Payne Park at dusk, colored sketch (2017).jpg
Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, North Tonawanda, ink and watercolor (2017).jpg
Oliver switch station detail, colored sketch (2017).jpg
North Tonawanda water tower, colored sketch (2017).jpg
North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works, ink and watercolor (2017).jpg
Long Homestead and building, ink and wash (2017).jpg
Little River and Smith Boys, ink and wash.jpg
Joes Budapest Cafe, colored sketch (2017).jpg
Herschell Carrouself Factory Museum, colored scketch (2016).jpg
Friedens, Ghostlight, colored sketch (2017).jpg
Felton High School, colored sketch (2016).jpg
Downtown North Tonawanda, birds-eye view, colored sketch (2017).jpg
Ancient monuments in the United States, illustration and article (E. G. Squier, Harper's Monthly Magazine, May 1860).jpg
Urban renewal feelings expressed, photo (Tonawanda News 1969-01-10).jpg
John Cirrito hung these signs on his Old Timer Saloon at 64 Young Street, slated for demolition.
A Jack Ayrault lived in Tonawanda and went to Lehigh in Pennsylvania; this is not necessarily a Lumbermen player (as was advertised on eBay)
Tonawanda Frontier Brewery, employee photo (taken 1941).JPG
Tonawanda Driving Park and Fairground Assn., illustrated envelope (c1890).jpg
Swing bridge to Tonawanda Island aproach, photo (George Hunter, c1965).jpeg
Swing bridge to Tonawanda Island, photo (George Hunter, c1965).jpg
Riverside Chemical Company, blotter (c1915).jpg
R. T. Jones Lumber Company truck, postcard (1949-03-30).jpg
Oiriginal site of Riverside Chemical Co., A. Rasch, map detail (1908).png
News Bush's bridge Is open, old one to be dismantled (1947).jpg
Milliman, the Shoe Man, 70 Webster, ad (Tonawanda News, 1905-05-24).jpg
May be body of Miss Hill, article (Tonawanda news, 1916-01-25).pdf
First National Bank of Tonawanda, 5 dollar note (1882).jpg
Fire guts NT lounge, article (Tonawanda News, 1979-10-31).jpg
Ellicott Creek boathouse and park building, Tonawanda, photos (c1930).png
Ellicott Park Court Motel, postcard (c.1950).jpg
Cantilever bridge being tested, photo (c.1922, Bridgehunter.com).jpg
Pee Wee's Pizzeria, 281 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1949-12-02).png
Great Christopher Corn and Callous Salve, box (c.1930).jpg
Durez Plastics, employee ID badge (c.1930).jpg
Collapse of Long Bridge Produced Major NEWS Headlines in 1916, article (Tonawanda News, 1961-03-21).pdf
Bridge to Tonawanda Island, photo (Ken Kraemer, c1980).jpg
Bank of North Tonawanda, note (1902).jpg
B. H. Neff, Kent Block, trade card (1881) front.jpg
Polish Colony in Tonawanda propspers, article (1933-01-29, Tonia Prelewicz).jpg
14 Webster, Canalside, photo (Google map 2022).jpg
State National Bank illustrated check, Talismanic, Peuchen, Chelius (1899-06-22)
Bonk's Delicatessen, Vic and Kai's, (665 Oliver).htm
From: https://ampoleagle.com/vic-kais-ice-cream-bring-back-sweet-memories-p7119-202.htm Vic and Kai are short for Victoria and Casimir Witkowski, two of North Tonawanda's more prominent Polish proprietors. But this little shop on Oliver Street has a longer history than just the couple. The history of Vic & Kai Delicatessen actually begins with Vic's father, Joseph Pawlicki some 15 years before Vic and Kai married. Born in Poland, Joseph arrived in North Tonawanda in 1914. By 1925, Pawlicki saved enough money to open his own dry goods store at 665 Oliver St. in North Tonawanda's Polonia district. Billed as "Everything for Everyone," Joseph sold crockery, enamelware, pictures and picture frames, clothes lines, rakes, baskets, pails, brooms, mops, nails, cake, soap, glue and just about anything else you could want. Joe enjoyed his place in the community; he knew all of his customers and what they needed. In 1938, Joseph's daughter Victoria married Casimir at Our Lady of Czestochowa and the couple moved in above the store. Seeing an opportunity to retire, Joseph arranged for Vic and Kai to run their own store out of 665. In 1940, Vic & Kai Delicatessen opened for business. Like all good delicatessens, Vic & Kai's could meet all convenient store needs. You could pick up a pack of cigarettes, a bag of penny candies, lunch meats, a six pack, and if you had 75 cents, a half gallon of store made ice cream. The deli thrived through the 1940s and into the 1950s. The couple welcomed their first son James soon after starting the deli with their daughter Linda following a few years later. The business was good for the young family, but the lead up to the recession of 1953 hit the mom and pop shop hard. In a September 1952 interview with the Tonawanda Evening News, Kia was asked if he was better off today than two years earlier, his reply, "No, we do not know what is going to happen day-to-day. Prices are sky-high and money is spent by the government foolishly." With the difficulties in the economy and their passion for the business dwindling, Vic and Kai began putting out feelers to sell their business in mid-1953. With no acceptable offers, the couple kept grinding a profit out of the deli. For four years the family worked the deli but by 1957 they had had enough. A deal was struck with John and Joseph Bonk and on July 1, 1957, Vic and Kai officially handed over the keys of 665 Oliver to the Bonks and the store would be eventually rechristened Bonk's Delicatessen. The Bonks would serve Oliver Street for the next 28 years closing in 1985. In the summer of 1958, Victoria and Casimir took their money and took over a business in a growing section of North Tonawanda, Payne Avenue. For the next 20 years they would run Avenue Liquor in the Payne Avenue Plaza.
The Blue Danube, 1093 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1949-07-07).png
Temple Theatre, ad (Tonawanda News, 1914-06-22).jpg
Stuart Little's, 384 Oliver, ad (1974-06-27).jpg
Former Big Daddy's Pizza, 715 Oliver Street, photo (Google, 2020).jpg
Deported, article (Tonawanda News, 1893-09-05).jpg
"An insane German sent back to the Fatherland" - On his arrival in North Tonawanda form Hamburg Henry Sommerfelt boards at Yerkley's on Robinson Street and then Hotel DeHamburg on Ganson Street (23 Ganson supposedly built 1920). "He reveled in his liquor and carousals until about May [ILLEGIBLE]" when he is arrested and fined. After paying the fine his "queer" behavior intensifies. Overseer of the Poor Capt. James Ennis is brought in. Sommerfelt is declared insane by experts, sent to County Alms House at Lockport, and ultimately back to Germany. "It is not an easy matter for insane alien paupers to remain here if only the right man puts his shoulder to the wheel." (A Mr. J. Q. Harvard, ex-Inspector of Immigration, is faulted in this article for neglecting to deport the German from Lockport).
