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
“Surviving Childhood in Little Falls” by Cynthia Holick Foley
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumWhen asked if I had any siblings, I often quipped, “My brother and I were only children.” While my first decade was spent in the peaceful and prosperous 1950s, his was spent just prior and during World War II. Recently my big brother, Jan Holick Sr., (born 1935, and graduated from Little Falls High School 1953,) sat down with me, (born 1951, and graduated 1969,) and shared his memories of a time I never knew except in history books. He was kind enough to open a window to his past, and this article invites you to share that view.
UPDATED HISTORICAL SOCIETY CANAL DAYS CELEBRATION EVENTS SCHEDULE
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThe recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Herkimer County has forced our board directors and officers to rethink our Canal Days Celebration calendar of events and museum operation. Foremost in our thinking is public safety. We regret any inconveniences that these adjustments may cause. The CHURCH STREET CEMETERY TOUR was scheduled for Friday August 13 […]
Long Ago From a Far Away Land by Jessie Snyder Thompson Huberty
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumIn February of 1935, while snow fell heavily over Herkimer County in upstate New York, a cable arrived at the home of The Honorable Homer P. Snyder on Ann Street in Little Falls. It announced the birth of H.P.’s first great grandchild. It read: “Mother and child doing fine. Father barely survived!” Thus, I arrived amidst tropical breezes in the city of Manila, on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines, set between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Manila: 8324 miles away from the city on the Mohawk River.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY CANCELLING CEMETERY WALKING TOUR AND HISTORIC MARKER DEDICATIONS
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumMost Little Falls residents know who Nathaniel Benton, H.P. Snyder, and D.H. Burrell were, but who were Enoch Moore, Arphaxed Loomis, Titus Sheard, and Peewash and how did each of these individuals impact community history? What do gravestones with weeping angels, shrouded urns, and tree stumps represent? What interesting life stories are hidden away in […]
John Frazier – Prisoner of War, Hero by John Frazier, Jr.
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumPersonal and societal beliefs and principles certainly change with time. Sometimes people are shocked or amazed to hear stories of people or events from the past, yet these tales may not be so difficult to comprehend if we’re able to empathize, and put ourselves back into that situation and moment in history.
The Little Falls Lock 17 Dedication Celebration of 1916 by Angela Harris
/by Little Falls Historical Society Museum“Will Go Down in History: Historical Pageant and Lift Lock Celebration Greatest Ever Held in Mohawk Valley. July 4, 1916” The Little Falls Journal and Courier may be forgiven for the hyperbole of its banner headline and sub heading on July 4, 1916. The overflowing pride of the language reflects the premise and themes of The Little Falls Historical Pageant and Lift Lock Celebration. The civic pageants of the first twenty years of the 20th century were testaments to civic pride and patriotism, and Little Falls was no slacker.
LITTLE FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO ACCEPT MUSEUM VISIT APPOINTMENTS
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumThe Old Bank Building Museum has not been open to the public since Christmas in Little Falls in December 2019, a year and a half ago. Somehow it seems even longer ago than that. This is about to change. The museum has a number of new exhibits since 2019, most notably, the centennial exhibit celebrating […]