Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

June 1, 1882

This is a free country and we are glad to welcome strangers to our shores, come from where they will, provided they intend to make good and law-abiding citizens. But when a number of young bloods come across the border and act as has recently been the case here, they had better stay at home. We understand that a few nights ago, some ladies here were rudely jostled on the way home from church, besides other indignities being practiced. These young gentlemen must understand that there is a law for such things in New York State, whatever may be the case in the Dominion.

A cow at Vicksburg put her tongue through some lattice work and a mule bit off four inches of it.

At last the new comet has become visible to the naked eye. It may be seen about half-past ten p.m. or a little later, almost directly under the pole star, halfway between the star and horizon.

"A small boy who was playing truant was asked if he wouldn't get a whipping when he got home. He replied, 'What is five minutes of whipping compared to five hours of fun?'"

100 Years Ago

May 30, 1907

Mr. and Mrs. John Beck of Snyder entertained 60 guests at a masquerade party at their home.

An entertainment show will be given at the Williamsville High School on May 31st; students performing include Lillian Anderson, Mildred Klute, Marguerite Dickinson, Ruth Gipple, the Hoffman brothers, Nellie Wilkinson, Flossie Metz and Rena Crittenden.

75 Years Ago

June 2, 1932

Christian F. Witmer, one of Amherst's two surviving Civil War veterans, has a poignant memory of experiences at Bristol Station, where he was in charge of bridge materials. Taking a stroll after the battle, he came upon a young Southern boy, dead for the cause in which he believed. From his pocket, Mr. Witmer took a letter, written by the lad's sister, who told of her happiness that her brother would be home soon. "It almost made me cry," said Mr. Witmer.

Two bridges, one of which is the longest in the county, in the present improvement program, are listed for work this year. These include the Forest Road bridge, with the extraordinary span of 102 feet, near the Willowdale Country Club, and the French Road bridge.

A two-day illness brought to a close the life of Mrs. Mary Hannengraff Bryne, widow of Colonel John A. Bryne of Buffalo, at her home at Main and Ellicott streets on May 29, 1932. Colonel Bryne earned his title with Corcoran's Irish Brigade during the Civil War. He was superintendent of the Buffalo Police Department during the 1901 Pan American Exposition.

50 Years Ago

May 30, 1957

The announcement of new plans for the Powerline Expressway through Amherst has hit this community like a bombshell. The possibility that new federal specifications could raze some of the town's most valuable residential streets, tear down some of its most attractive homes, destroy some of its thriving businesses and make a section of Main Street into a two-way separated traffic pattern has alarmed and aroused citizens of this area into action. (Editor's note: This is now known as the Youngmann Memorial Highw a y. )

Cradle Roll: "Born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Moses, May 10, 1957, at Millard Fillmore Hospital, a son, Robert Alan."

25 Years Ago

May 26, 1982

Rep. Jack Kemp would be one of the front-runners if President Reagan declines to run for re-election in 1984, according to national political columnists Rowland Evans and Robert Novak.

The Four Seasons Racquet Club, 162 Mill St., has been sold and will be converted into a more versatile facility and renamed The Village Glen Tennis and Fitness Club.

Milton E. Kaeselau, 81, an attorney and first congregational president of Amherst Lutheran Church, died Sunday, May 23, 1982.