Tonawandas postcard set (c1908).jpeg
description: A curious set of postcards of the Tonawandas (with three Tonawanda scenes mislabeled as North Tonawanda). Public Market, North Tonawanda N.Y. Paynes Avenue Junction and North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works Paynes Avenue, North Tonawanda, N.Y. White, Frost & White Dock, North Tonawanda, N.Y. Main Street, North Tonawanda, N.Y. [sic] Delaware and Young Sts., North Tonawanda, N.Y. [sic] Clinton Park and Tonawanda High School, North Tonawanda, N.Y. [sic]

Tied up for winter, canal boats on the Erie Canal, Goose Island, photo (Historical Society of the Tonawandas, c. 1895).jpg
description: ON BACK: CANAL BOATS ON THE ERIE CANAL, TONAWANDA NEW YORK - c. 1895 The photographer is looking east from the Bouck Street canal bridge toward the Seymour Street canal bridge in the background at the right. North Canal Street on Goose Island is on the far side of the boats. At the right is the towpath which ran parallel to South Canal Street. (Article Tonawanda News, 1967-07-01).
date: 1895

N. Tonawanda, Lockport have similar histories, article (Clarence O. Lewis, Lockport Union Sun and Journal, 1957-05-25.jpg
date: 1957-05-25

Woman arrested in raid, article (Tonawanda News, 1935-07-01).jpg
date: 1935-07-01

Sought council action against raids on island, article (Tonawanda News, 1934-07-18).jpg
date: 1934-07-18

Skull broken in quarrel, Joseph Perew, article (Tonawanda News, 1912-05-21).jpg
date: 1912-05-21

Show cause order issued in drive to close resorts, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-04-08).jpg
date: 1936-04-08

Marohn victom of surly gang, Goose Island, article 1 of 2 (Tonawanda News, 1912-08-26).jpg
date: 1912-08-26

Lid clamped down tight on Goose Island by police, article (Tonawanda News, 1933-11-15).jpg
date: 1933-11-15

Investigate graft in vice area here, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-05-13).jpg
date: 1936-05-13

Indictiment of another ex-deputy sheriff sought, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-06-04).jpg
date: 1936-06-04

Goose Island bears deserted appearance, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-03-10).jpg
date: 1936-03-10

Fort Niagara soldiers in fight on Goose Island, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-11-02).jpg
date: 1917-11-02

Disorderly house raided by police, 12 Chestnut, article (Tonawanda News, 1912-09-24).jpg
date: 1912-09-24

Chief Marohn stages raid, takes woman into custody, article (Tonawanda News, 1935-04-24).jpg
date: 1935-04-24

Barge Canal to enter river at Tonawanda Creek's mouth, not Goose Island, article (Tonawanda News, 1910-06-06).jpg
date: 1910-06-06

Attempt made to kill woman, Ada Lynch of Goose Island, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-05-04).jpg
date: 1916-05-04

14 houses in Goose Island section ordered padlocked, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-10-29).jpg
date: 1936-10-29

Tonawanda sheds its blight, article with photos (1966-05-13).pdf
date: 1966-05-13

Chestnut Street, Meet Your Street, article (1969-10).jpg
date: 1969-10

Warren's request refused by Tonawanda alderman, article (Tonawanda News, 1933-11-21).jpg
date: 1933-11-21

Tonawanda OK says sheriff, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-01-26).jpg
date: 1921-01-26

The paper plant, location to Goose Island, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-10-13).jpg
date: 1902-10-13

Sheriff threatens cleanup of Goose Island conditions, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-06-10).jpg
date: 1925-06-10

Seek injunction order against local resorts, Perew property itemized, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-03-11).jpg
date: 1936-03-11

Police chief OKs Goose Island in personal probe, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-06-12).jpg
date: 1925-06-12

Perew's People's Hotel, ad (Tonawanda City Directory, 1903).jpg
date: 1903

Number of saloons decrease in decade, article (Tonawanda News, 1912-10-14).jpg
date: 1912-10-14

Mayor says vice hasn't a chance, Goose Island already reformed, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-01-26).jpg
date: 1921-01-26

Mayor objects to actions by sheriff's men, article (Tonawanda News, 1934-07-16).jpg
date: 1934-07-16

Hoefert warns habitues of Goose Island district, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-03-11).jpg
date: 1936-03-11

Goose Island recalled as "Silk Stocking" district, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-06-13).jpg
date: 1925-06-13

Goose Island probe planned, alleged reason for Sheriff Tyler's wrath, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-06-09).jpg
date: 1925-06-09

Goose Island demolition, photos (c.1966, via BuffaloStories).JPG
date: 1966

Canal made Tonawanda lusty town in 19th Century, article (Tonawanda News, 1959-07-20).jpg
date: 1959-07-20

Boys must keep off Goose Island for 90 days, 41 Tonawanda Street, article (Tonawanda News, 1912-03-18).jpg
date: 1912-03-18

Matthews, Northrup & Co.'s new map of the city of North Tonawanda, Niagara Co., N.Y. (1891).jpg
description: Showing trolley and train routes
date: 1891

History of Erie County, Chapter XL, Town of Tonawanda (pp 412-426, c1883).pdf
date: 1883

George P. Smith of Tonawanda, State Ditch, article (Buffalo News, 1891-06-19).pdf
date: 1891-06-19

Erie Canal flood washes away an acre of land, notice (Boston Recorder, 1843-04-27).jpg
date: 1843-04-27

Era of national speculation laid heavy hand on Tonawandas, article (George W. Millener, Tonawanda News, 1941-10-30.jpg
date: 1941-10-30

Dr. Jesse Locke whips man playing possum at tavern, article (Boston Cultivator, 1843-03-04).jpg
date: 1843-03-04

Downtown Village of Tonawanda, guard lock, map detail (1837).jpg
date: 1837

Ancestry and descendants of Henry Perkins Smith and Christiana (Long) Smith (Compiled 1958).pdf
date: 1958

Agricultural Tour No.4, Tonawanda, article, transcribed (Genesee Farmer and Gardener's Journal, 1837-06-17).pdf
description: AI Summary: This installment of the New York Farmer casts Tonawanda as a rising transport and agricultural hub: its dammed creek feeds the Erie Canal, a new rail line will soon slash the three‑hour boat ride to Buffalo to under one hour, and the deep water anchorage—despite Niagara’s rapids—promises to be a shipbuilding site alongside Black Rock and Whitehaven. The limestone‑rich soils yield 25–30 bushels of wheat per acre for decades without manure (not to mention peas and hay), although local farming still awaits the productivity boost that regular clover sowing and better drainage could bring. Vast stands of oak, walnut, maple and elm fuel Grand Island sawmills, and the Niagara River corridor—from Black Rock through the whirlpool to the glittering expanse of Lake Ontario—offers a succession of truly unrivalled scenic views. With steam power, canal extensions and railroads on the way, the author predicts that Tonawanda is poised to blossom into one of New York’s most prosperous and picturesque regions. AI Transcription: From the New York Farmer. Agricultural Tour. — No. 4. Tonawanda is a small stream flowing into the River Niagara about twelve miles above the Falls. It is dammed at its mouth and is used for several miles as part of the Erie Canal. A considerable village is growing up at the mouth of the river, nearly opposite to Whitehaven on Grand Island; and the timber from Grand Island, destined for the New York and Boston shipyards is here admitted into the Grand Canal. The railroad between Buffalo and Niagara Falls passes through the village; and in future, passengers in the Canal packets will probably disembark here and take the cars to Buffalo by which means a distance, which by water occupies about three hours, will be passed over in less than an hour, three quarters of an hour, will ordinarily be deemed sufficient; a great and most valuable gain to travelers. The river Niagara, at the entrance of the Tonawanda into it, presents deep water and a secure anc…
date: 1837-06-17

Mechanical Man, Perew (left), photo (HST p-7658, c1922).jpg
description: Truck motto reads, "J. A. Dischinger & Son, Tonawanda, N.Y." Joseph Albert Dischinger in 1912 <a href="https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201912%2520Sep-Mar%25201914%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201912%2520Sep-Mar%25201914%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200050.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2ec06ad6%26DocId%3D1953598%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D38%26hits%3D18%2B34%2Baa%2Be0%2B14f%2B162%2B169%2B1a9%2B1af%2B216%2B378%2B3c8%2B3ce%2B60d%2B6c3%2B71c%2B839%2B83d%2B8ce%2B908%2B99b%2Bbfc%2Bdca%2Bde8%2Be5c%2Be69%2Be95%2Bed8%2Beea%2Bfbf%2B1016%2B1040%2B108a%2B1098%2B112c%2B1177%2B117c%2B1186%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201912%2520Sep-Mar%25201914%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201912%2520Sep-Mar%25201914%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200050.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D2ec06ad6%26DocId%3D1953598%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D38%26hits%3D18%2B34%2Baa%2Be0%2B14f%2B162%2B169%2B1a9%2B1af%2B216%2B378%2B3c8%2B3ce%2B60d%2B6c3%2B71c%2B839%2B83d%2B8ce%2B908%2B99b%2Bbfc%2Bdca%2Bde8%2Be5c%2Be69%2Be95%2Bed8%2Beea%2Bfbf%2B1016%2B1040%2B108a%2B1098%2B112c%2B1177%2B117c%2B1186%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false">is an agent for Overland Automobile Agency, 67 Young Street, Tonawanda. Son may be William. 353 Niagara Street, Tonawanda. Has an auto garage at 37 Young in 1914, welding and brazing, "Automobile garage and marine engines...all kinds of machine work." In …
date: 1922

Tonawandas Once Lumber Center, article (Carence O. Lewis, Niagara Falls Gazette, 1965-03-31).pdf
source: 1965-03-31
date: 1965-03-31

Various tokens (c.1965).gal
date: 1965

Tonawanda Island for a fishing and sporting club, article, transcribed (On Dits in Sporting Circles, 1844-04-13).jpg
description: AI Summary: A call for ten or more gentlemen to form a club and purchase Tonawanda Island, a 100‑acre river island eleven miles above the Falls, noted for its fine timber, fruit trees, cultivated land, a luxurious brick villa, excellent shooting and fishing grounds, and clear title—proposed as an exclusive sportsmen’s retreat. AI Transcription: Fishing and Shooting Club.—Cannot a club of ten or more gentlemen be found in this city for the purchase of Tonawanda Island, now advertised for sale or exchange? The island is delightfully situated in Niagara River, eleven miles above the Falls: it contains 100 acres of land, 20 of which are under good cultivation, the remainder being well timbered with a fine growth of oak, walnut, and cedar. There are also upwards of 200 choice fruit‑trees of every description, and numerous grape vines—all from Buel’s Garden, at Albany. On a commanding situation is an elegant brick dwelling house, of two stories, forty feet square, erected in 1839, at an expense of \$15,000, in the most approved style of domestic architecture, furnished in an unusually luxurious and costly manner, with the doors of polished black walnut, window sashes of cherry, \&c.; the rooms are spacious and conveniently arranged, and there are ten large sleeping chambers, with a view of the river from every window. The house is entirely surrounded with a broad and elegant piazza, and at a convenient distance are all the desirable appendages of such a villa, including a fine spring, a gardener’s cottage, stables, bath‑houses, boat‑house, wharves, fishing‑places, \&c. The Island contains fine shooting ground, and the river affords a great variety of fishing—the place being well adapted to the enjoyment of sportsmen. The title is perfectly good, being derived directly from the State of New York. This is the “paradise” referred to by Willis, as “the most beautiful and aristocratic property in this country”—“the best cradle nature could possibly form for the cradle of a lux…
date: 1844-04-13

