This day in history: January 21

1890

People scoff at the idea that anyone has had the genuine Russian influenza. Every man who has had a little cold flatters himself that he has the fashionable disease. Whether you call it “La Grippe”, “influenza”, plain “grip”, or a matter of fact cold, one has profound respect after wrestling with the critter awhile.

1969

Wilbur Crisp, Syracuse University basketball star, but more importantly the legendary basketball coach at LFHS for decades has died. A state championship in 1929-30 and all-class section 3 championship in 1959-57 were the high points of his 334-167 record. Crisp was also a prolific inventor of basketball and wrestling devises and equipment. He also coached at SMA.

1974

Mabel Richards, who had been identified with the library system since 1907, passed away today. She had served as school librarian from 1907 to 1929 and as librarian at the Little Falls Public Library for many years beginning in 1929.

1977

In a letter to Rear Admiral J. S. Gracey, Commander of North Coast Guard District, and Victor E. Taylor of the Federal Highway Administration; Stanley Doromas Of The U. S. Department of Interior strongly recommended against approval of the application for a bridge over Moss Island. Various groups had indicated that Moss Island merits protection and preservation.

2020

The first case of coronavirus (COVID19) was first reported at a nursing home in the U.S., in Washington state.

This day in history: January 22

1976

Little Falls has been designated a Bicentennial City.

2010

The  1982 Little Falls High School state champion baseball team was inducted in the Mohawk Valley Baseball Hall of Fame  before a crowd of 200 gathered at the Knights Inn in Little Falls.

2015

The Wyndham Hotel Group has upgraded the “Knights Inn” in Little Falls to “Travelodge and Suites.” The move will provide a wider marketing plan. The motel has 48 rooms and four suites.

This day in history: January 23

1937

St. Joseph’s parish, made up of Italian immigrants, had been formed in 1923 and a wood-frame church was soon built at the corner of East John and South Mary streets. On this evening, the church was destroyed by fire.

This day in history: January 24

1833

There are from ten to fifteen Stage Coaches running through the village every day, and from twenty to sixty Boats passing daily on the Canal in the season of navigation.

1896

West Main Street has been set apart by the mayor to be used by horsemen as a speedway on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, between two and five pm.