A Week with Bovina People - April 1900 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

Life in Bovina 125 years ago this month, as reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder.

April 6, 1900

• W.L. White was at Delhi Friday.

• Michael Dickson is in poor health.

• Thomas Miller was at Andes Wednesday.

• John Blair and wife visited Delhi on Tuesday.

• Peter McNair was at Margaretville on Monday.

• Junius Shaver, of Shavertown, was here this week.

• Frank Myers, of Andes, is visiting in town this week.

• William Crosier, wife and son were at Delhi Wednesday.

• Charles Sanford made a trip to the County Seat Monday.

• Alex. Palmer has been visiting his brother, Charles, here.

• John Archibald and wife were visitors in this place Tuesday.

• John Blair and Robert A. Thomson were over at Andes Monday.

• E.O. Harkness and son, Robert, were up from Delhi Saturday.

• The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Guerdon Dibble died Wednesday.

• Rev. H.F. Brown left Monday for New York city to attend conference. 

• William H. Bramley and Mrs. E.C. Dean were here from Delhi Monday.

• Born at Delancey, March 29, to Mr. and Mrs. David A. Oliver, a daughter. [Her name was Margaret. She married Frank Mereness and lived to 80, dying in 1980.]

• Jackson & Mason’s hearse has been in town four times within two weeks.

• Fred Bramley was at Andes Monday after his housekeeper – Lucy Jackson.

• Miss Anna Scott has been threatened with pneumonia this week, but is now improving.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. William Mason Monday, April 2, a son. It only weighed 11 ½ pounds.

• Robert Stewart, of Peake’s Brook, was here Monday after Ella Lee, who will work for him this season. 

• Who is P.W.S. writing in the Delaware Republican from Pisga!  The initials must mean Pretty Weak Stuff.

• The little daughter of Alex. Hilson died Saturday morning, aged two years and ten months.  The funeral was held Sabbath afternoon. [Violet Isabella]

• Three times in ten days has death entered the family of Francis Coulter and taken a member.  James Coulter died March 20, and last Thursday his wife died, aged 26 years.  Saturday morning, Walter A. Coulter, a brother, died aged about 38 years, all of whom died with plura pneumonia.  The funeral of Mrs. Coulter was held Friday and that of Walter on Monday.

April 13, 1900

• Jenn Blair was at Delhi Wednesday.

• W.C. Russell was at Andes Monday.

• A.O. Butts made a trip to Bloomville Monday.

• Adam Scott was in this place from Delhi Tuesday.

• Alex Johnson Was down at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Thomas Miller and wife went to Walton Monday.

• Dr. Ormiston and wife were up from Delhi on Sabbath.

• Miss Mary Liddle was in town from Andes on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver were over at Andes Monday.

• F.R. Coulter and W.L. White were at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Ed Gladstone and James N. Laing were seen in town Tuesday.

• Dr. Seacord and William Armstrong were County Seat visitors Monday.

• Mrs. A.O. Butts and Miss Margaret Chisholm were visitors at Delhi Tuesday.

• Alex. Hilson went to New York city Monday to purchase a stock of new goods.

• Arthur Neish is moving into the upstair rooms in the old Stott cooper shop from the Kinmouth house.

• Rev. and Mrs. W.L. C. Samson were at Walton Tuesday, the former to attend the meeting of Presbytery.

• William Ruff and Emmett Knapp went to Oneonta Tuesday, to be on hand to attend the Ayer & McKinney sale of stock.

• James L. Ormiston has secured a position as herdsman on a fancy dairy farm near Philadelphia, and will begin duties about May 1. The farm was formerly owned by the Buckhanan family.

• For the year ending March 31st the amount contributed to missions by the United Presbyterian church was $923. This does not include anything that has been contributed by the Sabbath School.

• Michael Dickson died last Friday, in the 76th year of his age.  He was born at Dunfriseshire, near Fairloans, Scotland, in June 1824, and was a son of Gilbert Dickson, and with his parents came to this country in 1831, and has since resided in Bovina.  He was one of a family of nine children, having five brothers and three sisters, and of these only two brothers and two sisters are now living.  A widow and two sons survive him.  The funeral was held on Wednesday, Rev. Slater officiating.

April 20, 1900

• Roads are in bad condition.

• Mrs. William T. .Black was at Delhi Monday.

• Marion Robertson was over at Andes Monday.

• Frank Miller made a trip to Delhi on Thursday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were at Delhi Monday.

• Thomas S. Doig was in town from Andes Saturday.

• An agent for the Walton Chronicle was in town Saturday.

• Miss Effie Hughes, of Andes, is visiting relatives in town.

• Edward Turnbull and sister, M. Ella were here from Andes Wednesday.

• A.O. Butts, John Blair and James E. Hastings were at Delhi Monday.

• Miss Jennie Hastings is home from the Oneonta Normal for a vacation.

• William Johnson, wife and child, of Delhi were in this place on Sabbath.

• Rev. H.F. Brown leaves Saturday for his new charge at East Kingston.

• William T. Black was in New York this week attending the Republican state convention.

• Dr. J. B. Lee, of Franklinville, arrived in town Wednesday to renew old acquaintances here.

• Adam Laidlaw and Milton Hastings started for the west Monday, and their destination is Auburn, Washington.

• Monday W.L. Ruff and James E. Hastings got the calf home which they bought at the Ayer & McKinney sale.

• At the collection taken in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath for the suffering in India the amount was $87.75.

• It is reported here this (Thursday) morning that Thomas C. Strangeway has purchased James L. Ormiston’s dairy of cows.