Tonawanda Island former picnic resort, article, Clarence O. Lewis (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1965-03-24.jpg
date: 1965-03-24

Sad Reversal of Fortunes, Hezekiah Mosby (Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Christian Secretary, 1839-05-17).pdf
description: The article tells the story of Hezekiah Mosby, a Virginia plantation owner who freed his enslaved people, sold his plantation, and used the proceeds to support their relocation and independence. Mosby accompanied some of them to New York, where he helped them settle on farms. However, a series of tragedies struck: a theft of $2,000 in gold left Mosby destitute Researcher James Pellow has fleshed out the story in this post in his Facebook group, The Unearthed History of the Town of Tonawanda.
date: 1839-05-17

Tonawanda Village and Town History, transcription (from History of Buffalo and Erie County, Chapter XL, pp 412-426, 1884).pdf
description: (Illustrations: Urial Driggs and John Simpson) CHAPTER XL HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA History of the Town of Tonawanda First Settlement War of 1812 Post-War Settlement Construction of the Erie Canal Railroads and Infrastructure Tonawanda in the Civil War Formation of the Town of Tonawanda List of Supervisors The Village of Tonawanda Business and Economy Education The Post Office Churches Urial Driggs John Simpson THIS town lies in the northwest part of the county, having Tonawanda creek for its northern and Niagara river for its western boundary. It has an extreme length of six miles from east to west, and an extreme width of five miles from north to south. Its area is about twenty-two square miles, and it is entirely situated in township twelve, range eight, of the Holland Company’s survey, except a strip a mile wide along the river which is in the State reservation described in the general history. The surface of the town is generally level: the soil along the Niagara being a clayey loam, while that of the interior is a sandy loam. Ellicott’s creek runs northwesterly through the town emptying into Tonawanda creek near its mouth. The first settlement was made by Alexander Logan, John King, and John Hershey, who located themselves in the southeast part of the town in 1805. Oliver Standard settled on the Niagara River in 1806, and in the same year John Cunningham, Josiah Guthrie, Ebenezer Coon, Thomas Hannan, and Joseph Hershey located in the town. Henry Anguish came in 1808, making his home near Tonawanda creek, a short distance above the old Tonawanda burying-ground. Robert Van Slyke soon after settled near him. Frederick Buck located on the river, above Standard, in 1809, and not long afterward James Burba made his home still farther up the river, and near the southwest corner of the present town of Tonawanda. In 1811, Henry Anguish opened a tavern, the first in the town, at his residence. Robert Van Slyke also became a landlord, although somewhat later. Duri…
source: https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/VVN001/id/45/
date: 1883

Frontier Beer, label collection (1941).jpg
description: Includes Gold Label Beer, Dan Wertheimer's Old Stock Beer, Bison Pilsener Beer, Malz Brau and Old German labels.
date: 1941

Gazetteer and business directory of Niagara County for 1869 (Wheatfield excerpts) (1869).doc
description: From a collection accessed through FamilySearch.org. Includes a great ad for Tonawanda's "Vincent & McDougall, Receivers and Forwarders of Lumber, Timber, Staves, &c.", and Henry Frost of Somerset. [Partial AI transcription] WHEATFIELD. (Post Office Addresses in Parentheses.) ABBREVIATIONS.—R. Range; T. Township; M. R. Mile Reservation. Albricht, Fred., (Bergholtz,) shoemaker. Anders, Henry, (St. Johnsburgh,) lot 20, T. 12, R. 8, farmer 224½. Anderson, Mary Mrs., (Shawnee,) lot 10, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 96. Ayers, Arthur, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) lot 67, M. R., farmer 100. Ayers, Edward, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) (with Henry,) lot 66, farmer 134. Ayers, Henry, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) (with Edward,) lot 66, farmer 134. BACKER, CONRAD, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) prop. of Backer House. Bailey, Henry A., (Shawnee,) lot 9, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 184. Bare, Daniel, (Shawnee,) lot 10, T. 13, R. 8, farmer leases 50. Bare, Jonas, (Shawnee,) lot 18, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 50. Barnum, Heman A., (Shawnee,) lot 34, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 165. Basinbacker, Henry, (Martinsville,) lot 7, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 43. Batt, John, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) prop. Niagara River Mills. Baumann, Christian, (Martinsville,) lot 20, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 24. Baumhofer, Frederick, (Shawnee,) lot 34, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 50. Bece, Abram, (Bergholtz,) lot 22, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 115. Becke, Wm., (St. Johnsburgh,) lot 28, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 17. Beitz, John, (Martinsville,) lot 16, T. 12, R. 8, farmer 15. Beitz, Wm., (Martinsville,) lot 12, T. 12, R. 8, farmer 50. Belleng, Chas., (Martinsville,) lot 6, T. 12, R. 8, farmer 88. Bellhofer, George, (Tonawanda, Erie Co.,) lot 22, farmer 9. Belling, August, (Martinsville,) lot 12, T. 12, R. 8, farmer 10. Bennett, William C., (Sanborn,) lot 24, R. 8, T. 13, farmer 150. Bernt, August, (Martinsville,) lot 4, T. 15, R. 8, farmer 1. Bettle, Frederick, (St. Johnsburgh,) harness manuf. and farmer 10. Beutel, Christian, (Martinsville,) lot 12, T. 13, R. 8, farmer 50. Beutel, Christian Sen.,…
date: 1869

White Star Hotel, seen from Tonawanda Power Co construction (HST, Archive P-2471, 1928-08-02)
description: From the collection of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas
date: 1928-08-02

Riverside Chemical Company, brochure (c.1958).jpg
description: Company photos and history.
date: 1958

NT Farmers Market (NTmarket.org, c.1911).jpg
date: 1910

Niagara Hudson News - Tonawanda, feature article (1947-05).jpg
description: Power company magazine features Tonawanda's (electricity-boosted) industrial reinvention and wartime conversion, with photos of Richardson boat cruising by power company building, Auto Wheel, Wurlitzer and more.
date: 1947-05

First North Tonawanda settler arrived in 1809, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, Clarence O. Lewis, 1965-03-10).pdf
date: 1965-03-10

Lumber City's early days noted, article (Clarence O. Lewis, Niagara Gazette, 1965-04-07).jpg
date: 1965-04-07

Frederick B. Durkee Memorial Bridge over the Tonawanda Harbor, history presentation (GPI, 2015).pdf
date: 2015

DeGraff expansion, photo (Tonawanda News, 1964-12-31).jpg
date: 1964-12-31

Police and T-NT streaker, photo (1979-11-17)
date: 1979-11-17

Sheriff Tyler warns Tonawanda officials to purge Goose Island at once or county will take hand, article and photos, transcribed (Buffalo Courier, 1925-06-11).pdf
description: Features photos of "disroderly" houses, and an aged Philip Perew. AI Transcription: **General view of Goose Island, Tonawanda.** Sheriff Tyler yesterday conferred with Mayor Warren and Chief of Police Ellicott of Tonawanda and informed them that reported vice conditions on Goose Island must be cleaned up immediately or he would go over their heads and take a hand himself. Chief Ellicott told the sheriff he would co-operate in the clean up, while Mayor Warren asserted he had no authority over the Tonawanda police department and therefore could do nothing. Tyler declared he found the chief of police non-committal regarding conditions on Goose Island. He said the chief feigned ignorance of widespread operations, which the sheriff characterized as "downright immoral." **Must Close Houses.** "I told Chief Ellicott I would wait a reasonable time for him to shut down the twenty or more houses of ill repute said to be open on Goose Island, but I would continue personal investigation of conditions. If there is no improvement within a few days, I will proceed to raid the district until it is absolutely clean. "Never has there been such flagrant activity as is apparent to everybody who visits the island. Women openly solicit on the streets, deputy sheriffs report. "There is no doubt Tonawanda officials have been lax in permitting such conditions to exist. The sheriff's office has been receiving numerous complaints about the island, and generally persons do not appeal to the sheriff for relief unless they have been turned down by local officials. I intend to investigate thoroughly every angle of the Goose Island district affair." Chief of Police Ellicott said he was not aware conditions on Goose Island were as bad as reported, but he would close down every place he found running in violation of the law. **Women Laugh at Cleanup.** A survey of Goose Island yesterday by a reporter revealed there are two streets in which nearly every house contains two or three women wearing gaudy…
date: 1925-06-11

Beechwater, "The Haunted Camp," with 65th regiment, photo article detail (Buffalo Morning Express, 1893-06-25).jpg
date: 1893-06-25

Tonawanda Island settled in 1819, Mile Reserve lots, Daniel Webster - article and transcription (Clarence O. Lewis, Niagara Gazette, 1965-03-17).jpg
description: AI Transcription: --- **Niagara County History:** **Tonawanda Island Settled in 1819** **- IN THIS COLUMN last week we started a series of articles on North Tonawanda. It is our hope that when it completed it may be a concise history of that city which students may find useful in their studies of the Niagara Frontier.** **One aspect of Frontier history that should not be overlooked is that strip of land one mile wide along the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie originally belonging to New York State. "All titles to lots in that mile Reserve were traced back to 1805 when the State Land Office in Albany auctioned the deep lots. They were a mile long and a quarter mile wide. Lots one to 82 are now in Niagara County, and numbers 73 to 82 are in North Tonawanda. Curiously enough due to a lower water level in the river at present, the original lots have gained 10 feet or more in depth because when the Mile Reserve was first surveyed in 1788 the measurements were taken from the water's edge.** **In 1802 under orders from the Federal Government the commander of Ft. Niagara began preparations for the Military Road from Ft. Niagara to Lake Erie. Trees were cut from Lewiston Escarpment to Tonawanda Creek. A dispute between New York State and the Federal Government terminated the road building for a time.** **- LAST WEEK WE mentioned the first settlers and those few early village people from the Village of Niagara to Tonawanda seems to have been gradual progress. Postal records that the first post station there was designated as the P.O. Department by "Morgansville." This was in 1823.** **TONAWANDA ISLAND** **We have mentioned Tonawanda Island which originally "Mile Reserve" like the boundary belonged to New York state. In 1819 James Carly settled on the Island which then became generally known as Carney Island. He hoped to purchase it from the state at a very low price per acre. That was the middle of the settlement of the area incl. the Niagara River as the Internat…
date: 1965-03-17

