Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

July 13, 1882

The clickety-click of the mowing machine, and the smell of new-made hay, assure us that haying time is at hand.

Oil fell below 50 cents a barrel at Bradford last Friday for the first time since 1861.

On next Thursday evening, the 20th, a special meeting of the Rough & Ready Fire Company is ordered for the purpose of testing all the hose belonging to the department. A full attendance of members is expected.

An enjoyable turtle soup and fish chowder picnic was held at the Mansion House last Sunday.

The New Era Hydraulic Clothes washer, of which Mr. Orlando Frick of Harris Hill is the local agent, should be in every house. This machine is thoroughly endorsed by all who have used it. The words of praise regarding its labor-saving, economical qualities would have made the agent beam all over with delight had he been present. Put money in thy purse by buying one of these useful articles.

"It is all very well for health journals to tell people who are restless and unable to sleep at night to place the head of their bed towards the north, but it does no good unless you take the baby to the other end of the house."

"The man with the heaviest gold watch chain usually has a silver watch at the end of it."

"The latest freak among fashionable New York girls is to patronize fortune tellers. They've got rather tired of the kind of lies the young men tell them, and desire a change."

100 Years Ago

July 11, 1907

Snyder has been visited by its fourth fire, all of which have occurred within a short period of time. Friday evening, July 5, about 7:30, on the farm known as the Jacob Snyder homestead, a barn burned to the ground. The horses were saved.

Johnny Heckel, the youth who was so terribly injured in the collision between an automobile and a carriage near Williamsville several weeks ago, is still at the Sisters Hospital but is improving.

75 Years Ago

July 14, 1932

Alfred F. Beiter, supervisor of the Town of Amherst, has given official sanction to the proposal of his name as a Democratic candidate for the office of congressman from the 41st District.

An inquiry has reached this office as to how to reach the Amherst Police Department. Telephone service is the quickest method of establishing connection. The phone numbers should be kept in mind: Williamsville 3 and University 7358.

Captain John A. Johnson is dead. The fine old man who was resident of our town for many years succumbed Sunday, July 12, 1932. He was a founder of the Hand & Johnson Tug Line at the foot of Michigan Avenue and sailed the Great Lakes for many years.

Wanted to Buy: "2 buggy wheels, 4 feet high. Phone 33-J."

50 Years Ago

July 11, 1957

Defective wiring is blamed for a fire which badly damaged the home of J. Ward Reeves on Transit near Klein last Friday evening. The blaze was discovered by Edward Spoth, who lives across the street.

Joseph J. Dunn, administrator of the Niagara Frontier Milk Marketing Area, will be the Democratic candidate for town supervisor this fall.

Best wishes from approximately 140 guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Earl E. Brock on Sunday, July 7, upon their 25th wedding anniversary.

William C. Mungall was re-elected president of the Sweet Home Central Board of Education.

25 Years Ago

July 7, 1982

A vacant house moved last year to 4775 Chestnut Ridge Road to make room for Lockport Expressway construction was badly damaged by fire early Friday morning.

More than 20,000 persons crowded Bassett Park Sunday night to attend Amherst's annual Fourth of July celebration. The Buffalo Pops Orchestra performed "Stars and Stripes Forever" just before the show began.

Kevin Lester has been named Western New York regional scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball club. He is a physical education instructor at Maple East Elementary School.