This Day in Bovina for July

136 years ago today, on July 1, 1882, the Delaware Republican reported that "Andrew Brown, of Bovina, has been making a six weeks trip through the west, visiting his sons in Iowa and relatives in Michigan. He returned last Saturday." Andrew was born in Bovina in 1816. He was married twice and was the father of about 15 children, many of whom died in childhood. The sons he was visiting in Iowa likely were James and Andrew, sons from his first marriage. Andrew died a little over a year after his trip west in November 1883 from blood poisoning caused by a hog bite.

100 years ago today, on July 2, 1918, the Bovina Town Board resolved "to lease a Ford one ton truck of the value of $775 from the dealer … and pay for it at the rate not to exceed $10 a day for every day that it is used…"

130 years ago today, the Bovina column of the July 3, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported that "Henry Brush, of Wisconsin, son of Alex. Brush a former resident of this town, is visiting relatives here."

Sixty-three years ago today, on July 4, 1955, Cecil and Isabell Russell celebrated Independence Day with Cecil's brother and sister-in-law Charles and Hildreth Russell. As Isabell later reported in her diary, "we ate on the side lawn had our new picnic table. Had hot dogs & hamburgers, scalloped potatoes. I made white cake & had Ice cream." She reported that they later took a drive to the dam, likely meaning the newly constructed Downsville Dam, which created the Pepacton Reservoir. Marjorie likely took this picture, taken during the picnic on the side lawn of their home.

107 years ago today, on July 5, 1911, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Daniel Calhoun, in southern Bovina, had three cows killed by lightning…."

Seventy-eight years ago, on July 6, 1940, as announced in the Delaware Republican, "the appraisal of the estate of the late William T. Miller.." was held. The appraisers were John Thompson and Maurice Hall. Miller died the previous month in Bovina at the age of 70. He was a widower, his wife having died in 1926. He was the last surviving child of Michael Miller and Sally (McCune) Miller. And he was my great great uncle.

135 years ago today on July 7, 1883, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, George Cable won the Bovina glass ball shooting match. "This badge is a gold one of beautiful design, and is contended for at each meeting by members of the club." Glass ball shooting orginated in the mid 1860s.

These two chauffeur license pictures of Ernie Russell were taken by Bob Wyer in May 1949 and May 1952. Ernest Coulter Russell was born in 1905, the son of Francis and Adalaid (Coulter) Russell. He was a second cousin of Cecil Russell. Ernie married Dorothy Drew in 1933. They had two sons, Ronald (1839-1985) and Dave. Ernie passed away in 1969. Wyer images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

 

Ninety one years ago today, on July 9, 1927, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The Ford car of Ralph Hafele and the Overland of Wilford Barnhart collided … at the Dennis corner in Bovina Center." This corner is where Bramley Mountain Road comes out onto County Route 6. The newspaper went on to report that "the corner is a dangerous one." Hafele, traveling with his wife and child, were driving down the main street while Barnhart and his family were coming down the steep pitch at the end of Bramley Mountain Road. The paper noted that while both cars were badly damaged, with "the Ford getting the worst of it." There were no injuries other than "slight bruises."

Sixty-six years ago today, the July 10, 1952 Delaware Republican Express reported in its Bovina column that "Mr. and Mrs. Edward Coleman of New York City were Saturday night guests of her sisters, Janet and Elizabeth McKenzie. They closed their house and left on Sunday for Newark, N.J., where on Friday they leave by Transatlantic Airway for Scotland."

160 years ago today, on July 11, 1858, Isabella Aitkin Archibald was born, the daughter of George and Jane (Anderson) Archibald. She married Alexander A. Hilson on February 9, 1887 and was the mother of six children, including John Hamilton Hilson, the grandfather of a number of Hilson family members still in Bovina. Isabella was widowed in 1923 and died in 1934.

137 years ago, on July 12, 1881, the Delaware County Clerk sent a letter to Bovina's Town Supervisor, David Black, concerning a mistake made in establishing a trial jury list for the town. 

Ninety seven years ago today, on the morning of July 13, 1921, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Charles A. McPherson was coming to the creamery" when "the hold back strap broke on the Myers pitch and let the wagon onto the horse." He was able to stop the horse near Hilson's store. The paper noted that he did this "without colliding with any of the numerous teams and no damage was done."

These two photos of Herbert Huggans were taken by Bob Wyer almost a decade apart. The first in May 1943, the second in May 1952. Herbert was born in 1902, the son of Byron and Dorra Huggans. His sister was Josephine Huggans Noonan. Herbert operated a farm on Bramley Mountain for many years. He died suddenly in 1964, leaving his wife Julia and son Richard, as well as his sister Josephine. Wyer images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Seventy-five years ago today, July 15, 1943, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express reported that "Several children from here are availing themselves of the opportunity for swimming instruction offered to them by the Red Cross at Silver Lake."

Catherine McNaught McCune died 144 years ago today on July 16, 1874. Born in Scotland in 1796, she married John McCune, who died in 1850. She had ten children, including Sarah Ann (Sally) McCune, who was my great great grandmother. Catherine is buried in the Bovina cemetery (her husband's grave is in South Kortright).

103 years ago, on July 17, 1915, Herbert Olmstead, a Bovina farmer, was injured when he was cut by a mower machine. The accident was later reported by the Otsego Farmer (Cooperstown) newspapers: "Herbert Olmstead, a Bovina farmer, was taken to the hospital at Delhi Saturday night by Drs. Scott and Whitcomb of Bovina Center suffering from severe cuts on both lower legs. While mowing with a machine late in the afternoon Mr. Olmstead backed his team to turn a corner, when one of the horses caught a reign under its tail and without thinking of the danger Mr. Olmstead stepped in front of the cutbar to loosen the rein. At that instant the horses started and the sharp knives caught him near the ankles, cutting into the bones of the left foot and making a bad gash in the right foot." Olmstead was born in 1888. He appears to have recovered from this accident, though the injury kept him from service in World War One. Olmstead moved around in New York. By 1920, he was living in the Syracuse area. By the time of his death in 1971, he was living in California. He is buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood. (A number of noted movie and television personalities are buried here.)

