Liberace poster, Melody Fair, poster (c1975).jpeg
date: 1975

Band of gypsies chased out of town by police, article (Tonawanda News, 1931-04-23).jpg
date: 1931-04-23

Was only a joke, article (Buffalo Express, 1917-04-05).jpg
date: 1917-04-05

Story of arrest of plotters here a joke, article (Lockport Sun-Journal, 1917-04-05).jpg
date: 1917-04-05

Bernhart Voelcker apology for April Fool Prank, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-04-04).jpg
date: 1917-04-04

People outside Tonawanda Brewing Company, colorized photo (c1918).jpg
date: 1918

Calkins and Co. Planing Mill, Tonawanda, envelope (1889).jpeg
date: 1889

Ironton, the Avenues on 1901 map.jpg
date: 1901

Construction of model homes to start in Wurlitzer Park, article (Tonawanda News, 1957-06-14).jpg
date: 1957-06-14

Trolley line fill is nearly finished, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-10-05).jpg
date: 1917-10-05

Trolley line fill is about finished, Buffalo Equipment & Construction Company, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-09-18).jpg
date: 1917-09-18

Suspected of bold hold-up, Michael Pilsky, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-11-13).jpg
date: 1916-11-13

Struck man over head with shovel, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-11-27).jpg
date: 1916-11-27

Progress on New Railroad, article (Tonawanda News, 1916-11-17).jpg
date: 1916-11-17

New trolley line running in spring, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-11-12).jpg
date: 1917-11-12

High Speed Line historical marker in Fisherman's Park, photo (2015).jpeg
date: 2015

Has only two fingers and two thumbs left, William Curran, article (Tonawanda News, 1917-12-18).jpg
date: 1917-12-18

Firemen put out small grass fire, Buffalo Equipment and Construction Co., article (Tonawanda News, 1916-12-02).jpg
date: 1916-12-02

Buffalo Equipment & Construction Co., photo set (c. 1916).png
description: Contracted to build the embankment for the High Speed Line. Corner of Robinson and Division.
date: 1916

VIDEO: A Factory Tour, Former Artizan Factories Inc. (2017).mov
description: I take a walk around the interior of the North Tonawanda, New York factory built by the 1922-1930 band organ and office furniture makers.
date: 2017-05-15

Family and dog, Grand Island excursions, postcard (c.1910).jpg
date: 1910

Goundry Street, postcard (c1910).jpg
date: 1910

Shea's Riviera Theater 67 Webster, Tonawanda 1931.jpeg
date: 1931

42nd Separate Company of Niagara Falls, stationed in Tonawandas, photos (c.1892-1893).jpg
description: This company, formed in 1885 at the establishment of the Niagara Falls State Reservation, came out to the Tonawandas to protect private property twice as lumber shovers attempted to unionize (June of 1892 and 1893). Learn more about these labor troubles and the use of the Guard in the Tonawandas in "Fixed Bayonets: The New York State National Guard during the era of industrial unrest, 1877-1898," an excellent thesis in history by Ronald Kotlik.
date: 1892

Men near North Tonawanda train station, photo (c1923).jpg
date: 1923

Letter of William Williams describing Tonawanda's prospects, transcription (1835-04-21).jpg
description: A marvelous 1835 firsthand account of conditions at Tonawanda from accomplished Utica bookseller / publisher / engraver / anti-mason / abolitionist and civic-minded Presbyterian William Williams (1787 - 1850). Wiliams describes to his lawyer the land purchases and improvements he and others made south of the Creek beginning in 1823, White's investments, the remaining native lumber, the flooding and more. In 1834 Williams fell into financial debt with his creditors, while also owing back taxes, and had many of his effects sold at Sheriff's auctions, while creditors ran his store, still under his name, seeking compensation.[61] By 1836 he sold his bookstore and moved his family to Tonawanda in Erie County to manage an estate of which he was part owner with his father-in-law, Henry Huntington, of Rome. Wikipedia In earlier letters found online (February 11th & 14th 1832) he is traveling from Buffalo to Canandaigua to assist with the anti-cholera effort, although he is sick himself: "I reached this place [Buffalo] last evening after a painful day's ride from Canandaigua. My sickness at my stomach came on soon after we started; and vomited a great deal; but without much relief, tho' I went without eating through the day except a cup of coffee and a cracker or two." He recalls the recent passing of his first wife, with whom he had 14 children, writing "The last letter Sophia wrote me at this place [Buffalo], reminds me that her hand is cold." Williams is gravely injured falling off the top of a stage coach around 1845. Returns to Utica and is buried there after his death in 1850. -- Transcription of beginning and end of 1835 letter: -- Tonawanda April 21, 1835 H. Huntington, Esq. Respected and Dear Sir, Your favor of 11th inst was this morning received, postmarked 13th inst. In the original purchase of Lots No. 84 & 85 there were four equal undivided shares, Townsend & Coit, Latham A. Burrows, A.H. Tracy and myself. In 1829 we mutually made a partition, Townsend & Coit an…
date: 1835-04-21

