Saturday, August 31, 2024

This Day in Bovina for August 2024


Here's the compilation of the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page entries for August 2024:


Seventy-two years ago today, the August 1, 1952 Delaware Republican Express reported that "George Leidner lost a valuable cow last week with rabies."

 

117 years ago today, the August 2, 1907 Brooklyn Citizen, in its summer resort directory included this entry for Mountainside View Farm House. This is now the Ed and Donna Weber farm.



 

Sixty-four years ago today, on August 3, 1960, Mabel Archibald died. Her obituary appeared in the August 12 Catskill Mountain News   


 

Forty-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 4, 1976 issue of the Stamford Mirror Recorder, this correction was noted: "It was mistakenly reported last week that the town girls won the tug of war at the Bicentennial celebration It has since been reported that that was not the case, and the out -of-towners actually won!"

 

Twenty-nine years ago today, on August 5, 1995, Bovina celebrated its 175th birthday. I've uploaded pictures from that day on my Flickr account. If you have any additional information about the pictures, please note that in the comments. I'm also always looking for more photographs. https://flic.kr/s/aHsmNLHoUw

 

135 years ago today, the August 6, 1889 Stamford Mirror carried this report on two people injured in falls: 


 

113 years ago today, on August 7, 1911, as later reported in the Andes Recorder under the headline "Two Tons of Pork," "John M. Miller delivered, to Howard Hall, 17 pigs which weighed over two tons, and he also delivered 10 cows." The paper went on to note that Miller had 20 more pigs "that he will sell in the fall."

 

150 years ago today, on August 8, 1874, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "Andrew Boyd, of Bovina, sailed for Scotland, from New York, on the 8th inst." Boyd had come to Bovina from Ireland in the late 1840s. He was an ancestor of the Worden family. Andrew died five years later in 1879.

 

143 years ago today, the August 9, 1881 issue of the Stamford Mirror carried this small Brushland column. Old Mr. Dickson probably was Gilbert Dickson, though I can't track down when he died.

 

224 years ago today, on August 10, 1800, Elizabeth Coulter was born, the daughter of Francis and Nancy (Glendenning) Coulter. It is not clear whether she was born in Scotland or in Delaware County. Elizabeth died in June 1847 and is buried in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery at Reinertsen Hill Road in Bovina.

 

132 years ago today, the brief Bovina column of the August 11, 1892 Delaware Republican reported "98 in the shade last Tuesday."

 

134 years ago today, the August 12, 1890 Hobart Independent reported that "Bovina Cows Go West." The article went on to say: "Four fine cows have been shipped by Wm. L. Ruff of Bovina, to Dillworth Bros., of Spokane, Wash. Valencey E. Fuller, vice-president of the American Jersey Cattle Club and an expert judge of the famous race of butter-makers, was engaged to make the selection for the western men. He selected Rose of Bovina, Ida’s Gray Belle of Bovina, Ida's Jane Eyre of Bovina, and Ida’s Little Gray Belle of Bovina. Mr. Ruff received $450 for the four Jerseys. The Ruff farm is now the Weber farm on Crescent Valley Road.

 

Seventy-two years ago today, on August 13, 1952, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "Forty-eight descendants of Francis and Nancy Coulter held their 30th reunion at the Fish and Game clubhouse on Wednesday….A picnic lunch was enjoyed by all. The president, William Cash, of Delhi presided. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Myron Coulter of Walton, president; Robert Hall of Bovina, vice-president; Mrs. David Roberts, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Myron Coulter, dinner committee chairman." The Fish and Game club was on Coulter Brook Road and was where Francis and Nancy Coulter settled in Bovina around 1802.

 

128 years ago today, on August 14, 1896, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "John, the three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Davidson, died. The funeral was held Monday, Rev. Thomas Park preached the sermon from 2d Timothy 4:7,8." As well as his parents, John was survived by his sister Vera and his brother Fletcher.

 

Fifty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 15, 1973 Stamford Mirror Recorder included the following item: "Canvassers will be visiting homes from Aug. 15 - 22 to ask for donations for our annual Bovina library tag day. Solicitors have been assigned for all areas. The funds from tag day are used for maintenance of the library so welcome your neighbor when she calls."

 

204 years ago today, August 16, 1820, Thomas Miller was born in Bovina, the first child of David Miller and Agnes Thomson. He spent his entire life in Bovina. Around the time he turned 30, he developed rheumatism which prevented him from working and from being eligible for military service. This is his claim for exemption from military service, filed a few months before his death on May 4, 1863. He is buried in the Bovina Cemetery. 


