Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

March 30, 1882

Mrs. Caspar Bitterman has sold her premises known as the Mansion House to Mr. Loren Smith of Buffalo. The price paid was $3,800. We think this is a remarkably cheap piece of property, as real estate is improving and business throughout the country good. The hotel will command a good trade.

Mr. C. Cassel, our popular merchant tailor, has recently added a line of handsome and stylish hats to his stock.

On Monday, April 3, Supervisor John B. Feigle will be at Gotwalt's store to pay teachers their salary. All the teachers in Williamsville are requested to be present and procure their wealth.

"An editor is at his desk with a microscope. In his hand is a microscope. What does he want with a microscope? He is looking for his salary."

"'America,' says an Englishman, 'is a country where a man's statement is not worth two cents unless backed up with an offer to bet you ten dollars.'"

100 Years Ago

March 28, 1907

Leon J. Hinkley was taken seriously ill while at work in Williamsville. He was rushed to the Sisters Hospital for an emergency appendectomy.

75 Years Ago

March 31, 1932

Fire whipped to destruction the large barn and attached buildings on the Peter Hagner farm, Campbell Boulevard, Tuesday about noon. Flames were threatening the adjoining house, but through the combined efforts of the Getzville, Hutchinson, Eggertsville, Snyder and Brighton fire companies, the building was saved.

George L. Helfter will continue as postmaster of Williamsville for the next four years. His commission was received on Tuesday of this week.

The Rev. Albert P. Schilke of Castleton, N.Y., has accepted the unanimous call of the congregation to become pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Snyder.

Jacob Hanel, a man whose acquaintanceship was known county-wide, died at his home on the Transit Road, Swormville, on Friday, March 25, 1932. "Jake" Hanel knew how to handle men and judge cattle, and accordingly his business grew into a very profitable pursuit.

The muskrat season closes today.

When Amherst Central High School played Cleveland, it was both a happy and a sad night; sad because it was the closing of the season and happy because of the 24-10 victory. Schaffer and Wiedemer starred in the best game of the year.

Bee Editorial: "A town such as ours needs a central agency as a business association, a chamber of commerce or the like."

50 Years Ago

March 28, 1957

A vacation in Havana, Cuba, is one thing, but an armed revolt in the beautiful city is quite a different matter. Mr. and Mrs. Warren D. Miller and Warren Jr. experienced both on a recent trip. Young revolutionists invaded the Presidential Palace on March 13 in an effort to seize or kill President Batista, turning the area into a battleground.

Amherst Police express doubt that a dog-poisoning maniac is operating in town. Four poisoning cases have been reported here since December, and each involved strychnine, known as rat poison.

"Story of Sound," released through RCA Victor, telling how hi-firecords are made, was one of the movies featured at an assembly March 22 at Williamsville Central High School.

25 Years Ago

March 24, 1982

The Williamsville branch library will be open on Saturdays starting this weekend, thanks to a contribution from the Jolly Boys civic group.

The $4.5-million bond issue for building renovations and energy conservation, which Amherst Central School District residents are being asked to approve on March 31, can save residents about $4 per thousand on their tax bills in about 15 years, according to Business Manager Richard Kresse.