Is the mushroom ride dangerous?, Astro Park, article (Tonawanda News, 1979-07-09).jpg
date: 1979-07-09

Durez ad, 1937-07-17.jpeg
date: 1937-07-17

Fire department and police-related photo set, c1930.jpg
description: Possibly NT?
date: 1930

Simon Kijowski, obit (Tonawanda News, 1955-06-01).jpg
date: 1955-06-01

Women at Buffalo Bolt, Mary Kijowski, photo (c1943-05).jpg
date: 1943-05

War Manpower Commission postcard to Mary Kijowski (1943-03-11).jpg
date: 1943-03-11

Szymon Kijowski Family farming, probably around 15th Ave, photo (c1935).jpg
date: 1935

Szymon Kijowski Family at 47 15th Ave, photo (c1933).jpg
date: 1933

Szymon Kijowski Family, horses and carriage down unknown street (c1936).jpg
date: 1936

Szymon Kijowski and gentlemen with liquor and cigars, photo (c1920).jpg
date: 1920

Szymon and Paulina Kijowski with daughter Mary, photo (c1931).jpg
date: 1931

Stanley Kijowski, athletic club shirt, photo (c1935).jpg
date: 1935

Polish falcon on stage, unknown, postcard, writing on back (c 1955).jpg
date: 1955

Niagara Silk Mills - Solk Gloves, postcard (c1920).jpg
date: 1920

Mary Konstanty (Kijowski) reading newspaper, photo (c1980).jpg
date: 1980

Mary Kijowski on tractor, possibly Avenues, photo (c1945).jpg
date: 1945

Mary Kijowski on farm with father Szymon, possibly Avenues, photo (c1940).jpg
date: 1940

Mary Kijowski on couch, photo (1960-05).jpg
date: 1960-05

Mary Kijowski in Rosie the Riveter getup, photo (c1944).jpg
date: 1944

Mary Kijowski in a military uniform, photo (c1945).jpg
date: 1945

Mary Kijowski ice skating again, photo (c1948).jpg
date: 1948

Mary Kijowski ice skating, photo (c1948).jpg
date: 1948

Mary Kijowski at 47 15th Avenue, photo (c1933).jpg
date: 1933

Mary Kijowski and children, photo (c1960).jpg
date: 1960

Konstantys and Kijowski drinking in backyard, photo (c1953).jpg
date: 1953

Joseph Kijowski playing accordion, photo (c1950).jpg
date: 1950

Joseph Kijowski playing accordion, photo (c1940).jpg
date: 1940

John and Mary Konstanty, wedding photo (1952-09-27 at OLC).jpg
date: 1952-09-27

John and Mary Konstanty, wedding at OLC, photos (1952-09-27).jpg
date: 1952-09-27

Mary and John Konstanty, sweetheart photos (c1950).jpg
date: 1950

John and Mary Konstanty, marriage license (1952-09-27).jpg
date: 1952-09-27

Benjamin Kijowski in a baseball uniform, photo (1940-05-19).jpg
description: Appears to be Felton Field (along Thompson Street east of Vandervoort).
date: 1940-05-19

