This Day in Bovina for August

Sixty-six years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 1, 1952 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Willis Davis has been drawing the milk for Roy Hadley while he has been on his wedding trip." The same column also reported that "Fred Henderson and Andrew Reinertsen have commenced a carpenter job on the house of Ralph Barnhart at South Kortright.

Eighty-nine years ago today, the Delaware Express for August 2, 1929 reported on the "Perils of Hay Harvesting." The article went on to report that "Three Residents of Bovina Victims of Seasonal Accidents." Mrs. Ray Thomson broke her hand when a horse stepped on it. Fred Bramley fell from a load of hay, breaking his shoulder. And C.A. McPherson was injured when a piece of a wagon he was driving broke. Here's the full article. 

123 years ago today, on August 3, 1895, the Bovina ball team went to Delhi to play their team. They not only lost, but were heavily plagued by injuries. The Andes Recorder reported the injuries: "Chan [probably Chauncey] Squires and Leonard Thomson collided while running to catch a fly and were badly cut about the face. Thomson's cheek was cut so that the services of a physician was required to sew it up and while the doctor was at work dressing the wound John L. Gordon [1871-1908, son of Thomas Gordon and half-brother of Margaret Gordon] and Andrew Seacord [1872-1913] fainted. Al Thomson fell on his arm and injured it so that he was disabled." The paper concluded its report by noting in an understatement that "Taken altogether it was an exciting game."

134 years ago today, the August 4, 1884 Delaware Republican reported that "Rev. O.R. Bouton returned to Bovina on Wednesday evening to gather in the Fresh Air Children for their home voyage yesterday. We learn they were to entertain their hosts with music, recitations, etc., at Brushland, on Wednesday evening, and have no doubt the entertainment was an interesting one. They will return much profited by their trip."

Mary Rotermund was born 173 years ago today, August 5, 1845, in Andes. She was the daughter of Herman and Adelaide Rotermund, both natives of Hannover, Germany. Mary married James A. Coulter in 1868. Widowed in 1882, she died in Bovina in 1931. She was the grandmother of Ruth Coulter Parsons and her sister, Celia Coulter; Don, Bob and Norrie Boggs, and Millard, Art and Ernie Russell.

Ninety-three years ago, on August 6, 1925, as reported later by the Andes Recorder, "Elmer Gladstone was attacked by a bull and knocked down. Fortunately, the bull then walked away a short distance and before it could renew hostilities Mr. Gladstone made his escape.  All the other members of the family were absent from home."  Elmer probably was Robert Elmer Gladstone, the son of George and Helen Gladstone.  This likely happened on the Gladstone farm, located on what is now known as Bob Hall Road.  Elmer was 49 when this accident happened and would live to be almost 81, dying in 1956.

117 years ago today, on August 7, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The union Sabbath School picnic in Michael Dickson's fine grove last Friday passed off very nicely, and all appeared to enjoy themselves. The sports were numerous. There were races by the little folks, then a tug of war between the married and single men, but the young men were sharp, laid down and neither side won. After dinner D.L. Thompson, master of ceremonies called the assemblage to order and invited the ministers, superintendents and their wives to the platform and Mrs. Myres recited "Deacon Jones' Prayer," and Revs. Lee, Buck, Myres and Samson made short addresses. Sports were again indulged in, and the short and also the four-mile bicycle races were won by Elmer McNair, the foot race between John Gordon and Milton Hastings was won by the latter. It was estimated that there were five hundred people present."

Leroy Worden was born in September 1899, the son of David Champ Worden and Harriett Boyd. He was married to Eleanor Campbell. Roy was my next-door neighbor throughout my childhood. This Bob Wyer photograph was taken in May 1943. Photo courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

Ninety years ago today, on August 9, 1928, three year old John Storie, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Storie, fell and broke his collar bone.  The accident happened at the home of his uncle, Fletcher Davidson, while he was at play with his little cousins.  This is where the Denisons live now.  Tragically, John would die in another childhood accident while, again, playing with his Davidson cousins.  In January 1938, when he was 12, he was sledding with Alan Davidson when he was thrown from his sled, rupturing his spleen.  His spleen was removed but he died about three days later.

