March 4, 1921

•B.G. Morrison, the blacksmith, continues on the sick list.

•Harry Robson has opened a garage in the building across the street from his residence in lower part of village.

•Word had been received here of the death of Henry Hogaboom in Soldiers Home in Dayton, Ohio.  His age was over 80 years.

•A petition has been circulated for a special town meeting in Bovina to vote on the question of buying a roller for use on the highways of the town.

•Mrs. John A. Irvine and sister in law, Mrs. W.T. Black of Delhi, who have spent several weeks with the sons of the former at Seattle, Washington, and homeward bound, and are now in Denver, Colorado.

March 11, 1921

•Nelson Reynolds has returned to town again.

•Thomas Gordon is at Delhi this week as court crier.

•Beatrice Hoy and Anna Dickson have recovered from the measles.

•Miss Margaret Hoy, who has been ill, is improving and is able to sit up.

•The remains of Henry Hogaboom, who died at the Soldiers Home in Dayton, Ohio, were brought here last Friday for burial.  During the civil war he served in Co. E. 144th Regt.  For many years he lived on the farm now owned by J.K. Russell at Lake Delaware.  In his younger days he was in the note “shaving” business.

Death of an Esteemed Woman

Mrs. J.B. Lee Passed Away Feb. 12th in Scotland

Saturday this community was saddened by the news of the death at her home in Comrie, Scotland, on February 12, of Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell Lee, widow of the late Rev. J.B. Lee, D.D.  Her age was 79 years.

Dr. Lee married her in Scotland and took her to his charge at Franklinville, N.Y.  After he retired from the ministry, they came to Bovina to end his days in the midst of the scenes where he had labored so many years as pastor of the U.P. church.  Mrs. Lee proved herself an earnest servant of Master by identifying herself with every work done for the honor of His name and the uplifting of humanity.  In 1907, she formed the Y.W.M.S. and our women owe her a debt of gratitude for her wise counsels and aid.  She will long be remembered for her kind and loving sympathy in times of sickness and bereavement and her readiness to help in every case where a wise counselor was needed.  In an address at a recent town picnic Duncan C. Lee paid a beautiful tribute to her in the home and her care of his father in his last days.

After the death of Dr. Lee in 1914, she returned to Scotland, where all her people resided.

March 18, 1921

•James Bramley, on the Bloomville road, has had a DeLaval Milking Machine installed.

•George Miller has received word that the remains of his son, Clark Miller, who was killed in action in France are enroute to Bovina.

•Sloan Archibald, who recently purchased the Jennie Miller house, is making numerous alterations to the interior – taking out and changing partitions, etc.

Married 50 Years – Feb 8, Mr and Mrs John P. Dennis of Holdcroft, VA, formerly of Bovina Center, celebrated their 50th anniversary at the home of their daughter, Mrs. R.B. Mallory, in Williamsburg, VA……

March 25, 1921

•Still some cases of measles in town, and whooping cough on Coulter Brook.

•The remains of Clark G. Miller, who was killed in action in France, arrived in Delhi early in the week and burial will be made here at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon.

•Stephen Shabloski has sold the Ruff farm of 320 acres in upper Bovina, Mrs. Mary Webber, Carona L.I..  The sale includes 60 heard of stock and all equipment.  The new owner will take possession April 1.

Voted to Buy Roller

Saturday at the special town meeting in Bovina 97 taxpayers cast their votes, and the proposition to purchase a steam road roller at a cost of $4,400 was carried by 19 majority.  The vote stood 58 for and 39 against.

Robert Pringle’s time in Bovina was relatively brief, but it did make an impact on him, given a lengthy letter he wrote from the west in 1890.

Robert was born in the Scottish borders town of Hawick in August 1825. The area around Hawick was from where a number of Bovina’s early settlers came. He was married to Joan Ormiston or Ormistone in Hawick in July 1849 (his wife variously shows up as Joan, Johanna, and Joanna in the records). They lived in Hawick where in the 1851 Scottish census he was listed as a baker. His obituary noted that he was employed “as weighmaster in one of the large woolen mills of Hawick. He received an appointment in the London Customs service where he continued for several years.” They had four children in Scotland, James, Joan, Anna and David. Joan died in 1853 at the age of 14 months. It seems that Robert came to America around 1855, going to Illinois to buy a farm. On his way back to Scotland to bring over his family, he stopped in Bovina to visit a couple of his uncles, James and John Murray, his mother’s brothers. The entire Pringle family arrived in New York City on July 17, 1858, having sailed from Liverpool on the Harvest Queen. The family included their three surviving children.

