Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

May 17, 1883

On last Sunday afternoon, a laughable incident occurred on Cayuga Street. A gentleman was driving rapidly along, when the overhanging branches of a tree caught his whip and nearly jerked it from its socket. The owner immediately stopped his steed, alighted from his carriage, and turned back to recover his stolen property, which he found nicely suspended in mid-air by the woody robber.

Mr. Henry Baker, a farmer on the Sweet Home Road, is the owner of several fine Jersey cattle.

Among the many handy castings made at the foundry of Mr. John Oswaldt, the little ten-pound anvil is the handiest. No farmer should be without one, as they are most convenient where any kind of implement repairing is necessary.

Miss Frances Fown has charge of the culinary department at Mr. Criqui's hotel at present.

"'Be jabers,' exclaimed the man. 'I've slept sixteen hours! I went to bed at eight and got up at eight.'"

"What use can a man make of his time while waiting for the doctor? Why, he can make out his will."

"A Western preacher was conversing with a man regarding his religious duties. 'Do you attend church regularly?' asked the preacher. 'Oh no, I never go to church,' he replied. 'But I always make it a point to attend funerals. They are just as solemn but there's no collection.'"

100 Years Ago

May 14, 1908

Papers for the changing of the name of the Williamsville Hose Company to the Hutchinson Hose Company have been signed, as well as the incorporation papers. Members absent from the meeting must sign before the papers are filed.

A barn raising was held on Wednesday on the property of George Spiesz southeast of Williamsville.

75 Years Ago

May 18, 1933

The State Milk Control Board has set a minimum price of four cents per quart for milk with 3.5 percent butter fat.

The services of the Rev. Albert P. Schilke as minister of the Ascension Lutheran Church will be terminated Sunday, May 28, due to his acceptance of the pastorate of a church at Jamaica, N.Y.

Residents on Mill Street from Belmont Street to the northerly village limits and also in the Cleveland Park Terrace section who were hoping for city mail delivery are doomed to disappointment at this time. Federal officials said in view of the fact that this extension would entail additional expenditure, it could not be countenanced at this time.

Approximately 50 Amherst men were put to work recently when construction of the new six-mile Millersport Highway was begun.

50 Years Ago

May 15, 1958

Since last fall, five local teenagers labeled "The Tunerockers" have been entertaining with their own special brand of rock and roll at record hops. With one exception, each is now attending Amherst Central High School: Mickey Vanderlip (a 1957 graduate), Gene Strong, Ken Starr, Tim Nolan and Fred Patton.

Joe Kaczmark and Ed Wrona announce the opening of a "Flying A" service station at Sheridan Drive and North Bailey Avenue.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Granada are in the process of moving into their new home on Transit Road. The schoolhouse next to the home of Mrs. Julia Muskopf has been remodeled into a lovely little home by the Granadas.

Mrs. Janet Rice and Mr. George Symons were honored by the Eggert Road School PTA on May 13 for their devotion to duty.

25 Years Ago

May 11, 1983

A recital will be held Sunday to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. John Lutheran Church.

Three well-known sports personalties will be honored May 24 when the Amherst Chamber of Commerce conducts its eighth annual Amherst Avenue of Athletes luncheon. They are Richard Johnston, Frank Sykes and Richard Curtis.