A Week with Bovina People - May 1900 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

Life in Bovina 125 years ago this month from the pages of the Andes Recorder.

May 4, 1900

• Oliver Dickson was at Delhi Monday.

• George McNair went to Andes Saturday.

• W.J. Doig has sold a horse to Stephen Craft.

• Peter McNair and A.O. Butts have traded horses.

• Walter Biggar visited the County Seat Monday.

• David Oliver visited his sons at Delancy Monday.

• John Blair went to New York this week with stock.

• Fred Bramly and Lucy Jackson were at Andes on Sabbath.

• Otis McCumber and family were here from Andes over Sabbath.

• Truant officer, B.S. Miller is visiting the schools this week.

• Harry Swat and wife, of Treadwell were visitors here on Saturday.

• Mrs. R.A. Thomson and Mrs. Leonard Sloan visited the County Seat on Tuesday.

• Thomas Gordon and Maggie Coulter attended the funeral of Peter Scott at Delhi Tuesday.

• Communion services will be held in the United Presbyterian church the 1st Sabbath in June.

• Miss Lillian Miller and Mayme Lidle, of Andes, visited the former’s brother here on Saturday.

• James Ormiston took his household goods to Delhi Tuesday to ship them to Pennsylvania.  Frank Miller, Herman Coulter, David Drafin (sic) each took a load.

• Professor Duncan C. Lee of Cornell University, third son of Dr. Lee formerly of this town, is mentioned among the possible Democratic candidates for governor this fall.

May 11, 1900

• John Blair went to Middletown Friday.

• William Ruff made a trip to Delhi on Monday.

• Fred Bramley was down at Delhi on Saturday.

• W.B. Scott, of Delhi, was in town on Sabbath.

• F.R. Coulter visited at the County Seat on Friday.

• Alex Hilson and family visited at Delhi Tuesday.

• Frank Myers visited his son, Alexander, here on Friday.

• Mr. and Mrs. John Blair visited her parents at Delhi on Saturday.

• Andrew Seacord and family and Miss Lulu Jackson visited Delhi on Saturday.

• James L. Ormiston and family started Monday morning for their new home near Philadelphia.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon returned home from her father’s on Sabbath, where she has been for some time on account of the illness and death of her brother, Peter Scott.

• Schools in town observed Arbor Day at the Centre school under the management Mr. McCune and Miss Jackson, the scholars gave recitations and other exercises, and did well in every part.

• Thursday the New York Life Insurance Company, through their agent, presented Mrs. Walter Coulter with a check for $1,000, being pay in full of the policy which her late husband carried in that company. 

May 18, 1900

• John Blair was at Delhi Tuesday.

• Thomas Dennis and lady were at Andes on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Coulter were at Delhi last Thursday.

• Hom. D.L. Thompson was down at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Coulter visited the County Seat Tuesday.

• Miss Jennie Miller is absent visiting at Walton, and Allegheny, Pa.

• James Liddle and Charles McPherson were each at Andes Thursday.

• David J. Miller has sold his span of grey horses to Mr. Gladstone, of Downsville.

• David Oliver and Mrs. John Oliver and son were over at Andes on Tuesday.

• Reed Dumond and Robert Laing were among Andes visitors in town on Tuesday.

• B.S. Miller is absent this week attending the State G.A.R. Encampment at Utica.

• E.L. McNear, a government surveyor was up on Mt. Pisgah last week to make a survey with the object of removing some trees in order that an uninterrupted view may be had from Cooperstown.

May 25, 1900

• Frost Monday morning.

• Will Gladstone, of Downsville, was a visitor Tuesday.

• Walter McDivitt made a trip to the County Seat Friday.

• O.S. Nichols was in town Monday on telephone business.

• Kennedy Warren and wife were up from Delhi on Sabbath.

• Mrs. D.J. Miller and Mrs. J.D. Burns visited Delhi Friday.

• Colfax Livingston has been a guest at Rev. Samson’s this week.

• Rev. Andrew Archibald was a guest at De. Phinney’s on Sabbath.

• John Blair and daughter, Helen, were down at Delhi Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Gladstone visited relatives at Walton last week.

• Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller were at Delhi Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Will Collins, from the West, a son of James Collins, was in town Tuesday.

• Mrs. John M. Miller and Lizzie Burns were among Delhi visitors Friday.

• David F. Hoy, registrar, of Cornell University, and wife were at John R. Hoy’s over Sabbath.

• J.K. McDivitt was in town Saturday. He will give a lecture here on Friday evening, May 25.

• Wesley Miller and Mr. Briggs and their wives, of Oneonta, were at G.D. Miller’s the first of the week.

• Dogs have been making havoc with sheep in town.  Friday night they killed six sheep and a lamb for Mr. Kinch on the Soper farm Sabbath night they killed a lamb for Ed Coulter, and Monday injured some for Thomas Archibald so badly that they will probably die.

• The following were the delegates to the Sabbath School convention at Delhi: Mrs. Elliott Thompson, Miss Mary Thompson, Mrs. Samson, Miss Maggie D. Strangeway, Will Hastings, R.E. Bergman. Alternates-Mrs. James L. Coulter, Miss Libbie Strangeway, Mrs. John Oliver, Miss Leona Thomson, T.C. Strangeway, Frank Miller. 

May 1925 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

Here's what life was like in Bovina 100 years ago this month, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder:

May 1, 1925

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter is spending a few days at New Kingston.

• John Blair has had a bathroom installed in his residence.

• William J. Storie was a caller at the County Seat last Thursday.

• Sloan Archibald has had a new porch built onto his residence.

• Henry Campbell, of Walton, and assistants are doing some carpenter work at John Aitkens.

• Mrs. Bell MacPherson, who has been at Walton for several months, is visiting her sons here.

• Miss Anna Dickson and Harold Curren, from Cornell University, spent over the weekend here.

• Thos C. Strangeway and William C. Russell have had concrete sidewalks laid in front of their residences.

• Lloyd Ormiston and family, who have been visiting his mother here, have moved from Goshen to Hudson.

• Miss Mabel Thomson, who was called home several weeks ago by the illness of her mother, Mrs. Dixon Thomson, has returned to her school duties at Winsted, Connecticut.