Sixty-six years ago today, the July 18, 1952 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column the following: "Four fresh air children have arrived in Bovina. They are Kenneth and Tommy Lee of New York city, for a two-week vacation with David Roberts; James Benites of the Bronx, guest of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Archibald; Joseph Maraldo of Queens,k guest of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Schabloski."

Sixty-seven years ago today, on July 19, 1951, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, Bovina firemen were hosts to the Tri-County firemans association annual meeting…." The meeting took place at the Fish and Game club on Coulter Brook Road.

110 years ago today, on July 20, 1908, this statement was issued by the Bovina Cooperative Creamery Company for the estate of the late William L. White, who died in 1907. White's farm was on Coulter Brook Road and must still have been in operation. The Bovina Cooperative Creamery was located on New Road on what was then the McFarland Farm. The creamery closed sometime in the 1920s. 

Fifty one years ago today, July 21, 1967, a cloud burst caused considerable damage to the roads on Bramley Mountain. As later reported in the Walton Reporter, "Clark Lay, Bovina highway superintendent and his men, had a big job of replacing water courses along the road and restoring driveways, but early this week he was pretty much on top of the job with a big assist from county highway workers who turned out to help him Monday."

138 years ago today, on July 22, 1880, the Stamford Mirror reported the following in its Bovina column: "A young man, known among his intimate friends by the name of 'Beecher,' proposed to go to 'Bragg Hollow' a few evenings ago, but was seriously annoyed by some wicked fellows who hid his sulky, and also threw a pail of water upon him, wetting his good clothes." Bragg Hollow is now known as Crescent Valley Road.

Last month we featured George Trimbell. This month is his wife's turn. These photographs of Anna Trimbell were taken by Bob Wyer in May 1971. With her husband she ran Crescent Valley Farms for many years. Anna Schoenwolf first married Otto Kriesel, by whom she had her son Robert. Otto died in an accident in 1945. She married George Trimbell in 1947. They had three sons, Linnell, Byron and Derwood. She died in 1989 at the age of 71. Wyer images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

104 years ago today, on July 24, 1914, Jane Maynard died. Born in 1849, she was the daughter of Hector and Esther Cowan. She married Archibald Maynard in 1875. She would have four children, but only one, her son William H. Maynard, would survive to adulthood. Jane was widowed in 1900.

Ninety-six years ago today, on Friday, July 25, 1924, St. James Chapel at Lake Delaware was consecrated, two years to the day after the cornerstone had been laid. The chapel was built by Angelica L. Gerry as a memorial to her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Livingston. The Catskill Mountain News reported that this ceremony was to take place, noting that "Miss Gerry's outlay in time and money to provide this unique set of buildings is generally estimated to run into several hundred thousands of dollars."

Seventy-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the July 26, 1940 Walton Reporter had these items: 1) About 50 people enjoyed a chicken roast at H.F. Davidson's Friday evening. 2) Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Reinertsen of Brookly are visiting his cousin, Mr. Andrew Reinertsen and family. 3) Misses June and Jean Schloss, twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Schloss, and Misses Reta and Reva Smith, twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Smith, all of Walton, have been visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Smith. (The Smiths lived in the Mountain Brook area of Bovina.)

124 years ago today, the July 27, 1894 Andes Recorder noted in its Bovina column that "If the pathmaster of the road from the village to the turnpike would cause the stones to be thrown out, he would receive the thanks of the public."

107 years ago today, July 28, 1911, the Bovina correspondent of the Andes Recorder, reported that "G.D. Miller is exhibiting a ripe tomato, picked in his garden, that weights 1 1/2 pounds."

Bob Wyer took this license photo of Delbert Dickson in May 1956. Born in 1906, Del was married and widowed twice. His first wife, Grace, died of measles and other complications in 1929. He married Carrie Dumond in 1930. She passed away in 1972. Delbert worked for a number of years for the county highway department, retiring in 1967. He died in the Delhi Infirmary in December 1986. Wyer image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. Image - Passport A3595 Dickson Del

Sixty-four years ago, on July 30, 1954, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bovina Fire department, who marched for the first time wearing their new uniforms at the Old Home day in Unadilla July 30, were honored by receiving first prize in appearance." Here’s Peg Robson modeling the uniform before the 1956 Bovina Old Home Day. 

Eighty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column in the July 31, 1929 Delaware Republican reported that "Charles A. McPherson had a narrow escape when he was thrown from a hay load, caused by the double whiffletree breaking when going in the barn. The wagon ran back down the bridgeway and he was thrown off." A whiffletree (sometimes called a whippletree or leader bar) is a device used for a horse drawn vehicle. It balances the pull from each side of the animal.

Grandma's First Husband - "There is much that I should like to write of but you know how I am situated."

James Calhoun continued to write from France to his wife, Anna Bell Barnhart Calhoun in July 1918. After July 11, he stops writing for almost three weeks, not writing again until early August. Likely, he was making his first major foray into battle.

The next two letters James wrote to his wife were received on August 7.

July 4, 1918

My dear Anna;

Have had no letters from you since I last wrote but will send you a few lines to let you know that I am getting along nicely and all is O.K.  I must beg your pardon at once because I have gotten a letter since I last wrote you.  The letter containing our pictures came and I cannot tell you how glad I was to get the picture.  I think it the best of any we have and I shall surely carry it with care. 

Just think this is July 4^th.  I am not celebrating as much as I sometimes used to at home but now I am rather enjoying the rather quite day.  I expect you wonder if I have been in the lines and feel that I must tell you I have been there and out again.