46 Sweeney, 3 floors, map detail (1951).jpg
46 Sweeney on newspaper image (c1910).jpg
46 Sweeney Street, map detail (1880).jpg
Alexanders, ink and watercolor (Dennis Reed Jr).jpg
Tavern owners and bartenders face charges, Alexander's, article (Tonawanda News, 1969-08-20).jpg
Perew's hotel is wiped out by fire, White Star, 46 Sweeney, article (Buffalo Courier, 1909-09-12).jpg
NT lounge fire probed, article (Tonawanda News, 1979-11-01).jpg
N side man killed in fall down stairs, 46 Webster (1945-08-04).jpg
Now Open, Alexander's Lounge, ad (1970-12-26).jpg
More charges files in melee at NT taven, Alexander's, article (Tonawanda News, 1969-08-21).jpg
Josephine Saunders obit (Tonawanda News, 1966-04-30).jpg
Fire badly damages lumber city lounge, photo article (Biffalo Courier-Express, 1979-11-01) 7597, 1 of 2.jpg
Cancels license, Alex and Peter Vergos, 46 Sweeney, article (Tonawanda News, 1970-05-21).jpg
Bribery action is now on trial, article (Niagara Falls gazette, 1937-02-02).jpg
Alexanders Lounge, ad (Tonawanda News, 1976-05-21).jpg
Alexanders Lounge, ad (Tonawanda News, 1974-07-03).jpg
Alexander's Cocktail Lounge, ad (Tonawanda News, 1967-05-26).jpg
Stumpf Photography, Martin Motors, Delaware Street bridge, Tonawanda, photo (c1925).jpg
Stumpf and Bros. Portraits, photographers, 65 Sweeney Street, logotype (c1900).jpg
Two children, cabinet card (Torrey's Photographic Rooms, c1891).jpeg
Two children, cabinet card (Torrey's Photographic Rooms, c1890).jpeg
Old woman, solio print, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1890).jpeg
Old woman, cabinet card (W.J. Park, c1890).jpeg
Man with oiled hair, cabinet card (R.J. Clench Studio c1917).jpeg
Man with moustache, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1901).jpeg
Man with moustache, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1900).jpeg
Man with goatee, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1890).jpeg
F.B. Clench studio, illustration (c1890).jpeg
F.B. CLench, self portrait (via Randall Gamby c1890).gif
Chlid on pillow, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1890).jpeg
Boy and baby, cabinet card (Torrey's Photographic Rooms, c1890).jpeg
Boy with candle, cabinet card (Clench Studio c1890).jpeg
Baby, cabinet card (Torrey's Photographic Rooms, c1890).jpeg
Buffalo Norsemen, sweatshirt (c1975).jpeg
Buffalo Norsemen, NAHL pennant (c1975).jpg
Excerpts from North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, book, pp 9-21 (1891).jpg
North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City (1891)
North Tonawanda pioneer residents, incorporation and village institutions, lumber, iron, brief sketches of Wheatfield residents, illustrations, transcription (excerpt from History of Niagara County, pp 376-381, 1878).jpg
A History of Niagara County, 1821-1878 SUPERVISORS OF WHEATFIELD. The following gentlemen have been supervisors of the town: In 1837, Benjamin McNitt; 1838, N. M. Ward; 1839, William Vandervoote; 1840, John Sweeney; 1842, Isaac L. Young; 1843, N. M. Ward; 1844, 1845, Lewis S. Payne; 1846, N. M. Ward; 1847, 1848, L. S. Payne; 1849, Sylvester McNitt; 1850, L. S. Payne; 1851, Seth F. Roberts; 1852, S. McNitt; 1853, 1854, Peter Greiner; 1855, Joseph Hawbecker; 1856, 1857, George W. Sherman; 1858, N. M. Ward; 1859-61, L. S. Payne; 1862, Peneuel Schmeck; 1863-66, George W. Sherman; 1867, H. H. Griffin; 1868, James Carney; 1869, H. H. Griffin; 1870, Edward A. Milliman; 1871-73, Joseph D. Loveland; 1874, 1875, Thomas C. Collins; 1876, L. S. Payne; 1877, 1878, Christian Fritz. NORTH TONAWANDA. Previous to the location and construction of the Erie Canal there appears to have been but little progress made in settling that portion of the town now embracing the large and rapidly advancing village of North Tonawanda. As at other localities, the canal was the impetus that moved capitalists to invest at this favorable point. The following original handbill shows the beginning of business enterprises: VILLAGE OF NIAGARA. “This village is located at the confluence of the Niagara and Tonawanda rivers, where the Erie Canal from Buffalo enters the Tonawanda, and where boats pass from the canal into the Niagara river by a lock. At this junction of the rivers, and adjoining the village, is a safe and spacious harbor, as well for canal boats as for vessels navigating Lake Erie. “These advantages cannot fail to render the village of Niagara the depot of the products of the West, destined to the city of New York, and of return cargoes of merchandise. “A dam of four or five feet high will be thrown across the Tonawanda, at the village, so as to raise the river to the level of Lake Erie, and the river will be navigated for the distance of eleven miles, and be united with the canal between Niagara and Lockport. The surplus water from the dam will afford an abundant and steady supply for mills and other hydraulic works. “The village is 12 miles from Buffalo, 8 from the Falls, 15 from Lewiston, and 16 miles from Lockport. A line of stages passes through from Buffalo to Lewiston daily, and another from Lockport to Buffalo every other day. Travelers to the Falls will leave the canal at this place. “A bare inspection of Vance’s or Lay’s map of the western part of this State will at once show the advantageous position of the village for trade, market, and manufactures. “Building lots are now offered for sale to actual settlers. A map of the village may be seen by application to James Sweeney, at Buffalo, or to George Goundry, at the Land Office in Geneva; and the former will enter into contracts of sale. “The title is indisputable, and good warranty deeds will be executed to purchasers. George Goundry, James Sweeney, John Sweeney, Proprietors. July 5th, 1824.” PIONEER RESIDENTS. In 1809 George N. Burger erected a small frame house on the premises occupied by Vincent Koch & Co., in part as a lumber yard. No earlier settler has been found. Mr. Burger was a well-known, prominent pioneer among the earliest settlers in the city of Lockport. Joshua Pettit located in 1810, on the premises now occupied by Mr. Kreid, on the Niagara river, near the Niagara Iron Works, where he opened a log tavern; the stream near by has long been known as Pettit creek. He remained until 1835, when he moved to Allegany county. He died May 2nd, 1857, aged 76. Two of his daughters, Hannah, wife of Whitman Jacobs, aged 71, and Polly, wife of Daniel C. Jacobs, aged 68, as far as is known are the oldest living settlers in the village of North Tonawanda, which has been their home from childhood. Stephen Jacobs located in March, 1817, on the river, two miles below Tonawanda, purchasing of Augustus Porter. 196 acres, at $8 per acre, when it lay in the wilderness, and improved it as a farm. The timber for building the first guard-lock where the Erie Canal enters the river was furnished by him. He died at Niagara Falls in January, 1840. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill at the age of seventeen. His children living are Daniel C., Whitman, Dana and Hiram, residents of Tonawanda. Mrs. D. C. Jacobs states that when the alarm reached them of the burning of Lewiston, and descent of the enemy upon the few scattered settlers, in 1813, the consternation could not be described; the terrified men and women, in confusion, were at a loss where to seek a refuge, while children clung to their mothers' garments for protection. Ox teams were used to land them beyond the immediate scene of danger. William Vandervoote located in 1825, occupying a log house, the only one that then existed. He had in view the transaction of mercantile business, and the purchase of staves and oak timber for the Boston market. The first public house, called the Niagara, was completed by him in 1828, and burned in 1844. Mr. Vandervoote subsequently purchased of the Holland Company seventeen hundred acres of land, and sold to the Prussians the tract including the largest part of their possessions, on the Tonawanda creek and its vicinity. He was a partner in a store established by the Boston Company, then floating in the full tide of prosperity, on Grand Island. He established the first bank in the place in 1836. His mother and his sister Sarah located with him, the latter of whom occupied a brick residence erected by her brother, the first of the kind in the place. James Sweeney located first in Buffalo in 1811. As one of the proprietors in the original purchase of the land upon which the village of North Tonawanda has been erected, he located on it in 1828, and built the first frame dwelling. The clearing of the land was commenced for the purpose of furnishing timber for the Buffalo pier, and to prepare the way