 

Forty-seven years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 17, 1977 Stamford Mirror Recorded included this item: "Mrs. Norma Gabriel, Bovina town clerk, reports that big game licenses and party permits are now available through the town clerk's office. Party permits must be postmarked no later than Sept 12."


150 years ago today, on August 18, 1874, Frederick McFarland was married to Phebe A. Reynolds in the Town of Middletown. They were married by Rev. J.D. Hubble. The marriage ended in 1889 with Frederick's suicide. His wife died two years later. More about Frederick is at the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/02/stories-from-bovinas-cemeteries.html.

 

Fifty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 19, 1965 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mrs. Sophia Reinertsen, accompanied her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reinertsen, to Missouri, and Madison, Wisconsin, where they are visiting relatives of the family."

 

109 years ago today, August 20, 1915, David Low Thompson died in Oneonta. He was 84 years of age. More about Thompson's life is on my blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2019/03/i-dont-know-whether-i-dare-to-go-back.html

 

136 years ago today, the August 21, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "The friends of Ed O. Hanlon were much alarmed, a few days ago, by the report that he had suddenly died at Delhi, while having some decayed teeth extracted. Happily, the report proved untrue. Ed says he knew it was a lie as soon as he heard it."

 

108 years ago today, on August 22, 1912, Therese "Que" Aitken was born in Peconic, NY, the daughter of John Bauer and Frances Deitz. She married Floyd "Steve" Aitkens in 1937 and moved to his home in Bovina. She worked for a number of years for the Delhi Telephone Company. Que was widowed in 1982. She died in February 2003 at the age of 90. This photo of Que was taken by Bob Wyer in May 1947.


 

142 years ago today, on August 23, 1882, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "Mrs. Peter Calhoun, the mother of Dr. Calhoun, of this village [Delhi], died at her residence in Bovina, Aug. 23. Mrs. Calhoun was born in the year 1799, in the Parish of Luss, Dumbarton Shire, Scotland. She came to America in 1834, and settled in Bovina in 1835, where she resided until her death. In 1835 she united with the Presbyterian church in Andes, of which she was a faithful and consistent member during her life. She was a kind and loving mother, a faithful wife, and a much esteemed neighbor."

 

Eighty-five years ago today, on August 24, 1939, the "Bovina Centre" column of the Delaware Republican reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Jack Myers, Mrs. Anna Thompson and Ledger Myers of Binghamton visited Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers over the weekend."

 

104 years ago today, the Brookfield (NY) Courier in its August 25, 1920 issue reported under County and State News Paragraphs on an illness impacting Bovina's dairy cows: "Several cows in Bovina dairies recently attracted attention by giving small messes of milk, and the suspicion of trouble was intensified when the next morning about thirty cows in the dairy of Mrs. Kate Barnhart were very ill, several of them being unable to rise, and one dying during the day. Inspection by Drs. Irvine and Wheeler developed that some powerful physic had been eaten by the animals. Wednesday most of the cows were on their feet again, and suspicion being directed to feed which all had eaten, the stomach of the dead cow and some of the grain were sent to the state agricultural college for analysis."

 

Eighty-one years ago today, the Lake Delaware column in the August 26, 1943 Delaware Republican included this item: "The boys at Lake Delaware Boys' camp will return to New York this week. On Sunday the boy's choir from the camp sang at the service in St. James' Chapel."

 

122 years ago today, on the evening of August 27, 1902, Margaret H. Sloane was married to James M. Gladstone at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, William and Clara Doig. The couple started their family in New York but at some point before 1910, they moved west, settling in Denver, Colorado. James was a furniture salesman for thirty years. He died in 1937 at the age of 61 after a brief illness. Margaret died sometime after 1940. 


 

110 years ago, the August 28, 1914 Catskill Mountain News published a small article entitled "Gerry Will Build Road." The article noted that "Robert Gerry will have a stone road built from where his private road connects with the highway in southern Bovina to the top of the pitch above T.C. Strangeway's. The town of Bovina will probably put on a team or two. Work is expected to commence about the first of September."

 

Fifty-four years ago today, on August 29, 1970, the town of Bovina celebrated its Sesquicentennial - the 150th Anniversary of its founding. Here's an album on my Flickr page of pictures from the celebration: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmNL4BpF

 

143 years ago today, the August 30, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "There are a number of severe cases of sickness in town at present. Mrs. Orr, [Mrs.] Sloan and Mrs. Ira Worden are considered most critical." Though not clear, Mrs. Sloan may have been Sarah Collins Sloan, who died September 15, 1881 at the age of 78. Mrs. Worden survived this illness but died in 1888 when she was 44 years old.

