Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Nov. 17, 1881

Last week Thursday, the Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. purchased from Geo. W. Tifft his valuable farm in Buffalo, consisting of 400 acres. The price paid was $300,000.

A light sprinkling of snow fell Tuesday about noon. The present outlook would indicate an open winter. The cold weather has improved travel on the Main Road.

We propose an asylum for cats. One of our neighbors has had six grown cats left at his gate within a month. They have chosen the woodshed roof as a battle ground, upon which opens the bedroom window of our afflicted friend.

"The bicycle is a great thing to put flesh on a man's legs. It is also a great thing to take flesh off a man's nose and other portions of his face."

100 Years Ago

Nov. 22, 1906

Mr. Edward Heilbronn, accompanied by about a dozen friends, paid a visit to the Erie County Almshouse on Sunday, where by courtesy of Mr. Heilbronn's uncle, Mr. Martin Heilbronn, who has been keeper of the Almshouse for the past three years, the party was shown through the buildings. The inmates, including young children and hospital patients, number about 600.

75 Years Ago

Nov. 26, 1931

Dissatisfaction with the Amherst Police Department, which from reports has been smoldering for some months past, came to a head at Monday's meeting of the Town Board. A drastic action was taken in which the entire police department was abolished, to take effect Dec. 31, 1931. The present force may be sworn in as constables until the reorganization plan is perfected . . . so the community will not be without protection.

The widening of the Main Road between Buffalo and Williamsville is included in plans for 1932 by the State Highway Department. Widening the highway to sixty feet will make it one of the widest in the state. This artery, which pulsates with heavy traffic day and night, will be constructed to give better service to the thousands that use it.

The accessories for a real Thanksgiving dinner are cheaper this year. Cranberries, sweet potatoes, celery, squash and mince pie can be procured reasonably this year.

Automobile plates for the year 1932 will be distributed Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Village Hall.

With the opening game of the season just two weeks away, Coach Peabody of the Williamsville High School is working the squad hard on fundamentals and team play.

Lost: "Suitcase from running board of car. somewhere on Sheridan Drive, Grover Cleveland Parkway or Main Street. Phone Crescent 3975."

50 Years Ago

Nov. 22, 1956

Two rural Williamsville mail routes were made city delivery routes last Saturday. The two routes, north of Main Street, were made necessary by the tremendous growth in that section.

Maulsby Kimball, a charter member of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, passed away Sunday, Nov. 18, 1956, in his 83rd year.

Freddie's doughnuts are available at Bihr's Food Shoppe, 5735 Main Street.

Bee editorial: "Communities such as Williamsville must provide adequate and convenient parking space for those who patronize the business places located within."

25 Years Ago

Nov. 25, 1981

The fourth suspicious fire in Eggertsville in four days has forced the cancellation of classes at the Martin Luther School, 1085 Eggert Road.

When Edwin "Bus" Hettig opened his first service station, he wasn't given much of a chance to succeed. That was 32 years ago, and for the past 20 years, he has run the Mobil station at Main and Union.

The 1982 County budget may have a more drastic effect on Amherst libraries than originally presumed, according to the Amherst Library Board.