a few factories on the other side of the tracks. My parents, and most of the parents of my friends, worked in the mills. None wore a tie to work.
A Pizza Story by James Papaleo
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumIf you lived in Little Falls in the late-1950s through early-1980s I bet you ate at least one slice of Papaleo’s pizza or one of the delicious hoagies (subs) that came out of the family restaurant owned by my parents Anthony (Tony) and Grayce Papaleo.
Even today, 40 years after the restaurant closed, people still tell me and my sisters how our Dad’s pizza and hoagies were the best they have ever eaten. I might be biased, but I agree because I have never found another pizza or hoagie like Dad’s.
South Side Cigar Stores by Gary Staffo
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThis article came about as part of the research started for the Southside Veteran’s Recognition Project, which was displayed during the September 2013 Southside Reunion. It covers the period from the 1930s through the mid-1970s and the role three Southside cigar stores played in the lives of the young men who grew up hanging out around them.
Industrialization in Little Falls, New York, 1790-1960
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThe Little Falls Historical Society much appreciates the opportunity to work with the SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Program of Museum Studies. Some background history about Little Falls will add perspective.