Sunday, December 31, 2017

This Day in Bovina for December 2017

Here are the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page entries for December 2017:

102 years ago today, December 1, 1915, the Hilson Bros new feed store was dedicated "by a dance with 57 numbers." This is photo of the feed store taken in the 1990s.

Seventy-six years ago today, on December 2, 1941, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican, "Mr. and Mrs. Gay Hafele received word…from California of the death of Mrs. Carrie Doig, the widow of the late Andrew Doig. The remains are on the way here for burial in the Bovina Cemetery." Andrew Doig owned what is now Russell's Store until 1919 when he sold it to Cecil Russell. He died unexpectedly in 1924.

110 years ago, on December 3, 1907, Miss Jennie Dickson died at the home of her nephew, Dr. G.J. Dickson, aged 79 years.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "She sustained a shock several weeks ago.  She was a dauter of Gilbert Dickson and was born in Scotland, but most of her life was spent on homestead farm above New Kingston." The funeral and burial took place on December 5 in Bovina.

119 years ago today, on December 4, 1898, former Bovina farmer Duncan Campbell died in Andes.  His passing was reported a few days later in the Andes Recorder:  "While he has not been in the best of health for some time he was seen on our streets last Wednesday and was taken ill that night.  He was born in Scotland, December 24, 1817, and came to this country in 1820, when it took forty-two days to come across the ocean.  In 1857 he was married and came to Bovina and farmed it for thirty-five years, and in 1893 he moved to this village where has since lived.  The funeral was held Tuesday in the Reformed Presbyterian church the sermon being preached by Rev. T. Slater, and the interment made in the new cemetery.  He leaves a wife and seven children, two sons and five daughters."

Sixty years ago today, on December 5, 1957, Anthony Banuat died. His obituary in the Oneonta Star noted that "A native of Calicoon Center, he was born October 28, 1878, son of Henry and Mary (Zahsniks) Banuat. He married Margaret Craig of Andes September 2, 1914. He is the last of 11 children. He owned and operated a farm on Bramley Mountain, Bovina Center for 40 years." Anthony was survived by his son David (known to many as Craig) and three daughters, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, Mrs. Catherine Foster and Miss Marjorie Banuat, the latter serving at the time as a missionary teaching in the Sudan. Anthony was buried in Andes.

Ninety nine years ago today, on December 6, 1918, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "A party was held at A.P. Lee’s.... Dancing was indulged in."

Eighty-eight years ago today, on December 7, 1929, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "M.O. Miller while at the farm in Bovina last Saturday was injured by a horse, and was brought to the office of Dr. C.L. Wakeman, who found that his right shoulder had been dislocated. He will be compelled to favor the injured member for some time but it is hoped that no other trouble may develop." This likely is Mural Oliver Miller, who would have been 33 at the time of this accident. He recovered and was 79 at his death in 1976.

Eighty nine years ago today, on December 8, 1928, Mrs. John McCune fell while hurrying across the street to avoid an on-coming car and sustained a sprained ankle.  That same day, David LaFever, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benson LaFever, was born at the LaFever home, about a mile from Bovina Center.  David lived less than two years, dying in March 1930.

116 years ago today, on December 9, 1901, Spillman Riggs, lecturer, whistler, musical impersonator appeared at Strangeway's Hall. 

The thermometer registered from 2 to 5 degrees below zero 117 years ago today on December 10, 1900.

134 years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 11, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported that "William Thomson, who met with the accident last week, we learn does not improve as well as was at first expected. The arm does not heal, and fears are entertained for his recovery." This was William Thomson, son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Thomson. He was 75 years old when he lost his arm in a thresher. William died about two months after the accident on January 30, 1884 from pneumonia, caused in part from the loss of his arm and his age.

Abigail Fuller was born 163 years ago today on December 12, 1854.  The daughter of James Seacord and Esther Close, she married Thomas Fuller in 1878 and was widowed in 1913.  Abigail died on her 79th birthday, December 12, 1933 (eighty four years ago today).

122 years ago, the December 13, 1895 issue of the Andes Recorder reported that "A club called 'Patrons of Industry' has been organized at Bovina, with Sloan Archibald, president and A.T. Russell, vice president.  It is proposed to establish a store at the Butt End and buy their supplies at wholesale, and thus dispense with the profits of the middlemen."  It is not clear how long the organization operated, though there are references in the Andes Recorder to about 1898 about the activities of the Patrons. The Patrons of Industry was an agarian group, somewhat like the Grange, created to support and promote agriculture. The group was active in Delhi into the early 19th century but by World War I all references to the group in the area disappear.

Ninety-four years ago today, the Andes Recorder in its December 14, 1923 issue reported that the "Bovina Dairymen have received notice that they must put in three tons of ice per cow.  Must want the milk made into ice cream."

Seventy years ago today, on December 15, 1947, Bovina native Harold Campbell was injured while working at a saw mill in Monticello - he was struck by a piece of wood. He developed pneumonia and died a few days later at the age of 53. Harold had moved to Monticello from Bovina about two years previously. His surviving sisters were Evelyn Campbell and Eleanor Worden.

Ninety-one years ago today, on December 16, 1926, M.T. Hastings sent this bill to Town of Bovina Highway department. 


Seventy-five years ago today, on December 17, 1942, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express reported that "Delbert Dickson is laid up with a sore hand which he had crushed while working on the truck he was using."

Seventy-six years ago today, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican for December 18, 1941 reported that "Mrs. Sara Archibald is much improved in health; she is able to be about the house part of the day. Her daughter, Mrs. Charles Lichtenberg returned to her home in Massachusetts last week; she had been with her mother for a month."