• William Armstrong is having an addition built onto the kitchen of his residence. He will also have a bathroom installed. James T. Aitken and Barton Jackson, of Andes are the carpenters.

• Rev. F.N. Crawford is absent attending the meeting of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian church at Topeka, Kansas. There will be no preaching service at the U.P. church on Sabbath.

May 8, 1925

• Mrs. Mary Ann Russell is ill at her home at the Butt End.

• Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson were at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Mrs. John Aitkens is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Flynn, at Pepacton.

• Jack Myers, of Springfield, Mass., spent over Sabbath with his parents here.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are William R. Miller and another to David C. Worden, $95.

• Misses Kate and Freda Miller spent over Sabbath with their sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber, at Andes.

• John Aitkens is having a veranda built along the front of his residence – the former Kennedy place.

• George Fuller, son of Ferris Fuller, formerly of this place, died recently in Pennsylvania, leaving a wife and eight children.

• Miss Margaret Atkin, aged 81, and a native of Bovina, died from apoplexy at the county home April 29. She was a daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Blair) Atkin.

• Hon. John D. Clark was in town last Wednesday. At the Center school he planted a tree on the school ground. Each scholar was given a small white pine to take home and plant. [This is Congressman John D. Clarke, who was born in Hobart in 1869. He served in congress from 1921-1925. After losing reelection, he successfully ran again in 1926 and served until his death in 1933 in an auto accident.]

• Robert Robinson has sold the standing timber on his farm – the former Thos Forrest place – up Coulter Brook to the Merritt Lumber Company. The logs are being hauled to Margaretville by truck. 

• Henry Halstead, who was born in Bovina 78 years ago, died from heart disease, at the county home April 27. He is survived by his second wife and by a son and daughter by his first wife. Burial was at the Flats cemetery.

• Elmer Hastings and daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Booth, of Saranac, visited his brother, Milton Hastings, a few days the past week. His daughter, Lulu, who is a trained nurse, and has recently recovered from diphtheria, met them at Kingston on their way home Wednesday and the party will go home via Buffalo and Niagara Falls with their auto.

• Monday while Will Haines was coming down the pitch at Alex Myers’, his team being attached to a lumber wagon, the bolt came out of the single whiffletree and let it hit the horse. The frightened team started to run but Mr. Haines managed to pull them into the ditch and got them stopped after going a few rods, and with the aid of James Ackerley got them unhitched without any damage being done. 

Lake Delaware

• Rev. Edgelow baptized the Edgelow and Bye babies last Sabbath.

• Rev. Edgelow and Harry Murray motored to Springfield, Mass. last Wednesday and returned home Thursday accompanied by Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Edgelow and two children.

• Mrs. Alex Jardine attended the annual convention of the Albany Diocesan branch of the Woman’s Auxiliary at Schenectady last Wednesday and Thursday as a delegate from St. James branch. 

May 15, 1925

• Mrs. David Currie spent Wednesday at Delhi.

• Ted Fuller, of Utica, was here over the week end.

• Mrs. Gideon Miller, of Hamden, spent Wednesday with relatives.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Polley, from Andes, were callers here on Sabbath.

• John Hilson is having the sidewalk along the front of his property re-laid.

• David J. Miller, of Walton, was here Wednesday looking after property interests.

• It is stated that the Yankee school district will be consolidated with the Maynard district.

• William Armstrong has received the appointment of census enumerator for the town of Bovina.

• Mr. and Mrs. John Laing and Frank Myers, of Endicott, spent over the week end with the relatives.

• Miss Bell V. Gladstone, of Walton, spent over Sabbath at the home of her nephew, C.S. Gladstone.

• A woman representing Lord’s Day Alliance spoke at the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath.

• L.W. Thomson, of New York, is in town on a fishing trip. His wife is a daughter of the late Dr. Lee.

• Mr. and Mrs. Ed. D. Gladstone and daughter, Mary, and Miss Emily Archibald were at Andes on Sabbath.

• The Home Bureau met Tuesday with Miss Carrie Dumond. Fancy work was the matter under discussion. 

• Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson and Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Doig attended the Larro dealers banquet at the Kingston hotel at Delhi, Friday evening.

• At the sale of the personal property of F.W. Hyatt on the D.J. Miller farm Wednesday cows sold as high as $100, but the average will be considerably less.

• Mr. and Mrs. Ward Fancher, of Kortright, spent Sabbath with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo H. Miller. Their little daughter, who has been staying here returned home with them.

• Lauren Dickson, who was admitted to the practice of law a few months ago and has been in an office in Saratoga, is now associated with the law firm of Couper & Terry in Binghamton.

• William H. Irvine, a member of the Fisher Flour Mills, of Seattle, Washington, who was east at Washington, D.C., on business, spent a short time with his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Irvine on his way home. [William was the brother of Isabell Russell.]

May 22, 1925

• Wallace Hyatt has gone to New York City.

• John Armstrong is driving a new Chevrolet sedan.

• Grace Bramley has hired to teach at Union Grove for next year.

• George H. Miller is having his residence repainted. Alex Myers is doing the job.

• Miss Mary Kelley, of Delhi, spent over the weekend with her friend Margaret Gordon. [This likely was Mary Keeley, who taught fourth grade at Delaware Academy.]

• Mrs. T.C. Strangeway was taken ill on Friday with acute indigestion, but is now better.

• From the play Down in Maine last Friday evening the Missionary Society realized about $75.

• Mr. and Mrs. Galie Hafele spent the first of the week with her brother, Archibald Thomson, at Walton.

• Freeman Shaver, of Terry Clove, was here on Sabbath and his father George Shaver returned home with him. 

• A play the “Minister’s Wife’s New Bonnet,” will be given Friday evening under the auspices of the King’s Daughter Sabbath School Class.

• Those from out of town of attend the funeral of Miss Jennie Miller on Monday, were Mr. and Mrs. James Foreman, Miss Margaret Archibald, Mrs. George Cable, Mrs. William Bramley, of Delhi, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Sanford, of New Kingston. 

