1 200 21 https://nthistory.com/files/original/d9d461bd5b3627846aaec4dc24faa7d1.JPG e44bcfbf82a5e8fedcf79e65b5515fc3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bodoni Press Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Former Bodoni Press, Vandervoort and Thompson, photo (Dennis Reed Jr, 2024).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 village https://nthistory.com/files/original/f652a77c66a7c11e2f882791f6fc6e58.jpg 60f78f8683b1f993db4a300af426adb8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 142 Oliver Description An account of the resource This Oliver Street address appears to have its foundation laid in 1886, in the midst of a grist mill, boiler and engine works, a train depot, and a flour mill. By 1893, maps show a saloon with two stories in the front, and several single-story buildings behind it. Around 1914, Andrew Dorn and his Bavarian-born wife Katharina come to North Tonawanda from New York City, and begin operating a tavern and rooming house at 142 Oliver. "The Erie Hotel and Cafe" is advertised in 1915 with Andrew Dorn as the proprietor, and their clientele as "gentlemen only." Prohibition forces drinking establishments to serve on the down-low, and a 1932 dry raid targets Dorn and others. With the end of Prohibition in 1933, Dorn resumes serving openly. A business card for what is now called "Dorn’s Buffet and Rooming House" promises "light lunches" and features an illustration of a smiling man proffering a sudsy beer glass twice the size of his head. Andrew Dorn passes in 1935, and by 1942 the site is advertised as "North Star Tavern." Today, the address is privately owned apartments, seemingly now two stories all the way back. County property data gives 1930 as the build date. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Andrew Dorn, Board and Rooms, 142 Oliver Street, photo (c. 1915).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1915 person village https://nthistory.com/files/original/86e53819be2de352184f4b53e7a85148.jpg 084e3b16279fd05f1b429786dd89234e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Firefighting in the Tonawandas Description An account of the resource <img class="cover" src="https://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/80.jpg" alt="Gratwick Hose No.6, Felton Street, c.1929" />Gratwick Hose No.6, Felton Street, c.1929 <blockquote>The greatest enemy the lumbermen had was fire. Annually it destroyed millions of dollars of lumber and cost many lives. A step forward came on May 7, 1876, when twenty of the most prominent residents of the Village of North Tonawanda gathered together in the school house at the corner of Main and Tremont Streets and formed themselves into a Company for the protection of property against the ravages of fire.  The newly formed Company petitioned the Village Board and in special session on May 15, 1876, the board approved and appointed them firemen of the Village and their company was called the North Tonawanda Bucket Company, later to be called the Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. North Tonawanda depended heavily on Volunteer Firemen and quickly grew to seven companies located at important places around the city.</blockquote> - Sarah E. Walter's thesis (nthistorymuseum.org). Allan Herschell "helped to organize the first fire company of North Tonawanda" (Biographical and portrait cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York, p.361). <table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Started</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Notes</td> </tr> <tr> <td>May 7, 1876</td> <td>North Tonawanda Bucket Company / Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No.1</td> <td>Thompson in 1893 directory</td> </tr> <tr> <td>March 1, 1886</td> <td>Active Hose Company No.2</td> <td>"Ironton Boys", Robinson south of Marion in 1893</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1886-1909</td> <td>Hydrant Hose Company No.3</td> <td>Sweeney and Main at bridge</td> </tr> <tr> <td>April 1887</td> <td>Live Active Hose Co. No.4</td> <td> Thompson St (1893), now Goundry and Vandervoort</td> </tr> <tr> <td>January 26, 1891</td> <td>Rescue Fire Company No.5</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1886?</td> <td><a href="https://yellow.place/en/gratwick-hose-fire-company-6-north-tonawanda-usa">Gratwick Hose Company No.6</a></td> <td>Felton until 1962.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1894</td> <td>Sweeney Hose No.7</td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Of Hydrant Hose Co. No. 3, it was said somewhere: <blockquote>The fighting crew of the old Hydrant Hose Company liked to fight fires so much, they would first fight the men of any other fire company who raced to a North Tonawanda fire to see who got the pleasure of conquering the flames. Often the flames ended up as the victor as the firefighters spent their energies in a brawl rather than on the element of nature.</blockquote> According to Harry Dorn in an article in this set, <blockquote>The Tonawanda Fire Dept. was organized in the early 1860s when the Village of Tonawanda had a population of 2,000...One of the frst companies was the Shepard Hose Company which after several years was known as the DeGraff Hose, Hydrant Hose Company and thewn on Aug 25, 1898 became National Hose No.1 [Ed. Hydrant Hose appears in newspaper record until at least early 1900s].</blockquote> Columbia Hook & Ladder in The Tonawanda News, May 9, 1896: <blockquote>Monday, June 15, has been selected as the date of the Firemen's Annual Parade. It is expected that it will prove of more than ordinary interest as unusual efforts will be put forth this year to make it an enjoyable spectacular affair. In this connection it is interesting to note that Thursday of this week was the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the first fire company In North Tonawanda. Previous to this date North Tonawanda had paid Tonawanda $300 a year for the fire protection that the Tonawanda companies afforded. The parent company of North Tonawanda was the Columbia Hook and Ladder Company; it is still in existence, but is now one of eight splendid companies of which North Tonawanda can boast. As before stated it was organized May 7, 1876, and its first president was Frank Fellows. It was organized under a famous old hickory tree which stood on the ground now occupied by the parsonage of the First Methodist Church. Nicholas Beckrich was the first foreman of this company and other members of this crack organization were John E. Oelkers, Frank Batt, H. U. Berger, M. J. Wattengel, W. P. Hayes, Jno. Spillman, Aug. Duckwitz, Fred Schultz, Isaac Gardei, Geo. Miller, John Haas, Julius Miller and others. A number of these early firemen are numbered among the most prominent residents of North Tonawanda but it is with considerable pleasure that they recall the days of their early triumphs.