Tonawanda Island, etching (Sangster, c.1887).jpg
date: 1887

History of Tonawanda Island - Douglas P. Taylor.doc
description: (Radio Show Script Third Draft) BY DOUGLAS P. TAYLOR The Beginnings: Tonawanda Island is an 85-acre island located in the East Branch of the Niagara River off the North Tonawanda shoreline. There is little recorded history about the island prior to the arrival of the French explorer LaSalle, who explored the upper Niagara River in 1669. 1. Original Inhabitants The original Native American inhabitants were the Neuter Indians, also known as the Attawandaron, who left two large mounds—roughly 20 ft high and 40 ft wide on Tonawanda Island. One mound was located on the south end of the island, and one on the north end. The Neuters were predominantly arms traders, selling flint arrowheads, hatchets, knives, and related goods to both the Canadian Hurons and the Iroquois on the U.S. side, along with various fur trade goods. There was also a Neuter mound on Grand Island across from Tonawanda Island. The mounds on Tonawanda Island were excavated by settlers in the period 1820‐1840, and no longer exist. Supposedly they contained many flint shards and some human bones. The Neuter's habit of trading with both the Iroquois and their enemy, the Hurons, angered the Iroquois. Historic Indian records state that the Neuters were “assimilated” by the Iroquois by 1651, which probably means the Neuters were massacred, given the times. The excavation of the Neuter mounds presents us with the first of the two great mysteries about Tonawanda Island. This first mystery is that of the Giant Skulls. Research by local historian and author Mason Winfield for his books about paranormal activity in Western New York turned up a story about two large and bizarre skulls found in one of the Neuter mounds on the island. Winfield relates that the skulls were not only larger than normal for a human but also had a “prominent protruding lower jaw and a canine‐like forehead.” No one seems to know what became of these skulls… 2. Early European Influence In the early 1700s, the French explorer Joncaire appare…

Cartor map of the Genesee, map (1798).jpg
date: 1798

Buffalo Bolt and environs, aerial photo (From War Effort magazine, c.1945).jpg
description: Also shows East Ave, Buffalo Pumps, a few gardens, Oliver Street, Oliver Street Hotel. In the distance: Tonawanda Iron Works and slips that are now Raymond P. Klimek Veterans park / Fisherman's Park, former Gratwick slip boathouses,
date: 1945

Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. Annual Dinner, Chicago, photo (1943-05-07).jpg
date: 1943-05-07

Employees working, Wurlitzer?, photo (from Deborah Gallagher Marshall, c.1945).jpg
date: 1945

Employees eating, Wurlitzer?, photo (from Deborah Gallagher Marshall).jpg
date: 1945

Costly parsonage for Father Letocha, article (Tonawanda News, 1910-07-21).jpg
date: 1910-07-21

Sharp Turn, Auto Wheel, ad (1920).jpg
date: 1920

Gliderole, Buffalo Sled Company, photo (c.2023).jpg
date: 2023

Buffalo Sled C., Gliderole, postcard (c1918).jpg
description: Buffalo's Delaware Park
date: 1918

Auto Wheel Coaster, No. 2, photo (c. 2024).jpg
date: 2024

Auto Wheel, The Day after Christmas, ad (1919).jpg
date: 1919

Auto Wheel, A Happy Boy, ad (1917).jpg
date: 1917

North Tonawanda, description (Biographical and portrait cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York, 1892 (pp.108-110).jpg
date: 1892

Tonawanda Island description, N. P. Willis (Ephemera, Complete Works of N. P. Willis, c. 1850), transcription.jpg
description: Apropos—I observe a spot advertised for sale that I have always looked upon as the most beautiful and aristocratic property in this country—an island cradled by the Niagara, and in itself the best cradle nature could possibly form for the family of a luxurious exclusive. It is about eleven miles above the falls, an arrow-shot from the American shore (with Grand island between it and the Canadas), and contains a hundred acres of land, charmingly wooded and varied, which have been turned into a paradise by one of the most refined gentlemen of this country. A beautiful villa crowns it, and baths, hot-houses, and all appliances to luxury, are there, and all fenced in by the bright water about to rush over Niagara. The island is called Tonawanda—a delicious word for the name of a home. One sighs to think that a little money could buy such a paradise for one’s own.
date: 1850

Acres burned, Weston, article (Lockport Journal, 1894-12-24).jpg
date: 1894-12-24

Buffalo Bolt and environs, aerial photo (From War Effort magazine, c.1945).jpg
date: 1945

Under martial law - The state of affairs in the Tonawandas, article with photos, transcription (Buffalo Morning Express, 1893-06-25)
description: The dispute between unionizing lumber shovers and lumber men has boiled over. Peacekeepers are billeted at the former Stephen White mansion on Tonawanda Island. They (and the press) take to calling the abandoned old building "Camp Haunted." [Transcriptions by AI] **THE LUMBER WAR** **UNDER MARTIAL LAW.** **The State of Affairs in the Tonawandas.** **SCENES ON THE DOCKS.** Photographic Evidence of the Military Occupation of the Big Lumber Suburb The Haunted Camp - The Labor Situation. Buffalo's great lumber suburb of Tonawanda has had a week of military rule. The difficulties between the union and non-union men employed in unloading lumber became so threatening that on the 17th inst. President Stanley of North Tonawanda issued a proclamation warning all persons against assembling for unlawful purposes or disturbing the peace. The Tonawanda and Niagara Falls militia, which had been called out were relieved on Sunday by the 65th Regiment from Buffalo, who have since been on guard. Up to present writing there has been no outbreak, but the presence of the troops is considered necessary to protect the non-union men from assault and intimidation by the union men. A few pictures in this issue give some idea of the state of affairs early in the week. Some of the yards and docks were idle and deserted. At others, the work of unloading barges was carried on slowly by green hands. Everywhere the blue-coats were on guard. The headquarters of the 65th Regiment was at Smith & Fassett's lumber office on Tonawanda Island, the old White Mansion at the head of the island being turned into barracks for the soldiers. This house is one of the historic landmarks on the Niagara. It was built in 1833 by one Stephen White, at a cost of $15,000. The place was called Beechwater, and commanded a beautiful river view. The woodwork is of solid cherry and black walnut, and the marble mantels were imported from Italy. Mr. White's daughter married Fletcher Webster, son of Daniel Webster, and a grand…
date: 1893-06-25

Tonawanda Island, Its Origins and Early Occupants, article and transcription (Buffalo Courier, 1887-10-09).jpg
description: TONAWANDA ISLAND. Its Origin and Early Occupants, Both Red and White. The Famous Murder of One of Its Owners. His Successor's Elegant Mansion, now in Ruins. The Popular Name of One of Its Occupants—White—Webster's Visit. “Ni-ga-we-nah-ha-ba,” signifying "small island," is the name the Senecas gave to Tonawanda Island, which has since been known as White's Island and Wilkeson Island. Over forty years ago N. P. Willis drew this graceful pen-sketch of the little island: "I observe a spot advertised for sale that I have always looked upon as the most beautiful and attractive property in this country, an island cradled by the Niagara, and in itself the best cradle nature would possibly form for the family of a luxurious exclusive. It is about eleven miles above the falls, an arrow-shot from the American shore, with Grand Island between it and the Canadas and contains a hundred acres of land, charmingly wooded and varied, which have been turned into a paradise by one of the most refined gentlemen of this country. A beautiful villa crowns it, and bath-houses and all appliances to luxury are there fenced in by the bright water about to rush over Niagara. The island is called Tonawanda, a delicious word for the name of home. One sighs to think that a little money could buy such a paradise for one's own." Tonawanda Island was once part of the main land, forming a peninsula jutting out sharply into the river, with Tonawanda creek running diagonally across it and emptying into what is now the west channel. The action of the great floods of ice in winter and spring, with the strong current, gradually forced a new channel through this peninsula, cutting off the creek and forming a fresh waterway known as Tonawanda harbor. Evidence of this is the low ground crossing the island in direct line with Tonawanda creek. Here the soil is quicksand to a depth of twelve feet, having high banks of gravel on each side with different strata, indicating beach lines, thus proving that the low st…
date: 1887-10-09

No longer roam house - White mansion torn down, article, transcription (Tonawanda News, 1907-04-08).jpg
description: NO LONGER ROAM HOUSE Ghosts of the Haunted White Mansion Are Now Without a Home. BUILDING IS TORN DOWN Historic Landmark Where Daniel Webster Spent His Honeymoon Razed to the Ground to Make Way for Business. Workmen today are removing the last of the stone and brick foundation of the old White mansion on Tonawanda Island, one of the most interesting of the historic landmarks of the Niagara Frontier. Around the ruins of the old building for the past quarter of a century have clustered a wealth of traditions and romances, and each year's added age has not detracted from the glamor of the tales evolving from its mystic past. It was here that Daniel Webster spent his honeymoon, and within its walls some of the wealthiest of the middle century Americans were entertained with a lavishness that put to shame the social functions at the national capital. In place of the lumber piles and norway alleys that now surround the site, were 50 years ago, and as late as 1850, vineyards of grapes and orchards of peaches, apples and pears. The house was built as the summer home of Stephen White of Boston, Mass., who was president of the Boston Timber Company, and the first lumberman of the Tonawandas. His company owned and operated the first gang saw mill on the river, located opposite the head of the island on Grand Island. Ruins of the docks are still to be seen. The White house is torn down to make room for lumber operations on Tonawanda Island. It was sold last fall to the North Lumber Company by Smith, Bassett and Company. The building was in a fair state of preservation, but increased business demanded its removal. Of late years the place has been known as "The Haunted House," and no families have lived there for about 15 years. Hair-raising tales are told of ghosts who shrieked through the corridors of the building, and ghastly stories related of babes that died at midnight. Sober minds said the noises were the winds howling down the big chimneys to the fire places, with which e…
date: 1907-04-08

