Felton High School, postcard (c1920).jpg
Felton High School, postcards (c1905).JPG
Felton High School, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1910).jpg
Felton High School, North Tonawanda, postcard (1924).jpg
Felton Grammar School, Lunch Milk Token (c1940).jpg
Ascension School and Convent, postcard (c1960).jpg
Ascension School, 1st Grade class photo (1916).jpg
Marble, Granite and Stone Works, letter (1894-05-01).jpg
Werkley's Home Made Candies, 115 Goundry, illustrated box (c1940).jpg
Walkinshaw and Co Modern Plumbing, 138 Goundry, North Tonawanda, illustrated letterhead (1905-02-23).jpg
W.E. Zavitz, Payne and Schenck, calendar (1913).jpg
Vic and Kai Delicatessen, 665 Oliver, ice cream box (c1950).jpg
Twin City Auto, Main and Goundry, ad (1916-02-19, Tonawanda News).jpg
Twin-Ton Dept Store, ad (Tonawanda News, 1954-03-02).png
The Clothes Closet, 236 Oliver, classified ad (Tonawanda News, 1981-04-29).jpg
Swastika the Lucky Flour, Federal Milling Co., 1021 Oliver Street, illustrated ad (1913, Tonawanda News).jpg
Sauberan Home Steam Laundry, 53-55 Young, ad (1902, Tonawanda News).png
Sample Opens at Mid-City Plaza, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1960-09-29).jpg
Rudzinski Grocery, 653 Oliver, engraved ashtray (c1940).jpg
Rose Motor Co., 112 Delaware, Ford ad (Tonawanda News, 1924-04-02).jpg
Opium and coca dispensary, 300 Payne, tax stamp (1940).jpg
Oliver businesses owners describe construction's impact, article (Tonawanda News, 1978-09-08).png
Old Empire Straight Whiskey, Wm Holgate, 27 Felton St., bottle (1906).jpg
Nor-Ton Taxi, 526 Oliver, matchbook (c1940).jpg
Nice and Hinkey Hardware, paperweight (1882).jpg
New Sugar Bowl, Tonawanda, postcard (1911-07-21).jpg
Located at 32 Webster, this dealer in delectables kept Twin Cities dentists busy for generations. According to the website of North Tonawanda History Museum: The Pullman brothers, Gust and Leo, operated the Sugar Bowl...from 1920 to 1965, having come to North Tonawanda in 1911 and worked for their cousins, the Yianilos brothers until they could afford to buy the business. There was also a Young Street, Tonawanda location operated by the Yianilos brothers. Still others report a Zeffrey's Sugar Bowl at 5 South Niagara. Today, 32 Webster is the patio of Crazy Jake's.
Martin Tobacco, 236 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1953-03-19).jpg
Martins Candy and Cigars, 236 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1955-12-24).jpg
Martins Book Town grand opening in new location, article (Tonawanda News, 1973-11-28).jpg
Map of downtown businesses (Tonawanda News, 1984).jpg
Long's Electric, 106 Webster, ad (Tonawanda News, 1951).jpg
LeClair the Tailor, Webster and Tremont, ad (Tonawanda News, 1907-06-15).jpg
Koch and Brown's Postoffice News Room, trade card (c1900).jpg
Joe's Shoe Repair, 236 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1985).jpg
Jesella's Liquor Store, matchbook (c1940).JPG
Jeffs Carpet Service, 596 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News 1986).jpg
Ives Ice and Coal Co., 156 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1908-03-30).jpg
Ives Ice and Coal Co., 101 Main, North Tonawanda, ad (Tonawanda News, 1907-07-17).jpg
Immense Crowds at Opening of NT Market, article (Tonawanda News, 1908-08-17).jpg
G.C. Murphy Company, 64-66 Webster, ad (Tonawanda News, 1925-11-20).jpg
Foss TV, 289 Schenck, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News 1975-11).jpg
F.J. Errick Bicycles, 236 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1922-06-26).jpg
F.J. Errick Bicycles, 236 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1922-05-31).jpg
Do Your Buying on Oliver Street, business ads (Tonawanda News, 1913-12).jpg
Chinese Wong Law Laundry, Young Street, Tonawanda postcard (c1901).jpg
CF Oelkers shoes, letterhead (1901-04-05).jpg
Castor oil, George L Traver, Pharmacist, Oliver and Miller, labeled bottle (c1900).jpg
Block of ads (Tonawanda News, 1907-08-12).jpg
Bedell's, Bonk's listing, other ads (Tonawanda News, 1974-08-04).png
B. H. Neff Shirt Emporium, Kent's Block, trade card (1890s).jpg
Asbestos-Lined Irons, Knapp-Cramer Hardware, 26 Webster, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1906-04-02).jpg
Adolph LeClair, Merchant Tailor, 37 Webster, ad (Tonawanda News, 1905-12-20).jpg
More Garishness? letter to editor criticizes Blue Whale Car Wash (Tonawanda Evening News, 1973-01-08).jpg
Letter to editor agreees that Willy the Whale is an eyesore (Tonawanda Evening News, 1973-01-18).jpg