131 years ago today, the August 10, 1887 Delaware Gazette carried the following report from the Bovina correspondent of the Dairyman newspaper (Franklin, NY): "David Sloan and Peter McNair went to Hobart last Monday, after Dr. McNaught to come and visit McNair's wife. They did not return that evening, as expected, nor the next. Alex. Hoy became alarmed about his horse and wagon and on Wednesday he sent David Finkle to bring the horse home. He found them at Bloomville, where they had driven through the rain on Tuesday. They had imbibed too freely at Hobart and had upset or in some way had broken the wagon and were in a sorry condition. McNair came home with Finkle, but Sloan was not satisfied and went on to Delhi and has not returned yet."

127 years ago today, on August 11, 1891, Anna M. Burgin was born, the daughter of Edwin Burgin and Ida Liddle. Sadly, she would die in 1899 at the age of seven from an abscess on her leg.

One hundred and seventeen years ago today, on August 12, 1901, work was commenced on construction of the Bovina Center creamery. 

Harold Hall was born in October 1912, the son of Harrison Hall and Elizabeth Kinch. He was married to Mildred Hitt. Harold was 91 years old at his passing in 2004. He worked for many years for McIntosh Farms. Bob Wyer took this shot of Harold in September 1944. Photo courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Eighty-one years ago today, August 14, 1937 a traffic count was taken at "the Bovina corner."  The result showed that 2 motorcycles, 430 New York cars, 115 other cars, 88 light trucks, 59 other trucks, and 2 horse drawn vehicles passed the counter for a total of 644.

Seventy-eight years ago today, the August 15, 1940 Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported that "The Bovina Recreation Club will hold a garden tour on Thursday, starting from Mrs. John Hilson's home at 10:30 am."

A special school meeting was held in the Coulter Brook district one hundred and seventeen years ago today, August 16, 1901.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "both those for and against a new school house had their forces marshaled and the result was a tie vote.  The result will probably be that the Commissioner will condemn the old shell of a building now in use."

Ninety-nine years ago today, on August 17, 1919, the pastor of the Bovina Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rev. Thomas E. Graham, surprised his congregation by announcing his resignation to become the pastor of a United Presbyterian church near Pittsburgh.  His resignation came as a complete surprise to the congregation and to the community.

Sixty-eight years ago today, the August 18, 1950 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column that "Miss Matilda Menke, who will become the bride of Paul Rabeler Aug. 27, was honored at a shower recently at the home of Miss Hilda Goldhammer."

Seventy-five years ago today, the Lake Delaware column of the August 19, 1943 Delaware Republican-Express reported the following: "A group of players from the Lake Delaware Boys' camp will entertain with a play at St. James parish hall on Thursday evening of this week. Everyone is welcome. No admission will be charged. The entertainment will be followed by dancing and refreshments."

The Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported seventy-six years ago in its August 20, 1942 issue that "John W. McCune, for many years sexton of the Bovina U.P. Church passed away at his home here early Saturday morning. Funeral services were held from the home on Monday at 2 p.m., the Rev W. Wade Miller officiating."

Elizabeth Russell Archibald, the wife of Sloan Archibald, died 107 years ago today, August 21, 1911.  Born in New Kingston in 1848, she married Sloan in 1869 and had two children.  

James Burns was born in April 1917, the son of William Clinton Burns and Emily Eleanor Elliott. He owned a farm on Pink Street for many years (the farm is now owned by his son Thomas). He was married to Helen Bowen and passed away in March 1994. These photos of Jim were taken by Bob Wyer in May 1945 and May 1952. Photos courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

107 years ago today, August 23, 1911, as later reported in the Andes Recorder "The school controversy in the D.J. Miller district was settled at a special meeting Wednesday evening by the district voting to have school this coming year. For several years the pupils of this district have been sent to the Center school." The Miller district was at the intersection of Miller Avenue and Lee Hollow.

Seventy-four years ago today, the Bovina Center column of the August 24, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mrs. James Foy and son Richard are spending a few days at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Erckson (sic). Mrs. Erckson is ill." Mrs. Erkson would pass away the following February.