They settled in Ogle County, Illinois but in 1860, the family headed east to settle in Bovina. Exactly where I am not sure, but it was in the Bovina Center hamlet, then known as Brushland. It appears they were at the lower end of the hamlet. One reference in the old genealogy files I ‘inherited’ from Fletcher Davidson notes that Pringle built Mr. Davidson’s house, now the home of Bonnie and Ed Denison.  Joan had three more children after coming to the U.S. Robert was born while they were in Illinois. Elizabeth Mary and John were born in Bovina. Elizabeth Mary died in December 1863 and was buried in the Bovina cemetery, though the grave is not marked. Early in his days in Bovina, on March 3, 1860, Robert became a U.S. Citizen. The Pringle family were in Bovina for barely five years, leaving in the fall 1865. While in Bovina, they were members of the Bovina U.P. Church.

The family headed west to Grant County, Wisconsin where they had a farm. After about fifteen years in Wisconsin Robert and two of his sons, Robert and David, traveled to Dakota territory and decided to buy farmland there. He came back to Wisconsin to finish the fall harvest and prepare for the move. Robert’s wife Joan became ill and died a few days later in September 1879. She is buried in Wisconsin. His wife’s death put off the final move to Dakota until the following spring. In April 1885, Robert was married again, to Mary Cash or Cosh, someone he had met on a visit to Scotland in 1883. He stayed in what became South Dakota the rest of his life, dying in June 1896. He is buried in Bridgewater, McCook County, South Dakota.

On December 28, 1890, Robert sent a letter to the Bovina U.P. pastor, J.B. Lee. He notes that he tried to send a letter for several years but finally got one off. It appears he had not heard much from Bovina, or at least from Rev. Lee. The letter was sent to Brushland but by 1890, the official name had gone back to Bovina Center and Rev. Lee had moved to Franklinville, NY. It is not clear how the letter got to the newspaper. It’s possible that the letter got forwarded to Rev. Lee in Franklinville then he sent it on to the newspaper to have it printed.

Letter from South Dakota

Bridgewater, S.D., Dec. 28, 1890

Rev J.B. Lee, Brushland, Del. Co., N.Y.:

            Dear Mr. Lee – This is a season of the year that cannot fail to awaken old memories, at least it is so with me. It is twenty-five years and three months since I left Bovina, where I had more real happiness than I have enjoyed in any other place in America. At many different times since I left I had made up my mind to write to you, but always failed; and not it is very embarrassing to write, from the uncertainty of the changes time may have made.

            I got a letter from William Campbell some years ago, which I enjoyed very much, and to which I replied in due time. Twenty-five years makes great changes in a community. Those who were then about 60 years of age, as well as many who were much younger, will have passed away; those who were then in their prime will now be old people, and those who were then the children at school will now be in their prime. I hope this will find you in your old home, also Mrs. Lee.

            It was 34 years last October since I first heard you speak. Your subject was “Polygamy and Slavery, “ and I remember how well I enjoyed the address. I had just got into Bovina about sunset that night, on my way from Illinois to Scotland, and, as Uncle John Murray was going to hear you, I went with him. It was a campaign speech, and a good one, when Fremont and Buchanan were the candidates for the Presidency. In those days the Republican party advocated such a system of government as I thought ought to have the hearty support of every honest and patriotic man. Then their arguments were all founded on justice and reason. In those days they did not need to resort to falsehood or misrepresentation, as they do now and as they have done for many years past. You may perhaps be shocked at me for using such language as this. You will doubtless think me a renegade. If so, you are correct. When the Republican party failed to keep their promise to the people, int regard to the reduction of the burdens made necessary by the wary, and when I was convinced of the horrid corruption to which the party resorted to keep themselves in power, and when men in high official positions, who were known to be guilt of great frauds on the government, were allowed to go without punishment, merely through partisan motives, then I said, most emphatically, that the Republican party were unworthy of the confidence and support of all honest and patriotic men who had a desire to see the affairs of the nation managed on good, sound business principles.