 

Eighty years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 31, 1944 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Mrs. Sarah Archibald has gone to New York City for treatment for her eye. Her daughter, Mrs. Charles Lethenburg (sic), came for her on Friday." Her daughter was the former Jane Archibald, daughter of William Archibald (1870-1941) and Sarah Hobbie (1870-1945).

 

 


Thursday, August 22, 2024

A Week with Bovina People - August 1899 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder



Here’s what was happening in Bovina 125 years ago, August 1899, from the pages of the Andes Recorder.


August 4, 1899

John Muir was in town Thursday.

William Ruff was at Delhi Monday.

John E. Gladstone arrived in town Monday.

Miss Mae Hall has returned from a visit at Stamford.

Hugh Rose, of Roses Brook, was in this place Thursday.

Bert McNair and lady were here on Monday from Andes.

John G. Bramley, of Jordon, N.Y., is visiting his parents.

Tuesday parties from Hobart picnicked at Livingston’s Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert D. Miller visited at Andes on Wednesday.

Alexander Myers is busy painting Albert McPherson’s new house.

Robert King and wife, of Unadilla, were guests in town over Sabbath.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Tuttle, of Andes, were visitors here on Monday.

Frank Myers visited his son Alexander here last Thursday and Friday.

Edwin and James L. Coulter were among those at Delhi Tuesday.

William Mabon and cousin, Miss Clara Mabon, were in town on Monday.

David A. Oliver and wife, of Delancey, visited in town last Thursday and Friday.

Robert Thompson and Marion Robertson are selling their milk.  William Armstrong is drawing it.

Mrs. Charles Arbuckle, son and daughter, of Newark, New Jersey, arrived in town Thursday for a few weeks visit.

It is expected that Charlie Arbuckle of Newark, New Jersey, will preach at Lake Delaware next Sabbath evening.

Rev. W.L.C. Samson started Tuesday morning for his vacation and will be absent three Sabbaths. There will be preaching each Sabbath. 

Peter McNair got somewhat bruised and cut about the face by being thrown out of the wagon and striking on his head and shoulders recently.

At the school meeting in this village Tuesday evening Thomas Gordon was elected trustee, E. George Gladstone, clerk, and B.S. Miller, collector.

Mr. Greenberg, Missionary for the Reformed Presbyterian church of the Covenant to Israel, lectured in the United Presbyterian church Sabbath evening. 


August 10, 1899

Marshall Scott was at Delhi Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Thomson were at Delhi on Tuesday.

George Hughes and family were visitors in this place on Tuesday.

Robert R. and Ed Gladstone of Andes, were in town on Saturday.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. William A. Hoy, Tuesday, August 8, a son.

Albert Scutt and daughter Clara visited friends in town over Sabbath.

G.D. Miller and wife started for Cleveland, Ohio, Monday for a visit.

Rev. W.P. Miller and family, of Dayton, Ohio, are visiting relatives in this vicinity.

Adam Scott and wife, of Garrattsville, were guests at Thomas Miller’s over Sabbath.

Among those in town Thursday were James Gladstone, of Andes, and Frank Dickson of Little Delaware.

Thomas Lee and family, of Haverstraw, arrived in town Saturday and are stopping at Thomas Miller’s.

Rev. Marvin Thomson preached in the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath. Next Sabbath Rev. W.P. Miller will preach there.

There was a lawsuit in town Thursday, plaintiff George Fuller and defendant Robert Hazelett, of Meredith.  It was over some horse deal.

Judd Boice, of Lake Delaware, was arrested Monday evening and sent to jail.  It appears that he felt wronged in a horse deal, and being somewhat noisy he was taken up.


Another Bovina Boy Getting Up the Ladder of Fame.

Rev. J. Beveridge Lee, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Bloomfield, N.J., returned form the Adirondacks for Sunday and preached morning and evening in the Madison Avenue Presbyterian church. After morning service he was waited upon by a committee from the Immanuel Presbyterian church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who was presented a call from that congregation. Immanuel church desires Mr. Lee’s ministrations, has over 700 members and pays a salary of $5,000 and is the foremost Presbyterian church in the State. Mr. Lee has many friends in this city having been once sought as pastor of the Madison avenue Presbyterian church where for eight years he has been on the list of summer supplies. When questioned by the Argus reporter regarding his intentions Mr. Lee said he had not attempted to form a judgment as yet, and it would be impossible to forecast his decision. He returned yesterday to the Adirondacks. – Albany Argus.


