This Day in Bovina for October 2022

Here's the monthly compilation of entries from the Town of Bovina Facebook page:

138 years ago today, on October 1, 1880, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "the Russell boys upset their threshing machine over the bridgeway to Robert Forrest's barn, but fortunately the machine was not much injured."

 

106 ago today, on October 2, 1916, a milk strike led to the Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery receiving milk from 37 farms, in addition to their regular patrons. These farms were in South Kortright and Bloomville, as well as above Delhi, on the Little Delaware and at Glenburnie.  The Andes Recorder reported that these farms would continue to send their milk to Bovina “until the question of milk prices is settled.”

 

Aggie Jeanette Armstrong died 147 years ago today on October 3, 1875.  She was only two months old.  She was the daughter of Frank Armstrong and Jeanette Burns.  She was the second daughter named Agnes that they had lost.  In August 1872, three-day old daughter, Aggie Bell Armstrong, died.

 

134 years ago today, the October 4, 1888 Hobart Independent in its Bovina column reported "John Hastings and A.T. Strangeway are both building halls. 'Opposition is the life of business.'"

 

103 years ago today, Sunday, October 5, 1919, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "There was no preaching in any of the churches in Bovina Center last Sabbath – a thing that has happened but once before as far back as runneth the memory of man.”

 

168 years ago today, on October 6, 1854, Isabella Dickson Cathells passed away at the age of 77. She was married to James Cathells, Sr., who survived Isabella by 10 years, dying in 1864. Both are buried in the Bovina Cemetery.

 

138 years ago today, on October 7, 1884, the Stamford Mirror Bovina column reported several births: "Orrin Carman smiles - it's a boy. T.K. Hobbie laughs - it's a girl. James Andrew Russell shouts for joy - it's a boy." The sex of these children appears to have confused by the correspondent. In each case he/she got it wrong. Orrin Carman's child born at this time was a girl, Nellie, born on September 11, 1884. Russell's child also was a daughter, Orlena Mae, born September 6, 1884. She would later marry Rev. William Robb. The closest match for the Hobbie child is Rema M. Hobbie, who was born July 16, 1884. He was the son of J.K. Hobbie. Rema was married to Bessie McDonald and the father of Glenn Hobbie (1913-1970).

 

126 years ago this morning, October 8, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder's Bovina column, "Mt. Pisgah was white with snow, the first of the season. This was followed by a heavy frost that evening."

 

106 years ago today, on October 9, 1916, a complaint was submitted by the town health officer concerning a nuisance at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet. 

 

Eighty-two years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 10, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "Mr. and Mrs. John Blair returned Sunday from a week's visit with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Thompson in Manhassett, L.I."

 

127 years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 11, 1895 Andes Recorder reported on some Bovina people being in New York City. They noted that "Andrew T. Doig and wife" were spending the week in the city. The column also noted that Louise Dennis was in the city the same week "purchasing millinary (sic) supplies."

 

Seventy-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 12, 1951 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Robert Reinertsen of Corinth spent the weekend at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reinertsen."

 

129 years ago, the October 13, 1893 issue of the Andes Recorder reported that "T.E. Hastings has sold his store and goods to Andrew Doig, one of Bovina’s young men.  The inventory was taken last week. Mr. H. reserves the right to sell feed." This is now Russell's Store.

 

Seventy-nine years ago today, the October 14, 1943 Delaware Republican Express carried this Bovina column. 

 

Rev. Joshua Kennedy died 131 years ago today on October 15, 1891.  He had been pastor of the Bovina Reformed Presbyterian Church in Bovina from 1865 to 1885.  Kennedy passed away in Green Castle, Pennsylvania, the town to where he had retired after leaving Bovina.  See the Bovina NY History blog entry for March 18 (http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-i-libel-of-slander.html) and for March 24 (http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-ii-bed-was-badly.html) for more information about Rev. Kennedy and his ‘dust-up’ with Rev. James B. Lee.

 

Sixty-nine years ago today, October 16, 1953, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News by the paper's Bovina correspondent, "Several Farm Bureau committeemen and their wives from the Bovina area attended the chicken barbecue and membership drive meeting at the Grange hall in South Kortright Friday." One of the couples attending, according to my grandmother’s diary, were Ben and Annabell LaFever.

 

158 years ago today, on October 17, 1864, Gilbert D. Miller from Company E, 144th NY Volunteers, signed this document authorizing his father, William Miller, to cast a vote in his stead in the upcoming Presidential election. 

 

132 years ago today, the "Bovina Centre" column of the Delaware Republican for October 18, 1890 reported that "The band have postponed their concert till about Christmas. By the way, our neighboring towns are commencing to realize the fact that we have a band and you can spell it with a big B. every time."

 

Eighty-three years ago today, the 'Bovina Centre' column of the October 19, 1939 Delaware Republican reported on the return of a couple of travelers. It noted that Alex and Lil Hilson had returned from "their honeymoon at Washington, D.C., and other places of interest." Alex's cousin Jane D. Hilson and her friend Margaret Hotchkin (sister of Jane's future sister-in-law Barbara Hilson) "have returned after spending last week at New York City and the World's Fair."