This is a beautiful day and one of many that we have had since late in May.  It has not been very warm and always cool at night.

The picture surely brings back to my memory many happenings of the near past and so many memories of home and dear ones.  I can well remember the day it was taken and all that took place at the time.

It was strange that so many accidents should happen almost at once in town.  By good luck none of them were serious although painful for a time. 

I have forwarded another (3^rd) installment of money.  The sum of $10. this time.  I wish I might send you more.  Every little helps you know and I know that you can enjoy its benefits even if I am not there to enjoy it with you. I am so glad that I can at least do this little service for you.

I was very sorry to hear of the death of Beatrice Forbes.  Rev Forbes will take her death very hard I know because there was a deep bond of love between them.  She always such a helpful person.

I am wondering how you are spending this 4^th day of July 1918.  I can not imagine what you will be doing but I know that when your letter written on this date comes I shall know all.

Cora wrote me a beautiful letter; tell her please that I received it and was very grateful and hope to answer it before many days. Tell her for me that she must not wait until I write before writing again but to write real often.  It is sometimes difficult for me to write as many letters as I should like.  Then I must always see that you first of all gets letters from me.

Please write real often and I know you do and your letters are a real help and comfort to me.  God bless you.

Your most loving husband, James

PS - I am so glad that you sent a picture to mother.  JDC

July 8, 1918 (this letter is typed)

My dear Anna;

I have not heard from you for a few days but no doubt will receive more than one letter when I do get word as has been almost invariably the case. 

Our beautiful weather continues.  During the past month we have had but one or two light showers and the temperature has been right for comfort.  Our weather is no contrast to the warm rainy weather had in the states.

Bovina did fine on the “fund” proposition and I must say that as a town she is always ready when called upon for any service.  It seems as though you always get the soliciting work for the street and it because they know that the work is going to be performed if you are in charge and very few people seek such unpleasant tasks.  It is fine indeed that people responded so generously to the great work and it is now an assured success without a doubt.  As time passes the necessity of the work is going to be more fully impressed on the minds of the people than it ever has before in fact it is now coming home to them.

I am grateful to Eddie and his people for remembering me and I wish you would give them my kindest regards.  Also give my best regards to the people I know in good Bovina.

Am glad to know that your April check came OK.  You have been quite fortunate in receiving funds on time.  If I remember correctly this one has been delayed a trifle longer than those of pervious months.  You wrote that you received an order from me.  Did you get two orders of 15 dollars each, one made about April 23 and the second one May 23?  I sent an order for 10 dollars on July 4 but of course you will not have gotten that yet.  Please write the date that orders were made and the amount of each so I can know that you get all the money I send.

I can imagine those showers you are or rather have bene having over there.  They are certainly not pleasant to experience.  I do not at all blame Edith for the way that she felt about them but I do feel sorry for her.  Perhaps there will not be so many of them later. What we are doing here has nothing to do with it in the way that you mentioned, at least I do not think it does.

I am glad that you are finished house cleaning which must be a great responsibility removed.  With everything clean, spick and span and with your newly polished floors you surely must be quite in order.  Anna I know how you felt about taking down the arch.  I should have liked very much to have seen it again myself but of course you could not leave it there longer.  However I have a very strong mental picture of it and there are many fond memories attached to it that I shall not forget.  I pray that the day may soon come when we can lay some definite plans.  You are indeed appreciated by your people and I know that you are doing all you can to help them.  The time is coming when we can co-operate in helping them.  I wish we might have the opportunity to give them a good vacation and we surely will.  It would be just grand if we could. 

It will be nice and also convenient to have a good supply of apples.  Be sure and save a few for me just enough to make an apple pie you know.

I remember “Bluie” quite distinctly.  Hope the trad proves to be a good one.  I will say that the grain proposition is a hard one under the circumstances for Wilford.  As the eggs are hatching so very poor it is much better that you did not try to raise any chickens.

Please write as often as you can.  I must draw this brief note to a close,

Your most loving husband, James

The next letter was received two days after the previous two on August 9.

July 11, 1918

My dear Anna;

Your most welcome letters of June 13 and 16 came to me today.  They surely do help to make one keep cheered up.  I was glad indeed to get so many good news from home.  You may as well have written those news that you wished to talk to me of and Edith and Wilford can just as well write a note as not if all that is keeping them from writing is the fact that you mentioned.  My letters from you have always reached me just as you mailed them I feel that I owe both Wilford and Edith an apology for not having written to them and can scarcely expect them to write me when I have sent them no letters.

I received a letter each from Herbert, Archie, and Jas. Boggs.  Anna’s letter contained the pictures of the youngsters and was a good picture indeed.  Baby Grace surely must have grown wonderfully since I saw her.  James Boggs letter was surely fine and he is indeed a royal good fellow and a character that one can consider a great privilege to call a friend.  He surely has our sympathies.  I wish you might has(sic) his letter. 

It must have seemed good to have the cool weather, of which you have written after the very warm thundery weather which you endured. It remains cool here and the past two days have been cloudy with a little rain. 

Clark Miller’s death was a great blow to his people, no doubt. I know now how he could have received his wound.  It is fine that Fletcher keeps well.  I am O.K. to date and have hopes that the better days soon will come.

I was glad the policy came O.K. and that you have received your money O.K.  No, Anna, it doesn’t matter if my pay here is raised, the allotment to you remains the same.  I can save more money here than I did in America and if luck favors me I hope to save more to send home.

I am not surprised to learn of Hazel and Frank.  Yes it is quite right that we should open our pocket book and my only regret is that I can not be there to go with you.  Wish them the greatest happiness for me.

I do hope you will be able to get over and stay with Florence a few days but she would not expect you to work.  It will be nice for you both to get each others company and talk over affairs.