Vandervoorts of Sweeney Street, three articles by Jane R. Penvose, transcriptions (Tonawanda News, 1982-05-28).jpg
description: Vandervoorts of Sweeney Street Miss Sarah Vandervoort, age 75, was more than annoyed that September of 1882. A half-sunken canal boat lay in Tonawanda Creek across from her home on Sweeney Street and had been there for some time. "The rafts of timber were bad enough. They were permitted to float sometimes for months, collecting and becoming a great deal of debris, 'nuisance material,' making the air very disagreeable, indeed." Miss Vandervoort complained "loudly and justly" to The Herald which duly reported the above. Sarah's residence stood on Sweeney Street, just left of the center of the Packet Inn's main structure today. It was a large, brick building which Tonawandans referred to as a "mansion." Built in 1836 by her brother, William Vandervoort, it was where he lived with his family, including his mother and his sister Sarah, until his death 22 years later in 1858. Sarah Vandervoort lived in the mansion alone, except for a servant or two, for 30 years following her brother's death. Old maps show the brick building to have been an imposing place. One-and-a-half story wings projected from each side of the main structure which was two-and-a-half stories high. A long, brick, one-story extension ran off the back of the east wing at a very slight angle to the left, directly adjacent to a lane which ran from Sweeney to Tremont Street. The Vandervoorts were a pioneer family of the Tonawandas. The first residents of what was to become the village of North Tonawanda were William Vandervoort, Col. John Sweeney, and the latter's brother-in-law John Vandervoort. Col. John Sweeney, and the latter's brother-in-law John Vandervoort. George Goundry, the uncle of John's first wife, owned three-fourths of the land within what would become the village limits. The older sister of William and Sarah Vandervoort was Moiah Sweeney, the wife of James. Both the Sweeney and the Vandervoort families had come from Mahopac Falls in Putnam County, north of New York City. They came from an are…
date: 1983-05-28

White, Stephen J. (?-?).per
description: Stephen J. White seems to have some suspicion around him regarding the salacious murder of his slave-trading uncle, Captain Joseph White (others eventually confess to plotting the murder). From the Smithsonian: According to one account, Stephen White’s brother-in-law, discovering that Stephen had inherited the bulk of the captain’s estate, “seized White by the collar, shook him violently in the presence of family” and accused him of being the murderer. The president of the East Boston Timber Company enjoyed success in Boston with Noddle's Island, before turning his sights on fine white oak of Grand Island, recently made accessible to the coastal cities by the Erie Canal. From the Harvard Business School Archives: The East Boston Timber Company, a Massachusetts company was incorporated in 1834 and sought to supply New York and New England with ship and other timber, plank, boards, staves, joist, scantling, and all and every other article prepared and manufactured from wood. Associates of the company included James W. Paige, Francis J. Oliver, Gideon Barstow, and President Stephen White. James W. Paige also acted as company treasurer. In 1834, the sawmill town of Whitehaven Mill was established on Grand Island located in the Niagara River as well as a wooded property near Tonawanda Creek. An assortment of wood products was shipped down the Erie Canal to Albany, where they were loaded on sloops and taken down the Hudson and up the coast to Boston harbor. In January 1837, the company hired Jedediah H. Lathrop (1806-1889) to act as their agent and hired two other agents to oversee their business affairs in New York City and Boston. Lathrop, based in Tonawanda, Erie County, New York, represented the absentee owners throughout upstate New York and traveled as far east as Albany arranging financing, appraising the owners about market conditions, and overseeing work at the mill. Increasingly, the company sought financial help through the reduction of tolls on the Erie Canal …
source: Letters of Lathrop, Baker Library Special Collections, Harvard Law Library Records of the East Boston Timber Company, New York State Archives The White Oaks of Grand Island, Clarence C. Picard (WNY Heritage, September 2011) https://windhamnhhistory.org/tag/stephen-white/ A History of East Boston (1858) (no Tonawanda) A Murder in Salem, Smithsonian Magazine, of uncle Joseph White. Prosecutor "Black Dan" Daniel Webster's artful summation said by some to have influenced Poe.
date: 1784

Wurlitzer salespeople, Watch Wurlitzer extend its leadership, photo (Salt Lake City Tribune, 1946-01-07).jpg
date: 1946-01-07

Wurlitzer PianOrchestra, Brill's Hotel, Philadelphia, postcard (1915).jpeg
date: 1915

Wurlitzer letter to U. S. Indian School, letterhead (1931-01-02).jpg
date: 1931-01-02

Wurlitzer Esplanade, postcard (c1940).jpg
date: 1940

Wurlitzer, Ohio, ink drawing (1875).jpeg
date: 1875

Wurlitzer, NT, photo (1956).jpeg
date: 1956

Tonophone, illustration (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Consolidation questions and answers, article (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-14).pdf
date: 1920-06-14

Consolidation is voted down, article (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-15).pdf
date: 1920-06-15

Tonawanda, transcription (pp8-9, Burke's Illustrated Guide to Niagara Falls, 1855).jpg
description: A sufficiently waggish description of the young village of some 2,000 souls, with mention of Cleveland financiers but not the 1830s Bostonians: **TONAWANDA.** We now approach Tonawanda, which is twelve miles from Buffalo. It is situated at the mouth of the creek of the same name, joining the Niagara, directly opposite the widest part of **GRAND ISLAND.** Here the Erie Canal, taking advantage of this noble creek, leaves the river and follows it to Pendleton, about twelve miles distant. Here, also, the traveller on the American shore, is at the widest part of the Niagara River away from her British Majesty's dominions, with all the accompanying fancies of Thrones, **CROWNS AND SCEPTRES.** Tonawanda lies on both sides of the creek; is a pleasant village, containing some two thousand inhabitants and derives its name from the Indian of *swift running water,* which term is rather mysterious, the Creek being very deep and sluggish. This village in the years '48 and '9, also put up pretensions to cope with Buffalo. The Merchants of Cleveland, jealous of the prosperity of the "Queen City," under pretense of want of sufficient harbor room, came boldly out and published a plan to make Tonawanda the port for the discharge of Western produce intended for the Eastern market. They soon erected elevators, wharves, &c., but without any apparent disadvantage to Buffalo. There is here a dam of eighty-four feet in width which, at the same time that it benefits the Canal, produces a very interesting fall or cascade. It is crossed by a long wooden bridge on which the railroad to Niagara Falls runs. The lowness of Tonawanda, and sluggishness of its creek, will always make it a prosperous place for rheumatism and ague, and most fit for a speculation in **BURIAL GROUNDS.**
date: 1855

Mansion house and Indian Mound on Tonawanda Island, map detail (1837).jpg
description: Stephen White's Beechwater.
date: 1837

Burke's Illustrated Guide to Niagara Falls, book (1855).jpg
description: Wry sketches of locales on the tourist's path through the forests of Buffalo-Niagara.
date: 1855

Buffalo Sled Company correspondence on axle replacement for Auto Wheel Coaster (1920).jpg
description: In response to Frank B. Diehl's complaint about a flawed axle for a Number 33 Auto Wheel Coaster, the Buffalo Sled Company sent a replacement axle and requested the return of the broken one for inspection. Upon examination, they found no manufacturing flaw, attributing the damage to severe external impact likely from rough usage. They upheld their charge for the replacement, citing the durability of their materials and lack of prior defects, while expressing their willingness to address genuine issues responsibly. Transcriptions: --- Jan. 12, 1920. Mr. Frank B. Diehl, Defiance, Ohio. Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of January 9th, will say that we are sending under separate cover one front axle for a Number 33 AUTO WHEEL COASTER. As to your remarks relative same being billed free of charge, will ask that you kindly return the broken axle to us, and if upon examination here, we find there is an actual flaw in this article, we will be only too glad to send you a credit memorandum. We are asking you to return the axle for the reason that we have up to this time failed to find a single flaw in any of this material, and if the article in question is flawed we desire to take this up with the proper department with a view of avoiding similar cases. In the mean-time, therefore, we are billing on you for the axle in question, and if on return of the broken axle, same is found to be defective, we will promptly send you credit-memorandum. Thanking you for calling our attention to this, we are, Yours very truly, THE BUFFALO SLED COMPANY --- Here is the transcription of the second letter: --- Jan. 28, 1920. Mr. Frank B. Diehl, Defiance, Ohio. Dear Sir: With further reference to your letter of the 9th, and ours of the 12th, relative axle for #33 AUTO WHEEL COASTER. The axle in question was duly received this A.M. by us, and upon careful examination, we fail to find any flaw existed, but on the other hand, we are inclined to believe the wagon upon which this axle was used, came …
date: 1920

Two holdup men caught, Ironton youths, article 1 of 2 (Tonawanda News 1919-10-03).jpg
date: 1919-10-03

North Tonawanda Land Company ad (Tonawanda News, c.1893).jpg
date: 1893

More houses in the manufacturing district, Ironton Land Co., article (Buffalo Courier, 1895-06-12).jpg
date: 1895-06-12

Meeting of North Tonawanda's Big Land Company, article (Buffalo Courier, 1895-06-13).jpg
date: 1895-06-13

Oliver, Francis J. (1777 - 1858).per
description: North Tonawanda's "Oliver Street" is named for Francis J. Oliver, a Harvard grad and freemason born in 1777. It's unknown if he ever set foot here, but he had business interests here: In 1833 he is a member of the East Boston Timber Company. The firm (led by Stephen White from his Tonawanda Island headquarters) purchases the majestic, ancient white oak of Grand Island to be used in building ships in New England. The street first appears in this 1837 map: more than fifty years before the Avenues were laid out. Early Life and Education Born: October 10, 1777, in Boston. Education: Graduated from Harvard College in 1795 at the age of 18. Background: Descendant of the Huguenot tradition, great-grandson of Antoine Oliver who fled from France under Louis XIV's persecutions. Career Real Estate: He was a principal stockholder in the East Boston Timber Co., incorporated on March 28, 1834. The company's purpose was to saw and prepare timber in East Boston. The headquarters were on Tonawanda Island, North Tonawanda. Streets in Tonawanda and Whitehaven were named after members of the timber company, including Oliver Street (See 1837 map). One of the original purchasers of Noddle's Island. Mount Auburn Cemetery: One of the originators of this notable cemetery. Business: Entered the shipping and commission business with various partners, including Oliver and Proctor, and later Cornelius Coolidge. His ventures included international trade covering ports in France, Portugal, the West Indies, and the Spanish Main. War of 1812: Notably manned a boat with armed men to recapture a brig from an American privateer. Insurance: Co-founded the American Insurance Company, serving as its president for 18 years. Banking: Became an agent for the English banking house, Morrison and Cryder, in 1836. Public Service City and State Roles: President of the Boston Common Council, state representative, and held various municipal offices. Military: Ensign and later lieutenant in the Boston Light Infantr…
source: Profile on masonicgenealogy.com Meet Your Street, Willard B. Dittmar
date: 1777

Chart of Tonawanda Harbor, with villages of Tonawanda and Whitehaven (1837).jpg
description: Map prepared for East Boston Timber Company, who had holdings on Grand Island, Tonwanda Island and more. Some of the features may be imaginary or planned. Many interesting details, including residence of a Grimard (near Pettit Creek): Gustavus Grimard of Niagara County owns land in Michigan according to this 1837 U.S.General Land Office note Gustavus Grimard shows up in Buffalo in the 1860 Census at 44 as a "Liquor Dealer" w family French-born 1816 Amos Pettit in 1860s has a case precedent describing transfer from Joshua Pettit to Gustavus Grimard. "Anguish" also mentioned. (Arthur?) Tweddale appears around where Payne will settle, and has a "lane." Payne's Hill is shown. Side lock and guard lock on the canalnin Tonawanda. High-res
source: https://www.raremaps.com/gallery/detail/88498
date: 1837