 

104 years ago today on October 20, 1918, the first death in Bovina from the “prevailing influenza epidemic” occurred when Mrs. Loron Maxim, passed away at her home on the Hewitt farm up-town.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, “The remains were taken to Hardenburgh, Ulster County, their former home, for interment.”  The Hewitt farm is now the home of Tom Groves on Mountain Brook Road.

 

116 years ago today, October 21, 1906, Berry Shaw Miller died. Born in 1837, he was the son of William Miller and Isabella Dickson. He served in the 144th NY Volunteers in the Civil War and suffered after-effects of his service throughout his life. He married Kate Oliver and was widowed in 1892. Berry was active in the Civil War veterans' group, the Grand Army of the Republic, attending numerous reunions. 

 

Sixty-eight years ago today, on October 22, 1954, the Bovina Fish and Game Club held a dance at the community hall. Here's the ad that appeared in the Catskill Mountain News.  C:\Users\rayla\Documents\Bovina History\Bovina Historian\Blog/

 

126 years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 23, 1896 Andes Recorder reported that W.L. White has returned from the West where he has been with cows.

 

111 years ago today, on October 24, 1911, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "Thos. C. Strangeway was at Andes on Tuesday and purchased two cows of Will Doig."

 

127 years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 25, 1895 Andes Recorder noted that "Quite a number of our farmers have sold their butter for 18 and 20 cents a pound.  Not a very high price, but better than many received last year."

 

Eighty-three years ago today, the Bovina column in the October 26, 1939 Delaware Republican reported that "Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Gladstone and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall of Oneonta attended the World's Fair at New York City last week." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Henry Monroe and family were at New York City attending the World's Fair."

 

79 years ago today, October 27, 1943, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, “William M. Armstrong, 73, of Bovina Center, died … at Delhi hospital where he had been a patient for one week. Death was caused by arterio sclerosis and acute arthritis." Born in 1870, he was the son of Francis Coulter Armstrong and Jennette Burns. He married Mary Kaufman in 1890. She predeceased him in 1929. They were the parents of three children.

 

124 years ago today, the October 28, 1898 Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "The village school is prospering finely under the directorship of James Gow, assisted by Miss Nellie Butts.  Some of the boys say that if a boy feels like having some fun in school and jumps over the seat, he very soon learns that he is not the boss."

 

105 years ago today, on October 29, 1917, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, “The rain on Monday night caused the Pink Street brook to rise so much that the foot bridge on Main street was swept down against the arch bridge and about totally wrecked.  Harry Robinson’s family were taken out of their house at 4 o’clock in the morning in a lumber wagon.  Wood was carried away and several hens were washed out of Gideon Miller’s hen house.”  This postcard view of the stone bridge shows the metal arch railing of the pedestrian bridge on the left. The building beyond is Strangeway's Store, which later became Clayt Thomas's and later still Wayne Gallant's garage and is now owned by Tom Hetterich.

 

113 years ago in the early morning, on October 30, 1909, Chas McPherson and his wife were instrumental in saving A.T. Doig’s store, later Russell’s, from going up in flames.  As reported in the Andes Recorder, the couple discovered the fire while coming home from a party.  “The fire was on the stoop at the lower side of store and fortunately was discovered before it had gained much headway and was put out before only slight damage was done.  It is supposed that the fire started from a spittoon that had been set out on the stoop the night before and there had probably been fire in it.”

 

190 years ago today, on October 31, 1832, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "the Rev. John Graham was ordained to the office of the holy ministry, and the pastoral inspection of the Association Presbyterian Congregation of Bovina." The paper reported that ministers from Johnstown, Florida (NY), and Albany conducted the services. The paper went on to note that "it being the only ordination which had ever taken place in Bovina, the anxiety to see and to hear brought numbers from different quarters at an early hour, so that the Meeting-house was crowded to excess the whole day…." Graham would stay until the 1850s. More about John Graham can be seen on the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2009/12/reluctant-reverend-part-i.html

 

  

Bovina Bicentennial Celebration Thank-yous

 

I’ve received all kinds of kudos about the Bovina Bicentennial celebration, but there were many hands and minds involved in the success of the day. It's taken me a while to pull it all together - I'm hoping I didn't miss anyone. If I have, let me know.
 
Brooke Alderson’s major activity was the Bovina Bicentennial Art project. Ten Bovina artists were given old images of Bovina buildings no longer in existence or altered and invited to do their own interpretation of them. These ten paintings were displayed in the hamlet during the celebration at the site where the original structure stood (or still stands). Thank you, Brooke coordinating this project and to Scott Hill, who worked out how best to display these. (The paintings will go on show in the Bovina Public Library with an opening on November 12 from 5-7.) And a big thank you to the artists:
 
·         Antonio Mora - Strangeway’s Store and later Clayt Thomas’s garage, now home of Tom Hetterich
·         Mike Casey - Hilson’s Store, built in 1867, now Dry Town Tavern
·         Sandra Finkenberg - Kennedy Hotel, demolished in 1960, lot now vacant, across from Brushland Eating House
·         Lizbeth Firmin - Old Jock Hilson Home, burned in 1915
·         Lori Glavin - Creamery in 1943, building was refurbished on the outside a year or so later to its present look
·         Scott Hill - Creamery, original, constructed in 1902
·         Gary Mayer - Scott’s Bridge, built in 1870s, demolished in 1955
·         Rick Mills - Bovina Methodist Church, built in 1849, demolished in 1926, now residence across from Community Hall
·         Cornell Verlaan - J.R. Douglass home, later Alexander Hilson residence, replaced in 1920s with home of Mike and Christine Batey
·         Tim Cunningham - Kinmouth Store, later home of Clark and Gladys Lay, and Tim Cunningham, now home of Betty Powell
 
Christine Batey made a wonderful homemade sign with the Bicentennial logo that she allowed us to use for a sign on Route 28.
 