            But I find I am drifting away from what I began to write about, which was simply to refer to old times, and ask you, as a great favor, if you would be so good as to answer it at your convenience, and give me such information as you think will be interesting.

            Some time ago, I mailed a newspaper to William Campbell and one to you, which I hope you got, but I fear neither of you will indorse my views. I am getting quite a number of converts to my doctrine now. The extreme hard times farmers have had for years past is a powerful ally in helping to open the people’s eyes, as the late elections show.

            It was 31 years last November since I took up house in Brushland. I can just fancy I see all the old hills and woods and the pure, clear water of the Delaware rolling past within a few yards of the house, and all the old familiar faces come before the mind’s eye as I write. At Xmas that year you sent us a new clock, and Mrs. Lee sent a nice new dress to Annie and her mother, pieces of which we can yet point out in bed quilts.

            Twenty-seven years ago yesterday, we laid our little daughter, Elizabeth Mary, in her grave in the new grave-yard, a place where money and good taste might make a beautiful resting place for the dead. Twenty-seven years will have added many mounds, covering both old, middle-aged and young.

            I often think if I were to revisit Brushland again, I would arrange to get there on a Sabbath morning and go to church. I think no one would know me, and there would be few that I could recognize. I visited Scotland in 1883. I got home the night before Christmas, and never in my life until then – except when my wife died  - did I realize what true loneliness was. There I was for days, going about the streets of my native town, where I used to know nearly every person and nearly every person knew me. I had been absent for about 26 years. On my return I was an entire stranger. I knew no person and no person knew me; but when it became know I was there, people of all classes came to see me and gave me a most hearty welcome. My trip extended over a period of six months. I did enjoy myself very much. My health had been very poor for years in Wisconsin. What, with disappointments in business and my wife’s death in 1889 [sic – this should read 1879]. I was almost a physical wreck; but the ocean voyage both was first-rate. I was never seasick, and the company of old friends, all vieing with each other to make me happy and comfortable, had a most beneficial effect on my health. 

            For several years before my visit I had written very frequently to the Hawick newspapers. This brought me to the notice of many prominent people who were not in Hawick when I left. Mr. John Nichol Skinner, whom you visited, died in 1881. I was frequently at his widow’s house. She is a kinswoman of mine. The Rev. John Thompson, whom you met, died some two years ago. I think his widow, who is very wealthy, was married last August. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon have been dead many years. He used to write me regularly as long as he lived.

            In 1879 I came out to see this country, which was then without an inhabitant hereabout. James, my oldest sone, and David, my second son, came with me. We liked the appearance of the country and we took up a homestead of 160 acres each, close together. James and David remained in the country to break up some of the land, while I went back to attend to our last crops in Wisconsin. This was in May and June. My wife died in September, just when we were getting things ready to leave, so we put off our journey until the spring of 1880.

            Annie, our only surviving daughter, had been engaged to be married about the time of her mother’s death, to a very steady young man, a blacksmith by trade. He was working at the gold mines at Leadville, Colorado. My wife took ill on the 2d of September and died on the 9^th. Annie wrote at once to her intended husband what had happened, and that she could not leave us in the position in which we were then placed; but he had started before the letter reached him. So they were married soon after he came, and he went back alone, and she went the following February. After David learned of his mother’s death, he came back to Wisconsin and stayed over the winter. Then, in the spring, David, Robert, John and myself started with out cattle, horses, implements and household furniture, feed for the horses and supplies for yourselves, also lumber for house and stable. It required 3 ½ cars of the largest size. By the time we came out with our stock, the railroad had been extended past here, and a station bult only ½ mile from David’s land, 1 ½ miles from James’s and mine, and 2 miles from Robert’s. We live on the main line of the Iowa and Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. The president and several directors of the road are the persons who advised me to come here, and they gave me all the transportation free, as well as always passing myself and family free, whenever we had occasion to travel, for which I feel truly grateful.