Probable cause of blast found, article, transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-12-07 2653).pdf
description: **PROBABLE CAUSE OF BLAST FOUND** Power House Explosion Attributed to Holes Burned in Oil Tanks. **RESULTED FROM AN ARC** Negligence Displayed in Leaving Blocks of Wood in Transformers— Might Have Been Responsible for Short Circuit, Witness Says. Coroner Layman H. Wheeler, Eastport shortly before 9 o'clock this morning closed the inquest into the power house disaster on Robinson street on October 31, in which the explosion cost thirteen lives. The coroner says decision will be the next report on the case connected with the inquiry. There is a large amount of evidence to be given consideration and it is probable that it will be at least a week or more before Dr. Wheeler or others can decide. He will hire the assistance of Charles E. Feldman, a mechanical and electrical engineer, in arriving at a decision as to the conditions which existed at the transformer at the time of the explosion. Witnesses have been giving their evidence daily, and it is the general opinion of those concerned in the examination that the cause of the explosion was due to the presence of blocks of wood in the transformers. "That a short circuit caused the explosion has not been taken for granted judging by various statements by the officials in examining witnesses on the possibility of this causing the power house trouble," Numerous witnesses have been referred to as to what might have caused this short circuit but just where it happened none of the witnesses have been able to state definitely. The general trend of the evidence has tended to show that the trouble arose in the switching towers of the Niagara Falls Power Company and then in the transformer house of the south side of the Tonawanda Power Company's substation. George D. Banks, a winding room employee of the General Electric Company of Schenectady who had tested the new transformers when they started, was present at the time of the explosion. He testified of having noticed that the blocks of wood were similar to those placed in the tr…
date: 1920-12-07

The Rocket That Ignited Union Park (Iowa Heritage Illustrated, 2001).pdf
description: Article includes background and excerpt from a catalog for the Miracle Company's amusement ride products in the "Astro City" line. North Tonawanda residents may remember seeing some of these in Astro Park on Gilmore Ave in the 1980s (in 2022 called "Alligator Park").

Tonawanda Senecas' Heroic Battle Against Removal sunypress).pdf

Pearl L Bergoff, King of Strikebreakers, dies, photo (c1947).jpg
date: 1947

Papers Relating to the Burning of Buffalo, and to the Niagara Frontier Prior to and During the War Of 1812 (Buffalo Historical Society).pdf
date: 1812

Mirror Room, 728 Oliver, polkas, hot band, ad (Tonawanda News, 1952-02-01).jpg
date: 1952-02-01

Herschell Spillman Sixes, ad (Automobile Trade Journal, 1913).jpg
date: 1913

Delaware Hose, Tonawanda (1905).jpg
date: 1905

The War of 1812 and the Tonawanda Block House
description: Parts of the War of 1812 are fought right on our front porch, as tensions grow between the United States and the British colonies (including Canada). The U. S. military builds a guard-house (or blockhouse) on the south shore of Tonawanda Creek in 1811 (Lossing). From History of Erie County: Just before the War of 1812, a block-house was built on the south side of Tonawanda creek, near its mouth. In August of that year it contained sixteen soldiers. A rumor got abroad that the British and Indians had taken possession of Grand Island and might, perhaps, cross to the mainland. The few men of the vicinity were called to the guard-house; a day or two later several hundred British Indians appeared on the shore of Grand Island opposite Tonawanda. The soldiers and citizens were turned out and after parading in sight of the enemy were marched back, and then reappeared with their coats turned wrong side out, to impress the enemy with the idea that a new force had arrived. Whether on account of this strategy, or for other reasons, the Indians did not attempt to cross the river. * One of the soldiers who serves in the blockhouse is Colonel John Sweeney. (Brother James settled in Buffalo in 1811 [ Landmarks]). He will later be wounded in the first serious engagement in Queenston, part of a failed multi-pronged offensive against British Canada. The long-expected war comes on December 19, 1813, when the British launch a surprise attack across the Niagara River, landing first at Youngstown. They quickly take Fort Niagara. Two days later, they (or their Indian allies, as some historians state) burn villages and terrorize villagers all the way to Tonawanda Creek, stopping only when they encounter the bridge across Tonawanda Creek burned by retreating Americans and possibly Wilcox and the Canadian Volunteers. From Lossing's Pictorial Field Book: The whole Niagara frontier on the American side, from Fort Niagara to Tonewanta Creek, a distance of thirty-six miles, and far into the inter…
date: 1812

Wrestler Gene Stanley to preach at Avondale Theater, ad (Ton News, 1955-09-24).jpg
date: 1955-09-24

W. B. McKay, Salvation-Healing Revival, ad (Tonawanda News, 1956-04-20).jpg
date: 1956-04-20

Oliver Theatre, ticket (1919-05-26).jpg
date: 1919-05-26

Flying saucers, Billy Wolfe, Avondale Theater, ad (Tonawanda News, 1956-05-25).jpg
date: 1956-05-25

Avondale Ballroom Grand Re-Opening, ad (Ton News. 1985-03-27).jpg
date: 1985-03-27