Joke about Blue Whale palm trees and De Graff pyramids, About Town item (Tonawanda Evening News, 1977).jpg
Blue Whale saga just won't end, letter to editor (Tonawanda Evening News, 1985-06-08).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash was demolished in May (Tonawanda Evening News, 1985-12-28).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash is an eyesore, letter to editor (Tonawanda Evening News, 1973-01-12).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash framework, photo (c1972).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash, illustration (1983).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash, photos of seahorses (c1975).jpg
Blue Whale Car Wash, photo of tail (1983).jpg
Wilmer C. Goerss, obituary (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1951-10-17).jpg
Leona W. Goerss dies, article (1981-12-17).jpg
Leona W. Goerss, obituary (Tonawanda Evening News, 1981-12-17).jpg
Goerss funeral draws Rescue Fire Company 5, notice (Tonawanda Evening News, 1971-01-21).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1986-04).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1984-08).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1962).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1961-05-16).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-11-17).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-11-10).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-10-27).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-10-20).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-04-20).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-02-17).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-02-09).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1959-01-27).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1958-11-25).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1958-07-25).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1958-07-15).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1957-12-31).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1957-02-18).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1956-12-31).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1956-07-19).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1952-12-31).jpg
Goerss Dairy, ad (Tonawanda Evening News, 1937-10-06).jpg
Gerhard V Goerss Stricken Perparing for Work, article (Tonawanda Evening News, 1971-01-19).jpg
Webster Grill, 112 Webster St, matchbook (c1940).jpg
Main Hotel and Grill, 152 Main, matchbook (c1940).JPG
Joe Saccos Restaurant, 216 Oliver, matchbook (c1940).jpg
Isle View Restaurant, 791 Niagara Street, Tonawanda, postcard (c1955).JPG
Gleasons Restaurants, 1090 Niagara Falls Blvd, matchbook (c1950).jpg
Franklin Inn Dining Room and Cocktail Lounge, postcard (1963).jpg
Ed Voetsch's Restaurant, 342 Oliver, matchbook (c1940).jpg
Saja Foo, Niagara Silk Mills model (c1925).jpg
Niagara River Tourist Camp, River Road, postcard (c1960).jpg
Fishermen's Park dedicated, article photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-08).jpg
Town of Tonawanda Municipal swimming pool, postcard (1958).png
An identical Bintz pool in the Town of Tonawanda, built in 1954.
Twilite Golf Course, 3287 Niag Falls Blvd, postcard (c1960).jpg
Plan for Pine Woods Park (Sweeney Park) and adjacent lots, North Tonawanda, NY (c1917-09).jpg
Electric Beach park and hotel on Grand Island, ad (Tonawanda News 1910-07-01).jpg
CB radio QSL postcard 15 Jesella Drive (c1960).jpg
Boy Scout Troop 5 in Hannah's Woods, photo (c1920).jpg
La Truda 2nd, Niagara River racing boat, postcard (c1930).jpg
Ellicott Park and bridge, photo (c1980).jpg
Ellicott Creek boaters, photo (1909).jpg
Ellicott Creek, Tonawanda, postcard (c1915).jpg
Ellicott Creek, Tonawanda, postcard (1915).jpg
Ellicott Creek, Tonawanda, postcard (1910).jpg
Ukrainian Club, 75 17 Ave North Tonawanda, photo (2014).jpg
Ukrainian Club, 75 17 Ave North Tonawanda, matchbook (c1950).jpg
Elks Temple, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1939).jpg
New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, North Tonawanda to Buffalo, ticket (1910).jpg
Erie Bridge, Tonawanda, postcard (1916).jpg
This bridge no longer exists; it carried the former Erie RR across Tonawanda Creek at the foot of Vandervoort Street. Heading northwest, the railroad line continued to just east of the present-day Railroad Museum, along East Oliver Street, and across Oliver Street.
