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

 

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

September 6, 1901

• Leslie McNee has been home on a visit.

• Daniel Franklin was seen in town on Sabbath.

• Milton R. Hoy arrived in town on Saturday.

• John Douglas was in town from Delhi Thursday.

• E.A. Worden and family visited in town Tuesday.

• School will begin in the Centre district, September 9.

• Mrs. John Aitkin has been a guest at Thomas Gordon’s.

• Will Ceas and wife, of Bloomville, were visitors here Friday.

• H.S. Graham, the Delhi hardware man, was in town Friday.

• Miss Emma Campbell visited her sister at Walton last week. 

• Charles A. McPherson has been attending the Pan American.

• Frank B. Smith is home from the Industrial School at Rochester.

• Robert Doig, of Walton, was in this place Friday after blooded calves.

• Charles Arbuckle, Jr., arrived in town Monday, from Newark, N.J.

• W.L. White took first premium on farm horses at the Shavertown fair last week.

• Alex Hilson, Ed Mead and John A. Russell were among those at Delhi on Friday.

• James A. Scott, of Hobart, and Mr. and Mrs. Adam Scott, of Delhi, were in town on Sabbath.

• U. MaGill, wife and daughter, who have been visiting in town for some time, returned to their home in New York City, Wednesday.

• Work on the Centre creamery is finished and Tuesday it was steamed up [September 3].  The workmen left Wednesday to build another creamery on the Ouleout.

• Among Friday visitors in town were John Bryden, of Cabin Hill, Misses Mary Liddle and Eliza Marx, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Anderson, of Andes.

• The Bovina ball team went to Delhi Monday to cross bats with the East Delhi team, and the game resulted in favor of Bovina by a score of 12 to 11.

• Professor E.J. Graham, of Andes, passed through town Monday on his way to begin his school duties at Hobart. Miss Jennie Campbell has gone to the same place as assistant teacher.

• At a meeting of the Stockholders of Bovina Centre creamery Wednesday, September 4, B.S. Miller was chosen chairman and James A. Thompson, secretary. Douglas Davidson, John A. Irvine, William A. Hoy, James A. Thomson, S.T. Rockafeller were elected directors. James A. Thomson was chosen business manager. 

• At a meeting of the directors Wednesday evening John A. Irvine was elected president; Douglas Davidson, vice President; James A. Thomson, secretary and treasurer.

September 13, 1901

• A.O. Butts has sold one of his team.

• There was a lot went to the Walton fair.

• Mrs. John K. Russell was in town on Friday.

• Robert Biggar was at Andes last Thursday.

• Will Coulter of Andes was in town on Friday.

• Mrs. Joshua K. Hobbie went to Oneonta on Thursday.

• The sewerage for the Centre creamery is all completed.

• Aaron Stearn was up from Delhi recently with a load of people.

• Joseph Birkins has moved into the rooms over the old cooper shop.

• The creamery at the Centre has received a lot of butter packages.

• Gideon Miller was at Andes Sabbath and his wife and son returned with him.

• Quite a number from this place attended the fair at Delhi Friday and Saturday.

• J.K. McDivitt preached in the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath evening.

• James A. Thompson has rented the Gow house and expects to move into it in a short time.

• George Russell was at Delhi Monday and brought back a large load of tubes for the uptown creamery.

• Thomas Mabon is building an addition to his barn.  He will add a piece at either side of the bridgeway.

• G.D. Miller and wife, and B.S Miller and Frank Heimer started for the Cleveland encampment Monday.

• Neil McNee came home from Stamford Saturday where she has been to work during the boarding season.

• Wm. Maynard is building a fine silo.

• We understand the Bovina has a new feed dealer – Maynard.

Dr. R.R. Thompson, for many years a popular physician here, now enjoying a large practice at Kingston, with Dr. Hill, a leading dentist, also of that city accompanied by their wives, arrived in Delhi Thursday to call upon friends and visit the fair. “Doc.” Thompson is looking somewhat more venerable and dignified behind spectacles but otherwise is easily distinguishable as the same genial fellow as of yore. -- Republican

An Example to the World

“Six days shalt thou labor and do all they work” to be exemplified by the new co-operative creamery company of Bovina (the upper one) a majority of the stockholders having signed an agreement to make the plant a six-day creamery.  Bovina is noted for its strong Sabbath observance sentiment and practice, but such a rule as has been adopted at the “Butt-end” creamery is the first on record so far as our knowledge goes and is to be commended.  Of course some will sneer and wag their heads, but these people believe that they can care for the Saturday night’s and Sunday morning’s milk to their own advantage at their homes on Monday, and they are going to risk it anyway may success attend them.

September 20, 1901

• The Bovina creamery expects to begin operations soon.

• John G. Laing, of New Jersey has been visiting in town.

• Elisha McCumber and nephew, of Corning, N.Y., are guests at W.J. Crosier’s.

• At the Republican caucus Saturday John W. Blair and Robert A. Thompson were chosen delegates.

• The stockholders of the Bovina Centre creamery held a meeting Saturday [September 14] and decided not to open the plant at present for operations.

• Robert Biggar, an old and respected resident of Coulter Brook, died suddenly with apoplexy Monday aged 68 years. He was quite well Sunday night and on Saturday was at Delhi. He leaves a wife and was highly respected. [Born in 1833, Robert was the son of Walter Biggar and Janet Cowan. His widow, the former Isabella J. Miller, died less than two years later in 1903.]

September 27, 1901

• Frank Gowanlock was Delhi Tuesday.

• Martin Coulter, of Andes, was seen in town Saturday.

• Milton and William Hoy left Monday for their home.

• Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Gladstone were here from Andes Friday.

• Ernest Fredenburgh has moved into rooms into Alex Hoy’s house.

• E.E. Hastings and Elliott Thomson were at Bloomville on Friday.

• Mrs. James E. Seacord, of Lenox, Mass, was a Friday visitor here.

