This Day in Bovina for August

Here are the daily postings on the Bovina NY History Facebook page for August.

Agnes Bell (Aggie) Armstrong was born 145 years ago on August 1, 1872, the daughter of Frank C. Armstrong and Jennette Burns.  Sadly, she would die only three days later.  She is buried in the Bovina Cemetery.  Three years less one day after her death, the Armstrongs had another daughter that they named Agnes Jeanette.  Sadly, she too would die young, dying when only two months old.

Eighty-seven years ago today, August 2, 1930, this article appeared in the Binghamton Press.  Gilbert D. Miller was Bovina's last surviving Civil War veteran.  He would die a few months later on March 13, 1931.

Fifty years ago today, on August 3, 1967, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican, "Mrs. W.J. Storie, Mrs. Eugene Vandenbord [Mrs. Storie's daughter], Miss Janice Vandenbord and Miss Marian McPherson visited Mrs. H.K. Galloway at Cambridge…" They returned the next day. Five days later, Mrs. Storie would pass away unexpectedly at the age of 76.

Esther Maynard was born 184 years ago today, August 4, 1833, the daughter of Isaac Maynard and Jane Falconer.  She would marry Edward Combs and died on her 63rd birthday in Delancey in 1896.  She is buried in Bovina, where a memorial stone was erected in April 1897 by Woodburn and Smyth of Delhi.

Fifty years ago today, on August 5, 1967, Fred Ganger died unexpectedly at his home in Delhi. A native of Germany, he had a farm for a number of years on Cape Horn Road before retiring to Delhi.

Fifty-three years ago today, August 6, 1964, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express, “Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rabeler and her mother, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rabeler, and two daughters, Richard Jardine and sister Martha, and Tanya Lay took the bus from Delhi to the Worlds Fair at New York….."

133 years ago today, the August 7, 1884 Gilboa Monitor reported that "Thirty fresh air children have been domiciled in Bovina."

122 years ago today, August 8, 1895, there was a 'theft' at the home of Rev. Hayes. It was briefly reported in the Andes Recorder: "At the reception at Rev. Hayes' last Thursday evening some one borrowed two cakes."

125 years ago today, on August 9, 1892, as later reported in the Delaware Republican, "T.A. Archibald had one of his nice gray horses killed by lightning…"

One hundred ninety years today, on August 10, 1827, George Laidlaw was born in Scotland, the son of David Laidlaw and Helen Knox Hart.  He came to America as a child and married Janet Hume in Delhi.  They would have five children.  George died at the age of 49 in 1877 and is buried in Bovina.

115 Years Ago today, on August 11, 1898, the Board of Railroad Commissioners of the State of New York held a public hearing on the application of the Delaware Railroad Company to lay a railroad from Delhi to Andes, with a spur to Bovina.  Here's the Public Notice as published in the August 6 Delaware Republican.

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 12, 1943 Delaware Republican reported that "Miss Kate Birdsall, who is in nurses' training at Vassar Hospital, Poughkeepsie, is home on vacation." She likely also was home for the wedding of her cousin, Catherine Banuat. The same column reported that Marjorie Russell gave a shower in honor of Catherine.

123 years ago today, August 13, 1894, James Hastings, Sr., one of Bovina's oldest citizens, died at the residence of his son James.  He was 97 years old.  That same day, the contract for building the bridges at the Butt End and at John Thompson's was let to a gentleman from Bloomville, for about $900.  This was related to repairing flood damage earlier in the summer.

Sixty-four years ago today, on August 14, 1953, this photograph was taken of the "Beacon Lights" Sunday School class. The class met to hold a surprise party for Mrs. William J. Storie in honor of 25 years teaching the class. The class held a program on the theme 1928, including a history in photographs, popular songs and a fashion parade. Unfortunately, this is the best quality copy I have of the photo. If anyone has one that is better, I'd love to know. Front:  Elizabeth Mabon, Marion McPherson, Marian Spear, Vera Storie, Mary Burgin, Helen Hall; Second: Stella McPherson, Marjorie Walley, Ruth McGowan, Eleanor Archibald, Bea Thompson, Helen Burns, Dorothy Russell, Margaret McPherson, Marjorie Russell, Celia Coulter, Grace Roberts, Helen McDivitt; Third:  Helen Forrest, Mrs. Stanley McMaster, her guest from Canada, Leona LaFever, Gladys Lay, Laura LaFever, Helen Tyrrell, Gladys Doig, Doris Rabeler, Margaret Gordon, Rae Vandenbord 