LAST OF HER GENERATION

Miss Jennie Miller, of Bovina, Dies at Age of 84 Years

Miss Jennie Miller died at the County Home, on Friday, May 15, at the ripe old age of 84 years.

She was the daughter of the late David Miller who came to America from Scotland in 1816, and was born in Bovina and all her life had been spent in the town. She was a member of the U.P. Church and a great believer in missions.

The funeral was held Monday with interment in the Bovina Center cemetery. 

May 29, 1925

• James Ackerley is painting his remodeled residence.

• Frank Miller and wife were at Andes the first of the week.

• Miss Ruth Teal spent from Saturday until Monday at Bloomville.

• Mrs. Julia McPherson has been confined to her home the past week by illness. [Mrs. McPherson was the former Julia Ann Fuller. Married to A. Fitch McPherson, she was widowed in 1903. Julia survived this illness, dying in 1933.] 

• Miss Angelica Gerry, of New York, has arrived at her summer home at Lake Delaware.

• Miss Alice Frayer, of Delhi, spent over the week end with her friend Miss Margaret Gordon. 

• Sabbath morning at the U.P. church the pastor preached a sermon especially for the children.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded Bovina Cemetery Association to Fredrick Johnson, $35. 

• Fritz Burger, who owns the Armstrong farm, returned to his home at Hackensack on Thursday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Russell attended the funeral of James Amos on Scotch Mountain last week.

• Edgar Lee, son of John B. Lee in Tuttle Hollow, has just completed a course in the Albany Pharmacy College. [Edgar became a successful pharmacist in Delhi, running Lee’s Pharmacy for many years. His daughter Lucile would marry Willard Frisbee.]

• Charles Cheney has his household goods advertised and with his family will return to his former home in Nebraska.

• Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Russell, Mrs. Elizabeth Irvine and Mrs. Douglas Davidson were County Seat visitors on Monday.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon accompanied Homer Covert and daughter Edna, to Brooklyn last Friday and remained until Monday, visiting Wm. S. Gordon and Don Covert, who are attending the Pratt Institute. 

This Day in Bovina for April 2025

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

139 years ago today, the April 1, 1886 Hobart Independent reported that "Thos. H. Lee, son of Rev. Dr. Lee of Bovina, is now a clerk in the New York Custom House, Auditor's office, with a salary of $1,400 per annum."

Fifty years ago today, the April 2, 1975 Walton Reporter published this photo of Bovina and Delhi Fire Department members who received certificates of completion of the essentials of firemanship course. 

These images of Kermit Foreman were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Kermit was a farmer on Lee Hollow. Born in Delhi, he married Mildred Scott in 1931. Kermit operated a paint and paper store in Shavertown from 1931-1941. He moved to Lee Hollow where he was a dairy farmer until his retirement in 1969. Kermit died in 1977. He was the father of Mary Inman and Linda Burns.  Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Eighty-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the April 4, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "The school bus is on the road again this week." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. James Hoy and son James were at Delhi the first of the week.." as were "Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hoy and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Russell and son Ronnie …"

Twenty-seven years ago today, on April 5, 1998, this photograph was taken of the Bovina U.P. Church choir. The members are (left to right) Pat Parsons (Miele), Marie Burns, Marge Burgin, Leona LaFever, Lois Monroe, Anna Lounsbury, Frances Burns, Lauren Monroe, Thelma Barlow, Joe Dibble and Enid Carter.

Ninety-one years ago today, the April 6, 1934 Delaware Express reported that the "Bovina girls ended their season of basketball Friday night, playing South Kortright. Bovina girls won."

This image of the Hilson Brothers' truck comes from the Hoy family. It appears to have been taken on the main street in Bovina Center and likely dates from the 1920s. The Hilson Brothers in the 1920s were John and James Hilson, sons of Alexander Hilson and grandsons of the store's founder, John Hilson. They operated a general store and a feed store for many years, passing the business on to John's sons Alex and Jack. 

128 years ago today, the April 8, 1897 Clarion Democrat (Pennsylvania), in a column entitled Farm Notes, had this item: "Bovina (N.Y.) farmers think that the grasshoppers working on the hay and straw the past season is the cause of so much sickness among cows and horses there this winter."

This image of Kate Birdsall was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in 1940. Born Katherine Craig in Andes in 1890, she married Clinton Birdsall in 1919. He died in Tupper Lake in 1932 from tuberculosis. Kate was left with three children (the fourth, a son, died at the age of 4 in 1930). Kate lived in Bovina in the house I now own in the 1930s and early 1940s. She was the tax collector for some of that time. Kate died in 1963.  

142 years ago today, the April 10, 1883 Stamford Mirror had this item in its Bovina column: "A young man from Bulgaria, at present a member of the junior class of the Hamilton College, delivered a lecture in the U.P. Church, on Wednesday eve. A collection amounting to about $19 was taken up to assist the lecturer in obtaining his education."

Thirty-four years ago today, the April 11, 1991 Mirror Recorder carried this Bovina column by Ann Cairns:  

133 years ago today, the Stamford Mirror for April 12, 1892 carried this short item: "On account of the scarcity of women help at Bovina Center, many of the farmers in that vicinity are sending to Castle Garden to employ female emigrants." Castle Garden was an immigrant processing facility in New York City, the predecessor of Ellis Island.

Eighty-one years ago today, the April 13, 1944 issue of the Delaware Republican Express reported the following: "At the Easter service at the Bovina United Presbyterian Church the following babies were baptized: Marianne Hilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hilson; Mary Coulter Parsons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Parsons; Donald Alan Burns, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Burns; Robert Laidlaw Wilson, son of Mrs. Robert Wilson; Lee Gary Archibald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Archibald; Martha Rae Jardine and Richard Alan Jardine, children of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jardine."

202 years ago, on April 14, 1823, days of highway work were assessed for property owners in Bovina highway district 14. Before the imposition of road taxes in the early 20th century, roads were maintained by assessing days of work on the property owners around the roads. They either had to carry out the work or hire someone to do it. Where this district was located cannot be precisely determined, but it may have been in the area of Pink Street.

