This Day in Bovina for December 2019

Here are the December daily postings on the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page:

108 years ago today, the December 1, 1911 Andes Recorder reported in its Bovina column that "180 barrels of dry milk were shipped from the Dry Milk plant here, to Vienna, Austria."

109 years ago today, on December 2, 1910, the Delaware County tuberculosis crusade held "two sessions at Bovina Center…, one for the benefit of the school children in the afternoon, the other in the hall at 7:45 in the evening."

Seventy years ago today, on December 3, 1949, Marjorie Russell received this letter from Bresee's Department Store in Oneonta: 

107 years ago today, the December 4, 1912 issue of the Delaware Gazette reported that "DeWitt C. Sharpe, Jr., a Bovina farmer living on the old Elisha B. Maynard place, filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy Saturday with liabilities of $2438 and no assets except those claimed as exempt. There are about 20 in Bovina including Johnson Brothers who have a claim for $1,100. The other creditors are located in Bloomville, Stamford and Bovina Center."

297 years ago today, on December 5, 1722, Bathsheba Brush was born. She was the mother of early Bovina settler Alexander Brush. She came to live with her son later in life and died in 1803. She is buried in the Brush cemetery next to what is now the library.

Thirty-six years ago today, the December 6, 1983 Stamford Mirror-Recorder carried this story about the resolution of a boundary dispute between Bovina and Andes. 

Seventy-five years ago today, the December 7, 1944 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express carried in its Bovina column this list of new books at the Bovina Public Library. 

109 years ago today, on December 8, 1910, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "Two yearlings, part of a dairy of Wm. Smith, a large farmer of this town [Bovina] died last night of Paris green poisoning and four or five other cattle are sick, but it is expected they will recover. The Paris green was part of a can which had been used last summer and was placed on a shelf above the stanchions in the stable by Larry Mitchell, a farm hand in the employ of Smith. Mr. Smith did not know that the Paris green had been placed in the stable and was greatly surprised when he found that his cattle had eaten the poison. It appears that the can had been knocked off the shelf and the contents got into the feeding buckets."

112 years ago today, on December 9, 1907, Mary Brown was born, the daughter of James Brown and Nancy D. Coulter. She married Edwin M. 'Ted' Burgin in Delhi in 1925. They farmed for many years on the Burgin homestead at Route 28 and County Route 6. Mary was widowed in 1993 and passed away in 2004 at the age of 96.

Sixty-nine years ago today, on December 10, 1950, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "Mrs. Richard Crosley held a party for her music students and their parents at the [Bovina] church parlors… Twenty five were present. Much credit is due Mrs. Crosley in her untiring efforts to further her class in their talents of music." Mrs. Crosley lived on Cape Horn Road.

Ninety-three years ago today, on December 11, 1926, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Bovina defeated Bloomville at basketball here Saturday [Dec 11] evening by the score of 26 to 20."

115 years ago today, on December 12, 1904, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, Jacob Bailey of Bovina died quite suddenly. The paper noted that "we have been able to get but few particulars, but he seems to have been quite seriously afflicted with asthma of late and his ailment is thought to have been complicated with heart trouble that resulted fatally." The paper went on to note that Bailey had lived on his farm near Lake Delaware for many years. He had just sold the farm and had only about a week before moved into Bovina Center. The death notice concluded by noting that Jacob "has always been regarded as a good neighbor, a faithful friend, an exemplary husband and father, one of the best citizens of that town."

142 years ago today, on December 13, 1877, Andrew H. Archibald was born, the son of Barbara H. Archibald. Barbara was the daughter of Andrew Archibald and Elizabeth McFarland. There is no information as to who his father was. Barbara died nine days later. Her son only survived her by about three months, dying in March 1878.

180 years ago today, on December 14, 1839, Walter Coulter, the Bovina Commissioner of Common Schools, submitted this report of monies received from the County Treasurer for use in the twelve Bovina school districts.

Ninety-eight years ago today, on December 15, 1921, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Bovina had a double wedding last Thursday evening, December 15.  The contracting parties were Miss Viola Russell and Wilfred Barnhart, both of this town, and Alfred Russell, of Bovina, and Miss Katherine Oliver, of Delhi.  Mrs. Russell is a granddaughter of the late Walter Amos of southern Bovina." Wilford and Viola Barnhart lived on Pink Street and had six children. Alfred and Katherine Russell had four children.

