This day in history: July 2

1891

The “Taylor Driving Park” is the name given the new sporting grounds on the south side on the river, west of the village, in honor of its first president, Oscar Taylor.

1902

The Little Falls Fire Department received national exposure when they tested the new Eastman Nozzle System. The men were able to “throw” a solid two inch deluge stream nearly 100 feet above the MacKinnon factory, against a strong wind, all from one hydrant using only gravity pressure.

1904

The Tri County Firemen’s Convention was held in Little Falls, and crowds flocked to see the Auto parade.

1954

Cheney Hammer Co., one of Little Falls’ oldest industries, closed its doors today for the last time and 40 people lost their jobs. Collins Company of Connecticut bought the stock. The company began in 1844.

1969

A Rochester corporation, recognizing the unique and rare value of the 1833 old bank building, has expressed interest in purchasing the building, dismantling the structure, stone by stone, and rebuild it in the western part of the state in a historic village similar to the old Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown.

1982

After 1,139 days of construction, construction delays, controversy, and legal issues, the Theodore S. Wind Bridge, connecting the East–West Arterial to the New York State Thruway exit is open. Built at a cost of $13, 665,209 the 2,083 foot bridge is the final link in the arterial system.

This day in history: July 3

1866

A fire at 2 o’clock in the morning at the Hinchman House Barn on Albany street caused $54,000 in damages. Valuable furnishings, goods and property were removed from the hotel and adjoining stores by the firemen. The whole corner of Main and Second streets, as well as the Hinchman House itself, was wiped out. It was felt that the fire was an act of arson.

1876

Everybody is going to the Centennial after haying.

1886

The new sports venue, Riverside Park. opened with a game between the newly formed Little Falls professional base ball team and Canastota before seven hundred fans. Admission was 25 cents; ladies free. The locals lost their inaugural game.

1896

It is stated that the overhead railroad crossing at Second Street is to be built at once, and will be ready for use by the middle of the month.

1903

George A. Wyman, the first person to cross America by motorcycle, riding from San Francisco to New York City, stopped in Little Falls mid-day. Here he sought out a repair shop to make a new leather drive belt which had slipped off seven times the previous day.

1918

Mayor Zoller and the Common Council met for the first time at the new City Hall for an official session.

1919

The first airplane to land near Little Falls was a DeHaviland-four, piloted by Lt. Malcolm Allison. He flew here to participate in the “Welcome Home” celebration.

1964

Mrs. Frederika Conrad, president of the Board of Education, signed a three year lease, at $1,500 per year, for one kindergarten classroom at the Masonic Temple.

1970

Today is the official opening of the “City of Little Falls Diamond Jubilee” celebration which will continue until July 12th with a gigantic parade and a display of fireworks to climax the memorable week of festivities.

1976

Moss Island, in Little Falls, is the 22nd natural landmark in New York State to be designated to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks by the United States Secretary of the Interior.

This day in history: July 4

1825

At the fourth of July parade in the village, there were many veterans of the War of 1812 and a few from the Revolutionary War. Also in the line of march were Captain George Petrie’s Rifle Corps and the Newport Band.

1865

A solemn “Welcome Home Celebration” was held for all returning Civil War veterans, as survivors of the 121st Regiment arrived in town. It was bittersweet as only 445 out of 1076 who marched away had returned.

1869

Amusements in the village for the glorious 4th included an egg picking contest- a race in Eastern Square to retrieve a dozen hidden eggs – and a foot race from the corner of William and Main streets to the Benton House on Garden Street to gain a sack of flour. Mr. Blank won both races.

1880

A crowd of 15,000 gathered in Little Falls to watch the maiden flight of balloonist Mary Hawley. She had, for the occasion, chosen the professional name of “Carlotta, the Lady Aeronaut.” Her husband, Carl Meyers, the “Professor,” was the ingenious designer of balloons and the gas generators for filling them. Never again known as Mary, “Carlotta” made more than 60 flights over the next two years.

1887

Main and Second Streets were illuminated by four electric arc lamps loaned by Ilion, the current being furnished by Adam’s Box Shop.

1893

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the Little Norwegian ship, the Viking, passed through Little Falls on its way to the World’s Fair in Chicago. The ship’s captain and the college crew were entertained at the Metropolitan hotel by Mr. J.D. Fredericken.

1895

The ideal picnic ground – Camp Jolly – is now ready for business. Among the many features are a large covered dancing pavilion, a Base Ball Diamond, a quarter mile Bicycle track, Croquet, Tennis and Archery grounds, Steam Merry-go-Round, and Plenty of Swings & See Saws.  Also, Row Boats, Steam Launch, and Fishing Tackle. Round trip boat fare from Little Falls is 25 cents.

1897

Dynamite firecrackers were responsible for five bad accidents in Little Falls over the holiday. Two young boys lost their right hands, one boy had severe injuries to his fingers, another had injuries to his left eye when the contents exploded, and an older lady badly injured her hand while amusing her grandchildren.

1919

A large “Welcome Home and Peace Jubilee” was held in Little Falls. The program included band concerts, a mammoth parade & military review, community chorus of 200 voices, dancing at Western Park, a baseball games, gymnastic drills by the Polish Society, and a gorgeous display of fireworks at Burwell grounds.

1926

The Dresher Company, 39-41 West Main Street, offers specially priced, attractive, well-built rubber tired Scooters for $4.50. “A small down payment delivers a scooter to your home.”

1946

Governor Thomas E. Dewey, at his speech at Eastern Park highlighting the “Veterans’ Welcome Home” day observance, was cheered by thousands. The parade that followed, featuring hundreds of local veterans, was one of the largest and best ever seen in the city.

1999

The former Slovenian Home on Danube Street was damaged by a mudslide when thousands of pounds of mud, rocks, and water from the Rollway hit the building after a torrential rainstorm.

This day in history: July 5

1832

The undisputed Asiatic Cholera is extending over our country, one case is reported in Little Falls. An ordinance for the protection of our village was passed. It ordained that no boatman or other person shall land or set ashore from the Erie Canal. No inhabitant shall let a sick person in the house, Inn, etc. without a certificate from the village president and physician stating the person is not afflicted with cholera.

1893

Charles Dee, proprietor of the West Shore Hotel, was arrested, charged with keeping a disorderly house, the evidence being furnished by one Mattie Hill who was present when raided by the police. E. G. Van Allen, who runs a saloon on the towpath, was arrested on the same offense- bail for both was $500 each.

1936

Gypsies arrived in the city at 11:00 a.m. expecting to park their five cars and stay awhile. They were promptly escorted out of the city by Police Chief “Dusty” Long.