Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Aug. 25, 1881

The condition of President Garfield is very critical and apprehensions during the past week have not been lessened the slightest.

Tobacco dealers say that enervating drugs are freely used in cigarettes to disguise the poor quality of the tobacco. Opium and valerian are especially mentioned. "Havana flavoring" has grown to become an important article of commerce.

"Two lawyers engaged in a case were recently discussing the issue. 'At all events, we have justice on our side,' said the younger and more enthusiastic one. To which the older and wiser one replied, 'Quite true, but what we want is the Chief Justice on our side.'"

100 Years Ago

Aug. 23, 1906

Messrs. Joseph Dumanois and Matt Horey of Williamsville and several gentlemen from Buffalo erected a large tent at Gebhardt's Corners and enjoyed a week's camping, leaving Saturday evening, rejoicing over the good time enjoyed.

Mission services are being held at SS. Peter and Paul's Church by the Jesuit Fathers.

Louis Kreutz left Tuesday as a delegate of the Williamsville Hose Company to attend the New York State Firemen's Convention.

75 Years Ago

Aug. 27, 1931

The breaking of ground for the new home of the Eggertsville fire hall made quite a ceremony on Sunday afternoon, August 23. Eugene M. Braun, able president of the Eggertsville Hose Company, had the honor of turning over the first shovel of dirt. One of the foremost speakers was Supervisor A.F. Beiter. "A fireman occupies somewhat the same position in a community as a doctor - his importance is only fully realized in time of need," Beiter said. "The lazy and careless never become good firemen, and they do not last long."

The first Hagelberger reunion was held Sunday, August 23, at the home of Miss Maggie Muck in Getzville. Approximately fifty people attended.

The Erie County Fair will open next Tuesday. This is the diamond jubilee Fair, and a program of five big days has been arranged.

Permitted to enjoy good health almost to the end of her long life, Mrs. Mary Pfeil was gathered to her forefathers at the ripe old age of 90 years and two weeks. The end came peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 1931.

On Wednesday evening, September 9, members of George F. Lamm Post No. 622 will conduct a "Hand Shakers Party" at Tony Fisher's Coon Hollow on the Greiner Road, Town of Clarence.

Wanted: "A silo; must be in good condition. Size about 12 x 28. Inquire of Albert Davis, Martin Road, Clarence Center."

50 Years Ago

Aug. 23, 1956

Temple Sinai will break ground for the establishment of the first temple to be built in the Buffalo suburbs. The ceremony will take on the five-acre site at Longmeadow Road and Alberta Drive on Sunday, Aug. 26. Mr. Louis Bevins serves as president of the congregation.

Oyvind Aschehoug, the AFS foreign exchange student who will attend Williamsville Central High School this year, had never before seen a television set before arriving as the house guest of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Pifer of Brompton Road.

Although it will not be entirely completed, the new West Elementary School, located on North Forest Road, will be ready to receive pupils when the schools reconvene on Thursday, Sept. 6.

25 Years Ago

Aug. 26, 1981

Lou Martini, football coach in the Williamsville School District for 28 years, will be presented the 1981 Dick Offenheimer Award on Sept. 12.

The Grace Miller Knox lecture hall on the UB Amherst Campus will be dedicated Saturday, Aug. 29. UB President Robert L. Ketter and Seymour H. Knox Jr., son of Grace M. Knox, will speak.

John F. Sparshott, 68, a retired Amherst police lieutenant, died Friday, Aug. 21, 1981.