I am quite relieved that the order of things is changed this election and it will be a great responsibility removed from our men to have the help of the ladies to get the votes cast for the best results.

How I would like to get one square meal of that shortcake.  I did like to pick berries when I was a kid and I feel that I could succeed pretty well at it now if the opportunity should offer itself.

I am enclosing a souvenir postal that actually was made to order with the rude tools the native had in his possession.  I am not the native.  It is pretty good I think.  I will write more in a few days.  There is much that I should like to write of but you know how I am situated.  Give my best regards to our people.  I think of you a good deal and may Good’s blessing be with you . 

Your most loving husband James

This was the last letter James would write for three weeks. 

July 1918 - 100 Years Ago "in That Thriving Town"

July 1918 in Bovina included a damaging storm that killed three cows and damaged several gardens. 

July 5, 1918

·       The first allotment of boys arrived at the Gerry Camp in southern Bovina Monday [July 1] afternoon. 

·       In Bovina, the total enrollment of women was 76 as follows: Republican 39; Democrat 5; Prohibition 32.

July 12, 1918

·       Misses Kate and Freda Muller spent the Fourth at William Russell’s.

·       Milton Hastings, who broke his leg several weeks ago, expects to soon be able to go about on crutches.

·       Alex Burns and wife and David Draffin and wife enjoyed a motor trip around by the Gerry estate and Andes on the Fourth of July.

·       Will Roney, of Andes, and a representative of the International Harvester company were here Tuesday [July 9] and sold 3-horse power kerosene engines to Al Thomson, Harry McCumber, Mr. Kelsey and Mr. Taft.

Insurance Paid

Mrs. Ida E. Miller, of Bovina Center, has received from the Travelers Insurance company, though W.C. Oliver’s agency, $1,000, being in full payment of policy held by her son, Clark G. Miller, who was killed in action in France last May.

July 19, 1918

·       Ed Craddock and family, of New York City, are staying at the hotel for a few weeks.

·       Herbert White, of Delhi, was here Monday [July 15] making repairs to a machine at the Dry Milk plant.

Will Go As Chaplain

Rev. Hugh B. Speer, a former pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Bovina, and who several months ago resigned his pastorate at Omaha, Nebraska, and has been at Hanover, Illinois, expects soon to sail for overseas as chaplain with the Red Cross.

July 26, 1918

·       A few of the farmers will finish haying this week.

·       Andrew T. Doig was in New York City this week.

·       Frances Ewing and family, of New York city have moved into the house on Mrs. Dickson’s farm.

·       Alfred Russell, son of W.C. Russell of this town has enrolled as a sailor in the Merchant Marine and left last week for Boston.

Heavy Storm in Bovina

Much Damage Sustained to Crops in Storm Friday [July 19]

During a heavy thunder and hail storm that swept over Bovina last Friday afternoon considerable damage was done by hail and lightning.  At Adam Laidlaw’s lightning followed in to the house on the telephone line but did no special damage. A.B. Phyfe had three cows killed – his entire dairy.  At the home of the Misses Muller a maple tree was struck.  Gardens were damaged by the hail.

In Bovina, the area of the storm passed over Bovina Center and for a mile west, being heavy at John Blair’s and William Archibald’s at the latter place cut his buckwheat to pieces.  Some of the first stones that fell were nearly as large as plums, but in the main storm they were larger than peas.

The Opening of the Bovina Museum Forty Years Ago

Forty years ago (July 1, 1978) the Bovina Museum was dedicated as part of the Bovina Town picnic. The late Dot Ryder took a number of pictures of that day as did I.

Dot Ryder photo

Dot Ryder photo

Barbara Hilson at the dedication. Also in the picture on the left are John Kloepfer, Fletcher Davidson, Helen Thompson, Hugh Lee, Corine Loos, Gladys Wickswat, Harold Lounsbury, Lillian Ormiston, Frank McPherson and Enid Carter. (Ray LaFever photo)

Another shot of Barbara Hilson speaking at the dedication. To the right are Charles and Leona LaFever, Celia Coulter, Que Aikens and partially hidden Dot Russell. The reporter is Tom Coddington.(Ray LaFever photo)

Fletcher Davidson speaking at the dedication just before cutting the ribbon.(Ray LaFever photo)

The crowd at the dedication. (Ray LaFever photo)

Dot Ryder photo

Dot Ryder photo

Dot Ryder photo

Here are some photos of the museum I took the day of the dedication.

This Day in Bovina for June

Eighty-nine years ago today, on June 1, 1929, the "old horse of T.C. Strangeway fell down on Saturday in the plowed land when at work and could not be gotten up." The Delaware Republican, in reporting the incident, did not elaborate further, but it likely was the poor horse's end.

Ninety-six years ago, on June 2, 1922, the home talent play "Old Fashioned Mother" was held and, as later noted in the Andes Recorder, "well attended." The library made $78. The play was repeated the next evening, but the attendance was small.

120 years ago today, the June 3, 1898 issue of the Andes Recorder reported that in Bovina, "While the usual Memorial Day exercises were not observed here this year, the graves of the fallen heroes were marked with the flag they loved so well and strewed with the sweet flowers of nature."

Ninety-five years ago today, on June 4, 1923, Alice Jane Boggs died. The daughter of John Russell (1822-1902) and Jane Chisholm (1815-1886), she married William F. Boggs in February 1871 and had two sons, Harry and J. Russell. She was the grandmother of Don, Bob and Norrie Boggs.

Eighty-nine years ago today, the Bovina Center correspondent reported for the June 5, 1929 Delaware Republican that "Colin McNaught is shipping three of his full-blooded sheep to Peru. They will start on their long trip this week, each one having its own crate." The report noted that the "shipment includes one yearling ewe, a three-year-old ewe and a two-year-old ram, all registered Shropshires."

