Bovina (NY) History: 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.