• Friday a disastrous fire was narrowly averted at David Oliver’s.  Mr. Oliver lives in one part of the house and his son in law, Marion Roberton, who runs the farm lives in the other, and Mrs. Oliver went up stairs with a gallon oil can to fill it from a five gallon can which they kept upstairs.  She had the small can filled, but for some cause could not stop the flow of oil from the large can, and it ran down the stove pipe near which she was and the blaze flashing up struck Mrs. Oliver full in the face blinding her for an instant.  Her cries brought her son-in-law who was taking in the situation caught up some old carpet and throwing it over the blazing oil can pitched it through a window.  By quick work the remaining fire which was burning where the oil was scattered was put out.  The house was filled with smoke and it will necessitate repapering and some of the woodwork was blistered.  In Mr. Robertson’s part some rooms had just been newly papered and it will now have to be done over again.  It was insured in the town company and Saturday directors, John R. Hoy, F.R. Coulter and B.S. Miller visited the scene and the loss was adjusted for $57.71.

April 27, 1900

• Perry Shaw was in town Tuesday.

• John Blair went to Meredith Monday.

• Thursday James A. Liddle was at Delhi.

• Thomas E.. Hastings was at Delhi on Saturday.

• Quite thick ice was frozen here Wednesday morning.

• John Connor was seen in town from Andes Tuesday.

• Elmer Hastings made a trip Monday to Bloomville.

• Mr. Dibble, of Bloomville, was in this place Monday.

• James Robson was down at the County Seat Monday.

• George Cable and family were down at Delhi last Thursday. 

• Elmer Close and George Gladstone visited Delhi Saturday.

• Dr. Lee started for his home in Franklinville on Tuesday.

• W.T. Black and Dr. Seacord were at Bloomville Wednesday.

• Joseph Raitt arrived in town Friday to renew old acquaintances.

• Dr. Lee preached in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

• Gideon Miller and wife visited his parents at Andes over Sabbath.

• C.R. Monroe and W.J. Hyzer were here from Andes last Thursday.

• William H. Liddle and Bert Elliott, of Andes, were here on Monday.

• Mrs. E.G. Gladstone and Mrs. W.J. Doig visited the County Seat Tuesday.

• W.C. Russell, wife and daughter, and Miss Ella Forrest were down at Delhi Tuesday.

• Mrs. W.T. Black was at Delhi Friday after her husband on his return from the state convention.

• Rev. H.F. Brown left Saturday for his new charge at East Kingston. Rev. Williams, the new minister arrived on Friday.

• Thomas Gordon, D.L. Thompson, Thomas Miller, Andrew Doig and wife, Mrs. John A. Irvine, Mrs. James L. Coulter, were among those at Delhi on Tuesday.

• In 1857 Thomas Miller was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian church and for 43 years has served in that office. All his associates elected at that time are dead. 

• Schools in town have resumed their sessions after the Institute at Roxbury. The teachers are loud in their praise of way in which they were entertained by the people of Roxbury. 

 

April 1925 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

April 3, 1925

• Hosa Sliter moved to Lake Delaware.

• Gilbert D. Miller was at the County Seat on Monday.

• Next Sabbath the evening meeting will be resumed at the U.P. church.

• Mrs. James Monroe has taken furnished rooms in Mrs. Gordon’s house.

• Miss Carrie Dumond is visiting friends at South Kortright and Stamford.

• Mrs. John Irvine and daughter, Mrs. Cecil Russell, were County Seat visitors Monday.

• Wilber Doig has moved from Delhi to Mrs. Addie Cowan’s house. He will be employed at the creamery.

• While milking one day last week Miss Mary Brown was quite severely injured by being kicked by a cow.

• George Decker commenced work as patrolman on the State road Tuesday. His assistants are John Aitkens and George Shaver.

• Milton A. Doig, who for some time has acted strangely, has been taken to the state hospital at Binghamton for treatment.

• Mrs. John R. Aitken’s, who a few weeks ago underwent an operation, is again confined to bed. Miss Henderson is the nurse.

• Mrs. James Gow gave a rook party on Monday night. The guests were Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin.

• Communion services were held last Sabbath at the United Presbyterian church, and two new members were received on profession of faith. 

• Mrs. Ruland, who several weeks ago had an operation at Delhi hospital, was brought to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Barnhart, the first of the week.

Bovina Landmark – From Our Bovina Correspondent

William S. Redmond has purchased from Miss Louise Dennis, the Dennis homestead house and a little over an acre of land adjoining, located in Bovina Center. He has been occupying the place under lease. 

April 10, 1925

• D.C. Worden has rented his farm to his son.

• Mrs. A.S. Banker spent Saturday with her parents at Pine Hill.

• Mr. and Mrs. James Ackerley were at South Kortright on Sabbath.

• The annual meeting of the United Presbyterian congregation was held on Tuesday.

• Misses Kate and Freda Muller spent over the week end with their niece at Schenectady.

• James Ackerley has gone to Perch Lake to do some carpenter work for J.E. Stanley.

• Mr. and Mrs. Ted Fuller, formerly of this town, who have been in Walton, have taken positions at Marcy.

• Miss Caroline Dickson is home for Easter from her school at Rutland, Vermont. Miss Anna Dickson is here from Cornell University.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were at Franklin the first of the week. He will be instructor of Science in Delaware Academy next year.

• Frank C. Armstrong, who for a number of years has lived at Walton, has returned to his native town and will make his home with his son, William Armstrong.

