This Day in Bovina for March 2019

Eighty-nine years ago today, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Fred Henderson assumed his duties as manager of the Bovina Center Co-Operative creamery last Saturday [March 1, 1930]. They will continue to make cheese at the creamery until April 1."

114 years ago, on March 2, 1905, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "…it was 14 below zero."

Seventy-eight years ago, on March 3, 1941, Mrs. James F. Foreman died. Jennet Archibald was born in Bovina in 1872, the daughter of George Archibald and Jane Anderson. She married James Foreman in 1900 and would have six children, three of whom died in infancy. At her death she was survived by her husband and three daughters. As later reported in the Delaware Express, Mrs. Foreman "was taken seriously ill last September and after an operation at Bassett hospital, Cooperstown, and several weeks' convalescence, returned home Dec. 20. She had been failing of late and was taken to [the Albany Hospital] about two weeks ago."

123 years ago today, on the evening of March 4, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, while "Alexander Forrest and lady were coming home from Andes the horse upset them in some way and ran away. It was caught at the Centre and put in Hilson and Blair’s sheds.  Mr. Forrest hired someone to take them home and when he arrived, he found the horse had not yet put in its appearance, and he had to go back and hunt for it."

197 years ago today, on March 5, 1822, Francis Coulter signed this oath of office as a commissioner of highway before Town Justice Elisha B. Maynard. Note that he signed his name as Francis Coltert. His name went through several variations, having been born with Coltherd as his last name. Coulter died in 1846. 

116 years ago today, on March 6, 1903, the Bovina correspondent for the Andes Recorder noted that "The RECORDER’s for last week have not yet arrived.  What is the matter?"  In the entry, the editor responded: "That is a question we cannot answer.  The Bovina and Bovina Centre bundles left Andes last Thursday afternoon via Delhi and have evidently gone estray.  Effort is being made to locate them and a tracer has been put on."

Seventy-nine years ago today, on March 7, 1940, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican, "Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Dickson entertained at dinner …Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Decker, and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin."

121 years ago today, on March 8, 1898, Walter Archibald Doig died, aged 4 months. He was the son of Milton A. Doig and his wife, Jennie Bell Thompson. The Doigs had five children, most of whom made it to adulthood, including Edwin Doig, who died in 1999 at the age of 94.

133 years ago today, the March 9, 1886 Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror reported that "preparations are being made for the opening of a new Street near Hastings store." It is not really clear what road is meant. It could be a reference to Maple Avenue, which was established around 1893.

121 years ago today, on March 10, 1898, John W. Blair and W.L. White headed to Buffalo. As later reported in the Andes Recorder, they were "after a car load of horses." They were successful and returned to sell them in Delhi on the 19th of March. They weren't as successful in selling them, however, selling "a little less than half" of them with an average price of $70.

109 years ago today, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder for March 11, 1910, reported that "Mrs. Frank A. Russell has received from the Pittsburgh Life and Trust Co., $1,000 in payment of policy held by her late husband." Frank had died at end of January, leaving his widow, the former Adelaide Coulter, and three children, sons Millard (aged 12), Arthur (aged 9) and Ernie (aged 5). This picture shows Frank and his family, likely taken not long before his death. 

107 Years ago today, March 12, 1912, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The town board held a meeting… to consider the question of leasing a stone crusher, but no decision was reached." The board met again the following week and voted to lease the crusher but had yet to decide what kind. On April 9, they made the decision and signed the contract.

158 years ago today, on March 13, 1861, this order was issued to pay William H. Fish "on account of wages earned by him duly qualified as a teacher in district No. Eight…" He taught from November 13, 1860 to the March 13, 1861. The order is signed by John Raitt, Jr. John L. Wight and H.S. Grant. District eight was on Biggar Hollow and was a joint district with the Town of Andes.

134 years ago today, March 14, 1885, the "reading room in Brushland" was opened. As later reported in the Stamford Mirror, the paper further noted that "Arrangements will then be made to have the regular evenings when the room will be open thereafter." It is not clear where this was located, but likely was in the UP Church basement.

118 years ago today, the Bovina column of the March 15, 1901 Andes Recorder stated that "It is hoped by Bovina people that our efficient supervisor John A. Irvine, may be the next chairman of the Board of Supervisors.  He is a hardworking and painstaking member and would make an excellent chairman."