Former site of 358 Oliver, photo (2022).jpg
date: 2022

Zillion at Avaondale Ballroom, ad (Tonawanda News, 1985-01-10).jpg
date: 1985-01-10

Purchase of Avondale Theater completed, photo (Tonawanda News, 1956-10-25).jpg
date: 1956-10-25

Old Avondale to be ballroom, article (Tonawanda News, 1984-12-13).jpg
date: 1984-12-13

Evangelical Center, Mr. Ezzo, photo (Tonawanda News, 1979-03-22).jpg
date: 1979-03-22

Daniel A. North, Avondale Theater operator, obit (Tonawanda News, 1963-09-03).jpg
date: 1963-09-03

Avondale manager Daniel North showing improvement after severe burns, article (Tonawanda News, 1936-01-13).jpg
date: 1936-01-13

Avondale baseball team active 1910-1915, photo (c. 1910).jpg
date: 1912

Avondale Ballroom opens, article (Tonawanda News, 1985-04-01).jpg
date: 1985-04-01

Oliver Theatre, photo (c1910).jpeg
date: 1910

Evangelistic Center, 358 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1969-12-21).jpg
date: 1969-12-21

Avondale Theater, photo (1947).jpg
date: 1947

Auction livens up Friday night in NT, article (Tonawanda News, 1979-12-01).jpg
date: 1979-12-01

21 year-old evangelist John D. Occhipinti, former professional accordionist and band leader, ad (Tonawanda News, 1961-02-14).jpg
description: Yes, he's on Twitter and YouTube
date: 1961-02-14

870 Oliver, map detail (1908).jpg
date: 1908

Former 870 Oliver, photo (Google, 2021).jpg
date: 2021

Wastes whole barrel of oil, article (Ton News. 1915-11-19).jpg
date: 1915-11-19

Luke B. Buck kills himself by swallowing laudanum, article (Buffalo News, 1913-12-15).jpg
date: 1913-12-15

Elected Democrats, Herman Schroeder, article (Ton News, 1908-04-01).jpg
date: 1908-04-01

Schroeder given verdict of $250, article (Ton News, 1912-01-04).jpg
date: 1912-01-04

The Schroeder Family, typed recollection (Loretta Schroeder-Parske, 1996).htm
description: Loretta Schroeder describes the Oliver Street saloon her father ran just outside the gates of Buffalo Bolt, on the northwest corner of East and Oliver. These papers were collected by her family. The boathouse pictured may have been the one on the Niagara "just south of Edgewater landing" described in <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%25201916%2520Jan-Sep%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201916%2520Jan-Sep%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200060.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D33a98d99%26DocId%3D1960481%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D19%26hits%3D20%2Bdf%2B153%2B1ca%2B240%2B274%2B280%2B329%2B32a%2B37e%2B462%2B4cf%2B50d%2B6b0%2Bc78%2Bc91%2B1341%2B1346%2B134f%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%25201916%2520Jan-Sep%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201916%2520Jan-Sep%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200060.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D33a98d99%26DocId%3D1960481%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D19%26hits%3D20%2Bdf%2B153%2B1ca%2B240%2B274%2B280%2B329%2B32a%2B37e%2B462%2B4cf%2B50d%2B6b0%2Bc78%2Bc91%2B1341%2B1346%2B134f%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false">this January 14, 1916 Tonawanda News article. Courtesy of Dan Bille.
date: 1996

Mary Jo Vandervoort in Boston to her husband William in Tonawanda, letter (1853-08-01).png
date: 1853-08-01

The Remington Rand Strike of 1936, thesis (Bagenstos, H. J. (2022).pdf
date: 2022

Remington-Rand Pickers attack strikebreakers bus, photo (1936-06-02).jpg
description: News agency caption reads: "Determined to halt entrance of strikebreakers into the Remington-Rand plant at Tonawanda, N. Y., strikers above are shown as they stage an attack on a bus bearing workers to the plant. They attempted to rip out ignition wires before police and deputy sheriffs dispersed them by a free use of clubs."
date: 1936-06-02

Remington Rand strikers, flyer (Erie County Committee Communist Party, 1936-05).jpg
description: From the files of the North Tonawanda Police Department
date: 1936-05