• A change has been made in patrolmen assignments this year. Howard McPherson has from the Strangeway corner to Hamden, and George Decker has from Bovian to Margaretville.

Double Wedding

Arthur R. Laing, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Laing, of Meridale and Irma Smith were married April 8. At the same time and place Walter J. Hollaway and Rhenie Laing were united in marriage. The Laing’s were formerly residents of Bovina and Andes.

April 17, 1925

• Clara Shaver is visiting her brother in Terry Clove.

• Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson were at South Kortright on Sabbath.

• Mrs. Everett Joslin is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles Hyatt in New York.

• Miss Mabel Winter, of New Kingston, is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Frank Miller.

• Mary and Margaret Doig, of Delhi, spent over the week end with their brother.

• Mrs. Hull, house keeper for F.W. Hyatt, is spending a vacation in New York City.

• Mr. and Mrs. Millard Gow, of Binghamton, were recent guests of his parents here.

• Mrs. R.G. Thomson and Grace Erickson, of Frasers, are at Harry Robinson’s.

• Wendell Ormiston and family, from Goshen, are visiting his mother, Mrs. Thos Ormiston.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are William M. Johnson to Robert E. Parsons and others $1.

• Jane Hilson accompanied by her friend, Mary Flannsburg, are spending their vacation.

• Mrs. Ray Thomson underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Delhi hospital last Thursday.

• Mrs. George Baldwin, of Spring Valley, spent over Easter with her mother, Mrs. G.J. Dickson.

• Frank A. Coulter has resigned the office of assessor, and the town board has appointed William J. Archibald to fill the vacancy.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Myers, of Endicott, spent over the week end with his parents. Master Ledger Myers went home with them for a visit.

• Members of the R.P. congregation entertained the Geneva College Glee Club over Sabbath. They gave an entertainment at Delhi on Monday evening.

• Mrs. James Monroe and daughter, Ruth, are spending the week at her former home at Catskill. She had her household goods taken there and put in storage.

Bovina Man Injured – from our Bovina Correspondent

Thos C. Strangeway was severely cut about the face last Thursday by falling onto some glass. He was at Edith Liddle’s assisting in moving a small building and caught his foot on a board, causing him to fall into a rubbish heap. He sustained cuts on his face, chin and lips.

April 24, 1925

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doig, of Delhi, were in town Monday.

• Mrs. J.K. Russell, of Whitney’s is spending the week with relatives in town.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Frank T. Miller and wife to David C. Worden, $1.

• Mrs. John Miller and daughter, Miss Leila, of Walton, were visitors here the first of the week.

• The Fred Johnson house on Maple avenue has been sold for a parsonage for the Church of the Covenanters.

• Attorney Lauren Dickson, who has a position in a law office at Saratoga, is spending a vacation with his mother.

• William Crosier, who has spent several months with his son at Steubenville, Ohio, has returned to his home here.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon, Son and daughter, spent Saturday at the home of her cousins, Mrs. Robert Brown, and Jas. B. Scott, in Fall Clove.

• Born ot Mr. and Mrs. William F. McNee, of Delancey, April 14, a dauter. The father is a son of the late Gifford McNee, of Bovina.

• A meeting of the Home Bureau was held at the U.P. church parlors Tuesday. Miss Edna Smith, state specialist, was present and gave a talk on a Convenient Kitchen. 

• A.W. Baker and family, who last fall went to Florida, have returned to their farm uptown. They made the journey in his truck which he fitted up for the purpose.

Bovina Center Teachers – from Our Bovina Correspondent

The trustees of the Bovina Center school have secured for the next school year teachers as follows, vis: Gilbert Banker, principal; Miss Edith Liddle, primary. Miss Gladys Worden, the present principal, goes to Meritt, Long Island, next year.

Home From Egypt

Mrs. Whitcomb, wife of Dr. Norris B. Whitcomb, and two children, arrived in Walton last week. The Whitcomb’s went to Egypt in the fall of 1920, and he is a medical missionary from the United Presbyterian Church of Bovina. At present they are situated at Assuit, upper Egypt. Mrs. Whitcomb will remain in this country two years. Dr. Whitcomb will return to the United States in the fall and will stay eighteen months. 

This Day in Bovina for March 2025

Here's the compilation of the Town of Bovina Facebook daily entries for March.

Seventy-seven years ago today the March 1, 1948 issue of the Oneonta Daily Star carried this picture of the Scott Bridge which stood at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet. The bridge was demolished in 1955, after a more modern bridge was built to replace it. 

These images of Henry Monroe were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Henry Francis Monroe was born in 1896 in Bovina, the son of James and Margaret (Coulter) Monroe. He spent his life in Bovina, living on the family farm on Mountain Brook. He married Ruth Ormiston in 1920. They had four children, including Frances Burns and Lauren Monroe. Henry died in 1992 at the age of 96. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.   

162 years ago today, on March 3, 1863, this receipt was created certifying that David Nichol, a volunteer in the Civil War, was entitled to $150 from the town bounty. Nichol had volunteered the previous September in Battery E Light Artillery Regiment in Pennsylvania. Nichol left the area after the war and died in Iowa in 1929. 

Eighty-two years ago today, the Bovina column of the March 4, 1943 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Alan Davidson was at Albany last week taking instructions on the duties at the observation post." The same column reported that "The Bovina telephone switchboard is to be moved to the home of Howard McPherson." This is now the home of Kim and Marcelo Riera.