August 18, 1899

William T. Black was down at Delhi Thursday.

Willliam Cummings was in this place Thursday.

David Oliver and B.S. Miller were at Andes Monday.

Thomas H. Liddle was in town recently from Andes.

George Miller, of Andes, visited his brother Gideon, here Saturday.

Alexander Hilson returned Saturday from a business trip to Scranton.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Bramley Wednesday, August 9, a son.

Andrew Seacord and William Armstrong were at Delhi Friday last.

At the auction of Thomas H. Luddington’s effects things sold readily and at reasonable prices.

Miss Margaret Gilchrist will teach Primary department of the village school the ensuing year.

Owing to the absence of Rev. H.F. Brown there was no preaching in the Methodist church on Sabbath.

Mrs. William Dennis and son, Joseph Dennis and wife, of Walton, were guests at John P. Dennis’ the past week. 

Carrie Scott has hired in the Maynard district; Elizabeth Strangeway on Pink street; William Hastings at Lake Delaware.

Rev. W.P. Miller preached, Sabbath in the United Presbyterian church from 1 Chronicle 21:22 and 28. Rev. Gordon will preach next Sabbath.

Mrs. Agnes Telford has purchased a granite sarcophagus monument of Woodburn & Smyth to be erected in the cemetery here in memory of her husband, the late Dr. Telford.

The Republican caucus Saturday did not last over fifteen minutes. William T. Black was chosen chairman and John A. Irvine, secretary. James A. Gow was given power to name the delegates and elected James Forman and Peter McNair as delegates to Hobart, and William Archibald and Edwin C. Burgin to the County Convention. 


August 25, 1899

Hugh Adair was in town Friday.

David Liddle was at Delhi Thursday.

Ward Coulter was over at Andes on Thursday.

James Gladstone was over from Andes Thursday.

Cora McFadden was a guest at John R. Hoy’s this week.

Quite a number in town have sold their dairies of butter.

William Liddle and wife, of Andes, were visitors here Monday.

Gideon Miller has traded his horse with W.A. Hoy for a black.

Frank Chamberlain and Alexander Liddle were here on Thursday.

Andrew Anderson of Andes, was in this place Saturday.

Rev. Gordon preached on Sabbath from Psalm 73 and 25 and 26 verses.

Mrs. Thomas Scott and daughter, of Walton, have been visiting in town.

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Scott, of Hobart, have been visiting relatives here.

Miss Jane Stott arrived in town Saturday from Hamden.  She is in poor health.

Mrs. Alfred Strong and Miss Anna Bell Thomson were up from Delhi on Saturday.

Dennis Brothers took their poultry to Margaretville fair.  New week they go to Shavertown.

Thomas Gordon is putting an addition on his house.  John R. Hoy is doing the carpenter work.

At the ball game Saturday between Bovina and Arena the score stood 13 to one in favor of Bovina.

Rev. Samson returned home Monday evening. William Hastings also arrived home the same evening.

Last week the John W. Aitkin farm was sold to J.M. Olmstead, of Hobart; the mortgagee, who has since sold the farm to William Ward, of New Kingston.

We learn that Thomas Ormiston has rented his farm for a year and will go to Baltimore County, Maryland, to have charge of a herd of 300 registered Jerseys.


Wednesday, August 21, 2024

A Week with Bovina People - October 1899 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder


Here’s what was happening in Bovina 125 years ago, October 1899, from the pages of the Andes Recorder.

October 6, 1899

A number are going to sell milk.

Anson Barnhart was in town Monday.

Monday night apples were frozen hard.

Alex. Hilson started Monday for New York city.

Irving Phinney was home from Walton over Sabbath.

Porter Dean was in town last week looking after cows.

William Crosier has hired Robert A. Thomson to draw milk.

Thomas Ormiston and family started Tuesday for Maryland.

John Coulter and wife, of Davenport, were here Monday.

William Bramley and family were up from Delhi Thursday.

Frank Miller and sister, Carrie, visited at Delancey last week.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. D.C. Worden on Friday, September 29, a son.

“Champ” Worden has quit threshing as his cleaner was entirely spoiled.

Ferris McPherson had a cow killed by lightning last week while in the pasture.

Rev. Walter Strangeway preached on the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath evening.