Sheriff-Elect Charles F. Foley, article with portrait photo (Tonawanda News, 1908-11-18).jpg
Elect John Lukasik Mayor, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1965).jpg
Straw Vote on Local Option, Wet or Dry (Tonawanda News 1918-04-11 ).jpg
Tonawandas Newest Civic Center, photos and article (Ton News 1924).png
Abandonment of Erie Canal from Ellicott Creek, removal of train tracks from Webster in NT and Main in Tonawanda, automobiles. Also view of Van Raalte Silk Mill, First Trust bank, Sweeney Building.
Payne Hill Residence Tract, ad (Tonawanda News, 1913-12).jpg
On Elliot (sic) Creek, Tonawanda NY, postcard (c1910).jpg
Martinsville boundaries, 1875, comparison maps.jpg
Residence of E. H. Santee, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1940).JPG
Lumber barons built stately homes, 208, 309 Goundry, article, Neal (Tonawanda News 2007-07-23).jpg
Goundry Street Looking East form Paynes Avenue, de Kleist residence, postcard (c1910).jpg
Goundry Street looking east, postcard (1908).jpg
Goundry Street, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1925).jpg
Webster Street, with dog, postcard (c1900).jpg
This postcard from around 1900 is one of my favorite views of Webster Street (facing north). You can see trains used to run right down the street near where the Riviera would later be built. On the left is present-day Crazy Jake's. Horse-drawn carriages and carts are also on the left, making the scene really look like something out of a western. Also visible is the "Arcana Theatre" at the southwest corner of Tremont (in the Fowler Block), the Tonawanda Power Company, and some circular sign I cannot make out.
Webster Street, woman walking, postcard (1900).jpg
Webster Street, facing south, postcard and details (1917).jpg
Most Webster Street postcards face north, but this one faces south into Tonawanda. On the left can be seen train tracks. On the right, across the bridge, is the State National Bank. On the north side, Scanlon's Hall, then the First National Bank. Kent Hall, Janke Drugs, I.O.O.F. 563 and an ice cream shop are also pictured.
View of Webster Street, illustration (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
Sweeney Building, Ton Power Company in 1920s, photo article (Ton News, 1965-05-08).jpg
Smith Building, northeast corner of Webster and Tremont, illustration (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
Real Estate Exchange Building, postcard (c1910).JPG
Looking northwest form the roof of the Real Estate Exchange, illustration (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
Webster Street buildings in the immediate foreground. Beyond is Manhattan Street, the lumber yards, and Tonawanda Island in the Niagara River. Far in the distance is what appears to be Tonawanda Iron Works. The Real Estate Exchange was a six-story building at the northeast corner of Tremont and Webster streets.
Looking northeast form the roof of the Real Estate Exchange, illustration (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
Main street in foreground. Hotel Sheldon seen at Main and Goundry. Herschell carousel tent down Goundry. The Real Estate Exchange was a six-story building at the northeast corner of Tremont and Webster streets.
Last of Manhattan Eyesores Comes Down, photo (1950-08-15 Tonawanda News.jpg
One of the most prominent early residents of North Tonawanda, Felton is born in Massachusetts in 1827. He moves to Buffalo in 1853, involved in the manufacture of leather goods and stationery. He opens a candy business with his brother at 193 Main Street in Buffalo. In 1865 they are listed at 159 Main Street. He secures an exclusive franchise to sell newspapers on the New York Central and Lake Shore train lines (he later sells this lucrative business as the Union News Company). In 1867 he moves to North Tonawanda with his wife, Ellen. He invests heavily in real estate, at one time owning (with John Simson) all the Niagara River frontage north of Wheatfield Street, and fosters the area's industrial growth as an organizer of the Niagara River Iron Corp (later, Tonawanda Iron and Steel.) Gratwick's Felton Street is named after him. He is a Mason. By the 1870s he is breeding horses and even has a race track on his massive farm bounded by Division Street (Mile Strip Road) road to the west, Rumbold to the north, Tremont Street to the south and "Black" Hannah's woods to the east. His stationery business with his brother continues to be advertised at various Main Street, Buffalo addresses well into the 1870s. In 1876 he is re-elected president of the Tonawanda Driving Association. In 1883, he's Sup't of Niagara County Fair He spends 30 years as president of North Tonawanda's Board of Education. The former Felton School and its nearby orphaned athletic field, Felton Field, still bear his name. Felton is Village President in 1891. He lives at 211 Division when he dies in 1905.