The Bovina Town Picnic was held ninety-seven years ago today, August 25, 1921. The Oneonta Star reported on the event the next day under the headline "15,000 at Bovina Town Picnic." The article noted that "Aside from the feasting, there were wheelbarrow races, a tug of war and a baseball game for the amusement of the throng, while the Delhi band with its music added to the enjoyment of the day. Reminiscent speeches were made by Hon. Lincoln R. Long, member of assembly from Delaware county, and Rev. Marvin Thompson of Troy.

Seventy-five years ago, the August 26, 1943 Delaware Republican-Express reported in its Bovina column that "Miss Evelyn G. Lay was the guest of her friends, the Misses Ruth Thomas, Mary Hart and Frances Harner of near Afton last week Thursday. All visited the Afton fair in the afternoon. She was also a week-end guest of her friend, Miss Vesta Norwood at Norwich. All are employed on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift in the Scintilla plant at Sidney. Miss Norwood is floor-lady in Dept. 27." Evelyn was the sister of Clark Lay.

Eighty-seven years ago today, August 27, 1931, as later reported in the Andes Recorder Bovina column: "Born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson LaFever on August 27, a son - Charles Raymond." Dad had two license photos taken by Bob Wyer, the first in August 1949 (two days before his 18th birthday) and again in May 1952. Photos courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.  

104 years ago, the August 28, 1914 Catskill Mountain News published a small article entitled "Gerry Will Build Road." The article noted that "Robert Gerry will have a stone road built from where his private road connects with the highway in southern Bovina to the top of the pitch above T.C. Strangeway's. The town of Bovina will probably put on a team or two. Work is expected to commence about the first of September."

Seventy-eight years ago today, the August 29, 1940 Delaware Republican reported in its Bovina column that Misses Helen Hotchkin and Jean Ditty went to New York City on Sunday to spend a week with friends and visit the World's Fair." The same column noted that "Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Thompson of Manhassett, L.I. are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Blair."

Fifty-three years ago today, on August 30, 1965, as later reported in the Delaware Republican Express, "Many of the Bovina people awakened [in the morning] to find their gardens frozen. Some gardens were badly hurt, while others were not damaged nearly so bad. Several have had killing frost every month since they were planted."

178 years ago today, on August 31, 1840, Revolutionary War vet James Vanderburgh died, aged 83 years. He is one of three Revolutionary War Soldiers buried in the town. See the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2012/11/stories-from-bovina-cemeteries-american.html for more about Bovina's Revolutionary War soldiers.

Grandma's First Husband - "I know how very much a letter from me will be appreciated by you."

James Calhoun last wrote to his wife, Anna Bell Barnhart Calhoun on July 11, 1918. It was over three weeks before James wrote his next letter to Anna. Dated August 4, it wasn't received until August 23.  The letter is typewritten.

August 4, 1918

My dear Anna;

You will thank me very neglectful in not writing you for some time but I am taking my first opportunity to send you a letter.  For more than 2 weeks I have been in a position, where it was impossible to send out mail.

Since returning I have had several most interesting letters from you and others at home and I feel very guilty indeed that I have not been able to do my part in return.  I have had letters from Geo Storie, Bryson, Pearl G. and several others of our acquaintances and friends.  I was more than glad to get the letter from Rev. Forbes.  The date of your latest letter rec. was that of July 12.  During the period of my inability to write you I also was unable to get mail and you can imagine how anxious I was to hear from you.

Personally I have been feeling fine and was glad to know that you have all been quite well at home.  I naturally worry at times as to your welfare and am glad in one way that I am kept busy so I do not have the time to permit my mind to dwell on those things and conditions over there that I would gladly prevent if I were permitted.  It does me good to hear of all the happenings at home.  Wilfords letter came to me in the late mail and I have enjoyed it so much.  Tell him that his letters mean very much to me and wish that many more of my friends and relatives at home could be made to realize the same.

It was fine that you could go to Delancey and thus get to visit Mae.  You remember what you told me about helping out on that occasion.  No I do not blame you in the least for doing so when the opportunity presents itself.  I know the young folks will appreciate your help in such a case. 

Many of the boys are here or ready to come to this side but I have not been fortunate enough to meet any of them.  If you learn the branch of service of any of the boys at home I wish you might include same in your letter and perchance I might be able to meet some of them if I happen to learn the where abouts of their outfits.

