March 1926 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

 

Here’s what happened in Bovina 100 years ago in March 1926, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder.

March 5, 1926

• Mrs. Hamilton Russell has been visiting her sons at Delhi. [Mrs. Russell was the former Margaret Doig and was the mother, among other people, Cecil Russell. She was widowed in 1921 and died in 1933.]

• Mrs. W.J. Storie and little daughter were Delhi visitors Wednesday. [This was Vera Storie and her daughter Ray, who later married Gene Vandenbord.]

• Mrs. Charles Lee spent last week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Lawrence, at Arena.

• D.C. Worden, who purchased the Methodist church some time ago commenced tearing it down Monday.

• Elliott Thomson has sold his blacksmith to William Archibald who will use it for garage and storage purpose.

• Dr. George Pace, of Andes, has opened an office in rooms at Mrs. Douglas Davidson’s and will be here on Thursday of each week.

• The young son of Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Terry at Lake Delaware, was operated on last Wednesday at Delhi, for removal of tonsils and adenoids.

• On Sabbath the congregation of the U.P. church voted to extend for one year their support to Dr. Whitcomb as medical missionary to Egypt. The amount is $1,500 and vote was about two to one. 

• Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Meigan, lately of Chicago, are visiting her father, John B. Lee, in Tuttle hollow.  Next week they go to Iroquois Fall, Canada where he has taken a position as a chemist with a large paper company. [Mrs. Meigan was born Marjorie A. Lee. Her mother, the former Lucy Hall, died in 1919. Mrs. Lee died in Pennsylvania in 1987.]

Miss Mary A. Russell died at her home in southern Bovina on Friday, February 26, following a shock – the third she had suffered.  She was born and her entire life of 68 years had been spent on the farm and in the same house where she died.  She is survived by a brother, W.C. Russell, of Bovina, and a sister, Miss Eliza Russell.  The two women had conducted the farm since the death of their brother, George Russell, two years ago.  The funeral was held Monday from the Church of the Covenanters at Bovina Center with interment in the Center cemetery.

March 12, 1926

• Orson Russell, of Downsville, was a caller in town last week. 

• The U.P. congregation expects to raise at least $2,270 for missions for 1926.

• The Bovina Center school was closed a few days this week owing to the illness of both teachers.

• Mrs. John Burns, Mrs. George Johnson and Mrs. Claude Erkson were recent visitors at Binghamton.

• Mrs. Elizabeth Bramley is at the home of her sister, Mrs. Thos Fuller, who broke her arm a few weeks ago. 

• Alex Myers received word recently that his brother, Robert Myers, had suffered a shock at his home in California. [Robert survived this illness and died in California in 1930.]

• Edgar Lee, a pharmacist, who has been in Buffalo, has become assistant manager of the store of Harvey & Early at Olean.

• The dry milk plant at the Bovina Center creamery has been put in operation this week  Cheese has been made all winter.

• Owing to the absence of Rev. F.N. Crawford there was no preaching last Sabbath at the U.P. church and there will be none next Sabbath.

• Mrs. George Decker fell on the ice Tuesday evening and struck on the same hip that she broke a year or two ago, but fortunately did not break any bones. [This likely is the former Ada H. Tompkins. She was widowed in 1939 and died in 1944.]

Estate of Jennie E. Miller, late of Bovina.  Will admitted to probate and letters testamentary issued to William J. Story.  Estimate $300 personal.  Mina Wilson, Jennie Foreman, Margaret Archibald, Belle Burns, Margaret More, David Hoy, Jennet Archibald, Margaret Davidson and Elizabeth Blair are each willed personal articles.

March 19, 1926

• C.L. Dickson has been re-appointed notary public.

• Dr. Pace, of Andes, was here on Sabbath to see Mrs. Palmer, who has the grip.

• It is expected that there will be preaching in the U.P. church next Sabbath.

• Daniel Franklin has leased the Bovina Co-operative Creamery for another year.

• The Royal Lyceum Bureau has sold and entertainment course here for next fall and winter.

• Miss Edith Russell was operated on last week at the Delhi hospital for diseased glands of the neck.

• Lester Speidel of this place, and H. S. Marvin of Delhi, have been on a business trip to Wisconsin.

• Norton Forrest has purchased a horse from W.D. Ceas, to take the place of the one he had die.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Travers, of Hobart, have been stopping for a few days with her sister, Mrs. Milton Liddle. 

• Charles Hastings, who returned from the west last fall expects to move his family to Walton. He is engaged in the insurance business.

• Mrs. Frank Dickson, of the Little Delaware, who had been caring for her mother, Mrs. T.C. Strangeway, who had the grip, returned home Friday.

• The Lake Delaware Community club held a social meeting Tuesday evening at the parish hall. Rev. T.C. Bookhout was the speaker and there was a moving picture entitled the Spirit of the U.S.A.

March 26, 1926

• The total school money apportioned to the town of Bovina this year is $4,764.74.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Paul C. Fuhrmann and wife to William Fuhrmann and wife, $1.

• Robert E. Thomson, William Storie and Fletcher Davidson attended a telephone meeting at Andes last Thursday.

• William S. Gordon, a student at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, is spending a ten-day vacation with his mother Mrs. Thomas Gordon.

• Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Moore, of Hamden, spent Sabbath with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robinson.

• The Congregational meeting of the U.P. Church will be held April 6 at 1 o’clock. Communion services April 4.

• Mrs. James Gow spent Monday at Delhi with her sister, Mrs. James Foreman.

