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

Life in Bovina 100 years ago this month, as reported in the Andes Recorder: 

March 6, 1925

• Mrs. George Shaver was a Walton visitor Monday.

• Roy Thomson, is ill with pneumonia at his home up-town.

• Orrin Todd has moved his family to Roses Brook from the Burger farm.

• Thomas Miner has moved from Harry Robinson’s house to the Arch Phyfe house.

• Everett Joslin has moved from the village to the farm of Fritz Burger, (the former Armstrong place).

• Mrs. D.C. Worden, who several weeks ago underwent an operation for goiter, is much worse this week.

• Mrs. J.D. Burns, who has been at the Delhi hospital for several weeks, for treatment, returned to her home last week.

• Harry G. Robinson and family and Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Thomson moved from Andes this week back to their home in Bovina Center.

• Miss Edith Russell, daughter of Mrs. W.T. Russell, was operated upon last week at Delhi hospital for disease glands of the neck. Dr. Stein, of Albany, was the surgeon.

Bovina Has Two Runaways

Thursday the team of Fritz Burger on the Armstrong farm in Bovina, ran away from the Ed Coulter farm and were stopped after going a short distance by the wagon colliding with a fence and holding them.  Mr. Burger, Jas Bramley and F.W. Hyatt had been to the Coulter place after a large hog and had it loaded in and went into the house and left the team standing.  The hog was not spilled out.  

The team of F.W. Hyatt took fright at the creamery one morning recently and ran away.  They struck a hydrant breaking a wheel and left the wagon.  One horse outran the other and they ran in back of the residence of Alex Myers.

Born in Bovina

John J. Dean D.D., who was born in Bovina 88 years ago, died at his home in Kingston, February 25, having been in feeble health for some time. He was for many years a Methodist clergyman and retired several years ago.

He is survived by his wife who was Georgia Fiero, and one son, William Dean, who is a broker in New York, and also one brother E.C. Dean, of Delhi. 

March 13, 1925

• Mrs. Dixon Thomson is on the sick list.

• Wilber Archibald is now driving a new Overland coupe.

• Mrs. Vivian Davis, of Andes, is employed at George Decker’s.

• The Home Bureau held a meeting with Mrs. George Russell on Tuesday.

• Mable Parsons was here from andes and spent Sabbath with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Parsons.

• Mrs. John Aitken returned Monday from the Delhi hospital, where she recently underwent an operation.

• The Willing Workers will give a play, Arrival of the New Minister, in the town Hall on Friday evening.

• Mrs. Roland, the mother of Mrs. Ralph Barnhart, underwent an operation at Delhi hospital on Monday.

• Mrs. Ella Telford has moved her household goods form rooms in part of William Boggs’ (Gow) house to Delhi.

• Monday as Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were enroute to Bovina from Franklin in their car was stalled in a snow drift on the Meredith hills.

• Hugh Galland and wife will move from rooms in Mrs. Julia McPherson’s house the rooms in William Boggs’ house, vacated by Mrs. Telford.

Bovina Woman Dead – Mrs. D.C. Worden Passed Away on March 7 – had operation

Mrs. D.C. Worden died at her home near Bovina Center late on Saturday, March 7, after a long illness. Several weeks ago she underwent an operation for goiter, and complications caused her death. The funeral was held on Tuesday, with Rev. Thomson, pastor of the R.P. church, officiating. 

Her maiden name was Hattie Boyd and she was born in Bovina about 60 years age. Surviving her, besides her husband, are two sons and four daughters, viz: David Worden in Kortright; Mrs. Clifford McMullen, on the Little Delaware; Mrs. Tolley, teaching at the Toll Gage; Roy and Gladys Worde, the latter principal of the Bovina Center school, both at home, and one daughter in the west. 

March 20, 1925

• George Shaver was at Andes on business errands Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Archibald were County Seat visitors Tuesday.

• Mrs. James A. Gow and Mrs. Elliott Thomson were at Andes the first of the week.

• James L. Coulter, of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, is a former Bovina resident, is renewing acquaintances in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. John W. McCune spent over the week end with her brother Raymond McNair at Binghamton.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Storie on Saturday, March 14, a son – John Douglas.  Mrs. Henry Little is the nurse.

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter returned home Saturday after a two months’ visit with her sons at Delhi and Walton and her sister in Franklin.

• Mrs. Anna Ruff, formerly of this town, mother of Mrs. Chauncey McFarland, has been confined to her home in Delhi, for several weeks with bronchitis.

• Miss Edith Russell, who recently underwent an operation on the glands of the throat at Delhi, is recovering at the home of her uncle, Ed Russell in that village.

Ad: Wanted – 200 Chestnut fence posts. Alfred G. Russell, Bovina Center, N.Y.

Native of Bovina – Mrs. Carline Fowler of Hamden, Passed Away March 12 – Special to the Recorder

Mrs. Caroline Fowler died at the Fowler home in Covert Hallow, town of Hamden, March 12. Burial was made Saturday in the Hamden cemetery beside her husband.