Seventy-five years ago today, on August 15, 1942, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "State highway employees have made a recent check of the number of vehicles passing at various points in this section." The report noted that passenger car travel was down significantly from the year before. For the "Bovina Center road at intersection with Delhi-Andes Road (County Route 6 and State Route 28)" there were 139 cars that day.

Sixty-five years ago today, on August 16, 1952, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "An amateur show for the benefit of the Bovina library was held … at the Community hall. It was directed by George Duphily. Twelve others took part. There were selections of music, songs and two movies. About 75 were in attendance for which a nice sum was realized. Much credit is due Mr. Duphily and others who helped to make it a success."

137 years ago today, the August 17, 1880 Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror reported that "an ice-cream sociable, in the interest of the M.E. Church, was held at the house of Mrs. Loughran … proceeds amounting to $10.65."

124 years ago today, the following item appeared in the August 18, 1893 Andes Recorder - "Bovina is noted for its great butter - pure Jersey butter that is a strong competitor of Elgin [Illinois], and is growing in favor with the butter men every year.  A correspondent says: 'When we were young 100 pounds of butter per cow was a fair average; now from 300 to 400 pounds per cow does not satisfy the Bovina dairyman.  We expect, if they keep on grading their stock, by the time of the next centennial the Bovina cow will be giving butter instead of milk.'"

The Seventh Annual Coulter Family Reunion was held ninety-two years ago today on August 19, 1925 at three residences in Bovina Center, George Russell's (the Robson House), James Thomson's (the Pelletier house) and Harvey C. Burgin's (the Jason and Lisa Stanton house).

Ninety-eight years ago yesterday, on August 20, 1919, one hundred and fifty relatives attended the Archibald reunion held on Wednesday at home of William J. Archibald.

134 years ago today, the August 21, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "Coulter Bros. have taken their portable sawmill to Shavertown to do a large job of sawing at that place."

122 years ago today, on August 22, 1895, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "Five tramps passed through this village Wednesday morning."

105 years ago today, on August 23, 1912, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Considerable damage was done last Friday in Bovina by a high wind of a cyclone nature which accompanied a heavy rain. At the R.C. Scott place the roof was torn off a barn used as a store house, only a little on one end remaining. Four trees along the road side had large limbs torn off and were twisted and shattered. On the Stephen Russell road tops were twisted out of two large trees and landed across the road." The Scott place is the McPherson farm at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet.

Ninety-one years ago today on August 24, 1926, William Gavett of Delhi, was severely scalded by steam Tuesday while employed at the Bovina Center Co-operative Creamery.

106 years ago today, the Andes Recorder for August 25, 1911 reported in its Bovina column that "William Burns arrived home….from a trip to Alberta, Canada." The same column also reported that "Miss Hannah Coulter is having lightning rods put on her barn in Coulter Brook."

The descendants of David, William and Berry Miller held their annual reunion ninety-three years ago today (August 26, 1924). The reunion was held at Belle Miller's (now Amy Burns' and Tom Lamport's house across from Russell's Store). Later newspaper reports said that about 75 people were present but that "several families were not represented."

Seventy-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 27, 1942 Delaware Republican reported that "Mrs. Margaret K. Gladstone of Suffern, N.Y., is visiting relatives in town."

Eighty-nine years ago today, on August 28, 1928, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, Bovina resident "Miss Caroline Dickson arrived home…from her European trip. Her sister, Mrs. Curran accompanied her here." Caroline had left for Europe on July 6. She had arrived back in New York harbor two days before on the "Carona," which had left from LeHavre on August 18. This is the passenger list from the Carona, downloaded from Ancestry.com, showing her listing. 