119 years ago today, on March 16, 1900, the first of two nights of the play "Confidential Clerk" was presented "by home talent, under the management of Ed Hanlon." The Andes Recorder later reported that "all were pleased with the play" and that the "receipts were over $50." Confidential Clerk" is a comic verse play by T.S. Eliot.

153 years ago today, the March 17, 1866 edition of the Delaware Republican reported 149 years ago that "rumors have been for some time in circulation to the effect that oil had been discovered on the farm of Mr. George Close, in Bovina. A number of our citizens were there the other day to investigate it. They report that oil is found in considerable quantities at the surface." The Close farm likely was in the area of Lake Delaware, not too far from Calhoun Hill Road.

Ninety eight years ago today, the March 18, 1921 Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "George Miller has received word that the remains of his son, Clark Miller, who was killed in action in France are enroute to Bovina."

139 years ago today, on March 19, 1880, Alexander Storie recorded the following: "Weather mild and snowed slightly in A.M. Mr. Gooch the artist came here from Delhi a took a sketch of the premises for an engraving for the history of Delaware Co. He returned to Delhi in the evening." On March 3 a photographer had visited to also take pictures for the book. He and his wife, Esther, went to Delhi on March 22 "to have our photographs taken for the engraving of premises…" Here is the engraving that was the result of all this activity. 

The Delaware Republican March 20, 1880 edition from 139 years ago reported that "Thomas Johnston, of Bovina, was running his feed mill at a very high pressure, the cogs on the bevel gearing of the main shaft were completely stripped and the report was heard half a mile distant."

100 years ago today, the March 21, 1919 issue of the Otsego Farmer reported that "A plucky Bovina woman, Mrs. J. W. Thomson, waded into an icy stream a few days ago and rescued a five-year-old boy from drowning. Little Robert Hunt, while coasting, ran off a bridge and fell into the stream, eight feet below. The current was carrying the boy down stream when Mrs. Thomson jumped into the stream and rescued him." Mrs. Thompson likely is the former Margaret A. Russell, second wife of James W. Thompson. Robert Hunt probably was Robert Lee Hunt (born 1913), the son of Robert and Nelle (Cable) Hunt. The Hunts and the Thompsons were neighbors in Bovina Center.

180 years ago today, on March 22, 1839, Jane Murray, the seven-year-old daughter of John Murray and Jennet Scott, died. At the time of her death, she had five siblings. John and Jennet went on to have five more children.

125 years ago today, the March 23, 1894 Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "George E. Gladstone is preparing to build a house on the new street." George built a number of houses in Bovina, in partnership with James L. Coulter. It appears that this particular house was one he built for himself. It was completed in the late spring of 1894. For many years, it was the home of Marvin and Eleanor Archibald.

114 years ago, on March 24, 1905, this letter was written by Charles H. Betts in Albany, addressed to Bovina Town Supervisor John Irvine, concerning the town's refusal to accept highway manuals delivered to them. This brief letter explains that the town must accept and pay for these manuals, pursuant to Chapter 536 of the laws of 1904. The referenced 'circular' letter is a form letter which explains it in more detail, noting that "if the Town Board concludes to defy the act of the Legislature,….then it must do so at its peril." The form letter threatens legal action if the books are not accepted and payment is not made. It was required that all towns accept the manuals and pay for them. The fact that there was a form letter tells us that Bovina was not the only town to refuse the manuals. 

117 years ago today, on the evening of March 25, 1902, a "warm sugar social" was held at the home of David "Champ" Worden, the first farm up what is now Reinertsen Road. The event was held "under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society." Admission was 15 cents.

128 years ago, the March 26, 1891 Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "The snow is gone. The mud has come."

Seventy-nine years ago today on March 27, 1940, as later reported in the Delaware Republican, "Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hoy gave them a surprise party…., it being their twentieth anniversary."

Eighty-nine years ago today, the Andes Recorder for March 28, 1930, reported the death of David LaFever, the 15-month old son of Benson and Anna Bell LaFever on March 24. The paper went on to note that “Mrs. LaFever has been bereft of her sister, Mrs. James Boggs, and mother, Mrs. Kate Barnhart, just recently, and a niece, Grace Boggs, passed away last December.  Mr. and Mrs. LaFever have one other child, a four-year-old son, Howard, who is recovering from an attack of bronchitis.” This photograph of David was taken a couple of weeks before his death.