This image of the Johnson Woolen Mill comes from the 1880 History of Delaware County, published by Munsell. The Johnson Mill was located near Mountain Brook and was run by waterpower provided by the Little Delaware River. In the 1820s, it was run by Andrew Johnson. When he died unexpectedly in 1837, his widow Mary Hamilton Johnson ran the mill until 1856, when her sons became adults. The family ran the mill into the early 20th century. 

Eighty-three years ago today, the Bovina column in the April 16, 1942 Delaware Republican reported that "Jean Ditty of New York City spent the past week in town with Mr. and Mrs. A. Gardner."

115 years ago today, on April 17, 1910, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Wilson McFarland died in upper Bovina …. at 7 a.m. He was taken with lagrippe on Friday and this was complicated by heart trouble. He was born in town of Roxbury in the Plattekill valley 71 years ago April 2. When only about a year old his mother died and he was taken by his grandfather, James Thomson at the 'stone house' and had always remained there. He is survived by an aunt, Miss Lydia Thomson, one sister, Mrs. Nancy Jane Ackerly, of Margaretville, and a half-brother, Milton McFarland, of Delhi." The funeral took place on the 19th and he was buried in the Bovina cemetery.

It was ten years ago this evening, April 18, 2015, that the second Bovina History Pageant took place. Modeled on the first pageant, which took place on April 21, 1955, it was a standing room only crowd. More information is on my blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/04/bovina-history-pageant-2015-version.html

This image of Indian Rocks, which sits above the Bovina Center hamlet, is from a postcard dated 1906. Indian Rocks has been a popular place to hike to from the hamlet for several generations of children and adults. 

144 years ago today, on April 20, 1881, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "The household goods of the late Mrs. Kendall were sold at public auction…. Dan Franklin auctioneer." This likely is Jane Tuttle Kendall, who died in February 1881 at the age of 61. She was the daughter of William Tuttle and Sarah Carman and was married to Charles Kendall. I cannot determine when she married him. Her will file uses her maiden name with a reference to being also known as Jane Kendall.

Seventy years ago today, on April 21, 1955, the Bovina Recreation Club presented “Bovina Center, My Home Town.”  As later reported in the Delaware Republican Express, the program was "presented by pantomime, narrative and the projection of colored slides on a movie screen…" My grandmother attended the event, but I was unable to attend this event because.  I was considered to be too young. I was about 14 hours old.  More information about this event may be found in the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/04/56-years-ago-today.html.

Sixty years ago, the April 22, 1965 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Bovina maple producers have had a poor year up to now, but the last few days they have had a splendid run of good quality syrup, which will help out a lot to bring the run up to near average."

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. These three aerial images show the farm of my grandfather, Benson LaFever. This farm had belonged to Fred and Nell Henderson until sold to Ben and Anna Bell LaFever in 1928. My aunt and uncle, Howard and Laura LaFever took over the farm in the mid-1950s. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Eighty-six years ago today, on April 24, 1939, Ronald James Russell was born, the elder son of Ernest and Dorothy Russell. He was joined by a brother David in 1941. Ron died in 1985 at the age of 45, after battling diabetes and kidney disease. This photo comes from Dot Russell's album. This was taken at the house now owned by Joan Foster, just to the left of Hilson's store. 

This picture of Mary Jardine and Marjorie Russell in front of Marjorie's home was taken thirty-four years ago today, April 25, 1987. 

This is a postcard view of St. James Church, located at Lake Delaware. More information about the history of this church is on my blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2014/07/centennial-of-st-james-episcopal-church.html  

146 years ago today, on April 27, 1879, Hanna Halstead died. She was born in 1801, the daughter of William Halstead. Unfortunately, we don't know a lot about her except that she was living for a number of years with her brother John. In the 1860 census, she's listed as the head of household. She is buried in the Bovina Center cemetery.

Ninety-two years ago today, the April 28, 1933 Delaware Express had this list of students in the Bovina Center school who made the Honor Roll. 

168 years ago today, the April 29, 1857 Delaware Gazette reported on a late snowstorm that hit "the Western and Southern States." New England was spared but apparently not New York. The Delaware County area was reported as having a "full seven feet, and some think nearer eight feet of snow ... during the two storms." There was mild weather between the two storms, allowing some of the snow to melt and settle. "Some ten or twelve barns and sheds in this village [Delhi] and vicinity were crushed in…A Mrs. Snooks, of Bovina, lost three cows and had another badly injured, by the falling of a barn." Mrs. Snooks' farm was on the lower end of Lee Hollow just above the Hook.

148 years ago today, on April 30, 1877, Jane Patterson Dysart died. Born in 1804, she married Peter Dysart and would have two children, both of whom would predecease her. Her son Robert died in October 1863 of typhoid on Folly Island in North Carolina while with the NY 144th Infantry. She lost an infant daughter in 1850. She was survived by an illegitimate grandson. More about her son Robert may be found at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/12/illegitimate-child-of-robert-dysart.html

A Week with Bovina People - April 1900 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

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

April 6, 1900

• W.L. White was at Delhi Friday.

• Michael Dickson is in poor health.

• Thomas Miller was at Andes Wednesday.

• John Blair and wife visited Delhi on Tuesday.

• Peter McNair was at Margaretville on Monday.

• Junius Shaver, of Shavertown, was here this week.

• Frank Myers, of Andes, is visiting in town this week.

• William Crosier, wife and son were at Delhi Wednesday.

• Charles Sanford made a trip to the County Seat Monday.

• Alex. Palmer has been visiting his brother, Charles, here.

• John Archibald and wife were visitors in this place Tuesday.

• John Blair and Robert A. Thomson were over at Andes Monday.

• E.O. Harkness and son, Robert, were up from Delhi Saturday.

• The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Guerdon Dibble died Wednesday.

• Rev. H.F. Brown left Monday for New York city to attend conference. 

• William H. Bramley and Mrs. E.C. Dean were here from Delhi Monday.

• Born at Delancey, March 29, to Mr. and Mrs. David A. Oliver, a daughter. [Her name was Margaret. She married Frank Mereness and lived to 80, dying in 1980.]

• Jackson & Mason’s hearse has been in town four times within two weeks.