There are many things that I should write you and know I should answer your letters more fully but as I am working in the office and have much work I must close and get at my duties.  I will at least send you a short note each day or two so you will know I am OK. 

Please do not think me neglectful or ungrateful because if I could I would gladly sit down and pour out to in a nice long letter all that my heart contains.  At times this is almost unbearable to me and I know it is to you but there is nothing to do but endure it all with patience and hope in our hearts.  The only means of keeping up is my trust in God and the love that I have for you at home. 

I will close now.  May God bless and keep you.  Write and tell me all your perplexities and troubles - keep nothing back.  I feel I can endure all for your sake. 

Your most loving Husband, James

James wrote again two days letter.  James’ next three letters, written between August 6 and 10, were received September 9, after letters James wrote in mid-August. 

Somewhere in France

Aug 6, 1918

My dear Anna;

At the close of another days work I am sending you a few lines so you may know that all is well with me.

I have been so glad to get your most excellent letters and it does me so much good to know that you were getting along good when the last letter which I have from you was written (July 12).  It would be impossible for me to comment on all the news that I have gotten from home but I know how things are going back there.

Things look better now and perhaps things may change for us.  I hope so at least.  It seems like an age since I saw you. 

Frank and Hazel must have had an up to date wedding.  Should have liked to have been with you.  They are fortunate indeed.  Their pictures looked natural and Frank evidently wore a happier look then he did when leaving Walton last Nov and I think he had a reason to feel happier. [Frank Munson had been drafted with James back in November 1917 but was discharged for medical reasons early in 1918.]

I read with interest all the little happenings at home.  Am sorry uncle John is not so well.  He no doubt worries about the construction of his new barn.  It surely is going to be large.  Wilford gave me a fine description of it.  It is too dark to write.  Hope to hear from you tomorrow. 

Your most loving husband, James

The next letter is typewritten.


Somewhere in France

Aug 7, 1918

My dear Anna;

Another day is fast drawing to a close and I feel that you will be expecting at least a note from me date to-day.  I have had no letters from you for a few days but expect that I shall receive word from you soon and that there will be more than one letter when my mail comes; my mail usually arrives in a collected form.

We have been having rather rainy weather for some time past but there has been nearly enough sunshine intermixed to keep one from getting overblue.

I am wondering as I write this note what you are doing at home.  As there is such a great difference in time between here and there it will be only about midday with you.  I can imagine nearly the way that the new mown fields appear and the smell of the newly cut grass lingers in my nostrils as I write these words.

I am very glad to know that you receive the money that I send O.K.  From your letters I gather that up to July 12 you had received two orders of $15 each.  There is an order of $10 that you should receive soon if you have not gotten it already.  I hope to be able to forward another small amount soon. 

This note leaves me all O.K. and it is my sincere hope that you are as well.  I will close this now as I wish to get it censored.  I must write often even if my letters are brief.  Please drop mother a note telling her of my welfare. 

Your most loving husband, James 

The August 10 letter also was typewritten.

Somewhere in France

August 10, 1918

My dear Anna;

Well here I am again to send you another Hooverized note.  I am yet awaiting a letter from you and feel certain that tomorrows mail will bring me the desired message.  I am going to take time to answer your next letter in full even if I must steal the time to do so, which I hope will not prove necessary. 

This is another rather dark day but have had no rain.  Am hoping that we may be fortunate enough to enjoy a few clear days.  We have had but very little truly warm weather this summer I know from reports that the good old U.S.A. has been blessed with her usual time of hot weather. 

Crops must be very good there this year.  I gather that the hay crop is rather under the average but that other crops are fine.  I know several boys whose people wrote them that crops this year are better than the average.  I should like to have some of the fruit that is ripening over there or will ripen ver[y] soon.

I expect you watch the papers closely these days and do a good bit of hoping.  I have been in a good bit of it all myself and was very fortunate.  I am watching the news these days with a good bit of interest.  How I would enjoy seeing you and then I could tell you so many things that have happened since I left you that morning in Kingston.  No doubt there have been many items of interest that you would have enjoyed talking over with your hub. 