132 years ago today, the March 29, 1887 issue of the Stamford Mirror had the following item: The Great West. - We are indebted to John P. Atkin, of Jetmore, Kansas, for an illustrated 'Handbook of Hodgeman County, Kansas.' Mr. Atkin left Bovina, Delaware Co., N.Y. in 1882, and has been County Clerk for one term and is now cashier of the Hodgeman County Bank, at Jetmore. He is fast growing up with the county, which requires Delaware County boys to make it boom. We wish to hear from every Delaware County man, who has gone from us to seek his fortune." This John Atkin probably is the grandson of Isaac Atkin, an early settler of Bovina.

123 years ago today, on March 30, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "John P. Dennis tapped his sugar bush Monday, and others are busy at work in their camps."

Bovina U.P. Church Pastor, Rev. W.L.C. Samson arrived home 113 years ago this afternoon, March 31, 1906. He was returning from Santa Ana, California.  The Andes Recorder reported that "On his return trip he was in a railroad wreck at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had a narrow escape.  Eight cars were derailed, including the one in which Rev. Samson was riding, but he was fortunately escaped with only a few bruises."

Bovina Bicentennial Celebration, Update 3

A couple of things to note:

• There was a meeting of the ad-hoc Bovina Bicentennial committee on March 9 at 11 am at the Bovina Community Hall. We've started exploring options for the celebration weekend. Mary Pelletier and I will be working on a program for March 2020 - a 'recreation' of the first town meeting, with our town's youth participating.
• I am happy to report that we received full funding for the Tourism Promotion and Development Grant application I submitted last month to the Delaware County Economic Development agency. The funds will be used to create a promotional/fund-raising poster for the celebration.  

I would like to create a Bicentennial fundraising committee to explore other funding options. If you are interested in participating, let me know. 

Some dates to remember:

• July 20, 2019 - Pie Auction at the Community Hall to raise funds for the 2020 celebration. Chuck McIntosh, Auctioneer.
• March 7, 2020 - a program observing the 200th anniversary of the Town of Bovina's first meeting. 
• August 1 and 2, 2020 - Bovina Bicentennial Weekend 

“I don’t know whether I dare to go back to Bovina or not” – The Brief Career of Assemblyman David Low Thompson

The September 5, 1887 New York Times published an article entitled “They Obeyed Boss Platt, Delaware County’s Faithless Legislators.” The ‘they’ in the title were State Senator Matthew W. Marvin and Assemblyman (and Bovina resident) David Low Thompson. Thompson had just been elected to the Assembly the year before and was doomed to serve only one term because of his action. The issue concerned the support of a senator named Warner Miller. The New York Times reported that “probably nine-tenths of the residents of this extensive dairy district believed Senator Miller was their friend and ought to be returned to the Senate.” Assemblyman Thompson was petitioned by his constituents to support sending Miller back to the U.S. Senate but he “ignored all appeals of the rank and file and followed the bidding of a little knot of stalwart manipulators in the southern end of the county.”

This was back in the day when United States Senators were elected by the state legislature, not by the electorate. Miller had been elected in a special election in 1881 to succeed Thomas C. Platt, the Republican boss who had resigned. In January 1887, when it was time to vote for a senate candidate, the Republicans held a caucus of state senators and assemblymen. The caucus lasted several days and in the end, Boss Platt was successful in blocking Miller from re-election.

It is not clear why Thompson went the route he did on this issue, but he realized quickly that he had doomed his political career. The Times reported that “When Assemblyman Thomson alighted from the train at Sidney Flats, upon his return from the legislative session, he gravely remarked to a friend: ‘I don’t know whether I dare to go back to Bovina or not.’” He did but then apparently hunkered down at home. “He settled down to his old business of dealing in pots, kettles, and tin cans. If he entertained any lingering hopes of honors to come these have been dissipated during the past month. The sternness of his neighbors has not relaxed, and he has declined to argue the point with them to the extent of entering the race for the Assembly this Fall.”