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter returned home Sabbath after spending the winter with friends at Walton and Franklin. [Lucy was the former Lucy Ward. She married David Coulter and was widowed in 1917. She died in Franklin in 1934.]

This Day in Bovina for February 2026

Here's the monthly compilation of the entries from the Town of Bovina Facebook page for February 2026: 

189 years ago today, the February 1, 1837 Delaware Gazette carried this ad, dated in December 1836: "John Reed Tailor. Respectfully returns thanks to the inhabitants of Bovina and its vicinity, for the liberal support tendered him since he commenced business and begs leave to inform them that he has opened a Shop on his new premises with a complete assortment of Trimmings, adopted to the texture and form of the garments of his customers. He has brought up from New York, Draughts, Plates and Reports of Fashions for the season and no expense will be spared to render his establishment commensurate with the growing taste and respectability of the community."

105 years ago today, on February 2, 1921, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "The school teachers of the town were at Bloomville attending a conference Wednesday, adding more useless expense on the districts." 

Eighty-six years ago today, on February 3, 1940, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "The Andes girls won over the Bovina Center girls in a basketball game..." The Andes girls beat the Bovina team in Bovina, 43 to 10. 

145 years ago today, on February 4, 1881, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "'Reuben,' the well known carriage horse, belonging to Rev. J.B. Lee [of Bovina], was found dead in the stable…" Lee lived in the house next to the church, now the home of Amy Burns and Tom Lamport. 

Ninety-six years ago today, the Delaware Republican reported in its February 5, 1930 issue, under the headline "Bovina Man an Inventor" that "W.G. Coulter of Bovina Center has invented a machine for the spreading of crushed stone in the building of public highways which promises to be of great value. He applied for a patent on the spreader and has received word that the patent has been granted." Here's page one of Walter's patent from the US Patent Office: 

123 years ago today, the February 6, 1903 Andes Recorder Bovina correspondent reported a rather horrible incident involving a former Bovina resident and a mad dog: "Last week word was received at this place that James L. Ormiston and his two daughters, who resides at Wilmington, Delaware, had been bitten by a mad dog.  The dog, which belonged to a neighbor, attacked the youngest daughter, aged about seven years, and an older sister went to her assistance, and both were severely bitten when Mr. Ormiston came to their aid.  He succeeded in chocking the dog to death, but not until it had bitten off one of his fingers.  His brother, Dr. Ormiston of Delhi, who went to treat them, reports that no hydrophobia symptoms have developed and it is thought that they will come out all right." James was born in 1862 in Bovina and moved to Delaware in 1900. By 1910 he was back in Bovina. He later settled in Oneonta where he died in 1936. The daughter was likely was Linda Rebecca Ormiston. She also survived this attack, dying in 1988. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. In the 1860s, this farm on Cape Horn Road belonged to the Adee family. After the death of Jonathan Adee, the farm went to John Ruff. then in turn to his daughter Jessie May McCumber and her husband, James R. McCumber. The McCumbers owned the farm at the time this picture was taken. It was sold by the surviving children of James McCumber in the 1970s. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.  

 

Seventy-five years ago today, the February 8, 1951 Delaware Republican Express reported in its Bovina column that "the arch bridge at the lower end of the village has been closed all week, while repairs are being made." This is the Scott Bridge that stood for about 80 years at the lower end of Bovina Center. The bridge was demolished in 1955 after a new bridge was built. This image of the bridge was taken probably in the 1940s by Jim Hilson: 

 

Seventy-four years ago today, on February 9, 1952, as later reported in the Delaware Republican-Express Bovina column, "Howard LaFever jr., entertained thirteen young friends at a birthday party on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9th, in honor of his 6th birthday. One of his guests, Tommy Burns, also celebrated his 6th birthday, it being the same day. There were two birthday cakes, cup cakes, cocoa, and ice cream for refreshments. All had a fine time." 

122 years ago today, on February 10, 1904, Pete Johnson of Bovina died. The Andes Recorder had this 'obituary' of him: "Pete Johnson is No More. Died, at the residence of Barna Johnson in this village [Bovina], February 10, Pete Johnson, cat, aged 14 years, 11 months. Cause of death, stroke of paralysis and alleged overdose of chloroform. We all knew Pete, faithful and loyal to his own home, and other cats and dogs stayed away. Some people had caused it to be suspected that he was occasionally too fond of young chickens; he never said much about it. Other cats can now take the blame." 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This was the Bramley farm on Pink Street and had been in the family for at least three generations, starting with J.W. Bramley, then his son Fred Bramaley and, at the time of the photograph, it was owned by Ross Bramley. He sold the farm in 1952 to Pettis Kaufman. Ross died in 1959. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

 

142 years ago today, the Brushland column of the February 12, 1884, Stamford Mirror reported that "Thomas Hamilton, of Bovina, is very low with pneumonia and there is very little hopes entertained of his recovery." By the time that this issue had gone to press, Mr. Hamilton had passed away at the age of 78. Thomas was married to Helen Anderson. They had two daughters, one of whom, Elizabeth, married Andrew B. Hewitt. Their other daughter, Violet, is the ancestor of the Johnston family. 

104 years ago, on February 13, 1922, the Bovina Town Board met "to make arrangements for building a new bridge to take the place of the stone arch bridge at the former Strangeway store in Bovina Center."  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The present structure was built about 1858, by James R. Scott, who furnished and hauled the stone and built the bridge for $100.  The highway commissioner was severely criticized for his extravagance, it being alleged that he would bankrupt the town." 