Niagara (Myths and Legends of Our Own Land, Charles M. Skinner, 1896)
description: The legend of the sacrificial Indian maiden plunging over Niagara Falls in a white canoe will be familiar to Western New Yorkers. A prose version is recorded in this excerpt from an 1896 book. The legend's veracity is questioned by Libby Tucker, in Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore (2012): The source of these stories is Brooklyn journalist Charles M. Skinner's Myths and Legends of Our Own Land (1896), which presents early American legends without clear source citations. "Niagara," a narrative attributed to the well-known explorer La Salle, identifies the Falls as "the Thundering Water," a mighty and loud-voiced spirit that demands two victims every year. Skinner explains that the Native people sent a beautiful young woman in a white canoe over the Falls for the last time in 1679 after Chief Eagle Eye's daughter, Lelawala, was chosen to be sacrificed to Niagara. After Lelawala's white canoe full of flowers and fruit began to drift toward the Falls, her grief-stricken father jumped into his own canoe and tried to save her. He was, of course, too late; he and his daughter both perished, and she became the famous Maid of the Mist in a "crystal heaven" deep beneath the roaring Falls. Since the publication of Skinner's Myths and Legends, researchers have debunked La Salle's record of human sacrifice to Niagara Falls. As far as we can tell, La Salle wanted to depict the Haudenosaunee people as superstitious folks in need of help from their European colonizers. In my own research on ghost stories of New York, I have found countless legends of sad "Indian princesses" who died tragically. Such legends recall our state's colonial past while offering sensational details to entertain listeners. In 1846, the "Maid of the Mist" corporation started a boat ride at Niagara Falls, and Skinner's legend of human sacrifice became part of the boat ride. Telling this legend to thousands of tourists did not, of course, seem right to New York's Haudenosaunee people. Such notables as C…
date: 1896

1981-10-14 Charles W Walters obit.png
date: 1981-10-14

Wurlitzer employee ID badge (c1940).png
date: 1940

Buffalo Norsemen schedule card (1975).png
date: 1975

Special movie films for children's week, AJ Speedwak of the Strand, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-04-23).jpg
date: 1921-04-23

Niagara Silk Mills, postcard (c1910).jpeg
date: 1910

Niagara Maid silk gloves, Louise Gunning, postcard (1910).jpg
date: 1910

Former site of Niagara Silk Mills (Gateway Center).jpg
date: 2022

Rand - Victor Safe Cabinet (c.1930).jpg
date: 1930

Former Mitch's Del-Taco (474 Oliver Street), photo (Google Maps).jpg
date: 2022

District Steam Heating idea had its inception in 1877, article, ads (Tonawanda News, 1929-08-21).jpg
date: 1929-08-21

Allan Herschell Company Paint & Storage Room, postcard (HCFM, 1991).jpg
date: 1991

King Construction Company, map detail (c1955).jpg
date: 1955

King Greenhouses, King Construction Company, ad (1925).jpeg
date: 1925

King Construction Company greenhouses, ad (Country Life, 1927-04).jpeg
date: 1927-04

J Pettit on Clarence census (1830).jpg
date: 1830

Joshua Pettit, Vanslicke, G Burger and others on census (1810).jpg
date: 1810

Joshua Pettit, Garret Van Slyke, James Carney and others on census (1820).jpg
date: 1820

Labels for glass negatives, Cumming Family photo collection -_72A6399_.jpg
description: These are the glass negatives in their original envelopes. The photo titles come from what was written on these envelopes wherever possible.
date: 1904

