Little Falls Historical Society Museum Events
This day in history: June 13
1863
It was a big day in Little Falls when veterans of the 34th returned from the War. All the buildings were decorated and people came into town on horseback and in wagons for the big parade. At 11:00 a.m. the trained puffed into the station to happy shouting and cheering – but only about 400 of the 786 returned.
1890
A merry-go-round is now being erected on the vacant lot opposite the north-east corner of Eastern Park, run by the Star Amusement Association. It furnishes a harmless and fascinating entertainment and will be well patronized. Take a ride!
1898
There is sentiment growing for the reunion of those now surviving who first attended school in the old academy building in Little Falls after its completion in 1844. The “Old Guard” wants to gather within the old walls before they are torn down by the hands of improvement which is soon to happen.
1930
Dr. Stephen Ambler Ingham, a practicing physician in Little Falls for over 56 years, has passed away. Many in the city had come to rely on him as their family physician. A life member of the Masonic Lodge, he once served as Health Officer and Corner – was a devoted member and officer of the Presbyterian church.
1940
The Safety Bureau of the ICC and the New York State Public Service Commission released their joint, 27 page report deeming that the cause of the April 19th train wreck at Little Falls’ Gulf Curve, resulting in the loss of 31 lives, was “excessive speed on a sharp curve.” Blame was placed squarely on the Engineer , Jesse Earl.
1976
The Elks float won the grand prize in the huge six division Flag Day parade in Little Falls as a part of the local celebration of our nation’s bicentennial. Second place went to the City of Little Falls, and third place was a tie between the Moreland Park Mountain Men and the Polish Community Home.
This day in history: June 14
1881
A grand concert given at the Cronkhite Opera House was undoubtedly the musical event of the season. Appearing were Mr. E. A. Stoddaerd, baritone of New York City, Miss Nellie Bianyelt, mezzo soprano of Brooklyn, Miss Blanche Houghton Miss Adeline H. Green and Miss Annie Snell.
1907
The Allerton Hotel, a landmark in Little Falls, is being razed to make room for a new up-to-date hotel (Hotel Snyder.) The nucleus of the structure was an old stone dwelling built over one hundred years ago. Always the site of a hotel – the first being the Benton House built by Nathaniel Benton in 1845 and later the Girvan House in 1872.
1914
Seventy-nine motorcycles lined up at the Little Falls Motorcycle Club on South Second Street for the run to Spruce Creek. Messrs. O’Neil and Deyo, of Little Falls, hosted a dinner at Hall’s for the motorists and riders in the party.
From the Cooney Archives
Keene, Sullivan, among those who played Little Falls
/by Mat RapaczTwo of the famous people who performed in plays in Little Falls were the noted actress Laura Keene, and John L. Sullivan, the heavyweight boxing champion.
Come and enjoy Christmas in Little Falls!
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumPlan a visit to the Little Falls Historical Society Museum on your list of fun activities during Christmas in Little Falls at the Old Bank Museum on December 14.
Garfield’s whistle stop – 1880
/by Mat RapaczIn the presidential election of 1880, — General James A. Garfield, Republican nominee for president, brought his campaign to Little Falls on August 4 with a “whistle stop” on the New York Central.
Inter-urban trolley lasted 30 years
/by Mat RapaczThe electric trolley started in Little Falls in 1903 with great fanfare, a convenient and, for awhile at least, popular way to travel between Little Falls and points west and south.
Cars still a relative novelty at time of ‘Sociability’ run
/by Mat RapaczAutomobiles were still a relative novelty in Little Falls in 1909 when the Smith brothers, proprietors of the Richmond Hotel (later called Hotel Snyder) concocted the idea of a “Sociability” automobile run from the city to Cooperstown and back.
Nostalgia
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumNostalgia becomes a personal emotional experience. In times of stress, nostalgia can provide a retreat, a respite, a way to feel less alone.
Jumbo entertains Little Falls
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumOn Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1882, Little Falls played host to a 12-foot tall, 6½ ton entertainer, whose reach extended 26 feet from the ground.