Genealogy of Benjamin Long, booklet with photos (1898).jpg
Letter to William Vandervoort (c1860).jpg
Give to Tonawanda News Retarded Children Fund (1975-11 Tonawanda News).jpg
Residence and office of Garwood L. Judd, Esq., illustration (History of Niagara County 1821-1878).jpg
Garwood L. Judd bio. Most likely at the southwest corner of Oliver and Goundry, though an 1875 map also shows a "G. L. Judd" office on the northwest corner of Goundry and Webster.
Portrait of a couple, W. H. Torrey studio, photo cabinet card (c1900).jpg
Martin Reisterer, Cashier German-American Banl, photo (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
Edward G Reisterer, Cashier German-American Bank, photo (1893-08-05 Tonawanda News).jpg
African-American girl, photo portrait by Clench of Tonawanda (c1900).jpg
Profile of Frank S Wahl, electrician, Tonawanda Power to Niagara Mohawk (1952-04-18 Tonawanda News).jpg
Michael J Joyce, photo portrait (1905-04-02 Tonawanda News).jpg
Map of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda (1935, Tonawanda News).jpg
Census Enumeration map of northern North Tonawanda, hi-res (NARA, 1940).jpg
Residence of Col. L.S. Payne, illustration (History of Niagara County, 1821-1878).jpg
Wheatfield Street in foreground, looking north up Payne Ave.
Wurlitzer Mfg. Co. building and park, postcard (c1940 HST).jpg
Wurlitzer Mfg. Co. approach to tower, photo (c1940).jpg
Wurlitzer Mfg. Co. Esplanade, the Great Wurlitzer Plant, Home of Lyric Radio, postcard (c1935).jpg
From Landmarks of Niagara County (1897): Col. Lewis S. Payne was born in the town of Riga, Monroe county, N. Y., January 21, 1819, the son of Stephen and Ruth A. (Smith) Payne. The Payne family is of honorable New England ancestry and its founder in the New World was of Puritan stock. His paternal grandfather, Aepba Payne, was a native and lifelong resident of Massachusetts. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His son, Stephen Payne, father of Colonel Payne, was born in 1790, in Hinesdale, Mass., settling in Monroe county when a young man. He died at the residence of his son, Colonel Payne, at North Tonawanda, February 11, 1880, in the ninetieth year of his age. Col. Lewis S. Payne was educated in the common school and High School in Monroe county. At the age of sixteen he became a clerk in a mercantile house in Tonawanda, and five years later he and a fellow clerk purchased the business in which they had been employed. Four years afterward the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Payne accepted a position as clerk in Buffalo, remaining there four years. In 1847 he built the first steam saw mill in North Tonawanda, which he operated for nine years, after which he engaged in the lumber business for several years. In the fall of 1861 Mr. Payne, at his own expense, raised a volunteer company, of which he was made captain, and which was attached to the 100th N. Y. Vol. Regiment, later becoming a part of Casey's Division of the Army of the Potomac. The l00th N. Y. Regiment, with Colonel Payne leading his company, participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill among others. Later on he and his company made many daring expeditions from the vicinity of Charleston, and the information thereby gained was of great value to the Union cause. On the night of August 3, 1863, while engaged on Morris Island in intercepting communication with Fort Sumter, he was attacked by a superior Confederate force. A desperate engagement followed, in which Colonel Payne was wounded in the head by a musket ball, taken prisoner and conveyed to Charleston, where he was confined in the Queen Street Hospital Later he was removed to Columbia, S. C, and February 14, 1865, he was sent to Wilmington, N. C, where he