Boathouse gang, Gratwick slip, colorized (1905).jpg
date: 1905

Woman with wheelbarrow [no caption] -_72A6383_.jpg
date: 1905

William A. Cumming, cap and coat -_72A6368_.jpg
date: 1905

Tress and Silvia dress up in boy cloths [sic] -_72A6386_.jpg
date: 1905

Tress. outside of J? house, taken off photo -_72A6358_.jpg
date: 1905

side view of house, Mable standing - Mable moved -_72A6395_.jpg
date: 1905

Side view house, mother and father standing -_72A6382_.jpg
date: 1905

Pa's dad -_72A6357_.jpg
date: 1905

New Years Eve 1903 -_72A6379_.jpg
date: 1903

Mrs. Coville, sitting -_72A6394_.jpg
date: 1905

Mr. King? and Son -_72A6374_.jpg
date: 1905

Mr. Cumming -_72A6385_.jpg
date: 1905

Mr. + Mrs. King, faces very dark -_72A6389_.jpg
date: 1905

Mother, front view -_72A6387_.jpg
date: 1905

Mother, 3-4 view -_72A6372_.jpg
date: 1905

Miss Hubbard, Pajama Girl -_72A6396_.jpg
date: 1905

Miss Burr Cumming -_72A6348_.jpg
date: 1905

Mable in back yard -_72A6365_.jpg
date: 1905

Mable, low neck, 3-4 view -_72A6366_.jpg
date: 1905

Mabel and Edna Cumming -_72A6369_ (c1890).jpg
date: 1890

Lee Edwards -_72A6353_.jpg
date: 1905

Jesie(?) school boy, taken from photo -_72A6392_ (c1900).jpg
date: 1900

James Cumming -_72A6367_.jpg
date: 1905

J.F.C. (summer girl) [All crossed out] -_72A6380_.jpg
date: 1905

Family dog -_72A6361_.jpg
date: 1905

Dinner -_72A6391_.jpg
date: 1905

Cummings house (130 Fredericka Street)-_72A6360_.jpg
date: 1905

Cumming Family -_72A6388_.jpg
date: 1905

croquet grounds, July -_72A6393_.jpg
date: 1905

Bognet's residence -_72A6355_.jpg
date: 1905

Boat house gang, Ora draped -_72A6373_.jpg
date: 1905

Bick Family -_72A6390_.jpg
date: 1905

Bert with rifle -_72A6375_.jpg
date: 1905

Bert sitting reading paper -_72A6378_.jpg
date: 1905

Bert layin in croquet ground -_72A6371_.jpg
date: 1905

Bert Cumming, hat and coat -_72A6381_.jpg
date: 1905

Bert, Ida, James baby pictures, taken from a photo -_72A6362_ (c1883).jpg
date: 1883

Bert, baby picture, taken from tintype -_72A6363_ (c 1880).jpg
date: 1880

Bert + Treassa in old(?) suits Bert siting [sic] down -_72A6384_.jpg
date: 1905

Boathouse Gang - Bert + Treassa? in solid? suit standing up -_72A6377_.jpg
date: 1905

Arthur -_72A6370_.jpg
date: 1905

130 Fredericka Street, North Tonawanda, NY -_72A6462_.jpg
date: 2018

130 Fredericka Street, North Tonawanda, NY -_72A6461_.jpg
date: 2018

2 Roy and 1 Plenis? boys -_72A6376_.jpg
date: 1905

Family dog [no caption] -_72A6361_.jpg
date: 1905

Woman with bicycle [no caption] - -_72A6351_.jpg
date: 1905

Gratwick slip, boathoses, map (1951).jpg
date: 1951

Boathouses along Gratwick Slip, photo from article (Tonawanda News, 1962-12-04).jpg
description: Later demolished. See full article:
date: 1962-12-04

Frontier Brewery, photo (Tonawanda News, 1947-05-08).jpg
date: 1947-05-08

THE TWIN CITIES: A History of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda Mrs. Elias Root (1925).htm
description: Mrs. Catherine B. Root (nee Boughton) completes a wonderful history of North Tonawanda in 1925, but never publishes it. She dies in 1933. Her history finally sees the light of day in 1947 when it is published in chapters in the Tonawanda News beginning April 25. Chapters i. Introduction Early History Indian Migrations Traced in Frontier Area French explorers gambled for big stakes on the frontier <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%25201947%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201947%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201089.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D117895ff%26DocId%3D2048109%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D24%26hits%3D36%2B37%2B161%2B33a%2B36a%2B36f%2B5e7%2B5fe%2B605%2B612%2B858%2Ba7b%2Ba7c%2Ba7d%2Baa6%2Baa7%2Baa8%2Bc46%2Bc57%2Bca0%2Be0a%2Bfbe%2Bfc3%2Bfca%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%25201947%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201947%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201089.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D117895ff%26DocId%3D2048109%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D24%26hits%3D36%2B37%2B161%2B33a%2B36a%2B36f%2B5e7%2B5fe%2B605%2B612%2B858%2Ba7b%2Ba7c%2Ba7d%2Baa6%2Baa7%2Baa8%2Bc46%2Bc57%2Bca0%2Be0a%2Bfbe%2Bfc3%2Bfca%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false">La Salle and French Grab Frontier, Indian Lore Told (4/30)* <a href="https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%…
date: 1947-04

North Tonawanda was early scene of Indian life, settlers, Jacobs Tavern and the War of 1812, etc, article (Lewis, Ton News, 1957-05 0672).jpg
description: Same material appears in a 1965 series by the same author. 1843 date of East Boston Company's arrival is incorrect (1833).
date: 1957-05