for the sale of village lots. He pursued a liberal policy in advancing his individual interests, or those of others whom he sought to interest in becoming citizens. The lots for the first Methodist church, built in 1837, and the first school-house, were donated by him. Not alone in these generous public benefits was he conspicuous as a citizen. As the advance of landed property added to his means, his benefactions increased, and he aided worthy objects wherever aid was needed. He worked earnestly to extend the benefits of local schools, manifesting the interest he felt by furnishing books and often clothing to destitute children, placing them in a condition to be benefitted by them. Leaving to posterity the legacy of a respectable name as a valuable citizen and man of integrity, he died January 13th, 1850, aged 57. His son John, who died in the midst of a career of business enterprises, managed the building of the first railroad depot, and was the first, and for several years the station manager at this point. He caused the first dock to be built on the creek, next to the bridge, afterwards extending it 250 feet along the bank of the creek in the direction of the river, employing Elijah V. Day to supply the foundations and planking. He built the first and only grist-mill, which was afterwards destroyed by fire. Colonel John Sweeney built a saw-mill on the dam at the present position of the waste gates, the only one existing in this section of the country. James Carney was a pioneer in the town as early as 1819, locating with his father, Edward Carney, who was one of the earliest settlers in Avon, Livingston county, in 1791 on Tonawanda Island (for many years and now more frequently designated Carney Island). His object in settling was to gain a pre-emption right if the boundary line, when settled, left the island in the territory of the United States. In 1824 the State of New York caused a survey to be made, ordering an assessed valuation of $4.50 per acre. During the following year the island was ordered to be sold at public auction in the city of Albany, requiring one-eighth of the purchase money to be paid down. James Carney, furnishing the required amount, placed it in the hands of Judge Samuel Wilkison to purchase at the sale, but speculation had been stimulated by the purchase that had been made on Grand Island, opposite, by the Jews, to found the "City of Ararat" and concentrate the scattered tribes of Israel; and Samuel Leggett, of the city of New York, became the purchaser at $23 per acre. Mr. Carney set out in the effort to attain, by buying and clearing land, the position of affluence he now enjoys at an age of seventy-eight years. At seventeen he was an ox-teamster in the employ of Porter, Barton & Co., slowly plodding through woods from Lewiston to Schlosser. He was a subject of pioneer life, doing milling, floating a canoe down the river for a harbor in Porter's mill race at the Falls; returning by applying his shoulder to a setting pole in the way he had learned in propelling scow-boats from Schlosser to Black Rock, often loaded with three hundred and fifty barrels of salt. INCORPORATION AND VILLAGE INSTITUTIONS. The village of North Tonawanda was incorporated May 8th, 1865. The first trustees were David Robinson, Jacob Bocker, George W. Sherman, Alexander Kent, Clark Ransom, and J. D. Vandervoote. The board for 1878 consists of F. J. Fellows, H. O. Nightingale, Augustus Brown, Alexander McBean (president) and W. H. Upson (clerk). A well-constructed brick building centrally located accommodates the common council room and clerk's office, fire engine, firemen's implements, and a safe jail, under the same roof. A well-regulated police controls the diversified elements of a mixed population that is brought together to perform the immense amount of labor required to handle daily the arrivals of lumber, in the yards that stretch along the banks of the town for over two miles. The village is a lumber mart of the largest extent, enjoying the best mechanical advantages. Mercantile pursuits are but little engaged in, except provision stores and groceries. The private banking house of Evans, Schwingers & Co., was established May 1st, 1877, with James H. DeGraff president; E. Evans, vice president; William Saverce, cashier; share holders: J. Simpson, E. Evans, J. H. DeGraff, C. Schwinger, A. G. Kent, L. S. Payne, J. A. Bliss, George P. Smith, H. B. Smith, E. H. Rogers, W. M. Laverack and B. L. Hand, representing a capital of a quarter of a million. The North Tonawanda Union School has four departments and four teachers. The last winter term averaged 190 scholars and the summer term 125, J. W. Brown is principal, with Libbie M. Pugsley, Hannah Densmore, and Nellie Becker as assistants. The whole number of scholars of school age is 674. The school-house was erected in 1866. The board of education consists of Benjamin F. Felton, president; H. O. Nightingale, clerk; Dr. C. Backer, Giles Schell and John Chadwick. The school building is a substantial stone edifice, located at one of the most pleasant points in the village. The yards in front and play grounds are kept in good condition. The Tonawanda Herald, established by J. Densmore July 19th, 1875, passed into the proprietorship of George W. Warren and T. M. Chapman October 14th, 1877. It is a well conducted paper, earnestly devoted to the interests of the business community, and enjoys a patronage creditable alike to itself and its patrons. The iron bridge spanning the Tonawanda creek is the successor of three others; one was erected by the United States in 1800 or 1801, for military purposes. It was temporary in construction and was of short duration. After it fell, the crossing was done by a ferry until 1824, when a toll bridge was erected, in pursuance of a charter for twenty-one years; previous to the expiration of the charter, the interests of the stock-holders were purchased by the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company, who rebuilt the bridge, with a roadway and side tracks for their road. The period of the charter expiring, the bridge became a county and town charge. Niagara and Erie counties erected the third, which remained until superseded in 1875 by the present wrought iron structure, which was built by the “Wyoming Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio.” Fifty tons of iron were used in its construction. It is three hundred feet in length, with a twenty-six-foot roadway, and sidewalks on both sides seven feet wide. The village has a cemetery, which was organized under the statute, in the year 1868. The incorporators were: Benjamin F. Felton, Garwood L. Judd, Franklin Warren, Hiram Hewell, Selden G. Johnson and John Simpson. Mr. Hewell was the first president, and Mr. Felton the first secretary of the board of organization. At the first meeting of the board of trustees, Mr. Felton presented the corporation with a splendid book for the keeping of the records. Much credit is due to Messrs. Felton, Warren and Judd for the labor and interest they took in organizing the enterprise. Mr. Judd drew up the articles of association; and being an attorney, obtained the requisite order from court, sanctioning the articles of incorporation, which were duly recorded in the office of the county clerk. Many of the citizens have purchased lots in the cemetery and beautified them. Among the number are Hon. Henry J. Smith, Hon. John Simpson, Franklin Warren, Benjamin F. Felton, Hon. Lewis S. Payne, Garwood L. Judd, James Carney, Asa Ransom, Frederick Sommer, James G. Primer and others. The cemetery is situated on the easterly side of Payne avenue. THE LUMBER TRADE. The lumber trade is the prevailing feature of business, while other interests are to be included, as in a prosperous condition. At the various lumber yards is seen every necessary arrangement and skillful appliance to transact business with dispatch and economy. The capital employed and energy displayed can not fail of success. To detail the business would exceed our limits, but an account of a few of the leading concerns will not fail to interest the reader. The firm of McGraw & Co. established themselves in the business over eight years since. Their yards and docks cover an area of six and one fourth acres, on Manhattan street. The main dock, facing on the Niagara river, is 400 feet long, with two slips, 600 feet each, making 1,600 feet of docking, with capacity to store 10,000,000 feet of rough lumber, 500,000 feet of dressed ceiling, siding and flooring, and a full stock of shingles and lath. Aside from the water front occupied by this firm, they also have the facilities for shipping on a