Thompson was born in Bovina in August 1831, the son of David and Jeanette (Low) Thompson, who both came from Scotland. David grew up in Bovina and after finishing at the local schools, spent some time at the Andes Academy. He started teaching in the local one-room schools at the age of 16. He was town supervisor for two terms and for 13 years was the postmaster. He also was an elder for many years in the Bovina United Presbyterian Church.

His main livelihood was in running a hardware store and working as a tinsmith. He had a good reputation as a business man, but during his political troubles, Andrew Biggar, a farmer from Andes was reported to have written a letter to Thompson indignant over his vote in the Senate race, addressing him as “a tin pan tinker.”

Thompson probably was happy to have his political career behind him. He continued his hardware business, which he ran for many years from the building that is now the Bovina Museum. He built this building around 1854. At about the same time, he built his house across the street from the hardware store. This is now the home of Jason and Lisa Stanton.

Thompson was married twice, first to Eliza Murray in 1854, who died in 1893, and later to Jeanette Russell. He had a son and two daughters by his first wife.

In 1901, Thompson sold his house and hardware building to J.W. Coulter and moved to the Stamford area, where he and his wife at one point ran a summer hotel. In 1907, he moved to Oneonta and it was there in August 1915 that he passed away at the age of 84. His obituary in the Delaware (Delhi) Gazette was subtitled “A Native of Bovina, Who Held Political Offices and Was Conspicuous in Church.” His time in the Assembly was mentioned, noting that he served in 1887, “the year when the Warner Miller fight was on.” His obituary concluded with “He was an honorable and upright citizen, a consistent Christian, and held in general esteem.” Thompson was buried in the Bovina Cemetery.

March 1919 - 100 Years Ago "in That Thriving Town"

In March 1919, a Bovina boy dies in Kansas and Thomas C. Strangeway sells his farm, moving into the Bovina Center hamlet.

March 7, 1919

• The town of Bovina will receive $852.56 as its share of the automobile money.
• George Cable, who had his foot injured several weeks ago with a cake of ice, is still unable to walk.
• James Monroe is having his home up-town equipped with electric lights and will also run his milking machine by electricity.

Fine Bovina Farm Sold

            Thomas C. Strangeway has sold his 150-acre farm located on the state road in Bovina, to Charles A. McPherson, who will take possession April 1.  The sale includes 50 heard of stock and all the other personal property.  The farm is an excellent one and in a high state of cultivation.  The farm has been in the Strangeway family for 62 years, being purchased by Mr. Strangeway’s father in 1857.  Mr. Strangeway has not yet decided where he will locate.

Bovina Boy Dies in West

            Floyd Ruff, son of the late William L. Ruff, of Bovina, died in Kansas City this week and the remains arrived here Thursday evening.  He had been ill for several weeks and it is reported had been afflicted with influenza and measles and typhoid fever.  He had lived with his sister, Mrs. Chauncey McFarland, and only went west last fall. 

March 14, 1919

• Patrolman Wm. Armsrong is cleaning out the ditches on the Bovina state road.
• Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Boggs have gone to their son’s farm to assist in sugar making.
• Albert Shuits has moved from the Dickson house in the Center ot the Jennie Miller place below the village.
• Leon VanDusen, who has been with the 27^th Division in France, arrived home Wednesday for a brief furlough.
• Harvey Hafele has moved from the John Blair farm to the George Stott farm in Fall Clove, which he purchased last fall.  J.F. Brown has moved his family from Bloomville, to the Blair farm and will conduct it for Mr. Blair.

Bovina Property Sold

            Thos C. Strangeway, who recently sold his farm to Charles A. McPherson, has purchased the hotel property in Bovina Center, from William J. Crosier.  The consideration is $2,000.  This was formerly the Loughren property and is one of the landmarks of the village.  Mr. Strangeway will soon build a new modern house.

March 21, 1919

• George Johnson and bride, who have been visiting his parents in upper Bovina, returned to Alberta, Canada the past week.
• The Town engine, which has not been used in two years, was gotten out Monday and is undergoing necessary repairs.

March 28, 1919

• The village school is to be closed for a vacation of two weeks.
• William J. Crosier, who recently sold his hotel property , has rented the McCune house and will conduct his barber shop in the McCune store building.
• About 60 neighbors and friends of Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Strangeway made them a surprise visit at their home last Wednesday evening, as a farewell before there removal to the village.

