This day in history: April 24

1833

In the first village census, it was reported Little Falls had 1602 inhabitants of whom 85 were listed as “colored.”

1911

A huge boulder rolled 326 feet down from the Rollway cliffs on the South Side, and plunged through the roof of a German Street (Flint Avenue) residence landing on the second story bed of Frank Van Wie , carrying the bed and Van Wie through to the cellar. Mr. Van Wie was killed instantly. A mother and a young child in a room below that of Van Wie’s were unharmed.

1936

The Rovazzi Grill on Second Street advertised a mushroom stew sandwich for15 cents and spaghetti with chicken for 40 cents.

1983

The Mohawk Valley Choral Society and Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Christensen, Conductor presented Mozart’s “Requiem” at St. Mary’s Church before a large audience..

1986

The Evening Times received a letter from President Ronald Reagan congratulating the newspaper on its !00th anniversary of publishing and service to the greater Little Falls community.

This day in history: April 25

1887

A human skeleton was found in a box which had floated down the Mohawk River and grounded on Moss Island. It was joined together by wires and was evidently the property of some doctor. Queer driftwood!

1895

The Cronkhite Opera House had a program “Tent Life in Palestine”, a tale of travel in the world’s most interesting land.

This day in history: April 26

1901

Former Little Falls mayor, Hadley Jones and his wife have left the city suddenly under regrettable circumstances, never to be seen again. He was a fugitive from justice, accused of forgeries involving stock certificates of the Herkimer County Bank. Rumors are that he has fled “somewhere south of the border.”

1927

The Burrell family contributed a major portion of the cost of purchasing the property, and equipping and conditioning the new recreation park and playground on West Monroe Street. Mr. D. H. Burrell, Jr. ($6,500), E. J. Burrell ($2,000), Loomis Burrell ($1,000), and M. Elizabeth Burrell ($500.) A total of $16,729 was collected.

2014

Visitors to Moss Island will now have access to an environmentally friendly restroom. Main Street First worked as a conduit between the donor and the city to use the $50,000 donated for the project. The funds will also cover maintenance costs for the next 12 to 14 years for the facility which uses no chemicals, no water, and is completely solar powered.

This day in history: April 27

1866

By a 49 to 0 vote, approval was given to build the South Side Hose House on Mohawk Street,, opposite the river bridge, at a cost of $3,000 to be raised by a special tax.

1881

A new church, made of native stone, was dedicated by the Little Falls Presbyterian community. The cost for the new building was $39,706 and the lot on Jackson and East Lansing streets was $5,562.

1883

The aqueduct crossing the river has been declared unsafe, and sign- boards were erected at each end forbidding persons from crossing it.

1889

A seventy-two hour “go-as-you please” walking match was held at Quackenbush Hall. Rules indicate each contestant must make 110 miles to secure his entrance money. The track is 28 laps to the mile and walkers were inspired by Eldridge’s orchestra. Prizes ranged from $10 to $100. Gardner Austin won with 197 miles.

1901

A search of former mayor Hadley Jones’ safe revealed a book containing blank stock certificates of the local National Herkimer County Bank. Seventeen of the certificated, worth at least $25,000, had been used with the names of William A. Milligan , president,  and Albert Story, cashier, forged thereon. 

1917

Rev. Father O’Connor, of St. Mary’s, said that all lands surrounding the church property would be dug up and used for garden purposes.  He also suggested that parish members do the same around their homes.

1981

Herkimer County Trust Company is offering six month money market certificates at an annual interest rate of 13.871% and saving certificates (2 ½ years) at 11.75%.