Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Nov. 3, 1881

There gathered at the residence of Mrs. Lucy Bigelow on Tuesday afternoon, a party of ladies and gentlemen, it being the ninety-first year of that lady's age. The party was a complete surprise. Mrs. Bigelow is still very active and has a remarkably well preserved memory.

Erie County has paid $2,682 for sheep damaged by dogs since the first of January last.

Mr. Jacob Shisler, living about a mile east of the village, has erected on his premises, and attached to a pump, one of Croft's improved iron wind-mills. The machines are warranted, and the purchaser is allowed thirty days trial. Mr. H.M. Long has the agency.

A list of 11 letters left at the Williamsville Post Office was published. Hugo Wetzel has three to collect; Geo. Burgasser, two.

Last spring, many a farmer had to replant his fields because his seed corn failed to grow. Select your seed corn now, put it in a warm, dry place, and you will not have occasion to replant your fields next spring.

"How much does a fool weigh? A simple ton."

"The clam has a larger mouth in proportion to its size than a human being, yet a clam never talks about its neighbor."

"I asker her to marry me, she said no with a roar, 'they tell me you brute, you're huge on the snore.'"

100 Years Ago

Nov. 1, 1906

Sgt. John Fasnacht of Williamsville, who has been in the Philippines for the past two years, has been stationed at Fort Logan, Colo.

75 Years Ago

Nov. 5, 1931

Making a run which surprised even his strongest supporters, Alfred F. Beiter, supervisor of Amherst for the past two years, was swept into office for a second term Tuesday by the vote of 2,841 against 2,206 received received by his Republican opponent, Ernest B. Walker.

A switch in sentiment was shown in the choice of town clerk. Martin A. Gilbert, Republican, received 376 votes more than his opponent, Michael D. Deam, who has held the office for twelve years.

St. Mary's new school at Swormville was solemnly dedicated last Sunday afternoon. The Right Reverend Monsignor Charles J. Duffy was celebrant during the beautiful ceremony.

For Sale: "200 bushels state corn in ear. Adam Schworm. New Road, one mile north of the yellow school."

Mrs. Ethel Schmid was arraigned before Justice Ouchie Wednesday morning on the charge of stealing two catalpa trees from the yard of R. Rettke on North Bailey Avenue on Oct. 31.

50 Years Ago

Nov. 1, 1956

A mammoth motorcade to honor "Ike" will be stated this Saturday evening by the Citizens for Eisenhower group. It will form at the Williamsville High School and disband at Main and Bailey.

It is hoped the new Snyder branch post office on Chateau Terrace will be open before Christmas.

Williamsville's first major casualty as a shopping center will be the closing of the Loblaw store at 5524 Main Street on Nov. 3. A spokesman for the chain said business was good for a store that size but supermarkets offer so much more for both the operator and the shopper.

25 Years Ago

Nov. 4, 1981

John R. Sharpe was re-elected supervisor over Democrat Michael Cleary, Conservative Charles W. Moses and Liberal Sandra Postolese in last Tuesday's election.

The University at Buffalo has a new president, Dr. Steven M. Sample, presently executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the graduate school at the University of Nebraska.

"Hengerer's-Sibley's" stores will officially become just "Sibley's" on Monday, Nov. 9.