• George D. Roberton has moved Margaret Hoy’s tram to Plattskill.

• John M. Miller, wife and three children are visiting in Pennsylvania.

• Hon. E.T. Gerry and family are at their summer home at Lake Delaware.

• Mrs. Charles Arbuckle and son returned to their home in Newark on Friday.

• Thomas Miller attended meeting of Presbytery at Burlington Green this week.

• Mrs. Alex Hilson and Miss Maggie Archibald attended the Oneonta fair Friday.

• Robert F. Thompson and daughter, Miss Fannie visited the County Seat Monday. [Robert Thompson was married to Ellen Miller. Fannie was their only child. Ellen and Robert died less than a month apart in 1917. Fannie married Walter G. McDivitt in 1906 and died in 1947.]

• Rev. and Mrs. Samson attended the meeting of the Delaware Presbytery at Burlington Green this week.

• Lewis Gray and Mrs. Fannie Bartram, of Roxbury, were married in Bovina Centre, Saturday, September 21, by Rev. Samson. [Mrs. Bartram was the former Fannie Dudley.]

• Rev. James B. Lee D.D. former pastor here, and wife have just returned to their home in Franklinville, after spending a few weeks in Scotland.

• The uptown creamery opened for business Monday morning [September 23].  It will run every day in the week, it being found impracticable to run it only six days.

• The young men of today, who think themselves so much smarter than the older heads, were defeated Saturday in a ball game between the young men and the married men by a score of 6 to 3.

• Married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.G. McNee, in this village, Friday evening, September 20, Nellie McNee to George Griffin, of Stamford, Rev. W.L.C. Samson tying the nuptial knot. [Nellie and George had one son. The marriage ended by divorce in 1908. George remarried shortly after his divorce, as did Nellie.]

• At the Memorial services [for President McKinley] held in the United Presbyterian church September 19 Rev Samson presided.  Charles Arbuckle read the scripture lesson; Margaret Swart read the President’s proclamation, and addresses were made by Rev. Slater, R.E. Bergman and Rev. Samson.

The Gravestone of Deborah Maynard

Last November, a storm brought down a tree in the Brush Cemetery, at the corner of Maple Avenue and County Route 6. It landed on the gravestone of Deborah Maynard, breaking it into three pieces. 

Here’s an image of the stone before it was damaged, taken in 2016: 

Here are a couple of images of the broken stone.    

We left it for the winter and in August, Dale and Tina Utter from Mount Upton, repaired and reset the stone. They left the piece that broke off at ground level and set the remaining stone in front of it, since doing so did not obliterate the inscription. They repaired the other two pieces. 

And here’s the repaired stone.  

So, who was Deborah Maynard? Sadly, we don’t know much about her. She was the eldest daughter of early Bovina settlers Elisha and Esther (Horton) Maynard. Born in April 1790, she was only 22 years old when she died in November 1812. The reason she was buried in the Brush cemetery seems to be related to the fact that Alexander Brush’s son, Joel, married her sister Elizabeth. 

Thank you to Dale and Tina and to the town of Bovina for ensuring that we’ll remember Deborah. 

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

Life in Bovina 100 years ago, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder

September 3, 1926

• The schools of the town will open next Tuesday.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Campbell, August 23, a daughter.

• Miss Jenet Laidlaw is attending the Y.P. convention of the U.P. church at White Lake.

• John Nichols, who has been helping John Thomson, returned to Worcester on Tuesday.

• The Misses Lillian and Kathryn Henderson, of Walton have been visiting at Fred Henderson’s.

• Miss Elizabeth McDivitt, of South Kortright, spent a few days the past week with friends in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. William Puffer and Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomson, of Hobart, were callers here on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. William E. Hastings and daughter, of Oneonta, have been spending the past week with relatives here.

• The reunion of the Miller clan was held on Tuesday at the home of Anthony Banuat on the former Oliver farm. The reunion next year will be at Thomas S. Doig’s in Andes.

• Miss Mabel Hadley, young dauter of E.A. Hadley, up Pink street on the former Andrew Thomson farm, died August 30, from spinal meningitis. The funeral was held Wednesday.

• The picnic last Thursday brought quite a number of out of town people here. All enjoyed a fine time. Rev. Peter McKenzie, of Stamford, made an address. A ball game between Andes and South Kortright, resulted by score of 7 to 6, in an 11 inning game, in favor of Andes.

September 10, 1926

• Mrs. Jane Dickson returned Saturday from a trip to the centennial at Philadelphia.

• William Gordon and Lauren Dickson arrived home Tuesday fro
m their trip by auto to Florida.

• Miss Mable Thomson left Monday for Winsted, Connecticut, where she has taught for several years.

• Mr. and Mrs. Lancelot Thomson and Mrs. Thoms Gordon and son were Delhi visitors Wednesday.

• Mable Hadley left Saturday for Cooperstown, where, thru the kindness of Miss Gerry, she will attend school.

• Mrs. A.S. Banker was at Yonkers last week to visit her brother and see her son, Jack, who is in the U.S. Navy.

• Marshall Thomson and wife, from Great Neck, Long Island, have been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Blair.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Myers, of Endicott, spent over Labor Day with his parents, and Mrs. Myers has remained for a longer visit. 

• Miss Anna Dickson teaches in the Margaretville high school this year. Caroline Dickson has returned to her school at Rutland, Vermont.

• William Archibald has resumed the work of putting in the cellar and foundation for his new house on the former site of the Methodist church.

• Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard McPherson and son, and Mr. and Mrs. Millard Russell attended the State fair at Syracuse last week. 

• Mrs. Alex Hilson and son, James, and Mrs. Jas A. Gow were at Arkville, Monday, taking Miss Jane Hilson that far on her return to her school at South Orange, N.J.

• Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Walker, of Jersey, City, have been visitors at the home of William Storie. A picnic dinner was held there Monday. Mrs. Walker before her marriage was Helen Galloway. 