Will break ground for new church in Ironton Sunday, OLC, article Tonawanda News, 1927-09-28).jpg
date: 1927-09-28

Several deaths from influenza, 3 in Ironton, article (Tonawanda News, 1918-10-11).jpg
date: 1918-10-11

Going to Ironton, 18 acres of Carr farm purchased by Plumb, Burdick and Barnard nut and bolt works, article (Buffalo Courier, 1891-08-08).jpg
date: 1891-08-08

Fine laboratory at the iron and steel works, article (Buffalo Courier, 1896-07-06).jpg
date: 1896-07-06

Dom Polski-sponsored tax gathering to be interpreted in Polish, article (Tonawanda News, 1935-05-31).jpg
date: 1935-05-31

Whiskey still boils over and firemen are summoned, Ironton, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-09-09).jpg
date: 1921-09-09

River Road and Wheatfield, Ironton section, map detail (1886) .jpg
date: 1886

Ransomville farmer trades for Ironton moonshine, fined, article (Tonawanda News, 1931-09-01).jpg
date: 1931-09-01

Quarantine is being broken, what can we expect of Ironton, article (Tonawanda News, 1919-11-12).jpg
date: 1919-11-12

Organ-grinder's monkey harrassed in Ironton, article (Buffalo Express, 1898-07-03).jpg
date: 1898-07-03

Objected to cow grazing on lawn, Ironton, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-07-21).jpg
date: 1917-07-21

Mention of maps filed at Niagara County Clerk, article (1897-12-13).jpg
date: 1897-12-13

Ironton Athletic Club, School No.7 gymnasium, article (Tonawanda News, 1933-01-13).jpg
date: 1933-01-13

Former Hungarian Church, 1st and Oliver, photos (Dennis Reed Jr, 2008).jpg
description: Some night photos of the 1910 former church.
date: 2008

Former Baptist church Oliver, becomes first OLC, photo (1903).jpg
date: 1903

Five new cases from Ironton, article (Tonawanda News, 1919-11-12).jpg
date: 1919-11-12

Fifty gallon still seized - 15th ave, article (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-10).jpg
date: 1920-06-10

Child not born with two heads, Ironton, article (Tonawanda news, 1921-10-20).jpg
date: 1921-10-20

Car burglar shot dead by railroad detective, Ironton Pole, article (Tonawanda News, 1914-06-04).jpg
subject: 1914-06-04
date: 1914-06-04

Avenues (Ironton), map detail (1893).jpg
date: 1893

20 boys nabbed for damage to Ironton school, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-09-03).jpg
date: 1925-09-03

A History of the Riviera Theatre (by Bob Sieben) (c.1989)
description: A history prepared by Bob Sieben Billed as the "Showplace of the Tonawandas", the Riviera Theatre was built during the year 1926, by the Yellen Family. The architects Leon H. Lempart and Son drew the plans, which were patterned after the Italian Renaissance. The interior artwork was painted at the Rochester Studio of Willard M. Lusk, by Ferdinand Kebely. The Wurlitzer Organ to be installed in the new Theatre, Opus 1524 was shipped from the Wurlitzer Factory on November 19, 1926. Listed as a Model 235 Special, the organ differed from a standard 3 manual 11 rank Model 235, by substituting an Oboe Horn rank of pipes from the standard Salicional pipes usually found on this model. Other differences included the omission of the standard remote Piano, and a 5 H.P. blower instead of the 7-1/2 H.P. The console was painted and decorated to harmonize with the Theatre’s interior, by Wurlitzer’s Band Organ Artist. Opening night, Thursday, December 30, 1926 of the New RIVERA (as it was spelled then) was a ‘gala event’ in the Tonawandas. Advance reservations for opening night cost $1.00. Present on this special evening, were the Mayors of both Tonawandas. From the stage, Mayor James P. Mackenzie of North Tonawanda, praised the President of the Ownership Corporation of the Theatre, Henry Henshel, and the Theatre’s Manager, James J. Kelly. Messages of Congratulation of the Grand Opening were received from Governor Alfred E. Smith, and famous movie producer Cecil B. Demille. Featured on the screen, were the movies "Upstage" starring Norma Shearer, "The Mona Lisa", in Technicolor, a short comedy, and the newsreel. Organist Fred Meyer accompanied the films and soloed at the Mighty Wurlitzer. The stage featured vaudeville and musical events, as well. During the depression years, the theatre became a Shea’s Theatre, and the name was changed from "New Rivera" to "Shea’s Riviera". The organ was extensively used for the first seven years, and featured organists All Bollington, "Dusty" Rhode…
date: 1989

Buffalo Bolt, Buffalo Pumps, Gilmore School, etc., aerial photo postcard (Daniel Kancar, c1947).jpg
date: 1947

Leading business men of twin cities urge voters to ratify consolidation, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-14).jpeg
description: ### LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF TWIN CITIES URGE VOTERS TO RATIFY CONSOLIDATION **Henry B. Koenig, Hardware Merchant, and Henry P. Smith, Banker, Take Firm Stand in Favor of Uniting Tonawandas** **DON’T SEE HOW MERGING COULD POSSIBLY DO HARM TO ANYONE** **Best Thing That Could Happen to Tonawandas and Real Benefit to Every Citizen** Two leading citizens, one a resident of Tonawanda and the other a resident of North Tonawanda, present to the voters of the Twin Cities today a number of good reasons why the Tonawandas should vote "Yes" on consolidation tomorrow. They say business men know that consolidation will be a good thing for the Twin Cities, therefore, are largely for it. Business men also realize from their business experience that it would be cheaper to operate a single city government than two as at present and the voters are told why this is so. Tonawandans, who have the best interests of the Twin Cities at large at heart are urged by these two prominent citizens to go to the polls tomorrow and go on record in favor of uniting the Tonawandas. I have been giving a good deal of thought to the subject of consolidation because I think it is a matter of very great importance to everybody in either city," said Henry P. Smith, president of the First Trust Company, to a NEWS representative today when asked for an expression on consolidation. "These cities have a wonderful period of growth ahead of them if the people who live here will do the right thing and make the most of the opportunities there are here, but neither a city nor a business can succeed unless it is ready to give up worn out methods and adopt new policies that are necessary to success. There is no sense in letting a canal divide us and keep us from pulling together. If we won’t cooperate we don’t deserve to succeed and we won’t." "Lockport has the very same canal running through it, but it makes no difference at all because they are one city. We ought to have a city twenty times as big as Lockport, becau…
date: 1920-06-14

Woman's form floats in air, article (Rome Daily Sentinel, 1920-04-09).jpg
date: 1920-04-09

Owner of haunted house has many tenders of help, article (Batavia Daily News, 1920-04-19).jpg
date: 1920-04-19

Many seek glimpse of ghost at Falls, article (Buffalo News, 1920-10-10).jpg
date: 1920-10-10

Laying the ghost, article and transcription (Niagara Gazette, 1920-04-07).jpg
description: W. N. Y. News Laying the Ghost. Tonawanda, April 7. – Anthony Ross was brought into the police court yesterday to show cause why he should not be ejected from No. 411 Main street, where he and his family had been living. He was served with a three-day notice last week, but failed to comply with it. While at the police station, he told a story about some person being in his house one night three weeks ago and that the person escaped without being caught. This gave birth to the story that the ghostly figure alleged to have been seen by a number of persons on Delaware street in the vicinity of Elmlawn cemetery a month ago had moved into North Tonawanda. Ross denied the ghost story yesterday afternoon, but still holds that some person wearing black clothing visited his home one night last month. In court this morning, it was announced that Ross had moved and no further action was taken. Ross was forced to store his furniture as he was unable to find a house to move into. The police brand the ghost story a fake.
date: 1920-04-07

Ghost story part of a merger propaganda, article (Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, 1920-06-15).jpg
date: 1920-06-15

Herschell-Spillman improved riding gallery postcard.jpg

Richardson Boats demolition, photo set (Dennis Reed Jr, 2024-06-12).jpg
date: 2024-06-12

Buffalo Express pictorial, 1891, article and partial transcription.pdf
description: ### Summary of Topics in the Document 1. **Tonawanda Island Lumber District**: - Described as a premier location for lumber storage and distribution. - Advantages of its compact arrangement and easy accessibility for buyers. 2. **W. H. Sawyer Lumber Company**: - Detailed history and growth of the company. - Emphasis on their specialization in high-quality white pine and significant annual lumber handling. 3. **State Bank**: - Role in supporting local commercial and manufacturing activities. - Overview of the bank's growth and key personnel. 4. **Lumber Exchange Bank**: - Its importance to the local economy. - Expansion and relocation to a new building to accommodate growing business needs. 5. **George F. Rand, Banker**: - George F. Rand’s contributions to banking in North Tonawanda. - Description of his new banking office and its facilities. 6. **Jackson Lumber Company**: - Recognition as the largest producer of pine timber in the state. - Description of their advanced facilities and operations. 7. **Tonawanda Lumber Company**: - Historical background and current operations. - Details on their significant annual output and involvement in pine lands. 8. **Tonawanda Iron and Steel Company**: - Revival and modernization of the Niagara River Furnace in Ironton. - Plans for becoming a leading single-stack plant in the country. 9. **General Industrial Growth**: - Overview of the rapid industrial and commercial growth in North Tonawanda. - Developments in infrastructure, including electric power plants and water works. 10. **J. S. Bliss & Co.**: - One of the oldest firms in North Tonawanda. - Their significant role in the shingle and round pine timber market. - Description of their operations and facilities. ### J. S. Bliss & Co. - **History and Operations**: The firm began manufacturing shingles in 1876 and has grown significantly since. They handle large quantities of round pine timber, masts, spars, piles, and sawmill timber. - **Production Capacity**: Their mill can pr…
date: 1891

16-18 Webster, postcard detailm (c1910).jpg
date: 1910

Invitation to Hunt a Ghost, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-04-14).jpg
description: **INVITATION TO HUNT A GHOST** **August Kumm Urges People to Visit Alleged Haunted House.** **KEY AT POLICE STATION** Bed Set up in Dwelling for Accommodation of Any Who Care to Spend a Night There—Preparations Made to Handle Rush of Applicants. Anyone who wants to go ghost hunting can be accommodated by calling at the North Tonawanda police station. A key to the alleged haunted house at No. 411 Main street has been left there by the owner, August Kumm, along with a standing invitation to Tonawandans to spend a night at the dwelling. Kumm has taken this step in an effort to refute the ghost stories which have been told about his former home here, which he charges were the outgrowth of a conspiracy to cause him to dispose of his property at a sacrifice. Kumm declares, however, the plan has failed. Word was also left at police headquarters by Kumm that he has set up a bed in the dwelling for the accommodation of anyone who desires to put a night in there. Kumm told the police that he spent several nights there, but the alleged ghost never bothered him. Anticipating a rush of applicants to visit the supposed haunted house, the police are preparing to compile a list and it will be a case of first come, first served.
date: 1920-04-14