Tell Edith for me that I enjoyed the poetry that she enclosed and did as that instructed as far as capability goes but I hope it will not necessary for her to perform all that particular piece of poetry advocated.  You remember the piece of poetry I used to read last autumn.  Those are happy memories with me.  When I saw the last picture, in fact both of the last ones you sent made me recall many of the good times we enjoyed together.

Well I will close this little note hoping that in the near future I will have a nice newsy letter to answer.

Your most loving husband.  James 

James next three letters arrived in Bovina two days before the previous three letters of August, on September 7.


Co. “D” 7th Inf
Somewhere in France
Aug. 11, 1918

My dear Anna;

I am having a real half holiday today and a beautiful day it is.  I am writing a few letters today to make a start on catching up with my correspondence.  I have written Cora a note and hope to have ambition enough to write to Archie’s after I get this penned. 

Have had a slight sickness but am feeling much better today and think I shall be quite O.K.  I am yet awaiting a letter or rather several letters from you.  As I said in a previous note, I get my mail in collections of from one to five letters at a time. 

Lunch is over and I will complete this letter and then go down to the office and see what work awaits me there.  I feel so free today.  I cannot tell you why but I do feel as though I had been chained to a post and just released.  I think it is because I have not been feeling well the past week and now feel better. 

Our kitchen put out a very nice dinner today which I enjoyed very much.  You spoke of the difficulty of using the new kinds of flour.  Am I correct in believing that orders are such in the states that people there must use a certain per cent of other cereals for each pound of wheat flour consumed.  It is no doubt to an extent difficult to become accustomed to making bread with other flours than wheat but I believe that the coarser flours are much more healthy than so much refined wheat flour.  The French people use a coarse flour for bread and bread made from such is very wholesome, especially when fresh baked.

I wish I might write you a real interesting letter but as usual since I cannot write all I would like my letter must be confined to telling you I am O.K.; to discussing affairs at home.  When I get your next letter than I can write more in return.  The hardest work I have to do is letter writing which is easy to me under normal conditions.  I am glad however to be able to write and tell you I am well.

I think at this date that you will be attending services in the good old home town.  My mind is filled with fond memories of the past.  Please write as often as possible and give my fondest regards to those at home.

Your most loving husband, James

The next letter is written in very faint pencil.

Somewhere in France

Aug 14, 1918

My dear Anna;

I have received your three most interesting and welcome letters of July 14-18-21.  I am going to try and write you a nice letter in return for them.  I feel that I cannot write you a letter that will fully make you understand how much I appreciate these three messages and how much they mean to me.

I was glad to hear all about services at the Center and how I wished I could attend them myself.  I can appreciate as never before what a blessing such religious privileges are.  I am glad you can enjoy them and it does me good to have you tell me the texts of the sermons.  You said you took the text - the thorn in the flesh home to yourself.  I can not think for one minute that you needed such a sermon at all and it is not because of any vanity on your part that you are made to suffer.  I feel that I am made to endure some very hard things because of some sin on my part but I cannot be made to believe that such is the case with you.

I am glad to hear that Uncle John is getting on so nicely with his barn and hope the responsibility of the undertaking does not undermine his already delicate health. 

I must confess that my letter are far from as satisfactory as a face to face talk and I am also glad that you understand so well how I am handicapped in my correspondence.  I am grateful to have these three letters to answer.  I can see no reason why you should feel that your letters should be destroyed because they are of great account to me.

The picture of Wilford is the best ever.  I am indeed glad to get these home pictures.  Please send me more of them.  Pictures are the only means of seeing you people now.  You want to keep right at work building air castles and perhaps we can make some of them come real some fine day.  I for one am going to keep up hope until the last and feel that God’s blessing will be ours.  I am so glad that our belief is so similar and so strong.

I am quite willing to take all that motherly advice of which you spoke and feel that I need such.  I may be good at giving advice but I do not feel competent to give such.

You are becoming a real financier and your investments are good indeed.  I know of no better.  You are fortunate indeed to receive your money from the government so promptly each month and am indeed glad you have the insurance policy.  I see by the clippings you sent that Clark Miller’s people had gotten $1000 from the Travelers Insurance Co which proves that my policies there are good as gold in war times as well as in times of peace.