• Charles A. McPherson’s team ran away Monday from the upper part of the village. At the post office they collided with the auto of Anna Joslin and were stopped. The car was considerably damaged.

• The school of the town opened on Tuesday. Those who have entered the Delhi high school are: Ledger Myers, Courtney Currie, Robert and Donald Boggs, Grace Coulter, Ruth Gladstone, Anna Gladstone, Margaret Russell and Marjorie Ormiston. 

September 17, 1926

• Don Burns, of Delhi, was in town Wednesday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hunt of Delhi were callers here Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Ferris, of Albany were Bovina visitors this week.

• Misses Kate and Freda Muller spent over the week end at Bainbridge.

• Roy Aitken had his tonsils removed at the Drum hospital in Delhi last week.

• Mrs. Wilber Archibald resumed her duties as teacher in Fleischmann high school

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are John Bopp and wife to Carlina Patterson, $1.

• There was a large turnout at the primary Tuesday. Tolly received 54 votes and Clarke 152.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Miller attended the funeral of a relative on Hallidays Brook last week.

• A new roof is being put on what is known as the4 Hilson house, adjoining the store of Hilson Bros.

• Mrs. James F. Forman and dauter Isabelle, and Mrs. James Monroe, of Delhi, were callers in town Tuesday.

• Frank Myers and two friends, from Endicott, spent over the week end with his parents. Mrs. Myers who had been visiting here, returned home with him.

• Rev. Barrickman, instructor in the White Bible School in New York, and wife ar estopping at Rev. Crawford’s. He spoke in the U.P. church Sabbath morning.

BOVINA MAN DIES, Thos R. Boggs, Aged 90 years, Passed Away September 14.

From our Bovina Correspondent

Thomas R. Boggs passed away at his home in upper Bovina on Tuesday September 14, at the ripe old age of 90 years. He had been in poor health for a few months and his death was hastened by a fall on Sabbath. The funeral was held on Thursday.

Mr. Boggs was born in Stamford on August 9, 1886, but had practically been a life-long resident of the town of Bovina, and was [a] substantial farmer. He was united in marriage with Jane Archibald 61 years ago. Surviving him are his wife, a son, James Boggs, and three daughters, Mrs. Thos Ormiston and Miss Calla Boggs, in Bovina, and Mrs. Robert G. Forman, of Walton. He also leaves a brother, William S. Boggs.

September 24, 1926

• Mrs. Robert Brown and children, of Delhi, were callers here Thursday.

• William Storie is having his farm residence treated to a new dress of paint.

• William Crosier, of Steubenville, Ohio, a former resident, is renewing acquaintances.

• William Darling, wife and child, of Fall Clove, Andes, were at George H. Russell’s last Thursday.

• Henry M. Archibald, of New York City, one of Bovina’s native sons was a visitor here the past week.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald and C.L. Dickson, called on their uncle, James Dickson, at Oneonta, Saturday. 

• The barn being built on the former S.G. Bramley farm, to replace the one destroyed by fire, is being rushed to completion.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon went to Delhi on Tuesday to take up her duties as housekeeper in the family of County Clerk Whittaker.

• Mrs. Fannie Barnhart Finkle and daughter Helen, of Sterling, Illinois, spent from Friday until Monday with her cousin, Mrs. Ackerley. 

• As its share of the automobile registration fees the town of Bovina has received $1,224.71. The highway mileage of the town is 78 miles.

• Martin Hyzer, of Andes, preached in the U.P. church Sabbath morning, Rev. Crawford preaching at Andes. In the evening the pastor gave an illustrated lecture on “The Menace of Mohammedism.”

• Monday the trucks of Wm T Miller [and] Gustave Lifgren collided in front of the store of Cecil Russell. Mr. Lifgren was coming up the street and Mr. Miller came out from the drive at the store. The Lifgren truck was somewhat damaged.

• Margaret Gordon has returned to her studies at the Albany Normal College. Miss Mabel Winter, of Margaretville, a niece of Mrs. Frank Miller, accompanied her to enter the college. Mrs. Gordon and son, William, took them to Albany by Auto. 

Death from Shock – From Our Bovina Correspondent

Robert R. Tweedie, a native of Walton and who resided a few years in Bovina, died suddenly Sabbath night, September 19, at his home on Franklin road, town of Delhi, aged 48 years. He was stricken with a shock and expired in a few hours. He is survived by his wife, who was Phoebe May Thomson, daughter of James B. Thomson of Bovina, and six children.

BOVINA MAN DIES – James Russell Passes Away After a Long Illness Sept 19 – from our Bovina Correspondent

James Russell died at his home with sister-in-law, Mrs. W.T. Russell, on the former Dysart farm in Bovina, on Sabbath evening, September 19, aged 75 years. He had long suffered from rheumatism and some two or three years ago suffered a shock. He has been confined to his home and was practically helpless.

He was the son of the late Stephen Russell and was born and spent his life in Bovina. He married Mary Jane Thomson and she survives him. He also leaves a sister and two brothers, viz: Mrs. Jas W. Thomson and Geo Russell in Bovina, and Ed Russell of Delhi. The funeral was held Thursday. 

 

This Day in Bovina for August 2026

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

124 years ago today, August 1, 1902, it was reported in the Andes Recorder's Bovina column that "Rains still continue and haying does not progress very rapidly."

Ninety-seven years ago today, the Delaware Express for August 2, 1929 reported on the "Perils of Hay Harvesting." The article went on to report that "Three Residents of Bovina Victims of Seasonal Accidents." Mrs. Ray Thomson broke her hand when a horse stepped on it. Fred Bramley fell from a load of hay, breaking his shoulder. And C.A. McPherson was injured when a piece of a wagon he was driving broke. Here's the full article. C:\Users\rayla\Documents\Bovina History\Newspapers\1920s\1929-08-02 Del Exp_04

131 Years ago today, on August 3, 1895, the Bovina ball team went to Delhi to play their team. They not only lost but were heavily plagued by injuries. The Andes Recorder reported the injuries: "Chan [probably Chauncey] Squires and Leonard Thomson collided while running to catch a fly and were badly cut about the face. Thomson's cheek was cut so that the services of a physician was required to sew it up and while the doctor was at work dressing the wound John L. Gordon [1871-1908, son of Thomas Gordon and half brother of Margaret Gordon] and Andrew Seacord [1872-1913] fainted. Al Thomson fell on his arm and injured it so that he was disabled." The paper concluded its report by noting in an understatement that "Taken altogether it was an exciting game."