 

158 years ago today, on February 14, 1868, this bond document was signed for Thomas Purdy in his role as constable for the Town of Bovina. 

 

114 years ago today, on February 15, 1912, Elmer Gladstone, son of George Gladstone, was operated on for chronic appendicitis. He came through the operation fine. In 1925 he was attacked by a bull on the family farm. He survived that too and died when he was 81 in 1956. 

This picture was possibly taken by Stella McPherson. We don't know the context, but it appears to be a school group and Marie Burns thinks it was a birthday party for George Hall. She helped identify many of the children in the picture. Here they are by number - some we haven't been able to identify: 1)George Hall; 2)Carol McIntosh; 3)June Reinertsen; 4 and 5)Unknown; 6:Phyliss Briscoe; 7)Unknown; 8)Martha Jardine; 9)Unknown; 10)Dawn Cairns; 11)Unknown; 12)Peter Rosa; 13)Margaret Hilson; 14)Alan Aitkens; 15)Jim Renner?; 16)Dick Briscoe; 17)John Renner; 18)Marie Reinertsen; 19)Unknown; 20)Leonard Corey; 21)Shirley Briscoe; 22)Sandra McPherson; 23)Unknown. If you know any of the unknowns or have other suggestions for the ones identified, please let me know.   

139 years ago today, on February 17, 1887, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "A large and interesting meeting of the Delaware Co. Dairymen’s Association, was held in Hastings Hall…Many prominent dairymen from other parts of the county were present and took part in the discussions." 

Commodore E.T. Gerry died in New York City ninety-nine years ago today, February 18, 1927.  Grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Gerry spent many summers at home on Lake Delaware. His son Robert and daughter Angelica later each built their own homes at the lake. 

 

105 years ago today, the installation of radios in Bovina seemed to be the rage. The Andes Recorder of February 19, 1921 reported that "John H. Hilson has had a radio installed."  The same issue also reported that "John S. Burns in upper Bovina and Gaylie Hafele up Coulter Brook, have had radios installed." 

143 years ago today, the February 20, 1883 issue of the Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "There has been nearly 50 cases of measles in the Brushland School Dist. At this date. They are also quite numerous in the Andrew Brown District beyond the Lake." I'm not sure what district they mean here, but likely is the one that was on Biggar Hollow Road. 

The February 21, 1902 issue of the Andes Recorder (124 years ago today) reported in its Bovina column that "Henry Hogaboom, formerly of this town, is now at the Military Home at Dayton, Ohio."  Hogaboom was a Civil War veteran.  Born in Sullivan County, he moved to Bovina as a boy and settled in Lake Delaware after the war until he moved to the soldier's home.  He lived there 19 years until his death there in 1921.  In the register for the home, he stipulates that his body is to be brought back to Bovina for burial (and it was). 

119 years ago today, on the evening of February 22, 1907, the Fortnightly Club held this program at Strangeway's Hall in Bovina

 

Ninety-six years ago today, on February 23, 1930, Clifford Boggs was born, the last child and only son of James and Edith Boggs. Sadly, his mother died in childbirth, leaving Clifford to be cared for, in part, by his aunt (and my grandmother) Anna Bell LaFever. Clifford died in May 1933 when he was 3 years old.  This is believed to be one of the few pictures of Clifford.

 

130 years ago, on February 24, 1896, a fire that happened during evening church services caused a ruckus. The report of the fire was in the Andes Recorder: "About 8 o’clock Monday evening [Feb 24] while the people were in the United Presbyterian church attending services, the startling cry of fire ran through the church. In an instant all was excitement and a rush was made for the door and the street was black with people hurrying toward the store of Hilson & Blair where the fire had been discovered.  The fire had started in the rear of the store beneath the floor and within a few feet of the oil tank.  Plenty of help was soon on hand and went to work carrying water in pails, tubs and whatever would hold water.  Boards were torn off and the water poured on the fire and it was soon extinguished without much damage being done.  No cause can be given for the fire as fire has never been kept in that part of the building.  If the fire had gained a little more headway before it was discovered, or had occurred a few hours later nothing could have saved the store, as we have no way to extinguish a fire once fully started." 

The act for the creation of Bovina was passed by the State Legislature 206 years ago today, February 25, 1820. The name Bovina is believed to have been suggested by Erastus Root because of the pastoral nature of the new town. At the time, he was a member of the NY State Assembly. Root served in Congress 1809-1811 and again 1831-33. As well as serving in the State Assembly, he served in the State Senate from 1840-43. He served one term as Lt. Governor of NY. He died in NY City in 1846. He was later buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Delhi. This painting of Erastus Root by Rembrandt Peale is at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

101 years ago today, the February 26, 1925 issue of the Hancock Herald under the topic "Farm Bureau Notes" reported on several cow testing associations, including Bovina. "The work of the Bovina Diary Improvement Association is progressing in splendid shape with H.C. Brackville as agent. Records from this association show splendid progress of the work and improvement in the various dairies tested. For the past month the five highest herds of the association reported by Mr. Brackville are owned by Isaac L. Mitchell, A.T. Archibald, John F. Thompson, James A. Boggs and John S. Burns. Considering the fact that many cows in the dairy are dry at this season of the year the average of these herds runs very good. 20 cows in Mr. Mitchell's herd produced 19696.6 pounds of milk producing 840.3 pounds of butter-fat or an average per cow of 42.1 pounds per month. The other dairies also average well for this time of year." 