Her maiden name was Caroline Tuttle, and she was born in the town of Bovina 86 years ago, being a daughter of the late Benj Tuttle. In the early sixties she married Alexander Fowler, and as a bride went to the farm where she died. She is survived by one Watson Fowler, on homestead farm, and a brother, Alonzo Tuttle at Lake Delaware.

March 27, 1925

• Miss Edith Liddle spent over the week end at Ilion.

• Nelson Siring has been doing some mason work for Hilson Bros.

• Leon VanDusen spent a few days the past week with his brother in Ilion.

• Mrs. G.J. Dickson is putting in a cess pool and installing a toilet in her residence.

• Mr. and Mrs. George Decker spent over the weekend with relatives at Margaretville.

• Joseph Fay, from the west, was an over the weekend guest of his niece, Mrs. Hugh Galland.

• William Johnston, formerly of Bovina, is ill with erysipelas at his home at South Kortright.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Elizabeth T. Miller to Mary A. Russell (cemetery) $1.

• There is no school in the Ed Coulter district, owing to scarlet fever in the family of C.B. Hoolihan.

• William S. Gordon, who is attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, is home for a weeks’ vacation. 

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon, collector for Bovina; was at Delhi last Friday and settled with the County Treasurer.

• Mrs. Gideon Miller and son, Reginald, of Hamden, spent Sabbath with her aunt, Mrs. Lancelot Thomson.

• Walter G. Coulter was at Washington, D.C., the past week regarding a patent on a stone spreader for road work.

• Mrs. Dixon Thomson is confined to her bed with neuritis. Her daughter, who teaches in Connecticut, has been called home by her illness.

• Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Gladstone have moved from rooms in G.D. Miller’s house to part of Mrs. Mary Forrest’s house in lower Coulter Brook.

• Miss Jennie Biggar has moved her household goods from part of Mrs. Mary Forrest’s house to the Margaret Hoy house which she has purchased. [This house later was the home of Charles and Leona LaFever.]

• Mildred, daughter of Wallace Smith is ill with scarlet fever.  There are also cases in the families of Earl Fisk and John Quinn, at Lake Delaware.  The disease came from Walton.

• Claude Hensen of Bovina, is one of 18 boys and girls of Delaware county who as township champions for Junior Field days, will have expenses paid to Field days at Ithaca.

This Day in Bovina for February 2025

Here's the monthly compilation of the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook daily entries for February:

Forty-seven years ago today, the February 1, 1978 Walton Reporter carried this photograph from a retirement dinner held for four retiring Bovina town officials. 

138 years ago today, the February 2, 1887 issue of the Delaware Republican carried this item: “The blacksmith shop owned by Mrs. Logan, in Bovina Center, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. Loss about $500, besides about $300 on stock owned by the lessee. There was a hot but successful contest by the bucket brigade to save Mrs. L's barn, which stood within a dozen feet of the burned shop. Several persons had their faces severely scorched. The place is fortunate in having its buildings generally separated, as in case of fire its facilities, except buckets and running streams, are very limited. But they always seem to use the means at hand with promptitude, judgment and resolution. The insurance on the shop, we learn, had recently expired; but the liberal people of the town have already subscribed over $300 to assist in rebuilding the property.” Mrs. Logan was Hannah Bailey, daughter of Jacob and Deliah Bailey. She was first married to James Blair, who died in 1868. She later was married to Hugh Logan and was widowed again in 1874. She had a son, John Walter Blair by her first husband and a daughter, Mary Belle Logan with her second husband. Hannah acquired her property in the 1870s and appears to have owned it until her death in 1914. I have yet to work out where this blacksmith shop was located, though it was likely in the Bovina Center hamlet and maybe near the bridge crossing over Brush’s brook. And I don’t know who the blacksmith was operating it. Was it her? Her obituary makes no mention of this, but who knows?

Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 3, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. John W. Blair observed their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary last Sabbath. They are both in good health and able to be about. Their daughter, Mrs. Marshall Thomson, is with them at present." John would die in August of the following year. His wife, the former Lib Miller, would survive him by almost 20 years, dying in May 1965 at the age of 98.

This postcard view, likely dating from the 1930s, shows County Route Six looking southwest just before you get to Bovina Center. The road was slightly relocated in the 1950s. The house to the left was at the entrance to the Bovina Cemetery. You can just make out to the right of the house the cemetery gates.  

141 years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 5, 1884 Stamford Mirror carried this item: "The pupils of the Brushland district school, are preparing for an exhibition to be given at the close of the winter term."

Bovina District 3 School, known as the Mountain Brook or Butt End school, was located at the intersection of what is now County Route 6 and Bovina Road and it still stands today as a private residence. This images dates from 1894. Unfortunately, we do not have any identifications for the people in the image. If you recognize anyone, let me know. 

129 years ago today, on February 7, 1896, Alexander Storie died at his home in Bovina at the age of 83. The Delaware Republican noted that "he was one of the staunch, judicious and reliable men of [Bovina], for a number of years its supervisor, whose judgment was seldom at fault and who always had the courage of his convictions and the nerve ot carry them into effect, if possible. A venerable land mark and pioneer, warm friend and excellent and thrifty citizen is removed by his decease." This is his portrait from Munsell's History of Delaware County. 