branch of the Central railroad passing through their premises, loading cars directly from lake barges. Convenient access to the canal also places them in a favorable business position. The members of the firm are: John McGraw, T. H. McGraw, C. B. Curtiss and Ira D. Bennett. The last is the general manager, and A. J. Hathaway foreman on the yard. Extensive as are the other yards and docks, astonishment is still further excited upon the premises of W. H. Gratwick & Co., one and a half miles down the river on the Central railroad. The office for the transaction of their business could not be more conveniently and comfortably arranged for employees and customers. W. H. Gratwick, formerly residing in Albany, is now a resident of Buffalo, acting as the local representative of the firm at that point; the other members associated are Robert S. Fryer, in Albany, under the names of Gratwick, Fryer & Co., and Edward Smith, in Michigan, representing the firm of Smith, Gratwick & Co. The capital they employ in the prosecution of their business is $500,000; in the various localities and departments they employ four hundred and fifty men. They own a tract of 31,000 acres of pine land in the northern part of Michigan, where they have two mills that annually turn out 28,000,000 feet, which is transported in barges to Tonawanda and forwarded by rail and canal to eastern markets; they deal exclusively in their own production. Their docks have a river frontage of 863 feet, with a water slip, doubling the means of storage, and an additional dock in the rear, 600 feet long; in all, 2,200 feet. Tramways have been built for wagon roads, and tracks to receive the cars from the Central and Erie railroads, to be loaded directly from vessels or piles on the docks. The docks, 300 feet out in the river, reach thirteen feet depth of water, sufficient to float the largest craft on the lakes. The cost of land, docks and buildings was $25,000. The stock on hand of planed and dressed lumber averages from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 feet, with a proportionately large supply of shingles and laths. About four years since, Gratwick & Co. became the pioneers in occupying lots far down the river, an example that others have thought worthy of imitation. IRON WORKING ESTABLISHMENTS. Where the Niagara River Iron Works are situated on the Niagara river, in 1810 a small opening was made in the woods for the erection of a rude log house, by Joshua Pettit. But a little over half a century has passed, and where stood the lowly log house noble structures rise to indicate the progress that has been made from a primitive to a more advanced condition. The Niagara River Iron Company was formed in pursuance of the general manufacturing law, in 1872, with a paid-up capital of $400,000. The first purchase of real estate was of 165 acres from M. Bush. The buildings were erected in 1873, and manufacturing operations commenced the same year. The engine house stands in a prominent position, and by one not knowing its design might be taken for an elegant mansion or villa; the building is 68 by 74 feet, with a proportionate elevation, and finished in tasteful style. The boiler house, judiciously separated, located 45 feet by 70, contains ten ponderous boilers, four feet in diameter and sixty feet long; an octagon chimney eighty feet high rises in front. The blast furnace was constructed to run out fifty tons of pig iron per day, and is 60 by 200 feet and two stories high; a tower rising above the rounded kert contains the machinery for elevating ore and brick by steam power. The oven is 30 by 41 feet, with iron-bound exterior. The buildings named are massive and substantial brick erections, upon stone foundations. The stock house is a frame building, 72 by 500 feet and two stories high. The dock fronting on the river is 500 feet in length, reaching ten feet depth of water. Located upon the dock is an engine for raising freight from the vessels. Two branch tracks of the Central railroad pass over the docks and into the stock house, to deposit and remove material. The buildings cover an area of four acres. The trustees are P. P. Pratt, president; Josiah Jewett, vice-president; S. S. Jewett, H. H. Glenny, George B. Hays, F. L. Danforth and B. F. Felton. During the present general depression in business the works are not operated; but as they are controlled by men of permanent wealth, willing to use it and able to hold their own until the day dawns upon brighter prospects, the advantages of this great concern will yet be felt by the community that has clustered about it in anticipation. The premises and machinery are kept in the most perfect order and neatness under the care of Alexander Reid. The Tonawanda Engine and Machine Company’s extensive machine shops are located in the rear of the Erie railway depot on Olive street, occupying a square of 150 feet. They manufacture steam engines and boilers, and furnish castings for all descriptions of agricultural implements. The firm consists of James Armitage, Allen Herschell, George C. Herschell and George A. Gillis. The Pickard & Simpson Manufacturing Company, in connection with the above mentioned, organized for the manufacture of Pickard’s patented vehicle axles. The following gentlemen are connected with the firm: R. F. Pickard, John Simpson, E. B. Simpson, A. H. Pickard, E. H. Hewit and H. H. Pickard. BRIEF SKETCHES OF WHEATFIELD CITIZENS. HON. LEWIS S. PAYNE. Lewis S. Payne was born in the town of Bergen, Genesee county, N. Y., in 1819. His parents being poor he had no advantages of education, except the imperfect common schools which then existed, and the academies of Monroe and Genesee counties. When sixteen years of age, he left his home and found employment at Tonawanda, N. Y., as clerk in a store. At the age of twenty-one he succeeded his employers in the mercantile business, and afterward became engaged in the lumber business, and in 1847 built the first steam saw-mill in Tonawanda. In 1855, Mr. Payne engaged in the forwarding, shipping and commission business, with the extensive elevator and docks at Tonawanda, and in 1858 turned his attention to farming, which is his present occupation. In 1841 he changed his place of residence, from the Erie county to the Niagara county side of the Tonawanda creek, in the village of North Tonawanda, town of Wheatfield, where he still resides. In 1844 he was elected supervisor of his town, and for many years afterward represented the town in that capacity. In 1849 he was appointed collector of canal tolls at Tonawanda, his being the first appointment made at that place; and in 1850 he was re-appointed to the same position. In the fall of 1850 he was elected clerk of Niagara county, and in 1854, at the end of his term, retired with the approbation of the citizens of the county universally, for the courteous manner in which he had discharged the duties of the office. In politics Mr. Payne was formerly a national Whig; but on the dissolution of that party he became a Douglas Democrat, and in 1859 was nominated by that party for the office of State Senator for the 29th district. In the fall of 1861 he raised, at his own expense, a company of volunteers, and formed a part of the one hundredth regiment, which was recruited from western New York at Buffalo. In April, 1862, with his regiment he landed at Newport News, and formed a part of Casey’s division of McClellan’s army in his famous campaign on the Peninsula. With his regiment he was second to cross the Chickahominy and the first to take up position at White Oak Station. Colonel Payne was in the battles of Williamsburg and Seven Pines, and afterward was in the seven days' retreat. He participated in the battles of White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill; and in August returned to Gloucester Point, after a severe campaign of less than four months, in which he lost forty-two out of his company of one hundred and four men. In the winter following he was in North Carolina, in General Foster’s army corps. Early in the spring of 1863 he was sent to Hilton Head; thence to St. Helena Island, in General Hunter’s department; thence up to Cole’s Island, with his regiment as a corps of observation in the vicinity of Charleston. It was from this point that he was ordered out, and made his many bold and daring expeditions and scouts with his company, and learned the nature and character of the whole country, the positions, situations and strength of the enemy in their various localities and stations. Some of his adventures during these expeditions are related in an article by John S. C. Abbott, entitled “Heroic Deeds of Heroic