The Andes Recorder from 147 years ago today, February 27, 1879, reported the sad news that "Henry, Son of Wm. D. Thompson, of Brushland, who met with an accident recently, which was supposed to have ruptured one of his kidneys, is not better, and when last heard from he was still failing.  He is about fifteen years of age, and an only child."  Henry, born in 1862, had had three siblings, but they had all died as children, two before his birth.  Happily, Henry did recover from this accident and was married four years later.  He died in 1930, leaving a widow and three children. 

195 years ago today, a testimonial appeared in the Albany Evening Journal dated February 28, 1831 for "John Thomson, Botanic Physician:"  "This may certify that I have been afflicted with the Dyspepsia for six years past, and for the last 12 months, have not been able to do any labor. My food was principally dry toast and crackers. I was attended by three of the best physicians in Delaware county, where I reside, to no advantage. Having heard of Dr. Thomson, of Albany, I applied to him on the 2d day of this month, who relieved me immediately; and at this date find myself in a better state of health than I have before enjoyed since I was first taken sick, and shall enjoy good health when my strength is fully restored, which is now fast gaining. I can now eat anything that a well person can, and have been able to since the third day after Doct. Thomson commenced his attendance. Harriet A. Soper of Bovina." Harriett was 27 years old when this ad appeared. She was the daughter of Peleg and Nancy Soper. Dr. Thomson did something right - Harriett would live to be 82, dying in 1886.

 

 

A Week with Bovina People - February 1901 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

Life in Bovina from 125 years ago, February 1901, as reported by the Andes Recorder:

February 1, 1901

• A.O. Butts was at Delhi Friday.

• Dr. Miner was in town on Sabbath.

• The sick are said to be all improving.

• E.A. Worden, of Andes, in town on Tuesday.

• Professor E.J. Graham passed thro’ town Friday.

• D.M. Coulter, of Andes, was in this place on Friday.

• John and Henry Irvine were down at Delhi Tuesday.

• Mrs. Van Leuvan, of Delhi, is nurse at R.A. Thomson’s.

• Otis McCumber was in this place on Sabbath from Andes.

• Miss Kate Muller returned from her western trip Tuesday.

• Malcolm McNaugh was here Wednesday from Delancey.

• The Prohibitionists have nominated Thomas A. Archibald for supervisor.

• Cards are out for the marriage of James A. Thompson and Miss Maggie Foreman, February 6. [This couple would be married for over 50 years, until James’ death in 1957.]

• T. Ormiston, Dr. Ormiston, Dr. Phyfe and John Kemp were in town Tuesday in regard to the stock on T. Ormiston’s farm.

• Thomas Archibald and Miss Mable Johnson were married Wednesday forenoon, January 30, at the home of the bride, Rev. Samson officiating. [This is Andrew Thomas Archibald and Mabel Elizabeth Johnston. They were married for almost 60 years at the time of Mrs. Archibald’s death in 1960. They were the parents of Mary, George, Elizabeth, Leonard, Marvin and Herman Archibald.]

• Signs of tuberculosis has been discovered among the stock on T. Ormiston’s farm and they have been quarantined and an examination will be made.

• Robert Gowanlock died Saturday forenoon at the home of his nephew, Frank Gowanlock, aged 80 years.  He was born in Scotland and came to this country in 1840 and has since been a citizen of Bovina, following his trade – a carpenter.  The funeral was held Monday in the United Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Samson.  

• The Democratic nominations are, W.H. Maynard, supervisor; John McCune town clerk; William Johnson and John Corbin, justices of the peace; Jacob Bailey, John Dennis and Alex Johnson assessors; Thomas R. Boggs, commissioner of highways; Richard James, collector; E.S. Washburn, poormaster; Jeremy Barnhart and W.F. Mason, inspectors of election.

• The following are the Republican nominations: John A. Irvine, supervisor; Thomas Gordon, town clerk; Geo Currie and T.C. Strangeway, justices of the peace; John Whitson, George Cable and David Liddle, assessors; W. J. Doig, commissioner of highways; Alex Myers, collector, Michael Miller, poormaster; Robert Foreman and Wm. Armstrong, inspector of election; W. L. Moore, Gifford McNee, Alex Myers, B.S. Miller, constables

February 8, 1901

• Some of roads were drifted full Wednesday morning.

• B.S. Miller is confined to the house by illness this week.

• Alex Hilson and William Crosier were at Delhi Friday.

• Dr. Phyfe and John Kemp were up from Delhi on Thursday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife attended church at Delhi on Sabbath.

• Archie Coulter and Elliott Liddle, of Andes, were in town Thursday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith have been visiting their children at Walton.

• Mrs. David J. Miller has returned from visiting her sister, Mrs. John Doig at Walton.

• W.L. McPherson, formerly of this town, has leased the Downs House, at Downsville and has taken possession.

• Among those at Delhi Saturday were David and John Oliver, Robert Robson and daughter, Alex Bryden, W. Thomson, B.S. Miller.

• Lizzie Bell Donally died at Davenport, February 5, from measles complicated with pneumonia. She was the only granddaughter of D.L. Thomson of this village. [This was Elizabeth Donnelly, who was 14 at the time of her death. She was the daughter of Agnes Janet Thompson, daughter of David Lowe Thompson. Agnes had been widowed only two years after her daughter’s birth and would survive her daughter by 50 years.]