Seventy-three years ago today, the February 8, 1952 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column noted that "Howard Currie of Delhi has commenced a job on our church. He will do a good bit of remodeling, add cloak and rest rooms and change the doors leading into the auditorium. There will be other changes." The same column reported the arrival from Italy of Mrs. Frances Bomanico, the "sister of John Bellino," who was visiting her brother and trying to learn English. It was noted that "She finds it difficult."

The Bovina Post Office was in this home for a number of years, when Fred Thomson was the postmaster. Thomas was postmaster from 1929 until he was forced to retire on January 1, 1950 due to his age (he was 70). The house was later owned by Jim and Marion Elliott and until recently by Chuck and Betty McIntosh.   

145 years ago today, the February 10, 1880 Bovina column in the Stamford Mirror, reported that "After an illness of about fourteen weeks, Mrs. McDonald, widow of the late Henry McDonald, died at her residence near Brushland, on the morning of [February 3], aged 83." Born in Scotland in 1797, the former Margaret Donald married Henry before coming to the US in the 1830s. Henry had died about five weeks earlier. She had six children, who survived her. She is buried in the Bovina cemetery. The house in which she died is now my house.

146 years ago today, the Stamford Mirror in its February 11, 1879 issue, reported under the head line "Fire in Bovina" that "The house of Mr. Charles H. Bramley in Bovina was burned on Tuesday night last week. The family were away making an evening visit, and arrived just in time to see the house fall in ruins. No insurance. Mr. Bramley and family will have the sympathy and pecuniary assistance of his townsmen and many friends." This Charles likely was the son of Henry Bramley and  had a farm on Bramley Mountain. Because of the fire, Bramley sold his herd of 21 cows and other animals, as well as farming implements on February 28.

136  years ago, on February 12, 1889, the Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina people want a new U.P. church, just like the one recently dedicated at South Kortright. They are going to solicit about $3,500, and fix up the old church with new-fashioned notions. Let them go ahead." The renovations were carried out in the church that fall, making it look very much like it does today.

140 years ago today, on February 13, 1885, this bill was submitted by T.F. McIntosh of the Delaware Republican for printing 200 quarantine notices for the Town of Bovina. The notices were for the diphtheria epidemic that hit Bovina Center in late 1884 and early 1885. More about the 1884/85 diphtheria outbreak in Bovina is at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/02/business-in-brushland-has-been-at.html

These chauffeur license images of George Trimbell were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Chauffeur licenses were required for anyone driving for hire or as part of their job. Today this is known as a Class E license in New York.  

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 15, 1951 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express included the following: "The Bovina Home Bureau unit is holding a 'Winter Fair' Feb. 2 in the Bovina Community Hall at 8 pm. There will be a fish pond, snack bar, sweet shop and fancy work shop, as well as a variety of games. Come and visit with your neighbors and have an evening of fun. There is no admission charge; save your money until you get inside."

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. These two images show the Bovina Center hamlet. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.   

This not very clear postcard image of Maple Avenue is dated from around 1910, though it could be a few years older. A.T. Doig owned what is now Russell's Store and likely these were sold from his store.

Eighty-four years ago today, on February 18, 1941, as later reported in the Delaware Express, "Mrs. William J. Archibald and Miss Emily Archibald received medical advice in New York….They and Henry Monroe made the trip with the Rev. Harvey H. McClellan. Mr. Monroe visited an uncle in the Bronx." Mrs. William Archibald was the former Sarah Hobbie and the mother of Emily. Sarah died in 1945, Emily in 1964.

Ninety-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 19, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "Lancelot Thompson was taken ill last Wednesday night and Dr. Sarle was with him for three hours. He is better at this time." Thomson survived this 'attack' but died the following June at the age of 81.

135 years ago today, the February 20, 1890 issue of the Hobart Independent reported the following: "Bovina farmers have hired help for the coming season at $25 per month for men and $4 a week for girls, in some cases. Bovina farmers can stand this if anybody can, but the price is quite out of proportion to the price of farm products."

This postcard image of the Mountain Brook Chalet dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s, when it was owned and managed by Anna Wolf. In fact, the postcard was used as a receipt for payment. Mrs. Wolf opened the chalet in 1965 and ran it until 2003 when Gary Simmons took ownership. He renamed it the Mountain Brook Inn and ran it for about 20 years. It is still operated today by David Ho and Emily Lyman. 

138 years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 22, 1887 Stamford Mirror reported that "The R.P. Church is being re-kalsomined [whitewashed] and repaired. A social for the benefit of the church was held at the house of David J. Miller, on the night of the 16th, and about $18 was raised." This church stood about where the Bovina fire hall and the playground are located. It was taken down in 1943.

Thirty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 23, 1994 Walton Reporter reported that "The Bovina Library is sponsoring a craft and hobby night on Feb. 23 from 7:30-9 pm at the library. The program will be displays and demonstrations of crafts and hobbies. Janet Stewart will provide musical entertainment. Refreshments will be served. Call Hugh Lee if you have crafts or hobbies you wish to share."

