Out of the Past

125 Years Ago

July 5, 1883

Com. J.J. Lentz delivered a brilliant fourth of July oration at the Bestow grove picnic. It was listened to with marked attention. A large fire-cracker thrown by Mr. Jacob Straub struck Mr. Samuel Siefert and burned his clothes quite badly.

D.N. Long advertises celery plants, 30 cents per 100 plants.

Farmers are already beginning to cut their grass, preparatory to making hay.

Captain Matthew Webb, whom swam the English Channel in 1875, now proposes to swim through the terrible whirlpool rapids below Niagara Falls. The various railway companies which run to Niagara Falls have subscribed $10,000 for Captain Webb. Preparations are being made to have special excursions from every town and city within reach of the railways.

Tuesday morning, Buffalo was visited by a wind storm which waged havoc. The squall came without warning, and the dark cloud above shut out the bright sun like a pall.

Dresses for seaside wear are trimmed with Spanish lace of the same color as the skirt.

"A little fellow in a primary school, after he had correctly spelled the word 'knife,' asked his teacher the puzzling conundrum, 'But what is the k for?'"

"The enterprising advertiser proves that he understands how to buy, because by advertising, he knows how to sell."

100 Years Ago

July 2, 1908

Porter & Son, architects of Buffalo, have been selected to design plans for the new village hall and hose house.

Mr. Frank Reichert has opened a first-class barber shop in Swormville, opposite Fink's Hotel.

Mrs. M.M. Metz gave a lawn party for 24 little lads and lassies in compliment to her daughter, Mildred.

75 Years Ago

July 6, 1933

Paving of Main Street from the Buffalo city line to the western limits of Williamsville to an extra width of twenty feet is offered to Amherst by the state as a 1933 project. The road bed would be widened in that portion of the highway along which the trolley tracks formerly laid.

An extensive athletic program will be featured at the 25th anniversary celebration which is being arranged for the Rev. W.F. Fornes, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul church, on July 16, 17 and 18.

The last tribute was paid to Harry Edward Allenbach on Saturday afternoon when the Rev. Gustav K. Huf conducted an impressive service at his late residence on Ellicott Creek Road at 2:30 and at the Skinnersville Church at 3 o'clock. He served at Camp Jackson during the World War.

50 Years Ago

July 3, 1958

Robert Lind was elected president of the Sweet Home Central Board of Education at the organization meeting held this past Tuesday evening.

John R. Healy of Snyder, the retiring dean of the shorthand reporting staff of the Supreme Court in this district, was honored at a testimonial dinner held June 19 at the La Marque restaurant, Buffalo. Mr. Healy retired June 1 after a 43-year career.

A member of one of Amherst's oldest families, Philip F. Klein, 72, died on Friday, June 27, 1958. Mr. Klein, who had been retired for several years, was formerly a co-owner of the Williamsville Water Mills on Spring Street.

The Getzville Fire Co. is renting its hall to the new Catholic parish of St. Pius X until a suitable building on their property can be attained.

Four cents per ounce will be the cost of mailing a first-class letter after August 1, when the new schedule of rates goes in effect in the U.S. Post Office Department.

25 Years Ago

June 29, 1983

While the State Board of Regents has not taken a position on President Reagan's proposal for merit pay for teachers, its chancellor, Willard A. Genrich of Snyder, said he has always personally supported merit raises.