This day in history: March 10

1876

The members of the Little Falls Farmers’ Club met at the office of William I. Skinner for their annual meeting. The subject mainly discussed was, “Roots for feeding dairy cows, their cultivations, preservation etc.”

1899

Twenty-three year old Ensign Charles M. Tozer, a graduate of the Little Falls Academy and the Annapolis Naval Academy, is now a member of the United States Navy. Tozer had served on several naval vessels during the Spanish-American War, also served both in Cuba and Alaska and is now on his way to Manila to be a part of Admiral Dewey’s squadron.

1932

A massive fire, of mysterious origin, enveloped the Dasey block and caused extensive water and smoke damage to the big Luries department store, Dasey dry goods store, and Miss Burns’ millinery shop. Losses were estimated at $45,000. Later in the month, Luries had a “Big Fire Sale” selling its entire stock.

This day in history: March 11

1930

The Victor Adams Hose Company, No. 1 of Little Falls was the Champion Drill Squad of New York State.

This day in history: March 12

1831

The Ellice Estate sold the lot at the southwest corner of Albany and Mary streets to the Baptist Association for a new church.

1878

A cattle yard has been established by the railroad company near the Fifth Street crossing for the accommodation of loading and unloading sheep, swine, cows, etc.

1886

The bell of St. Mary’s church was badly cracked by the recent frost, which will necessitate its being recast. In consequence the sexton rings it but a little.

1897

A new game called “basket ball” was played in the Little Falls gymnasium.

1920

The Little Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Little Falls Auto Club are going to try the experiment of an auto show. The event is attracting considerable interest, and all of the space at the Y.M.C.A. has been taken for the autos and accessories.

1922

The first Post Office truck, an army surplus G.M.C., arrived in Little Falls today. The truck had no starter so the driver would back up a hill, and use gravity to start the truck when next used. An alternative was to never turn the truck off during business hours.

1926

Razing of the old New York Central repair shop west of the Ann Street crossing brought to an end in what is believed to have been the oldest building in the city. The structure was built about 1792 as a terminal on the initial canal for the Western Inland Navigation Company.

This day in history: March 13

1885

P.W. Casler & Co. announced that their new sawmill, planning mill, and dry kilns on the south side of the river are in operation, and the company is prepared to furnish building material of all kinds promptly and at the lowest prices. Saw dust is also for sale.

1920

Thinking that her ten year-old daughter had been insulted and threatened, Mrs. Tony Lavista shot Carmelo Thamberro in the chest with a 38 caliber revolver. District Attorney Ward is busy trying to see if there is not something under the surface.

1936

A 1928 Essex sedan could be bought at the P.E. Whitcomb Ford dealership for $25. A 1930 Willys roadster was $50.

1972

A letter from the Chairman of the Little Falls Citizens’ Advisory Committee to Mayor Wind suggests that the city discontinue funding the Little Falls Public Library.