• James A. Thompson and Miss Maggie Foreman were married Wednesday evening at the home of the bride, Rev. W.L.C. Samson officiating. About 100 guests were present.

• The government rejected the bid of William H. Maynard of $373, which was the lowest for carrying the mail from Bovina to Bloomville.  The round trip is 18 miles and this has to be covered six days in the week and takes the best part of each day, and but little is received from either express or passengers.

• Mr[s]. William Russell, who lived with her son George Russell in Southern Bovina, suffered a shock a week ago last Saturday and died Monday of this week, never having been able to speak after the shock. She was about 78 years old.  The funeral was held Wednesday in the Reformed Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. T.M. Slater. Interment in the Bovina Centre cemetery.

February 15, 1901

• The sick are mostly improving.

• David Oliver was at Andes Monday.

• Newman Knapp went to Oneonta Tuesday.

• Everett McPherson was in town o Sabbath.

• Newman Knapp has traded horses with Will Hyzer.

• John A. Irvine and W.L. White were at Delhi Friday.

• W.T. Miller and James E. Hastings were down at Delhi Monday.

• W.E. Northrup, the Walton painter, was here the first of the week.

• Misses Bertha Phyfe and Mina Ruff was home from Delhi over Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Black and Miss Maggie Sloan were in town on Sabbath.

• W.S. Thompson and Elliott Thompson were at the County Seat Wednesday.

• William A. Miller and Andrew Franklin were up from Delhi on Monday.

• James A. Thompson and bride are visiting his uncle Adam Thompson in Canada.

• William C. Russell took his butter away Friday.  But very little now remains in town.

• Among those at Delhi Friday were John Oliver, Lancelot Thompson, Marchall Scott, A.A. Johnson.

• Rev. Williams preached at Meridale Sabbath morning at Ouleout in the afternoon, exchanging with the pastor.

• Town meeting passed off quietly and light vote (137) was polled. John A. Irvine, for supervisor, received 72 majority, and the others on the Republican ticket were elected by about the same majority.

Population of towns

Bovina – 1900, 932; 1890, 1007

February 22, 1901

• G.D. Miller was at Andes Wednesday.

• John Blair and wife visited Delhi Monday.

• Frank Kaufman of Kingston was in town on Thursday.

• Robert Graham and sister were visitors here Wednesday.

• W.L. Ruff and daughter, Minnie were at Delhi Monday. [Minnie was later married in North Dakota to Glen Taylor and moved to California, where she died in 1945.]

• Alex Hilson and A.O. Butts were at Delhi on Wednesday.

• William Richardson and wife are visiting at Margaretville.

• Charles McPherson and W.C. Russell were at Delhi on Monday.

• Duncan Campbell and lady were here from Andes Tuesday.

• Andrew Franklin and Alfred Strong were up from Delhi Monday.

• Barton Jackson and sister, Miss Peronia, were in town Saturday.

• W.T. Miller and wife and John M. Miller and wife visited Delhi Tuesday.

• Among those at Delhi Monday were David Liddle, Will Archibald and Orin Reynolds.

• Otis McCumber and family of Andes were guests of her mother Mrs. Muller over Sabbath.

• Dr. Miner was in town on Sabbath and performed an operation on Mrs. R. A. Thompson and removed two or three quarts of pus from her lungs.

• D.A. Oliver has leased the rooms in Ellen Salton’s house recently vacated by John McFarlane, and will remove thereto soon. – Delancey Correspondent

• A surprise party was held at Alex Burns’ Friday evening, February 15, it being the thirtieth anniversary of their marriage.  About 60 attended and a general good time is reported. [Alex and Nancy Miller Burns would later celebrate their 60th anniversary before Nancy’s death in 1931.]

• W.L. More had a runaway last Thursday.  He draws milk to Halsey’s creamery and had left them standing a few minutes.  They ran to the Palmer House where they were stopped.

A Bovina Boy – At a congregational meeting of the United Presbyterian Church [in Kansas] last Tuesday afternoon, it was unanimously agreed to call the Rev. W.T. Mabon to the pastorate of the church here.  Rev. Mabon has addressed this congregation a few times and the members were delighted with him.  He is a young man just graduated from the seminary at Xenia, Ohio.  His home is in Bovina Delaware County, N.Y.  It is understood that Rev. Mabon will accept the call. He will locate in Garnet in about a month – Garnett, (Kan.) Eagle, February 8.

February 1926 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

Here’s what happened in Bovina 100 years ago in February 1926, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder.

February 5, 1926

• Paul Fuhrman has had electric lights put in his barber shop (this barber shop was at the building that was later owned by Clayt and Florence Thomas and now is owned by Tom Hetterich).

• Andrew Kaufman, of Kingston, was a recent caller in town.

• Robert Robinson and son, John, were Franklin visitors Tuesday.

• Margaret Gordon is home from the Albany Teachers College on a vacation.

• Mort Case is spending the winter at Walton at the home of Mrs. Bertha Miller.

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter has been helping care for her sister-in-law, Mrs. James Ward, at Franklin.

• Mrs. John McCune was called to Andes last Thursday by the illness of her niece Isabelle McNair.

• There was a large attendance at the Minstrel show Tuesday evening and it was well worth going to see.

• Thirty years ago January 29th, Rev. W.L.C. Samson was installed as pastor of the Bovina U.P. church.

• Mrs. A.S. Banker has returned home from Pine Hill, where she was caring for her people, who were ill.

• Robert Doig, of Delhi, was a visitor at T.C. Strangeway’s on Tuesday. His sister, Nettie Doig, returned home with him. 