In mother C’s last letter she spoke about the family trip on July 14th.  I wonder that mother would go but I am convinced from her letter that she thoroughly enjoyed the trip.  Huckleberries must be plentiful there this year.

You wrote me a letter tino(?) to a day since a certain very memorable event occurred and further more it is just nine months today since that memorable event.  It seems most an age but it would seem longer than that perhaps if my dull memory could but recall all the happenings of that period. 

I know you must have watched the most interesting news of the past six weeks and now it does seem as though the news have been good ones for all concerned.  You no doubt wonder how I have fared.  In answer I will say I am O.K. to date and thank God for it all. 

Please do not wear the blue silk out entirely. If I am so permitted I want to see it once more.  I always liked it so much. 

I sincerely wish the milk tester might come and help you milk but not as a milk tester this time.  No I do not mean the tester who is there now but the one of old see(?). 

Uncle John can use those shingles very nicely now since he is building a barn.  A good way to get rid of the disease.

Do not send telegrams unless you can send something else than Jessie’s yarn such as that get stale in such long voyages but are better administered direct what do you think about it. 

I am not wrought up at all over the affair with Uncle John.  Just sorry that was all and I am glad that there is a change there now and feel that all will be so much nicer for you and them too. 

Wear the H.M.H.S. and get all the joy from it you can.  I can remember just how it looks.  Has the brass begun to show through on the ring?  I hope and trust not. 

You spoke of the kitten.  Cats(?) are scarce over here.  I have seen one or two cats.  See plenty of dogs.

Give my kindest regards to all of our relatives and friends.  I am pleased you sent word from me to mother.  Write very often. 

Your most loving husband, James.

Somewhere in France

Aug 18, 1918

My dear Anna;

Sabbath is here again and I know or at least think I know what you are doing today.  I am waiting now on some business matters so I will fill in the time by getting this note written.

I have had no letters since I wrote you Aug 14 so have no letters to answer.  News are scarce as usual and it is indeed difficult to write a letter that will prove at all satisfactory to the person receiving same.  I think you must become tired of the excuse I always make regarding the unsatisfactory make up of my letters.

I am getting very heathenish indeed and scarcely ever get to religious services.  I hear the church bills ringing and should love to attend if only I could understand the minister who delivers the sermon.  I think I could pick up the meaning of French words if only I would give my attention to learning the language.  However I have more than I can perform to keep up in making use of the English language as I must.  Returning to the subject of religion will say that I am glad that you can enjoy such privileges even if I cannot.  I am yet hoping that the day may soon come when I can enjoy those privileges myself. 

Harvesting is in progress here and I have seen many fields of as fine wheat as I ever have seen.  A few of the farmers have reapers and binders(?) but many of them are using the old fashioned grain cradle for gathering the grain.  Most agricultural are very primitive in this part of the globe and much too slow for American people who believe in the more up-to-date methods.  If the people here were among the hills and rocks with such means of cultivation as they have at hand they would indeed starve to death.  

I am anxiously awaiting more letters from you.  I cannot receive them fast enough to satisfy my desire to hear from you.  Give my best regards to all of our people and tell them one and all to write.

Your most loving husband, James

James’s letter of August 22 was not received until September 26, after two later letters were written.  The August 22 letter is typewritten.

Somewhere in France

Aug. 22nd 1918

MY DEAR ANNA;

I know how very much a letter from me will be appreciated by you thus I am very glad to write.  You guess by the manner in which this is written, the work in which I am engaged.  I must confess that it has kept me very busy and am glad that I have been able to stand the work.

I know you will wonder about the many things that I have experienced since I came from you and wish as usual that I might have a good heart to heart talk with you but must content myself for the present with a miserable note.  I am hoping the day will come speedily when I can talk to you.

We are having very fine weather, but warm.  I know you have had some very warm weather in the states.  It is hard to realize that the summer is passing so rapidly away - (time seems long when I consider all that has taken place in the past).

I have had access to a Y.M.C.A. most all the time over here.  In fact the people keep in touch with us practically at all times.  The Salvation Army people have huts at various points.

Hay harvest will be almost over in the good old county.  Harvesting is well under way here.  It is almost comical to see the primitive methods used by farmers in all farm operations.  There methods are very conservative and far to slow for us.  How are the calves growing this year?  Have the worms bothered them as they did last season.