These chauffeur license images of Jack Damgaard were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Jack Arna Damgaard was born in Denmark in 1919 and came to the United States as a child in 1924. He married Eleanor Barnhart, daughter of James and Emma Barnhart. From his obituary, it was noted that "Jack was a Dairy Farmer in Bovina Center, New York for 60 years. He was also the Town Judge in Bovina Center for 15 years. For years he and his wife sold cheese at auto shows, state and county fairs, etc. where he was known as 'Jack, the Cheese Man.'" Jack passed away in 2006. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

Sixty years ago today, on February 25, 1960, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican-Express reported that "The LaFever Brothers have tapped their sugar maples, ready for the first sap run."

110 years ago today, the February 26, 1915 issue of the Catskill Mountain News carried an article under the headline "Stops Slander Suit." "The slander suit, in which $25,000 damages were asked of Rev. James B. Lee, pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, by Charles W. Wilkins, has been withdrawn, the plaintiff having reached the conclusion that lie could not sustain his case. This suit is of local Interest from the fact that Mr. Lee was born in Bovina and spent his boyhood there. He Is a son of the late Rev. Dr. J. B. Lee, who was for many years pastor of the Bovina Centre United Presbyterian church. The plaintiff in this action, Mr. Wilkins, who was an elder and also treasurer of St. Paul's church, was charged by the pastor with having misappropriated church money, and then having embezzled money belonging to a trust fund." Rev. Lee's father, J.B. Lee, was involved in a slander suit back in 1870. More about this suit may be found in the Bovina NY History Blog from March 2013: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-i-libel-of-slander.html

131 years ago today, on February 27, 1894, Shirley Ada Miller was born, the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. She grew up on Pink Street on the family farm (the farm that later became Suits-Us Farm). She later became a dental hygienist and passed away in 1973 in Walton.

Seventy-seven years ago today, on February 28, 1948, R. H. Lewis and Sons of Delhi sold to the Bovina Rural Fire District the recently created Bovina Fire Department's first fire truck. The truck was sold in 1987 and later purchased and restored by current Bovina Fire Chief Kevin Brown. 

New Fire Truck at Bovina Creamery, May 1949, Photo by Bob Wyer, courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association

Restored fire truck at Bovina Creamery, 2022, photo by Kevin Brown

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

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

February 2, 1900

• William L. White was at Delhi on Sabbath.

• William Robertson was in town on Saturday.

• Harry Covert was in town from Andes Saturday.

• Joshua K. Hobbie was at the County Seat Tuesday.

• James G. Seath arrived in town the first of the week.

• Nelson Reynolds was seen in town the first of the week.

• Mr. and Mrs. John K. Russell were visitors here Tuesday.

• George Hunter was in town from Colchester Wednesday.

• Fred Bramley has sold his milk to Mr. Halsey, at Almeda.

• Joseph Dennis, of Walton, was at John P. Dennis’ Thursday.

• School in the Centre closed Tuesday, and will reopen again next Monday.

• William T. Black and Elliott Thomson returned Friday from Downsville.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Miller, of Oneonta, were at G.D. .Miller’s this week.

• Mr. Jenks, of West Oneonta, was in town after his son, Professor Jenks.

• Fitch McPherson was at Arena on Sabbath attending the funeral of his sister, Mrs. McLean.

• A sociable is to be held at David Finkle’s, Lake Delaware, Thursday evening for the benefit of the Methodist church.

• Alex. Hilson and Robert A. Thomson went to Delhi Thursday.  The latter as collector settled up with the County Treasurer.

• Among those at Delhi Monday were Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller, Mrs. William Crosier, Mrs. Charles Boggs, Geo Douglas and Thomas Boggs.

• Miss Nellie Butts, who was assistant in our village school last year, will soon enter the New York Hospital in order to fit herself for a professional nurse.

• Owing to the absence of Rev. Samson assisting Dr. Bruce at Andes, there will be no preaching in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath. Sabbath School at 12:20.

February 9, 1900

• Ed Gladstone was in town Wednesday.

• Irving Russell was at Delhi on Saturday.

• Charles McPherson visited Delhi on Monday.

• James Archibald, of Treadwell, is in town.

• F.R. Coulter was over at Andes on Wednesday.

• William McPherson has been visiting in town.

• Andrew Gilchrist and son were in town Saturday.

• Robert Forman was at the County Seat Wednesday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were down at Delhi Monday.

• Herbert Pitcher was in town from Delhi Wednesday.

• David Oliver and wife were over at Andes Wednesday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gowanlock visited Delhi Tuesday.

• Thomas Archibald was at the County seat on Tuesday.

• William Shackelton has been around town selling fertilizer.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. James A. Liddle, February 1, a son.

• Harrison Gladstone, of Andes, has begun work again at John Campbell’s.

• George Currie went to Delhi Wednesday to begin work for Robert Neal.

• Owing to the illness of Miss Gilchrist school in the Centre did not open on Monday as expected.

• A party of young people enjoyed themselves at George Gladstone’s, on the hill, Tuesday evening.

• An entertainment on the lecture course, by home talent, will be held in Strangeway’s Hall, on Friday evening, February 16.

