Little Falls Historical Society Museum Events
This day in history: October 31
1825
The flotilla of boats bearing Governor Clinton and party arrived in Little Falls at 10 o’clock in the morning as a part of the grand opening of the Erie Canal. His boat, “Seneca Chief,” was towed across the aqueduct to the basin. Following a parade, a banquet was held at McKinster’s Tavern. This occasion was the first authentic appearance of what was later known as the Little Falls Military Band. Elijah Case, Jr. was the leader of the band.
1908
The Little Falls Fish & Game Club received a carload of pike fry from the state hatchery in Constantia. The consignment was dumped into the Mohawk River near Jacksonburg. Anglers are looking forward to good fishing.
2019
Father J. Thomas Connery, age 82, as swept away in flood waters in the town of Norway while endeavoring to get to Newport to say mass on All Saints Day. Father Connery’s first assignment as a priest was at St. Mary’s church from 1963 to 1966, and he later returned to Little Falls as pastor from 1981 to 1990.
This day in history: November 1
1891
Forty-eight Italians arrived in Little Falls from Buffalo to work on the Little Falls – Dolgeville railroad.
1893
“Big Frank,” the little 90 pound kangaroo, which was to have boxed at the Star Academy, died in that building from cramps.
1952
Radio station WLFH broadcast a pre-election segment to supplement their coverage of the Get Out the Vote campaign which began on Oct. 8 with the mission of registering unregistered voters and continued through the month as this week’s Election Day approached. The program was a live broadcast from 6:30-6:45 hosted by committee chairperson, Edwin Marion, who summarized the efforts and interviewed 4 key volunteers in the campaign: Mrs. Frederika Conrad, Miss Inez McCoy, Chief Francis Reardon and Mr. Walter Sheff.
From the Cooney Archives
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, LITTLE FALLS AND BEYOND
/by Little Falls Historical Society Museum2025 marks both the 165th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election to the presidency and the 160th anniversary of his April 15th, 1865 assassination.
Dwight James Baum: The World’s Most Famous Architect from Little Falls
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumMy grandfather, Dwight James Baum, is undoubtedly Little Falls’ most-famous architect ever and one of its most-famous sons.
Rialto memories
/by Mat RapaczWhen preparing to write this article, I asked readers for their memories of the Rialto and received the following replies.
Rialto was Little Falls’ movie palace
/by Mat RapaczThe Gateway Theatre in Little Falls, later to be renamed Rialto, first opened its doors to the public on October 22, 1923.
Little Falls’ South Side in the 1930s – 1940s: A Remembrance of Time and Place
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumAs long as I can remember my father, Joe Vespasiano, loved to share his stories, and he had a lot of material.
The Little Falls Historical Society hits the ground running in 2025
/by Little Falls Historical Society MuseumWe are eagerly anticipating this year’s Writing Series with new historical articles that highlight life in Little Falls.
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.