• Homer Burgin, who had an operation in New York a few weeks ago for hernia, is recuperating at the home of his mother, Mrs. Ida T. Burgin.

• J. Frank Brown, who moved here from Bovina Center during the fall, is to move from Bridge street to house on Delaware Avenue vacated by Mrs. P. Danchy – Delhi Express.

• Rev. Octavius Edgelow, rector of the St. James church at Lake Delaware, is visiting his son, Dr. Arthur Edgelow at Springfield, Mass., and receiving medical treatment. Rev. Grant had charge of the services last Sabbath.

February 12, 1926

• Mrs. Robert R. Gladstone was at the County Seat on Monday.

• Louie Baker, employed at the up-town creamery, was a visitor at Andes last Saturday.

• The schools of the town were closed last Thursday and Friday, the teachers being at Stamford attending a conference.

• Ice is being hauled from the lake on the Thomas Mabon farm to Delhi for the Sheffield plant.  It is 14 inches in thickness. [This is Cole’s or Silver Lake.]

• Supervisor William J. Storie was at Delhi on Monday evening attending the meeting for organization of board of supervisors.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Addie E. Cowan and others to Millard Russell and wife, $1; Millard Russell and others to Addie Russell Cowan, $1.

February 19, 1926

• John H. Hilson has had a radio installed.

• Ray Thomson, who was operated on for appendicitis a few weeks ago at Delhi, is home.

• Mrs. Everett MacPherson and Mrs. Thomas Fuller both fell on the ice and each broke an arm.

• John S. Burns in upper Bovina and Gaylie Hafele up Coulter Brook, have had radios installed.

• Miss Grace Cranston, of Andes, who has been at John Aitken’s, is now working at Wm. T. Miller’s.

• Miss Dorothy Sloan, daughter of the late Leonard Sloan of this place, graduated this week from a New York hospital as a trained nurse.

• Mr. and Mrs. Jas A. Thomson, both natives of Bovina, celebrated the 25th anniversary of their marriage at their home above Delhi village February 6. [Mrs. Thomson was the former Margaret Foreman. They would live to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 1951. James died in 1957, Margaret in 1961.]

• Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson, Mrs. Robert R. Gladstone, Mr. and Mrs. Leon VanDusen attended the funeral of W.C. Oliver at Andes on Saturday.

• The Young Women’s Missionary Society and the Good Cheer Sabbath School class gave Mrs. William T. Miller a sunshine box and Vallentine postal shower one day last week.

In the estate of Robert R. Gladstone late of Bovina, the estimate is $2,500 real and $2,500 personal.  The wife is given the life use.  At her death one-half goes to his brother-in-law James W. Thomson and then to his three children; the other half goes equally to the three brothers of deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Dennis, celebrated the 55th anniversary of their wedding on February 7, at their home, Glenwood, on the Richmond road Williamsburg, Virginia.  Miss Louise Dennis, a sister and the only guest at the wedding now living, was present, and also all of their children.

Mr. Dennis is a native of Bovina, and for many years conducted the Dennis grist mill.  Around a quarter of a century ago he went to Virginia.

February 26, 1926

• Gaylie Hafele was at Walton on Friday.

• Mrs. Jane E. Hastings, who has been ill, is able to be around again.

• Mr. and Mrs. Alex Thomson and Ray Parsons were Delhi Callers on Friday.

• Norton Forrest and Eugene Chase each had the misfortune to have a horse die recently.

• Mrs. Isaac Mitchell underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Delhi hospital last Thursday.

• Harry Robinson, Mrs. Elliott Thomson and Miss Mary Thomson spent a few days at Binghamton.

• Mrs. Thomas Ormiston and son, Edwin, attended the funeral of her grandson, who died with appendicitis. [This grandson was Paul William Ormiston, wo died in Goshen in Orange County on February 19, 1926. His parents were Wendell and Lillian Haller Ormiston.]

• Mr. and Mrs. Leslie More, of Hamden, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Doonan, of Delhi, spent Sabbath at Robert Robinson’s.

• Appraisal of the property of the late Robert R. Gladstone was made Friday. H.C. Burgin and Frank Miller were the appraisers.

• On Sabbath morning, February 28, the United Presbyterian congregation will vote on the question of continuing its special separate support of Dr. N.B. Whitcomb as medical missionary to Egypt. About 6 ½ years ago the congregation pledged themselves to pay $1,500 annual for his support for his first term of 7 years and that time has nearly expired.

Bovina Realty

Two Fine Farms Sold During the Past week

Charles A. McPherson has sold his farm on the state road at what was formerly known as Bovina Valley, to Miss Angelica L. Gerry and gives possession April 1.  The sale does not include the personal property.  The farm is known as the Christopher Strangeway place.  Mr. McPherson has purchased of William Archibald the former Scott farm at the stone arch bridge at Bovina Center.  Mr. Archibald will move to the Hilson house until he can build a new house on the Methodist church lot, which he purchased a few years ago when the Methodist society disbanded.

This Day in Bovina for January 2026

 

Here's the monthly compilation of the daily entries from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page:

185 years ago today, on January 1, 1841, the Trustees of Bovina school district number 9, located on Cape Horn Road, provided this document showing the books in the school's library. Books included Olden Times of New York, Parleys School History, Memoir of Harrison, and Weems Washington. The latter book was noted for introducing several myths about George Washington, including the famous cherry tree incident.