137 years ago today, on August 4, 1889, as later reported in the  Stamford Mirror, "The house of Robert C. Scott, Bovina was entered by a burglar last Tuesday evening, while the family were out milking, a trunk opened and $250 and a revolver abstracted, the robber escaping."

Mary Rotermund was born 181 years ago today, August 5, 1845, in Andes. She was the daughter of Herman and Adelaide Rotermund, both natives of Hannover, Germany. Mary married James A. Coulter in 1868. Widowed in 1882, she died in Bovina in 1931. She was the grandmother of Ruth Coulter Parsons and her sister, Celia Coulter; Don, Bob and Norrie Boggs, and Millard, Art and Ernie Russell.  

101 years ago, on August 6, 1925, as reported later by the Andes Recorder, "Elmer Gladstone was attacked by a bull and knocked down. Fortunately the bull then walked away a short distance and before it could renew hostilities Mr. Gladstone made his escape.  All the other members of the family were absent from home."  Elmer probably was Robert Elmer Gladstone, the son of George and Helen Gladstone.  This likely happened on the Gladstone farm, located on what is now known as Bob Hall Road.  Elmer was 49 when this accident happened and would live to be almost 81, dying in 1956.

This school group picture was taken at the Bovina Center school (Bovina District 4) in 1910. 

Row 1: LeRoy Worden, Lester Hoy, Raymond Kinch, Norton Forrest, Donald Crosier, John Armstrong, William Gordon, Maurice Miller, William Griffin, Mary Agnes Campbell, Bessie Robinson, Marjorie Dickson, Margaret Bramley, Grace Bramley 

Row 2: Mabel Cunningham-Teacher, Hazel Hoy, Anna Scott, Lillian Doig, Viola Russell, Edith Liddle, Bessie Kinch, Albert Hoag, Millard Blair, Fletcher Davidson, Frank Hoag, Eugenia Cunningham-Teacher 

Row 3: Della McPherson, Pauline Hastings, Myrtle Worden, Mary White, Leona Barker, Beulah Armstrong, Clifton Irvine, William Oliver

115 years ago today, August 8, 1911, as reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "J.H. Johnson, Herman Scott, Chas Hastings and Adam Cunningham left….for Albert, Canada. The last named goes to see the country, while the others, who have holdings of land, go to harvest their wheat crop. Crops are reported large, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hastings each have 160 acres of wheat and Mr. Scott 320 acres."

Ninety-eight years ago today, on August 9, 1928, three year old John Storie, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Storie, fell and broke his collar bone.  The accident happened at the home of his uncle, Fletcher Davidson, while he was playing with his little cousins.  This is where the Denisons live now.  Tragically, John would die in another childhood accident while, again, playing with his Davidson cousins.  In January 1938, when he was 12, he was sledding with Alan Davidson when he was thrown from his sled, rupturing his spleen.  His spleen was removed but he died about three days later.

110 years ago today, on August 10, 1916, William Smith of Bovina was hit by a train. Here's how it was reported in the Andes Recorder a few days later: "William B. Smith, of Bovina, who lives on the hill toward Hobart, sustained two broken ribs and minor injuries about 10 o’clock Thursday morning, when the milk wagon he was driving was struck by the eastbound passenger train on the U.& D. at the Smith creamery crossing.  Mr. Smith did not hear the approach of the train and his wagon was squarely on the track when the locomotive hit it, and he was thrown from the wagon, but held to the lines and prevented the horses from running away. He was taken to the office of Dr. Hubbell at Hobart and his wounds dressed.  The wagon was wrecked." Smith recovered from this accident, dying in 1931.

Ninety-three years ago today, the August 11, 1933 Catskill Mountain News reported in its New Kingston column: "Some four prominent farmers from Bovina came over Tuesday evening and brought along a young man named Goetchius, who addressed a local gathering of about 25 farmers. The speaker verbally chastised the milk board, the Dairymen's League and the milk dealers. When the vote was taken 15 voted for strike and 6 against. There are 40 patrons in the creamery and only about one third delivered Wednesday."

Jennie Biggar was born in August 1878, the daughter of Walter Biggar and Esther McEachron. Several of the places in which she lived had later connections with my family. She was born in the McEachron house, which became the home of my grandparents, Benson and Anna Bell LaFever (and later was the home of my Uncle Howard and Aunt Laura). Jennie bought what later became my parents house in 1923, but she fell behind on the mortage payments and the house was sold in a Sheriff's sale in 1934. She moved into what is now my house, living with Kate Birdsall and her children. Kate's daughter, also called Kate, recalled that she and her brother were not too thrilled to have this older woman move in with them. Mrs. Birdsall explained that Jennie was a neighbor in trouble and she needed their help. She also said they should remember this one day when they get older and need help. In February 1938, Jennie took ill and after about 3 days she died of a sudden heart attack in the back bedroom. This image of Jennie is from the Thomson family collection, thanks to Diane Rabeler Abele.

107 years ago today, on August 13, 1919, the Archibald reunion was held at the home of William J. Archibald. 150 relatives attended.

123 years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 14, 1903 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Mr. David Draffin is the first to finish haying in this locality and he reports a good crop. David is a hustler." The same column reported that "William B. Thompson is busy harvesting a large crop of oats."

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina Center column from the August 15, 1952 Walton Reporter carried this item: "Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaFever are on a trip through the northern part of the state. They also expect to visit at the home of Donald Boggs at Corinth, N.Y. They were interviewed on Tune Test over WGY Monday. Did anyone in Bovina hear them?"