• Cards have been issued announcing the marriage of James W. Thompson and Miss Maggie Russell on Wednesday, February 14, at 7 p.m. [James, born in 1849, was a widower, his first wife, Ella McNair, dying in 1895. Margaret Russell was the daughter of Stephen Russell and Mary Armstrong. She was 11 years younger than James, but she would predecease him, dying in November 1938. James died the following February.]

• A sociable held at David Finkle’s, Lake Delaware, for the benefit of the Methodist church the receipts amounted to a little over $12.

A Relic

G.D. Miller of Bovina Centre, has in his possession a copy of the “New South”, which was published in the South at the close of the war, and it is therefore nearly thirty five years old.  It contains a history of the movements of the 144th regiment during the war.  He also has a letter which was written home at that time to W.C. Oliver.

February 16, 1900

• Charles Spiers was in town Monday.

• John Oliver was down at Delhi Saturday.

• David Oliver was down at Delancey Saturday.

• F.C. Armstrong visited the County Seat Saturday.

• Dr. Wight was in town Saturday, called to see Archie F. Maynard.

• Mr. and Mrs. William Crosier and son Harry were at Delhi Saturday.

• Mrs. Duncan Campbell has returned from an extended visit at Walton. [Mrs. Campbell, the former Nancy Thomson, was the widow of Duncan. He died in December 1898.]

• John Connor was in town Tuesday and traded horses with Fred Bramley.

• Mary J. Russell has sold her farm, (the Dysart farm) to William T. Russell.

• It is reported that Albert Butts has purchased the old Aitkin house in this village of Abram Northrup.

• Among recent real estate conveyances in town is, Mary Butts to Andrew J. Boyd, $40 – a wood lot on Pisga.

• Mrs. John W. Blair and Miss Fanny B. Thomson came home from Delhi on Monday, having spent Sabbath there.

• The trustees of the Centre school have received word from Miss Gilchrist that she is unable to resume her duties on account of her health.

• James W. Thompson and Miss Maggie Russell were married Wednesday evening at the home of the bride by Rev. T.M. Slater, assisted by Rev. W.L.C. Samson.

• Arrangements are being made to give an entertainment here soon for the benefit of the ball team.  In will be by home talent under the management of Ed Hanlon, the Andes comedian.

• Archibald F. Maynard died at his home in the upper part of this town Wednesday night, aged 70 years.  He had been in failing health for about six months.  Mr. Maynard lived on the old Maynard homestead and was born and spent all his life on the farm on which he died.  In 1875 he married Jennie L, daughter of Hector Cowan, of Stamford, who with one son survives him.  The funeral will be held on Friday.  

February 23, 1900

• Miss Carrie Miller is visiting relatives at Andes.

• Robert A. Thompson was down at Delhi on Saturday.

• Archie Elliott, of Andes, was seen in town Wednesday.

• David and John Oliver were at the County Seat Saturday.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Miller, of Oneonta, are at G.D. Miller’s.

• Robert Mable and family were in town Tuesday from the Little Delaware.

• William More has sold his white-faced horse to Halsey, the creamery man.

• Commissioner F.C. Armstrong appointed the overseers of highways on Tuesday.

• Frank Dickson, mother and sister, of the Little Delaware were visitors in town Monday.

• At the recent oyster supper for the benefit of the Methodist church, about $18 was netted.

• William L. White came home from Delhi Tuesday, where he has been having his eyes doctored.  

• Frank Kinch, of Berry Brook, has rented the old Soper farm of Mr. Hall, and will take possession March 1st.

• Milton Doig, H. Johnson, John Storie, Elmer Close and Mr. and Mrs. John Blair were all at Delhi Tuesday.

• The Centre school is still without a teacher in the Primary department, and owing to that fact school will not open until next week.

• It is reported that John Boyd has sold his house and lot in this village to a Mr. McNeiley, of Kortright, for $800.  He will, it is said, move here.

• At the entertainment last Friday night the hall was crowded and the entertainment was highly spoken of.  The debate between Rev. Samson and Mr. Bergerman, on the British and Boers was interesting.

• A lecture is to be given in Strangeway’s Hall Tuesday evening, February 27, by Rev. A.E. Lord, of Delhi.  Subject “With Scouts, Soldiers and Indians of the Northwest.” [The lecture is a fine one and well worth hearing – Ed.]

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

One hundred years ago this month, from the pages from the Andes Recorder:

February 6, 1925

• Mrs. Lucy Coulter has been visiting her sons at Walton and Delhi.

• The roads have been badly blocked the past week, but Superintendent Coulter now has the main roads cleared out.

• Monday Sloan Archibald received a box of oranges from his son, Russell Archibald, who is spending the winter in Florida.

• William T. Russell suffered a shock Saturday night and is in critical condition.  His throat and one side is paralyzed.

• Rev. A.M. Thomson, pastor of the Church of Covenanters, is taking a vacation, which he is spending in Philadelphia.

• Mrs. William Burns, who several weeks ago underwent an operation for hernia at Delhi, has returned to her home below the village.