Early history of Twin Cities, La Salle, Fort Niagara, War of 1812, settlers, article (Ton News, 1959-06-12).jpg
date: 1959-06-12

Tonawandans have fought loyally, War of 1812 and first settlers, military history, article (Ton News, 1965-06-26).jpg
date: 1965-06-26

Some early NT history, article (Tonawanda News, 1963-11-09).jpg
date: 1963-11-09

First land sold in Tonas brough 25c acre, article, Local History Chapter 15, Mrs Elias Root (Ton news, 1947-05-15)
date: 1947-05-15

NT was one of last cities of Niagara County, article p1 (Williams, WPA, 1936-09-19, 2408).jpg
description: Recounts early history of Goundry, Sweeney; Settlers Burges, Pettit, Carney and more; incorporation etc.
date: 1936-09-19

Pettit, Joshua (c1780).htm
description: One of the earliest residents of present-day North Tonawanda. Lived near the Niagara River at present-day Wheatfield Street. Operated a public house? Gave his name to Pettit Creek which formerly ran through the Avenues. Builds a log house in 1809 (1936 TN atrticle). First appears on 1810 U. S. Census in Niagara County > Cambria Township, one adult male, one adult female, 2 young girls. An anecdote exists (source?) that during the War of 1812, on the night of 12/19/13, the men there heard noises coming down the Miltary (River) road. To put off the apparent enemy, they decided to roll a wagon repeatedly over the corduroy road, shouting military things, attempting to affect a great force of men there. It turned out to be other U. S. men. 1820 census: Six children (2 girls and 2 boys under 10 and 2 teenage girls), and two adults (one male and one female). One person involved in agriculture. (A Mary Pickard listed separately). 1830 census: a J Pettit in Clarence, young boys, one young girl and one 20-30 girl, maybe not same household? 1840: No obvious matches in immediate area 1830s+: Grantor Index of the Land assessment, Niagara, shows many transactions by and among the Pettits (Abraham, Lawton, Hiram, William O., Benjamin D, Jenme, Alexander, Enoch, Reuben, Curtis, George, John, etc.
date: 1780

Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase, complete book (Orasmus Turner, 1849).pdf
description: Embracing Some Account of the Ancient Remains ... and a History of Pioneer Settlement Under the Auspices of the Holland Company; Including Reminiscences of the War of 1812; the Origin, Progress and Completion of the Erie Canal, Etc., Etc., Etc This fascinating volume contains a wide variety of early WNY lore. Elsewhere on this site the reader may find excerpted portions pertaining to our special interests: Tonawanda: Horatio Jones, the early mounds of Tonawanda Island. There is also a good deal of material dedicated to the War of 1812: Page 590 begins description of McClure's rashness in burning of Newark. Flight of the "motley throng" eastward down the Ridge Road to Forsyth's. Aid of the Tuscarora. Invalid Judge Cook at Lewiston shooting Indians from an ox sled. The following summer (British) Indians pillaged occasionally from occupied Fort Niagara. Sparrow Sage and a "female companion" abducted, he axes them (592). (December 23rdish, 1813) Eighteen Mile Creek and destruction of Lake Road dwellings, Van Horn Mill (mansion not built for a few more years). "Seldom has there been a more peaceable and humane march of invaders through a conquered territory. " (593). Brought "fifteen or sixteen" men back to Niagara as prisoners. Moves onto Black Rock landing, Buffalo's shoddy defense, the "disgraceful" spectacle of retreating soldiers passing fleeing families: "The rout, the hasty, panic stricken retreat, the unnecessary surrender ing of a frontier, and its then largest village, to the arms and the a torch of an invading foe, not formidable either in numbers or military prowess" (597). Still credits the behavior of the settlers in the aggregate. "Before daylight, the citizens of Buffalo were fully apprised of the feeble and ill managed defence at Black Rock; of its prospect of failure. Tidings that all was hopeless, had reached them , and were confirmed by the hasty retreat of squads of militia, who were making palpable demonstrations of their innate love of life, in the…
date: 1849

Buffalo During the War of 1812, book excerpt (Publications of the Buffalo Historical Society, Vol 1. pp 194-209, 1879).jpg
description: Papers Relating to the Burning of Buffalo, and to the Niagara Frontier Prior to and During the War Of 1812 (also book here)
source: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Publications_of_the_Buffalo_Historical_S/pJMDR73E8FwC
date: 1879