When the Bicentennial celebration had to be put off from its original August 1, 2020 date, one event did take place - a vintage baseball game with the Bovina Dairymen. Thank you to the Dairymen for their continued support and for the games they held during the 2022 celebration.
 
Molly Brannen’s major contribution was letting us use a field that she hays for the celebration, but she also contributed much to the committee and helping us layout out the parade and the celebration on the flat. And she kept telling me that it was going to be great – and she was right.
 
Kevin Brown was responsible for the strong showing from the area fire departments and for organizing the traffic patrols and the appearance of the county sheriff on horseback, along with Steve Williamson, the 90-year-old constable from Roxbury. Thanks for his work on this and for providing a meeting place for the committee. And the pump from the 1948 Bovina Fire Truck was a huge hit with the kids!
 
Donna Dickson-Noonan coordinated the parade organizing on the big day, with help from her husband, Mike Noonan, and her sister and brother-in-law M.J. and Gary Robson. She launched the parade right on time!
 
Marni Greenberg took on a variety of tasks related to the celebration on the flat, while nudging me to move on certain activities. She really helped to keep me on track. Marni coordinated the vendor set-up and roped her husband, Mel, in laying out the parking near the site. She also created the frame for the sign at Route 28/County Route 6 that Christine Batey made. Marni’s help was invaluable to the success of the celebration.
 
Thanks to Todd Keister and Lionel Ing for helping with the parking
 
Lake Jillienne was the perfect site for staging the parade – thank you to Susan LaFever for allowing us to use the site.
 
Thank you to the Livestock Foundation for allowing us to use the parking space behind and next to the creamery. And we appreciated having Livestock Executive Director Andrea McGinty on the committee.
 
Roger McIntosh not only gave us permission to use the McIntosh flat, but along with his brother Chuck, helped move stuff to get the site set up. And a big thank you to Chuck for the biggest fundraising event for the Bicentennial, the very successful pie and cake auction held in July 2019.
 
Samantha Misa used her talents to create and run our children's games at the celebration. Thanks from me and the children. (And remember, Samantha was the creator of the Bovina Bicentennial logo.)
 
Mary Pelletier and Pam Benson ably organized the music program. A big thank you to them and to all the performers:
 
·         Emcee Ira McIntosh
·         Dan Finn
·         Timothy Harlo Bray
·         Catskill Music Consort

·         Flutes: Wynne Shilling, Susan Moravek, Jacqueline Yuzzi

·         Oboe: Mel Greenberg

·         Clarinets: Donna Ward, Patricia Reynolds

·         Horn: Albert Vazquez

·         Violins: Marie Tucker, Elizabeth Zimmerman

·         Violins: Katharine Griswold, Penelope Cypress, Elizabeth Collins

·         Violas: Amy Pratt, Jeff Wilson

·         Cellos: Gretchen Becker, Victoria Von Arx

·         Piano: Gina Lefferts

·         Conductor: Nicholas Scarim

·         True
·         Kate Burrascano
·         Mark Pelletier
·         John “Chico” Finn
·         Dan “Johnny Parr” Pelletier
·         Etienne Lytle
·         The College Farm
 
Sangeeta Pratap helped with the festival on the flat, finding and contacting vendors and helping with the set-up. Sangeeta jumped in whenever we needed and heavily promoted the Bovina Bicentennial Afghan project.
 
Shannon and Shirley Shoemaker built and set up the I [Heart] Bovina sign. It was a huge hit with attendees, as was the cow with the Bicentennial logo. And thanks to Shannon for putting up the no parking signs on the parade route.
 
Starting in 2019, a group of knitters/crocheters, coordinated by Susan Yelavich, worked on the Bovina Bicentennial Afghan. Lovingly knitted by Christine Batey, Jan Bray, Linda Dunne, Lori Glavin, Peg Hilson, Sangeeta Pratap and Susan Yelavich, it was raffled off at the festival, proceeds to benefit the Bovina Public Library. The winner was Betty Powell.
 
Thanks to the Bicentennial committee members
 
·         Parade Committee: Molly Brannen, Kevin Brown, Donna Dickson-Noonan
 
·         Bicentennial Festival Committee: Brooke Alderson, Marni Greenburg, Sangeta Pratap
 
·         Music Festival Committee: Pamela Benson, Mary Pelletier
 
·         Parking Committee: Todd Keister
 
·         The Bicentennial committee also included Nick Frandsen, Andrea McGinty, John Salak and Shannon Shoemaker. Thank you to all who stepped in and helped with the success of the celebration.
 