If I remember correctly, you wrote me that a party came very nearly purchasing the Strangeway farm.  All that prevented was a slight disagreement on price.  I hope that it is not sold to soon.  I should like to see if we could not buy it for a reasonable price.  What do you think.  I would not be willing to give a small fortune for it at that would you?

Have not had mail from any of you for some time but know I shall get several letters soon.  How often do you get letters from me?  I will number several in succession then you can tell if you receive each one that I write.  I believe I am getting nearly all of yours.  Is the mail service good as usual at Bovina Center?  Where is Mr. Case and does he help Uncle John now?

I expect that the new barn up the street is all ready for the hay by now and probably has been for some time past.  It will take some no doubt to get the entire structure complete.  It is a great undertaking to build a barn.  I hope I may not have to do that but sometimes such is necessary as in the case just stated.  I think I could do so if necessity called.  We are sometimes called upon to do some things that we feel are very hard and difficult but there is always a way provided so we can get on somehow.  I hope that the task is not so great that it undermines the already delicate health of Uncle John.  I think him very fortunate to get such good help as Walter Coulter-

I must write mother a letter soon so that she will know that I am well and prospering.  I know you will have sent word to her since the last letter she received from me.  Cora no doubt expects a letter from me and in trut[h] I owe her a letter in return for those that she and Pearl and Herbert have written.

James wrote one more letter in August. His August 25th letter, though recorded as received by his wife on September 20, was not in her papers I received after her death. Recently, however, as my cousin was clearing out my late aunt's house, she found this long missing letter. It was with some other Calhoun materials. I think it was set aside because it is the only letter from France where James can provide some information about what he was doing there. He makes a couple of references to the Dutch, but I suspect it is a term for the Germans. The Netherlands was neutral in World War One, so it is highly unlikely he was fighting the Dutch. 

Somewhere in France, August 25, 1918 (top corner torn off)

My dear Anna;

            This is Sabbath P.M. and I am in the office. Most all the clerks are out and as I have my work caught up I feel I must drop you a line. You no doubt feel that I should drop my work and write you anyway but here I must get my work up in good shape before taking anytime to myself. As you no doubt guessed from the typewritten sheets that I have sent you will know that I am at the clerking job once again. Neither of the former clerks and with the company at present so I am trying to fill the place. One of the boys who has been with us steady is helping me.

            Now that it is all past, I have been given permission to write a few of the things that have happened to me since landing in France in Apr. I cannot give you any facts as to our whereabouts or what we are doing at present except that we are not on the firing line.

            After reaching France Apr. 15 we went in land considerable distance and trained until the 1st of June when we moved up to the front. I was attending gas instruction when the boys came to the front so consequently came a different route than they. I was at school Decoration Day when I wrote you that letter. I soon rejoined the boys however. We moved about near the front line fro about June 2-15 during which time we were within shelling distance of the enemy, who wounded a very few of the boys. On June 15 we went into Bellou Wood where the U.S. marines had such a hard fight and drove the Germans back when they made their desperate drive to reach Paris on that date. Here we spent several days fighting most of the time. There was a good bit of shelling at all times and snipers and machine guns surrounded us. We were located in a point running into the enemy line and the Dutch were on three sides of us. Our men did fine work, causing the enemy much damage succeeded in taking prisoners and held the line against the enemy. We were relieved by Marines who succeeded in driving the Dutch still farther back. After coming from the front line in June we were near the line in reserve for a time and were transferred to the Marne section near Chateau Thiery, and were in the front line trenches on July 15th when the Germans put over the most notable barrage of shell fire known in history, covering a front of 60 miles. The enemy started a drive then but it turned against them and as a result have fallen back along a long front and we had the pleasure of chasing them back from the Marne River. They commenced falling back July 18th and were still going when we were relieved on July 29th. Since that time the Allies have had good success and the Boche (Dutch) has fallen much farther back then where we left them.

            Well I am glad to write you that I am well and strong and am indeed glad to be alive. I only wish I might tell you all the experiences I have had. This is surely a strange world isn’t it. One little knows as a youngster what lies a headin life’s pathway. I had never expected to cross the ocean and would probably not have had Fritz not became so unruly. I think he is getting plenty to keep him interested these days. The Yanks are right there when it comes to pure grit.