was exchanged March 5. Soon after his imprisonment ended he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. In 1840 Colonel Payne married Mary Tabor, of Ithaca, N. Y., and they have six children: Emily R., wife of George Crandall, of Will- iamsport, Pa.; Eugene R., who resides in Williamsport ; Ida, Mrs. George McCray, of Buffalo; Edward C, of Decatur, Ala.; Lewis C, a lawyer at North Tonawanda, and Cornelia R., wife of Lyman Stanley. Col. Payne is a member of Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F, & A. M., and a vestryman of St. Mark's P. E. church. Politically Colonel Payne is an aggressive Democrat, and has served in nearly every office in tlie gift of his town. In 1850 he was elected clerk of Niagara county on the National Whig ticket and in 1859 was nominated for State senator in the Twenty-ninth New York district, but was defeated. In 1865 he was again elected county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and in 1869 was elected to the Assembly. In 1877 he was elected State senator from the Twenty-ninth district. In 1883 he was the Democratic can- didate for Congress in his district, but was unable to overcome the big Republican majority in his district. Colonel Payne has always stood high in the esteem of his fellow townsmen and ranks as one of the foremost citizens of Niagara county. From Willard Ditmar's Meet Your Street article on Payne's Avenue: About 1854 or 1855, Col. Lewis S. Payne, a Civil War hero, purchased the old Anguish farm in the Town of Wheatfield at what is now the northwest corner of Payne's Avenue and Wheatfield Street in North Tonawanda. On Feb. 5, 1859, Col. Payne and 12 freeholders petitioned the highway commissioners of the town fo lay out a road from the Payne farm to Tonawanda Creek, half the distance of which was in woods and timbered land. This road, called Payne's Road, evidently stopped at the wooded section at Goundry Street, for on May 8, 1866. the Board of Trustees of the newly created village of North Tonawanda passed a resolution laying out a street from Sweeney's Lane (Sweeney Street) to the intersection of Payne's Road to be known as Forest Street. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees held on Dec. 1. 1868, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved that the streets in said village known as Forest Street and Payne's Road, one road being a continuation of the other shall hereafter be known as Payne's Avenue and shall be known as Payne's Avenue from the northerly end of said road to the Tonawanda Creek." However, at a meeting of the trustees held on Aug 11, 1874, the board adopted the following resolution: That the name of the street heretofore known as Forest Street and now known as Payne's Avenue is hereby changed to the name of Mohawk Avenue and the said street is to be known as such.'" The name 'Mohawk Avenue" was, however, shortlived, for at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the village held on June 7, 1875, the following appears: "Resolved that the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees of this village on the 11th day of August. 1874, purporting to alter or change the name of Payne's Avenue to Mohawk Avenue, be and the same hereby is recinded (sic), annulled and expunged and that the said street be named, called and known hereafter as it has been for many years heretofore as Payne's Avenue." The ayes had it and the resolution was adopted. He dies April 11, 1898. Payne, Lewis. Diary (1863). A pocket diary in which Payne summarized his daily activities as well as the participation of the 100th Regiment in campaigns at Cole's Island, Folly Island, and Morris Island, South Carolina. Located at the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections.