Thank you to the Delhi Telephone Company for providing the free Wi-Fi access and to Town Clerk Cathie Hewitt, who worked DTC’s Josh VanDuesen (grandson of Clark and Gladys Lay) to allow us to do the Wi-Fi through the town’s router.
 
Thank you to our Donors, including:
 
·         Livestock Foundation
·         Jim and Tom Hoy
·         Marian Jardine
·         Richard Davidson
·         Chuck McIntosh, McIntosh Auction Service, for the highly successful pie auction in July 2019
Funding also was provided through two Tourism Promotion and Development Grants from the Delaware County Local Development Corporation.
 
And thank you to the Bovina Town Board for their continuing support and encouragement.
 

October 1922 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

Folks were moving around 100 years ago this month in Bovina, and a couple of babies were born.

October 6, 1922

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Barnhart on October 2, a son [this was Herbert W. Barnhart, who died in 1992].

• Henry Monroe is now running the condenser at the Center creamery.

• Alex Hilson is seriously ill at his home in Bovina Center.  Two nurses are in attendance. [Alexander would survive until July 1923.]

• Gailie Hafele has purchased the William S. Thomson farm up Coulter Brook and moved thereto this week.

• James Ackerley is moving from the Dickson big house to W.A. Hoy’s tenant house vacated by Gaylie Hafele.

• Everett DeSilva was called to Arena last week by the death of his mother, Mrs. A.N. Wilber, who died September 26.  Her age was 65 years.

• Miss Nellie Armstrong, of Salinas, California, who has been on a trip abroad, has been with relatives in town the past week.  She was a daughter of John G. Armstrong, a native of Bovina.

Bovina Farm Sold

The Thomas Mabon farm on the old turnpike in Bovina, with the lake built thereon a few years ago by a club of Margaretville men, has been sold to J. Edelstein, of Fleischmanns.  It is planned to build a camp there for the accommodation of boys.

Will Build Stables

Robert L. Gerry is preparing to erect a horse ban on what is known as the Amos farm in southern Bovina.  The structure will be large enough to hold 30 racing horses.  A stone road will also be built to it.  It is also rumored that a racing track may be built.

October 13, 1922

• Mrs. Margaret Russell has gone to Cabin Hill to nurse.

• Walter Wilson will make cheese for month at the Center creamery.

• Fletcher Davidson, who has conducted a garage here, will discontinue the business.

• Mrs. Kate Barnhart is having a cellar put under her residence in the upper part of Bovina Center.

• James Ackerly moved Wednesday from the Dickson big house to W.A. Hoy’s small house.  Ralph Barnhart has rented rooms in Hoy’s large tenant house.

October 20, 1922

• George Cable is again up from Delhi to work on the town roads.

• A social was held at John Burns’ in upper Bovina on Tuesday evening.

• Alex Hilson is improved and is now able to set up a portion of the time.

• Walter Ware, of Syracuse, is head cheese maker at the Bovina Center creamery.

• Hilson Brothers have purchased a new 2 ½ ton truck.  M.T. Hastings has a Brockway speed wagon.

• Reports from Thos H. Johnson who is in the hospital with a broken leg, state that the leg is now doing nicely.

• There is a movement on foot for the Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery company to purchase the Dry Milk plant.  

• George Foreman, whose house was burned last week, has moved into room sin Mr. Arnold’s house on the S.G. Bramley farm.

• Leslie Andrews and wife, of Delhi, were in town on Sabbath.  In turning his car around it broke and he had to get a conveyance to take them home.

• Harold Aitkens broke his leg last Thursday while picking apples at Wm. A. Hoy’s.  He was shaking a tree when the limb on which he was standing broke and let him fall.  Mr. Hoy caught him, but the limb struck him on the leg and broke it.

October 27, 1922

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. James Barnhart, October 22, a daughter [This was Eleanor, who later married Jack Damgaard. She died in 2005].

• The singing school under Mr. Stanley will continue for four weeks longer.

• A son was born October 20, to Mr. Redmond and wife on the Maynard farm uptown.

• Mrs. Elizabeth McMullin slipped on the street Monday afternoon and fell injuring her hip. She is able to continue her duties as principal of the Center school.

• Mr. Filkins moved his household goods to Syracuse on Wednesday.  Ralph Barnhart has moved from part of G.D. Miller’s house to the rooms vacated by Mr. Filkins in W.A. Hoy’s house.

This Day in Bovina for September 2022

Here's the monthly compilation of entries from the Town of Bovina Facebook page:

One hundred and four years ago today, on September 1, 1918, as later reported in the Delaware Republican Bovina column, "a number of patriotic citizens of this place observed the first gasless Sunday by driving their horses to church instead of their automobiles." The paper also noted that "few pleasure cars passed through" town and that "most car owners tried to be patriotic and avoided the unnecessary pleasure trip on that day." The first World War still was raging and though there was no official gas rationing, efforts like this were ways people could "do their part."

Deliah Sprague Bailey, wife of Jacob Bailey, died 142 years ago today on September 2, 1870 at the age of 60. She was the mother of six children. Her husband survived her by less than two months, dying October 28, 1870.