144 years ago, the March 5, 1881 Delaware Republican reported that "A glass ball shooting match at Bovina recently caused some excitement." The paper went on to report that "the best scores were made by Walter Graham and Andrew Thomson - seven broke out of ten. Geo. Cable and Alex. Bryden broke six out of ten." Glass ball shooting was popular in America from about 1866 to the 1880's. The ball was launched similar to later clay shooting matches, which replaced the glass ball. The goal was to break as many of the balls in a set period. The sport fell out of favor quickly, partly because the ease with which the balls could be hit and partly due to the unwanted dangerous glass that had to be cleared after.

When Milt Hastings' father, T.E. Hastings, sold what is now Russell's Store in 1893 to A.T. Doig, he kept the feed business which was behind the store. Milt took over the business after his father's death. This image likely dates from the late 1920s. The truck appears to be decorated for a parade.

 

Fifty-two years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 7, 1973 Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported that "The Bovina Library is closed until further notice. George Cochran and his crew have started renovation of the building. The Board of Trustees wish to thank all who helped to move books and also those who took books to store."

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 8, 1951 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "We are glad to learn that Mrs. John Burns is home again from New York, and that the treatments have been beneficial." Mrs. Burns died the following July at the age of 63.  Mrs. Burns was the former Elizabeth Jane Carnright and was the mother of Agnes Burns and Mary Lounsbury. This Bob Wyer image of Mrs. Burns, courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association, was taken in 1946.  

Eighty-one years ago today, March 9, 1944, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican Express included this item: "Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Marion Barnhart to Francis Ruff on March 11th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at her home." The same column noted that "Alex Hilson is having repair work done on his house."

 

This notice dated 191 years ago today, March 10, 1834, appeared in the Delaware Gazette: "Post-Rider's Notice. The subscriber notifies those who he serves with the Delaware Gazette that the year will expire with the paper of the 26th March; and requests them to leave the change where he has left the papers, that he may obtain it without any extra trouble. JAMES RUSSELL, Bovina, March 10, 1834." The notice appeared for several weeks after its initial posting.

 

130 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for March 11, 1891 reported that "Wm. A. Hoy will teach the Bovina Centre village school for the summer term." Hoy was born in Bovina in 1866 and was the father of Lester T. and James A. Hoy. William died in 1940. Here's an image of William, probably from around this time period. Image courtesy of Jim and the late Tom Hoy. 

Ninety-five years ago today, the March 12, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "The farmers are busy hanging the sap buckets. A fine run on Monday."

 

Seventy-eight years ago today, the March 13, 1947 Stamford Mirror carried a report entitled "Painful Accident at Bovina Center." The article went on to note "Walter Reinertsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reinertsen, was kicked by his horse last Monday in front of Cecil Russell’s store. The horse was scared by a snowplow and as Walter came out of the store the horse kicked him against the store window which was shattered by the impact. Walter's hip was painfully bruised, and he was taken to the office of a physician for treatment. He is making a good recovery." Walter, better known as 'Dowey,' was the youngest son of Sophie and Andrew. He was 16 when this accident happened. He died in March 1974.

 

This image of Ellsworth Tuttle was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Tuttle was born in 1882 and died in 1959, having spent his life in Bovina working as a dairy farmer until he retired in 1953. He died at his home on Bramley Mountain. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

137 years ago today, on March 15, 1888, a "Surprise Party Sociable" was held at the Methodist Church Parsonage "for the benefit of Rev. E.M. Kniskern…" This is the invitation that was sent to Alex Hilson and family. The invitation also included Adam Laidlaw. Likely he was living with the Hilsons at the time, maybe working as a hired hand. Adam was the father of Margaret Hoy, who was Bovina Town Clerk for many years.

 

145 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 16, 1880 Stamford Mirror reported that "Miss Margaret Hoy is dangerously ill with erysipelas and other diseases." I am not sure which Margaret Hoy this is. There are three possibilities, all of whom lived for some time after 1880. There was Margaret Jane Hoy, the daughter of J.R and Isabella Hoy. Born in 1866, she married Douglas Davidson in 1889 and died in 1936. Then there is the Margaret Hoy who was the daughter of Thomas and Julia Hoy. Born in 1869, she married Frederick Bramley in 1892 and died in 1899. The final Margaret is the oldest, born in 1836, the daughter of Robert and Nancy Hoy. She died in 1923.

 

Thirty years ago today, the March 17, 1995 issue of the Delaware County Times carried this article about the Weber farm on Crescent Valley Road, in which Donna Weber warns people "Don't ever start farming in the winter."

169 years ago today, the March 18, 1856 Bloomville Mirror carried this ad placed by Edward O'Connor: "ONE CENT REWARD - Walked away from the subscriber, being too lazy and stubborn to run, Isaac W. Atkin, bound apprentice to the farming business. This is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting him on my account, as I will pay no debts of his contracting and to him who hires him without my consent, I say beware." Isaac was Edward's nephew, the son of his sister Hannah. Isaac was born in Canada, where his mother died when he was about 3. It's possible he had been living with his uncle for much of his life. At some point, he must have returned. In 1865, he's living with another O'Connor uncle, William, in the Margaretville area. What happened to him after that is not clear.

 

This postcard view, dating probably from the 1930s or 40s, is what is now County Highway 6 looking west as the road leaves Bovina Center and before you get to Russell Hill.

 

 

125 years ago today, on March 20, 1900, James H. Coulter died. Born in 1872, he was the son of Francis Coulter and Loruhannah Henderson. He married Minnie Miller in 1895. Minnie died nine days after her husband. James' brother Walter died two days after that.