Ghost hunting in the Twin Cities, article (Lockport Union-Sun and Journal, 1920-04-12).jpg
date: 1920-04-12

Ghostbreaker is eager to tackle Tonawandas' jobs, article and transcription (Buffalo Express, 1920-04-12).jpg
description: **GHOSTBREAKER IS EAGER TO TACKLE TONAWANDAS' JOBS** No amateur, he explains to the police—Boasts Buffalo as his home. **LANDLORD IS ANNOYED** Tolerates no more adventurers as he will move into the house himself. Special to The Buffalo Express. Tonawanda, April 11.—"If there is a ghost in the Elmlawn cemetery it should be captured." That was the statement made here last night by George Lake of Buffalo, a lake pilot, who has set out to round up the one reported to have been seen near the cemetery on Delaware avenue. Lake says that just as soon as the ghost at Elmlawn has been found he will go to North Tonawanda and make short work of the one that is alleged to have appeared in a house there. Late last night the telephone at the Tonawanda police station rang and Desk Sergeant Edward Marohn answered. A man's voice asked for information relative to the ghost story. The caller declined to give his name but said that he was no amateur in the running down of ghosts and that he would take the Tonawanda ghost story up at once. Sergeant Marohn thought that the stranger was joking and gave the matter no further thought. About 2 o'clock this morning, while Sergeant August F. Pohl was standing at Delaware and Young streets, a stranger approached and told him that he was the person who had called the police station relative to the ghost at Elmlawn. He said his name was George Lake of Buffalo. He said he walked from Buffalo to Elmlawn cemetery and had sat on a tombstone there for two hours but saw no sign of the reported ghost. Becoming tired, he walked to Tonawanda to secure information relative to the North Tonawanda ghost. After spending a half hour there he started back up Delaware street toward Elmlawn cemetery, where, he said, he wouldn remain until daylight. While here, Lake said he formerly lived in Lockport and that some years ago he saw a ghost near a Lockport cemetery. He armed himself with a shotgun, secured a horse and rode past the cemetery. The ghost appeared and he…
date: 1920-04-12

Twin City Style Shop, ad (Tonawanda News, 1942-04-29).jpg
date: 1942-04-29

Second Twin City fire loss is $5000, article (Tonawanda News, 1932-03-24).jpg
date: 1932-03-24

Max H. Schroeder & Co.'s Fancy and Staple Groceries, 16 Webster, ad (1893).jpg
date: 1893

Blaze causes $200 damages, 16 Webster, article (Tonawanda news, 1925-11-26).jpg
date: 1925-11-26

$1500 damage done by blaze, Easter chicks destroyed, 16 Webster, article (Ton News, 1925-03-31).jpg

Ghost hunting is all the rage, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-04-12).jpg
description: **GHOST HUNTING IS ALL THE RAGE** **Cold Not Spirits Drive Buffalo Trio Out of "Haunted House."** **VIGIL ON A TOMBSTONE** Vessel Pilot Lays in Wait in Elmlawn Cemetery for "Angel" that Fails to Appear—Claims to be an Expert at Solving Such Mysteries. "Can you direct me to that haunted house of which we have heard so much about lately?" inquired a man of Sergeant A. D. Smith of the North Tonawanda police force Saturday night. The man told the officer that he was Jack McGee of Buffalo. He was accompanied by two other men. The trio stated that they had secured a key to the building and intended to remain there over night in an attempt to solve the mystery of the reported frequent appearance of a ghost there recently. The officer took a lively interest in the quest of the men and directed them to the house at No. 411 Main street, where Anthony Ross, his family and several boarders lived until they claimed to have been frightened into leaving a week ago by the appearance of ghost on two successive nights. The men carried blankets for their temporary lodging and expressed determination to solve the mystery. Shortly after 2 o'clock the trio reappeared at headquarters. They said that the supernatural visitor failed to appear up to 2 o'clock. They considered that a late enough hour for any ghost to appear and, as they were almost frozen during their sojourn in the building, decided to stay no longer. George Lake of Buffalo, who claims to be a vessel pilot, has instituted a search for the angel seen in the vicinity of Elmlawn and Mt. Olivet cemeteries. Lake sat on a tombstone in the cemetery Saturday night waiting for the angel to appear but his stay was in vain. He says he is going to keep up his vigil until satisfied that the angel has left for other parts. Lake also expects to go to the house at No. 411 Main street to capture the ghost reported there. He claims to be an expert ghost hunter, having recently captured one near a Lockport cemetery which turned out to be a man…
date: 1920-04-12

Graveyards are giving up their dead, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-12).jpg
description: **GRAVEYARDS ARE GIVING UP DEAD** Ghosts Seen Last Night in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. **IS RESURRECTION ON?** Unmistakable Apparitions Reported Seen by Responsible Citizens—Buffalo Spiritualists Are Interested and Come Here to Investigate. Two ghosts made their appearance in North Tonawanda last night and, consequently, the mystery surrounding the presence here of these spirit beings grows deeper. The fact that the apparitions are said to have been seen by leading citizens lends credence to the stories. The ghosts last night were seen on Bryant street in North Tonawanda near the place where a ghost was seen the previous night, and on Main street in Tonawanda near Park avenue. The ghost stories are attracting so much attention that Buffalo spiritualists came here today to investigate. They were headed by Mrs. George Geyer of No. 1032 E. Ferry street. The spiritualists said the ghost seen some nights ago on Delaware street, near Elmlawn, was discovered through a seance to be the spirit of Norman Baker of Buffalo, who was murdered on the Rasminger road in the town of Tonawanda last September. The spiritualists propose to hold a seance to determine the identity of the ghosts seen here. The North Tonawanda ghost last night took on the appearance of an Indian. It had feathers on its head, long flowing hair, an abnormally large ... (Continued on Page Four) --- **GRAVEYARDS ARE GIVING UP DEAD** (Continued from Page One) face, long hands but no feet. The apparition was draped in a white robe thrown over its shoulders, through which could be seen the outline of a skeleton. The Tonawanda ghost had the form of the statue of Liberty. It was a transparent figure and appeared to float off the ground. When pursued, the ghost turned on its would-be captors, and the latter took to their heels. [Editor's note: This next paragraph is mostly illegible]. Spiritualists who came here to investigate the stories, today questioned persons who are said to have seen the ghosts. They said a…
date: 1920-06-12

Prominent men went gunning for those ghosts, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-16).jpg
description: **Prominent Men Went Gunning For Those Ghosts** Never again will any resident of the Tonawandas believe ghost stories. They are all cured after realizing the manner in which they were "taken in" on the recent stories circulated as propaganda in the consolidation campaign. Hereafter, it will be a case of "seeing is believing" and "I'm from Missouri." Promoters of the propaganda decline to state the names of prominent residents who went gunning for the "ghosts," but declare there was a large number of them. Instigators of the scheme mingled among the hunters for the spirits and had a good time out of it.
date: 1920-06-16

Ghost caught, learn identity, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-14 201206).jpg
description: **GHOST CAUGHT, LEARN IDENTITY** **Spirit of Tonawanda Going to Join That of North Tonawanda.** **BOTH VANISH FOREVER** Words of Advice on Disappearing are to Vote in Favor of Consolidation Tomorrow—Mystery That Aroused Tonawandas and Vicinity Solved. The ghost mystery of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda has been solved. Volunteer searching parties after two nights of relentless vigil, were rewarded by the reappearance of the ghost Sunday night shortly after midnight. According to the police, there were more than twenty curiosity searchers on the watch in and about local cemeteries. Descriptions given to the NEWS by eye-witnesses of the ghost capture differ widely but all seem to agree that the ghosts actually came out of the ground like heavy white smoke and gradually took form. When surrounded, the ghost in Tonawanda hovered about two feet above the ground. (Continued on Page Four (Continued from Page One) ... and suddenly began to utter sounds [???] in the [???] What the ghost said was described to be as follows: "Do not be afraid to do your duty by your city and by your fellow men. X X X X you have found the memory of an ? with travel? for I am the spirit of your? X X village of Tonawanda. Mark you, men of the west?, Tonawanda is giving up her ghost never to be seen again. X X governments at Washington, by X X magistrates at Albany and our governments in all the great cities of the land than to burden X X Greater Tonawanda with double tax load which our people can little afford. Therefore, I say unto you, go to the polls and vote 'yes' on Tuesday. Vote yes or pay the price. The ghost Tonawanda departs to join the ghost of North Tonawanda. We vanish to make way for consolidation together. Vote YES." Thus, the greatest mystery in the history of the Tonawandas, which agitated nation wide interest for the past few days is explained.
date: 1920-06-14

Ghost, angel advertise city, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-04-09).jpg
description: **GHOST, ANGEL ADVERTISE CITY** **Tonawandas Are Receiving Much Notoriety from Weird Stories.** **ARE STILL UNCAPTURED** Special Writer Sent Here by Nearby Newspaper Secures Material for Sensational Article—Man Who Saw Ghost Reported Critically Ill. It will not be necessary for the Chamber of Commerce to spend $15,000 advertising the Tonawandas if they have a few more ghost stories and visits from angels. The Twin Cities are securing many thousands of dollars' worth of advertising throughout the country as the result of newspaper circulation to date of these weird tales. The unusual situation has been given so much prominence that a few days ago a special writer from a nearby newspaper was sent here to conduct an investigation to culminate in the writing of a feature article on the Tonawandas ghosts and angels. Although efforts were made in some quarters to discredit the presence of a good newspaper story, the writer left the impression when he departed that sufficient material had been secured around which to build a sensational article. A number of persons, too, have come here from other cities for the purpose of spending a night in the dwelling on Main street, which is supposed to be the habitation of a ghost. Promises have been made that the ghost would be captured but, so far as is known, the alleged spiritual being is still at large. It was reported today that one of the men who saw the ghost had been made critically ill as the result.
date: 1920-04-09