Eighty years ago today, September 3, 1942, the Delaware Republican Express carried the following in its Bovina column: "It has been decided to maintain only one teacher in the village school this year. Grades 5-8 will attend at Andes or Delhi. Mrs. William Vogel will teach grades 1-4." This image of the Bovina Center school dates from the late 19th century, not long after it was built. 

Sixty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the September 4, 1953 of the Catskill Mountain News reported that "Floyd Aitken, creamery employee, is enjoying a week's vacation from his duties, and with his family left on Saturday for a visit with relatives at Long Island." Image by Bob Wyer, taken in 1947. 

Fifty-eight years ago today, on September 5, 1964, Jack Hilson drove the Bovina Fire Department's jeep in the old home day parade. The same jeep appeared in a Bovina parade fifty-eight years later in the town's Bicentennial parade, driven by Tim Schneider and included Bovina Fire Department Queen Kadence LaFever. Image by Chris Ingvordsen. 

Ninety-four years ago today, the September 6, 1928 Stamford Mirror carried this item: "Rain Interfered with Picnic. The town picnic was well attended. The parade was fine, but the thunder
shower in the middle of the afternoon brought everything to a sudden halt. The girls' ball game was only partly finished, and the men never played at all on account of the rain." The picnic took place on August 30.

Eighty-three years ago today, on September 7, 1939, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported that "Mrs. W.J. Storie and daughter, Rae, Mr. Craig Banuat and Miss Mary Banuat, returned last Wednesday from their trip to California. They were away nearly six weeks."

137 years ago, on September 8, 1885, the Stamford Mirror reported that "James Coulter has a squad of men at work rebuilding the mill dam that was carried away by the high water last spring. Pretty late for the young boys to try their bathing suits." The dam likely was behind what is now the highway garage (or somewhere in that area). 

178 years ago today, September 9, 1844, this notice was issued by Robert C. Scott of Bovina Centre and published in the Delaware Gazette: ONE CENT REWARD:  Ran away from the subscriber on the 5th Sept. instant, Sylvester Lake, an indented apprentice to the Farming business. All persons are forbid harboring or trusting him on my account, as I shall pay no debts of his contracting."

Eighty years ago today, the September 10, 1942 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mrs. Ida McCune left Monday for Philadelphia where she will spend the winter in the employ of James Crosier." The same column reported a related item: "Mrs. Mary Crosier, son James and daughter Mrs. Jackson, of Philadelphia have been spending some time at her home at Bovina."

138 years ago today, on September 11, 1884, the Stamford Mirror reported that "Quite a number of our citizens went to the Delhi fair today…" The paper also noted that "those who remained at home were favored with a fine view of the balloon as it passed over the town, north of Brushland about 4 p.m."

103 years ago today, the September 12, 1919 Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported that "the weeds and brush is being cut in the old cemetery above the Center." This probably is referring to the old Associate Presbyterian Church at Reinertsen Hill Road.

121 years ago today, the September 13, 1901 Andes Recorder reported on the attempt to make the new 'uptown' creamery in Bovina one that would operate only six days a week: "'Six days shalt thou labor and do all they work' to be exemplified by the new co-operative creamery company of Bovina (the upper one) a majority of the stockholders having signed an agreement to make the plant a six day creamery.  Bovina is noted for its strong Sabbath observance sentiment and practice, but such a rule as has been adopted at the 'Butt-end' creamery is the first on record so far as our knowledge goes and is to be commended.  Of course, some will sneer and wag their heads but these people believe that they can care for the Saturday night’s and Sunday morning’s milk to their own advantage at their homes on Monday, and they are going to risk it anyway may success attend them." Ultimately, they were unable to do this and operated seven days a week. The uptown creamery was located on Bovina Road about a half mile south of what is now the Schumann farm. 

Ninety-four years ago today, on September 14, 1928, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "The gross receipts of the hot dog roast … under auspices of the V.I.S. were $35."

Sixty-eight years ago today, on September 15, 1954, Bob Wyer took this picture of the new bridge being constructed at the entrance to Bovina Center. It was built to replace the Scott Bridge, which can be seen in the background. The stone bridge was demolished in July of 1955. Go to the Bovina NY History Blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2010/06/bridging-bovina.html for more about this bridge. 

114 years ago today, September 16, 1908, Elizabeth J. Bramley was married to Mr. William J. Reynolds at the home of her parents in Bovina. She would have two sons before her early death in May 1918.

Thirty-one years ago today, the Bovina column in the September 17, 1991 Delaware County Times carried this item: "Happy 80th birthday greetings to Mrs. Florence Thomas who celebrated on September 9th. Her family celebrated with her on Sunday and all attended the Hunter Mt. antique car show. Those attending were Marge, Bill and Billy Rockefeller of Elk Creek, Al Brown of Delhi, Donna, Ed, Cody and Tommy Weber, Pat Parsons and Lou Miele and Joyce and Martin Kelish of New Providence, N.J.

Ninety-six years ago today, September 18, 1926, as later reported in the Arena column of the Stamford Mirror, "The young ladies of Arena crossed bats with the young ladies of Bovina….. Unfortunately, Arena was defeated."