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image was taken of Frank McPherson's farm at the lower end of Bovina Center. The farm is in the center of the image. Above it is the Bovina Center hamlet. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

  

 

142 years ago today, on March 22, 1883, Alexander F. Storie signed this oath of office as town supervisor, using an altered oath form from the town of Delhi. The oath was signed late because the original person elected to the position, David Black, had refused to serve, so a new supervisor had to be appointed by the Justices of the Peace. 

167 years ago today, an auction notice appeared in the March 23, 1858 Bloomville Mirror, posted by Mrs. Sarah Tuttle, advertising a sale for April 1. "AUCTION-The subscriber will sell at public Auction or Vendue, at the residence of the late William Tuttle, in Bovina, on Thursday, April 1st, 1858, at 10 o'clock A.M., the following property, viz:-15 COWS, 1 span of Horses, 3 Yearlings, 3 Calves, 10 Sheep, 3 Shoats, 1 two Horse Pleasure Wagon, 1 two horse Lumber Wagon, 1 Sleigh, 1 set of two horse Harness, 1 Horse Rake, Fanning Mill, Plough, Drag, and all the Farming & Dairying Utensils. Also, a quantity of Hay. Terms-Cash on all sums under $5, and on all sums above that amount, a credit until the 1st of December next will be given for approved notes." William had died in March 1856, at the age of 62. Sarah survived her husband by almost 28 years, dying in 1884. The farm was on Lee Hollow and later became the Lee family farm.

 

Ninety-nine years ago today, the March 24, 1926 Stamford Mirror reported on the dismantling of the Old Methodist Church in Bovina. Under the headline "Razing Landmark At Bovina Center," the article went on: "In the dismantling of the old Methodist Church building, our community witnesses the passing of an old landmark. The building was erected at a contract price of $1,397.50 in 1849, and was built of native pine and hemlock lumber, much of which is still in excellent condition, and which will be used in the construction of a new barn at the Champ Worden farm. It is estimated that a church building of this size would now cost above $5,000." This church stood across from what is now the community hall.

This postcard image of the Bovina UP Church dates from probably the late 1930s. Note that the pinnacles above the bell tower are not there. The originals were removed but replaced probably in the 1940s. The house next door was built by Bovina Pastor James B. Lee in the early 1860s. It was the McKenzie home around this time and is now the home of Tom Lamport and Amy Burns.

161 years ago today, on March 26, 1864, Edward Boggs was paid $54 for his teaching services in the District 4 school in Bovina. Boggs was the son of William H. Boggs and Elizabeth McKenzie. He married Nancy Murray in 1866 and died in South Kortright in 1908. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image of the Bovina Center Creamery was taken at a lower altitude than most of the aerials in this series. The low flying airplane attracted quite a bit of attention in town.  Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

143 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 28, 1882 Stamford Mirror noted that the "District School No. 3 is closed for a vacation of three weeks." This is the school located at Bovina Road and County Route 6 in the Mountain Brook area. The same column also reported that the "writing school is also closed, Mr. Gordon received a fifteen dollar present for his services." Gordon was noted for his beautiful handwriting.

 

Thirty-one years ago today, the March 29, 1994 Delaware County Times published this photo of David Roberts and Charles LaFever at the Delaware County Home and Infirmary. 

 

Thirty-two years ago today, the Bovina News in the March 30, 1993 Delaware County Times noted that "Approximately 30 members, spouses and guests attended the annual Bovina Rescue Squad dinner on last Friday evening at Hidden Inn in South Kortright. Mrs. Leona LaFever was honored as she retires from her years of service to the squad. The Squad is to be congratulated for their service to the community."

 

This postcard view of Crescent Valley Road looking east dates from before or around 1907. The farm at the upper right is now the Weber farm.  

A Week with Bovina People - March 1900 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

Life in Bovina 125 years ago, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder.

March 2, 1900

• John S. Hobbie arrived home Saturday.

• O.S. Nichols, of Delhi, was in town Friday.

• Joseph Raitt, of Walton is visiting in town. 

• Frank Graham was in town from Andes Friday. 

• A concert on the lecture course is to be given March 14.

• Alex Hilson and Albert Butts were at Delhi Saturday.

• Miss Mina Cooke came home from Colchester Saturday.

• Early Eckart has moved from W.A. Hoy’s house to Bloomville.

• William H. Maynard was at Binghamton the first of the week.

• Miss Anna More has bene visiting her sister, Mrs. John P. Dennis.

• Rev. A.M. Milligan will preach in the United Presbyterian church.

• William Richardson and wife contemplate a trip to Scotland next summer.

• W.L. White, M.A. Doig, John Hewitt and R.A. Thompson were at Delhi Saturday.

• Robert A. Thompson purchased a span of horses at the auction at Delhi Saturday.

• John C. Oliver has rented his farm to Wallace Smith and he takes possession March 1.

• John Thompson and family visited his brother, Elliott Thompson, the first of the week.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon and Miss Nellie McNee were at William B. Scott’s Wautauga Falls Friday.

• March 16, 17 “Confidential Clerk” is to be rendered by home talent, under the management of Ed Hanlon.

• David J. Miller has decided that he needs a rest and next week will sell his dairy of cows.  He will run young stock.

• E.C. Dean, Lizzie Blake, Hellen Dickson and Lillian Gemmel of Delhi were here Tuesday evening with Reb. A.E. Lord.

• Miss Lulu Jackson of Margaretville has been secured as teacher in the Primary department of the Centre school.  School opened Monday.

• The lecture Tuesday evening on “With Scots, Soldiers and Indians of the Northwest” by Rev. A.E. Lord, of Delhi was a fine one and was listened to by a crowded house.