Next Sabbath communion services will be held in the United Presbyterian church, and Rev. E.M. Milligan will assist.

The Reform Presbyterian congregation think of discarding their old stoves and putting in a furnace to heat their church.

Dr. Seacord went to Washington, D.C., last week and was accompanied by Fred Arbuckle and Delos Landon who will enter the veterinary college.

James Hastings and wife returned last Thursday from a months’ visit in Minnesota.  Mr. Hastings enjoyed his first trip out of his native county.

Some of those were at Delhi Friday were, William Maynard and wife, Mrs. Alex. Myers, Mrs. Robert Thomson, Mrs. Edwin Scott, son and daughter, Mrs. Sloan Archibald and son Russell, Mrs. Andrew Thomson and family.

The Andes & Delhi Telephone Company have finally allowed Alex. Hilson to go onto the main wire direct without having to be switched on, and we understand Mr. Hilson is to answer all calls on the line when Mr. Strangeway is not in the main office.

Last week’s Gazette contained a letter stating the great change in things as compared to what they were sixty or seventy years ago.  In the item in which the writer states that in the fall butter buyers came around and bought the butter his memory must have played him tricks.  In those days butter buyers were as “scarce as hens teeth”, and butter had to be hauled to Catskill and they had to take just what they could get for it, perhaps 10 or 11 cents and if left unsold some got six cents per pound, and yet those are the good days that are gone and we hope they may never return.

October 13, 1899

Hugh Adair was in town Friday.

Dr. Houyck was in town Tuesday.

James Seath arrived in town Thursday.

Abram Northrup was in town Monday.

William Cooke is at Delhi as a juryman.

Walter McDivitt was down at Delhi Monday.

Thomas Gordon has commenced housekeeping.

Thomas H. Liddle was here from Andes Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Close were over at Andes Thursday.

Whooping cough has made its appearance in this locality.

Rev. E.M. Milligan left Monday for his home in Sewickley, Pa.

Caleb Monroe and Andrew Close were in town from Andes Thursday.

Communion services were held in the Reformed Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

Mrs. Otis McCumber and daughter, of Andes, were guests at Mrs. Muller’s on Thursday.

Thomas Hoy has rented his farm to John and Peter Robson and gives possession March 1, 1900.

George Hughes and wife and Charles White and wife were guests at John R. Hoy’s Monday evening.

J.L. Hughes is at S.G. Bramley’s touching up his fine residence where it needs a new dress of paint.

Miss Louisa Dennis and Mrs. G.J. Dickson were in New York last week purchasing millinery goods.

Among those in town Friday were Andrew Franklin and John K. Russell, of Delhi, and William D. Thompson, of Rondout.

Four new members were admitted to the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath, two by certificate and two by profession.

Leonard Sloan has moved from the rooms in Strangeway’s store building to the rooms in the Gow house recently vacated by David Draffen.

Rev. Milligan preached an excellent sermon Sabbath evening on the four anchors cast out of the ship when Paul was shipwrecked; they were faith, repentance, thankfulness and obedience.

The Reform Presbyterian congregation continue to push the improvements about their church, relaying the walk, ditching , etc., and when they get their new furnace in running order will have everything in good shape.  They will also raise up the church in order to get better drainage.

James, son of Alex. Bryden near Lake Delaware, died in Fall Clove last Friday of spinal meningitis.  He had ridden his bicycle over there and was quite warm and this may have had something to do with his illness.  The funeral was held from his home Monday at 11 o’clock, Rev. W.L.C. Samson, officiating, and the interment made here.

October 20, 1899

E.J. Turnbull was in town last Wednesday.

E.C. Dean was up from Delhi on Sabbath.

Ira Worden was see in town on Monday.

G.D. Miller was at the County Seat Saturday.

John K. Russell, of Delhi, was here on Thursday.

John Blair started Tuesday for Kingston with stock.

Miss Jennie Miller has been visiting relatives at Hobart.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gordon were at Delhi on Monday.

Register or you cannot vote. Saturday is your last chance.

Henry Rice and son were in town Wednesday from Delhi.

Richard Smith arrived home Monday from a visit to Walton.

David Ballantine and wife, of Andes were in this place Monday.

Rev. T.M. Slater started Monday for Sterling Valley, this state.

Mrs. Elizabeth Hewitt has been visiting her son Hamilton J., at Delhi.

Hamilton J. Hewitt and wife were in this place from Delhi on Sabbath.