This Bovina column appeared 143 years ago today in the January 2, 1883 Stamford Mirror. The last item mentions that Jim has a "felon on his right hand." A felon was an infection/abscess on the fingertip (but we don’t know who Jim was!). 

172 years ago today, the January 3, 1854 Bloomville Mirror carried this report of an "Anti-Rent Meeting in Bovina" held the previous month. The Anti-Rent 'War' had been a decade before but farmers still were paying rent well after, as this article demonstrates. 

This image of Walfred Hansen was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the early 1940s. Hansen had a farm on Coulter Brook Road in the 1930s and 40s. Born in Colorado, he came to Bovina when he was around 10 years old. His father died when he was 14. He stayed on the family farm until the late 1940s when he moved to North Carolina. Wally died in North Carolina in 1998 at the age of 83. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

124 years ago, on January 5, 1902, William Wilson Hoy and his wife were guests of his mother, Mrs. John R. Hoy, in Bovina.  Three days later, on January 8, William sailed from New York for London, where he had accepted a position as chief engineer of the Burmah Oil Company of London.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, “From London he will proceed to India, where he will remain until surveys are completed, and has to report again at London in September. He receives $500 a month and expenses.”

127 years ago today on January 6, 1899, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Anna, little daughter of Edwin C. Burgin died….Her death was a particularly sad one, as she die[d] under the influence of ether, which had been given her to perform an operation on her leg." Anna was seven years old. She was a sister of Edwin 'Ted' Burgin (1904-1993), the father of Cliff Burgin. Ted never knew this sister, given she died five years before he was born.

161 years ago today, January 7, 1865, Joseph Raitt signed this statement attesting that he had received a ten-dollar bill that was later "pronounced by the cashier of the Delaware Bank to be a counterfeit." 

These chauffeur license images of Wilbur Doig were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s and early 1940s. 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. Wilber was born in Bovina in 1900, the son of Robert W. Doig and Isabelle King Doig. He married Jane McFarland in 1924. He died in Oneonta in 1989. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

1940

1937-38

115 years ago today, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, " The annual meeting of the Bovina Center Telephone company was held Monday [January 9, 1911] and directors elected are as follows: Thomas Ormiston, O.W. Hill, A.T. Archibald for three years; John W. Blair, M. Every, Fred W. Thomson, for two years. At a meeting of the board of directors Thomas Ormiston was chosen president and general manager, and Walter G. Coulter, secretary and treasurer."

123 years ago, on January 10, 1903, Jacob Cook died at the home of F.C. Armstrong.  Little is known about him. He was single and had come to the United States from Switzerland about 30 years previously.  The report of his death in the Andes Recorder had his first name wrong, calling him "Joseph Cooke."  The paper went on to note that he died "with pneumonia" and that "the doctor was called Friday and saw that death must be the result."  He was about 55 years old and was working, as the Recorder noted "At different times … in Bovina."  He was "buried in the County House burying ground."

Ninety-eight years ago today, the January 11, 1928 Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported the death of Elmer G. Gladstone:  "On Wednesday, January 4th, word was received of the death of Elmer George Gladstone at his home, Farr, Col[orado]. The cause of death was pneumonia. Mr. Gladstone was a native of Andes and was 62 years of age. His earlier years were spent in Andes and Bovina, living here for several years where he was a carpenter by trade. He left Bovina nearly 20 years ago." More about Elmer can be found in the Bovina NY History blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2016/05/coulter-and-gladstone-builders.html

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image shows the old Thomas Ormiston farm, one of the oldest in Bovina. At the time this was taken, it was owned by Thomas Ormiston’s widow, Margaret and run by her son Lloyd. It later was owned by Jack and Joan Nau. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

The Andes Recorder reported ninety-eight years ago today, on January 13, 1928, that “Hilson Brothers will remodel their general store building. A cellar will be dug under it in order to install a furnace and changes will be made to modernize the store. Part of the present structure has housed the mercantile business of three generations of Hilsons.” 

130 years ago today, on January 14, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, Robert C. Scott was seriously ill with erysipelas of the head.  The paper reported that on the 14th his condition was unchanged but that “slight hopes are entertained for his recovery.” Scott died the following Sunday, January 19.  He was 84 years old. Erysipelas is a strep infection of the skin and includes a high fever, chills and vomiting. Robert was the son of Robert Scott and Mary (Miller) Scott. He married Janetta Hamilton and had seven children with her. Janetta died in 1883.

148 years ago today, on January 15, 1878, Edgar Scott took out a chattel mortgage on a pair of black oxen, one new democrat wagon and one buggy wagon for $172.52, to be paid by James Kerr of Kortright. A democrat wagon is a light farm wagon with one or two seats, usually drawn by two horses. 

118 years ago today, on Thursday, January 16, 1908, as later reported by the Andes Recorder, “a pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Thomson, when their dauter, Pheba Mae, became the wife of Robert Tweedie.”  The Recorder went on to note that “This was the first marriage in town under the new law.”  This new state law required that all persons wishing to marry had to obtain a marriage license from the clerk in the village, town or city in which the marriage took place and present it to the clergyman or other official carrying out the marriage. Robert and Phoebe May had six children. Unfortunately, Robert and Phoebe had been married only 18 years when Robert died in 1926.  Phoebe died 20 years later.

107 years ago today, on January 17, 1919, the Andes Recorder reported that Bovina's "Dr. Whitcomb has increased his charge for calls in the village to $1.50 and other calls accordingly."

