Nov. 28th

1891

At Riley’s Hall, at the corner of German (Flint Avenue) and Jefferson streets, a wonderful exhibition of mechanical wonders which every laboring man, especially in Little Falls, should see. A grist mill in operation, blacksmith shop, band playing and other marvelous figures. Admission is ten cents.

1962

The Little Falls Historical Society was organized at a meeting held in the Burrell Memorial room of City Hall. City Historian Edward Cooney presided at the meeting. Future meetings are open to the public, and there will be no dues since there are no expenses. A museum will be set up in the former GAR rooms at the city hall.

Nov. 29th

1878

W. S. Tucker advertised a lot of Indian tanned buffalo robes for sale. They may be seen at his residence on Monroe Street.

1894

About 200 people braved the frigid cold weather at the Taylor driving park and watched Little Falls Academies defeat Ilion in a close and exciting football game, 10 – 0. The Little Falls boys used a “V” mass play and easily forced holes through the Ilion line.

1912

For the past week, the largely reinforced local police department, has not allowed speaking on streets or public places by strike leaders. Also not allowed were any parades or mass picketing by the workers.

Dec. 1st

1808

David Barber, bridge attendant, reported for the month of November 1808 the following traffic over the Ann Street bridge: drove of cattle (3), sheep and hogs (none), foot passengers (about 400), man and horse (228), Wagon and horses (87), sleigh and horses (6), and one horse cart (6).

1853

John Burnham attempted to cross the aqueduct on the side without rails, slipped on the ice, and fell 20 or 25 feet to his death upon the rocks below.

1885

Mr. D. H. Burrell has his home on Garden Street brilliantly lighted by electricity. The light in front of his door serves to illuminate the street for some distance around.

1903

Superintendent of Schools, C. H. Warfield, earlier this year had instituted a savings system among the Little Falls school children. Deposits of their pennies and nickels have become surprisingly large, and as of this date a total of $1,652 is in the Rochester Savings Bank.

1931

A large crowd gathered in front of Daly’s Drug Store where “Punjab”, the magician at the Hippodrome, had put one of his young lady assistants to sleep in one of the display windows.  After several hours of rest, she was taken to the theater and awakened on the stage.

1962

The Little Falls Housing Authority has completed purchase of slightly more than seven acres of land off East Monroe Street from Arthur Glover as the site for a housing development.

Dec. 2nd

1873

Architect and builder William Metcalf made a critical examination of the condition of the brick St. Mary’s church and declares it to be unsafe. He indicated that he has never seen such a flimsy job in all his experience. Built by Amsterdam and Little Falls contractors at a cost of $70,000.

1903

The weather is getting cold and tramps are no longer welcome in Little Falls. The “tramp room” at police headquarters has been closed because of perceived unhealthy conditions, and about twenty tramps were turned away last night by Chief Halling. The Charity Board refused to do anything in the matter.

1935

A & P recipes advertised for the week, across the country by the super market chain, include a dessert of Caramel Junket with Maple Syrup. Junket is made in Little Falls by Chris. Hansen Laboratories.

Dec. 3rd

1878

The General Z. C. Priest Steamer Company has obtained permission to use the basin on East Mill Street for a skating rink. They are erecting a large building that will be well heated and have rooms to put on skates.

1889

The “Eastern Improvement Company” has purchased 100 acres around the “burnt rocks” and proposed to make well graded streets and divide the property into building lots. Principles involved include George A. Hardin, David H. Burrell, J. J. Gilbert, Robert MacKinnon, Victor Adams, Albert Story, G. Fred Girvan, and M. G. Bronner.

1920

Before a large gathering, the cornerstone laying exercises were held at the West Monroe Street school building with Mayor Gilbert as principal speaker. School pupils sang several patriotic selections. The building opened in 1921.

Dec. 4th

1885

Peter J. Casler, the owner of the Grand Central Hotel, has received a summons for violating fish & game laws for using dynamite to illegally kill and remove fish from Piseco Lake. Casler denied the charges.

1923

Willard Levee, Jeweler and Importer, located at 562 East Main Street in Little Falls, offers Ever-Sharp pens at $1, Wahl pens at $4, and solid gold Wahl pens at up to $50 at his shop. Mr. Levee recently returned from an around the world tour visiting many gem markets.

1980

If the latest “unofficial” census figures are correct Little Falls  has lost 1,476 residents in the past ten years – from 7,629 in 1970 to the current 6,153. As a whole, Herkimer County lost 1,015 people. Mayor Wind rejected the census figure for the city and will initiate a locally-conducted count.

2007

At a Common Council meeting, Mayor Ted Wind retired after 45 years of public service as alderman, county legislator, and long-time mayor of Little Falls.

This Week in History” is brought to you by the Little Falls Historical Society. Please Visit the Little Falls Historical Society Website and please consider supporting the Museum by becoming a Member. Download the membership form here!