Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Jan. 26, 1882

When the gray hair of old age is laid away in the grave, the sorrow of parting is softened by the retrospection of a life well spent. But when in the strength of youth one of our promising associates is stricken down like a flower in bloom, the grief becomes almost irreconcilable. Mr. Henry Hartman passed away Monday morning after a brief illness. He would have been twenty-four years of age had he lived until the sixth day of next month.

A son of Mr. Joseph Seitz, who lives in Buffalo, ran away from home last Saturday afternoon and came to Williamsville alone. He arrived at his grandfather's, Mr. P. Neusbaum's, at about half past six o'clock, wet from head to foot, as it was raining hard. It appears the boy's mother had punished him for some naughtiness and told him that in the future, he must be a better boy or seek a new home. He acted accordingly.

Large quantities of wood are now being hauled, farmers taking advantage of the good roads.

The sinks are furnishing a rich supply of ice to the ice harvesters in this vicinity.

"A man advertised for the meanest dog in the city. His idea was that people are so fond of their own dogs that they wouldn't bring a single animal to him. But he lost his bet. Thousands called, each bringing in their neighbor's dog."

"The sassiest man is a henpecked husband when he is away from home."

100 Years Ago

Jan. 24, 1907

The village and locality were visited by the severest wind storm last Saturday and Sunday, and roofs, chimneys, trees and fences were damaged considerable.

Consumers of natural gas in the village will be glad to know there will be more available soon.

75 Years Ago

Jan. 28, 1932

Protest against the operation of the Amherst Grease Co. was voiced at the Town Board meeting Monday afternoon. The company, which purchased part of the former L.R. Steel farm on the Campbell Boulevard, has made extensive plans for the rendering and raising of pigs. It was brought out that the company now has 194 pigs on its property, although a town ordinance, adopted in 1923, forbids more than 100 head being maintained in one establishment.

The newly remodeled and refinished business place at 3 and 5 Lincoln Road, opposite Snyder fire hall, is ready for the opening on January 29. Ellen Wright is in charge of the beauty parlor, and Dan Potenza, well known to many townspeople, continues as proprietor of the barber work.

Thomas A. Johnson, one of the pioneers on Washington Highway, died January 25, 1932. He was a member of a distinguished southern family, and his father was colonel in the war between the states.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union will meet at the Christian Church on Friday, January 29. The address of the state president will be reproduced on the Victrola.

50 Years Ago

Jan. 24, 1957

The Board of Education of the Williamsville Central School District has announced a special meeting for the consideration of construction of a junior high school to serve 1,000 students.

Due to the extremely overcrowded conditions in the Sweet Home School, double sessions will start next Monday in grades 2-5.

25 Years Ago

Jan. 20, 1982

In the wake of a break-in at the district office, an arson fire and vandalism to grounds, the Amherst Central School District has retained Wackenhut Physical Security Services to provide 24-hour security when the schools are closed.

Swormville firefighters battled a $100,000 blaze Saturday afternoon at 1106 Netherton Court and a $60,000 fire less than seven hours later at 8040 Miles Road.