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.

This Day in Bovina for February 2025

Here's the monthly compilation of the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook daily entries for February:

Forty-seven years ago today, the February 1, 1978 Walton Reporter carried this photograph from a retirement dinner held for four retiring Bovina town officials. 

138 years ago today, the February 2, 1887 issue of the Delaware Republican carried this item: “The blacksmith shop owned by Mrs. Logan, in Bovina Center, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. Loss about $500, besides about $300 on stock owned by the lessee. There was a hot but successful contest by the bucket brigade to save Mrs. L's barn, which stood within a dozen feet of the burned shop. Several persons had their faces severely scorched. The place is fortunate in having its buildings generally separated, as in case of fire its facilities, except buckets and running streams, are very limited. But they always seem to use the means at hand with promptitude, judgment and resolution. The insurance on the shop, we learn, had recently expired; but the liberal people of the town have already subscribed over $300 to assist in rebuilding the property.” Mrs. Logan was Hannah Bailey, daughter of Jacob and Deliah Bailey. She was first married to James Blair, who died in 1868. She later was married to Hugh Logan and was widowed again in 1874. She had a son, John Walter Blair by her first husband and a daughter, Mary Belle Logan with her second husband. Hannah acquired her property in the 1870s and appears to have owned it until her death in 1914. I have yet to work out where this blacksmith shop was located, though it was likely in the Bovina Center hamlet and maybe near the bridge crossing over Brush’s brook. And I don’t know who the blacksmith was operating it. Was it her? Her obituary makes no mention of this, but who knows?

Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 3, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. John W. Blair observed their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary last Sabbath. They are both in good health and able to be about. Their daughter, Mrs. Marshall Thomson, is with them at present." John would die in August of the following year. His wife, the former Lib Miller, would survive him by almost 20 years, dying in May 1965 at the age of 98.

This postcard view, likely dating from the 1930s, shows County Route Six looking southwest just before you get to Bovina Center. The road was slightly relocated in the 1950s. The house to the left was at the entrance to the Bovina Cemetery. You can just make out to the right of the house the cemetery gates.  

141 years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 5, 1884 Stamford Mirror carried this item: "The pupils of the Brushland district school, are preparing for an exhibition to be given at the close of the winter term."

Bovina District 3 School, known as the Mountain Brook or Butt End school, was located at the intersection of what is now County Route 6 and Bovina Road and it still stands today as a private residence. This images dates from 1894. Unfortunately, we do not have any identifications for the people in the image. If you recognize anyone, let me know. 

129 years ago today, on February 7, 1896, Alexander Storie died at his home in Bovina at the age of 83. The Delaware Republican noted that "he was one of the staunch, judicious and reliable men of [Bovina], for a number of years its supervisor, whose judgment was seldom at fault and who always had the courage of his convictions and the nerve ot carry them into effect, if possible. A venerable land mark and pioneer, warm friend and excellent and thrifty citizen is removed by his decease." This is his portrait from Munsell's History of Delaware County. 

Seventy-three years ago today, the February 8, 1952 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column noted that "Howard Currie of Delhi has commenced a job on our church. He will do a good bit of remodeling, add cloak and rest rooms and change the doors leading into the auditorium. There will be other changes." The same column reported the arrival from Italy of Mrs. Frances Bomanico, the "sister of John Bellino," who was visiting her brother and trying to learn English. It was noted that "She finds it difficult."

The Bovina Post Office was in this home for a number of years, when Fred Thomson was the postmaster. Thomas was postmaster from 1929 until he was forced to retire on January 1, 1950 due to his age (he was 70). The house was later owned by Jim and Marion Elliott and until recently by Chuck and Betty McIntosh.   

145 years ago today, the February 10, 1880 Bovina column in the Stamford Mirror, reported that "After an illness of about fourteen weeks, Mrs. McDonald, widow of the late Henry McDonald, died at her residence near Brushland, on the morning of [February 3], aged 83." Born in Scotland in 1797, the former Margaret Donald married Henry before coming to the US in the 1830s. Henry had died about five weeks earlier. She had six children, who survived her. She is buried in the Bovina cemetery. The house in which she died is now my house.

146 years ago today, the Stamford Mirror in its February 11, 1879 issue, reported under the head line "Fire in Bovina" that "The house of Mr. Charles H. Bramley in Bovina was burned on Tuesday night last week. The family were away making an evening visit, and arrived just in time to see the house fall in ruins. No insurance. Mr. Bramley and family will have the sympathy and pecuniary assistance of his townsmen and many friends." This Charles likely was the son of Henry Bramley and  had a farm on Bramley Mountain. Because of the fire, Bramley sold his herd of 21 cows and other animals, as well as farming implements on February 28.

136  years ago, on February 12, 1889, the Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina people want a new U.P. church, just like the one recently dedicated at South Kortright. They are going to solicit about $3,500, and fix up the old church with new-fashioned notions. Let them go ahead." The renovations were carried out in the church that fall, making it look very much like it does today.