Men,” published in Harper’s Magazine in April, 1867. On the nights of the 5th and 6th of April, 1863, he led the advance up Folly Island, under General Seymour, to support the attack of Admiral Dupont on Fort Sumter, made with his iron monitors on the 7th of April, 1863. On the 10th of May he led the advance, piloted and conducted up Folly river, and across Light-house Inlet, our forces, 4,500 men, all in small boats, to the point of attack on Morris Island, and was the first to land and first in the engagement. The party carried and took possession, under heavy fire, of the south end of Morris Island; and soon Colonel Payne with his company succeeded in reaching and burning the steamer Mariguita in Charleston harbor, which was engaged in supplying the enemy’s forces at Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson, Battery Wagner and Cummings Point. On the night of the 3rd of August, 1863, while engaged in intercepting communications of the enemy with Fort Sumter and other points, he was attacked by a superior force, and, after a most desperate engagement was wounded and taken prisoner, conveyed to Charleston and confined in the Queen-street Hospital until sufficiently recovered from his wounds to be removed, when he was taken to Columbia, S. C., and there kept in close confinement until the 14th of February, 1865, when with others he was moved north for exchange. On the 5th of March, 1865, he was exchanged at Wilmington, N. C., and reached home on the first of April, after an absence of three years and three months. In the fall following (1865) he was again nominated and elected County Clerk, though in a county giving several hundred Republican majority. He served his term of three years, and in the fall following (1869) was elected member of Assembly from his district, and in the Assembly was made chairman of the committee on claims, and was also a member of the committees on canals and military affairs. In November, 1877, he was again nominated for senator for the 29th district, and was elected over his opponent, the Republican nominee, being the first Democrat ever elected in the 29th senatorial district. William L. Allen, M. D., was born at Ovid, N. Y., February 6th, 1847, and was educated at the New York State Normal School, Ovid Academy and Buffalo Medical College. He came to Tonawanda April 10th, 1876. Heman A. Barnum was born March 27th, 1831, in the town of Wheatfield. Mr. Barnum is a farmer. His post-office address is Sanborn. Theodore Bennett was born in Newstead, Erie county, December 17th, 1845. Residence, North Tonawanda. Business, school-teacher and fire-insurance agent. James C. Betts, son of William C. Betts, was born in Upper Canada, October 19th, 1828, and came to Niagara County in 1835. He was married August 21st, 1867, to Mrs. B. G. Sturges, of Wheatfield. Mr. Betts enlisted in the thirteenth Illinois volunteers in May, 1861, and served three years, after which he re-enlisted, was transferred to the navy and served till the close of the war. James Carney was born March 23rd, 1800, at Black Creek, Upper Canada, and was married to Sally Martin, of the town of Niagara, March 17th, 1825. Mr. Carney, who is now a retired farmer, has been supervisor and justice of the peace in Tonawanda, Erie county, and supervisor of the town of Wheatfield. Wilhelm Dornfeld was born September 11th, 1826, in Prussia, and came to Martinsville, Niagara county, in 1843. Mr. Dornfeld is a farmer and merchant, and one of the firm of Krull Brothers & Dornfeld, proprietors of the lumber yard, planing-mill, and sash and door factory at Martinsville. He was postmaster from 1852 to 1865. Albert Dornfeld was born January 5th, 1831, in Prussia, and came to Niagara county in 1843. Mr. Dornfeld, who is a teacher, has been justice of the peace for eight years, and was formerly proprietor of the dry dock saw-mill at Martinsville. C. F. Goerss, whose post-office is Bergholz, has always lived in Wheatfield, having been born in the town January 2nd, 1850. He is a farmer and school-teacher, and has been a notary public over four years. Charles Hagen, hotel-keeper and town clerk at North Tonawanda, was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, February 28th, 1839, and came to Niagara county on the 4th day of August, 1861. Mr. Hagen has been clerk of the town of Wheatfield six terms, and has served as clerk of Payne’s Company D., 100th N. Y. regiment, and as clerk of the 3rd brigade, 1st division, 10th army corps, before Richmond, during the late war. Garwood L. Judd was born at Augusta Centre, Oneida county, N. Y., July 4th, 1823. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, after having received a good education. Shortly after his admission, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States as a proctor and advocate in admiralty. He was married to Maria A. Prynne, eldest daughter of Francis P. Prynne. He practiced at Frankfort, Herkimer county, till 1853, and then removed to North Tonawanda, where his residence has been. He has been a justice of the peace in Wheatfield twenty-four years in succession. Christian George Krull was born January 15th, 1846, at Bergholz. He was married September 17th, 1869, to Ernstine Betz, from Falkenwalde, Prussia. In November he removed to Martinsville, where he now lives, engaged in farming and holding a partnership in the Centennial Planing-mill. He has been nine years a school trustee in the town and was a commissioner of highways in 1872, 1873 and 1874. Edward A. Milliman was born April 16th, 1832, in Wheatfield, and was married November 19th, 1854, to Susan E. Teal, of Lewiston. He removed to the town of Wheatfield September 21st, 1868. He is engaged in farming and in rail contracting and jobbing. Post-office, Tonawanda, N. Y. Mr. Milliman has been extensively engaged in railroad contracting, having constructed portions of many leading railroads throughout the United States, and he has held a number of official positions, among them those of commissioner of highways, deputy collector of customs, and supervisor. Seth F. Roberts was born in Bloomfield, Ontario county, N. Y., December 5th, 1809, and came to Wheatfield in 1822, from Henrietta, Monroe county, N. Y. Mr. Roberts has been variously engaged during a long and busy life, having chopped, logged, taught district school seven winters, and served as supervisor, town clerk, school commissioner and justice of the peace for fifteen or twenty years. He holds the office of justice of the peace at the present time. One of the thrifty farmers of Wheatfield is Herman F. Stieg, residing at St. Johnsburgh. He was born February 23rd, 1839, in Prussia, and came to this county with the German colony in 1843. He has served twelve years as assessor and four years as highway commissioner in his town. George M. Warren was born in the town of Wheatfield, January 24th, 1847, and has been a life-long resident of Tonawanda, where, as a member of the firm of Warren & Clapham, he is engaged in editing and publishing the Tonawanda Herald. Mr. Warren was elected on the Democratic ticket in 1875 one of the school commissioners of Niagara county for a term of three years. Nelson Zimmerman was born November 4th, 1831, at Tonawanda. Mr. Zimmerman, who is a prominent farmer of the town of Wheatfield, held the office of assessor in 1875, 1876 and 1877. Others of the principal inhabitants of the town, with their post-offices, are: C. C. Thompson and B. F. Felton, of Tonawanda; Hon. J. D. Loveland, farmer, Beech Ridge; Harvey Miller, farmer, Shawnee; L. C. Koover, farmer, Sanborn; Daniel Sy, town assessor, farmer, Bergholz; William Clark, town and village assessor, carpenter and joiner, Tonawanda; G. W. Bush, lumber dealer and manufacturer, Tonawanda; Martin Reistetter, farmer and merchant, Tonawanda; H. O. Nightingale, village and school trustee, Tonawanda; Calvin Jacobs, farmer and boat-builder, Tonawanda; John Poinds, farmer, Tonawanda; Wilhelm Krull, farmer and lumber manufacturer, Martinsville; J. S. Tompkins, farmer, La Salle; W. H. Nash, farmer, Sanborn; S. D. Compton, farmer, Shawnee; Sebastian May, farmer, Tonawanda; Lyman Bruce, farmer, Tonawanda; B. C. Shuman, farmer, Tonawanda; J. F. Hoover, Tonawanda; Rev. John W. Weinbach, clergyman, New Bergholz; John Simpson, farmer and lumber dealer, Tonawanda; Dr. C. Backer, proprietor of the Backer Hotel, Tonawanda; Thomas Collins, farmer, La Salle; Daniel Treichler, farmer, Sanborn; F. D. Habecker and Peneuel Schmeck, farmers, Sanborn; A. B. Williams, saw and planing-mill, Tonawanda; Dr. Clinton A. Sage, Pekin; Emil Schmitze, restaurant and hotel keeper, Tonawanda; Jacob Nagel, carriage-maker, Tonawanda.
