Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

April 19, 1883

Two years ago, Messrs. Frank and Henry Metz of Williamsville bought at Buffalo Plains some thirteen acres, formerly a part of the Sherwood estate, paying $2,150. Shortly after the purchase they sold about one and one-half acres to the Erie Rail Road for $1,500, and shortly after this sale, two acres to the Lackawanna Rail Road for $2,750, making a total of $4,250, or about double the cost of the thirteen acres. What's the use of going west when such chances for investment are laying around loose at home?

Last Monday evening, Mr. Charles Sommers showed the steam well-drilling apparatus and five horsepower Geiser engine, which he intends operating the coming season. It is much admired.

The amount of injury done to young boys by the dime novel and other flash literature is simply incalculable. Everywhere are boys seen poisoning their imagination, benumbing their intellect and absorbing ridiculous ideas of life from the reading of bad books and periodicals. Hundreds of these boys become thieves and tramps through their vile reading.

L. Garson & Co., 392-394 Main Street, Buffalo, advertises good working pants, each 75 cents.

"'What's the crowd about?' queried a stranger, as he noticed a stream of visitors going into a fashionable residence. 'It's a silver wedding,' replied an informant. 'The chap's been married twenty-five times and he's celebrating it.'"

100 Years Ago

April 16, 1908

The Hutchinson Hose Company has voted to hold its annual picnic and parade on July 4. Through the kindness of Adam Hinkley, the Williamsville Driving Park has been turned over to the firemen for the event.

Master Robert Chalmers was host at a masquerade for children at Calumet Hall. Winners of prizes for costumes went to the Misses Ethel Fisk and Julia Teal and to Masters Norman Burkhardt and Geo. Hunter.

75 Years Ago

April 20, 1933

Dr. Karl E. Bigelow of Audubon Drive has been appointed principal of the Park School for a one-year period. He succeeds Dr. Morris Mitchell, who resigned.

The death of Jacob Brunner of Eggertsville touched many people, as was shown by the large attendance Friday at the family residence. He passed on Tuesday morning, April 11, 1933.

"The Billion Dollar Scandal," featuring Robert Armstrong and Constance Cummings, will be the feature attraction at the Glen Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

"Play Ball" will be heard April 28 with Amherst Central and Williamsville playing on the latter's diamond - Amherst's first year in the league.

50 Years Ago

April 17, 1958

Charles Moses has been chosen as baseball coach for Neumann Catholic High School. He is a 1945 Neumann graduate.

Reidel's Red and White store, 6812 Main Street near Tennyson Terrace, was entered some time Monday night and $7 in change was taken from the cash register.

This Saturday and Sunday will be red-letter days for Western New York youngsters, for the Glen Park kiddie rides will open for the season. All kiddie rides are 5 cents each.

LeRoy Fess of Clarence, a noted authority on dogs, died April 9, 1958. He wrote "The Farm Picture" column in the Courier-Express.

25 Years Ago

April 13, 1983

Time has run out for the master clock repairman known as "Mr. Polen" and his tiny, bright green shop at 4213 Main St. At the end of April, he will move the business to Cheektowaga.

Versal A. LaPress, principal of Forest Elementary School and former principal of the Academy Street School, last night submitted his retirement request to the Williamsville School Board.

James F. Schrader, Bee Publications managing editor, will be honored Saturday afternoon for 50 years in the newspaper business.