118 years ago today, on June 6, 1900, the Andes Recorder Bovina correspondent reported that "…Bert McNair completed a successful year of school in the Butt End district." The paper went on to report McNair and the district had "one of the most successful schools in town the past year…" The paper noted that "The attendance was thirteen and of this number Elmer Russell and Orlena Russell passed spelling, geography, grammar, arithmetic, reading and writing and physiology at the Regents examinations at Andes High School in January, earning their preliminary certificate and physiology besides in the one examination.  In the January and March examinations Libbie Hastings and Charles Hastings also earned their preliminary certificate and physiology in addition.  Maggie Liddle passed spelling and geography, and Willie Hastings and Herman Russell passed spelling and physiology.  Where is the school that can beat it."

This is the first in what I hope will be about weekly entries sharing some of the Bob Wyer license photographs taken from the 1940s into the 1970s. This chauffeur license photo of Raymond Jardine was taken June 28, 1943. Raymond was born in 1905, the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Slavin Jardine. He married Mary Hyzer in 1934. They had three children, Marian, Martha and Richard. Raymond was a farmer and operated a trucking business. He died suddenly at his home in Bovina in 1962. Photograph courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Ninety years ago today, the June 8, 1908 issue of the Andes Recorder reported in its Bovina column that "Miss Eleanor Campbell has completed a business course and taken a position in the Sheffield Farms office at Hobart." Eleanor was the daughter of John Campbell and Nancy Smith. She married Leroy Worden in 1930 and they settled in Bovina. They were my next door neighbors when I was a kid. Eleanor died in 1979, Leroy in 1982.

117 years ago today, on June 9, 1901, Robert Gerry "had a narrow escape from injury." Gerry was driving his dog cart out of his Lake Delaware property onto the highway when the hub of the cart "was struck by an automobile running at high rate of speed…" The cart overturned and threw Mr. Gerry out. He injured his shoulder and the footman with him had a badly bruised leg.

126 years ago today, in its June 10, 1892 issue, the Andes Recorder published the following from the Bovina Center correspondent to the Walton Standard: "It is our object to report what has happened, but we do wish that we could report that our mail route had been changed so that Robert Forman would go to Bloomville instead of Lake Delaware. We would get our New York mail one day earlier, and our letters going west would go somewhere the same day. If our three ministers would move in the matter they could have it changed and would not have to send or go to 'The Valley' after their mail every night. It would be better other ways. Mr. Forman would get more passengers, and during the summer would have a large amount of fruit and other express matter to carry.  Let us move in the matter, for we are afraid it will be some time before we have that 'electric railroad.'"

Ninety-eight years ago today, the June 11, 1920 Bovina column in the Andes Recorder reported that "A Buick touring car from South Kortright collided with the iron bridge at Lake Delaware, and was saved from falling into the stream by one wheel being caught in the bridge."

122 years ago, the Bovina correspondent reported in the June 12, 1896 Andes Recorder that "The bills announcing the re-union of the Delaware and Otsego veterans have been posted.  A number of the old veterans will attend, and again meet old comrades and clasp their hands once more.  These Reunions will soon be a thing of the past and all should go and enjoy them while they can."

122 years ago today, on the afternoon of Saturday, June 13, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "John Irvine’s eldest boy was drawing the lawn mower around wrong side up and the youngest boy, who is about three years old, stuck his hand into it and it took off the two middle fingers at the first joint.  The pieces were found among the grass, and Dr. Phinney stuck them on, but they had been off to long for there to be much chance of their ever growing on."  The eldest Irvine son was William (1887-1929), the youngest was Lloyd Irvine (1897-1980), who was Isabelle Russell's twin brother.

These passport photos of Frieda Menke were taken in April 1960 by Bob Wyer. Frieda was born in Yugoslavia in 1921 and emigrated to the U.S. after the Second World War. She married Henry Menke in 1952 and for many years operated with her husband their farm on Cape Horn Road. She had two children and was widowed in 2000. Frieda died in 2012 at the age of 90. Photograph courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

161 years ago today, on June 15, 1857, a liquor license was issued for Dorcas Hamilton's tavern in Bovina Center. This is where Jardine’s house now stands. To see the 1857 license, go to this link on the Bovina NY History Flickr page. Http://www.flickr.com/photos/30793716@N06/4617264926/in/set-72157624083483324

Eighty years ago today, June 16, 1938, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Herbert Parsons, little son of Mrs. And Mrs. William Parsons broke his arm….by falling from an old truck."

Ninety-seven years ago, the June 17, 1921 Andes Recorder reported that "Nelson Reynolds is making alterations in the interior of the United Presbyterian church." The paper went on to note that "the first row of seats has been removed and the pulpit extended forward in order to give more room for the choir behind the pulpit."

Eighty-one years ago, the June 18, 1937 Bovina column in the Andes Recorder reported that "The state road from its junction with the Andes-Delhi state road through Bovina Center, has been resurfaced this week."

124 years ago, on June 19, 1894, the Oregon Medicine company closed their show in Bovina. The company had been in Bovina for ten days.  The Andes Recorder reported that "[t]hey gave good entertainments and had good success in selling their medicines.  We understand that they went to Davenport."  This company likely was the Oregon Indian Medicine Company.  It was founded by Thomas Augustus Edwards, who was born in Saugerties in 1832.  Edwards used several approaches to sell his remedies, including Indians to hawk his wares on the streets and medicine shows to promote his products. Founded in 1876, Edwards was actively involved until his retirement in 1901.

120 years ago on June 20, 1898, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "John Blair bought over forty hogs…"

119 years ago today, the June 21, 1899 Andes Recorder reported in the Bovina column that "Alex. Burns returned home last Wednesday from Potsdam St. Lawrence county, where he purchased a thorough bred Jersey bull calf, from the herd of George W. Cisson, Jr."