Another fire hits NT, 140 Payne, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-07-15) .jpg
End of eyesore near, 140 Payne, photo article (Tonawanda News, 1976-09-10) .jpg
Young woman w unusual look, cabinet card photo (W. H. Torrey, c1895).jpg
Young woman, cabinet card photo (C. T. Stumpf, c1895).jpg
Young man, cabinet card photo (W. H. Torrey, c1895).jpg
Young man, cabinet card photo (Stumpf and Bros., c1900).jpg
The Carborundum Plant at Niagara, article (The Electrical World, 1895-10-26).jpg
Teti Shoe Repairer, article 1 of 2 (Ton News, 1925-05-07).png
Slips off Niagara River, northmost Gratwick, map detail (1908).jpg
Pioneer at his trade, W. H. Torrey, 360 Tremont, obit (Tonawanda News).jpeg
Ellicott Creek Park, postcard (1952-09-06).jpg
North Tonawanda City Directory (1893), excerpts.jpg
Martinsville and Sawyer's Creek, description (excerpt from the book, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, 1891).jpg
Ironton addition, Payne bio, North Tonawanda Land Co., description (excerpt from the book, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, 1891).jpg
Gratwick, descriptive sketch (excerpt from the book, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, 1891).jpg
Tonawanda Brewing Company, 533 Niagara Street, Tonawanda, ad (1908).jpg
The Young Peoples Practical Temperance Association, pledge card (1885).jpg
The Little Store, 64 14th Avenue at Gilmore Street, photo (c1960).jpg
State National Bank, photo ad (1907).jpg
Paschens Dry Good Store, photo article (Tonawanda News 1965-11-20).jpg
290 Oliver. Escape Room Buffalo in 2022.
Packet Inn interior, postcard (c1960).jpg
McDonalds and Hills signs, Meadow Drive, photo (c1985).jpg
Marine Men Got Even with New York Central, tugs Tonawanda and Bird, article (Tonawanda News, 1905-09-01).jpg
Ice Cream H. P. Schroeders Candies, Cigars and Tobacco, 136, photo (1921).jpg
Goode Shoppe Ice Cream and Dessert Emporium employees, 644 Oliver, photo (Tonawanda News, 1981-06-22).jpg
City of Tonawanda meter attendant, felt badge (c1950).jpg
Builders Hardware Roofing, catalog (Bennett Lumber Co., c1910) 2.jpg
Ads from O. H. Gorton, A. B. Williams, Noyes and Reed, J. S. Bliss, Smith, Fassett and Co, etc ( Tonawanda Herald, 1877-05).jpg
Niagara Silk Mills, ad print (c1920).jpg
Niagara Maid Silk Gloves, Emma Carus, postcard (c1915).jpg
Southern swing bridge, photo (c.1973).jpg
Armitage-Herschell, illustrated letterhead (1893-12-31).jpeg
Elephant seat, photo (Hoyt Toy, c1950).jpeg
305 Schenck, photos (Al Moser, c1920).jpg
Boathouse Park, Wardell Boat Yard, Weatherbest Slip Rd, photo (Google, 2021).jpg
Weatherbest boathouse owners petition for water service, article (Tonawanda News, 1949-06-01).jpg
NT council stands fast on its boathouse policy, article (Tonawanda News, 1966-09-07).jpg
NT asked to sell valuable property, NT offers bargain rates, articles (Tonawanda News, 1959-08-18).jpg
Council told homes on slip could mean trouble for NT, article (Tonawanda News, 1961-07-05).jpg
Boathuse lease forms ready for signatures, article (Tonawanda News, 1947-08-11).jpg
Boathouse Park, photo (DennisReed Jr, 2018).jpg
Schumacher and Hoover Grocers, Payne Ave near Christiana , Torrey cabinet photo, colorized (c1890).jpg
Maybe 140 Payne that was destroyed by fire in 1976. The 1880 map structure at this corner appears to be a different footprint. 1908 and 1951 look similar. Converted to apartments early on, 1910s? Hair salon.
Other players who were on the Norsemen, photos.jpg
Slap Shot Original, excerpt (Dave Hanson).htm
Description of a Jets / Norsemen series that inspired scenes from 1970s classic hockey movie, Slap Shot.
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine, game program vs Erie Blades, excerpts (1976-02).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine, game program vs Maine Nordiques, excerpts (1975-11).jpg
Arrest of robber reveals petting party holdups, article (Tonawanda News, 1925-09-28).jpg
McDonald apprehended at 970 Oliver while posing as a dry agent. Failed plan of police to locate highwayman by dressing up like a "spooning" couple related.