National Roofing Co., illustrated letterhead (1906-05-25).jpg
Van Raalte Co, woman with warp holders during wartime conversion, photo (LOC 1942).jpg
Van Raalte Co, woman models silk nightgown wartime conversion, photo (LOC 1942).jpg
Van Raalte Co, woman models silk gloves during wartime conversion, photo (LOC 1942).jpg
An Electric Man, article (Strand Magazine, Vol. 20, 1900-02ish).jpg
American ingenuity is ever striving for startling effects. It is never satisfied. Ordinary achievements seem beneath its attention. It looks beyond, even if the object of its aim be more or less fantastic. One of the latest freaks of mechanical skill is the contsruction, by Louis Philip Perew, of Tonawanda, NewYork - a small town near Niagra Falls - of a gigantic man. Parew, with all the ardour of a modern Frankenstein, has endeavoured to make his man as life like in appearance as possible. Not only is its outward form a close model of a human being, but within it have been secreted mechanical devices which endow the automation with weird properties, making it even more nearly resemble an intelligent being. Nikola Tesla recently constructed a machine called the Telaumaton. It did everything but think. Perew has out-Teslaed Tesla. The great electrician's device bore no resemblance to a human being. It was devoid of the human body as a medium through which to operate. The Frankenstein of Tonawanda has brought into existance a thing of wood, rubber, and metals, which walks, talks, runs, jumps, rolls its eyes - imitating to a nicety almost every action of the original on which it is founded. All that is lacking is the essential spirit - the Promethean fire, as it were - which would enable one to say to the automatic creature, "Thou art a man". On first sight of the automation one is impressed with the exceedingly life-like appearance of the novel object. Were it not for the abnormal height - 7ft 5in - one would almost mistake the figure for that of an actual man. It is true there is a sort of woodeness about the face that betrays its nature; but, for that matter, many human faces are "wooden" in expression. the figure is clothed in a huge suit of white duck, and in its coat - a rather fantastic decoration, to my judgement - is a pretty boutoniere. On the mans enourmouse head is a cap of Brobdingnagian proportions. Never before was so large a hat turned out by any manufacturer. It is made of white duck, like the suit. The feet of the machine-man are of gigantic mould. It wears a shoe the size of which is 13. Within the shoe the feet are composed of inflated rubber. One of the most striking objects about the man are the hands. They are more true to life than any other portion of the figure. The skin effect is marvelous. The hands are bronzed, as if from exposure and hardwork, and the delusion is still farther carried out in many minute particulars. Ordinarily, these hands are shown grasping metal rings, attached to chains, which in turn are connected with the small waggon which the figure draws. Seen in a position of rest, the figure of the automation does not strike one as being especially life-like. It lacks the muscular repose of the human body. But when this figure is put in motion by means of its interior mechanism the resemblance to a living man is very striking. At request Mr. Perew, the inventor, put the figure through its "paces". The exhibition took place in a large hall in Tonawanda. At first the automation took a slightly undecided step, advancing with the right foot and bringing it down with a little jolt. This movement was accompanied by a slight whirring noise, as if clockwork had been set in motion. With the right foot planted in advance, the figure then raised itself slightly on the ball of the foot; drew up the left foot, advanced it, and placed it down with somewhat more easy motion than the first movement. Then the figure began to walk. It walked smoothly, and almost noiselessly. The tread was light, firm, and elastic. Twice the figure made the circumference of the hall without stopping. It was controlled by means of an eletric battery. The walk was rapid, and at the end of the journey around the hall the step was as resilient as at the begining. The inventor of the machine-man said it could keep up that pace for an almost unlimited time. But the figure, on this question, spoke for itself. "I am going to walk from New York to San Fransisco," it said, in a deep clear voice. The voice sounded as if it proceeded from a megaphone. Within the bosom of the automation is concealed a talking machine. Perew's man may be taught to say anything. When the automation had been made to walk around the hall in which it is kept the inventor caused it to do some feats which, to an ordinary onlooker, seemed impossible for the performance of an insensate thing. A large block of wood was placed in the path of the machine, and when it came to this obstruction it stopped, rolled its eyes in the direction of the obstacle, as if calculating how it could surmount it. It then deliberately raised the right foot, placed it upon the object, and stepped down on the other side. The motion seemed uncannily realistic. You almost feel like shrinking from before those rolling eyes. The visionless orbs are operated by means of clock-work situated within the head. Inventor Perew has closely concealed from view the interior mechanism of his automatic man. The skin of the man, however is made of aluminium, this metal being chosen on account of its lightness. The man is supported within by a strong steel frame-work, and the interior doubtless contains an electric storage battery. In the small of the back is a small metal tube about one-half inch in diameter. Into this