Gives Up Horse Shoeing

Elliott Thomson has rented his blacksmith shop building in Bovina Center to George Terry, who will use it for a garage.  Mr. Thomson will give up horse shoeing, but will continue to do repair work.  He has worked in the same shop for nearly 39 years.

This Day in Bovina for February 2019

Ninety-eight years ago today, on February 1, 1921, as later reported in the Otsego Farmer, "Everett Palmateer of Andes and Fletcher Davidson of Bovina had the unusual experience of being projected through the top of an enclosed car last Tuesday afternoon. The men were on their way to Bovina in the enclosed Ford car of Mr. Palmateer, with Mr. Davidson driving. The road, was slippery and when they reached the top of the hill at Lake Mohican on the Thos. Mabon farm, the rear of the car skidded and swung across the road and as it turned over on its side the men were shot through the top, tearing off the entire top of the car."

Ninety-one years ago today, on February 2, 1928, an alert Ruth Coulter saw a light in the village school building and discovered that the building was on fire.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The fire department was called out and the fire was put out by the use of chemicals and very little water with only slight damage. It started from the furnace."  The building concerned is now the Bovina Public Library.  Ruth Coulter later married Bill Parsons.

Seventy-five years ago today, the Bovina Center column of the February 3, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "the Harvey Burgins have a new floor in their dining room." The same column also reported that "Mrs. Lillian Hafele is now living in her new home, the former Jennie Archibald house."

Fifty-four years ago today, the February 4, 1965 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express reported in its Bovina column "Due to the closing of the New Kingston Creamery, four dairies have already brought their milk to the Bovina Creamery, Marvin Hosier, Bill Elliott, David Condon and a Mr. Walters…."

Two farm related items from the Andes Recorder appeared 122 years ago today in its Bovina column for February 5, 1897:

"Cows averaged $22.80 at Thomas Gordon’s auction last week Thursday, in Glenburnie, and everything else sold well.

"Many think that the grasshoppers working on the hay and straw the past season, is the cause of so much sickness among cows and horses here this winter."

113 years ago today, on February 6, 1906, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, the temperature in Bovina was "twenty-four degrees below zero … the backbone of winter seems to be strengthened instead of weakened."

117 years ago, in its February 7, 1902 edition, the Andes Recorder reported on a letter from a Bovina resident who was in Seattle:  "Writing from Seattle, Miss Jennie J. Campbell, who recently went from this place, likes the place very much and her letter, written about the middle of January, states that the climate is mild and at that time the weather was like our April.  Lawns were green, and roses and violets were in bloom."

Sixty-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican-Express for February 8, 1951 reported "Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Gibson, who have been living in rooms over the Thomas garage, moved to Andes. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Knaff and family, who have been living in the old hotel moved into the rooms vacated by the Gibsons."

Ninety-six years ago today, on February 9, 1923, as reported by the Andes Recorder, "Mrs. Fred Johnson committed suicide at her home in Bovina Center by cutting her throat with a razor…"  Born of Lydia Thomson, the Recorder noted that the cause of her suicide "was probably over wrought nerves." The newspaper noted that her husband had been ill and she was having her own health problems. A niece had come to help with the care of Mr. Johnson, so Mrs. Johnson and her sister went up to bed. Her sister, Mrs. James Russell, heard her sister get up in the night but didn't think much about it and went back to sleep. When she couldn't find her the next morning, a search was instigated in the house. Mrs. Johnson was found at the top of the stairs into the attic, still holding the razor with which she did the deed. "The funeral was held Monday from the Church of the Covenanters, Rev. F.N. Crawford officiating." Mr. Johnson passed away in January of 1925.

Ninety-one years ago, the Andes Recorder of February 10, 1928 reported that "Courtney Currie was kept from his work at the creamery a few days the past week by boils."

133 years ago today, on February 11, 1886, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "The household goods of John Shanks, wagon maker, late of New Kingston, arrived in Brushland on Thursday, the 11th inst., and he will occupy the rooms, and carry on the business, in the shop lately occupied by J. Dietrich."