970 Oliver (between 16th and 17th Avenues) has been an apartment building, a tavern, a delicatessen, a dry cleaners and more. It appears on a 1908 map, when much of the Avenues was still undeveloped. The building *may* have acquired its distinctive wood shingles when the Creo-Dipt / Weatherbest Corporation was located just north (see 1951 map: Creo-Dipt sold stained shingles worldwide). The newspapers tell of an interesting incident that happened here in September 1925, during Prohibition. An intoxicated man walked into the "drinkery" around 11 pm, pretending to be a dry agent (one who enforces anti-alcohol laws). After failing to convince the men gathered there to give him money, he pulled out a revolver, at which point the men disarmed him and threw him into Oliver Street. He drove away, only to get into a car accident and be taken away by police. Police soon connected him to a series of "petting party" robberies that had taken place in the remote lovers' lanes and outskirts of the Tonawandas over the previous month. Here is some more of its history (mostly news items relating to residents over the decades): 1907: Ad for furniture in Tonawanda News, household goods for sale 1908: Appears on a map, maybe "W. Dier" property (see images)? 1903 a William Dier is identified as living on Young Street in Tonawanda; March 2, 1905 a William Dier "dies suddenly," lived on (100) Ellicott Creek. 1910: Ad for Toni Trocki renting rooms 1917(6?): 11-19 Peter Harber fined for not sending his 15 year-old daughter Alice to school 1922-02-18: A vagrant whom occupant Albert Clench and Thomas Conklin had permitted to sleep in the basement started a fire on his mattress by smoking, and disappears. 1923-01-27: Albert Clench dies at 58, survived by wife, 5 children and brother in Tonawanda. Worked at Buffalo Bolt. 1925-04: Resident Mrs. Anna Gworek is charged with failing to make her 8 year-old daughter attend school. In court she claimed she could not afford to clothe the child properly. "Mrs. Gworek is the mother of five small children. She gave her occupation in court as a housekeeper. She said her husband, who goes under several names, abandoned her and their family a year ago last January. Mrs Gworek said the last she heard of him he was employed in a hotel at Wheeling West Pa." The Red Cross was asked to take up the plight of the family. Stucki, Tokbouski, Wald other associated names of this time. 1925-09-28: "Drinkery of Anthony Jaubowski" [sic] is held up by man pretending to be a dry agent, later connected to a series of "petting party" robberies. See article 1926-01-06: Anthony Jakubowski given 12 mos probation after pleading guilty to assaulting wife. "His wife accused him of non-support of herself and their four small children, in addition to assault. Yakubowski said he would ignore the probation...A request to separate from his family was denied by the court. 1933: MacPherson Carpenter (tavern?). 1934-12 :Grand Opening of Maerten's Tavern (formerly at 57 Fredericka). 1935 Maerten's Tavern hosts "Pedro Card Party," Euchre, men-only. 1935-06-28: Martin's Tavern advertises they are going out of business, "Last Fish Fry Tonight" (he dies in October). 1940: DeWitt Lindsay dies. 1947-1954: A "retail beer license" granted to "Lindsay's Market" (in 1954 to B&A Fisher). 1951: As shown on the map, the building is now close to the Creo-Dipt / Weatherbest plant. Is this when it took on its distinctive coat of wood shingles? 1955: "Thompson and Son Produce"; Promises "chickens fresh killed." 1957: "Gratwick Dry Cleaners" 1964-1967: Ad selling for "3 apartments, 4 single rooms, storefront." 1976: Remodel permit of $1300. 1979: A man living there is charged with selling PCP, part of November 1978 raids rounding up more than 50 teenagers and young adults in Tonawandas.
Creo-Dipt, Weatherbest, map detail (1951).jpg
Englewood Theater apperance, article (Suburbanite Economist, 1914-04-10, via cyberneticzoo.com).jpg
Positive Corn Cure, advertising card (c1900).jpg
Great Christopher will remove that corn, ad (South New Berlin Bee, 1922).jpg
Great Christopher remedy is sold by Buffaloo druggists, article (Courier-Express, 1940-09-16).jpg
Great Christopher, article (Donald D. Cook, Evans Journal, 1968-06-06).jpg
FTC cease and desist against Reliable Specialty Corp. and its Great Christopher Positive Corn Cure (1940)
Mr. A. Gerald Weinberg of Buffalo is named as the respondent for the Reliable Specialty Corporation. Organized in 1913, with principal office and place of business 1030 Lafayette Avenue, Buffalo. Published "Hints in Health and Beauty" booklet, wherein they peddled all kinds of doubtful remedies typical of the age, including "Reliable Hair Food." Since investigation began around 1936, the respondent changed the name to "Great Christopher Corn and Callous Remedy."
Tonawanda merry-go-round firm making electric men, transcribed article (Buffalo Express, 1895-07-26).jpg
They can be made any size and they are to pull advertising carts after them - Inventor hopes to improve his present model In a short time a Tonawanda firm will be prepared to furnish to the world men of any stature and ? of any temperament or ?. To be sure they will be automatic, but that will but increase their life and durability. They have no reasoning powers but that is, of course, something to be desired. They will not get drunk and they will not strike. Electricity is their motive power, and they are all constructed with phonographs. It is somewhat over a year since Philip Perew, a member of the well-known Gilbert, Goddard & Co., conceived the practicability? of manufacturing an automaton in the form of a human being which could run about and pull a cart. So he set to work. He studied the work of Hermes, T? and Caglestro?. He read with ? mary Wollstonecraft's novel "Frankenstein." But he found no inspirations. Indeed?, he found no directions in all the Caballa how to make springs at the hips into the legs naturally, or raise the feet with nicety. But ? will tell, and the ingenuity of Yankees cannot be circumvented by each small things. No, at the present day, there is a patent obtained and recorded in the Patent Office at Washing ton to this Mr. Perew for the exclusive construction of electric men. Gillie, Godard & Co. are manufacturers of merry-go-rounds. The step from a merry-go-round to an electric man is perfectly logical and natural. Now that the model has proved itself efficacious, the firm will begin the manufacture of men at once. The idea is by no means perfected. At present all the man is good for is to pull a cart about the streets of a city. The model that has been exhibited in Tonawanda to the delight of the populace and the honor of a certain soup? us but a crude thing. The man clothed in Continental uniform drags a bea? cart with some ease, while on the sides of the cart boring? signa exalt the glory of soup? or pills, as the case may be. The model has been on the streets of Tonawanda, and it worked well. It was so alluring that the small boy flocked in such dense swarms that the policeman was summoned to chase him away. The man is about seven feet tall, and was modeled after William H. Sherhas? The cerulean of its eyes matches that of its famous counterpart exactly. The men, though, that the ?arm will make will be run by storage batteries, and have a phonograph. The phonograph can say whatever is desired. It can expound the virtues of patent medicine, or be used for political campaigns. So, at present, the only form of labor threatened by the invention is that of the sandwich man, and that of the campaign speaker. The men and carts that are used to extol medicines will be very fine pieces of mechanism, and can be geared to go as fast as anyone desires. By simply turning on a current, the man, his eyes still fixed on eternity, can hump down the street at a rate far exceeding any bicycle. For campaign speeches some 600 men can be spoken to at once, and then distributed in doubtful parts of the country, and turned loose. This will make things much easier for the candidate. The limit has not been reached. In course of time it may be that men can be constructed to do almost anything, and the laboring man can sit around and smoke 25-cent cigars while a multitude of electric men do all the work. This will not occur for some years yet, but when the progress of the invention is carries to its final extremity, no on can say where it will stop. The present machine is run by a man inside the cart who turns a crank. This is bulky and crude. But a member of the firm assured an Express reporter that the ones with storage batteries and phonographs will be very different. They will be made light, out of papier mache, and the body of the automaton out of wire. the present one weighs, with the cart, over 800 pounds, but the projected ones will hardly reach that of a real eight-stone man. They are steered by means of a rear wheel, after the manner of the ice-boat. The affair walks with a large step, somewhat like a person on (?). the great feature in this creation is the way by which a step was obtained. The creation can step six inches high, and certainly has a (?), independent (?), if not exactly graceful. It now reposes in a store, and is viewed by the small boy in great amaze. It has been out on the street only a few times, but it has made a great sensation. The plans of the projectors and manufacturers at present are to make these men and sell them to large advertisers. Especially in country towns it will create no end of excitement. A certain firm will be given the exclusive rights for a specified district. Then they will have them man chase about regularly with vari-colored announcements of their goods. It is known as the "Electric Advertising man" at the Patent Office. Mr. Perew has great hopes of the success of his invention. He tried to make a dancing man for use at summer resorts, but could not get the springs geared right. A dancing man with a phonograph full of quotations from Laura Jean Libbey would have great vogue. As was explained, the advent of the Electric Man is likely to cause a revolution both in the social and the commercial world. His ? is large and comprehensive. With a little improvement, electric men with faces like ? ? could be obtained and deliver popular plays to delighted audiences. But at present his use will be confined to driving the sandwich-man out of business, and dragging in his wake a candy cart with painted signs.