Eliza T. McDonald was born 179 years ago today on August 29, 1838, the daughter of Henry McDonald and Margaret Donald.  She was married to Andrew T. Coulter in 1861, by whom she had four children before being widowed in 1867 when her husband died of consumption (in my house, as it so happens).  She remarried in 1878 to William Richardson, himself a widower and the grandfather of Isabell Irvine Russell.  Eliza died in 1911.

106 years ago today, the August 30, 1911 Andes Recorder reported 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."

156 years ago today, on August 31, 1861, Alphonzo Lee died at the age of 54. As later reported in the Delaware Gazette, Lee was "respected and esteemed among those with whom he had business or social relations. Kind and indulgent as a husband and father, accommodating as a neighbor, and benevolent as a man and christian, his memory will long be held dear by those who have enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship."

Faces of Bovina - Craig and Thelma Banuat

On August 20, 1952, Thelma Galusha married David Craig Banuat in Oneonta. Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took photographs of the wedding, including the one used in the Oneonta Daily Star, August 22, 1952 issue:

And here's one that wasn't in the paper!

David Craig Banuat, more commonly known as Craig, was born in 1915 in Bovina, the son of Anthony and Margaret (Craig) Banuat. He grew up on the Banuat Family farm on East Bramley Mountain. At the time he married Thelma, he was working at the Fulton County Silk Mill in Gloversville. He likely met Thelma in Gloversville, where she was a teacher.

Thelma was born in Schenectady in 1919, the daughter of Leroy and Irene (Martin) Galusha. Thelma’s father died when she was eight. For a time after their father’s death, Thelma and her older brother Merl lived in the Upstate Baptist Children’s home near Oneonta while their mother worked as a maid. Thelma attended the teacher’s college in Oneonta and received her Master’s degree in 1952. She taught for several years in Union Grove, Coe Hill, Andes and in the Gloversville School system. She retired from teaching in 1953 when they moved to the Banuat family farm.

These three images below at the Banuat farm were taken by Paul Klein. Paul worked for Banuats in the 60s/70s.

Thelma’s brother Merl tragically died in March 1972 in the crash of a Mohawk Airlines passenger plane in Albany. He was one of 17 who died in the accident. Thelma died of cancer in 1980 at the age of 60. Craig died in the summer of 1987. They both are buried in Andes near Craig’s parents and other Craig relatives. 

August 1917 - 100 Years Ago "In That Thriving Town"

100 years ago in August 1917, Bovina saw the death of long time merchant Thomas E. Hastings, who once owned what is now Russell’s Store.

August 3, 1917

·         John A. Irvine had a fine heifer killed by lightning Sabbath afternoon.

·         Thomas, son of Herbert Olmstead, is on the sick list.  It is reported that he has the measles.

·         W.H. Taff has purchased a five passenger Maxwell touring car from W.J. Roney, of Andes.

·         Abram Brandow, a civil war veteran, was taken ill Tuesday at his home at the head of Hobbie Mountain.

·         Dr. and Mrs. Norris B. Whitcomb were at Walton to witness the departure of Co. F., for southern camp.

·         Clarence, the seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Whitehead, was operated upon Friday at the Neal hospital in Delhi, for the removal of adenoids.

·         Miss Freda Muller, who a few weeks ago underwent an operation in New York for goiter, is with her sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber in Andes, and is very much improved in health.

·         Miss Marjorie Allen, who is employed at Ellsworth Tuttle’s, was taken suddenly ill Sabbath morning and was taken to Delhi and operated upon at the Neal hospital Sabbath afternoon for appendicitis.  The operation was performed by Dr. Latcher, assisted by Dr. Ormiston and Dr. Whitcomb and she is doing well.

Bovina House Struck by Lightning

            During the severe electrical storm which passed over Bovina late Sabbath afternoon, the lightning entered the farmhouse of John Storie, up Pink street, on the telephone wire and filled the room with fire.  Fortunately it did not fire the house and the only damage done was the putting of the telephone out of commission.

August 10, 1917

·         Alva Shultis is the proud possessor of a new Ford car.

·         Fletcher Davidson is home for a few days from the Camp at Spartenberg, South Carolina.

·         J. Millard Blair of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is spending his vacation with his parents.