These two chauffeur license photos of George Trimbell were taken by Bob Wyer. The first image dates from May 1943, the second from April 1946.  George was born in 1913 in Minnesota, the son of Ernest and Talley Trimbell.  He grew up in Minnesota and came to Bovina with his family in 1932. George married Anna Schonewolf Kriesel in Bloomville in 1947. They were the parents of four sons, Robert Kriesel, and Byron, Linnell, and Derwood Trimbell. George owned and operated Crescent Valley Farms in Bovina and operated a summer resort there for many years. George passed away in November 1975. Photograph courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Forty-five years ago today, June 23, 1973, Bovina residents John Behrer, Loretta Dorsett Fink, Roger Hadley, Jim Haran, John Hewitt, Diane LaFever, Ray LaFever, Marie Stromann (aka Agnes Menke), Ethel Mellott Hammond, Bob Monroe, Donna Parsons Weber, Steve Pelletier, and Connie Stewart Finkle graduated from Delaware Academy.

120 years ago, the June 24, 1898 Andes Recorder Bovina column had the following item: " Who of your readers has ever tasted oranges grown in Delaware county?  From her orange tree Mrs. G.D. Miller has plucked ripe fruit.  Your correspondent tasted one and they are of good flavor." Mrs. G.D. Miller was the wife of Gilbert D. Miller. She was Mary Jane Banker and married 'Gib' in 1869. Mary died in 1924.

Eighty-five years ago today, on June 25, 1933, Margaret Russell, the mother of long time Bovina merchant Cecil Russell, passed away. Born in 1862, she was the daughter of Patrick Doig and Sarah Hodge. She married Robert Hamilton Russell in 1884, who had been widowed in 1881. Margaret was widowed in 1921.

124 years ago today, on June 26, 1894, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "a private hop was held in James Hastings new barn…" This barn stood for over 100 years before it was demolished a few years ago. This was later the Damgaard farm and is now owned by Mark Foster and Carver Farrell. [IMAGE]

This chauffeur license photo of Lester Hoy was taken by Bob Wyer in May 1943. Lester was born in Bovina in 1899, the son of William and Robena Gow Hoy. He was married to Jean Hume in 1920. He farmed for many years in Bovina, living in the house now owned by Tim and Tamara McIntosh. He and Jean had two sons, Robert and William. He died in July 1978. Photograph courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Ninety-six years ago today, on June 28, 1922, Bovina was hit with a "severe electrical storm." As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "lightning struck the residence of Mrs. Ida Burgin on the Andes-Delhi [road] and did some damage but did not fire the building." The neighboring farm of Charles A. McPherson was not so lucky. Six cows were killed in the storm.

118 years ago, the Andes Recorder of June 29, 1900 reported that "The census enumerator has nearly completed his work and it is thought the number of people will fall short of the number of census ten years previous." This, in fact, turned out not to be the case, though it did not go up much either. The 1890 census had 926 people. Ten years later, it was 932.

107 years ago today, on June 30, 1911, Margaret Laidlaw was born in Bovina, the daughter of Adam Laidlaw and Emma Campbell. She married James Hoy in 1935 and had three children, James, Janet and Thomas. Widowed in 1956, Margaret was the Bovina Town Clerk for many years. She passed away in 1981.

Margaret as a young girl (courtesy of her sons Jim and Tom Hoy)

Grandma's First Husband - "How pleasant it must be in good old Delaware Co"

Anna Bell Barnhart Calhoun continued to receive letters from her husband James Calhoun from France where he was serving in the U.S. Army. As with almost all his letters from France, the information they contain mainly reflect the news he is hear from home, since he is severely restricted as to what he can write. The fact that the letters came sporadically and out of sequence had to be a bit of a challenge for my grandmother. His June letters arrived mainly in July but not even in sequence.

James first letter in June wasn't received until almost the end of the month, June 29. He references the fire that destroyed Anna's Uncle John Miller's barn in this and some of the following letters. 

June 4, 1918

My dear Anna;

Three letters from you have come to me within the past few days.  I know that you should like to know that I am O.K.  There is not much that I can write but am happy to send you the news that I am O.K.  Your letters were most thoroughly enjoyed.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed them.  It is very true that you do not get so many letters as you did but you know that it is not my fault.

The loss of the barn is very hard for Uncle John.  It is fine that you can help them at this time.  Maybe they can feel different towards us now.  Such things are for a purpose, I think.

You wrote so many news[?] that I can scarcely thank you enough.  I am sorry that you have a cold and that you have been troubled with the Liberty measles.

I will write another note as soon as I can.  I will [write] more soon. 

I must stop now and send this.  Please write as often as you can.  Your letters are indeed appreciated.  Let mother know how I am by card.

Your most loving husband, James

James wrote another letter the next day, but it took until July 20 to be received by Anna.

Somewhere in France

June 5, 1918

My dear Anna;

            I will take this opportunity to send you as good a letter as I possibly can under the circumstances.  I must confess that the few letters I have written have been very meager indeed but would gladly do better if I could.  I have gotten three letters from you recently and they each contained a world of news from home.

This leaves me in good health and am O.K. in all things.  I regret to hear that you have all had colds and hope you may be better before now.  I sympathize with Wilford in his measle deal.

Cousin Raymond [Barnhart] is fortunate indeed in getting the work he has.  Perhaps he will remain there permanently.  I am glad Edith sent him candy because I know how much he will appreciate it; I surely did.  Grandmother B is surely working faithful to do her bit at this time.  You are all doing so much.  In fact you cannot realize the true value of the work you are doing as fully as I can when viewed from my standpoint.

It was fine that Davison’s people said for the car.  I hope they get good service from it and get in good in operating it.  I should be very glad if they would drop me a letter.  So Fletcher has his head shaved and so do I (or very nearly so).