Seventy-six years ago today, the December 16, 1943 Delaware Republican published this relatively brief "Bovina Centre" column. 

Seventy-seven years ago, the December 17, 1942 Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported that "The body of Mrs. Ella Cable was brought here from Delhi on Friday for burial. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson, Mrs. John Hilson, Mrs. Aggie Draffen and others from here attended the funeral at Delhi."

197 years ago today, on December 18, 1822, Thomas H. Johnston was born, the son of Andrew Johnston and Mary Hamilton. His father would die when he was only 15. His mother took over management of the Johnston Woolen Mill. Thomas would take over when he was an adult. He married Violet Hamilton and had four children. Thomas was one day past 70 when he died in 1892.

155 years ago today, on December 19, 1864, Close Light died. Born in 1792, Light was a War of 1812 Veteran. More information about Light can be seen at the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2012/06/war-of-1812.html

140 years ago today, the December 20, 1879 Delaware Republican had this item: "A correspondent of the Unadilla Times, says: The prize speaking on Friday evening, in chapel hall, Franklin, did credit to the participants and was listened to with attention by a large audience. The 1st prize was awarded to James Hastings, of Bovina…." This probably was James Blair Hastings (1860-1920). More about James' life is on my blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2012/07/lightning-strike-in-bovina-120-years-ago.html

Seventy-five years ago today, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican Express for December 21, 1944 reported that "Isabelle Monroe, who is attending Westminster College at New Wilmington, Pa., is spending her holiday vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Monroe." Isabelle would marry Arthur 'Tex' Deter in 1951. She passed away in June 2018 at the age of 92.

110 years ago, on the evening of December 22, 1909, William McNee died suddenly. He was 60 years old. The Andes Recorder reported his death: "Mr. McNee had worked all day at the Center creamery assisting in putting in the ice and his part of the work was to take the cakes as they came on to the platform and get them to the elevator. After completing his work there he went home and cleaned the sidewalk and then went to the outhouse. Mrs. McNee, after keeping supper waiting for half an hour or more, became alarmed and went to see what was the cause of the delay and he was found lying just inside of the door of the outhouse, and he had apparently dropped dead as he entered. It was known that Mr. NcNee had valvular trouble of the heart and it is supposed that the over exertion of handling the heavy cakes of ice was responsible for his death. Mr. McNee was born on Scotch Mountain but for many years has been a resident of this town.  He married Euphema Doig, youngest daughter of the late William Doig and she, with three sons and a daughter, survives him."

115 years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 23, 1904 Andes Recorder reported that "Civil Engineer W.W. Hoy is visiting his mother, Mrs. John R. Hoy. He has just returned from India, where he has been employed." William Wilson Hoy was born in 1872 in Bovina. He lived for some time in Pennsylvania before settling in California, where he died in 1967 at the age of 94.

129 years ago today, on December 24, 1890, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "The Bovina Centre Brass Band will give a concert Christmas eve and the evening following."  Image courtesy of Tom Hoy: 

Seventy-eight years ago today, the December 25, 1941 Catskill Mountain News reported on the American Red Cross's appeal for a "fifty million dollar War Relief fund.." The paper noted that the "Bovina-Lake Delaware branch had its Red Cross Victory Christmas tree ready to decorate…" It was decorated with crosses, each one representing "$50 given to the War Relief fund." The campaign chair, Tom Wallis, "announced that farmers were being asked to contribute a can of milk to the fund on Christmas day." The paper noted that "although some of the farmers do not have the ready cash to contribute to the fund just at this time, they are giving orders on their January milk checks."

131 years ago today, the December 26, 1888 issue of the Delaware Gazette reported that "The school at Bovina Center was closed a few days on account of diphtheria, and at Bovina, on account of measles. Both schools have commenced again, there being no more cases."

137 years ago today, the December 27, 1882 Delaware Gazette reported under "Bovina Items" this item: "Rev. J.L. Scott and bride have been expected at Bovina for several days. We learn that there will be a family reception for them at his father's to-day, Monday. Happiness attend them." This is John Loughran Scott, who was married on December 20 in Fishkill, NY to Elizabeth Laurens. They had two children, both named Lauren. The first Lauren died as an infant. The second Lauren lived to the age of 23 but spent much of his life in an institution. Rev. Scott died in Philadelphia in 1919, survived by his wife, and was buried in Connecticut near his son. I do not know when his wife died.