• Orrin Reynolds went to New Kingston on Thursday to do some carpenter work for Will Adee.  Owing to the snow over the mountain he went by Andes and Margaretville.

• Mrs. Arthur Decker was operated upon at Delhi last Wednesday for appendicitis.  Dr. Thomson was the surgeon and was assisted by Dr. Goodrigh and Dr. Schumann. [Mrs. Decker was the former Beulah Armstrong. She had a son, Francis and a daughter, Virginia and was widowed in 1960. Beulah died in 1966.]

February 13, 1925

• Elmer Doig was a County Seat caller on Monday.

• Clarence LaFever was a visitor at Andes on Monday.

• Mrs. George H. Shaver and James Ackerley were at Andes on Friday. [Mrs. Shaver was the former Elizabeth Reynolds.]

• Supervisor W.B. Smith was at the County Seat early in the week attending a meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

• William T. Russell died at his home on the former Dysart farm February 6, as a result of a shock sustained the previous Saturday, by which his throat and one side was paralyzed.  He was a son of the late Stephen Russell and was born on the farm adjoining 57 years ago.  He is survived by his wife, who was a Bergman, and three daughter and a son.  The funeral was held Monday. [The Dysart farm was on Russell Hill.]

February 20, 1925

• James A. Gow, George Decker and John Blair were at Andes last Saturday.

• James C. Mabon was at Meridale on Saturday and purchased a span of horses from Ayer & McKinney.

• Arthur Decker and children were at Delhi on Sabbath afternoon and brought home Mrs. Decker from the hospital.

• Everett Joslin has hired to work for Arthur Bergman up-town and will move from the Center. Mr. Martin will move to house he vacates.

• Mrs. Wallace Smith and Mrs. James Monroe have gone to Walton to help care for Mrs. Eli Wright and daughter who are ill with scarlet fever, but are now improving.

• Earl Fisk, of Lake Delaware, who was taken ill at Walton on his way home from a New York hospital, is very ill at the home of Eli Wright at Walton. [Earl would recover, dying in 1971 at the age of 87.]

• It is stated that W.C. Redmond has been awarded the contract for carrying the mail form Bovina via Bovina Center to Bloomville for four years from July, at $1,400 per year.

• Mrs. John Hilson has received a letter from Mrs. N.B. Whitcomb in which she states that she and the children expect to leave Egypt for America early in April. Dr. Whitcomb will come in September. [Dr. Whitcomb was a medical missionary in Egypt for 16 years, making occasional trips back home. He died in Egypt in 1935 from blood poisoning.]

• Fletcher Davidson has brought the old Hilson house and commenced taking it down. It is one of the old frame kind and he will re-erect [it] on his place at the foot of Russell hill for use as a chicken house. [This house stood where Mike and Christine Batey now live.]

February 27, 1925

• Miss Jane Archibald is attending business school at Binghamton.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Erwin E. Russell to James A. Gow.

• Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Galland were at Arkville last Saturday to visit their sister.

• Evening meetings will be resumed at the U.P. church on Sabbath, March 1.

• Superintendent of Poor James F. Foreman and George VanDusen were in town Friday.

• George Shaver, who has been in Terry Clove helping his son get out wood, came home Monday.

• Mrs. John H. Aitkins is in the hospital at Delhi, where she underwent an operation last Thursday for adhesions.

• Wilber Doig, of Delhi, will move into Charles Russell’s house in the upper part of the village and work in the creamery.

• Mrs. Arthur Decker, who had an operation for appendicitis a few weeks ago, has been confined to bed since her return from the hospital.

• Peter Robson, formerly of Bovina, has exchanged his house and lot in Bloomville for the farm of Harry E. Swanson on Meredith Road, near the village of Delhi.

• Harry Martin was here Tuesday from Cannonsville and took his sister-in-law Mrs. Fred Thomson, back with him. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin on February 20. The mother will be remembered as Nell Oliver of this town. [Mrs. Thomson was the former Janet C. Oliver.]

• A few weeks ago in a scuffle Master James Crawford, son of Rev. and Mrs. F.N. Crawford, had his arm injured.  It was thought to be only a bad strain, but it did not improve, and an X-ray showed that the bone was fractured at the shoulder.

This Day in Bovina for January 2025

I'm starting a slight change with the daily entries on Facebook. Though I'll still have items related to today's date, I'm also going to mix in sharing some images, many of which I have not shared before. At the Delaware County Historical Association, where I work two days a week in their library, we've been scanning a set of chauffeur license pictures taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s, and there are a number of folks from Bovina in the collection. I'll also be sharing other images from my collection or ones that people, such as Chuck McIntosh and Jim and Tom Hoy have allowed me to scan over the years. Enjoy.

127 years ago today, on January 1, 1898, 20-year-old Maggie Coulter made the following diary entry: "Weather ranging from zero to six above with wind blowing snow 10 or 12 inches deep. Mother & Maggie Storie visiting in Scranton at Chas. Shedds. Went the 30th of Dec. 1897. Started from home 8 o'clock A.M. and arrived in Scranton 5 oclock P.M. Aunt Mary Anne staying with us. Mrs. Geo. Archibald buried to-day. Died suddenly at the wedding of the son William to Sarah Hobbie at John Hobbie's. Post Office changed from Wm. McCunes to Alex Hilsons." Maggie later married J. Russell Boggs. They had three children - Donald, Norris and Robert. She died in 1951.

