Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Jan. 5, 1882

There is a great difference between the French and Virginia duels. The French drink coffee after shots and the Virginians, whiskey.

D.F. Riegle of Clarence Centre advertises for sale the Wilson oscillating shuttle sewing machine.

A few friends of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Greene assembled at their residence last Thursday afternoon to commemorate the 68th anniversary of his age. All seemed to enjoy themselves splendidly, particularly while partaking of the sumptuous repast which was gotten up for the occasion.

Amherst people are anxiously looking for more snow, there not being enough to make good sledding.

Mr. Geo. Kress has purchased a new safe.

Mr. John Botts of Bowmansville was severely kicked and injured by a horse one day last week. He lies in critical condition, though there are hopes for his recovery.

“A good husband, like a good base-burner, never goes out nights.”

“A man was lugging up coal when he stubbed his toe and fell, causing him to accidentally let slip a cuss-word. ‘Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? Where do you expect you’ll go to when you die?’ asked his wife. ‘To a place I shan’t have to lug coal, by thunder!’ he replied.”

100 Years Ago

Jan. 3, 1907

The 12th annual ball of the Williamsville Hose Company on New Year’s Eve at the Eagle House was an outstanding success. A late car was run for the convenience of out-of-town guests.

Martin Quinn was appointed to the office of postmaster, left vacant by the death of John Daumen.

The annual meeting of the Old Singing Class of Eggertsville on New Year’s Day was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller, Williamsville.

75 Years Ago

Jan. 7, 1932

Williamsville will have an unusual opportunity to hear an authority on the much discussed subject: “Communism.” Miss Elizabeth Knaus will speak next Wednesday at the Baptist Church, dealing especially with the subtle inroads of communism in the educational system of the United States.

Announcement has been made of the opening of an enlarged new store at 4517-4519 Main Street, Snyder, by the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company on Friday and Saturday of this week. A new meat department will be added to the store and a complete line of fruits, vegetables and groceries will be carried.

The 34th annual meeting of Ye Olde Eggertsville Singing Class was held at the home of John Magoffin, 442 Auburn Avenue, Buffalo, on New Year’s Day, following the usual custom.

For Sale: “Pullets, about 200 Barred Rocks and Rhode Island Reds. Cletus N. Popp, Transit Road, Swormville.”

50 Years Ago

Jan. 3, 1957

Joseph C. Troidl, who did much to develop the Town of Amherst as a residential community, died suddenly last Saturday, Dec. 29, 1956.

Fire did about $8,000 damage to the New Road home of Patrolman Frederick L. Cousins of the Amherst Police Dept. on Sunday afternoon. Firemen chopped ice from a nearby pond for water.

25 Years Ago

Dec. 30, 1981

The New York State Department of Transportation has applied for a permit to fill a 1,000-foot-long section of Ellicott Creek between Skinnerville and North Forest roads and construct cofferdams. The work would allow construction of a bridge and roadway connecting John James Audubon Parkway with a campus road on the UB campus.

Michael Moore has been elected chief of the Ellicott Creek Fire Company.