·         Dr. and Mrs. Whitcomb and Rev. Thos E. Graham and wife are camping for a week near Walton.

·         Andrew T. Doig and Walter G. Coulter went to Utica on Tuesday and returned with a new 1918 Cadillac car.

·         The Town Board of Education will meet Thursday to visit the various school houses and decide on what repairs are needed.

Bovina at the Head

            The dogs in Bovina were all licensed or properly accounted for on August 1.  The report of that fact was the first received by the State department.

Native of Bovina Dead

            G.D. Miller received word that Thomas Downie, a native of Bovina, died August 6, at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, of stomach trouble.  He went to Cleveland many years ago and for a number of years conducted a shoe store, retiring a few years ago.  He had returned to his native town several times, his last visit being two years ago.  He has a brother, Jas Downie, living in Oneonta.  His wife died 8 years ago and he is survived by 9 children.  Burial was at Cleveland on Wednesday.

August 17, 1917

·         A reunion of the Thomson family was held at Dixon Thomson’s Wednesday.

·         W.D. Oliver and wife accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller motored to Delhi Saturday afternoon.

·         The W.T.C.U. was disappointed in not having the temperance lecture which was announced for Thursday night. Miss Tangeu was unable to come. They are promised another speaker for Friday night.

Reaches Ripe Old Age

Thomas E. Hastings, Retired Bovina Center Merchant Dead

            Thomas E. Hastings passed away at his home in Bovina Center August 8, at the age of 88 years, having been in failing health for the past four years.

            He was born in Bovina on April 1, 1829, and had always resided in the town.  He began his business career in 1852, by forming a partnership with James Elliott in a store near the bridge and two years later W.D. Telford bought out Elliott. This firm moved to the Judge Cowan store which with the lot now occupied by his home had been bought by Mr. Hastings.  In 1860 he became sole owner and from 1866 and for two years was associated with J.K. Hood.  From 1868 to 1870 he was out of business, and during that time got out lumber for a new store. In 1893 he sold the store and business to the present owner, Andrew T. Doig.  He then engaged in the feed business until four years ago, and has since that time, though afflicted with no disease, been on gradual decline.

            In 1859 he married Miss Jane Blair, who died in 1887.  Four sons and one dauter, all of whom are living, were born to them.  They are James B. of Cape May, N.J., Elmer E. of Saranac Lake, William E. of Oneonta, Milton T. of Bovina Center, and Miss Jane Hastings of Fleischmanns.  One brother James E. Hastings of Bovina, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Miller of Colliers, also survive.

August 24, 1917

·         John and James Hilson were at Cortland last week to have a new frame fitted to their auto truck.

·         Miss Jane Hilson returned Saturday from Columbia University, where she had been attending summer school.

·         The officers of the Bovina Town Board of Education are Walter Coulter chairman; Thomas Gordon, clerk; Jas. W. Thomson, treasurer.

·         A fire caused slight damage at John W. McCune’s on Monday afternoon.  Mrs. McCune was canning and using the oil stove.  A shelf over the stove had become loose and tipped three lamps with their contents onto the oil stove.  Of course there was a big blaze but it was soon extinguished by Mrs. McCune with the aid of some of the neighbors. [This is now the home of Stephen & Glenna MacGrotty on Maple Avenue.]

August 31, 1917

·         A re-union of the Doig family was held Thursday at the home of Douglas Burns.  The Thomson re-union will be held Friday at John Campbell’s.

·         Rev. J.A. Mahaffey, John A. Irvine and Miss Lela Miller started Monday morning for a western trip.  The later will visit her brother in Minneapolis.

·         Mr. and Mrs. Earl Shaw, of Albany, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomson.  Mrs. Thomson had the misfortune to fall recently and break her leg.

·         Alex Myers has been laid up this week with a sore foot.  Tuesday he drove the team of Ted Fuller to the creamery with the milk and while he was loading the empty cans the team started to turn sharp around.  In order to save his little grandson he jumped and landed behind one horse.  He succeeded in getting hold of one line and swung the team around and stopped them. What he hit when he jumped he does not know but his right heel was injured so that he could not step on it.