This day in history: April 29

1861

From the diary of Arnold Petrie of Little Falls (1830-1869): “Scott came and told me that the man whome Father had hired as a substitute for me, in the volunteers, his name is Fye, had run away. It proved, however, that he had only gone home to take leave of his family.” Petrie thought that Fye might lose his life that he might live. Note: Records show that George Fye mustered out on June 30, 1862 in Albany.

1903

A gala celebration in Little Falls greeted the first of the electric inter-urbans (trolleys) to reach the city from Utica and Rome. A large crowd awaited the arrival of the car and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The Adams cannon fired salutes, and the school children waved greetings. There is half hour service between Little Falls and Herkimer.

1920

The Exchange Club was formed in Little Falls – a national organization that that was more concerned with country-wide problems than local causes and endeavors. In 1933, it became the Little Falls Civic Club.

1933

The last passengers were carried on the Little Falls & Dolgeville Railroad, and a dream of the Gay Nineties passed into history.

1979

An article in the Evening Times  indicated that a more liberal interpretation of the George L. Smith will and estate would make $500,000 available of the $1,500,000 total for the Little Falls Public Library expansion.

2015

Ninety-five years to the day it was formed, the Little Falls Civic Club (Exchange Club: 1920 – 1933) disbanded. Long active in a wide variety of humanitarian and community affairs, the club was a victim of the times, changing interests, and dwindling membership. During its tenure, the club gave out $72,750 in scholarships to 220 graduating local high school seniors.

This day in history: April 30

1725

The Burnetsfield Patent, confirming the “Indian Deed,” was instituted, granting lands to 94 persons representing 38 families. The land covered 9,400 acres purchased from the Mohawks in 1722. Each patentee received 100 acres, each with some frontage on the Mohawk River from the little falls westward.

The land grants on the north side of the Mohawk River near the little falls were: Lot #10 – Augustus Hess, Lot #11 – Mary Beerman (Bierman), Lot # 12 – Johan Jost Temouth (Demuth), Lot #13  – Mary Eva Staring (Stahring.) Many deeds refer back to these lot numbers. The first lot, #13, ran from the falls at the Burrows paper mill to a line just west of the Allegro mill, then north to about Monroe Street.

1889

At 9 o’clock this morning all the church bells in Little Falls, and those throughout the nation, shall ring to celebrate the event 100 years ago when all the bells in the original thirteen states rang out to call the people together to pray for the success and prosperity of the country during the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States.

1917

After eighty four years of service to the community, the National Herkimer County Bank was liquidated and then reopened today, in the new Burrell Building as the Herkimer County Trust Company. The new status gives the bank all the services which would be beneficial to all.

1921

A fire practically destroyed the old Evans Hotel at the northwest corner of John and Ann Streets. Built over 100 years ago, it was at this point that the overland mail stages changed their horses before the building of the railroad. Recently, it was a furniture store.

1943

WW II Era – Air raid wardens from sector 2W voted to build a picket fence around the obelisk in Eastern Park that was the city’s honor roll. Names of 250 more servicemen and women were to be added, bringing the total to about 1,500.

This day in history: May 1

1846

S. F. Bennet, begs leave to inform the citizens of Little Falls and vicinity, that he is now receiving a very extensive stock of Books and Stationary, cheap Literature, Toys and Fancy Goods, Looking Glasses, Hard Ware, Woolen Ware, and every description of Groceries, Fruit, &c. which he offers for sale at greatly reduced prices for ready pay.

1877

Rollin Smith requested permission to build a bandstand in Eastern Park and collected the funds necessary for the construction. It was  completed in time for the Memorial Day dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument in the park by the G.A.R.

1886

The control of the Police and Fire Departments passed from the Trustees to a commission named Board of Fire and Police consisting of the Mayor and four Commissioners, but the Mayor has no vote.

1893

A large crowd of people gathered at the Central railroad station to see the fac simile of the original “Dewitt Clinton” locomotive and the first coaches drawn by it over the Albany & Schenectady Railroad.

1900

H. P. Snyder Manufacturing completed a shipment of 500 bicycles to a firm in Wolverhamton, England. Since December 1899, the company has produced 11,953 bicycles, the largest number ever turned out in a similar length of time.

Edward Cooney was appointed Little Falls’ first paid fire chief, a position he held for 47 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the transition from horse- drawn to motor-driven apparatus.

 1916

The Stacey  Company Cheese ceased operations when the executives foresaw the decline of Herkimer County as the center of the cheese trade, and the building space was taken over by the Little Falls Felt Shoe Company which had been founded in 1905. Irving E. Stacey is president of both companies.

1946

City Historian, Edward J. Cooney Jr. completed reviewing records and interviewing Little Falls participants in World War Ii. He totaled 1688 men and 69 women, and could not find records for another 11. 363 were married before entering the service, another 256 after joining up.

1967

The A&P grocery stores are discontinuing the distribution, begun in 1961, of Plaid Trading Stamps.

This day in history: May 2

1892

A freight train of the Central composed of 135 cars passed through Little Falls. It was probably the longest train ever drawn by one engine, being over a mile in length.

 1897

A council of the Knights of Columbus was organized in the old Gymnasium Hall in the McCaley Building in Little Falls. The society has grown greatly in favor among the Catholic people of the area and has a very large membership. 61 candidates were initiated the Major Degree of the Order by Judge John J. Delaney of New York City.

1913

Health Officer Dr. A.B. Santry reported that the small-pox epidemic in Little Falls has ended. Sixty cases were placed under strict quarantine, and guards were on a vigorous watch at each house so others might not be exposed. The epidemic has cost Little Falls more than the textile strike.

2002

Alan N. Vincent of Little Falls was confirmed as a member of the recently established Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The commission’s charter is designed to enhance tourism, education, recreation, and economic development along the more than 500 mile waterway corridor.