            Annie and her husband did not like Colorado very well, so they came here in the fall of 1880. They live in town, only 1 ½ miles away, so we are all together. After I got home from Scotland I built a good new house, and in the spring of 1885 a person with whom I became acquainted while in Scotland came out to take charge of it. My children are all married except the youngest son; he is at home. We spent the Christmas at James’s and we had quite a talk about Bovina and its people. So I promised them I would write you, and perhaps you would answer and give us some news of old friends and the changes that time is making.

            I am happy to say my wife likes this country first-rate. My own health is very good. John got his leg broke – a compound fracture – on the 9^th of September, 1889, and was laid up about eight months, so the past summer I did a great deal of the work. This fall I plowed over 75 acres. We use three horses, and the plow is on wheels, with a spring seat for the driver.

            For the last three years it has bene extremely dry here, and only about half crops; water is very scarce for stock; most of the wells have gone dry. My son, Robert, got a deep well bored lately, and attached a wind-mill to pump the water into a tank. So we get all we need there.

            Should you get this, if any of my relations are still about Bovina, will you please give them my regards? My relations are members of the families of my late uncles, James and John Murray. Any information about them will greatly oblige us; also about Mrs. Lee, yourself and family, Mrs. Paton, your younger sister, and Hamilton. I would like information about the following persons, outside of my relatives: Thomas Lewis, John Phyfe, William Richardson, Walter Forest, John Miller, Robert and Mrs. Scott, Charles Smith and wife, Thomas Hastings, Robert O. Gladstone, David Oliver and wife, William Clark (editor of Recorder), George Currie, Archibald Forman, William Wight and William Campbell. I ask you to remember me to these people, only if you have a convenient opportunity to do so. But I doubt I am making this longer than you will have time or pleasure to read. My family all desire to be kindly remembered to Mrs. Lee and yourself. They have the photo you gave them at the Sabbath school, which they preserve affectionately.

            Should you have time and opportunity to answer this, I assure you it will be gratefully received. Hopping this will find Mrs. Lee, yourself and family and other old friends, in good health, as it leaves us all at present.

I am, dear sir, Yours sincerely, Robert Pringle. 

Here's the compilation of the daily entries on the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page for March:  

Seventy-three years ago today the March 1, 1948 issue of the Oneonta Daily Star carried this picture of the Scott Bridge which stood at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet. The bridge was demolished in 1955, after a more modern bridge was built to replace it. 

222 years ago, on March 2, 1809, Peter Clark was born in Perthshire, Scotland. The son of William Clark and May Dewar, he likely came to the United States with his parents. He married Elizabeth Raitt in 1842. They had nine children and had a farm on Lee Hollow Road. He relocated to Walton after 1880, where he died in 1898 (he had been widowed in 1892). He is buried in Bovina.

158 years ago today, on March 3, 1863, this receipt was created certifying that David Nichol, a volunteer in the Civil War, was entitled to $150 from the town bounty. Nichol had volunteered the previous September in Battery E Light Artillery Regiment in Pennsylvania. Nichol left the area after the war and died in Iowa in 1929.

Seventy-eight years ago today, March 4, 1943, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express reported that "Alan Davidson was at Albany last week taking instructions on the duties at the observation post." The same column reported that "The Bovina telephone switchboard is to be moved to the home of Howard McPherson." This is now the home of Kim and Marcelo Riera.

140 years ago, the March 5, 1881 Delaware Republican reported that "A glass ball shooting match at Bovina recently caused some excitement." The paper went on to report that "the best scores were made by Walter Graham and Andrew Thomson - seven broke out of ten. Geo. Cable and Alex. Bryden broke six out of ten." Glass ball shooting was popular in America from about 1866 to the 1880's. The ball was launched similar to later clay shooting matches, which replaced the glass ball. The goal was to break as many of the balls in a set period. The sport fell out of favor quickly, partly because the ease with which the balls could be hit and partly due to the unwanted dangerous glass that had to be cleared after.

Eighty years ago today, on March 6, 1941, Anna Ruland Barnhart died of cancer at her home in Bovina. The daughter of Orson Ruland and Addie Smith, she was married to Ralph Barnhart. Anna was 40 at her death, leaving her husband and son Donald as survivors. 

Forty-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 7, 1973 Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported that "The Bovina Library is closed until further notice. George Cochran and his crew have started renovation of the building. The Board of Trustees wish to thank all who helped to move books and also those who took books to store."