These images of Arthur Coulter were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Arthur Craig Coulter was born in Bovina in 1908, the son of Frank and Agnes Coulter. He lived in Bovina all his life and had just taken over the family farm when he died, only 30 years old, in 1938. He died from the effects of diabetes. Arthur was buried in Andes. His sister was Grace Coulter Roberts. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

This undated postcard view of Bovina Center likely dates from the late 1930s or early 1940s. The view is looking west (Maple Avenue would be to the photographer's right). Image courtesy of Chuck McIntosh. 

Eighty-three years ago today, January 4, 1942, this telegram was delivered to Marjorie Russell while she was taking a train back to her home in Ohio where she was teaching. It appears she was planning to leave the train in Erie but was being advised to take the train on to Painesville where she would be met by Rae Storie.  Madison is between Painesville and Erie. 

139 years ago today, the Bovina column in the January 5, 1886 Stamford Mirror reported that "A donation for the benefit of Rev. Mr. Deming was held in Dickson's Hall on Wednesday eve. Dec. 30. Owing to the fact that the hall was formerly used as a skating rink, or, perhaps, because it is located so far above the earth, only a few were in attendance, and the proceeds amounted to only about twenty dollars." I'm not 100% sure but I think Dickson's hall was the second floor of what is now Brushland Eating House.

168 years ago today, the January 6, 1857 issue of the Bloomville Mirror carried this memorial poem composed on the death of Mrs. J. Lewis on Christmas Eve, 1856. Mrs. Lewis was Jane Wyear, born 1769 in Scotland. She had four children. Her husband, John, had predeceased her in 1853. She is buried in the old Reformed Church cemetery at County Route 6 and Bovina Road. 

128 years ago today, on January 7, 1897, Mrs. Thomas Gordon died.  The Andes Recorder reported that "This community was shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Thomas Gordon.."  She was 46 years old and had just lost her daughter, Maggie, six weeks earlier.  The Recorder noted that "It is seldom that so sad an event is recorded.  The husband and son have the sincere sympathy of the entire community."   Mrs. Gordon was Mary Jane Oliver.  She married Thomas Gordon in 1871 and had two children.  In June 1899, Thomas Gordon would marry as his second wife Mary Richardson Scott and would have two more children, including daughter Margaret, who taught Social Studies at Delaware Academy for many years from the 1940s to the 1970s. This image shows Thomas (seated right) with what I believe are his children (Maggie, holding a cat, and John, standing), his wife, on the left holding another cat and an unidentified woman at the left, maybe Thomas's mother-in-law.  

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This shows the Bob Hall farm on Bob Hall Road. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

This photograph of the McKenzie Sisters was likely taken by Marjorie Russell in 1973. Janet and Elizabeth McKenzie lived right across from Russell's Store in what is now Amy Burns' house. I wrote about these extraordinary sisters in my blog back in 2013. Here's the entry: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/04/faces-of-bovina-mckenzie-sisters.html

129 years ago today, the January 10, 1896 Andes Recorder in its Bovina Column had the following commentary:  "Your correspondent thinks if parents would keep their children in off the street and out of the stores a little more there would be less fault to find about children being mean and saucy.  They are allowed to go where they please from morning until late at night and no one knows what mischief they are into."

Seventy-four years ago today, on January 11, 1951, Frederica Muller died in Delhi. She was born in Bovina in 1875, the youngest of 15 children. Her parents, Urban and Eloise Muller emigrated from Switzerland in 1870. Frederica was survived by one sister, Mrs. Jennie McCumber. Frederica was buried in the Bovina Cemetery. More on the Muller family can be found on the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/01/stories-from-bovina-cemeteries-muller.html

Ninety-six years ago today, the Bovina column in the January 12, 1929 Delaware Republican reported that "Mrs. Jane L. Dickson is taking a vacation with her daughters at Port Jervis and Poughkeepsie, also at Washington, DC."

145 years ago today, the January 13, 1880 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "We have been informed that Mr. Black, our Supervisor, kept 2 1/2 percent of the school funds for his trouble paying over the same. Black is more for self than for the schools." This was refuted a couple of weeks later. A statement, published in the Utilitarian, reads: "Mr. Editor - That report in regard to Mr. Black retaining a percentage of the school moneys is false. I was wrongly informed. As I did not intend to injure Mr. Black in any way. I take this opportunity to correct the mistake, and say that there is no truth in the report." The Delaware Republican, which republished this statement, noted "No one acquainted with Mr. Black believed the story in the first place, and all fair men regarded his denial as conclusive. The person who made a direct charge, so capable of being refuted by the records, was probably the dupe or tool of some person who wished to injure Mr. Black without burning his own fingers."