</blockquote> Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hydrant Hose Company, Sweeney and Main, photo (c1910).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1910 Description An account of the resource Identified as "Columbia Hook & Ladder" when collected, though from location and banner looks like Hydrant Hose to me. bridge firefighter person village https://nthistory.com/files/original/3b6be0eefa33acb2abad80be0bb58db6.jpg f177ef6bf267473dd4cccaf647ea8111 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource North Tonawanda Public Market Description An account of the resource <img class="cover" alt="The market, c.1909" src="http://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/147.jpg" />The North Tonawanda Public Market brought thousands of customers on its first day of operation. Photo date unknown. The first official date of operation of the market near the corner of Robinson and Payne is August 23, 1908 Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Public Market, North Tonawanda, postcard (c1910).jpg Description An account of the resource North Tonawanda Musical Instrument Works in the background before its 1911 expansion. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1910 ntmiw person village https://nthistory.com/files/original/a2d87ba8f62b69a8939542c6de409be2.jpeg 130a85621eb79c89722d94c49fdb9306 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Goundry Street Area Description An account of the resource From the village's earliest days, Goundry Street was a showcase of its most luxurious homes. Wealthy lumber barons and bankers settled here, enjoying both convenient access to the business district, and convenient removal from the same. In the 1940s, many were shuttered due to high maintenance costs, and converted to apartments. Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Goundry Street, postcard (c1910).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1910 goundry house village https://nthistory.com/files/original/8bd3c98ba95c2b02cf92dcbd26106655.jpeg 11955e82252f0f32a41819ae8ddac1b3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Riviera Theatre Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shea's Riviera Theater 67 Webster, Tonawanda 1931.jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1931 downtown theater village webster https://nthistory.com/files/original/ae3a343fea698aebfecdf45d41abc6be.jpg cf341259a00516f58a5b9ac0235b98a9 https://nthistory.com/files/original/0b9c5351e6fc2fead37c82d1997b6238.jpg 13139d84d34d3b864f990f4e98134ccb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Trains and Trolleys Description An account of the resource Trains Soon after the Erie Canal is completed, railroads begin to compete for business. From <a href="https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/collection/data/930152959">researchworks.oclc.org</a>: <blockquote>In 1834 the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company was incorporated to take over the Buffalo and Black Rock Company. It extended the lines to Niagara Falls and into Tonawanda. In 1853 the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company was leased by New York Central Railroad and was merged in 1855.</blockquote> From <a href="https://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/niagara-falls-history/niagara-falls-municipal-history/railroads-of-niagara-falls/the-buffalo-niagara-falls-railroad/">niagarafallsinfo.com</a>: <blockquote>The Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad was incorporated on May 3rd, 1834. The Legislature of the State of New York passed a law to empower the railroad to construct a single or double track railroad between the City of Buffalo and the <a href="https://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/niagara-falls-history/niagara-falls-municipal-history/the-city-of-the-falls-plan/the-idea-for-the-city-of-the-falls/">Village at Niagara Falls</a>. The railroad had a mandate to operate for a 50 year term and was empowered to absorb all rights, privileges and franchises belonging to the Buffalo and Black Rock Railroad Company, which had been built and was being operated by horse power. The Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad began operating in 1845. The 28 mile trip from Buffalo to Niagara Falls was a three hour journey being pulled by a wood stoked steam locomotive.... In 1852, the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad relocated their tracks to the west side of the Erie Canal. On December 22nd 1853, the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad was leased to the New York Central Railroad. On April 23rd 1869, the New York Central Railroad began operations within the Niagara escarpment.</blockquote> From <a href="https://buffalohistory.org/Explore/Exhibits/virtual_exhibits/buffalo_anniversary/175th/page_e1.htm">buffalohistory.org</a>: <blockquote>The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Rail Road was the first in Erie County to use steam locomotives. Service from Black Rock to Tonawanda began in August, 1836; from Buffalo to Tonawanda in September; and by November, 1836, the train ran on a regular schedule between Buffalo & Niagara Falls.</blockquote> Railroads on the maps The <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/3974">1837 Tonawanda/Whitehaven map</a> shows the B&NF railroad already established on Webster. It also shows a "Road to Lockport" and a "Proposed railroad to Lockport" heading out "Detroit Street" (later, Goundry Street). In <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/1258">this 1838 map</a>, it appears the former "road" hosts a new "Tonawanda & Lockport Railroad." Some more info from <a href="https://www.newyorkcentraltrainstation.org/history-new-york-central-train-station">newyorkcentraltrainstattion.org.</a> By <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/3560">1852</a>, a third line, "The Canandaigua and Niagara Falls," is added. From <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmira_and_Lake_Ontario_Railroad">Wikipedia</a>: <blockquote>On July 1, 1853, the Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Railroad opened between Canandaigua and North Tonawanda. It was also 6 ft (1,829 mm) broad gauge, and was leased by the Canandaigua & Elmira RR, giving it access to the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge.</blockquote> In <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/1664">this 1854 map</a>, The Canandaigua route has changed to run south of the Erie Canal and then be carried over the canal into North Tonawanda at the foot of Oliver street. The cantilever bridge will later be built here. By the time of <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/240">this 1875 map</a>, a third railroad crosses the canal into North Tonawanda: The Erie, at the foot of Vandervoort street. As late as 1908, there are still tracks on the east side of Webster street. Looks like the railroad agrees to remove them in December 1921, not sure when it happens. Trolleys Before everybody in North Tonawanda could afford their very own muffler-less Honda Civic to run up and down Oliver Street, trolleys were an important means of personal transportation. Several lines ran throughout the city, moving people to and from their jobs, churches, or just out for a look around. Though they may seem romantic to us now, people griped about the trolleys the same way we complain about snow plows today. Apparently their slow speed was sometimes targeted: An item in this set describes a "well-known peddler" in the Gratwick area who is injured by a trolley car. The author drolly observes, "'Twould have been a real miracle if a Gratwick car could have got up enough speed to have killed him" (Tonawanda News, 1908-2-13). The trolley era did not last long. By the 1920s, the electric streetcar had been passed by the gasoline-powered bus as the most prevalent means of public transportation. Another article in this set from the Tonawanda News, "Carpenter now operates 14 busses in the Tonawandas," outlines the rise of the Carpenter Rapid Transit buses. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Men near North Tonawanda train station, photo (c1923).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1923 collection person village https://nthistory.com/files/original/d8bc198348a012a9bdeba27379be8d8e.jpg e341780c18c2667f0f69d6bbf885ff50 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Avondale / Oliver Theater (358 Oliver) Description An account of the resource <img class="cover" alt="Avondale Theatre as it appeared in 1924. Sketch by Dennis Reed Jr." src="http://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/69.jpg" />Avondale Theatre as it appeared in 1924 (Dennis Reed Jr) The southwest corner of Robinson and Oliver Streets—now an empty lot—was formerly occupied by a silent film theater in 1910, an evangelical center in the 50s, and a concert hall in the 80s before being demolished. Oliver Theater (1910-1921) The Oliver Theater opens its doors to the silent film-hungry public on November 3rd, 1910. It is operated by one Henry Klinger of Wheatfield Street (formerly of Buffalo). It boasts a capacity of 500 seats, modern electric lighting and ventilation, and is "sanitarily perfect."  It exhibits the latest pictures, three each evening, and a Saturday matinee for a 5 cent admission. In those more religious times, "blue laws" forbid certain kinds of work and the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Klinger battles with local authorities to permit the auditorium to be open to the public on Sundays, pointing out that other cities do. "Why, some of the churches in Lockport are showing pictures on Sundays, so I don't see why they should be considered so immoral in North Tonawanda," <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2272">he says</a> in a 1913 interview. But Mayor B. L. Rand will not budge. Klinger takes the fight to the courts. In July of 1915 a Lockport judge <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2273">rules against</a> the mayor, opening the way to Sunday picture shows. At some point Klinger sells "the house to Snyder and Zimmerman of Buffalo" but buys it back from them around July 1921 with a plan to "remodel the theater and increase its seating capacity" (from <a href="http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/28609">cinematreasures.org</a>). A public contest is held to rename the theater.  Grocery store owner George Roggow wins the $10 prize with his romantic entry, "Avondale." He claims he <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/3338">read the name</a> from the tag inside his shirt. The Avondale Theater (1921-1955) The newly christened theater re-opens on September 1, 1921. L. E. Bargar is manager. At his request, he is appointed as a "special police officer," serving without pay but with the authority to make arrests. In January, 1922, Wurlitzer installs a cutting-edge Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra with a $2.5K price tag. It debuts in February, the same month early silent film actor <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Walker">Lillian Walker</a> (aka "Dimples") visits the theater in person, and speaks from the stage at each performance. Apparently some vaudeville is presented at the Avondale among the films. On June 17, 1922 the NEWS reports the Great Abdiz, the Man with the Iron Jaw, and Bryson appear in an Arabian juggling act. In October 1924, L. E. Barger resigns as manager. He is said to have been in the picture business for 22 years. In 1925, manager James. J. Kelly gets Duo-Art Films of Rochester to produce a "civic review" of the Tonawandas in pictures. Kelly becomes manager of the newly opened Riviera Theatre in 1926. Daniel A. North is a longtime owner and operator, with a two-year absence between 1936 and 1938. The Avondale is still showing pictures as late as 1955, but is put up for sale in 1956. Evangelistic Center of the Tonawandas (1956-1979) In 1956, the building is purchased by Italian Pentecostals at the  Christian Tabernacle who have outgrown their modest church on 195 Schenck Street, and have been renting the Avondale. After extensive remodeling, the old theater is renamed the Assembly of God Evangelistic Center of the Tonawandas. Pastor Cooper's parsonage was at 11 16th Avenue until 1960. The first services are held on November 4, 1956.  It appears to have been a lively era, as scores if not hundreds of touring speakers and religious musical acts appear in ads in the News over the following two decades. In 1979, the Abundant Life Assembly of God <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%25201979%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201979%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201795.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3De67711b%26DocId%3D2254257%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D23%26hits%3D1f%2B71%2B1a6%2B22e%2B2ff%2B335%2B428%2B583%2B58a%2B5cb%2B5d6%2B5dd%2B5e6%2B5e9%2B621%2B62c%2B669%2B715%2B771%2B7e2%2B841%2B846%2B84d%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%25201979%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201979%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201795.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3De67711b%26DocId%3D2254257%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D23%26hits%3D1f%2B71%2B1a6%2B22e%2B2ff%2B335%2B428%2B583%2B58a%2B5cb%2B5d6%2B5dd%2B5e6%2B5e9%2B621%2B62c%2B669%2B715%2B771%2B7e2%2B841%2B846%2B84d%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false">sell the building and move to new quarters</a> at 1001 East Robinson in North Tonawanda. They owned the land since 1967, and have tent revivals there. In 2009 Abundant Life <a href="https://buffalonews.com/news/congregation-reaps-what-it-sows-with-its-first-public-services/article_53270053-59e1-59d2-a1c3-47121a1b4863.html">is closed</a> "because of a dwindling congregation." Final years By December 1979 the "Oliver Auction House" <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/3346">is doing business</a> at that address. The theater enjoys a final act in the mid 1980s as the "Avondale Ballroom," featuring live musical performances. It opens in April 1985, and is run by Dennis Lasky (who also conducted the auction house operation). The theater is razed in the late 1980s. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Evangelical Center, Mr. Ezzo, photo (Tonawanda News, 1979-03-22).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-03-22 church oliver person theater village https://nthistory.com/files/original/3867b8a765f426b1b6f886a3f08f9577.jpg d4fe5cf11aa4ceeebae2eb94d787360c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource State National Bank (14 Webster Street) Description An account of the resource This former beauty of a building on the northwest corner of Webster and Sweeney Streets housed the State National Bank and other businesses. James H. DeGraff is president, J. S. Thompson vice president and Benjamin L. Rand, cashier (in 1922, W. M. Sutton). "Lumber Exchange Bank" has same leadership and address in 1900. A November 22, 1932 item in the Buffalo Evening News reports the historic building is being razed, and somewhat affectively describes stalled efforts by demolition crews to remove the "4,000 pound lion which has gazed out over the Tonawandas from its perch atop the the...building for the last 40 years...Efforts to get the huge statue of the jungle beast down to earth have been considered...[it was] decided to break it into pieces on the roof rather than risk bringing it down intact." Ads for a "North Side Liquor Store" appear by 1938. For many years the address was associated with Frank's Liquors, in 2022 it is Canalside Wine & Spirits. Advertisement A graphic or text document produced by an entity for promotional purposes. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource State National Bank, photo ad (1907).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1907 bank downtown village webster https://nthistory.com/files/original/8fed5c6a6f3db6c0df3b621188b368d9.jpg 1300ad53930c047b9060f5de0a203d0a Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Paschens Dry Good Store, photo article (Tonawanda News 1965-11-20).jpg Description An account of the resource 290 Oliver. Escape Room Buffalo in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1965-11-20 building oliver village https://nthistory.com/files/original/21385835a576ea99e2360755750d2f66.jpg 53c7e154244f5b19fe845c5b5fa754f5 https://nthistory.com/files/original/bcf4ae4d9be5335f6ea724a79a73e2ec.jpg d85d5b84085123ab72ec1b91650e1d78 https://nthistory.com/files/original/23c1e8499991741a89e11355c585a76c.jpg 928fa7c398801e7e1fa2e3e3a094fca3 https://nthistory.com/files/original/e94c71bb7df137c24e516626910e310a.jpg 42c141cb0fac82c5f52b438a7aa4a5cf https://nthistory.com/files/original/9c239ea137685439f57a0f4880d2f425.jpg 168dbaf3931ecd0c7c93eeabcf3bb6a7 https://nthistory.com/files/original/54b4472f03fe09899015e347502a377e.jpg aab6cfbc2a53f11de4f40d02515a5833 Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 305 Schenck, photos (Al Moser, c1920).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1920 building oliver village https://nthistory.com/files/original/695672cdbed52f137e53be55ff9fadcd.jpg 43c4099ccec54a630b6eee1e9f51184f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Early Accounts of the Tonawandas Description An account of the resource These book excerpts and articles describe the earliest days of the white settlers in the Tonawandas, as well as the nearby villages of Martinsville, Sawyer's Station, Gratwick and Ironton (incorporated into the city of North Tonawanda in 1897). Article Text appearing in a newspaper. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Frederick Smith steam mill on Sweeney, Zacharia Taylor, woodcut and article - (Tonawanda Herald, 1881-12-01).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1881-12-01 illustration village https://nthistory.com/files/original/b8e8dbbf0a9f6d163cdc7fa43f156655.jpg bf5bde0d2ee2fdc36e025251c7b0c430 https://nthistory.com/files/original/ef167dc5ca2ce8af28c2353551512ee0.jpg c8dd9e09e37191f3a2a92ea0ab77630c https://nthistory.com/files/original/e5f9689218027a3f3615cca63dceadb7.jpg 34256906719ae2da773522e3b9aa711f https://nthistory.com/files/original/441ef59712094b8a165b88cfb8aaef24.jpg 50e4b9ee261cbbd01488feaf70c73609 https://nthistory.com/files/original/7f3b7d976c555307c200ccd11bb8ef21.jpg 22fa7eb7a6acfe2a7f7789d82cf12e23 https://nthistory.com/files/original/25f0ffc0a7b299dd703b14d93a4fe56b.jpg 260eab31513f12a965c9898e2cbc5ccc https://nthistory.com/files/original/c8c2806e93dfe18f859c1fffb99512cf.jpg d81ce027f6a93065bf264458d938c3cd https://nthistory.com/files/original/e9dd76466d44f5cf3a6ad42355c04838.jpg 80c3200be899c67011e6c5979ce70ab1 https://nthistory.com/files/original/9240bcd93f052618a605eca2aa6433b1.jpg 6e82687da71e0daa3900f7b3d0968cea https://nthistory.com/files/original/6ac2f3fe893a1311aff3d5d70374acaa.jpg 93e3f0487822155db7ebf877eb9c3c5b https://nthistory.com/files/original/43abd887c454f2e14d3e4e6374bc67a4.jpg 1dd9f1adbe44f93f4916091033483815 https://nthistory.com/files/original/929024c0370cfe7a1a5f8de1e2392af0.jpg b20dac8134a032d41d04881915db0d8b https://nthistory.com/files/original/364c5519a0e0a75224ce8d13f0abc584.jpg d2fe4fe7d78fd033d629b87c92660ef2 https://nthistory.com/files/original/8167335b12b6d2cbf16901417013b76e.jpg 8888d72d92e21de1b8f3a841f4f3ad9f https://nthistory.com/files/original/0e3bbef27b0949b415fe7979a628f380.jpg e7e45ffc5d30a4b46bc84ba08e48ed37 https://nthistory.com/files/original/0529891fb6cdd4fa61f36980f5db7769.jpg 2687b29c8694d4bc9ae36c705464d296 https://nthistory.com/files/original/83565f788036ac62d27deadd727661b6.jpg d3c5ac1f38bf5b0ad029c34159c356aa https://nthistory.com/files/original/f1944a0bc4bf68dfb3d51a1c4958db76.jpg e1f7c03b9adeab7c120ba6db68fc731e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Goundry Street Area Description An account of the resource From the village's earliest days, Goundry Street was a showcase of its most luxurious homes. Wealthy lumber barons and bankers settled here, enjoying both convenient access to the business district, and convenient removal from the same. In the 1940s, many were shuttered due to high maintenance costs, and converted to apartments. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 208 Goundry Street (former Kent residence) after arson, photo set (Dennis Reed Jr, 2015-01).jpg Description An account of the resource One of seven structures in North Tonawanda set ablaze by an arsonist on August 4, 2014. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-01 fire mansion village https://nthistory.com/files/original/e1ef849b731f4412b34aaf655ea98c9a.jpg 4d65fef129fe8299c72472479a9985d8 https://nthistory.com/files/original/e5e03dbd91ebdb4e353a2ffc5b0da22a.jpg 95920466d59c811dcb0e2ae1ae1d5ded https://nthistory.com/files/original/1fa4bf8e8c8dc6b09b0489f449753be5.jpg a9176f3ff413af3b88fc5296e7a9c161 https://nthistory.com/files/original/8560fc801bdd1d3929767b5c516b18eb.jpg 7e8e8f18d5c3a4681c1e3ae5d19967f0 https://nthistory.com/files/original/56e916c9bdfd71c1e1680b5196421984.jpg a49b97722981d4f7fc77a03677f92150 https://nthistory.com/files/original/a92e9396c443c521884a49d19123da42.jpg e58e87d6db1689e4aba07f0d5f113eb6 https://nthistory.com/files/original/774ed2752704061be38f9b8ce7ebf55a.jpg fed5bdadcbb74ef561766051f3419af4 https://nthistory.com/files/original/366e8e75fea8ad1c8c26830d08fff058.jpg 3f735064761fc4fe2cd8f8b523bc49d2 https://nthistory.com/files/original/bee257d7f3655b0b99bcdbc5f887e349.jpg fa613a81c4b3cab774a6d59bef546fa2 https://nthistory.com/files/original/afec807295d1e55d6c932b205f60de2f.jpg 86c8d79d420577f569b94f16d5deedbc https://nthistory.com/files/original/08cb21c3d80517f18c4ab3e1cdf33080.jpg ddec084b6e922f85779bef685909e54a https://nthistory.com/files/original/b95fa633b08d898718005a6be242db86.jpg 0221191e818d7a94e95ed4ac8cb3cbc7 https://nthistory.com/files/original/3913a878257c039f02bc4f181d53b9e4.jpg d427c1ba485b38ff095508e7f8467a9e https://nthistory.com/files/original/07cd5012ef2571ecdc9caacaa44051a4.jpg b91e43eb0b631716815a4996a5cc77ee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Boathouse Park, Weatherbest Slip Description An account of the resource <img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Park" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/124.jpg" /> PHOTO: Dennis Reed Jr. Around the junction of Tonawanda Creek and the "Little River" three small slips cut into the land. The slips were dug in the 1870s to accommodate Great Lakes and other vessels necessary to North Tonawanda's world-class lumber industry (<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2668">Buffalo News</a>, 2006). Great piles of lumber towered around them. That lumber industry, as residents know, eventually moves elsewhere. By the 1950s* dozens of private boathouses occupy the area. The city owns the property; the boaters own the structures, pay taxes on them, and lease the land annually. In 1965 the city of North Tonawanda sells the land to the boathouse owners at their request, only to have the sale almost immediately deemed illegal by Mayor Durkee, and nullified. Still, the annual lease continues. In the 1970s the boathouse residents' status becomes contentious when the county health department threatens to fine the city steeply for the effluvium the boathouse residents are releasing into the Little River. The city threatens to evict tenants, to stop renewing leases, and—at the nadir of the clash—to turn off water service to the area. After all, the city argues, the lease does not permit use of the boathouses as living quarters. The park residents' right to enjoy the waterfront property at the exclusion of all other city  residents is also called into question. One mayor wants to evict the tenants and turn the area into a carousel park. In the 1980s developer Wilbur Holler wants to turn the area into townhouses. None of these plans is successful. In 2008 a row of boathouses is demolished, as they are built over a city sewer. But in 2021 the community appears to be all but intractable. *It is unclear how long the structures have been there; <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2688" style="font-size: 0.8em;">a similar slip at Gratwick</a> (since demolished for the wastewater plant) appears to have had boathouses since at least 1905. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Boathouse Park, photos (Dennis Reed Jr, 2021-05-03).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021-05-03 boathouse river village https://nthistory.com/files/original/7a8a7cf617e71c1646e4298aa247b185.jpg 9e0dea2c9748d439a96974b6d2cb21ce https://nthistory.com/files/original/29b8cbc14922b0d28463523367b81d94.jpg 35da049bf898e61df42e6f3cd50d1268 https://nthistory.com/files/original/bb0b516bdeab5777620fe1936479ce93.jpg a3aaa39d6bf1d589afda1c9ff97af3d5 https://nthistory.com/files/original/38cd5be15548ba0f7c3cf94dca761b48.jpg a1a5bee8d8126d5b07c2e70548b5211d https://nthistory.com/files/original/54ba7224482916948c9b30ef1d9881ae.jpg 17e6c59667f88f2cb0dfae021d24d8c6 https://nthistory.com/files/original/961eeaa59ea71a2b627714f892c16f3c.jpg 16afe8168269d531e1dd83c3524c7cf4 https://nthistory.com/files/original/2e1a5f495249d2e259d866ddae97f4e6.jpg e00bc6c51abfa058e5dd4031ea1e2de1 https://nthistory.com/files/original/019937a1b13b8e2fc0e29057843909f8.jpg 28e4086ffbef532b757dc84a87ec0b99 https://nthistory.com/files/original/93417e567cbc75cd813eafd4ab9a96c6.jpg ac1efc0495915d2e6c997df1a62caaae https://nthistory.com/files/original/f4f0d36bc91123de9d0df14d0a2fa9a7.jpg 55d69ad8e1f57c085d1f7732477318ec https://nthistory.com/files/original/bfd3a7e9ce9f8a35bdd99eaedeabc3f5.jpg 36c0e43de42d2e2810f4e6d8bdc48a07 Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Oliver Street photo collection (1947).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947 gratwick ironton oliver village https://nthistory.com/files/original/babbcbb823f2e511ff5649cf4b8ebbea.jpg c3993a5694ea65503893bf90859a1382 https://nthistory.com/files/original/08e3fdb91f13199e22cc8f38c5f26fe2.jpg 3218fc22ec5b8e24452fe199882aa5a0 https://nthistory.com/files/original/10c0361339d363f0e25c4ba29a6584a6.jpg 30ef532ef95166ffdfecc591d61bb741 https://nthistory.com/files/original/1ca87f7a0dc73bad4d91f22e25d6dac9.jpg c3993a5694ea65503893bf90859a1382 Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Genesee Brewing - Tonawandas Distributing Corp., postcard (1958).jpg Description An account of the resource In 1933, Tondisco Inc. was founded by Norman Ackerman and Roy Glawf as the Tonawandas Distributing Corp., at 91 Scott Street, Tonawanda. In 1952 it moved to 80 Thompson Street. Source: <a href="https://archive.org/stream/cityofnorthtonaw00sond/cityofnorthtonaw00sond_djvu.txt">Centennial Celebration, 1897-1997</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1958 village https://nthistory.com/files/original/f72cd3d20eed49338ce0532bae36543c.jpg 1b4edfe8b266bc8f2071128066a0953a https://nthistory.com/files/original/8bda1a41060205662538934b6dc62a41.jpeg 6fd1fbd2f85c7f173ecfe1fc7bc3d6a3 https://nthistory.com/files/original/069a4c15547720b290e287fe405529b9.jpeg 869074e8e5067905ce66f70ba5479656 https://nthistory.com/files/original/369e1c919936ad51343b72c8e095dfad.jpeg b659a3be42fd8907ccf779984bed9734 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Telephone Franchises Description An account of the resource "In 1880, both the Bell Telephone Company and the Edison Co. opened general offices and began extending service in both villages here. The Home Telephone Co. later was in business here also." George S. Hobbie, News founder, describes first experimental line in a 1930 remembrance (1953). In 1902, Mayor Ollie vetoes the Common Council's grant of a purportedly lavishly generous Bell telephone franchise. The Niagara Falls Home Telephone Company merges with others to become the Niagara County Home Telephone Company. In NT in March 1912 the Common Council rules that the wires along Tremont are unsightly, and requires they, the New York Telephone Company, and the Tonawanda Power Company place wires underground. This does not go over well with the companies. "Mr. E. C. Payne appeared and requested the Common Council to take action on the International Railroad Company in regard to the heavy voltage wires killing the trees along the east side of Payne Avenue." Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Home Telephone Building (109 Goundry Street), postcard (1907-11-08).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1907-11-08 building collection downtown goundry village https://nthistory.com/files/original/ddc92861bbc39c4a6c2c9b30193c7981.jpg e7854bd02eba082c88c3f5b8787cac89 https://nthistory.com/files/original/6f7e69b5cf7ec25a588aabe51f8c32e7.jpg 09fb9195b804b7b4b8ae2dff7ab0c153 https://nthistory.com/files/original/88c6d185729ff45f509c9a50d585e385.jpg bd9222716e674efe8bfcd5ccc312f3b5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Downtown Description An account of the resource Most of North Tonawanda's downtown area developed between 1875 and 1900. In this collection are preserved views of many vanished buildings: The YMCA and City Hall at the southeast corner of Tremont and Main; the 6-story 1891 Smith building (Real Estate Exchange) at the northeast corner of Tremont and Webster, the gothic stone State National Bank at the northwest corner of Sweeney and Webster, and Scanlon's Hall on the southwest corner of the same intersection, to name a few. Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Webster Street, Burtch Drugs and Rivera Theatre, postcard (c1940).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940 Description An account of the resource Alternate spelling of Riviera. downtown hd riviera theater village webster https://nthistory.com/files/original/c9549f910863a9510dca4c97a8e7d96c.jpg b24dc0eb5a89f8be7d1ad2fb06180901 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Avenues / Ironton (Neighborhood) Description An account of the resource <img class="cover" src="http://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/83e.jpg" alt="Ironton and First Ave in 2024. Photo by Dennis Reed Jr" />Ironton Street and First Ave in 2024. Photo by Dennis Reed Jr See also: <a href="https://www.nthistory.com/articles/lost-village-of-ironton/">The lost village of Ironton and the birth of the Avenues</a> and <a href="https://nthistory.com/collections/show/141">Avenues Folk: Mary Kijowski-Konstanty of Fifteenth Ave</a>. Origins of Ironton The "spark" for Ironton arrives in 1873, when Niagara Furnace (later <a href="http://nthistory.com/collections/show/16">Tonawanda Iron and Steel)</a> locates on the banks of the Niagara River near Wheatfield Street. The unofficial village of "Ironton" is named after the promising venture. After initial excitement (and investment in the surrounding land) however, the furnace shuts down after only a year in operation.  Early doings In 1875 map, homes are seen in the lower Avenues. Oliver Street business? Churches. Colonel Payne's estate is still intact across Payne and up to Dahlgren Place, the former northern limit of the early Avenues. Ironton Street from 1880s according to ArcGIS. "From 1880-1890, its population increased form 1,492 to 4,793," (Biographical and portrait cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York, p.110). In 1882, the establishment of a John Cichoki's <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1665">tavern on River Road</a> near Wheatfield street <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1543">is a foothold</a> for early Polish settlers. Grocers and butchers are nearby. In 1884 a "minor school in a small frame building" is established less than a quarter mile east down Wheatfield at Dahlgren Place (<a href="https://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1477">Buffalo Courier Express, 1905)</a>. In 1889 or 1890, the much larger, Richardsonian Romanesque style <a href="http://nthistory.com/collections/show/64">Ironton Public School #2</a> opens at the corner of 1st Ave and Oliver Street.  The furnace burns again; the River Road industrial corridor The old Niagara Furnace site is expanded and relaunched in 1889 by Tonawanda Iron and Steel. The adjacent marshes and former farms once again become valuable real estate, with "manufacturing interests" courted for the valuable land along the river and railroad tracks. More Poles, Hungarians and others flock to the Avenues, bringing their languages, traditions and chickens with them. An 1891 guidebook describes the real estate situation: <blockquote>It was purchased from Pratt & Jewett by Geo. P. Smith and A. J. Hathaway, Oct. 15, 1889, replatted, and Jan. 1st, 1890, put on the market. Within a year 500 building lots had been sold and 100 houses erected. With June of the present year [1891] the Ironton Land Co. was incorporated with capital of §100,000 and everything bids fair for a prosperous career, as this is the river center of North Tonawanda corporation, and being traversed by all the rail- roads it cannot fail to secure prominent manufacturing interests. The Ironton addition is less than a mile from the North Tonawanda City Hall. With the Iron & Steel Works, the surrounding lumber interests and the bolt and nut works of Plumb, Burdict ct Barnard, which has recently been located on the adjoining property, this section of the city will make a convenient and desirable place for mechanics and business firms. It has the water supply, electric lights, and will soon be connected by the electric street car line. A double two story brick block for stores has just been completed on Oliver street, making a nice addition to the mercantile conveniences there, a $15,000 brick school house was erected a couple of years since, a church dedicated in August and this section has all the modern conveniences of the older part of the city.