• Fred Bramley was at Andes Monday after his housekeeper – Lucy Jackson.

• Miss Anna Scott has been threatened with pneumonia this week, but is now improving.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. William Mason Monday, April 2, a son. It only weighed 11 ½ pounds.

• Robert Stewart, of Peake’s Brook, was here Monday after Ella Lee, who will work for him this season. 

• Who is P.W.S. writing in the Delaware Republican from Pisga!  The initials must mean Pretty Weak Stuff.

• The little daughter of Alex. Hilson died Saturday morning, aged two years and ten months.  The funeral was held Sabbath afternoon. [Violet Isabella]

• Three times in ten days has death entered the family of Francis Coulter and taken a member.  James Coulter died March 20, and last Thursday his wife died, aged 26 years.  Saturday morning, Walter A. Coulter, a brother, died aged about 38 years, all of whom died with plura pneumonia.  The funeral of Mrs. Coulter was held Friday and that of Walter on Monday.

April 13, 1900

• Jenn Blair was at Delhi Wednesday.

• W.C. Russell was at Andes Monday.

• A.O. Butts made a trip to Bloomville Monday.

• Adam Scott was in this place from Delhi Tuesday.

• Alex Johnson Was down at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Thomas Miller and wife went to Walton Monday.

• Dr. Ormiston and wife were up from Delhi on Sabbath.

• Miss Mary Liddle was in town from Andes on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver were over at Andes Monday.

• F.R. Coulter and W.L. White were at the County Seat Tuesday.

• Ed Gladstone and James N. Laing were seen in town Tuesday.

• Dr. Seacord and William Armstrong were County Seat visitors Monday.

• Mrs. A.O. Butts and Miss Margaret Chisholm were visitors at Delhi Tuesday.

• Alex. Hilson went to New York city Monday to purchase a stock of new goods.

• Arthur Neish is moving into the upstair rooms in the old Stott cooper shop from the Kinmouth house.

• Rev. and Mrs. W.L. C. Samson were at Walton Tuesday, the former to attend the meeting of Presbytery.

• William Ruff and Emmett Knapp went to Oneonta Tuesday, to be on hand to attend the Ayer & McKinney sale of stock.

• James L. Ormiston has secured a position as herdsman on a fancy dairy farm near Philadelphia, and will begin duties about May 1. The farm was formerly owned by the Buckhanan family.

• For the year ending March 31st the amount contributed to missions by the United Presbyterian church was $923. This does not include anything that has been contributed by the Sabbath School.

• Michael Dickson died last Friday, in the 76th year of his age.  He was born at Dunfriseshire, near Fairloans, Scotland, in June 1824, and was a son of Gilbert Dickson, and with his parents came to this country in 1831, and has since resided in Bovina.  He was one of a family of nine children, having five brothers and three sisters, and of these only two brothers and two sisters are now living.  A widow and two sons survive him.  The funeral was held on Wednesday, Rev. Slater officiating.

April 20, 1900

• Roads are in bad condition.

• Mrs. William T. .Black was at Delhi Monday.

• Marion Robertson was over at Andes Monday.

• Frank Miller made a trip to Delhi on Thursday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were at Delhi Monday.

• Thomas S. Doig was in town from Andes Saturday.

• An agent for the Walton Chronicle was in town Saturday.

• Miss Effie Hughes, of Andes, is visiting relatives in town.

• Edward Turnbull and sister, M. Ella were here from Andes Wednesday.

• A.O. Butts, John Blair and James E. Hastings were at Delhi Monday.

• Miss Jennie Hastings is home from the Oneonta Normal for a vacation.

• William Johnson, wife and child, of Delhi were in this place on Sabbath.

• Rev. H.F. Brown leaves Saturday for his new charge at East Kingston.

• William T. Black was in New York this week attending the Republican state convention.

• Dr. J. B. Lee, of Franklinville, arrived in town Wednesday to renew old acquaintances here.

• Adam Laidlaw and Milton Hastings started for the west Monday, and their destination is Auburn, Washington.

• Monday W.L. Ruff and James E. Hastings got the calf home which they bought at the Ayer & McKinney sale.

• At the collection taken in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath for the suffering in India the amount was $87.75.

• It is reported here this (Thursday) morning that Thomas C. Strangeway has purchased James L. Ormiston’s dairy of cows.

• Friday a disastrous fire was narrowly averted at David Oliver’s.  Mr. Oliver lives in one part of the house and his son in law, Marion Roberton, who runs the farm lives in the other, and Mrs. Oliver went up stairs with a gallon oil can to fill it from a five gallon can which they kept upstairs.  She had the small can filled, but for some cause could not stop the flow of oil from the large can, and it ran down the stove pipe near which she was and the blaze flashing up struck Mrs. Oliver full in the face blinding her for an instant.  Her cries brought her son-in-law who was taking in the situation caught up some old carpet and throwing it over the blazing oil can pitched it through a window.  By quick work the remaining fire which was burning where the oil was scattered was put out.  The house was filled with smoke and it will necessitate repapering and some of the woodwork was blistered.  In Mr. Robertson’s part some rooms had just been newly papered and it will now have to be done over again.  It was insured in the town company and Saturday directors, John R. Hoy, F.R. Coulter and B.S. Miller visited the scene and the loss was adjusted for $57.71.

April 27, 1900

• Perry Shaw was in town Tuesday.

• John Blair went to Meredith Monday.

• Thursday James A. Liddle was at Delhi.

• Thomas E.. Hastings was at Delhi on Saturday.

• Quite thick ice was frozen here Wednesday morning.

• John Connor was seen in town from Andes Tuesday.

• Elmer Hastings made a trip Monday to Bloomville.

• Mr. Dibble, of Bloomville, was in this place Monday.

• James Robson was down at the County Seat Monday.

• George Cable and family were down at Delhi last Thursday. 

• Elmer Close and George Gladstone visited Delhi Saturday.

• Dr. Lee started for his home in Franklinville on Tuesday.

• W.T. Black and Dr. Seacord were at Bloomville Wednesday.

• Joseph Raitt arrived in town Friday to renew old acquaintances.

