Little Falls Historical Society Museum Events

  • This day in history: March 29

    1832

    The Gansevoort Estate of Albany, which purchased local lands of Ellice, agreed to set up a public square as suggested by Arphaxed Loomis. It is now Western Park (Burke Park.)

    1844

    Temperance – The ladies of the village have sent to the Trustees a long petition, signed by over 200, praying the exertion of their powers to stop gaming houses and grant no more liquor licenses.

    1893

    As the village of Little Falls grew, it extended into the towns of Little Falls, Danube, and Manheim. On this date, voters passed a resolution, by a 914 to 77 vote, to petition the New York State Legislature for Little Falls to change its status to that of a city.

    1960

    The Joint Legislative Committee on Preservation and Restoration of Historic Sites has recommended that Moss Island  be given serious consideration by the State of New York as a park and geological site. Local residents, City Historian Edward J. Cooney and Donal Hurley have long championed the cause.

    1980

    Members of the LFHS 1929–1930 state championship basketball team celebrated the 50TH anniversary of the victory at a dinner party. In attendance were Milan Paracka, Sam Maddaloni, Jimmy Kane, Leland Clark, and Garner Beck.

  • This day in history: March 30

    1792

    The Inland Lock and Navigation Company was incorporated with General Philip Schuyler as president. The capital stock was $300,000, but the state added funds when necessary. The work at Little Falls cost $22,500.

    1795

    Workers on the Western Inland Land Navigation Company were paid as follows: Blacksmith 10 shillings (s) per day, Carpenters 10 s per day, and Laborers 6 s per day, and each was furnish his own bedding, provisions, and Liquors, and work from sunrise to sunset allowing one hour at breakfast and at dinner. The company will provide the cook.

    1797

    John Porteous was appointed postmaster at the little falls, and the post office was located in his store. The early mail was delivered once a week punctual by Adam Feeter.

    1811

    The New York State Legislature granted a charter to incorporate a part of the Town of Little Falls as a village. Agents for the Ellice Estate appear to have had a hand in drafting the charter of nine handwritten pages, as the powers were very limited. By 1811, Little Falls contained about 30 or 40 houses, stores, a tavern, some mills, and a church. The entire village was on the north side of the Mohawk River.

    1885

    A large fire at the Little Falls Knitting Mill, commonly known as “Bailey’s Mill”, caused about $30,000 in damages. Of major concern is the welfare of the two hundred and forty hands to whom the mill gave employment and who at this time are without work.

    1896

    The bicycle is fast becoming a popular means of recreation. A cinder path was laid out from Little Falls to Herkimer.

From the Cooney Archives

News and Updates

LITTLE FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARDS TWO SCHOLARSHIPS

The officers and directors are proud to announce that the Historical Society worked with the Little Falls Central School District to award 2022 scholarships to two members of the Class of 2022.

Little Falls Historical Society Announces New Book: Beyond Our Bicentennial

The officers, directors, and entire membership of the Little Falls Historical Society are proud to announce the publication and availability of their new book BEYOND OUR BICENTENNIAL.

MAY 14 PATRIOTS DAY PROGRAM AT NORWAY RURAL CEMETERY

The Little Falls Historical Society and the Norway Historical Society will hold a partnered Patriots Day observance program beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 14 in Norway Rural Cemetery, also known as Four Wars Cemetery. 

Helen Dunteman

LITTLE FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 2022 WRITING SERIES

The officers and directors of the Little Falls Historical Society are proud to announce that their 2022 writing series will be dedicated to former Little Falls social studies teacher Helen Dunteman.

Helen Dunteman

MISS HELEN DUNTEMAN

Helen Dunteman was a highly respected social studies teacher in the Little Falls school district for many years, retiring in 1962. Helen was both a lifelong Little Falls resident and a graduate of Oneonta State Normal School. She passed away in 1984.