Slim for Him, Fair Havens Church, ad (1982-11-06).jpg
date: 1982-11-06

Payne Estate, ad (c1920).JPG
date: 1920

Gratwick Hose, patches (c1990).jpg
date: 1990

Goundry Street International Railway waiting room, photo (c1910).png
date: 1910

Fenton and Sons Box And Lumber Co., advertising postcard (c1908).jpg
date: 1908

Gratwick School, two photos (c.1970).jpg
source: Scott Farrel
date: 1970

Cheerleaders behind Payne Avenue high school, yearbook photo (1954).jpg
date: 1954

Senator John F. Kennedy at North Tonawanda City Hall, photos and complete text of his speech (1960-09-28).jpg
description: The senator visited North Tonawanda as part of his campaign for president. Complete speech: REMARKS OF SENATOR JOHN F. KENNEDY, NORTH TONAWANDA, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 28, 1960 SENATOR KENNEDY: Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Pendergast, Mr. Levitt, Mayor Wagner. The last Presidential candidate to come into this particular area of New York was Al Smith in 1928. Governor Smith in that campaign and in many campaigns preceding it used as his basic slogan the motto, "Let's look at the record," and he compared what he had done in New York State and he compared the record of the Democratic Party over the preceding years to that of the Republican Party. I say in 1960, let's look at the record. Mr. Nixon has stated that party labels don't mean very much in 1960. I think they mean a good deal, because they tell something about the candidates of both parties. The Republicans never would have nominated me, and the Democrats never would have nominated Mr. Nixon. They nominated Mr. Nixon because they knew where he stood, because they knew that he believed in the things for which they believed in, and I do not. I think that is the issue in this campaign. Are we going to move forward or are we going to stand still? Are we going to send a green light to the 1960's? Are we going to feel that everything is being done today is as good as we can do? I think the record of the Democratic Party written in this century, written in the last 25 years, establishes a sound basis for us in the 1960's, and that is a record of service to the people, of believing that however good this country may be, it can be better. This country has been made by people who were not satisfied. The whole Western United States was developed by people who wanted to better themselves. The United States was built by people who came from other sections because they thought they could have a better life. Mr. Nixon says I am running America down. I am not. I am trying to build America up. What I am saying is that with…
source: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKSEN/0912/JFKSEN-0912-013
date: 1960-09-28

J&T Charlton Lumber, letterhead, letter and info from eBay seller (1903-11-05).jpg
date: 1903-11-05

An Electric Man, photos from article (Strand Magazine, Vol. 20, 1900-02ish).jpg
date: 1900-02

P. W. Scribner Lumber Company, map detail (1893).jpg
date: 1893

P. W. Scribner business description, book excerpt (Commerce, Manufactures and Resources of Buffalo and Environs, 1880).jpg
source: http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2015
date: 1880

Former Bestaste Mini Markets, photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2016-03-08).jpg
date: 2016-03-08

Vacant Bestaste Mini Mkts, sketches (Dennis Reed Jr, 2019).jpeg
date: 2019

Oliver and 5th, map detail (1893).jpg
description: The brick building labeled "to be erected" was apparently never built, as later maps show the lot still vacant.
date: 1893

East side of Oliver Street not built up much past 3rd Avenue, 1908 map detail.jpg
date: 1908

Riverside Chemical Co., Frontier brand cooking extracts, illustrated ad (1931-05-28).pdf
date: 1931-05-28

Will fight explosion damages, article (Tonawanda News, 1923-08-01).pdf
date: 1923-08-01

Trial of Derby damage action, two defendants named, article (Tonawanda News, 1923-03-30).jpg
date: 1923-03-30

Fox has a narrow escape...Frontier Company, article (Tonawanda News, 1923-04-10 part 1 0767).jpg
date: 1923-04-10

Eleven killed by explosion at Tonawanda, article (New York Tribune, 1920-11-01).pdf
date: 1920-11-01

SOCONY Kerosene oil dealers, A. Rudzinski, 653 Oliver, ad (1916-04-29).pdf
date: 1916-04-29

Holiday Mini Markets, ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-17).pdf
date: 1975-11-17

Loot stolen from N.T. grocery store returned, Rudzinsky's, 653 Oliver, article (1931-11-02).jpg
description: The looters began to feel the heat when cops were asking questions. The hams et al would be worth $2,924.12 in 2022.
date: 1931-11-02

Holiday Mini Markets, ad (1983-06-14).pdf
date: 1983-06-14