• Dr. Lee preached in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

• Gideon Miller and wife visited his parents at Andes over Sabbath.

• C.R. Monroe and W.J. Hyzer were here from Andes last Thursday.

• William H. Liddle and Bert Elliott, of Andes, were here on Monday.

• Mrs. E.G. Gladstone and Mrs. W.J. Doig visited the County Seat Tuesday.

• W.C. Russell, wife and daughter, and Miss Ella Forrest were down at Delhi Tuesday.

• Mrs. W.T. Black was at Delhi Friday after her husband on his return from the state convention.

• Rev. H.F. Brown left Saturday for his new charge at East Kingston. Rev. Williams, the new minister arrived on Friday.

• Thomas Gordon, D.L. Thompson, Thomas Miller, Andrew Doig and wife, Mrs. John A. Irvine, Mrs. James L. Coulter, were among those at Delhi on Tuesday.

• In 1857 Thomas Miller was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian church and for 43 years has served in that office. All his associates elected at that time are dead. 

• Schools in town have resumed their sessions after the Institute at Roxbury. The teachers are loud in their praise of way in which they were entertained by the people of Roxbury. 

 

April 1925 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

April 3, 1925

• Hosa Sliter moved to Lake Delaware.

• Gilbert D. Miller was at the County Seat on Monday.

• Next Sabbath the evening meeting will be resumed at the U.P. church.

• Mrs. James Monroe has taken furnished rooms in Mrs. Gordon’s house.

• Miss Carrie Dumond is visiting friends at South Kortright and Stamford.

• Mrs. John Irvine and daughter, Mrs. Cecil Russell, were County Seat visitors Monday.

• Wilber Doig has moved from Delhi to Mrs. Addie Cowan’s house. He will be employed at the creamery.

• While milking one day last week Miss Mary Brown was quite severely injured by being kicked by a cow.

• George Decker commenced work as patrolman on the State road Tuesday. His assistants are John Aitkens and George Shaver.

• Milton A. Doig, who for some time has acted strangely, has been taken to the state hospital at Binghamton for treatment.

• Mrs. John R. Aitken’s, who a few weeks ago underwent an operation, is again confined to bed. Miss Henderson is the nurse.

• Mrs. James Gow gave a rook party on Monday night. The guests were Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin.

• Communion services were held last Sabbath at the United Presbyterian church, and two new members were received on profession of faith. 

• Mrs. Ruland, who several weeks ago had an operation at Delhi hospital, was brought to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Barnhart, the first of the week.

Bovina Landmark – From Our Bovina Correspondent

William S. Redmond has purchased from Miss Louise Dennis, the Dennis homestead house and a little over an acre of land adjoining, located in Bovina Center. He has been occupying the place under lease. 

April 10, 1925

• D.C. Worden has rented his farm to his son.

• Mrs. A.S. Banker spent Saturday with her parents at Pine Hill.

• Mr. and Mrs. James Ackerley were at South Kortright on Sabbath.

• The annual meeting of the United Presbyterian congregation was held on Tuesday.

• Misses Kate and Freda Muller spent over the week end with their niece at Schenectady.

• James Ackerley has gone to Perch Lake to do some carpenter work for J.E. Stanley.

• Mr. and Mrs. Ted Fuller, formerly of this town, who have been in Walton, have taken positions at Marcy.

• Miss Caroline Dickson is home for Easter from her school at Rutland, Vermont. Miss Anna Dickson is here from Cornell University.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were at Franklin the first of the week. He will be instructor of Science in Delaware Academy next year.

• Frank C. Armstrong, who for a number of years has lived at Walton, has returned to his native town and will make his home with his son, William Armstrong.

• A change has been made in patrolmen assignments this year. Howard McPherson has from the Strangeway corner to Hamden, and George Decker has from Bovian to Margaretville.

Double Wedding

Arthur R. Laing, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Laing, of Meridale and Irma Smith were married April 8. At the same time and place Walter J. Hollaway and Rhenie Laing were united in marriage. The Laing’s were formerly residents of Bovina and Andes.

April 17, 1925

• Clara Shaver is visiting her brother in Terry Clove.

• Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson were at South Kortright on Sabbath.

• Mrs. Everett Joslin is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles Hyatt in New York.

• Miss Mabel Winter, of New Kingston, is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Frank Miller.

• Mary and Margaret Doig, of Delhi, spent over the week end with their brother.

• Mrs. Hull, house keeper for F.W. Hyatt, is spending a vacation in New York City.

• Mr. and Mrs. Millard Gow, of Binghamton, were recent guests of his parents here.

• Mrs. R.G. Thomson and Grace Erickson, of Frasers, are at Harry Robinson’s.

• Wendell Ormiston and family, from Goshen, are visiting his mother, Mrs. Thos Ormiston.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are William M. Johnson to Robert E. Parsons and others $1.

• Jane Hilson accompanied by her friend, Mary Flannsburg, are spending their vacation.

• Mrs. Ray Thomson underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Delhi hospital last Thursday.

• Mrs. George Baldwin, of Spring Valley, spent over Easter with her mother, Mrs. G.J. Dickson.

• Frank A. Coulter has resigned the office of assessor, and the town board has appointed William J. Archibald to fill the vacancy.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Myers, of Endicott, spent over the week end with his parents. Master Ledger Myers went home with them for a visit.

• Members of the R.P. congregation entertained the Geneva College Glee Club over Sabbath. They gave an entertainment at Delhi on Monday evening.

• Mrs. James Monroe and daughter, Ruth, are spending the week at her former home at Catskill. She had her household goods taken there and put in storage.

Bovina Man Injured – from our Bovina Correspondent

Thos C. Strangeway was severely cut about the face last Thursday by falling onto some glass. He was at Edith Liddle’s assisting in moving a small building and caught his foot on a board, causing him to fall into a rubbish heap. He sustained cuts on his face, chin and lips.

April 24, 1925

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doig, of Delhi, were in town Monday.

• Mrs. J.K. Russell, of Whitney’s is spending the week with relatives in town.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Frank T. Miller and wife to David C. Worden, $1.