tube, which connects with the opeator seated in the automobile waggon behind the figure, runs the current which guides the figure through its various movements. No connection between the figure and the automobile exists - other than the chains already mentioned and the little tube. The power in the figure is supplied within itself. For several years Mr. Perew has been engaged in inventing various appliances. He is more or less skilled in all branches of mechanical work, and his mind teems with ideas which are often as astonishing as they are original. As far back as 1891 the inventor of the present automatic man constructed a small working model embodying his ideas. It was a little figure of wood. It was 2&1/2 ft. in height, and attached to a small cart. The little figure drew the waggon about, and many persons wondered at the ingenuity of the man who could invent so novel a machine. Then the inventor conceived the idea of building a still more remarkable figure. If the small model could be made to work, there was no reason why a life-sized figure would not do equally as well as, or even better than, the smaller machine. Capitalists in Mr. Perew's own town became convinced that money could be made out of the automatic figure, if it were constructed on an enlarged scale. At first imagination rather ran riot as to the possible uses to which the machine-man could be put. It could be made to carry loads in places inaccessible to ordinary vehicles with wheels; it could ascend heights impossible to men. It could walk distances which would weary the most skilful pedestrian; it could be made to do a thousand and one things which men of flesh and blood would shrink from. Perhaps, in time, imagination suggested, it could become a fighting appliance, carrying death and destruction in its machinery. Guided by electrical wires, why should not a man of this kind be sent out as a carriage for a species of rapid-fire gun? Protected by bullet-proof clothing, it would prove a fearless and dangerous foe. If the body could be made to move at certain angles the aim of the automaton could be directed by an operator concealed and protected from harm. Why not? In cogitating over all these possibilities Mr. Perew saw for his automaton a brilliant future. The difficulty now was to convince others that his ideas could be made to work.. With his wooden model he applied, to one capitalist after another, endeavouring to raise sufficient money to carry out his ideas in a practical manner. At length he succeeded in interesting Mr. Charles A. Thomas, a moneyed man who resided in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Thomas purchased an interest in the patent rights, which had been secured by Perew, and, before long, a regular company was formed. It was known as the United States Automaton Company, the main offices of which were situated in Buffalo, New York State. It is understood that a great deal more money is behind the enterprise. It is even said that the company will soon be manufacturing automatons for shipment to all parts of the world. The first shipment outside the United States will be made to England. Perhaps, before many months have passed, Londoners may awaken some fine morning to see a man of Titan build hurrying through the streets drawing an omnibus. It might not be even amiss to suggest, in advance, a title for the 'bus line - how would the ‘Frankenstein Express’ answer? Can such a motive-power be operated cheaper than an ordinary automobile? Is it better than horseflesh? Would it be allowed on the city streets? Would it not endanger life from causing horses to run away? Would it not prove too great a shock to children and nervous women? These are questions which can only be answered after actual experimentation. The building of the great automaton has been done in much secrecy. Mr. Perew did not wish his work to be talked about before it was well nigh completion. He thought people might conclude that he was a crank without practical aim. Now, however, that the automaton is a finished work - satisfactory in every way to the inventor and to those associated with him - he has permitted inspection. The boast of the strange creation of the inventor's mind is said to be a perfectly reasonable one. It has been announced by the United States Automation Company that, before long, they intend starting the figure on a walk across the Continent. It will draw behind it a light waggon, in which will be seated Messrs. Fred Michaels and J. A. Deschinger. The inventor claims that he can make the figure move at the rate of twenty miles an hour, or 480 miles for the day's run. This twenty-mile-an-hour rate of speed allows for three stoppages out of each day, an hour's time being allowed for each stop. A fast train between New York and San Fransisco accomplishes the 3,250 miles between the two points in 124 & 1/2 hours. The automatic man, travelling the same distance, would take 162 & 1/2 hours - or only thirty-eight hours slower than the fastest train. Not a bad record for a pedestrian, by the way! Were the inventor of the strange mechanical man a crank, and all his ideas only on paper, little attention might be paid to his fantastic notions. But Mr. Perew seems eminently practical. Besides, he has associated with him in his enterprise a number of level-headed business men who would not spend a penny unless they were able to see the money coming back to them at no distant time, and with increased interest. The turning out of automations of the same build and construction as the first model will soon be in progress. Perew has already realized a decided triumph, so far as mechanical detail goes. The utility of the project now remains to be demonstrated.
