Here's the monthly compilation of the entries from the Town of Bovina Facebook page for February 2026:
189 years ago today, the February 1, 1837 Delaware Gazette carried this ad, dated in December 1836: "John Reed Tailor. Respectfully returns thanks to the inhabitants of Bovina and its vicinity, for the liberal support tendered him since he commenced business and begs leave to inform them that he has opened a Shop on his new premises with a complete assortment of Trimmings, adopted to the texture and form of the garments of his customers. He has brought up from New York, Draughts, Plates and Reports of Fashions for the season and no expense will be spared to render his establishment commensurate with the growing taste and respectability of the community."
105 years ago today, on February 2, 1921, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "The school teachers of the town were at Bloomville attending a conference Wednesday, adding more useless expense on the districts."
Eighty-six years ago today, on February 3, 1940, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "The Andes girls won over the Bovina Center girls in a basketball game..." The Andes girls beat the Bovina team in Bovina, 43 to 10.
145 years ago today, on February 4, 1881, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "'Reuben,' the well known carriage horse, belonging to Rev. J.B. Lee [of Bovina], was found dead in the stable…" Lee lived in the house next to the church, now the home of Amy Burns and Tom Lamport.
Ninety-six years ago today, the Delaware Republican reported in its February 5, 1930 issue, under the headline "Bovina Man an Inventor" that "W.G. Coulter of Bovina Center has invented a machine for the spreading of crushed stone in the building of public highways which promises to be of great value. He applied for a patent on the spreader and has received word that the patent has been granted." Here's page one of Walter's patent from the US Patent Office:
123 years ago today, the February 6, 1903 Andes Recorder Bovina correspondent reported a rather horrible incident involving a former Bovina resident and a mad dog: "Last week word was received at this place that James L. Ormiston and his two daughters, who resides at Wilmington, Delaware, had been bitten by a mad dog. The dog, which belonged to a neighbor, attacked the youngest daughter, aged about seven years, and an older sister went to her assistance, and both were severely bitten when Mr. Ormiston came to their aid. He succeeded in chocking the dog to death, but not until it had bitten off one of his fingers. His brother, Dr. Ormiston of Delhi, who went to treat them, reports that no hydrophobia symptoms have developed and it is thought that they will come out all right." James was born in 1862 in Bovina and moved to Delaware in 1900. By 1910 he was back in Bovina. He later settled in Oneonta where he died in 1936. The daughter was likely was Linda Rebecca Ormiston. She also survived this attack, dying in 1988.
In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. In the 1860s, this farm on Cape Horn Road belonged to the Adee family. After the death of Jonathan Adee, the farm went to John Ruff. then in turn to his daughter Jessie May McCumber and her husband, James R. McCumber. The McCumbers owned the farm at the time this picture was taken. It was sold by the surviving children of James McCumber in the 1970s. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.
Seventy-five years ago today, the February 8, 1951 Delaware Republican Express reported in its Bovina column that "the arch bridge at the lower end of the village has been closed all week, while repairs are being made." This is the Scott Bridge that stood for about 80 years at the lower end of Bovina Center. The bridge was demolished in 1955 after a new bridge was built. This image of the bridge was taken probably in the 1940s by Jim Hilson:
Seventy-four years ago today, on February 9, 1952, as later reported in the Delaware Republican-Express Bovina column, "Howard LaFever jr., entertained thirteen young friends at a birthday party on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9th, in honor of his 6th birthday. One of his guests, Tommy Burns, also celebrated his 6th birthday, it being the same day. There were two birthday cakes, cup cakes, cocoa, and ice cream for refreshments. All had a fine time."
122 years ago today, on February 10, 1904, Pete Johnson of Bovina died. The Andes Recorder had this 'obituary' of him: "Pete Johnson is No More. Died, at the residence of Barna Johnson in this village [Bovina], February 10, Pete Johnson, cat, aged 14 years, 11 months. Cause of death, stroke of paralysis and alleged overdose of chloroform. We all knew Pete, faithful and loyal to his own home, and other cats and dogs stayed away. Some people had caused it to be suspected that he was occasionally too fond of young chickens; he never said much about it. Other cats can now take the blame."