Eighty-two years ago today, on December 28, 1937, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The Bovina Center basketball team suffered defeat Tuesday night at the hands of the Unadilla town team by a score of 28 to 23, on the winner’s court.  The Unadilla girls defeated the Bovina girls 23 to 15.

198 years ago today, on December 29, 1821, Jonathan Adee was born. He married Henrietta Kipp (born about 1823). They would have three children and farmed on Cape Horn Road for many years. Jonathan died in 1902 at the age of 80. Henrietta died about four years later.

111 years ago today, the December 30, 1908 Delaware Gazette reported the following: "Elmer Doig, of Bovina, the 7 year old son of Milton Doig, recently harnessed a pair of horses and drove three miles to the Center and returned home with a load of grain."

140 years ago today, the December 31, 1879 Delaware Gazette reported that "Dea[con] Thomas McFarland, of Bovina, one of the best farmers in America and a veteran subscriber to the Gazette, was in town [Delhi] yesterday. It is never a bad day when the Deacon is in town."

Bovina Bicentennial Celebration, Update 12

We are two months away from Bovina's 200th Birthday. With it being the holidays, planning on the celebration has been on hold, though we continue to bring in money for the celebration fund, including selling posters and books. At the end of the year, we have over $7,000 in the fund. 

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, we will have a party at the community hall from 6 - 9 pm to celebration Bovina's actual birthday. Bring a dish to pass (cake will be provided!). 

We need volunteers for several committees for the big celebration on August 1:

Fundraising - Responsible for raising the celebration funds. I have been actively seeking grant funding, but we need to reach out to local businesses and people who want to help with the celebration. The plan is to include a commemorative booklet where these donations can be acknowledged.

Parade - Responsible for getting marching units, including floats, bands, and any other participants, as well as handling organizing the actual parade. The Bovina Fire Department will handle traffic control, but the committee will coordinate with the department. 

Food/Vendor Tent - The event under the tent will celebrate Bovina's history and community. It would be great to have local people selling their wares, but it also would be nice to have different displays relating to the town and its people. This committee would invite vendors/participants appropriate to our celebration of our town's history and community. I've already lined up a couple of food vendors and an ice cream vendor. 

Evening music - Responsible for an evening program with local musicians, ending with a bonfire (and roasting weinies and s'mores). This committee would need to approach various musicians and explore whether or not we will want a stage (and if so, the cost). Some discussions with local musicians have already started.

So please contact me if you are interested in being involved - or be prepared for a phone call early in 2020 asking for your help! Thanks.

A Foot Race at the Hook - 1867

152 years ago, the Delaware Republican published three letters to the editor concerning a race on December 3, 1867 at “The Hook,” the area known today as Lake Delaware. The race being mentioned likely is a foot race. The first letter, dated December 5, was published in the December 14, 1867 Delaware Republican:

We think the race of Tuesday, 3d inst., worthy of note; it was a dash of fifty yards, between Horace C Hogeboom of this place and Ed Mason of Delhi, for a purse of $20. The score was won by Hogaboom by about four feet, Mason having won a race here some two weeks previous, with James Elliot, (who had been playing base ball all day, and from other causes, was in no condition for running) by about two feet, claimed the championship, and came on Tuesday, wit[h] his friends, and challenged the town for fifty dollars, Hogaboom did not wish to run, and they prepared to leave, saying that there was no one who dared to run; his friends then raised a purse of $10, and insisted that he should run for it, to which he finally consented, it being the first thing of the kind he had attempted.

The following week, the December 14 issue of the paper had another letter about the race from W.G. Wood of Delhi:

Mr. Editor:—In looking over your paper of last week I saw an article headed "A foot race at the Hook," and in that article it was stated that Horace C. Hogaboom of the above named place beat E. R. Mason of Delhi in a fifty yard dash, for a purse of $20; and it also stated that on a previous occasion Mason ran with James Elliott (and beat him,) after Elliott had been playing base ball all day, and for other causes was In no condition for running. Now it seems from the tone of this article that neither Mr. Hogaboom, Elliott, or their friends are satisfied. I have heard a number of times, and from good authority, that Mr. Hogaboom's friends are desirous of matching him against any man in Delhi, or in Delaware County. I do not propose to blow, nor do I claim to be a first class pedestrian, but I will state this for the benefit of Mr. Hogabcom, Elliott and their friends, that I will match E. B. Mason, Clark or myself against any man in the town of Bovina, for a race of from fifty to one hundred yards, flying start, for not less than $100 and as much more as they choose to make it. I propose to make the three matches; —the first to come off at Delhi, and the others as we may agree. A forfeit of fifty dollar's Will be placed in the hands of Mr. LeValley of the Globe Saloon. This challenge will he left open for ten days. I mean business. "Stamps talk." W. G. WOOD

