Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

Dec. 21, 1882

Messrs. Ed J. Smith and Phil Hitchcock of Lancaster were in Williamsville last Friday, and on their way home met with quite a mishap, by the harness breaking and their horse running away. Phil went heels over head into a snow bank but Ed hung on to one line and finally the horse was brought down. Ed jumped out and grabbed the horse around the neck until help arrived.

George Zent asks that his beloved friend return his 12 strayed turkeys.

A few carrots fed to horses are better and cheaper than grain and hay.

In conversation with Mr. Francis Bagard of North Amherst, he stated that he raised ninety-six bushels of oats last season from the seed of two bushels and a peck of a new variety of oats.

Toronto claims the distinction of keeping a more quiet Sunday than any other city on the continent. The street cars do not run, the bootblacks are invisible and all the telegraph offices are closed except for one man at the central office to attend to important messages. The liquor saloons are closed from 7 o'clock Saturday evening until 5 o'clock Monday morning.

"What word will make you sick if you leave one of the letters out? Music."

"Marriage must be favorable to longevity; an old maid never lives past the age of 30."

"Grandfather to grandson: 'Which would you rather have, a little brother or a little sister?' He replied, 'Well, I would rather have a little pony.'"

100 Years Ago

Dec. 19, 1907

William Shuler of Williamsville, an employee of Fischer Brothers of Snyder, lost his balance while unloading grain at August Baetzhold's on Michigan Street in Buffalo, falling backward and landing on his head.

Grandma Rummell passed her 91st birthday at the home of her son, Jacob, on Dec. 17.

75 Years Ago

Dec. 22, 1932

The many old friends of Michael Wendling, substantial resident of the Dodge Road, Swormville, heard with sorrow of his passing on December 17, 1932. Men like Mr. Wendling form the background of a community. A stalwart Democrat, he was elected highway commissioner and gave good service in that capacity.

Roy J. Pfohl has been elected president of the Fraternal Order of Orioles, Nest 124, of Williamsville.

During the past few days, the Williamsville High School has taken on a holiday aspect. In the hallway just inside the main entrance, a huge Christmas tree immediately attracts attention. The Christmas program will begin Friday morning when carolers go about the halls singing.

For Sale: "Good apple butter, $1.00 a gallon, delivered. Mrs. George Diefenbach, Campbell Boulevard. Phone Williamsville 792-W-11."

50 Years Ago

Dec. 19, 1957

The traffic hazards present when school children are forced to walk in the streets will be eliminated if the Town of Amherst and school administrators succeed in their efforts. They are stepping up their program requiring property owners on all streets adjacent to schools to install sidewalks.

The Swormville Fire Company was called out on Wednesday, Dec. 11 following a summons for help from Jimmy Jazz's Service Station on Millersport Highway. The fire, caused by an over-heated oil heater, was under control upon their arrival.

A 100-home subdivision called Burroughs Terrace has been started by Genrich Builders Inc. The 25-acre site is directly north of the Park School. Homes will range in price from $20,000 to $28,000.

William E. Prest, 61, a World War I veteran, died at the Veterans Hospital on Dec. 12, 1957.

25 Years Ago

Dec. 15, 1982

The New York State Department of Transportation plans to resurface 2.47 miles of Main Street in Eggertsville and Snyder next summer.

Philip J. Boudreau has been named village superintendent of public works.

Mrs. William A. Munson, moderator of the Presbytery of Western New York and an ardent PTA worker, died Dec. 8, 1982.