129 years ago today, on January 18, 1897, Homer C. Burgin died in Binghamton at the age of 78. He was in Binghamton being treated for cancer, which had plagued him for several years.  He was married and widowed twice and left a son and two daughters.  Burgin is buried in Bovina.

Ninety-seven years ago today, on January 19, 1929, as later reported in the Delaware Republican, "Mrs. Grace Dickson, wife of Delbert H. Dickson, died at her home in Bovina Center…aged 28 years. Mrs. Dickson underwent a serious operation at the Delhi hospital last year and had since been gradually failing, a recent attack of measles followed by pneumonia proving more than her frail constitution could withstand. Her death occurred on the anniversary of her marriage to Mr. Dickson." About a year and a half later, Delbert would remarry to Carrie Dumond. She predeceased him in 1972. Delbert passed away in 1985.

Fifty-nine years ago today, on January 20, 1967, Mr. and Mrs. James P. Cairns of Bovina Center were honored with an Open House to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. James Cairns was married to Mae Fisher on January 10, 1917 in Deposit, New York. The couple moved to Bovina in 1940. James worked on the Gerry Estate for many years, retiring in 1962. They had five children, including son Leonard. Mrs. Cairns died at the end of the year in December 1967. James passed away in 1972.

 

Seventy-two years ago today, the Bovina column in the January 21, 1954 Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported that "Clifford Hall has had T.V. installed in his home."

Eighty-four years ago today, the January 22, 1942 issue of the Sidney (NY) Enterprise reported that "Girl Takes Up Duties as First Supervisor of Dairy Herd Group." The article went on: "First girl to become a dairy herd improvement association supervisor in Delaware county, Miss Beatrice Thomson of Bovina Center, is announced by the Delaware County Farm Bureau…Miss Thomson…is a graduate of the New York State Agricultural and technical Institute at Delhi and has been carrying on the bacteriological work at the Bovina Center creamery since her graduation." More about Bea was reported in the Bovina NY History Blog in June 2017: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2017/06/meet-lady-cowculators-bovina-dairying.html

121 years ago today, on January 23, 1905, Mrs. Isabella Hoy died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Douglas Davidson of pneumonia.  She was 73.  The Andes Recorder reported that she had just returned a few days earlier from visiting her son at Oil City, Pennsylvania with a severe cold, a cold that "grew rapidly worse."  The Recorder noted that "Her maiden name was Isabella Miller and she was born in Bovina, in September 1831.  About 1855 she was united in marriage with John R. Hoy, and he died September 30, 1901.  She is survived by three sons and two daughters, viz. David F. Hoy, registrar at Cornell University, Milton R. Hoy, of Oil City, Pa, William W. Hoy, recently returned from India, Mrs. Douglas Davidson and Miss Jennet Ellen Hoy of Bovina."

  

124 years ago, on January 24, 1902, an entertainment of the Bovina Centre Lecture Course was scheduled.  The Andes Recorder reported that "Among the promised features will be instrumental and vocal music, recitations and a debate, Resolved, 'that in civil affairs women should be allowed to vote on the same conditions on which men exercise the franchise.'” Unfortunately, the result of the debate was not reported.

165 years ago today, on January 25, 1861, Mary Margaret Archibald was born, the daughter of William Archibald and Margaret McDonald. She married Charles Oscar Boggs in 1881 and would have two children before she was widowed in 1891. Mary Boggs died in Bovina in 1945.

125 years ago today, on January 26, 1901, the Bovina Board of Health adopted a resolution quarantining the entire "herd of cows on the farm of T. Ormiston…" because of the prevalence of tuberculosis. 

 

123 years ago, on January 27, 1903, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Miss Jennie E. Miller started Tuesday for Norfolk, Virginia, where she will be connected with the United Presbyterian college for the education of the Freedmen.  She has charge of the buying for the boarding department." The Jennie referred to here likely is Jennette Elliott Miller (1841-1925), the daughter of David and Isabella Miller.

158 years ago today, the January 28, 1868 Bloomville Mirror carried this letter to the editor, dated January 16. This is the earliest newspaper reference I found to the infamous slander suit between Revs. Lee and Kennedy, which went to court in 1869. More about this case can be found in the Bovina NY History Blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-i-libel-of-slander.html and https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-ii-bed-was-badly.html  

This chauffeur license image of Raymond Rabeler was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in 1940. 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. Raymond, son of Alex and Ida Rabeler, was born in Stanton, Nebraska in 1920 and came to Bovina as a teenager with his parents. Raymond was a farmer on Mountain Brook in Bovina for 16 years until a farming accident in 1963 forced the family to sell the farm. They moved to Homer, NY in 1966. Raymond died in 2009. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

106 years ago today, the January 30, 1920 Oneonta Star, in its Delaware County News column, reported "At a meeting of the stockholders of the Bovina Center Creamery company, held in town yesterday, a proposition to sell the dry milk plant here to the firm which is operating it came up for consideration. After discussion a vote was taken and resulted in the defeat of the proposition." The dry milk plant stood behind the main creamery building.

146 years ago today, the "Bovina Locals" column in the Delaware Republican for January 31, 1880 reported that "The weather is very 'child-like and bland,' and how we are to tell when Spring commences, if this style of winter continues, is a question that perplexes the strongest minds, and all the reliable old weather sages, who in vain have prophesied the commencement of a hard winter at each change of moon for the past three months, have at least agreed that 'we will catch it sometime,' which remarkable conclusion is probably correct."