132 years ago today, on August 16, 1894, a dance was held at Hoy's Hall. This came only about a week after a social hop at W.S. Thompson's. I am not sure what Hoy's Hall was, but it might have been what was more commonly known as Hastings Hall. Hastings sold his property to W.R. Hoy in 1893, which might explain the name change. Hastings/Hoy Hall I think was behind what is now Russell's Store.

107 years ago today, on August 17, 1919, the pastor of the Bovina Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rev. Thomas E. Graham, surprised his congregation by announcing his resignation to become the pastor of a United Presbyterian church near Pittsburgh.  His resignation came as a complete surprise to the congregation and to the community.

111 years ago today, the August 18, 1915 Delaware Gazette carried this Bovina column. 

132 years ago today, August 19, 1894, Hildreth Tuttle, the daughter of Charles and Jennette Tuttle, was born. She married Charles J. Russell in Bovina 1915. Charles was Cecil Russell's brother. They would have one son, Dr. Allyn Russell. Hildreth died in 1976. This picture is from May 1955, showing Cecil, Isabell, Hildreth and Charles Russell. 

Eighty-four years ago, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican for August 20, 1942 reported that "Mrs. Emil Schneider and daughter, Mrs. Alex Hilson, spent last week in New York City with Pvt. Arnold Schneider." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. James Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dickson and children of Delhi and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taggart and children of Amsterdam were at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson on Sunday."

Thank you to the Archibald family for this image of the Bovina Center school's first grade, taken in the spring of 1957. I've left the names as written on the photo. The image includes Barbara Hammond, Joan Davis, ? Clapper, ? Graham (I think Kenneth), Tom Hilson and Marcia Lay (Bagley). Behind them is their teacher Mary Jardine. And clarification on the question marks would be most welcome. 

101 years ago today, on August 22, 1925, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "This section was visited by a heavy white frost…"

156 years ago today, the August 23, 1870 Bloomville Mirror carried this item: "We wish the Postmaster-General would turn his attention to the Brushland post-office? Our subscribers at that office continue to complain to us that they can't get their papers with any regularity. One informed us he was at the office weekly, but couldn't get a Mirror for about six weeks, when he got them all at once. Won't the post-master be more careful in future?"

108 years ago today, on August 24, 1918, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Dr. N.B. Whitcomb and Adam Laidlaw each had a horse killed by lightning ….  Both horses were running in the same pasture."

Forty-nine years ago today, the August 25, 1977 Stamford Mirror Recorder carried this item in its Bovina column, written by Ann Cairns: "Reserve Friday, August 26 for a round and square dance at the Bovina fire house hall, a benefit dance for the Bovina rescue squad. Dancing from 9 to 1 to the music of ‘Hi Country.’"

134 years ago today, the August 26, 1892 Andes Recorder carried this item: A Bovina Centre Correspondent writes: The flies are very bad on the cows here, in some instances they have eaten through the skin, and are making inroads on the horns, and the cows in some instances have failed so on their milk as to be almost dry."

Ninety-five years ago today, August 27, 1931, as later reported in the Andes Recorder Bovina column: "Born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson LaFever on August 27, a son - Charles Raymond."  

143 years ago, the Stamford Mirror Bovina column of August 28, 1883 reported that "Robert J. Livingston is spending a few weeks at his summer residence at the lake. Messrs. Perry Belmont, Alexander Hamilton and Peter Schyler are his guests." Perry Belmont (1851-1947) was an American politician and diplomat. At the time of his visit, he was a U.S. Comgressman from New York City. Alexander Hamilton (1816-1889) was a grandson of the founding father, Alexander Hamilton. He was Robert J. Livingston's brother in law. I haven't figured out who Peter Schuyler was, though he probably was related to Robert in some way.

Seventy-two years ago today, August 29, 1954, Leonard Cairns was married to Ann Sebedra at St. James' Church at Lake Delaware. Photos are from their 50th wedding anniversary celebration on August 29, 2004. 

Sixty-one years ago today, on August 30, 1965, as later reported in the Delaware Republican Express, "Many of the Bovina people awakened [in the morning] to find their gardens frozen. Some gardens were badly hurt, while others were not damaged nearly so bad. Several have had killing frost every month since they were planted."

Frances Burns and Jane Hilson in their graduation robes. They graduated from Delaware Academy in 1941. Frances later married Clarence Burns and Jane married William Hoy. 

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

 

August 2, 1901

• Robert Neal was up from Delhi Tuesday.

• Alex Hilson was at Delhi on Tuesday.

• R.R. Gladstone and wife were here Tuesday.

• John G. Russell went to Walton on Wednesday.

• J.W. and F.R. Coulter visited Delhi Tuesday.

• Mrs. Rabuck’s father from Saratoga is visiting them.

• Miss Cora Bell visited at Thomas Gordon’s this week.

• Robert Laing, of Andes was a Monday visitor in town.

• Robert Irvine, wife and child were visitors here Friday.

• John W. Hewitt made a trip to the County Seat Monday.

• Dr. Schumann made a professional call in this town Friday.

• Mrs. Agnes Telford and daughter were in town on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller went to Oneonta Tuesday on a visit.

• Alfred Strong and George Persons of Delhi were in town Friday.

• William H. Bramley and family were up from Delhi on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver visited their son at Hamden last week.

• It is thought that the uptown creamery will be completed this week.

• Mr. Copeland, of Alleghany Co., Pa. is visiting his sister Mrs. W.L.C. Samson.

• Miss Maggie Archibald and nephew, John Hilson, visited Delhi on Saturday.

• Among recent real estate transfers in town are Vesta A. Morgan to Flora a. Lee $450.

• David Williamson and a daughter of Robert Williamson, May Fisher and a Miss Oliver, of Delhi were in town Wednesday.

August 9, 1901

• John R. Hoy is in very poor health. [John lasted for a bit over another month, dying on September 30, 1901.]