As natural as life, article (Glens Falls Times, 1901-01-18).jpg
Article also found in the New Orleans Bee, LA; Dryden Herald 1901-06-19
Machine-made man to walk from New York to San Francisco, illustrated article (The World, 1900-09-02).jpg
The Automatic Man, two photos (New York Public Library Photography Collection, c1900).jpg
Company incorporated to operate Philip Perew's patent, article (Tonawanda News, 1900-02-05).jpg
According to a later article, development of Perew's "electric canal boat trolley" is at least one reason for the incorporation
Automatic man of Tonawanda, article (Albany Argus, 1900-09-16).jpg
Mechanical Man, article (Buffalo Times, 1900-09-02).jpg
Great Christopher, Star Remedy, Positive Corn Cure, advertising card (c1901).jpg
eBay seller of this card notes: "From research, this product packaging said: "Great Christopher Corn and Callous Remedy prepared by the Reliable Specialty Corp., Buffalo, New York. Both the box and the tube feature the Great Christopher Trademark of a man pulling a handcart. The sealed tube states on the back 'A Safe and Reliable Remedy for Removing Corns and Callouses, each ounce contains 5 grains of cannabis.'"
Mechanical giant in human form, photo article (New York Herald, 1900-09-09)
Perfected is the work on Philip Perew's invention, article (Tonawanda News, 1896-05-11).jpg
Great Invention, Perew's Automatic Man, article (Tonawanda News, 1900-09-04).jpg
Batt Brothers Bottling Works, Tonawanda NY, bottle (c1900).jpg
Governor Joseph Christopher Yates home and environs, Schenectady, New York; photo gallery (2021).jpg
The household where Hannah Johnson was born c.1799 still stands at 17 Front Street in the historic Stockade District in Schenectady, New York. The first photos are of this property, its guest house (?) where Lafayette once stayed, a walled garden and carriage house, and the view of the Mohawk River from the backyard. The last three photos are the nearby house where Governor Yates was born. Photos by Dennis Reed Jr and Alaina Reid.
Theodore Roosevelt 1900 speech at North Tonawanda, historical recreation by Dennis Reed Jr.jpg
Theodore Roosevelt marker installed, photo (2021-10-29).jpg
Governor Roosevelt will be here Wednesday afternoon and speak, article (Tonawanda News, 1900-10-29).pdf
7000 people hear Governor Roosevelt, article (Tonawanda News, 1900-10-31).pdf
Speech of Governor Theodore Roosevelt, article and transcription (1900-11-01).jpg
The entire speech as quoted by the Tonawanda News: "My fellow citizens: I am glad to have the chance of meeting you this afternoon. In this contest I feel that we have a right to appeal to you. I wish to appeal to you in the first place on the ground of material self-interest. I do not want you to take any word of mine, I simply want you to look at the facts as they are, to face conditions as they were four years ago and the conditions today, and to compare Mr. Bryan's prophesy of four years ago with everything that has not happened since. "My Bryan said four years ago, that unless we had free silver and himself we would have four years during which business would be at a standstill and wage-workers be idle, savings bank deposits decrease and mortgages go up. In every singular particular Mr. Bryan has been in error, not one thing that he foretold has come to pass. There has been more work for the wage-worker with increased wages than ever before. In the business world failures have decreased by over two-thirds, savings bank deposits have gone up 40 per cent, and the number of mortgages has gone down 40 per cent. "Now, gentlemen, if in private life you are dealing with a man and he misleads you, the first time he fools you it is his fault, and the next time it is your fault (laughter and applause). Now, if our people go wrong they have themselves to thank for it, for they have had the experience of the last eight years to guide them. Recollect that in 1892 the argument was made that we should upset the existing policy because the capitalist had prospered over-much; because the capitalist was too prosperous, and we were told to down him and we did. We adopted the advice. By 1893 we had the capitalist down, he was down, and the rest of us were down, too (applause). That was where the hitch came in. "And now, gentlemen, Mr. Bryan appeared with his patent remedy and told us we were destined to utter ruin unless we adopted it. We have not adopted it and we are all right. And now he wants us to trust him again." Here he was interrupted by a cry of "Put him out." Roosevelt turned to the place whence the voice came and said, "No, let him in, he won't do any harm. He may learn something. Almost any change in him would be a change for the better. "We read in the Bible that among the ancient Hebrews false prophets had a hard time. But we have advanced since those days. They used to stone them; we run them for the presidency on the Democratic ticket. We ask you then to trust to deeds, not words. We ask you to compare the promises we made four years ago, with the performances, and to compare Mr. Bryan's prophecies with the fact that not a single one ever has come to pass. "Here in this city you have built up great industries under the financial and economic policy of our party. I appeal not merely to Republicans, I appeal to every man who possesses no matter what may have been his political antecedents in th epast, to stand with us because we stand for the rudimentary principle of prosperity and decent citizenship. I ask you to stand with us on the ground of civic interest. Mr. Bryan is fond of quoting Thomas Jefferson. Well, Jefferson said that the whole art of government consists in being honest; and Mr. Croker says he is in politics for his pocket every time. I am not slandering Mr. Croker, I am only quoting him. Mr. Bryan pays lip loyalty to Jefferson, but he associates with Mr. Croker. "Mr. Bryan has been in some doubt as to what was the paramount issue. Well, I will tell you. The paramount issue for the nation is Bryanism, and for the state Crokerism: and Mr. Bryan asks us to give up our prosperity, to give up our civic interest, and why? Because, forsooth, he asks us to be afraid of militarism Afraid of the regular army. Gentlemen, there are 65,000 regular soldiers and 76,000,000 of is. There are eighty-six one-hundredths of the regular soldier for every one thousand of us. About one and one-half ounces of the regular soldier for each man here present. And if Mr. Bryan is nervous about his share I want to reassure him that Republicans will protect him. I appeal to you then in the name of our material well-being, and I appeal to you also in the name of the old doctrine of keeping our flag floating in honor wherever it has been hoisted in honor."
Map of the Village of Tonawanda, illustration detail (1857).jpg
Central Must Pay for Death of Loeschnauer off swing bridge, article (Tonawanda News, 1907-05-11).jpg
RJ Clench - Photographer, ad (Tonawanda Herald, 1881-08-18).jpg
Perew Says Cappola Asked Him for Monthly Payments, bought Goose properties from bank, article (Ton News, 1937-02-02).pdf
Perew proved to be colorful character, article 1 of 2 (Ton News, 1980-09-20 5683).pdf
Peppermint Stick Teen Club, Clive Holmes, article (1966-11-26).pdf
Peppermint Stick, Roller Rink, Ward Road, photo (c1950).JPG
Kent's Opera House Grand Opening, article (Tonawanda Herald, 1878-01-17).jpg
Johnnies Olde Fashion Donuts, 1091 Oliver, as (Tonawanda News, 1979-11-28).jpg
Frederick Smith steam mill on Sweeney, Zacharia Taylor, woodcut and article - (Tonawanda Herald, 1881-12-01).jpg
Gillie, Goddard and Co, Gratwick notice (Tonawanda News, 1894).jpg
Fabulous Phil Perew Legendary Figure, article (Ton. News, 1953-03-23).pdf
Baby, cabinet card photo (Clench, c1890).jpg
Bushs bridge and former Niagara Falls Blvd route on map (c1947).jpg