In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This was the Bramley farm on Pink Street and had been in the family for at least three generations, starting with J.W. Bramley, then his son Fred Bramaley and, at the time of the photograph, it was owned by Ross Bramley. He sold the farm in 1952 to Pettis Kaufman. Ross died in 1959. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.
142 years ago today, the Brushland column of the February 12, 1884, Stamford Mirror reported that "Thomas Hamilton, of Bovina, is very low with pneumonia and there is very little hopes entertained of his recovery." By the time that this issue had gone to press, Mr. Hamilton had passed away at the age of 78. Thomas was married to Helen Anderson. They had two daughters, one of whom, Elizabeth, married Andrew B. Hewitt. Their other daughter, Violet, is the ancestor of the Johnston family.
104 years ago, on February 13, 1922, the Bovina Town Board met "to make arrangements for building a new bridge to take the place of the stone arch bridge at the former Strangeway store in Bovina Center." As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The present structure was built about 1858, by James R. Scott, who furnished and hauled the stone and built the bridge for $100. The highway commissioner was severely criticized for his extravagance, it being alleged that he would bankrupt the town."
158 years ago today, on February 14, 1868, this bond document was signed for Thomas Purdy in his role as constable for the Town of Bovina.
114 years ago today, on February 15, 1912, Elmer Gladstone, son of George Gladstone, was operated on for chronic appendicitis. He came through the operation fine. In 1925 he was attacked by a bull on the family farm. He survived that too and died when he was 81 in 1956.
This picture was possibly taken by Stella McPherson. We don't know the context, but it appears to be a school group and Marie Burns thinks it was a birthday party for George Hall. She helped identify many of the children in the picture. Here they are by number - some we haven't been able to identify: 1)George Hall; 2)Carol McIntosh; 3)June Reinertsen; 4 and 5)Unknown; 6:Phyliss Briscoe; 7)Unknown; 8)Martha Jardine; 9)Unknown; 10)Dawn Cairns; 11)Unknown; 12)Peter Rosa; 13)Margaret Hilson; 14)Alan Aitkens; 15)Jim Renner?; 16)Dick Briscoe; 17)John Renner; 18)Marie Reinertsen; 19)Unknown; 20)Leonard Corey; 21)Shirley Briscoe; 22)Sandra McPherson; 23)Unknown. If you know any of the unknowns or have other suggestions for the ones identified, please let me know.
139 years ago today, on February 17, 1887, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "A large and interesting meeting of the Delaware Co. Dairymen’s Association, was held in Hastings Hall…Many prominent dairymen from other parts of the county were present and took part in the discussions."
Commodore E.T. Gerry died in New York City ninety-nine years ago today, February 18, 1927. Grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Gerry spent many summers at home on Lake Delaware. His son Robert and daughter Angelica later each built their own homes at the lake.
105 years ago today, the installation of radios in Bovina seemed to be the rage. The Andes Recorder of February 19, 1921 reported that "John H. Hilson has had a radio installed." The same issue also reported that "John S. Burns in upper Bovina and Gaylie Hafele up Coulter Brook, have had radios installed."
143 years ago today, the February 20, 1883 issue of the Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "There has been nearly 50 cases of measles in the Brushland School Dist. At this date. They are also quite numerous in the Andrew Brown District beyond the Lake." I'm not sure what district they mean here, but likely is the one that was on Biggar Hollow Road.
The February 21, 1902 issue of the Andes Recorder (124 years ago today) reported in its Bovina column that "Henry Hogaboom, formerly of this town, is now at the Military Home at Dayton, Ohio." Hogaboom was a Civil War veteran. Born in Sullivan County, he moved to Bovina as a boy and settled in Lake Delaware after the war until he moved to the soldier's home. He lived there 19 years until his death there in 1921. In the register for the home, he stipulates that his body is to be brought back to Bovina for burial (and it was).