Monday J.L. Hughes began painting Dr. G.J. Dickson’s drug store in colors.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brandow at Bloomville, October 7.

Mrs. Frank Gowanlock and Mrs. Alex Myers were over at Andes on Wednesday.

Among those at Delhi last Wednesday were, John Oliver, wife and son, James A. Gow, and A.C. Seacord.

Henry S. Murray and Frank Crispell were at W.C. Russell’s Monday, where they have had a big job of putting in water pipe.  

John W. Bramley died early Thursday morning with diabetes, age 81 years.  He was born and always lived in this town and was one of our most extensive and best farmers.  He leaves a widow and four children – three sons John G, William and Fred and one daughter, Mrs. E.C. Dean.  The funeral will take place on Saturday at 11 o’clock from his late residence.

October 27, 1899

F.R. Coulter was at Andes Thursday.

Miss Ida Glendening was in town Sabbath.

Elmer Close and wife were at Andes Tuesday.

Elliott Thompson was at Andes last Thursday.

Robert A. Thompson visited Delhi Thursday.

E.S. Washburn and wife visited at Union Grove.

G.D. Miller was at Walton Friday and Saturday.

Ed Hanlon and Charles Spiers were in town Friday.

Frank Myers has been visiting his son, Alex Myers.

Bert Gladstone, of Andes, was in this place Friday.

Miss Lillian Miller, of Andes, was in town over Sabbath.

James Muir, of Andes, was seen in this place Wednesday.

T.W. Miller, of the Andes Recorder, was in town Saturday.

William Aitkins and family visited at John G. Russell’s Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Miles Bramley, of Walton were in town over Sabbath.

B. Shaw Miller and Charles Hilton, of Andes, were in town Tuesday.

Robert R. Gladstone and Ed Gladstone were in town Tuesday from Andes.

Mrs. J.L. Hughes, of Andes, was a guest at Mrs. Amos Northrup’s Saturday.

Work on the stone work on Reformed Presbyterian church is progressing rapidly.

Rev. Alex Bramley was here the past week, called her by the death of his brother, John W. Bramley.

John G. Laing and bride visited in town from Wednesday to Saturday when they left for their home in Madison, N.J.

Frank R. Coulter has sold the steam heater in his residence to Mr. Chamberlain, of Margaretville, who has removed the same.

Peter McNair, with a gang of men, is employed at grading and leveling up the grounds in the cemetery at North Kortright.

John G. Laing and Miss Laura Reynolds, of Hurleyville, Sullivan county, were married at that place Wednesday, October 18.

There was no preaching in the Reformed Presbyterian church on Sabbath owing the absence of Rev. T.M. Slater and the repairs on the church.

Mr. Halsey, the creamery man is anxious to locate a skimming station at the Centre, and has made Wilson Scott an offer for land near the proposed railroad track.

The total registration this year is 321, the same as last year. The board appointed James A. Gow and John W. McCune poll clerks, and Robert E. Thompson and Arthur D. Hoy ballot clerks. 


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

August 1924 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"



Here's what was going on in Bovina 100 years ago this month, as recorded in the pages of the Andes Recorder.

August 1, 1924

Miss Marjorie Forman, of Delhi, is with Bovina relatives. 

Miss Hannah Coulter is visiting relatives in the New Kingston valley.

Mrs. Harry Crosier and child, of Stuebenville, Ohio, are guests at Wm. Crosier’s.

Dr. James Crosier, of Philadelphia, has joined his mother here to spend his vacation.

Hugh Keeley, the Delhi painter, is doing interior work on the new residence of Mrs. Alex Hilson.

John Hilson Jr. has returned from visiting Superintendent and Mrs. Jas F. Forman at the County Farm.

Mr. and Mrs. David Cameron and Cameron, of California, have been to town this week. She will [be] remembered as Alma Scott.

Miss Ruth Coulter attended Redpath Chautauqua at Oneonta last week. 

There were no services last Sabbath at the U.P. church owing to the fact that the pastor’s throat was not fully recovered from his recent operation.

Professor and Mrs. Leon Taggart and Miss Rachel Ritter, of Oneonta, spent Sabbath with Mrs. Taggart’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Strangeway. 

Miss Elizabeth and Master Jack McNair, of Binghamton, have joined their grandmother, Mrs. Peter McNair, at the home of her daughter Mrs. John McCune. 

Rev. David Russell preached at the Church of the Covenanters last Sabbath in the absence of the pastor, Rev. A.M. Thomson. It stated that Rev. has accepted a pastorate at Utica.