126 years ago today, on September 19, 1896, Lois Jane and Lloyd Boggs Ormiston were born, twins of Thomas J. Ormiston and Margaret E. Boggs. Lois married Fletcher Davidson in 1921 and would have seven children, of whom four made it to adulthood - Jane (1922-1955), Ed (1923-2019), Alan (1925-2004), and Richard (born 1930). Lois died in 1976 at the age of 79. Lloyd never married and predeceased his sister, dying in Walton in 1971. Lois and Lloyd are both buried in Bovina.

111 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for September 20, 1911 reported that "A young son of Alex. Jardine of Lake Delaware, who had a leg badly injured in a mowing machine last July, has been taken to a New York hospital at the expense of Mr. Gerry, a friend of the boy." This boy was Raymond Jardine, who settled in Bovina and farmed in the hamlet. He was married to Mary Hyzer and was the father of Marion, Martha and Richard.

104 years ago today, the September 21, 1918 issue of the New Berlin Gazette reported that "The Bovina Dry Milk Company is loading several cars of milk to be consigned to the British government. This company has leased the Bovina Center Co-operative creamery for a year."

Fifty-six years ago today, the Bovina column of the September 22, 1966 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Many of our young people have left or will be leaving in a few days for college. Lee Archibald is at Rocky Mountain College; Miss Jean Damgaard at Susquehanna University; Miss Joan Damgaard, Keuka College; Miss Louise Wilkens, Russell Sage College; Walter Wilkens, old Dominion College; Miss Judy Chase, State University College at Potsdam; Byron Trimbell, G.E. Technical Training School; Lynell (sic) Trimbell, Alfred Technical Institute; Howard B. LaFever, Clarkson College; John LaFever, New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Canton; Thomas Hoy, Cornell University; Jack Robson, Auburn Community College; Miss Clair Easley, Ulster County Community College; Miss Dorothy Bolduc, Central City Business Institute; Miss Christine Hilson, Culver-Stockton College; Miss Norma Reinertsen, State University College at Oneonta; Robert McIntosh, Albany Business College; Edward Hall, Orange County Community College."

159 years ago today, on September 23, 1863, Esther Lull was paid as a teacher in Bovina District Number 11 (Coulter Brook).  Here's the receipt for the payment. Esther was born in 1847, the daughter of William Lull and Martha M. Bell. She never married but was a teacher for some time, living with various siblings. In 1880 she was living in New Jersey with her brother Andrew. In the 1905 census she back in Bovina, living with her sister Mary Bramley but by 1910 was back in New Jersey, residing with her nephew Herbert Hoffman. In 1920 she was living with her sister Martha Hoffman in Camden, NJ. She died there in June 1924. 

106 years ago today, on September 24, 1916, Mrs. John Elliott died. As later reported in the Andes Recorder, she had been in New York city the previous month for a cancer operation "but with no beneficial results." She was brought back to Bovina the evening before she died. She was born Ella Squires in New Kingston and was 55 years old. She was survived by four children - William (1883-1956), James (1888-1969), Hale (1890-1980), and Emily (1887-1966).

120 years ago day, the September 25, 1902 Catskill Mountain News carried this item: "On Thursday of last week Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith of Bovina Center were permitted to reach the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. Their children and relatives came up from Walton and with others made the occasion a very pleasant one for the two who have traveled together until the golden day of marriage." Richard Smith was married to Maria Saunders in England in 1852 and came to Delaware County shortly after. They had five children: George, Lucille, John, Mary and William. About three years after celebrating their Golden anniversary, they left Bovina, first going to Walton and then to California. Mrs. Smith died there in 1908. Her husband died almost exactly three years later in July 1911.

139 years ago today, on September 26, 1883, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "A valuable horse, belonging to John Hilson, was found dead in the stable…."

G.D. Miller was showing off a good sized cluster of black raspberries of unusual size 103 years ago today, on September 27, 1919.

The girls got the upper hand over the boys in a ball game played in Bovina 127 years ago today on September 28, 1895.  The girls won by a score of 32 to 27.

Fifty-six years ago today, the Bovina column of the September 29, 1966 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Doig and son, Donald, visited her brother Donald Biggar and family at Cherry Valley on Wednesday."

Civil War Veteran John R. Hoy died 121 years ago today, on September 30, 1901. The son of James Hoy and Elizabeth Robertson Hoy, he married Isabella Wilson Miller in 1854. They had eight children, including David Fletcher Hoy (1863-1930), who was the registrar at Cornell University and created the Bovina Families genealogy files that I still use today in researching families in Bovina. Two of John's daughters, Mary Isabella and, after her death, Margaret Jane would marry Douglass Davidson. Margaret was the mother of Fletcher Davidson.

September 1922 - 100 Years Ago in that Thriving Town

Several references to the resurfacing of the state road (now County Route 6) appeared in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder 100 years ago this month. 

September 1, 1922

• The resurfacing of the state road has been completed and the ditches are being graded.

• Clarence LaFever has gone to Long Island, where he will drive truck for a state road contractor.

• Robert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Erkson was operated upon Thursday at Oneonta for removal of adenoids.

• James L. Coulter, a former Bovina resident, now assistant cashier of a bank at New Wilmington, Penn. has been spending the past week in town.