• Gideon Miller was at Bloomville Monday.

• James A. Liddle was at Delhi Monday.

• Rev. Samson was a Bloomville Wednesday.

• Alex Burns had a cow killed by lightning last week.

• James W. Dickson, of Andes, was a Monday visitor.

• Thomas Kingston, of Delhi, was in town Wednesday.

• The Medicine Company moved to Bloomville Monday.

• S.A. Copeland, of Pittsburg, started for home Wednesday.

• Miss Mary King has hired to teach in the E.L. Coulter district.

• Gilbert J. Dickson and wife, of Albany are visiting relatives here.

• A number are attending the Pan American Exposition at Buffalo.

• Andrew Franklin and John Blake were up from Delhi on Saturday.

• Dr. McNaught, of Hobart, made a professional call in town on Sabbath.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were at the County Seat the first of the week.

• Commissioner Gow is holding teachers’ examinations at Margaretville this week.

• Rev. W.P. Miller, of Dayton, Ohio, is spending his vacation at his old home.

• David F. Hoy arrived in town Monday, called here by the illness of his father.

• Rev. G.M. Robb preached in the United Presbyterian church Sabbath evening.

• Repairs have been made on the telephone line in this vicinity during the past week.

• J.K. McDivitt preached in the school house at Lake Delaware Sabbath evening.

• J. Berkins, of New Jersey, and Mrs. Nettie Rockafeller were married at Halcottsville, on Sunday.

• Mrs. Charles Arbuckle and daughter of Trenton, N.J. are guests of relatives in town.

• Mrs. Alex Hilson and children visited her brother, James Archibald, near Treadwell this week.

• Dr. Dickson has purchased a telephone instrument from Mrs. Phinney and will go on the Main line.

• The machinery for the uptown creamery is nearly all in position and everything will soon be ready for business.

• William L. Ruff and his hired man recently drew in forty-nine loads of hay in twenty-two hours.  Who can beat that? [The Ruff farm was where the Weber farm is now located.]

• At the village school meeting Tuesday evening W.C. Russell was elected trustee for three years to succeed D.C. Worden.

• W.H. Maynard had the misfortune to have one of his heavy team horses die last week.  In the horse’s stomach was found a piece of watch chain, nails and gravel stones.

• The following are the trustees elected in town: Miller Avenue district, Frank Kinch; Armstrong district, Mariona Robertson; E.L. Coulter district, Frank Russell; J.K. Hobbie district, William Fredenburgh; Forest Brook, George Cable; Lake Delaware, J.K. Russell; Biggar Hollow, J.C. Mabon; Maynard district, A.A. Johnson; Pink Street, John Storie; Butt End, John H. Johnson.

• Here is something that ought to appeal to everyone who has any one who are near and dear to them buried in the cemetery in their own town. Is it right that the last resting place of the dead be entirely neglected and allowed to over run with grass and weeds and the stones allowed to lay after they are broken and fall over?  Does the memory of the departed ones never come in to the minds of those that are left here?  For humanity sake and the sacred memory of the loved ones try and remedy this neglect.

August 16, 1901

• John E. Gladstone has been in town this week.

• John Oliver visited the County Seat Saturday.

• Thomas and Maggie Archibald visited Delhi Monday.

• Miss Kate Muller visited her sister at Andes Saturday.

• Fitch McPherson has been having his house repainted.

• Work was commenced Monday on the Centre creamery  [August 12].

• Mrs. Findlay McFadden, of Walton, has been visiting in town.

• William H. Maynard was at Union Grove the first of the week.

• Lou Cooper and family, of Scotch Mountain were here Sunday.

• Miss Alice Oliver arrived home Saturday from Deposit for a visit.

• Mrs. J.L. Hughes, of Andes, was a visitor here Friday and Saturday.

• Frank Miller and David H. Murray of Andes, were seen in town Saturday.

• Alex Hilson and Elliott Thomson went to Scranton Friday on the excursion.

• Misses Nettie and Kate Downie, of Cleveland, Ohio, are guests at G.D. Miller’s.

• Mrs. Ferris Fuller, and son from Pennsylvania, are guests at Fitch McPherson’s.

• Rev. Walter D. Strangeway will preach in the United Presbyterian church next Sabbath.

• T.W. Miller, of the Andes Recorder and son, Mural O., were in town Friday and Saturday.

• Mrs. Alex Fowler and Mrs. William McDivitt, of Andes, visited at Walter Biggar’s last Wednesday.

• W.E. Hastings and bride will soon commence housekeeping in rooms in A.T. Strangeway’s store. [This was William E. Hastings. He married Jennie Gladstone in June 1901. The would have one child, a daughter. Jennie was widowed in 1932.]

• Morris Farrington, the Delhi photographer, was here Friday taking views of different places in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith went to Walton Monday. Mr. Smith contemplates going to California to spend the winter.

• Mrs. A.C. Seacord, Mrs. A.T. Doig, Miss Jane Chisholm and Miss Ella Forrest have gone to Asbury Park for a few weeks.

• Friday the Bovina ball team went to Delhi to cross bats with the Delhi team and the game resulted in favor of the latter team by a score of 7 to 8.

• Friday evening of this week a special school meeting is to be held in the Coulter Brook district to vote on the question of building a new school house.

• George Elliott, who works for W.L. Ruff, had the misfortune to cut his foot quite badly last Thursday, while splitting wood. He will probably be laid up for a few weeks.

• A basement is to be dug under the Centre school building and a furnace put in the building.  The contract for the digging and building the wall has been let to Peter McNair for $85.

• Among those in town Monday were Henry Raitt of Hamden, George Poliv and F.C. Chamberlain, of Andes, William Bramley and wife, of Delhi, Mrs. Agnes Telford and daughter, of Newburgh.

• On Monday, a partition sale was held at Delhi in the matter of the estate of George Archibald. The homestead farm was sold to Thomas Archibald for $3,000. A farm in Franklin was sold to James Archibald for $3,000 and the church shed was sold to Wm. F. Archibald for $25.