• Mrs. John Miller and daughter, Miss Leila, of Walton, were visitors here the first of the week.

• The Fred Johnson house on Maple avenue has been sold for a parsonage for the Church of the Covenanters.

• Attorney Lauren Dickson, who has a position in a law office at Saratoga, is spending a vacation with his mother.

• William Crosier, who has spent several months with his son at Steubenville, Ohio, has returned to his home here.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon, Son and daughter, spent Saturday at the home of her cousins, Mrs. Robert Brown, and Jas. B. Scott, in Fall Clove.

• Born ot Mr. and Mrs. William F. McNee, of Delancey, April 14, a dauter. The father is a son of the late Gifford McNee, of Bovina.

• A meeting of the Home Bureau was held at the U.P. church parlors Tuesday. Miss Edna Smith, state specialist, was present and gave a talk on a Convenient Kitchen. 

• A.W. Baker and family, who last fall went to Florida, have returned to their farm uptown. They made the journey in his truck which he fitted up for the purpose.

Bovina Center Teachers – from Our Bovina Correspondent

The trustees of the Bovina Center school have secured for the next school year teachers as follows, vis: Gilbert Banker, principal; Miss Edith Liddle, primary. Miss Gladys Worden, the present principal, goes to Meritt, Long Island, next year.

Home From Egypt

Mrs. Whitcomb, wife of Dr. Norris B. Whitcomb, and two children, arrived in Walton last week. The Whitcomb’s went to Egypt in the fall of 1920, and he is a medical missionary from the United Presbyterian Church of Bovina. At present they are situated at Assuit, upper Egypt. Mrs. Whitcomb will remain in this country two years. Dr. Whitcomb will return to the United States in the fall and will stay eighteen months. 

This Day in Bovina for March 2025

Here's the compilation of the Town of Bovina Facebook daily entries for March.

Seventy-seven years ago today the March 1, 1948 issue of the Oneonta Daily Star carried this picture of the Scott Bridge which stood at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet. The bridge was demolished in 1955, after a more modern bridge was built to replace it. 

These images of Henry Monroe were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Henry Francis Monroe was born in 1896 in Bovina, the son of James and Margaret (Coulter) Monroe. He spent his life in Bovina, living on the family farm on Mountain Brook. He married Ruth Ormiston in 1920. They had four children, including Frances Burns and Lauren Monroe. Henry died in 1992 at the age of 96. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.   

162 years ago today, on March 3, 1863, this receipt was created certifying that David Nichol, a volunteer in the Civil War, was entitled to $150 from the town bounty. Nichol had volunteered the previous September in Battery E Light Artillery Regiment in Pennsylvania. Nichol left the area after the war and died in Iowa in 1929. 

Eighty-two years ago today, the Bovina column of the March 4, 1943 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Alan Davidson was at Albany last week taking instructions on the duties at the observation post." The same column reported that "The Bovina telephone switchboard is to be moved to the home of Howard McPherson." This is now the home of Kim and Marcelo Riera.

144 years ago, the March 5, 1881 Delaware Republican reported that "A glass ball shooting match at Bovina recently caused some excitement." The paper went on to report that "the best scores were made by Walter Graham and Andrew Thomson - seven broke out of ten. Geo. Cable and Alex. Bryden broke six out of ten." Glass ball shooting was popular in America from about 1866 to the 1880's. The ball was launched similar to later clay shooting matches, which replaced the glass ball. The goal was to break as many of the balls in a set period. The sport fell out of favor quickly, partly because the ease with which the balls could be hit and partly due to the unwanted dangerous glass that had to be cleared after.

When Milt Hastings' father, T.E. Hastings, sold what is now Russell's Store in 1893 to A.T. Doig, he kept the feed business which was behind the store. Milt took over the business after his father's death. This image likely dates from the late 1920s. The truck appears to be decorated for a parade.

 

Fifty-two years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 7, 1973 Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported that "The Bovina Library is closed until further notice. George Cochran and his crew have started renovation of the building. The Board of Trustees wish to thank all who helped to move books and also those who took books to store."

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 8, 1951 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "We are glad to learn that Mrs. John Burns is home again from New York, and that the treatments have been beneficial." Mrs. Burns died the following July at the age of 63.  Mrs. Burns was the former Elizabeth Jane Carnright and was the mother of Agnes Burns and Mary Lounsbury. This Bob Wyer image of Mrs. Burns, courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association, was taken in 1946.  

Eighty-one years ago today, March 9, 1944, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican Express included this item: "Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Marion Barnhart to Francis Ruff on March 11th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at her home." The same column noted that "Alex Hilson is having repair work done on his house."

 

This notice dated 191 years ago today, March 10, 1834, appeared in the Delaware Gazette: "Post-Rider's Notice. The subscriber notifies those who he serves with the Delaware Gazette that the year will expire with the paper of the 26th March; and requests them to leave the change where he has left the papers, that he may obtain it without any extra trouble. JAMES RUSSELL, Bovina, March 10, 1834." The notice appeared for several weeks after its initial posting.

 

130 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for March 11, 1891 reported that "Wm. A. Hoy will teach the Bovina Centre village school for the summer term." Hoy was born in Bovina in 1866 and was the father of Lester T. and James A. Hoy. William died in 1940. Here's an image of William, probably from around this time period. Image courtesy of Jim and the late Tom Hoy. 

Ninety-five years ago today, the March 12, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "The farmers are busy hanging the sap buckets. A fine run on Monday."

 

Seventy-eight years ago today, the March 13, 1947 Stamford Mirror carried a report entitled "Painful Accident at Bovina Center." The article went on to note "Walter Reinertsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reinertsen, was kicked by his horse last Monday in front of Cecil Russell’s store. The horse was scared by a snowplow and as Walter came out of the store the horse kicked him against the store window which was shattered by the impact. Walter's hip was painfully bruised, and he was taken to the office of a physician for treatment. He is making a good recovery." Walter, better known as 'Dowey,' was the youngest son of Sophie and Andrew. He was 16 when this accident happened. He died in March 1974.