• Forsythe J. Campbell, son of James M. Campbell formerly a resident of this town and Miss Tressa M. Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Parker, were married at Burlington Flats, Otsego county, on Sunday February 11th. 

Auction – D.J.Miller will offer for sale at Public Auction at his residence in Bovina at 10 o’clock a.m. on Wednesday March 7th the following property: 29 young Jersey cows, 4 two year old heifers, two year old bull, pair of mules also some farming and dairying implements and utensils.  Terms, on all sums under $10 cash, over $10 a credit of six months on approved notes.

March 9, 1900

• Remember Confidential Clerk.

• John Hewitt was at Delhi Saturday.

• James Hastings was at Delhi Tuesday.

• George McNair arrived home Saturday.

• John Blair and wife visited at Delhi Saturday.

• G.D. Miller was at Roses Brook on Saturday.

• Barton Jackson was here Saturday from Andes.

• Rev. A.M. Milligan departed from town Thursday.

• O.S. Nichols was in town Wednesday from Delhi.

• James Robson and Peter McNair have traded horses.

• Miss Emma Campbell was a guest at Hamden last week.

• Joshua Hobbie and Fred Bramley were at Delhi Thursday.

• Douglas Davidson and family visited at Delancey last week.

• John and Peter Robson moved onto Thomas Hoy’s farm Friday.

• At David J. Miller’s auction Wednesday, cows averaged $28.

• David Liddle and Frank Gowanlock were at Andes Wednesday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Otis McCumber were at Mrs. Muller’s over Sabbath.

• Frank Kinch of Berry Brook, moved onto the old Soper farm Thursday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Elisha B. Maynard, of Hobart, were visitors here Tuesday.

• D.A. Oliver and daughter, Pearl, of Delancey were visitors here Saturday.

• Alex. Hilson is suffering with a severe cold an is unable to speak out loud.

• Edward Hall has moved from the old Soper farm to the Redmond hotel building at the Hook.

• George Miller, of Andes, was a guest of his brother, Gideon Miller, here on Sabbath.

• The Swedish Ladies’ Quartette will be at Strangeway’s Hall, Wednesday evening, March 14.

• Among those at Delhi Monday were G.D. Miller and wife, Walter McDivitt, Frank Miller and W.A. Hoy.

• Rev. A.M. Milligan preached an excellent sermon in the United Presbyterian church Sabbath morning.

• March 16, 17 “Confidential Clerk” is to be rendered by home talent, under the management of Ed Hanlon.

• Robert Aitken, who has been living on Thomas Hoy’s farm, has purchased George Salton’s farm in Terry Clove, and took possession March 1.

• James L. Coulter was at New York city last week and returned home on Saturday.  He was there to meet Mr. Gerry in regard to building a hennery at Lake Delaware.

Confidential Clerk March 16 and 17. Benefit Bovina Ball Team.

Notice of Dissolution – Notice is here by given, that the partnership heretofore existing between James A. Gow and Lancelot Thompson, has this day been dissolved by mutual consent.

Dated, Bovina Centre, March 5, 1900.  James A. Gow.  Lancelot Thompson.

March 16, 1900

• Remember Confidential Clerk.

• Dr. Seacord was at Delhi Monday.

• Arthur Hoy was over at Andes Saturday.

• Orrin Reynolds went to Andes on Wednesday.

• W.T. Black was at the County Seat Wednesday.

• Barton Jackson was in town from Andes Monday.

• Peter and George McNair were over at Arena Monday.

• A.T. Strangeway purchased a cow at the Biggar sale.

• William Crosier and son, Harry, visited Delhi Tuesday.

• Abram Northrup, of Pepacton, was in town Wednesday.

• H. Johnson and James G. Seath were at Andes Monday.

• Richard Smith went to Walton on Monday to visit his sons.

• Confidential Clerk March 16 and 1. Benefit Bovina Ball Team.

• Wesley Miller and wife were at G.D. Miller’s this week from Oneonta.

• Fred Scheller has moved from John R. Hoy’s tenement house to Oxford.

• Alex. Hilson is still unable to speak out loud and appears to get no better.

• John Irvine, Alex. Thomson, W.G. McNee and F.R. Coulter were at the County Seat Tuesday.

• A great many are suffering with colds.  One feature of the them seems to be severe hoarseness.

• Mr. Thomas and wife, of Walton, have been visiting John R. Hoy’s and other relatives in town.

• Next Tuesday Commissioners Gow and Ostrander will begin the apportionment of the school monies.

• March 16, 17 “Confidential Clerk” is to be rendered by home talent, under the management of Ed Hanlon.

• A crowded house greeted the Swedish Ladies Quartette Wednesday night and only words of praise are heard in regard to it.

• William T. Black, John Blair, James Forman and Elliott Thompson attended the meeting of the Republican County Committee at Delhi last Friday evening. 

Following their Father’s Footsteps

Bovina, March 12, 1900

In memory of the teachings and enterprise of their father, who made the woolen mills a success, Thomas and H. Johnson keep the wheels arolling.  They have just had placed in their mills a new feed mill and a cob crusher purchased of Munson Brothers of Utica and is doing as good work if not better than any mill in the county.  James G. Seath, traveler, was the millwright.  S.

March 23, 1900

• Stanley Bishop was here on Sabbath from Delhi.

• Edwin J. Scott is at Delhi this week as ajuryman.

• Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller were at Delhi Monday.

• John Elliott, of Glenburnie, was in this place Tuesday.

• J.K.P. Jackson, of Margaretville, was seen in town Tuesday.