Mrs. F.M. Crawford underwent an operation for the removal of a tumor last Friday at the hospital in Oneonta. For a few days her condition was considered critical, but she is now on the road to recovery. 


August 8, 1924

There was a slight frost here on the morning of August 4.

William Lee has been visiting his brother, A.P. Lee, on the Lee homestead farm.

The Juniors held a picnic Saturday at the home of William Burns below the village.

The Misses Kate and Freda Muller spent over the week end with their sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber, at Andes.

Gilbert D. Miller, the only surviving veteran of the civil war in Bovina, is under the doctor’s care. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday. [Gilbert would survive this illness, not dying until March 1931 at the age of 87.]


August 15, 1924

Alex Myers is painting the new residence of Mrs. Alex Hilson [this is now the home of Mike and Christine Batey].

There will be no preaching at the last two Sabbaths in August.

Mrs. James Archibald, of Treadwell, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Mary C. Forrest.

Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Martha Kelly to James A. Boggs $280.68.

Mrs. G.J. Dickson, our postmistress has gone to Chautauqua, for a short vacation. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Aitkins, from Long Island, are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Aitkens.

Miss Margaret Archibald, employed in the County Clerk’s office, spent the past week with Bovina relatives.

Special services were held at the R.P. church on Sabbath afternoon. Rev. Wilson was one of the speakers.

Mr. Murray, the new caretaker of the St. James church at Lake Delaware, is occupying the former J.K. Russell house.

Edward Johnson and his mother, Mrs. Alex Johnson, of South Kortright, was in this place calling on friends on Sabbath.

Rev. and Mrs. Newell have been visiting at Charles Hafele’s. Rev. Newell was a former pastor of the Methodist church here. 

During the thunder storm Sabbath afternoon, lightning struck one of the pine trees near the residence of John Hilson, but did no damage.

Mr. and Mrs. George Decker, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Decker, Mr. and Mrs. William Armstrong and Mr. and Mrs. John Armstrong motored to Stamford last Sabbath. They report that there was a heavy hail storm there. 


August 22, 1924

Mr. and Mrs. James Ackerley spent Sabbath at Stamford.

Neil Sprague, of Monticello, is visiting his father, Lew Sprague.

Miss Mary Ormiston, of Oneonta, was with relatives here Monday.

William F. Boggs is visiting relatives in the vicinity of Walton.

William Hastings, of Oneonta, was a caller in town the first of the week.

Mrs. Frank Coulter went to an Albany hospital Tuesday for an operation. 

Mrs. Archie Boggs, of New York, is a guest of her sister-in-law, Mrs. S.K. Ferris.

Miss Louise Hilson is spending a few days with Andes relatives and friends.

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Coulter, of New Wilmington, Penn. are renewing acquaintances in town. 

Miss Mary Flansburg, of South Hampton, Long Island, is a guest of her friend, Miss Jane Hilson.

Miss Park, of Pittsburg, Penn., a daughter of Rev. Thos Park, called on Miss Jennie Miller here Monday.

Miss Helena Stewart, of Endicott, who has been visiting here, had an operation for appendicitis at Delhi. 

Mrs. Hazel Russell Munson, of this place, and Edward Dougal, of Syracuse were married August 11. They will reside at Syracuse. [Hazel was the daughter of James and Rose Russell. Her first husband, Frank Munson, died in December 1920 when a tree fell on him. Hazel would have three children, two of whom survived to adulthood. She was widowed again in 1955 and died in Syracuse in 1981.]

Mr. and Mrs. George Miller, Mrs. Geo Decker and Mrs. Arthur Decker attended a Sabbath School picnic at Mundale on Tuesday.

Mrs. Libbie Jane Wilson, of Kansas was a visitor in town the first of the week. She was a native of the town, her maiden name being Aitken. [She was the daughter of Isaac Atkin and Nancy Blair. She married Charles Wilson in Kansas in 1886 and was widowed in 1911. She died in Kansas in 1940.]

In a contest between the Delancey and Bovina Christian Unions Bovina lost and on Tuesday evening gave a banquet to the winners at the U.P. church parlors.

Mr. and Mrs. George Kaufman and Mrs. Chas Kaufman, of Saugerties, Mrs. Wm Huber and George Middlemiss and wife, of Delhi, were guests at Alex Myers’ last Thursday. 