140 years ago today, on February 13, 1885, this bill was submitted by T.F. McIntosh of the Delaware Republican for printing 200 quarantine notices for the Town of Bovina. The notices were for the diphtheria epidemic that hit Bovina Center in late 1884 and early 1885. More about the 1884/85 diphtheria outbreak in Bovina is at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/02/business-in-brushland-has-been-at.html

These chauffeur license images of George Trimbell were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Chauffeur licenses were required for anyone driving for hire or as part of their job. Today this is known as a Class E license in New York.  

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 15, 1951 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express included the following: "The Bovina Home Bureau unit is holding a 'Winter Fair' Feb. 2 in the Bovina Community Hall at 8 pm. There will be a fish pond, snack bar, sweet shop and fancy work shop, as well as a variety of games. Come and visit with your neighbors and have an evening of fun. There is no admission charge; save your money until you get inside."

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. These two images show the Bovina Center hamlet. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.   

This not very clear postcard image of Maple Avenue is dated from around 1910, though it could be a few years older. A.T. Doig owned what is now Russell's Store and likely these were sold from his store.

Eighty-four years ago today, on February 18, 1941, as later reported in the Delaware Express, "Mrs. William J. Archibald and Miss Emily Archibald received medical advice in New York….They and Henry Monroe made the trip with the Rev. Harvey H. McClellan. Mr. Monroe visited an uncle in the Bronx." Mrs. William Archibald was the former Sarah Hobbie and the mother of Emily. Sarah died in 1945, Emily in 1964.

Ninety-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 19, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "Lancelot Thompson was taken ill last Wednesday night and Dr. Sarle was with him for three hours. He is better at this time." Thomson survived this 'attack' but died the following June at the age of 81.

135 years ago today, the February 20, 1890 issue of the Hobart Independent reported the following: "Bovina farmers have hired help for the coming season at $25 per month for men and $4 a week for girls, in some cases. Bovina farmers can stand this if anybody can, but the price is quite out of proportion to the price of farm products."

This postcard image of the Mountain Brook Chalet dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s, when it was owned and managed by Anna Wolf. In fact, the postcard was used as a receipt for payment. Mrs. Wolf opened the chalet in 1965 and ran it until 2003 when Gary Simmons took ownership. He renamed it the Mountain Brook Inn and ran it for about 20 years. It is still operated today by David Ho and Emily Lyman. 

138 years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 22, 1887 Stamford Mirror reported that "The R.P. Church is being re-kalsomined [whitewashed] and repaired. A social for the benefit of the church was held at the house of David J. Miller, on the night of the 16th, and about $18 was raised." This church stood about where the Bovina fire hall and the playground are located. It was taken down in 1943.

Thirty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 23, 1994 Walton Reporter reported that "The Bovina Library is sponsoring a craft and hobby night on Feb. 23 from 7:30-9 pm at the library. The program will be displays and demonstrations of crafts and hobbies. Janet Stewart will provide musical entertainment. Refreshments will be served. Call Hugh Lee if you have crafts or hobbies you wish to share."

These chauffeur license images of Jack Damgaard were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Jack Arna Damgaard was born in Denmark in 1919 and came to the United States as a child in 1924. He married Eleanor Barnhart, daughter of James and Emma Barnhart. From his obituary, it was noted that "Jack was a Dairy Farmer in Bovina Center, New York for 60 years. He was also the Town Judge in Bovina Center for 15 years. For years he and his wife sold cheese at auto shows, state and county fairs, etc. where he was known as 'Jack, the Cheese Man.'" Jack passed away in 2006. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

Sixty years ago today, on February 25, 1960, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican-Express reported that "The LaFever Brothers have tapped their sugar maples, ready for the first sap run."

110 years ago today, the February 26, 1915 issue of the Catskill Mountain News carried an article under the headline "Stops Slander Suit." "The slander suit, in which $25,000 damages were asked of Rev. James B. Lee, pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, by Charles W. Wilkins, has been withdrawn, the plaintiff having reached the conclusion that lie could not sustain his case. This suit is of local Interest from the fact that Mr. Lee was born in Bovina and spent his boyhood there. He Is a son of the late Rev. Dr. J. B. Lee, who was for many years pastor of the Bovina Centre United Presbyterian church. The plaintiff in this action, Mr. Wilkins, who was an elder and also treasurer of St. Paul's church, was charged by the pastor with having misappropriated church money, and then having embezzled money belonging to a trust fund." Rev. Lee's father, J.B. Lee, was involved in a slander suit back in 1870. More about this suit may be found in the Bovina NY History Blog from March 2013: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-i-libel-of-slander.html

131 years ago today, on February 27, 1894, Shirley Ada Miller was born, the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. She grew up on Pink Street on the family farm (the farm that later became Suits-Us Farm). She later became a dental hygienist and passed away in 1973 in Walton.

Seventy-seven years ago today, on February 28, 1948, R. H. Lewis and Sons of Delhi sold to the Bovina Rural Fire District the recently created Bovina Fire Department's first fire truck. The truck was sold in 1987 and later purchased and restored by current Bovina Fire Chief Kevin Brown. 

New Fire Truck at Bovina Creamery, May 1949, Photo by Bob Wyer, courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association

Restored fire truck at Bovina Creamery, 2022, photo by Kevin Brown