• Dr. Schumann was up from Delhi on professional business Wednesday.

• Alex Hilson is now unable to speak on account of continued hoarseness.

• Mrs. Richard Thompson and Miss Mayme Liddle, of Andes, were here over Sabbath.

• Commissioner Gow is at Delhi this week making the apportionment of the school monies.

• S.G. Bramley, George McNair, Ward Coulter, George Robinson and James D. Mitchell were among those at the County Seat Monday.

• A good house greeted the Confidential Clerk at Strangeway’s Hall, Friday and Saturday evenings and all were pleased with the play.  Hanlen’s Irish songs took well.  The receipts were over $50.

• Some of our young people will work as follows this season:  Leslie McNee at W.B. Thomson’s, Nellie McNee for J.W. Coulter, Nellie Myers at Jeremy Barnhart’s, and Gertie Robertson for William T. Miller.

• James Coulter, son of Francis Coulter Coulter Brook, died Tuesday with pneumonia, aged 26 years.  He was at Margaretville Saturday and Saturday night he and his wife were at the Centre.  On the way home he was taken with a chill and when they reached home he was unconscious.  The disease has a fast hold on him and death came after an illness of less than three days.  The funeral was held Thursday, at 11 o’clock.  He was married five years ago March 20, on which anniversary he died.

March 30, 1900

• G.D. Miller was at Bloomville Friday.

• Thomas Archibald was at Delhi Saturday.

• David Oliver made a trip to Andes Friday.

• David Bekin, of Kortright, was here Saturday.

• Dr. Barnard was here Tuesday yanking teeth.

• Isaac Samuels was here on Tuesday from Andes.

• Marion Robertson visited the County Seat Friday.

• W.L. White and Peter Robson were at Delhi Friday.

• School Commissioner Gow was over at Andes Wednesday.

• Blair Hoy, of Walton, has been visiting relatives in town.

• O.S. Nichols was in town Tuesday on insurance business.

• Wednesday cows at J.D. Mitchell’s sale averaged about $28.

• William L. White and Elmer Close were over at Andes Saturday.

• Wesley Miller and wife have been here from Oneonta this week.

• Richard Smith returned from visiting his sons at Walton on Friday.

• Mort Case is moving from the Aitkin house into the old Stott coopershop.

• Robert Biggar was at Andes Saturday. Joshua Hobbie was there on Monday.

• John Muir, of Stamford, and Daniel Ceas, of Bloomville, were in town on Tuesday.

• Drs. Wight, Schuman and Scott were in town on Sabbath, on professional business.

• Elmer E. Hastings and E.G. Gladstone and their wives visited the County Seat last Thursday.

• William Mungle, Sr., has been here on a visit.  He was one of the boys who wore the blue from ’61 to ’65.

• Everett McPherson, of this town, and Martha Wood, of Livingston Manor, were married at Albany, March 14.

• Madison McFarland, who has been living in Delhi, has engaged with Chas Gorsch at Margaretville to run his mill.

• Saturday Mr. and Mrs. William Richardson returned from Margaretville, where they have been for some time.

• Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller have received an invitation to attend the marriage of a daughter of Thomas Downie at Cleveland, Oh.

• The widow of James Coulter, who died last week with pneumonia, is very low with the same disease, as is also his brother, Walter.

• At a meeting of the directors of the Hobart bank, John Olmstead was elected director to succeed the late Archie Maynard of this town.

• William Winter died Friday with bright’s disease, in the Platekill, aged about 70 years. Rev. W.L.C. Samson officiated at the funeral which was held Monday. Interment in the Bovina Centre cemetery.

• While on his way to Almeda Friday R.A. Thompson upset with a load of milk. Just as he went out of the woods on Leech mountain the wagon slewed around on a piece of ice and landed in the ditch, spilling 10 or 11 cans of milk and smashing one wheel of almost a new wagon. 

March 1925 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

Life in Bovina 100 years ago this month, as reported in the Andes Recorder: 

March 6, 1925

• Mrs. George Shaver was a Walton visitor Monday.

• Roy Thomson, is ill with pneumonia at his home up-town.

• Orrin Todd has moved his family to Roses Brook from the Burger farm.

• Thomas Miner has moved from Harry Robinson’s house to the Arch Phyfe house.

• Everett Joslin has moved from the village to the farm of Fritz Burger, (the former Armstrong place).

• Mrs. D.C. Worden, who several weeks ago underwent an operation for goiter, is much worse this week.

• Mrs. J.D. Burns, who has been at the Delhi hospital for several weeks, for treatment, returned to her home last week.

• Harry G. Robinson and family and Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Thomson moved from Andes this week back to their home in Bovina Center.

• Miss Edith Russell, daughter of Mrs. W.T. Russell, was operated upon last week at Delhi hospital for disease glands of the neck. Dr. Stein, of Albany, was the surgeon.

Bovina Has Two Runaways

Thursday the team of Fritz Burger on the Armstrong farm in Bovina, ran away from the Ed Coulter farm and were stopped after going a short distance by the wagon colliding with a fence and holding them.  Mr. Burger, Jas Bramley and F.W. Hyatt had been to the Coulter place after a large hog and had it loaded in and went into the house and left the team standing.  The hog was not spilled out.  

The team of F.W. Hyatt took fright at the creamery one morning recently and ran away.  They struck a hydrant breaking a wheel and left the wagon.  One horse outran the other and they ran in back of the residence of Alex Myers.

Born in Bovina

John J. Dean D.D., who was born in Bovina 88 years ago, died at his home in Kingston, February 25, having been in feeble health for some time. He was for many years a Methodist clergyman and retired several years ago.