</blockquote> Land In November 1889, <a href="https://niagara.nygenweb.net/biography/smithgeorgep1897bio.html">George P. Smith</a> and <a href="https://niagara.nygenweb.net/biography/hathawayaj1897bio.html">A. J. Hathaway</a> buy land opposite the iron works. Incorporation into the City of North Tonawanda The village of "Ironton" (along with the villages of North Tonawanda, Gratwick and Martinsville) is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897. The last remnant of the old village name is in its "Ironton Street," running along the west edge of the original avenues. It never had its own post office, or government, but it is an interesting part of the patchwork of the original city that has mostly now vanished from public recall. An increasingly Polish community on the Avenues For the numerous Polish on the <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/3436">original seven avenues</a>, their church is the center of their community. OLC is established on Center Ave, exactly where the grotto is today. It is later rebuilt just south. <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/98">Pettit Creek</a> flows through the area (it will be covered). <a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200105.pdf">The paving of Oliver Street being planned August 26, 1893. </a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s"> A progress report </a><a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200169.pdf">about a month later</a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s">. October 5 </a><a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200235.pdf">there is labor trouble between Poles and Italians</a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s">.</a> The upper avenues remain essentially woods and marshes until the 1940s, when settlement accelerates with the nationwide Baby Boom.  Notes:  * Annual Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, of the State of New-York (1884, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=EEEdAQAAIAAJ">Google Books)</a> Also has lots of details about new Goundry Street school and a brief mention of Gratwick school and enrollment figures.1890 "The village of Tonawanda is up and awake as far as educational matters are concerned. It has a progressive board of education composed of five members, all liberal men in their views. A new brick school building is nearly completed at Ironton, a suburb of the village, that would be a pride to any town."<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s"> </a> John Carr on Facebook in January 2017: "Go back to the 1800's and my great grandfather's farm, as well as several others, was there, extending from the river inland past Payne. The house was originally along the river. Eventually the lumber yards and steel mills pushed the property, and the house back from the river to Oliver (#849 or #869). In the 1890's, after his death, the property was sold off and developed into individual housing lots. At that time the area was annexed to North Tonawanda, before that the area was part of Wheatfield. Carr Street still exists by the town pool. Many of my great grand parents children and their families had homes in the area. We see the area today pretty much as it was developed then, however modernized a bit and not the capitol of industry it was then." <a href="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b5be67cf0e05477e8f4ad3161ab51422">ArcGIS</a> and old map notes: <ul> <li>1860 map show Cap. O. Shepard in a few places. From Ohio. Buried there. H(enry) Rosebrock from Hanover, Germany (1880 Census); H. Luttman German. F. Roney</li> <li>Homes on Ironton Street range between 1870 (96 Ironton), 1880 (144 Ironton) and into the early 1900s. Some Year 0s (e.g., 188).</li> <li>The River Rd - Wheatfield "businesses" at southeast corner are 1900-1930, couple of year 0s, though 1886 map shows SOMETHING there earlier.</li> <li>Weston & Son lumber all around in 1886 maps, Stocum & DeGraff south across Summer</li> <li>Simson Street: Properties start at 1860 (23 Simson), couple 1880s and 0s. "Rua, Joseph M" listed as owned on many.  1875 map it's called "Judd Ave, and names of homeowners are given (several Simsons); Called "Miller" in 1886 map. Early enclave for nearby mill, predating even Iron Works? </li> </ul> Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stan's Tavern, 495 River Rid., photo (c1935).jpg Description An account of the resource This tavern at 495 River Road would later be Beachy's, and then Ship of Fools. The photo was contributed by John Olszowka, who also supplied the following information:  <blockquote>From what I understand my grandfather (Stan) only operated it briefly--giving it to his sister and brother-in-law (who changed the name to Beachy's). It had been his father's (Albert). As the oldest he inherited it when his father passed in 1932 (who operated it going back to early-1900--it was listed in the 1920 census as a confectionary shop. But speaking with my father it was never that. It was always a bar continuing to operate during prohibition--somewhat openly).</blockquote> According to <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1543">this article</a> about the early Poles in North Tonawanda, the first Polish tavern opened in 1882 "on the site where the Olszowka home now stands." A 1908 map shows the "O." surname on 495 River and the property behind, on Simpson. I asked Mr. Olszowka about this, and he furnished the following: <blockquote>Albert came to the US around late-1880, early-1890--part of the wave of new immigrants entering the US (Poles, Italians, etc). I was told he came to avoid having to serve in the Russian army which was notoriously brutal in its treatment of Poles). Initially he made his way to Pennsylvania--working in the steel mills around Pittsburgh, then to Oil City where he worked the oil fields. The plan was always to make to the Western New York region where people from his village had gone before him. I'm not sure when he finally made it to NT, though I know by 1910 he is listed in the Federal Census as owning the property at 495. The tavern served as a business and boarding house. Albert operated the tavern , which was frequented by mostly polish workers who worked the mills. He also rented boarding rooms in the building to single male workers--if you look at the front of the tavern you see the windows each window was a room that was rented. From what I understand there were as many as six boarders at given time--three rooms in the front, and three in the back. Albert's wife maintained the rooms, working as housekeeper --cooking, cleaning and doing laundry for the boarders. The family lived behind the Tavern in an apartment. Over the years Albert began making a nice little living--it also operated throughout the 1920s. I was told he paid off police to look the other way. He eventually purchased the property across from the alley behind the Tavern that was off of Simson (hence the map). He also began purchasing other property in the town including a large lot on Fredericka and a farm lot off of Ward Road. When Albert died in 1932 my grandfather (Stanley), his oldest son inherited it all. He briefly operated the tavern, changing the name (to Stan's). But really didn't like the business or the lifestyle I was told (he was actually a big football player--he's in the NT Hall of Fame and was recruited heavily by colleges to play. He wanted to study engineering and play football but his father wouldn't allow it. Instead he wanted