• Monday evening the Ford racer of George Jardine was damaged by colliding with the culvert at Oscar Felton’s.  He met a large car and was blinded by the glare of the head lights and side lights and failed to see the culvert.

Archibald Reunion

The annual reunion of the descendants of James Archibald, of Bovina, was held last Wednesday at the home of County Superintendent of the Poor, Mr. and Mrs. James F. Foreman, at Delhi, and 126 descendants were present.  The Archibald homestead farm, located in upper Bovina, is still in the Archibald family and is occupied by A. Thomas Archibald.

September 8, 1922

• Beatrice Hoy has entered the training class at Delhi.

• Hogaboom & Campfield completed the Bovina state road Wednesday and have done a fine job.

• Those attending Delaware Academy at Delhi are Ruth Filkins, Jenet Laidlaw, Ruth Coulter, Margaret Gordon, Marion MacPherson, Wilimina Archibald, Helen Gladstone, Mary Brown, William Gordon and Courtney Currie.

• The team of C.S. Gladstone became frightened at the state road roller at Fred Thomson’s and in the mix-up, a trace became unhitched allowing the tongue to drop down.  The tongue was broken but the horses did not get away and no one was hurt.

• The rain last Thursday afternoon spoiled the Town Picnic.  The crowd gathered in the Hall and listened to an address by Rev. Thompson.  In the evening an entertainment was held at the Hall and it was crowded to doors. Addresses were made by Rev. Graham and Attorney Bergman. [The hall likely was what was known as Strangeway's Hall, in the building now owned by Tom Hetterich.]

• The schools of the town opened on Tuesday with the following teachers: Mrs. McMullin and Miss Saxouer, the Center school; Edith Liddle, Butt End; Gladys Worden, Coulter Brook; Miss Knox, Pink street; Grace Bramley, Armstrong district; Elizabeth Strangeway, Miller avenue; Mrs. Goodman, Lake Delaware; Mrs. Hazel Munson, Coulter district; Miss Stanley, Biggar Hollow.

September 15, 1922

• Mrs. George H Miller has purchased a Munn piano with player attachment.

• Howard McPherson is having his residence painted. Alex Myers is doing the job.

• Edwin Ormiston, who has been visiting his mother here, returned to Goshen this week.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Alexander Burns and wife to John Burns and wife, $1.

• The basement of the Center school house is being enlarged and the heating system will be re-arranged. [This is now the library.]

September 22, 1922

• Dan Franklin was in town Wednesday.

• William Armstrong is the state inspector assigned to the Bloomville-Hobart state road.

• Herman Themes, who run the roller on the state road, was at Oneonta on Tuesday for adjustment of compensation insurance.

• Floyd Filkins, who has been cheese maker at the Center creamery, has secured a job on at trolley car at Syracuse and will move to that city.

Bovina Man Injured in Woods

Thomas H. Johnson Has Leg Crushed While on Lumber Job

Ex-Supervisor Thomson H. Johnson of Bovina, who for several years has been engaged in the lumber business, had his leg crushed late Tuesday afternoon while working in the woods on the Dickson Mountain. He and an employee were engaged in cutting trees and in some manner his leg was caught between a tree and a stump and crushed below the knee.  Help had to be procured before he could be released.  Physician did what he could for him and he was taken to the Kingston hospital Wednesday. It is feared that the leg may have to be amputated but his many friends hope that the outcome may not be so serious. [Johnson, also known as Johnston, ended up in New York City for treatment. He survived this accident but died in December 1926.]

Muller’s Arrest Ordered

Adjudged Guilty of Contempt for Disposing of Certain Property

Jean Hermann Muller, of Bovina, was on Saturday adjudged guilty of contempt of court by Justice Kellogg and was fined by the court the amount of the judgment obtained against him by Chas R. O’Connor esq, ie, $767.27, with interest thereon from January 20, 1921, and in addition to the sum of $30 costs and disbursements on the proceedings supplementary to execution and $10 costs of motion.

The judgment directs the sheriff of the county where Muller may be found to commit him to jail in that county until he pays the sum mentioned or be discharged according to law.  Muller was convicted of having failed to obey the order of County Judge A.J. McNaught of Delaware county.

September 29, 1922

• Alexander Hilson is on the sick list.

• A school fair of all the schools of the town was held at the Bovina Center school building Thursday.

• Workmen of C.W. Hulbert & Son of Andes, were here this week doing some plumbing for William A. Hoy.

• What is known as the Walter L. Doig farm on the old Turnpike has been sold by Mr. Stein to C.E. Hulbert and it is reported that Mr. Hulbert has sold to the Jews who purchased the Tunis lake farm, enough land off of it for a ball field. [The 'Jews' referenced here were Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Mirski, who established and ran the Tunis Lake Boys Camp for over 20 years. More information about them and the camp is on this blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/search?q=tunis+lake+camp ]

Gerry Home Burglarized

The summer home of United States Senator Peter G. Gerry of Newport, Rhode Island, at Lake Delaware, was burglarized Friday night. The family has not disclosed the amount of the loss, which consisted of money and jewelry.

This Day in Bovina for August 2022

120 years ago today, August 1, 1902, it was reported in the Andes Recorder's Bovina column that "Rains still continue and haying does not progress very rapidly."

Ninety-three 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. 