Ralph and Wilford will be glad indeed to finish hauling wood.  It is a tedious, tiresome piece of work to get logs from such a place as they hauled those.  Your work will be very heavy especially now that you have so many cows.  It was fine though that you could help Uncle John as you did.  Perhaps they will feel better towards us now.  It is good sometimes to get a chance to return good for evil.  It is just as well I think that you did not bother with the chickens; if we need them we can get them later.  I almost wonder at Chas. McPherson doing as he did in the horse deal.  I surely used him white [??] the proposition.

The burning of the barn no doubt gave you a great scare.  It must have been a great scare to mother B.  Aunt Bertha is usually calm enough but such an event is very liable to give the calmest person quite a scare.  I should not have been surprised if Uncle John had been excited as he seems so frail. 

I wish you could go and see Oliver’s people.  From what mother wrote I believe that cousin Margaret will not live very long.  It was very good of cousin Kathryn to write to you. 

A letter came from mother and Mae and I will try and answer it in a few days.  I wish you might send them a card when you get this so they will rest that I am O.K. at this date.  I was mighty glad to get the clippings.  There is no need to send papers; ten chances to one they would not reach me.  It is just as well that what you said of Cora has proved false.

I will close for this time.  Hoping you are all well and O.K.  Your most loving husband, James.   

Raymond Barnhart was grandma's first cousin on her father's side. Raymond was in the Army but did not go overseas for his service. [Note: I am named for this cousin.]

James next letter came to Anna on July 20, the same day as the June 5 letter.

June 11, 1918

Somewhere in France

My dear Anna;

            This leaves me O.K. and feeling fine.  I have had no letters from you since I sent you my last one.  I expect to receive two or three at one time soon.  I expect to mail a letter to mother C. when this one is mailed.

We are having beautiful weather and the country looks very pretty indeed.  I am wondering if everything is as beautiful at home.  I expect your crops are nearly all in the soil.

I often think of you and wonder what you are doing these days.  It will soon be a year since I helped in the hay field.  How will i remember that day.  Do y\the young people have as many parties as they did last autumn.  If not they probably will renew sociabilities this autumn.

The school year will soon be finished.  Ruth had such hard luck with her school that I expect she will be late in closing her work.  How many weeks was her school closed because of scarlet fever etc?  Lois should have her work nearly finished by now.

I am afraid that you and I will be unable to help Uncle Will and Aunt Mary this year.  I wish we might; it would be a great pleasure indeed.  I presume the Ward farm is practically idle this year; there will be no land under cultivation at all.  Marshall’s are using the pastures; are Will’s going to cut the hay themselves?

This is but a note to let you know all is well.  There is but little news to write so will send this.  I would gladly write more but this will suffice for now.  When I get a letter from you I shall answer more fully.  I often think of you all.

Give my best regards to all of my people and please write often.

Your most loving husband, James.    

James wrote again 5 days letter, but this letter came to Anna 8 days before the letters of June 5 and 11, arriving July 12.

Somewhere in France

June 16, 1918

My dear Anna;

I am very glad to have the opportunity to answer your excellent letters of May 12 and 16.

I am very glad to know that you were quite well at that time.  I hope you have taken proper care of yourself while you have had the “Liberty” measles.  They are not dangerous as a rule unless one catches cold with them; they are not pleasant to have however and I surely am sorry for you if you felt as uncomfortable as I when I had them.  Scarletina also made me feel very disagreeable; almost as much so as when I had the genuine fever.  You said for me not to worry but it is pretty hard to follow your instructions when I know that you will keep working when you are sick.  For God’s sake don’t get down sick when I am away here.

You say Uncle J’s are just the same as ever.  Please do not let that fact bother you in the least.  They only hurt themselves not us.  I think they might show themselves grateful for what you have helped them but some people know naught but jealousy and selfishness.

I am glad my letters reach you O.K. and you must know by this time that I am getting yours O.K.  They come in bunches of two and three but I think I am getting all of them.  Mail coming this way is not censored at least the letters you have sent have not been opened.  You will see that I date my letters now although I sent a few without dates.  I am same in rank as Fletcher.  You seem to consider my letters very unsatisfactory and indeed they are but perhaps I can learn to do better in time.  I am sorry that Wilford does not care to write to me and sincerely hope that he is not angry.  I appreciated his letters and sincerely hope he will change his mind about writing me.

It was awfully good of you people to get the wagon and hope it is not much in the way.  Wilford’s joke about the wagon was cute and it made me think of old times as also what you said about the story in the “Christain Herald.”  I hope your dreams come true and I still want you to build air castles.  Perhaps they will become real one of these fine days.  Nothing can keep a person’s courage up like good old hope.  I will remember the [sell?] picture and hope and pray that all that the picture stands for may be brought to pass.

I am not afraid of you becoming a heathen for I know you are doing all that circumstances permit.  My religious privileges are not the best here but I am making the best of the situation I think.  They will be better some day.

This is indeed a pretty country but I am not in love with it enough to want to remain here permanently.  I can find no fault with my native land.

The Reynold’s case was a very sad one.  It is hard to understand why such things are permitted to come about but they must be for some good purpose.

Expect that Anna would be real sick with the measles.  William is at the proper age to have them.  Is Wilford the only one left in our family to go through the disease.  If so it is better that he have them while he is young.  I anxiously await to know how Anna came thru measles.

I wish you might have gone to the war show.  I know it would have done you good and am sure those who have gone were benefitted and experienced some real pleasure from it. 

I am both surprised and amused that you bought tobacco.  You must feel that since I am not there to use the weed that you will sprinkle a little in my old clothes anyway.  I must write and scold mother for teaching my wife the tobacco habit.  I am not using it myself but many of the boys need it very badly so please save all you can for them - Ha!

The enclosed clippings were fine.  It is better to send them that way.  Papers rarely reach us when sent in wrappers.

I should like much to be enjoying the fine weather there.  Weather has been pleasant here although warm at times.