119 years ago today, on the evening of February 22, 1907, the Fortnightly Club held this program at Strangeway's Hall in Bovina
Ninety-six years ago today, on February 23, 1930, Clifford Boggs was born, the last child and only son of James and Edith Boggs. Sadly, his mother died in childbirth, leaving Clifford to be cared for, in part, by his aunt (and my grandmother) Anna Bell LaFever. Clifford died in May 1933 when he was 3 years old. This is believed to be one of the few pictures of Clifford.
130 years ago, on February 24, 1896, a fire that happened during evening church services caused a ruckus. The report of the fire was in the Andes Recorder: "About 8 o’clock Monday evening [Feb 24] while the people were in the United Presbyterian church attending services, the startling cry of fire ran through the church. In an instant all was excitement and a rush was made for the door and the street was black with people hurrying toward the store of Hilson & Blair where the fire had been discovered. The fire had started in the rear of the store beneath the floor and within a few feet of the oil tank. Plenty of help was soon on hand and went to work carrying water in pails, tubs and whatever would hold water. Boards were torn off and the water poured on the fire and it was soon extinguished without much damage being done. No cause can be given for the fire as fire has never been kept in that part of the building. If the fire had gained a little more headway before it was discovered, or had occurred a few hours later nothing could have saved the store, as we have no way to extinguish a fire once fully started."
The act for the creation of Bovina was passed by the State Legislature 206 years ago today, February 25, 1820. The name Bovina is believed to have been suggested by Erastus Root because of the pastoral nature of the new town. At the time, he was a member of the NY State Assembly. Root served in Congress 1809-1811 and again 1831-33. As well as serving in the State Assembly, he served in the State Senate from 1840-43. He served one term as Lt. Governor of NY. He died in NY City in 1846. He was later buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Delhi. This painting of Erastus Root by Rembrandt Peale is at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
101 years ago today, the February 26, 1925 issue of the Hancock Herald under the topic "Farm Bureau Notes" reported on several cow testing associations, including Bovina. "The work of the Bovina Diary Improvement Association is progressing in splendid shape with H.C. Brackville as agent. Records from this association show splendid progress of the work and improvement in the various dairies tested. For the past month the five highest herds of the association reported by Mr. Brackville are owned by Isaac L. Mitchell, A.T. Archibald, John F. Thompson, James A. Boggs and John S. Burns. Considering the fact that many cows in the dairy are dry at this season of the year the average of these herds runs very good. 20 cows in Mr. Mitchell's herd produced 19696.6 pounds of milk producing 840.3 pounds of butter-fat or an average per cow of 42.1 pounds per month. The other dairies also average well for this time of year."
The Andes Recorder from 147 years ago today, February 27, 1879, reported the sad news that "Henry, Son of Wm. D. Thompson, of Brushland, who met with an accident recently, which was supposed to have ruptured one of his kidneys, is not better, and when last heard from he was still failing. He is about fifteen years of age, and an only child." Henry, born in 1862, had had three siblings, but they had all died as children, two before his birth. Happily, Henry did recover from this accident and was married four years later. He died in 1930, leaving a widow and three children.
195 years ago today, a testimonial appeared in the Albany
Evening Journal dated February 28, 1831 for "John Thomson, Botanic
Physician:" "This may certify
that I have been afflicted with the Dyspepsia for six years past, and for the
last 12 months, have not been able to do any labor. My food was principally dry
toast and crackers. I was attended by three of the best physicians in Delaware
county, where I reside, to no advantage. Having heard of Dr. Thomson, of
Albany, I applied to him on the 2d day of this month, who relieved me
immediately; and at this date find myself in a better state of health than I
have before enjoyed since I was first taken sick, and shall enjoy good health
when my strength is fully restored, which is now fast gaining. I can now eat
anything that a well person can, and have been able to since the third day
after Doct. Thomson commenced his attendance. Harriet A. Soper of Bovina."
Harriett was 27 years old when this ad appeared. She was the daughter of Peleg
and Nancy Soper. Dr. Thomson did something right - Harriett would live to be
82, dying in 1886.