Mr. Hogaboom finally weighed in two weeks later, the letter published in the December 28 issue:

Bovina Valley, Dec. 24, 1867

Editor Republican:—I see in your last week's paper s challenge for myself or any man in Bovina to run with either of Messrs. Clark, Mason or Wood of Delhi for $100 a side. The challenge was to be open ten days, I will now close that challenge by accepting it. The race not to come off before the first of May, 1868. The one of the three whom I wish to run with I will designate a[t] some future day. H.C. Hogeboom.

Unfortunately, I can find no evidence that the race accepted by Hogaboom actually took place.

Horace Clark Hogaboom was born in 1839, the son of John Hogaboom and Elizabeth Purdy. The family moved from Otego to Bovina around 1841. His father died while Horace still was a child. His mother continued working the family farm in Lake Delaware for years. Horace had a brother, Henry, who fought in the 144^th NY Volunteers during the Civil War.

Horace shows up in the local papers again in 1873. Around 1870, Bovina had essentially become a dry town, meaning the sale of alcohol was forbidden. In 1872, Horace had bought six acres of land just over the town line in Bovina from his mother. The following year, in July, the Delaware Gazette reported that Horace, also known as Clark Hogaboom, was building a house just over the town. In September, he applied to the Board of Excise in Delhi for a license to sell alcohol – he was denied. It appears, however, that he continued living in this house, or at least owned it, until 1886, when he sold it. When he died in 1913, he still was living at Lake Delaware (his death is recorded in the Town of Bovina).

Here's the report from the May 7, 1913 Delaware Gazette:

The death of Clark Hogaboom at Lake Delaware, last week,-removes a good citizen, an accommodating and straightforward neighbor and a reliable friend from the scene of his long life work. Mr. Hogaboom was positive in his ideas of right and wrong, despised hypocrisy, warm-hearted and true to those who he deemed, worthy of his respect. The world is better of such men and while he made no pretentions of being perfect, his many good traits of character are worthy to be commended. He leaves a widow and many friends to regret his death, the writer being among the number who cannot forget many kindly manifestations of his generous nature.

December 1919 - 100 Years Ago "in That Thriving Town"

The last month of the teens in Bovina saw the demolition of an old cooperage and some activity concerning dry milk produced at the creamery. 

December 5, 1919

·         Miss Lela Miller was home from Walton, where she is attending school, to spend Thanksgiving.

·         Fred Whitehead has been secured by T.W. Miller & Son to work on the Miller homestead farm.

·         Owing to the illness of Professor James Hastings the high school department of the Bovina Center school is closed this week.

·         The old Stott coopershop is a thing of the past, having been torn down by John M. Miller, who recently purchased it.  The building was erected beyond the memory of any now living and its age is unknown. 

·         In compliance with a new law the Dry Milk company now delivers daily to each patron of the creamery a slip giving the date, patrons number, the number of pounds of milk delivered and the order of delivery. Miss Shirley Miller has charge of this work. 

December 12, 1919

·         Dr. Norris B. Whitcomb with his wife and little daughter, who left here to become a medical missionary in Egypt, arrived safely at Naples, Italy, November 30.

December 19, 1919

·         Congressman Peter Gerry and Robert Gerry were at their Lake Delaware estate the past week and spent a few days hunting.

December 26, 1919

·         The tax collector is on the war path.

·         John W. McCune has been appointed census enumerator for the town of Bovina.

·         A community Christmas tree and excellent exercises were held Wednesday evening in the United Presbyterian church.

·         Harry Martin is converting the old house, which stands across the road from the house he recently purchased on the Dennis corner, into a garage.

·         Harry Martin and Hale Elliott employees of the Dry Milk Co, were at Trout Creek the beginning of the week mending machinery in the plant there.

·         Miss Jane Hilson from South Hampton, Miss Marjory Dickson and Miss Jane Archibald from Cornell University, Miss Emily Archibald from Elmira Female College, Misses Mary and Anna Dickson from Schenectady N.Y. are all home spending the Holidays.

Will Re-construct Bovina Road

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.