Hugh Galland, fireman at the creamery, and Miss Jennie Fay, of Andes, were married last week and have commenced housekeeping in rooms in Mrs. Julia McPherson’s house.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomson, of Katonah, N.Y., visited his father, James W. Thomson, and attended the Thomson reunion this week. He reports that they have had it very dry. 

Wallace B. Smith was at Arkville on Sabbath, taking his son, Wallie, who had been spending his vacation at home, to the train. Young Smith is employed in the office of the International., Harvester Co. at Albany. 


Eighty-two at Thomson Reunion


Eighty-two attended the Thomson reunion held August 19, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Thomson in Bovina Center. The officers for the ensuing year are, James A. Thomson, president; Thos Archibald, vice president; Mrs. Robert E. Thomson; secretary and treasurer. The next reunion will be held at Ed Gladstone’s in Andes. 


Ford Driver Fell Asleep – From our Bovina Correspondent


A young man who had been working at James Barnhart’s, went to sleep last Thursday morning and his Ford left the road in the lower part of the village and running diagonally along steep bank brought up in the Muller yard. Strange to say it did not upset.


Miller Reunion


The Miller reunion will be held at the home of Miss Bell Miller in Bovina Center, on Tuesday August 26, 1924, and all relatives are invited. Bring dishes and sandwiches for your own family and one other article of food. Committee


August 29, 1924

The public schools of the town will open next Tuesday.

Superintendent of the Poor James F. Forman was a caller in town on Tuesday.

Master Ledger Myers is spending the week with relatives at Kingston and Saugerties.

Mrs. A.T. Doig returned Tuesday from visiting her brother, E.F. Thomson, at Walton.

From a fair and silver tea the ladies of the St. James church at Lake Delaware realized $120.

Mrs. Mary Shaver and Miss Lillian Carman, of Delancey, have been visiting at David Currie’s.

Mr. and Mrs. George Baldwin, from Spring Valley, are guests of her mother, Mrs. G.J. Dickson. [Mrs. Baldwin was Mary J. Dickson. Mr. Baldwin died in 1927 at the age of 56. Mary survived her husband over 20 years, dying in 1948.]

Rev. and Mrs. Charles Lay and children, of Mundale, are spending his vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo Miller.

Louie Sanford, from near Binghamton, visited his brother-in-law, Charles Hafele, over Saturday night. His son who has bene at the Hafele home for the past year or more, went home with him. 


Native of Bovina


Mrs. Nancy R. Scott, who for several years had made her home with her nephew, David H. Muray, at Bible School Park, near Binghamton, died August 16. She was the widow of Jas Scott and was born in Bovina on June 17, 1847. Her maiden name was Nancy Coulter. Burial was in Bovina.


Miller Clan Meet


There were about 75 relatives present at the annual reunion of the descendants of the three Miller brothers who came to this country, which was held at the home of Miss Bell Miller in Bovina Center, on Tuesday. The day was pleasantly spent and the bountiful lunch enjoyed. Several families were not represented. The reunion for 1925 will be held at Wautaga Falls probably sometime in June.


Bovina Boys Win


At the Delaware County picnic last Thursday the following Bovina boys were winners: Ledger Myers, 1st in 50 year dash for boys under 12 years; Hugh McPherson, 2d. In Jersey sack race, Frank McPherson was 1st and Ledger Myers 3d. In 3-legged Holstein race Ledger Myers, 3d; Frank McPherson, 4th. In 50-yard dash over 12, Lester McPherson, 2nd. 


Bovina Lad Found Dead in Bed

Lloyd Oliver had Expired in Early hours of August 24


Lloyd Oliver was found dead in bed at the home of John Burns, who lives in the upper part of the town of Bovina, Sabbath morning, August 24.  It is stated that he had not been in the best of health but was no worse.  He had been out Saturday night and was heard to come in about 2 o’clock Sabbath morning.  Between 5 and 6 o’clock when Mr. Burns rapped on his door he received no reply.  Entering the room he found young Oliver lying with his back toward the front of the bed, apparently asleep.  Mr. Burns placed his hand on him and could not arouse him.  He then called Mrs. Burns and they found that the young man was dead.  He had apparently passed away as he slept.  Mrs. Burns heard a groan about 5 o’clock and there was a sound like a gasp following it, but thought nothing of it.


Deceased was a son of the late John Oliver was born in Bovina 22 years ago on June 15th last.  He is survived by his mother, a brother, William Oliver, in Harpersfield, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred Thomson, in Bovina, and Mrs. Harry Martin at Cannonsville.  The funeral held Tuesday was largely attended.