North Tonawanda Centennial Magazine 1865-1965.pdf
North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, book (1891).pdf
Landmarks of Niagara County, book (1897).pdf
1899 Examination and Survey of Tonawanda Harbor and Creek, New York.pdf
Paul's Dictionary of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda and Vicinity, transcribed excerpts (1896).pdf
From pp. 163-164: Tonawanda, the second-greatest lumber market in the world, lies midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and it has a happy conceit that it will one day annex Buffalo. Be this as it may, it is a remarkable little city, and either way the annexation results, it will add to the extent of Greater Buffalo. From the city line of Buffalo to the city line of Tonawanda is but a space of three miles, so it is plain to be seen that with such a small barrier between two progressive, rapidly growing cities, the time is close at hand when both will virtually be one, even though they maintain distinct municipal governments. Tonawanda, as it is known to outsiders, comprises Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, but between the residents of the two places, there is a friendly rivalry. North Tonawanda considers itself the most prosperous city in the State of New York and sets forth several reasons of high statistical qualities to that end. Glancing at a comparison in the different periods from 1880 to 1893 inclusive, we find an increase in population of over 720 percent. In 1880 the population was 1,400; in 1892, over 8,000, and in 1893, over 11,000. For the past three years, those who claim to know give the opinion that the increase has been fully as great, if not greater. Besides the increase in population, Tonawanda has added many thousands of dollars in improvements that make a city, and with each new improvement came an increase in population and added industries. Tonawanda has a great harbor and immense dock facilities, or it could not take care of lumber to 422,623,000 feet, as was the case in 1894. But this is not the limit of her capacity. She can handle and store greater amounts than that and ship to the various points expeditiously, and at the same rail or water rate as Buffalo. The harbor can float anything that passes over the lakes, and that, no doubt, has been the principal reason for making it so great a lumber city. Tonawanda has many fine brick and stone buildings. She has churches, schools, banks, and office buildings, all built on the modern plan. She has an electric light plant and four electric car lines. One leads to the Falls and the others connect with Buffalo. It will take but a few years to come to a time when, if a man should get lost in the suburbs of either Buffalo or Tonawanda, and not knowing his landmarks, he would find it impossible to tell which city he is in. Tonawanda has one of the greatest iron industries in this part of the State—a furnace for the production of the best pig iron to be found in the United States. This furnace has a capacity of 200 gross tons per day. The product, which is a high grade of strong foundry iron, is shipped all over the world. This industry has a capital of $500,000. Here is located an extensive plant for the manufacture of a machine familiar to thousands of children and called a merry-go-round. At these works are manufactured canal boat supplies, a patent steering wheel, agricultural implements, feed cutters, and iron rollers. Another branch of this industry is a syphon condensing engine for the saving of fuel. A wonderful machine, which will doubtless increase the fame of Tonawanda, is a refrigerating and calorific apparatus for attachment to freight cars. This machine produces cold or heat at the will of the operator and is the result of forty years' study and experiment.
Wan-a-Rest Court Motel, 1376 Niagara Falls Blvd., postcard (c1950s).jpg
Twilite Golf and Restaurant - North Tonawanda - postcard c 1960.jpg
The Villa Roadside Inn, 682 Falls Blvd., postcard (c1940).JPG
Stevensons Motel, 1220 Niagara Falls Blvd, postcard (c1960).jpg
Robertsons Tourists Rest, 586 Falls Blvd., postcard (1931).jpg
Niagara Falls Blvd Motor Hotel, 1620 Niagara Falls Blvd., postcard (c1930).jpg
Modern Aire Motel, 1346 Sheridan, photo postcard (c1950).jpg
Freddies Rest Tourist Camp, Niagara Falls Blvd, postcard (c1955).jpg
Ellicott Park Court Motel, photo postcard (c1977).jpg
Ellicott Park Court, postcard (1950s).jpg
Elicott Park Court, postcard (c1959).jpg
Cool Crest Motel, 3333 Niagara Falls Blvd., postcard (c1960).jpg
Blue Dolphin Motor Lodge, 1951 Niagara Falls Blvd., postcard (c1960).jpg
Anchorage Motel, 1312 Niagara Falls Blvd., postcard (1950s).jpg
World's Greatest Lumber Market, postcard (c1900).jpg
Weatherbest Shingles Co, playing card (c1925).jpg
W.G. Palmer lumber, illustrated envelope (1904).jpg
W.G. Palmer, Oliver Street, illustrated letterhead (1911-03-13).jpg
View of River Front, postcard (1913).jpg
View of Harbor, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1900).jpg
Unloading Lumber in the Twin Cities, postcard (1908).jpg