127 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."

133 years ago today, on August 4, 1889, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror, "The house of Robert C. Scott, Bovina was entered by a burglar last Tuesday evening, while the family were out milking, a trunk opened and $250 and a revolver abstracted, the robber escaping."

Mary Rotermund was born 177 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-seven 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.

Eighty-one years ago today, the August 7, 1941 Delaware Republican had this article about the Bovina Flower Show. It was either August 12 or 14 (note that there's a conflict with the dates). I do not know who the woman referenced in item 8, Beatrice Darling, is. If anyone does know, please share! [UPDATE: Tom Hoy identified Beatrice Darling as his aunt, born Charlotte Beatrice Hoy. She married Foster Darling and died in 1937 at the age of 32.]

111 years ago today, August 8, 1911, as reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "J.H. Johnson, Herman Scott, Chas Hastings and Adam Cunningham left….for Albert, Canada. The last named goes to see the country, while the others, who have holdings of land, go to harvest their wheat crop. Crops are reported large, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hastings each have 160 acres of wheat and Mr. Scott 320 acres."

 

Ninety-four 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.

 

106 years ago today, on August 10, 1916, William Smith of Bovina was hit by a train. Here's how it was reported in the Andes Recorder a few days later: "William B. Smith, of Bovina, who lives on the hill toward Hobart, sustained two broken ribs and minor injuries about 10 o’clock Thursday morning, when the milk wagon he was driving was struck by the eastbound passenger train on the U.& D. at the Smith creamery crossing.  Mr. Smith did not hear the approach of the train and his wagon was squarely on the track when the locomotive hit it, and he was thrown from the wagon, but held to the lines and prevented the horses from running away. He was taken to the office of Dr. Hubbell at Hobart and his wounds dressed.  The wagon was wrecked."

 

183 years ago today, on August 11, 1839, Margaret Armstrong Gladstone, wife of Walter Gladstone, gave birth to her last child, a daughter Margaret. The daughter would only live two and a half years, dying in February 1842, three days after the death of her brother, Walter. Out of the eight children that Margaret gave birth to, only three made it to adulthood.

 

121 years ago today, on August 12, 1901, work was commenced on construction of the Bovina Centre creamery. 

 

103 years ago today, on August 13, 1919, the Archibald reunion was held at the home of William J. Archibald.

 

Eighty-five 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 years ago today, the Bovina Center column from the August 15, 1952 Walton Reporter carried this item: "Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaFever are on a trip through the northern part of the state. They also expect to visit at the home of Donald Boggs at Corinth, N.Y. They were interviewed on Tune Test over WGY Monday. Did anyone in Bovina hear them?"

 

A special school meeting was held in the Coulter Brook district 121 years ago today, August 16, 1901.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "both those for and against a new schoolhouse 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."

 

103 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.

 

107 years ago today, the August 18, 1915 Delaware Gazette carried this Bovina column. 

128 years ago today, August 19, 1894, Hildreth Tuttle, the daughter of Charles and Jennette Tuttle, was born. She married Charles J. Russell in Bovina 1915. Charles was Cecil Russell's brother. They would have one son, Dr. Allyn Russell. Hildreth died in 1976.

 

Eighty years ago, the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican for August 20, 1942 reported that "Mrs. Emil Schneider and daughter, Mrs. Alex Hilson, spent last week in New York City with Pvt. Arnold Schneider." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. James Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dickson and children of Delhi and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taggart and children of Amsterdam were at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson on Sunday."

 

Elizabeth Russell Archibald, the wife of Sloan Archibald, died 121years ago today, August 21, 1911.  Born in New Kingston in 1848, she married Sloan in 1869 and had two children.  

 

Ninety-seven years ago today, on August 22, 1925, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "This section was visited by a heavy white frost…"

 

152 years ago today, the August 23, 1870 Bloomville Mirror carried this item: "We wish the Postmaster-General would turn his attention to the Brushland post-office? Our subscribers at that office continue to complain to us that they can't get their papers with any regularity. One informed us he was at the office weekly, but couldn't get a Mirror for about six weeks, when he got them all at once. Won't the post-master be more careful in future?"

 

104 years ago today, on August 24, 1918, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Dr. N.B. Whitcomb and Adam Laidlaw each had a horse killed by lightning ….  Both horses were running in the same pasture."

 

Forty-five years ago today, the August 25, 1977 Stamford Mirror Recorder carried this item in its Bovina column, written by Ann Cairns: "Reserve Friday, August 26 for a round and square dance at the Bovina fire house hall, a benefit dance for the Bovina rescue squad. Dancing from 9 to 1 to the music of ‘Hi Country.’

 

Seventy-nine 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.

 

Ninety-one 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."

 

139 years ago, the Stamford Mirror Bovina column of August 28, 1883 reported that "Robert J. Livingston is spending a few weeks at his summer residence at the lake. Messrs. Perry Belmont, Alexander Hamilton and Peter Schyler are his guests."

 

Sixty-eight years ago today, August 29, 1954, Leonard Cairns was married to Ann Sebedra at St. James' Church at Lake Delaware. Photo is from their 50th wedding anniversary celebration on August 29, 2004.

 

Fifty-seven 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."

 

182 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.