I am glad you are with the Red Cross. I know now the really great work they are doing.

Please write often and do send one of those pictures because I know it will be alright.

Your most loving husband - James

James’s next letter was written 8 days later, but not received until August 5.

Somewhere in France

June 24, 1918

My dear Anna;

I am sending you a few lines to let you know that I am well and O.K.  I have been unable to write for a week past so I expect you will wonder if I have not stopped writing.  I have had no letters from you for a while but there no doubt will be two or three of them when they come.

We have had some cool weather for this season of the year.  Everything is very beautiful here now.  There are many flowers in this country and especially roses.

As I have no letter to answer I scarcely know what to write.  I have been thinking of you a great deal and should like to see you very much indeed.

It is hard to realize that summer will soon be half past.  It seems as though it should be about May 1.

This will tell you I am O.K. and am writing Cora & Mother.  Please pray for the day to come when I can see you and tell you all.  Write often.

Your most loving husband, James.

James wrote the following letter 4 days later - it was received the same day as the June 24 letter.

Somewhere in France

June 28, 1918

My dear Anna;

A recent mail brought me six letters, four from you, one from mother and one from Archie and Florence.  You can imagine that they were received with joy and their contents devoured several times over.  I am attempting to answer your messages of love in my humble way.

I am relieved to know that you are entirely well of measles and that those who had measles or were otherwise ailing are again well.  I can not but feel slightly worried over your welfare at times, you know when I am so far from you.  Regarding myself, I am glad to say that I am indeed quite well.

How pleasant it must be in good old Delaware Co. and the season must be advanced.  I longed very much to be with you when I read your letters telling of all the fine things you are doing over there.  It would be a genuine pleasure to enjoy home life once more in those places so dear to my heart and the thoughts of which call forth many fond memories.  God grant that our hopes and prayers may soon be realized.

It is well that Uncle J. is able to care for his surplus stock now and it must mean a great relief to you all.  The burning of the barn was all for a purpose and after reading your letters I am satisfied that Uncle J’s people now will all feel different towards us.  They have a hard task before them but no doubt the new structure will be modern in every respect when complete.  I take it for granted that Mike remains with them when Andrew Worden takes up his duties.  You spoke of the lack of help; I wish I might furnish a small amount and commence at once.

I am glad to know that your work is progressing fine.  Wilford surely came out fortunate from what might have been a serious accident.

You no doubt know what the surplus valuables are that I sent you as they must have reached you.  By way of explanation will say that on or about May 1 I sent you $15.00 (saved from Feb & Mar pay) and again on May 23 I sent $15.00 both amounts being sent in care of the YMCA.  I have receipts for full amount in case you fail to receive them.  I am surprised that you had not received allotment for April.  I do not think my change of station made a difference in the time you would receive your money.  I do not think any policies are forwarded but sufficient records are kept so insurance is a safe proposition. Your letter of Memorial day was most interesting of all.  You must know by now how I spent that day but I cannot help but think of the better way in which I could have spent it in the place and environment which I desired so much.  I feel very sorry for James B. and indeed there should be a deep bond of sympathy between us.  I rested assured that father’s grave was heaped with flowers because I know that Cora and the others would see well to that.

I can scarcely imagine “Jerusha” as being so unruly as to jump the fence after always behaving so well.  I thought perhaps it would be difficult for Mr. Davison to learn driving at his age.  It was indeed fortunate that nothing worse than a twisted axle and a broken windshield resulted although I am sorry that even that happened.

I believe I know what you meant by Gene Storie waiting so long.  I am rejoiced to know that you think it impossible for me to have to wait for so long a time.  I believe it quite certain about Hazel as I think Frank knew what he spoke of.

I just noted in your last letter that Edith has the Liberty measles.  I hope indeed that she is better and all is well.  Your letters contained so many news that I can scarcely answer them in full.  I expect you would like to hear about what I am doing but I must wait until I can see you then I will tell all.  My best regards to you all.  Your most loving husband, James.

James’ next letter was received on August 3, two days before the letters of June 24 & 28.

June 30, 1918

My dear Anna;

Perhaps this letter will appear funny to you but I am “Hooverizing” on paper.  Your excellent letter written just after the Walton conference came to me very recently and was thoroughly enjoyed.  Letters also came from Cora & cousin Wm O at Dubois PA.  Cousin Will’s letter was very good indeed.  He wants me to visit the home of our ancestors and tell him all I can hear and see. 

I am glad to know that you saw Mrs. Chambers and Mrs. Bryce.  It would be fine if Mrs. Bryce can come to see you.  Cora writes that she expects to pay you a visit soon and that you had written her. 

I am relieved to know the money reached you.  You need not be so saving of it as that.  I sent it for you to use as you see fit.  I really feel sorry that Chauncey has felt compelled to join the service.  I can sympathize thoroughly with his family and himself.  I had hoped that in his position he might get excused.  Clark Miller’s death is indeed a blow to his people.  He is the first of the Bovina boys to fall.

We are having beautiful weather now and has been most all the time since for a month.  Today has been fairly warm but weather never has been oppressively warm.

When I was reading your letter I told the boys what you said about making short cake and they almost mobbed me for speaking of it.  I guess their mouths were watering for a taste themselves.

Lloyd Irvine may be near here but I have not found him.  I do not know where any of the boys that I used to know.  No doubt some of them are near me if I only could locate them.Mr. Davison and Rev Galloway surely did come out lucky.  I am glad you keep me posted on Rev Galloway’s sermons.  It seems more as though I still can enjoy a few of the religious privileges I used to know.  I was pleased that you were chosen to attend the conference at Walton.  One gets considerable benefit from such as a rule as there is always many talks worth hearing.

I expect you will have a celebration on the 4^th.  I do not know where we will hold out at that time but there are plenty of celebrations of that nature. 

Please write real often.  Your most loving husband, James