• The schools in town will be taught as follows: Lake Delaware district, Mr. Borne; Biggar district, Archie Coulter; Coulter district, Mary King; Armstrong district, Charles A. McPherson; Pink street district, John McCune; Coulter Brook district, James A. Thompson; Butt End, W.W. McNair; Miller district, Emma Campbell.

August 23, 1901

• Robert McNair was here Wednesday.

• Miss Lillian McNair, of Andes, was in town Monday.

• W.T. Miller and Jeremy Barnhart were at Delhi Monday.

• Peter McGregor, of Scotch Mountain was in this place Friday.

• Marshall H. Dean, of Margaretville, was a visitor here Saturday.

• James L. Coulter and sons were at New York city the first of the week.

• Next Sabbath Rev. W.P. Miller will preach in the United Presbyterian church.

• W.L. McPherson and W.D. Thompson were among those in town last Thursday.

• Rev. A. G. King, of Galt, Canada, has been a guest of his sister, Mrs. A. G. Thompson.

• Mrs. James R. Jack and two children, of Hoboken, N.J., were visitors at Thomas Gordon’s recently.

• G.D. Miller and wife and misses Nettie and Katie Downie and Belle J. Miller visited Delhi Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Garbing, of Columbus, Ohio, who have been visiting at Rev. Samson’s, started for their home Tuesday. 

• Francis Graham returned last week from a five weeks’ visit at the Pan American Exposition and with his brother in Canada.

• Rev. Walter D. Strangeway preached in the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath morning and Rev. A.G. King, in the evening.

• Among those in town Monday were Andrew Liddle, Alden Liddle, George Connor, Ed Graham, of Andes, O.S. Nichols and wife of Delhi.

• The ball game Saturday between Bovina and Delhi teams resulted in favor of Bovina by a score of 11 to 9.  Quite a number of Delhi people were up to witness the game.  

• Mrs. Margaret Forrest, widow of the late Thomas Forrest, died at the Middletown State Hospital, Tuesday, August 20, in the 72d year of her age.  She was sent to the asylum in 1879.  The funeral will be held here to day (Tuesday).

• At the special school meeting in the Coulter Brook district last Friday evening [August 16] both those for and against a new school house had their forces marshaled and the result was a tie vote.  The result will probably be that the Commissioner will condemn the old shell of a building now in use.

August 30, 1901

• Robert Foreman was down at Delhi Monday.

• John Oliver made a trip to Delhi on Monday.

• William Russell was at Bloomville Saturday.

• A number attended the Shavertown fair this week.

• Margaret Hoy has rented her farm to a Mr. Loudon.

• Miss Mina Cooke will teach in the Maynard district.

• Will Robertson was in this place from Andes Saturday.

• H.J. Hewitt and W.H. Eells were up from Delhi Monday.

• James Turnbull and Ed Graham, of Andes, were here Monday.

• Harrison Gladstone and wife passed through this place on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Gladstone visited relatives at Andes this week.

• Leonard Sloan, wife and daughter, of Bloomville, visited here on Sabbath.

• W.L. White took first premium on farm horses at the Margaretville fair last week.

• David Draffin has purchased of W. L. Ruff the farm in the upper part of the town recently rented by Sylvan LeFever.  [Dave Draffen was Sylvan’s brother-in-law.]

• William Armstrong and wife, Bessie Armstrong, Lizzie Burns and Gertie Robertson have gone to Milford to pick hops.

• At the Margaretville fair William Maynard’s fine horse, “Reputation” in the County race, won first money, $50. Time 2.59

• Miss Cara Sherman, of Davenport, has been secured as Primary teacher in the Centre school. School will begin Monday.

• Misses Nettie and Katie Downie, who have been guests at G.D. Miller’s, started this week on their return to their home in Cleveland, Ohio.

• Monday John Blair and Frank Graham went to Delhi quoits with Will Mable and Dan Shaw. The Bovina players won by a score of 9 to 7.

• It is stated that the milk from E.T. Gerry’s farm at Lake Delaware will soon be shipped to New York every day for use in the Gerry household.

• The stockholders of the up town creamery has elected W.L. White, W.L. Ruff, Richard and Russell McFarland and W.H. Maynard directors; and the directors have chose W.L. White president and manager of the company.

Needle in her Foot.

For some time Mrs. Joshua Hobbie, who resides in the upper part of Bovina, has been suffering severely with swollen foot, it was thought she would have to go to the hospital and undergo an operation.  Last week she was rubbing the afflicted member when she felt something sharp in the foot and called to others of the family and an examination showed that the point of a needle protruded and when pulled out by Mr. Hobbie it was found that with the exception of being broken at the eye the needle was intact.  How the needle got there is a mystery, as Mrs. Hobbie has no recollection of ever running a needle into herself.  She still has a very bad foot.

Another Pleasant Time.

The Misses Cora Armstrong and Edith Wight, of Andes, spent last Thursday and Friday with relatives in Bovina.  On Thursday they had the pleasure of meeting some of Bovina’s young people at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Hastings.  The party was pleasantly entertained throughout the evening by music, games, etc.  After refreshments were served and all had partaken bountifully of the repast, a recitation was pleasingly rendered by Miss Lamb.  The young people then returned to their several homes, much pleased with the evening’s enjoyment.  

Bovina, August 26, 1901.

A Cold Reception.

A Bovina correspondent writes:  In the year 1816 there was frost and ice every month in the year.  Some who arrived at Catskill on July 4, from Scotland, could skate stones across the river on the ice.  A pretty cold reception to a new country, but they had the stamina of the sturdy Scot in them and quailed not at this but struck deeper into the wilderness.

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

August 6, 1926

• Mrs. Georgia More, of Stamford, is a guest at Harry Robinson’s.

• Mr. and Mrs. James A. Gow spent last week with their two sons in Endicott.