117 years ago today, on February 12, 1902, Fort-nightly Club lecture course hosted a lecture by Professor William Elliott Travis of Cornell University at Strangeway’s Hall. His subject was “Facts Fun and Fancy Concerning the Japanese.”

Fifty-four years ago today, on February 13, 1965, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express, "Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Davidson and Mrs. William Storie attended the meeting of the Delaware County Historical Association at Roxbury…On their way home they called on Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller at Stamford and found them in good health." The Millers used to live in Bovina in what is known as the Charlie and Eva McIntosh house.

131 years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 14, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported "A spelling school in the Pink Street District…attracted a large number of the young people, one sleigh load containing 19 persons going up form Bovina Center."

155 years ago today, on February 15, 1864, John Murray signed this oath of office as overseer of the poor.

Ninety-seven years ago today, on February 16, 1922, Calvin Russell's team of horses got away from him. The Andes Recorder reported that "The team of Calvin Russell took fright at the creamery Thursday morning and had a lively run. Coming onto Main street the team ran in at the Hastings feed store and onto the flat above the new street. Continuing up the flat they went over the wall into a rocky pasture lot of Fred Bramley and were not caught until they reached Bramley’s. No damage was done and not even the milk cans were thrown out. How they avoided all the rocks is a miracle."

108 years ago today, on February 17, 1911, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Foreman, aged three months and four days, died with pneumonia... Rev. Robb officiated at the funeral Monday.  Child was their only daughter, Mary Elizabeth." The Foremans had three sons at the time of their daughter's death and would have two more after.

This license photograph of Cliff Hall was taken in February 1950 by Bob Wyer. Cliff was born in 1921 in Walton. It was at a dance in Walton that he met Gertrude Kittle. They were married and spent some time in San Francisco where Cliff was stationed in the Navy during World War II. After the war, they came to Bovina to farm on Coulter Brook Road. In the 1950s they started their farm vacation business, Elms Farms. They retired from that and had a home in Bovina Center while spending winters in Florida. Cliff died in 1988. Photograph courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Eighty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 19, 1930 Delaware Republican reported "The two large smoke stacks on the Dry Milk Plant were raised….George Flowers of Hobart was in charge. They are putting in a new dry pan this week." Here's an undated photo of the dry milk plant showing the smoke stacks. The plant was behind the Bovina Center Creamery. 

117 years ago this afternoon, on February 20, 1902, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "the smoke house of G.D. Miller caught fire, scorching eight hams he had curing there.  It was believed that the building caught fire from some ashes which Mr. Miller had taken from the stove that morning and stored there."

166 years ago today, on February 21, 1853, Mary McCune Douglas gave birth to a son, John McCune Douglas. His father was James R. Douglas. John would die at the age of 7 years and 26 days in 1860. Mary Douglas was James' second wife. His first wife, Nancy, gave birth to one daughter and died a few months later. This daughter would die two months before her half-brother John. James and Mary would have one more child a year after the death of their son. The daughter would die at the age of 15.

Seventy-four years ago today, on February 22, 1945, Ethel DeSilva sent this V Postcard to her friend Marjorie Russell in Bovina. Ethel had enlisted in December 1944 as a WAVE in the Navy. She was discharged in November 1945. Ethel was the daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth Burgin (and a first cousin of Cliff Burgin). She was married to Fred DeSilva, who also served in the Second World War. Fred died in 1976, Ethel in 1986. The postcard is signed 'Pete,' which was Mrs. DeSilva's nickname.

127 years ago today, February 23, 1892, Ralph Miller Barnhart was born, the son of Jeremy Barnhart and Kate Miller.  Ralph was married and widowed three times and would live to be 96, dying on Christmas Day, 1988. He would have one son, Donald, from his first marriage to Anna Ruland. He is buried in Bovina. Ralph was my great-uncle. Here he is with his sisters Edith and Anna Bell (my grandmother). 

134 years ago today, the February 24, 1885 Stamford Mirror had this item about the recent town election. These elections took place in February until the early 20th century. 

199 years ago today on February 25, 1820, the New York State legislature passed an act creating the Town of Bovina. This means we are only a year away from Bovina's Bicentennial.