Seven-foot ghost is too speedy for crowd of pursuers, article and transcription (Buffalo Express, 1920-06-12).jpg
description: **Seven-foot ghost is too speedy for crowd of pursuers** Makes for wood when chased in North Tonawanda—Thought to be a woman. Special to The Buffalo Express North Tonawanda, June 11—Another ghost is reported to have been seen in North Tonawanda this time in the vicinity of the North Tonawanda high school on Falconer street. The alleged ghost was seen shortly before midnight last night, but attempts to capture it were of no avail. The apparition disturbed a number of residents of Falconer street by appearing before the window and was in the vicinity of Mayor [unclear] home. It is reported the police were notified, but the officers did not arrive on the scene to see the ghost. The ghost is said to have been a figure about seven feet tall, dressed in white, but had no wings. A number of people took after the apparition and it bested them by going into the woods east of Falconer street. A party of residents of the school district have arranged to be on the lookout for the ghost and have armed themselves with shotguns. This was the third time that the ghost has been seen in the Tonawandas. The authorities are of the opinion that the ghost is some woman dressed in white to frighten friends.
date: 1920-06-12

See an angel near cemetery, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-03-20).jpg
description: **SEE AN ANGEL NEAR CEMETERY** **Form of Woman with Long Hair and Flowing White Garments.** **DRIFTED ACROSS STREET** Local Restaurant Proprietor and Wife Startled by Apparition in Vicinity of Mt. Olivet - Came Out of Orchard at Side of Road. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Voetsch of the White Elephant restaurant at No. 76 Whites street claim to have seen the apparition of an angel on Delaware street, a short distance south of Mt. Olivet cemetery, while returning home from Buffalo in their automobile a few nights ago. "I was driving home from attending Shea's theatre in Buffalo and was nearing the cemetery when the form of a woman with wings, long flowing hair and dressed in long white garments appeared from a small orchard on the east side of the roadway and drifted across the road about forty feet ahead of my car," said Mr. Voetsch this morning. Mr. Voetsch slowed down his car to prevent hitting the figure and called the attention of his wife, who was in a drowse. Mrs. Voetsch became so excited over the affair that she was unable to sleep during the remainder of the night. Mr. Voetsch stated that the form disappeared after reaching the opposite side of the street.
date: 1920-03-20

Haunted house of Tonawanda creation of distorted mind, article and transcription (Niagara Gazette, 1920-04-12).jpg
description: **HAUNTED HOUSE OF TONAWANDA CREATION OF DISTORTED MIND** So Say Mr. and Mrs. Kumm of This City, Owners of Building Around Which Is Woven Ghostly Stories Told For Purpose. There may have been an apparition of an angel or some other sort of a ghostly form seen in the so-called "haunted house" at No. 411 Main street, Tonawanda, a short time ago but August Kumm, a carpenter and owner of the house, who lives at No. 640 Twenty-second street, this city, says there is nothing to the report whatever. Ever since Anthony Ross, former renter of the house, left the premises hurriedly one week ago today, bag and baggage, with a statement that he had seen the form of an angel floating through one of the rooms in the house during the dead of night, Mr. Kumm has made it his business to either watch the house in person or hire a man to stay there all night in an effort to determine whether or not an apparition really is appearing during the night in any part of the house. "I went down to Tonawanda last Thursday evening," said Mr. Kumm today, "just to see for myself what there is to this report. A friend of mine stayed in the house with me until nearly 2:30 o'clock in the morning but we never saw a thing or heard any sound. Not satisfied with watching the house that night I went down again Saturday night and kept constantly on the lookout until 2 a.m. Did I see or hear anything? Not on your life, everything was as quiet as a mouse in the house. However, I am having the house watched nightly for I think there is something back of all this." "What do you think is really back of all these ghostly reports?" a representative of the Gazette asked. "Just this," replied the owner. "Soon after Ross vacated the house I received several calls from someone in Buffalo who told me that he wanted to purchase the house. He would not give me his name or tell me where he lived. That set me to thinking that somebody is trying to get hold of the property cheap. Another time, I got a call over the teleph…
date: 1920-04-12

Ghost causes flight of six, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-04-06).jpg
description: **GHOST CAUSES FLIGHT OF SIX** **Desert Dwelling After Spiritual Being Makes Second Appearance.** **APPEARANCE OF WOMAN** Arrival on Both Occasions is Accompanied by Noise Like Blowing of Wind—Covers Are Carried Off Bed—Vanishes Through Ceiling. Another ghost, angel or some spiritual being has made its appearance here and this time the matter has been called to the attention of the police, which resulted in Anthony Ross giving up his boarding house at No. 111 Main street and fleeing with his wife and seven boarders to the West End Hotel, leaving behind all their household effects. According to Ross, the ghost made its first appearance at his house on Saturday night between 1 and 2 o’clock. Describing the case to the investigating police, Ross said the noise like the blowing of wind and a movement of air in the room that caused the bed covers to be removed accompanied the arrival of the apparition, causing his awakening. He said the ghost was in the form of a woman robed in a white bridal veil and that it did not appear to walk, but floated. Ross said he was horrified to such an extent by the apparition that he ran out of the room for the remaining night. It then vanished through the ceiling. Ross, believing that Ross had been drinking or was “seeing things,” one of the boarders said he would spend Sunday night in the room and watch, but the ghost again appeared between 1 and 2 o’clock in the same manner as the night before, but was not seen by the boarder. Ross testifies that he saw the same thing as Ross, stating that he was not under the influence of liquor, but had never been more sober in his life. He believes the house is haunted by some supernatural force in such condition that the boarders all fled and the ghost vanished. The declaration to be made may not have been sufficient to shield the boarder or the house but there was no hesitancy in the leaving of the keys to any person who desires to discover the cause of the visitation which he said he did not fear.
date: 1920-04-06

Another ghost is seen here, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-06-11).jpg
description: **ANOTHER GHOST IS SEEN HERE** Vanishes in Air When Surrounded and About to Be Captured. **ALSO APPEARS AT WINDOW** Entire Community in Vicinity of Sweeney Cemetery is Aroused by Appearance of Apparition—Motorcycle Policeman Corroborates Story. North Tonawanda has a ghost. It was seen late last night on Falconer street in the vicinity of the high school building. Among those who saw the apparition were C. Roy Phillips, Elmer A. Arenz, and several Buffalo automobilists. Their story is corroborated by Motorcycle Policeman Fred C. Sprenger. The ghost is described as about seven feet in height, dressed in flowing creamy white robes and had the appearance of having its wings clipped off. It floated over past the high school building from the direction of Sweeney cemetery at 11:30 o'clock last night. There were a number of persons abroad, on account of the pleasant evening, and several set in pursuit of the ghost. They had surrounded it in the middle of Falconer street and were about to seize the apparition when it vanished in the air. It was also reported today that during the night a resident of Falconer street caught sight of apparently the same ghost. S. M. Knapp was aroused by the rattling of his bedroom window, as if a hard wind was blowing, and on peering out saw the form of the ghost at the window for an instant. This is the third time that ghosts have been seen in the Tonawandas in recent months. Great excitement was caused in the vicinity of the high school building by the appearance of the apparition and the entire community was aroused during most of the remainder of the night. The high school building is only a short distance from Sweeney cemetery. Not many weeks ago a ghost was reported seen in the vicinity of Elmlawn cemetery and later an apparition was reported having made its appearance in a dwelling on Main street, driving the occupants from the place because of fear of it.
date: 1920-06-11

"Angel" makes another visit, article and transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-03-24).jpg
description: **"ANGEL" MAKES ANOTHER VISIT** **Elmlawn Cemetery Section is Getting to be Spooky Place.** **NOW APPEARS IN STREET** Motorman of Kenmore Trolley Stops Car Thinking it is Woman Desirous of Getting Aboard—Not Visible to Conductor in Rear Vestibule. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Voetsch of No. 76 Webster street are not the only persons who have recently seen apparitions on Delaware street in the vicinity of the Elmlawn and Mt. Olivet cemeteries, which are almost opposite each other. Mr. and Mrs. Voetsch claimed to have seen the form of a woman, robed in a white flowing gown, with light streaming hair and wings float across Delaware street in front of their automobile while returning from Buffalo one night last week. The story was ridiculed, but now comes another story of an "angel" which tends to strengthen the statement of Mr. and Mrs. Voetsch. When the northbound Kenmore trolley car arrived in front of the North Tonawanda police station at 11:30 o'clock a few nights ago, the motorman Albert Stroessel and the conductor John Zimm, both of Buffalo, went into headquarters and related their strange experience with an apparition near Elmlawn cemetery. Stroessel saw what appeared to be a woman, robed in white, and with hair hanging down her back, standing besides the track as though to board the car when it stopped. Under this impression he stopped his car. As nobody got onto the car after it stopped, Zimm went to the forward end of the car to learn the reason why Stroessel stopped. "Didn't a woman get onto the car?" asked the motorman. When informed that nobody boarded the car and that the conductor saw no person when he looked from the vestibule to see if anybody was waiting to get aboard, Stroessel related the circumstances which caused him to stop. The motorman and conductor related the experience to Sergeant A. D. Smith and several members of the police department who were in the station when the street car men arrived. Sergeant Smith verified the story this afternoon.
date: 1920-03-24

Tonawanda's ghost, article and transcription, (Utica Globe, 1920-04-10?).jpg
description: **TONAWANDA'S GHOST** **Several Persons Have Seen It and It is the Cause of Much Excitement—One Man Offers to Give Away His House.** By R. S. MULVEY, Buffalo. IN THESE strenuous times of ouija boards and spirit messages any story, true or imaginary, is interesting, but the story of how a ghost in woman’s form has been haunting the people of Tonawanda, N. Y., and vicinity for the past two months, and corroborated by a half dozen people, will prove doubly interesting. Perhaps seeing this "thing," whatever it is, is the result of a shot of home-made "boosh". However, here is the story: George Argus, who conducts a roadhouse near Tonawanda, says: "On the night of March 8, my wife and I were returning from Buffalo in our car. I was driving and as we neared the Mount Olivet Cemetery at Kenmore, I saw something white, in woman’s form, floating along the [road?] about 10 feet in front of the car. I slowed down but did not tell my wife, because she is nervous and I didn’t want to alarm her. However, when we got directly in front of the cemetery, the thing turned and came towards us, but when it got near, it rose in the air and went right over our heads and on into the cemetery. My wife also saw it and became so hysterical that I found it very necessary to take her to a doctor immediately, and she has not yet gotten over her fright. I am not a superstitious man but I am willing to make an affidavit as to the truth of what I say." Another report of the ghost’s appearance is related in the story of Fred Graham, a motorman on the International Railway's Kenmore line. Mr. Graham says: "It was about a week after the ghost was reported seen by Mr. Argus that I saw the same thing. I was running my car on the Kenmore line, and when I drew near the Tonawanda city line I saw a woman apparently waiting to board the car, so I applied the brakes and slowed down. After stopping I waited for the conductor's signal to go ahead, but instead he came to the forward part of the car and asked me …
date: 1920-04-10