• Mrs. Charles Wingard, of Scranton, Penn., is visiting her cousin, Mrs. Milton Stratton.

• Ralph Tuttle, son of Ellsworth Tuttle in Tuttle Hollow, had his hand severely torn by a horse jerking the chain halter shank thru it.

• E.M. Lyon, who works on the town highways, had a bolt driven thru his arm last week. He was dumping a load of stones from a Ford truck, when it came down on his arm.

• The newly elected officers of the Lake Delaware community Club are George Bye, president; Frank Graham, vice president; James Patterson, treasurer; Mrs. James Patterson, secretary.

• We understand that Mr. Cobbe, of Walton, has taken the contract to erect a new barn on the S.G. Bramley farm to replace the one burned July 23. It is stated that the building is to be up in a month. 

August 13, 1926

• Ledger Myers is visiting relatives at Binghamton.

• Mrs. Addie Cowan is moving to her house in the village.

• Harold Kern, of Buffalo, is a guest at the Dickson home.

• Mrs. Ruland, of Jefferson, has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Barnhart.

• Charles Hobbie, of Binghamton, has been visiting his sister, Mrs. William Archibald.

• Mrs. Bertha Stewart and children, of Long Island, is visiting her father, A.B. Phyfe.

• James Hilson and John Armstrong went to Cortland last Thursday after a part for Hilson Bros. truck.

• Rev. W.L. C. Samson, a former pastor of the U.P. church, has arrived in town to spend his vacation.

• Mrs. Craig will open a blacksmith shop here. He will move his family to rooms in William Boggs’ house.

• Dr. Jardine Hafele and family, from Canada, have been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hafele.

• William Aitkens and wife, of Elmhurst, Long Island, are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Aitkens.

• Miss Ruth Coulter and Miss Elizabeth Strangeway arrived home Saturday from their trip to Seattle, Washington.

• William Gordon and Lauren Dickson started Wednesday on a business trip to Florida. They make the trip by auto.

Native of Bovina. E.C. Dean Passed Away at Delhi on August 8, aged 71

Edward C. Dean, of Delhi, died of paralysis early Sabbath morning, August 8. Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon. Interment was in Bovina beside the body of his wife, who died about 10 years ago.

Mr. Dean was born in Bovina 71 years ago, the son of John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Dean and spent his early life in the township. He was at one time supervisor from the town. About 33 years ago he moved to Delhi and engaged with his brother-in-law, the late William H. Bramley, in the coal and feed business, the firm name being Dean & Bramley. Mr. Dean was formerly prominent in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church, but later changed his membership to the Second Presbyterian.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Harper, and two grandsons.

Coulter Reunion

The eight annual reunion of the descendants of Francis and Nancy Coulter will be held at D.W. Coulter’s in Walton, Wednesday, August 18, 1926. Each family please bring sandwiches and one other article, also dishes for family. Ruth Coulter, Sec.

August 20, 1926

• Miss Caroline Dickson is home from Ithaca.

• Miss Shirley Miller, of Walton, is visiting relatives in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Filkins and Miss Stevens, of Syracuse, spent over Wednesday night in town.

• John Grieg, the new blacksmith, moved his family from Chatham this week to W.S. Boggs’ house.

• Mrs. Alex Hilson and daughter, Miss Jane, arrived home from their western trip of five weeks on Monday.

• A good many went to Walton on Wednesday to attend the Coulter reunion. Over one hundred were present.

• The Bovina town picnic will be held Thursday, August 26. The Andes Band will furnish music. There will be a parade.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald, who have been attending summer school at the Albany Normal College, arrived home Saturday.

• The Graham reunion was held at the home of Harry Robinson on Wednesday. In spite of the rain there was a good attendance.

• Emory Wilber and Mr. and Mrs. John Nichol, and Miss Jennie Taylor of Worcester, spent the first of the week with Mrs. John Thomson. 

August 27, 1926

• Mrs. M.M. Boggs, of Albany, is visiting relatives in town.

• John Doig, of Delhi, is visiting his sister, Mrs. T.C. Strangeway. [Mrs. Strangeway was the former Margaret Jane Doig. John and Margaret were children of Walter A. Doig and Margaret Armstrong. John died in 1933 and Margaret in 1936.]

• Misses Rose DeSilva and Evelyn Liddle had their tonsils removed last week at Delhi.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Executor of Adelbert W. Baker to Federal Land Bank of Springfield, $50.

• James Frisbee and daughter, Miss Jennie, and Miss Sarah McMullin, of Delhi, were callers in town Wednesday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Myers and his sister, Mrs. William Thomson, from Endicott, visited their parents over Sabbath.

• Rev. W.L.C. Samson preached in the U.P. church Sabbath evening. He returned to his home in Pittsburg this week.

• Mrs. H.B. Schloss and three children, of Walton, have been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Smith in upper Bovina. [Mrs. Schloss was the former Helen Smith. Her parents were Wallace and Hattie (Redmond) Smith. She was married in 1921 to Horace Schloss. Helen died in 1990.]

• William Gavett, of Delhi, was severely scalded by steam Tuesday while employed at the Bovina Center Co-operative Creamery.

• Miss Lulu Hastings, daughter of Elmer Hastings, was married in New York City on August 25. The groom is from Saranac Lake. [Lulu married H. Putnam Fischer. She was widowed in 1933. For several years, she was the director of Nursing at Homer Folks hospital in Oneonta. She died in Saranac Lake in 1968.] 

• Mrs. Charles Scovel and two children, of Long Island, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Decker. Mrs. Scovel and daughter were taken ill a few days after their arrival. One doctor says it is measles and another insists that it is scarlet fever. The little son of Arthur Decker has now taken the disease. 

Taken to Hospital

Mrs. Alonzo Tuttle, of Lake Delaware, who has been in declining health for the past two years, was taken to the State Hospital at Binghamton recently for treatment. [Mrs. Tuttle was the former Martha Jane Redmond. She died in March 1927.]