Seventy-nine years ago today, on February 26, 1940, Mrs. Charles F. McPherson died.  The Delaware Republican had reported in its February 22 issue that "Mrs. Charles F. McPherson was taken to the hospital at Delhi….for treatment by Dr. Brooks."  The newspaper reported her death a week later. Mrs. McPherson was born Carrie Eliza Miller, daughter of William R. Miller and Mary G. Laing. Carrie was 58 at her death. Her husband survived her by over 20 years, dying in 1963.

124 years ago today, on February 27, 1895, Jennie E. Hilson, the daughter of Thomas and Jenneatte Orr Stott Hilson was married to Lewis W. Cooper. Lewis was from Massachusetts. They would have nine children.  Here is the invitation to the wedding. 

107 years ago today, this item appeared in the February 28, 1912 Delaware Gazette: "James C. Mabon and John Whitson have sold their farms in southern Bovina to Robert L. Gerry. The options were given several days ago and the writings will be drawn Friday. Both Mabon and Whitson can, if they choose, remain on the farms until September. It is stated that Mr. Mabon receives $15,000 and Mr. Whitson $5,250 for their respective farms. Mr. Mabon has his eye on a small place at East Delhi It is understood that Mr. Gerry will erect a large summer home at the heights of the Mabon farm." This is where in 1915 Gerry built Aknusti.

Bovina Bicentennial Celebration, Update 2

Today is Bovina's 199th Birthday (February 25), meaning that we are one year away from Bovina's Bicentennial. There's not much new to report since last month's update, but a couple of things to note:

• There will be a meeting of the ad-hoc Bovina Bicentennial committee on March 9 at 11 am at the Bovina Community Hall. All are welcome to attend. We want to get a couple of sub-committees started - a fund-raising one and a celebration weekend one. 
• I have submitted a grant application to the Tourism Promotion and Development Grant program from the Delaware County Economic Development agency. I'm applying for funds to create a promotional/fund-raising poster for the celebration.  

Some dates to remember:

• July 20, 2019 - Pie Auction at the Community Hall to raise funds for the 2020 celebration. Chuck McIntosh, Auctioneer.
• August 1 and 2, 2020 - Bovina Bicentennial Weekend 

Railroad Meeting in Brushland

150 years ago, the February 24, 1869 Delaware Gazette had this report under the title "Railroad Meeting."

A meeting was at Brushland, Thursday of last week, which was very well attended, not only by citizens of Bovina, but other towns interested in the connection of the Midland and the Roundout and Oswego Road. James Elliott, Esq., of Brushland, was called to the Chair, and N. Bowne and T.F. McIntosh, Esqurs., appointed Secretaries.

Henry Dowie, Esq., of Andes, opened the meeting with some forcible and appropriate remarks in regard to the importance and practicability of the project.

After some further remarks by S. Yoeman and Dr. Calhoun, a committee, consisting of B. Fitch, Rev. J.B. Lee, H. Dowie, W.W. Grant, and D. Blake was appointed to draft resolutions for the consideration of the meeting....

Several resolutions were adopted at this meeting:

Resolved, that we are in favor of using all honorable means in our power to promote the construction of a Railroad connecting the Rondout and Oswego, and the New York and Oswego Midland roads at Delhi.

Resolved, That a committee of three inhabitants of Bovina be appointed to consider the propriety of securing the appointment of suitable persons as Commissioners, to bond the said town for the above object; and if it shall be deemed expedient so to do, that this said committee take the necessary steps of procure the appointment of such Commissioners, and that said committee consist of James Elliott, David Black and William Archibald.

Resolved, that we recommend to the people of the town of Andes to take the necessary steps for procuring the requisite consents to bond that town.

Resolved, that we recommend to the inhabitants of the town of Delhi that they petition the Board of Directors of the Midland Company to appropriate a part of the amount for which that town is bonded, towards the construction of this connecting road.

Resolved. That we recommend to the Directors of the Rondout and Oswego Railroad Company that they send on a corps of engineers as soon as possible.to make the necessary surveys.

The meeting seems to have had much confidence in the project of uniting the two roads and the advantages appear to be appreciated by the people in the towns interested. 

It would be almost thirty years before there was any serious movement on connecting Delhi to Andes and both places to Bovina by railroad. The Delaware Railroad Company was created in 1898 and construction actually started. The project ultimately and quite rapidly failed. For more on that project, see the series of blog entries from March 2011 in this blog.