Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

March 8, 1883

The town elections in Erie County, with the exception of Grand Island, were held Tuesday, and the result is that the next Board of Supervisors will be Democratic with a majority of two. The Republicans had to elect eleven members in the towns to retain control of the board, and have failed to do so. John Fiegel, a Democrat, was elected in Amherst without opposition.

Several new converts were added to the Circle of Safety of the Order of Royal Templars of Temperance on Friday evening last in Bowmansville.

After Oct. 1, 1883, the postage on letters will be two instead of three cents per half-ounce.

A number of Mrs. George Sivyer's friends surprised that lady very agreeably yesterday afternoon, by gathering at her residence and celebrating her birthday. A jolly good time was the result.

Mrs. R.T. Godfrey has recovered from her long spell of sickness so as to resume her domestic duties again.

Mr. N. Fritton is preparing to do wagon-making and blacksmithing at Swormville.

"'You will find the painting looks better a little ways off,' said the artist. 'The guest said innocently, 'Would half a mile be far enough off, do you think?'"

"Why is a retired carpenter like a lecture? Because he is an explainer."

"'Time works wonders,' as the woman said after she got married after a thirteen-year courtship."

100 Years Ago

March 5, 1908

A desirable building property, Landmark farm, has been turned over to M.T.E. Morley who will sell it for building lots.

The third edition of "The Echo," issued annually by the Williamsville Study Club, was eagerly listened to at its most recent meeting.

A grange was organized at Williamsville on Feb. 28, with Wm. H. Beach elected master.

75 Years Ago

March 9, 1933

Townspeople, in union with those all over the country, watched with anxious interest the financial developments throughout the week. Officials of the local institutions believe the bank holiday will be beneficial and their institutions are ready to reopen for business when that right is extended to them. Both the Bank of Snyder and the Bank of Williamsville are open for the purpose of making change and access to safe deposit boxes.

The pressure of creditors forced the closing Tuesday morning of Schuler's Bakery at 2510 Kensington Avenue.

The Amherst Branch of the League of Women Voters held its regular meeting at the Amherst Community House in Snyder, on Monday, March 6th. The topic, "What Depression has done to Youth" was of vital interest.

50 Years Ago

March 6, 1958

Theodore H. Huck, who on March 31 will retire after serving as a village trustee for 24 years, will be honored at a testimonial dinner at the Little White House restaurant on Wednesday, March 12. At the same dinner, tribute to be paid to Gilbert B. Dodge, who is retiring as village clerk.

A replica of the $10,000 Hickok Belt, given to the professional athlete of the year, is on display at the Minit Car Wash, Main Street, corner Harlem. The belt is in the possession of Carmen Basilio.

Joseph M. Hark, 76, of McKinley Avenue, died on February 28, 1958. He was a Spanish-American War Marine Corps veteran and a retired postal service employee.

25 Years Ago

March 2, 1983

Garr Cheskin, 11, has been entrusted to play his grandfather's 1705 Italian violin in the Jewish Center's production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Richard G. Bennett of Amherst, vice president and general manager of Western New York Offset Press Inc., will retire on March 11.

Western New Yorkers will have the opportunity to see first-hand how high-quality painting of Goebel and Hummel figures is achieved when European artist Rudi Friedrich visits the Jenss Decor Shop at the Boulevard Mall.