him to work in the family business and settle down, which my grandfather resisted.). Stanley eventually passed the tavern to his sister and her husband (Beachy). He meanwhile took the property on Fredericka (132) and built a house and settled down to start his family--getting married in 1935</blockquote> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1935 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived John Olszowka bar village https://nthistory.com/files/original/fb58e13e4fcbcff2ad3b144f2cb2d203.jpeg 4e068af8c50571c24d2f8bb22565bc92 https://nthistory.com/files/original/28a369b2f7f0863745f6998e96ca2e6d.jpeg 3440f666859ceacec594375ad42b95f2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Trains and Trolleys Description An account of the resource Trains Soon after the Erie Canal is completed, railroads begin to compete for business. From <a href="https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/collection/data/930152959">researchworks.oclc.org</a>: <blockquote>In 1834 the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company was incorporated to take over the Buffalo and Black Rock Company. It extended the lines to Niagara Falls and into Tonawanda. In 1853 the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company was leased by New York Central Railroad and was merged in 1855.</blockquote> From <a href="https://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/niagara-falls-history/niagara-falls-municipal-history/railroads-of-niagara-falls/the-buffalo-niagara-falls-railroad/">niagarafallsinfo.com</a>: <blockquote>The Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad was incorporated on May 3rd, 1834. The Legislature of the State of New York passed a law to empower the railroad to construct a single or double track railroad between the City of Buffalo and the <a href="https://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/niagara-falls-history/niagara-falls-municipal-history/the-city-of-the-falls-plan/the-idea-for-the-city-of-the-falls/">Village at Niagara Falls</a>. The railroad had a mandate to operate for a 50 year term and was empowered to absorb all rights, privileges and franchises belonging to the Buffalo and Black Rock Railroad Company, which had been built and was being operated by horse power. The Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad began operating in 1845. The 28 mile trip from Buffalo to Niagara Falls was a three hour journey being pulled by a wood stoked steam locomotive.... In 1852, the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad relocated their tracks to the west side of the Erie Canal. On December 22nd 1853, the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad was leased to the New York Central Railroad. On April 23rd 1869, the New York Central Railroad began operations within the Niagara escarpment.</blockquote> From <a href="https://buffalohistory.org/Explore/Exhibits/virtual_exhibits/buffalo_anniversary/175th/page_e1.htm">buffalohistory.org</a>: <blockquote>The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Rail Road was the first in Erie County to use steam locomotives. Service from Black Rock to Tonawanda began in August, 1836; from Buffalo to Tonawanda in September; and by November, 1836, the train ran on a regular schedule between Buffalo & Niagara Falls.</blockquote> Railroads on the maps The <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/3974">1837 Tonawanda/Whitehaven map</a> shows the B&NF railroad already established on Webster. It also shows a "Road to Lockport" and a "Proposed railroad to Lockport" heading out "Detroit Street" (later, Goundry Street). In <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/1258">this 1838 map</a>, it appears the former "road" hosts a new "Tonawanda & Lockport Railroad." Some more info from <a href="https://www.newyorkcentraltrainstation.org/history-new-york-central-train-station">newyorkcentraltrainstattion.org.</a> By <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/3560">1852</a>, a third line, "The Canandaigua and Niagara Falls," is added. From <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmira_and_Lake_Ontario_Railroad">Wikipedia</a>: <blockquote>On July 1, 1853, the Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Railroad opened between Canandaigua and North Tonawanda. It was also 6 ft (1,829 mm) broad gauge, and was leased by the Canandaigua & Elmira RR, giving it access to the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge.</blockquote> In <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/1664">this 1854 map</a>, The Canandaigua route has changed to run south of the Erie Canal and then be carried over the canal into North Tonawanda at the foot of Oliver street. The cantilever bridge will later be built here. By the time of <a href="https://nthistory.com/items/show/240">this 1875 map</a>, a third railroad crosses the canal into North Tonawanda: The Erie, at the foot of Vandervoort street. As late as 1908, there are still tracks on the east side of Webster street. Looks like the railroad agrees to remove them in December 1921, not sure when it happens. Trolleys Before everybody in North Tonawanda could afford their very own muffler-less Honda Civic to run up and down Oliver Street, trolleys were an important means of personal transportation. Several lines ran throughout the city, moving people to and from their jobs, churches, or just out for a look around. Though they may seem romantic to us now, people griped about the trolleys the same way we complain about snow plows today. Apparently their slow speed was sometimes targeted: An item in this set describes a "well-known peddler" in the Gratwick area who is injured by a trolley car. The author drolly observes, "'Twould have been a real miracle if a Gratwick car could have got up enough speed to have killed him" (Tonawanda News, 1908-2-13). The trolley era did not last long. By the 1920s, the electric streetcar had been passed by the gasoline-powered bus as the most prevalent means of public transportation. Another article in this set from the Tonawanda News, "Carpenter now operates 14 busses in the Tonawandas," outlines the rise of the Carpenter Rapid Transit buses. Photo A photographic depiction of a person or place. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource North Tonawanda Street Railroad trolley car outside Hotel Sheldon, photo (c1896).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1896 goundry hotel person trolley village https://nthistory.com/files/original/1725aceb496ef7b98f6f3c3ca381b973.jpg 8a4b2ef3a02c190c9eee3cecf4a732a2 https://nthistory.com/files/original/8a51a2ecad41d6f0de7721f6389a1411.jpeg dc711734d8d1b13813bd9d61ecf15785 Postcard A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource First Methodist Episcopal Church, postcard (c1910).jpg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1910 church collection downtown village