 

This image of Ellsworth Tuttle was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Tuttle was born in 1882 and died in 1959, having spent his life in Bovina working as a dairy farmer until he retired in 1953. He died at his home on Bramley Mountain. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

137 years ago today, on March 15, 1888, a "Surprise Party Sociable" was held at the Methodist Church Parsonage "for the benefit of Rev. E.M. Kniskern…" This is the invitation that was sent to Alex Hilson and family. The invitation also included Adam Laidlaw. Likely he was living with the Hilsons at the time, maybe working as a hired hand. Adam was the father of Margaret Hoy, who was Bovina Town Clerk for many years.

 

145 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 16, 1880 Stamford Mirror reported that "Miss Margaret Hoy is dangerously ill with erysipelas and other diseases." I am not sure which Margaret Hoy this is. There are three possibilities, all of whom lived for some time after 1880. There was Margaret Jane Hoy, the daughter of J.R and Isabella Hoy. Born in 1866, she married Douglas Davidson in 1889 and died in 1936. Then there is the Margaret Hoy who was the daughter of Thomas and Julia Hoy. Born in 1869, she married Frederick Bramley in 1892 and died in 1899. The final Margaret is the oldest, born in 1836, the daughter of Robert and Nancy Hoy. She died in 1923.

 

Thirty years ago today, the March 17, 1995 issue of the Delaware County Times carried this article about the Weber farm on Crescent Valley Road, in which Donna Weber warns people "Don't ever start farming in the winter."

169 years ago today, the March 18, 1856 Bloomville Mirror carried this ad placed by Edward O'Connor: "ONE CENT REWARD - Walked away from the subscriber, being too lazy and stubborn to run, Isaac W. Atkin, bound apprentice to the farming business. This is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting him on my account, as I will pay no debts of his contracting and to him who hires him without my consent, I say beware." Isaac was Edward's nephew, the son of his sister Hannah. Isaac was born in Canada, where his mother died when he was about 3. It's possible he had been living with his uncle for much of his life. At some point, he must have returned. In 1865, he's living with another O'Connor uncle, William, in the Margaretville area. What happened to him after that is not clear.

 

This postcard view, dating probably from the 1930s or 40s, is what is now County Highway 6 looking west as the road leaves Bovina Center and before you get to Russell Hill.

 

 

125 years ago today, on March 20, 1900, James H. Coulter died. Born in 1872, he was the son of Francis Coulter and Loruhannah Henderson. He married Minnie Miller in 1895. Minnie died nine days after her husband. James' brother Walter died two days after that.

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image was taken of Frank McPherson's farm at the lower end of Bovina Center. The farm is in the center of the image. Above it is the Bovina Center hamlet. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

  

 

142 years ago today, on March 22, 1883, Alexander F. Storie signed this oath of office as town supervisor, using an altered oath form from the town of Delhi. The oath was signed late because the original person elected to the position, David Black, had refused to serve, so a new supervisor had to be appointed by the Justices of the Peace. 

167 years ago today, an auction notice appeared in the March 23, 1858 Bloomville Mirror, posted by Mrs. Sarah Tuttle, advertising a sale for April 1. "AUCTION-The subscriber will sell at public Auction or Vendue, at the residence of the late William Tuttle, in Bovina, on Thursday, April 1st, 1858, at 10 o'clock A.M., the following property, viz:-15 COWS, 1 span of Horses, 3 Yearlings, 3 Calves, 10 Sheep, 3 Shoats, 1 two Horse Pleasure Wagon, 1 two horse Lumber Wagon, 1 Sleigh, 1 set of two horse Harness, 1 Horse Rake, Fanning Mill, Plough, Drag, and all the Farming & Dairying Utensils. Also, a quantity of Hay. Terms-Cash on all sums under $5, and on all sums above that amount, a credit until the 1st of December next will be given for approved notes." William had died in March 1856, at the age of 62. Sarah survived her husband by almost 28 years, dying in 1884. The farm was on Lee Hollow and later became the Lee family farm.

 

Ninety-nine years ago today, the March 24, 1926 Stamford Mirror reported on the dismantling of the Old Methodist Church in Bovina. Under the headline "Razing Landmark At Bovina Center," the article went on: "In the dismantling of the old Methodist Church building, our community witnesses the passing of an old landmark. The building was erected at a contract price of $1,397.50 in 1849, and was built of native pine and hemlock lumber, much of which is still in excellent condition, and which will be used in the construction of a new barn at the Champ Worden farm. It is estimated that a church building of this size would now cost above $5,000." This church stood across from what is now the community hall.

This postcard image of the Bovina UP Church dates from probably the late 1930s. Note that the pinnacles above the bell tower are not there. The originals were removed but replaced probably in the 1940s. The house next door was built by Bovina Pastor James B. Lee in the early 1860s. It was the McKenzie home around this time and is now the home of Tom Lamport and Amy Burns.

161 years ago today, on March 26, 1864, Edward Boggs was paid $54 for his teaching services in the District 4 school in Bovina. Boggs was the son of William H. Boggs and Elizabeth McKenzie. He married Nancy Murray in 1866 and died in South Kortright in 1908. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image of the Bovina Center Creamery was taken at a lower altitude than most of the aerials in this series. The low flying airplane attracted quite a bit of attention in town.  Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

143 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 28, 1882 Stamford Mirror noted that the "District School No. 3 is closed for a vacation of three weeks." This is the school located at Bovina Road and County Route 6 in the Mountain Brook area. The same column also reported that the "writing school is also closed, Mr. Gordon received a fifteen dollar present for his services." Gordon was noted for his beautiful handwriting.

 

Thirty-one years ago today, the March 29, 1994 Delaware County Times published this photo of David Roberts and Charles LaFever at the Delaware County Home and Infirmary. 

 

Thirty-two years ago today, the Bovina News in the March 30, 1993 Delaware County Times noted that "Approximately 30 members, spouses and guests attended the annual Bovina Rescue Squad dinner on last Friday evening at Hidden Inn in South Kortright. Mrs. Leona LaFever was honored as she retires from her years of service to the squad. The Squad is to be congratulated for their service to the community."

 

This postcard view of Crescent Valley Road looking east dates from before or around 1907. The farm at the upper right is now the Weber farm.