            I am expecting another bunch of those dandy letters from you soon as I have had none for some time. And I am going to enjoy them too if they bring me good news as I trusty they will. We are have (sic) nice weather. Yesterday and the day previous was very warm but outside of those days it has been extremely pleasant.

            Have just been paid and think I shall soon send some money home. I expect to buy a watch and fountain pen because I feel the need of both so much in this work. This is the first pay since May 31 and so money came quite handy just now. I must also get me a new jackknife and some paper and pencils.

            I have been issued a Gillette Safety Razor one of the $5.00 kind. I think they are good ones. Just received it last night so have not used it yet. I lost the razor previously issued ot me while we [were] in action on the front. Our packs were traded and the pack I got had no razo but it contained good blankets, underwear, shoes and a general equipment so I found just as good as the follow who received mine. I have been lousy a couple of times but had no difficulty in ridding myself of the pests. They surely do refuse to let a chap rest. I am letting my hair grow again. It is short on top but it is growing as thick as a mat and will need considerable training as it grows longer.

            I am wondering how you are. Ho much I should like to see you. I cannot tell but we must still endure as better days are coming. We can think God that we are both alive and well.

            Give my kindest regards to all of our relatives and friend and may God bless you.

            Your most loving husband James. 

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

August 2, 1918

·       Congressman Peter G. Gerry has been at his summer home at Lake Delaware.

·       The work of re-surfacing the State road from Bovina Center to Thos C. Strangeway’s will be begun soon.  The tar is being delivered.

·       George Forman, who lives on the Brandow farm at the head of Hobbie mountain, set out 10,000 cauliflower plants this spring and made his first shipment last week. 

August 9, 1918

·       James Monroe went to New York last week to enlist in the United States service.

·       Mrs. James L. Coulter, of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, is visiting at Mrs. John A. Irvine.

August 16, 1918

·       A town picnic is being planned for August 30, in Miller’s orchard.

·       Dr. Norris B. Whitcomb was at Delhi on Wednesday and signed up for war work.

·       Dennis Hughes moved part of his belongings to Andes on Tuesday.  He has bought a house there.

·       Someone recently broke into the Dennis house in the Center, but nothing was apparently taken.  The place has been vacant for several months.

·       Dr. Lester Irvine, son of Mrs. John A. Irvine, has successfully passed the examination for veterinary surgeon and is now entitled to practice in this state. [Irvine would practice in Delhi for many years, passing away in 1961.]

August 23, 1918

·       George Cable cut his foot a week ago and is now using crutches.

·       Mrs. Lancelot Thomson has been laid up with a sprained ankle, but is now able to move about a little.

·       H.J. Hewitt, president of board of education, and the new principal of the Delhi school were looking up students here on Monday.

·       Mr. Craddock came from New York City by auto, bringing home Miss Jane Hilson from the summer school at Columbia University.  Mrs. Craddock and the family will return home with him this week.

August 30, 1918

·       Peter Robson is the last man in town to buy a Ford.

·       Wallace Smith was at Delhi with a load of cauliflower Tuesday [Aug 27].

·       The Thomson families held a reunion picnic Wednesday [Aug 28] at the “Stone House.”  There was a large attendance.

·       William C. Russell is having his farm buildings painted.  The job is being done by S.D. Oliver and W.B. Satterly, of Andes.

·       Mr. and Mrs. William Archibald and family motored to Halcott Center on Tuesday and spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. James A. Gow.

·       H.A. Ayres, formerly buttermaker at the Co-Operative Creamery here, expects to go to Washington, D.C. on Friday, where he has a position.

·       Dr. N.B. Whitcomb and Adam Laidlaw each had a horse killed by lightning Saturday afternoon.  Both horses were running in the same pasture.

·       Milton Doig is having lumber drawn to make improvements to his farm residence up Coulter Brook.  He will raise the house making it two stories and build on an addition.

Will Lease Creamery

            The Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery company is about to lease their plant to the Dry Milk Company for a year.  The lease is not signed but the prospect is good for the bargain to be closed.

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.