Ghost reports in Tonawandas as propaganda, transcribed article (Buffalo Express, 1920-06-15).jpg
description: **Ghost reports in Tonawandas as propaganda** **They accept resignations, but the men are still on the job.** *Special to The Buffalo Express* North Tonawanda, June 14. That the recent ghost reports in the Tonawandas were part of the chamber of commerce campaign in behalf of the merger project was admitted tonight by Police Chief John F. Ryan. The ghost idea was evolved by the chamber, he said, and the stories of a ghost were reported by various members of that organization. According to chamber's plan, it is said, the ghost was supposed to end his visits last night, whereupon a newspaper article would appear tomorrow in which it would be stated that if Tonawanda would give up the ghost for North Tonawanda in the merger project, North Tonawanda would give up the ghost for its sister city. Just how this would influence the vote on the merger proposition, which takes place tomorrow, was not explained. Despite a newspaper announcement today that the ghost had given himself up to Chief Ryan last night, which the chief denied, a large number of persons hung around Sweeney cemetery tonight in hopes of seeing the apparition.
date: 1920-06-15

Tonawanda Village, excerpted from The Falls of Niagara, transcription (Samuel DeVeaux, 1839).jpg
description: TONAWANDA VILLAGE. This is half way between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, being distant from each of those places 11 miles. It lies by the side of the Niagara river, and the Tonawanda creek and Erie canal passes through it. The navigation of the canal is by a lock connected with the river, and passengers for the Falls, disembark from the boats at this place. The village possesses many advantages for business operations; and some trade with the upper lake is carried on direct by vessels navigating the river and lake. This trade is destined to increase. A ferry-boat plies between Tonawanda and Whitehaven, on Grand Island, the two villages lying opposite each other. A bank, under the New York banking law, has lately been established, which will increase the business facilities of the enterprising inhabitants.
date: 1839

Damage of $35,000 caused as fire sweeps building at 16-18 Webster Street, article (Tonawanda News, 1933-04-15).jpg
date: 1933-04-15

John Mundie shot himself, transcribed article (Tonawanda News, 1916-04-04).jpg
description: **JOHN MUNDIE SHOT HIMSELF** Untimely Death Comes as Shock to Host of Friends. ACTIVE IN MANY WAYS Member of Leading Clubs, Lodges, First M. E. Church and Teacher in Sunday School—Successful Business Man—Born in Scotland. The news of the untimely death of John Mundie of No. 256 Goundry street yesterday afternoon came as a shock to his many friends and especially to his wife to her just when she came a few hours later, announcing that he had ended his life by shooting himself through the heart. Mr. Mundie was one of the widely and most highly respected business men in the Tonawandas. When the body was discovered on the bed in his bedroom, that he had taken his life was not known by his wife who found the body. It was not until Dr. Clendenan arrived that the revolver was found in the bed and a powder marked bullet hole was detected on the shirt. Coroner J. E. Helwig was notified. As was stated in yesterday's NEWS, Mr. Mundie had suffered much from a weakened heart and had managed to get to his store daily. After his noon meal yesterday, he went to his bedroom on the second floor of the Mundie home telling his wife was going to lie down to rest for a time. He lay down on the bed. With a 38-caliber revolver in his hand and covered with blankets, Mr. Mundie sent a bullet into his left breast. The ball pierced the heart, death was probably instantaneous. No shot at the Mundie home heard the shot fired. Shortly before 3 o'clock Mrs. Mundie went into her husband's bedroom to see how he was feeling and found him dead. Mr. Mundie was born in [Mintaw?], Aberdeen, Scotland, on October 7, 1863, where he was reared on his father's farm. He was educated in the common schools of that place and later studied mechanical engineering. He came to the United Stated in 188[1?] and located at Middleport, Niagara County, where he became an apprentice at the jewelry trade. Mr. Mundie came to North Tonawanda in 1883 and went to work for A. W. Story, a Webster Street jeweler. Three years later…
date: 1916-04-04

Adopt resolutions on death of Mr. Mundie, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-04-05).jpg
date: 1916-04-05

John Mundie, suicide at 52, article (Batavia Daily News, 1916-04-04).jpg
date: 1916-04-04

Jewelry firm dissolved, Mundie & McCoy, article (Buffalo News, 1899-10-17).jpg
date: 1899-10-17

James Mundie dies at 49, article (Niagara Gazette, 1924-09-15).jpg
date: 1924-09-15

Two cups for the winners, boat race trophies by Mundie Bros., article (Tonawanda News, 1908-07-23).jpg
date: 1908-07-23

Mundie Jewelry Co. purchases Mundie Bros. jewelry business, ad (Tonawanda News, 1917-05-11).jpg
date: 1917-05-11

Mundie Bros., Pierce bicycle, a bargain while they last, ad (Tonawanda News, 1897).jpg
date: 1897

Spafford Clothing House, Mundie Brothers, Pierce Bicycles, ads (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Mundie Brothers, Pierce pneumatic cushion frame, ad (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Mundie Brothers, Pierce Bicycles, track racer, ad (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Mundie Brothers, Pierce Bicycles, calendar ad (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Mundie Brothers, a study in vibration, ad (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

Two business blocks sold, article (Tonawanda News, 1919-08-09).jpg
date: 1919-08-09

Mundie Brothers, ad (Tonawanda News, 1904-12-08).jpg
date: 1904-12-0

John Mundie dies suddenly, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-04-03).jpg
date: 1916-04-03

It didn't work - Diamond thief foiled, article (Tonawanda News, 1908-06-16).jpg
date: 1908-06-16

Long, Benjamin (1787-1859).per
description: Born and married in Pennsylvania, Benjamin Long and Mary (Hershey) Long come to Western New York in 1828, to settle on property Mary's father had left her on the Mile Strip Reservation. In 1830 the devout couple move into their new home--now the Long Homestead Historical Museum. See also: Ancestry and descendants of Henry Perkins Smith and Christiana (Long) Smith Genealogy of Benjamin Long, booklet with photos (1898)
date: 1787

Ancestry and descendants of Henry Perkins Smith and Christiana (Long) Smith (excerpts).jpg
description: From this long and detailed family history, we excerpt the following fascinating accounts: (pp 166-189) Early life of (Pennsylvania Dutch) Benjamin Long and Mary (Hershey) Long, their move from Pennsylvania to Niagara County, their real estate deals and holdings, family, the route they took, the construction of the Long homestead, early school and church involvement by the Longs, the division of the property among heirs, and a detailed recollections of Christiana (Long) Smith. Christiana is the grandmother of the family history writer, who is philosophical about their not-too-close relationship: "She was 73 years old when I was born and past the age of being pleased with the noise and antics of young children." (pp201-203) Mary's father Christian Hershey's 1814 trip on horseback to the Niagara frontier to buy hundreds of acres of newly available New York State Mile Reserve tracts with the gold bursting from his saddle bags. Another purchase he makes is Lot 83, containing Long Point, future site of the Long homestead. Here he plants pear trees brought from Witmer's farm and, according to family tradition digs a well. He deeds these lands to his children on June 25, 1815, and dies in October 1824.
date: 1955

Census Enumeration District Maps, North Tonawanda (1950).jpg
description: Hi-res version attached and here.
date: 1950

Location of cut-off at Tonawanda, swing bridge, Goose island? photo (1905-03-14).jpg
date: 1905-03-14

Labors annual holiday to be fittingly observed, Bach's cornet band at the Sweeney Grove, article (Tonawanda News, 1910-08-11).jpg
date: 1910-08-11

Leading them all, lumber market, article (1896-12-02).pdf
date: 1896-12-02

Hunting camp, photos (c.1900, O.L. Zimmerman photographer, 276 Vandervoort Street).jpg
date: 1900

President of Buffalo Bolt expects payment, letter (1898-08-15).jpeg
date: 1898-08-15

Downtown Tonawandas, aerial photo (c.1930).jpg
description: Photo mural from inside of former First Trust, First Niagara bank in Tonawanda
date: 1930

Canal boats not in commission, cabinet card (1897-05-15).jpg
description: Tonawanda Island White mansion visible?
date: 1897-05-15

Assessment, Charles Zielal, Erie and Niagara County Farmers Association, postcard (1885).jpg
date: 1885

DeGraff Memorial Hospital, transcribed article and photos (1865-1965 Centennial).jpg
description: IN 1964 DeGraff Memorial Hospital completed its Fiftieth Anniversary Year. Perhaps its most significant year since the hospital was founded half-a-century ago by dedicated citizens whose foresight and devotion to progress are much in our minds and hearts today. The Golden Anniversary, June, 1964, marked the opening of the first phase of the New DeGraff Memorial Hospital. Later in 1965, Phase II of the new hospital building program will be finished bringing its capacity to 190 beds. Then the renovation of the new wings in the old hospital will be started, however, this is but one step in coping with the evolving needs of our community. As time goes on, more demands will be placed on the existing facilities. We must remember that the man who gave DeGraff Memorial Hospital its start, and whose generosity was largely responsible for the present expansion program, is no longer with us. However, LeGrand DeGraff left more than a bequest in money. His bequest of enthusiasm and dedication will grow in importance as the years go by. We are fortunate in the Tona- wandas to have many public spirited citizens who have demonstrated their support of the hospital in the past, and we are sure that all our citizens will pledge to continue the work that Mr. DeGraff carried out during his lifetime. THE story of hospital care in the Tonawandas, as in most communities, traces far back through the years to a time long before a fully operational and professionally staffed hospital actually opened its doors. A small group of businessmen in the community made a start as early as 1880, but support and understanding were lacking and the efforts went on and on. In 1901, a successful Niagara County farmer, Lyman Ballard, decided on his own that the Tonawandas needed a hospital. In his declining years, he announced that he would endow such an institution to be built in North Tonawanda, but before his lawyers could prepare the proper documents, he died. History does not record it, but perhaps he e…
date: 1965

2 Main Street, Tonawanda, photo mural, interior photo.jpg
description: Photo by Dennis Reed Jr
date: 2024-05-17

2 Main Street, Tonawanda, interior photo.jpg
description: Photo by Dennis Reed Jr
date: 2024-05-17

Holland Land Co. maps, Range 8 Town 12-13, c1798.jpg
date: 1798

John Johnson on Town of Wheatfield map (1860).jpg
date: 1860

John, Hannah Johnson and others (Unites Stes Census, 1850).jpg
description: 480 "Value of Real Estate owned"; the other tick is for "Persons over 29 years of age who cannot read or write." "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYZQ-XV2?cc=1401638&wc=95RD-N3D : 9 April 2016), New York > Niagara > Wheatfield > image 60 of 64; citing NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
date: 1850

Oak Motor Oil, Frontier Mfg Co., ad (1928).jpg
date: 1928

Oak Motor Oil, Frontier Mfg Co., ad (1925).jpeg
date: 1925