He is survived by his wife who was Georgia Fiero, and one son, William Dean, who is a broker in New York, and also one brother E.C. Dean, of Delhi. 

March 13, 1925

• Mrs. Dixon Thomson is on the sick list.

• Wilber Archibald is now driving a new Overland coupe.

• Mrs. Vivian Davis, of Andes, is employed at George Decker’s.

• The Home Bureau held a meeting with Mrs. George Russell on Tuesday.

• Mable Parsons was here from andes and spent Sabbath with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Parsons.

• Mrs. John Aitken returned Monday from the Delhi hospital, where she recently underwent an operation.

• The Willing Workers will give a play, Arrival of the New Minister, in the town Hall on Friday evening.

• Mrs. Roland, the mother of Mrs. Ralph Barnhart, underwent an operation at Delhi hospital on Monday.

• Mrs. Ella Telford has moved her household goods form rooms in part of William Boggs’ (Gow) house to Delhi.

• Monday as Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were enroute to Bovina from Franklin in their car was stalled in a snow drift on the Meredith hills.

• Hugh Galland and wife will move from rooms in Mrs. Julia McPherson’s house the rooms in William Boggs’ house, vacated by Mrs. Telford.

Bovina Woman Dead – Mrs. D.C. Worden Passed Away on March 7 – had operation

Mrs. D.C. Worden died at her home near Bovina Center late on Saturday, March 7, after a long illness. Several weeks ago she underwent an operation for goiter, and complications caused her death. The funeral was held on Tuesday, with Rev. Thomson, pastor of the R.P. church, officiating. 

Her maiden name was Hattie Boyd and she was born in Bovina about 60 years age. Surviving her, besides her husband, are two sons and four daughters, viz: David Worden in Kortright; Mrs. Clifford McMullen, on the Little Delaware; Mrs. Tolley, teaching at the Toll Gage; Roy and Gladys Worde, the latter principal of the Bovina Center school, both at home, and one daughter in the west. 

March 20, 1925

• George Shaver was at Andes on business errands Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were County Seat visitors Tuesday.

• Mrs. James A. Gow and Mrs. Elliott Thomson were at Andes the first of the week.

• James L. Coulter, of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, is a former Bovina resident, is renewing acquaintances in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. John W. McCune spent over the week end with her brother Raymond McNair at Binghamton.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Storie on Saturday, March 14, a son – John Douglas.  Mrs. Henry Little is the nurse.

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter returned home Saturday after a two months’ visit with her sons at Delhi and Walton and her sister in Franklin.

• Mrs. Anna Ruff, formerly of this town, mother of Mrs. Chauncey McFarland, has been confined to her home in Delhi, for several weeks with bronchitis.

• Miss Edith Russell, who recently underwent an operation on the glands of the throat at Delhi, is recovering at the home of her uncle, Ed Russell in that village.

Ad: Wanted – 200 Chestnut fence posts. Alfred G. Russell, Bovina Center, N.Y.

Native of Bovina – Mrs. Carline Fowler of Hamden, Passed Away March 12 – Special to the Recorder

Mrs. Caroline Fowler died at the Fowler home in Covert Hallow, town of Hamden, March 12. Burial was made Saturday in the Hamden cemetery beside her husband.

Her maiden name was Caroline Tuttle, and she was born in the town of Bovina 86 years ago, being a daughter of the late Benj Tuttle. In the early sixties she married Alexander Fowler, and as a bride went to the farm where she died. She is survived by one Watson Fowler, on homestead farm, and a brother, Alonzo Tuttle at Lake Delaware.

March 27, 1925

• Miss Edith Liddle spent over the week end at Ilion.

• Nelson Siring has been doing some mason work for Hilson Bros.

• Leon VanDusen spent a few days the past week with his brother in Ilion.

• Mrs. G.J. Dickson is putting in a cess pool and installing a toilet in her residence.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Decker spent over the weekend with relatives at Margaretville.

• Joseph Fay, from the west, was an over the weekend guest of his niece, Mrs. Hugh Galland.

• William Johnston, formerly of Bovina, is ill with erysipelas at his home at South Kortright.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Elizabeth T. Miller to Mary A. Russell (cemetery) $1.

• There is no school in the Ed Coulter district, owing to scarlet fever in the family of C.B. Hoolihan.

• William S. Gordon, who is attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, is home for a weeks’ vacation. 

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon, collector for Bovina; was at Delhi last Friday and settled with the County Treasurer.

• Mrs. Gideon Miller and son, Reginald, of Hamden, spent Sabbath with her aunt, Mrs. Lancelot Thomson.

• Walter G. Coulter was at Washington, D.C., the past week regarding a patent on a stone spreader for road work.

• Mrs. Dixon Thomson is confined to her bed with neuritis. Her daughter, who teaches in Connecticut, has been called home by her illness.

• Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Gladstone have moved from rooms in G.D. Miller’s house to part of Mrs. Mary Forrest’s house in lower Coulter Brook.

• Miss Jennie Biggar has moved her household goods from part of Mrs. Mary Forrest’s house to the Margaret Hoy house which she has purchased. [This house later was the home of Charles and Leona LaFever.]

• Mildred, daughter of Wallace Smith is ill with scarlet fever.  There are also cases in the families of Earl Fisk and John Quinn, at Lake Delaware.  The disease came from Walton.

• Claude Hensen of Bovina, is one of 18 boys and girls of Delaware county who as township champions for Junior Field days, will have expenses paid to Field days at Ithaca.