Seventy-six years ago today, the January 14, 1949 Catskill Mountain News carried this Bovina column: 

Seventy-one years ago today, January 15, 1954, as later reported in the January 21, Bovina column in the Stamford Mirror, Mary Anne LaFever celebrated her 7th birthday at her home. Here's the full report of who attended. 

This image of Alex Hilson was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the early 1940s. James Alexander Hilson was born in 1915 and lived most of his life in Bovina. He married Lillian Schneider in 1939. They had four children, three of whom are still with us, Marianne, Jim and Tom. Alex died in 1990. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Henry and Ruth (Ormiston) Monroe celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in December 1960. Here they are with their children, Lauren Monroe, Eleanor Monroe Brink, Isabelle Monroe Deter and Frances Monroe Burns.  

138 years ago today, the Bovina column in the January 18, 1887 Bloomville Mirror included this item: "Jim knew we were going to have cold weather after New Years. So he prepared to face the cold blasts of winter by getting a large stock of mittens, on hand. Jim is long sighted." As to who is meant by 'Jim' I have yet to work out. The major merchants in Bovina at that time period were John Hilson, Thomas Strangeway and Thomas Hastings.

113 years ago today, the January 19, 1912 Binghamton Press reported the death of a Bovina doctor, under the headline "Dr. Dickson of Bovina Center Dies Suddenly of Apoplexy." The article went on to report that "Dr. Gilbert J. Dickson, an esteemed physician of Bovina Center…died suddenly at his home Wednesday morning. Apoplexy was the cause of death. He had been in his usual health Tuesday, having driven with several members of his family to the train, where they started for Syracuse University. On his return he attended some patients and went to the stable to look after his horses. He was found in a semi-conscious condition later, and died in a few hours. He was well known in Oneonta where his brother, James Dickson conducts a pharmacy." Dr. Dickson built and lived in the building that is now the Brushland Eating House. He left behind his widow, the former Jane Loughran and five children. Dickson is buried in Bovina.

Seventy-five years ago today, the January 20, 1950 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column that "Mrs. Frank Pindar of Grand Gorge visited her daughter, Mrs. Charles McIntosh, Saturday." This would be Eva McIntosh. The same column reported that "Some of our townspeople are taking advantage of the adult education classes held in the Delhi central school."

This image shows the old Delancey Presbyterian Church. It was built from the timbers of the old Bovina Associate Presbyterian Church, which stood at the corner of County Route 6 and Reinertsen Hill Road. The left section is the original church. The Delancey church added the belfry. The building burned to the ground on Christmas Eve 1896. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

This undated postcard of Bovina Center shows the hamlet looking east on what is now County Route 6. The image probably dates from the 1930s or early 1940s. Post card was provided by Jim and Tom Hoy. 

195 years ago today, on January 23, 1830, George Nesbitt was paid $12.25 for services as town clerk performed in 1829. 

Eighty-one years ago today, January 24, 1944, this invitation to the wedding of Glenn Hobbie and Anna Boggs was postmarked and sent to Cecil and Isabell Russell and their daughter Marjorie. 

177 years ago today, on January 25, 1848, the Commissioners of Excise for the town of Bovina issued this license to "Alexander Kinmouth to retail Strong and Spiritous Liquors…" His tavern was located at the former Clark Lay residence in Bovina Center. 

Ninety-seven years ago today, on January 26, 1928, later reported in the Andes Recorder, "There was considerable excitement for a short time last Thursday afternoon when a call went over the telephone for aid to save the house of W. C. Redman on the Russell farm at the Butt End.  Fortunately, it proved to be only a chimney fire." A little over a year later, in October 1929, the barn on the same property was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

This image of the Bovina Busy Bees was taken probably in 1946 at a 4-H rally held at Delaware Academy. I could use some help identifying the children in the picture. The boy in the plaid shirt I think is Vince Trimbell and the girl crouching down behind the sign I think is Jean Parsons. 

Sixty years ago today, the Bovina column of the January 28, 1965 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Mrs. Jack Hilson's father, Malcolm Hotchkin, was taken to Cooperstown to the Bassett Hospital for further treatment last Monday. Mrs. Hilson was up to see him Friday and his condition was about the same." Malcolm passed away a little over a month later on March 13.

141 years ago today, January 29, 1884, this order was signed altering the road districts in Brushland (now Bovina Center).  Rev. Kennedy's house was the open land across from Brushland Eating House.  The Methodist parsonage was where Chuck and Betty McIntosh lived.  

194 years ago today, on January 30, 1831, Loruhannah Henderson was born in New Kingston, the daughter of James Henderson and Hannah Sprague. She married Francis Coulter in Bovina in 1857 and would have five children. She was predeceased by at least two children. Her sons Walter and James died 11 days apart in March 1900. Loruhannah died in 1909. Her husband died less than six months later. Both are buried in Bovina. This image shows their five children: Hannah and Walter in the back, James in the middle and Margaret and Elizabeth in the front.  

Fifty-two years ago today, on January 31, 1973, this letter was sent to the Board of Directors of the Bovina Center Cooperative Dairy. The letter noted that "on the basis of current product operation…that the cash flow will be exhausted about July 31, 1973." Given this situation, the creamery was closed two months later on March 31, 1973.