Ninety-one years ago today, on December 19, 1926, Loren Dickson took ill while visiting his mother in Bovina. It was later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror as follows: "Attorney Loren Dickson, who returned home last week to spend Christmas with his mother and sisters was taken suddenly ill with appendicitis on Sunday [December 19] and had to be removed to the Delhi hospital for an immediate operation. The young man is reported to be getting along at this time as well as can be expected." Loughran Dickson was the son of the late Dr. Gilbert Dickson and was living in Binghamton at this time. He survived this operation but nine months later, on October 30, 1927, died very suddenly in Binghamton.

Wallace Smith, Bovina's Supervisor-elect, died 74 years ago today, December 20, 1943, at the Delhi hospital.  Smith had been elected Supervisor in November, to succeed Charles Lee, whom he defeated.  Smith was a Democrat and had served two previous terms as Supervisor.  He was 70 years old at the time of his death.  On January 6, 1944, the Bovina Town Board voted to appoint Charles Lee as Supervisor for one year to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Smith.  Lee went on to win election to the position in November 1944.

Ninety-three years ago today, on December 21, 1924, Gladys Reinertsen was born, the daughter of Andrew and Sophia [Larsen] Reinertsen. She grew up in Bovina and married Clark Lay  in 1946. She and Clark raised their four daughters in Bovina. Clark died in 2004. Gladys passed away in 2011. These photos were taken on Clark and Gladys's wedding day in November 1946 by Bob Wyer (courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association).

Jane, the 15 month old daughter of Walter Coulter and Margaret Storie, died 188 years ago today on December 22, 1829.  Out of the twelve children that Walter and Margaret would have, four would die before reaching adulthood - a fifth child, their eldest daughter, died six weeks after her marriage.

122 years ago today, on December 23, 1895, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Bovina had a case of Kidnapping on Monday evening. Archie VanBramer came to W.B. Thompson's to see his wife, a daughter of Mr. Thompson, and his child and had the child brought out to the wagon and then took it into the wagon and sent his wife to the house on some trivial excuse and in her absence, drove away with the child. The child has not yet been recovered. It is thought that Van Bramer hopes to secure money for the return of the child." The Andes Recorder reported in its January 17, 1896 issue that Van Bramer brought the child back "of his own accord, after having caused the family lots of trouble and worry. If he has any shame about him he should be ashamed of his recent capers." I'm not sure which Thomson/Thompson this was, but there was a William B. Thomson (1843-1929) and he had a daughter Cora. I have not confirmed this is the same person yet.

123 years ago today, on December 24, 1894, Alexander Storie wrote this diary entry: "Cold last night. Sunshine in the morning. John doing the chores. He went down to Mr. Millers towards night and bought a turkey for Christmas. He went to Brushland in the evening. James C[?] came up in the evening. Harry[?] came with him." John likely refers to his son John Storie. Mr. Miller probably is Michael Miller, who lived just down the road from Alex. I am not sure who James and Harry were. Alexander Storie lived on Pink Street on what is now the Tom Burns farm. 

121 years ago today on December 25, 1896, a "Christmas tree" was held at Strangeway's Hall.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, it "was a success and well attended.  There were lots of presents for the children and some of the older folks were in luck.  Everyone enjoyed themselves apparently."

Ninety-eight years today, the December 26, 1919 issue of the Andes Recorder reported that "In addition to the new highways to be constructed in Delaware County during 1920, the 2.34 miles of the Bovina Center state road will be re-constructed with concrete."  This likely refers to a section of what is now County Route 6.

120 years ago, on December 27, 1897, the thermometer registered sixteen degrees below zero at the Butt End.  This was the coldest so far that winter.

123 years ago today in the December 28, 1894 issue of the Andes Recorder reported in the Bovina column that the "butter market is very dull. Many of our farmers have not yet sold and those who have cannot get the buyers to take the butter away."

118 years ago, in the December 29, 1899 issue of the Andes Recorder in the Bovina column, the following appeared:  "A new order just received from the State Department forbids the acceptance of any excuse from pupils except for sickness, and that only on the certificate of a physician. Take warning."

A notice from the Andes Recorder, dated 150 years ago today:  "Estray – Came to the premises of the subscriber, on or about the 16th of December, a Newfoundland dog.  The owner can have the same by proving property and paying charges. Jas. Coulter, Bovina Valley, Dec. 30, 1867." Bovina Valley is now the Lake Delaware area.  And no, I have not found out if anyone ever came forward to claim the dog.


151 years ago today, December 31, 1866, the Bovina UP Church session passed the following resolution: “Whereas Elder Wm Thomson has for the past 18 months failed to perform his duties as an elder and whereas Mr. Thomson has not given to Session any reason for this course, or formerly tendered his resignation of the office of Elder, and whereas it is desirable that there be a free interchange of views between Session and Mr. T. therefore Res[olved] That Mr. Wm Thomson be again cited to appear before Session to either tender his resignation or give excuse for his neglect of duty.  Res[olved] 2nd That in case Mr. Thomson refuse or neglect to appear at the next meeting of Session, his case be referred directly to the Presbytery for its actions and instruction.  Res[olved] 3 That a copy of the above resolution be given to Mr Thomson, with his citation to appear at the next meeting of Session on the 22nd of January 1867.”  Thomson ultimately resumed his duties.  His absence was due to a family squabble that is further documented in the Bovina NY History blog for May 5 and 17, 2011.  http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/05/brothers-in-law-part-i.html

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