Seventy years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 8, 1951 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "We are glad to learn that Mrs. John Burns is home again from New York, and that the treatments have been beneficial." Mrs. Burns died the following July at the age of 63. She was the mother of Agnes Burns and Mary Burns Lounsbury.

Seventy-seven years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 9, 1944 Delaware Republican Express included this item: "Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Marion Barnhart to Francis Ruff on March 11th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at her home." The same column noted that "Alex Hilson is having repair work done on his house."

135 years ago today, on March 10, 1886, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "At a special school meeting, held in the Brushland district … a tax of $2,000 was voted for the purpose of purchasing a new site, and building a school house large enough to accommodate two teachers." The school was built, but not until 1893. Today the building is the Bovina Public Library.

130 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for March 11, 1891 reported that "Wm. A. Hoy will teach the Bovina Centre village school for the summer term." Hoy was born in Bovina in 1866 and was the father of Lester T. and James A. Hoy. William died in 1940.

Ninety-one years ago today, the March 12, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "The farmers are busy hanging the sap buckets. A fine run on Monday."

Seventy-four years ago today, the March 13, 1947 Stamford Mirror carried a report entitled "Painful Accident at Bovina Center." The article went on to note "Walter Reinertsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reinertsen, was kicked by his horse last Monday in front of Cecil Russell’s store. The horse was scared by a snow plow and as Walter came out of the store the horse kicked him against the store window which was shattered by the impact. Walter's hip was painfully bruised and he was taken to the office of a physician for treatment. He is making a good recovery." Walter, better known as 'Dowey,' was the youngest son of Sophie and Andrew. He was 16 when this accident happened. He died in March 1974.

Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the March 14, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "Jane D. Hilson was…ill last week. Barbara Hotchkin has been sick with the grip." Jane was the daughter of John and Helena Hilson. Barbara was the daughter of Malcolm and Ruth Hotchkin. Jane and Barbara would become in-laws in 1947 when Barbara married Jane's brother Jack.

133 years ago today, on March 15, 1888, a "Surprise Party Sociable" was held at the Methodist Church Parsonage "for the benefit of Rev. E.M. Kniskern…" This is the invitation that was sent to Alex Hilson and family. The invitation also included Adam Laidlaw. Likely he was living with the Hilsons at the time, maybe working as a hired hand. Adam was the father of Margaret Hoy, who was Bovina Town Clerk for many years. 

141 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 16, 1880 Stamford Mirror reported that "Miss Margaret Hoy is dangerously ill with erysipelas and other diseases." I am not sure which Margaret Hoy this is. There are three possibilities, all of whom lived for some time after 1880. There was Margaret Jane Hoy, the daughter of J.R and Isabella Hoy. Born in 1866, she married Douglas Davidson in 1889 and died in 1936. Then there is the Margaret Hoy who was the daughter of Thomas and Julia Hoy. Born in 1869, she married Frederick Bramley in 1892 and died in 1899. The final Margaret is the oldest, born in 1836, the daughter of Robert and Nancy Hoy. She died in 1923.

Twenty-six years ago today, the March 17, 1995 issue of the Delaware County Times carried this article about the Weber farm on Crescent Valley Road, in which Donna Weber warns people "Don't ever start farming in the winter." 

165 years ago today, the March 18, 1856 Bloomville Mirror carried this ad placed by Edward O'Connor: "ONE CENT REWARD - Walked away from the subscriber, being too lazy and stubborn to run, Isaac W. Atkin, bound apprentice to the farming business. This is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting him on my account, as I will pay no debts of his contracting and to him who hires him without my consent, I say beware." Isaac was Edward's nephew, the son of his sister Hannah. He was born in Canada, where his mother died in when he was about 3. It's possible he had been living with his uncle for much of his life. At some point, he must have returned. In 1865, he's living with another O'Connor uncle, William, in the Margaretville area. What happened to him after that is not clear.

Ninety-one years ago today, the Bovina Center column of the March 19, 1930, Delaware Republican reported on the illnesses of several people. "Mrs. Margaret D. Russell is at home sick with grippe." It was believed she caught it while nursing two daughters of James Boggs' and his sick mother-in-law, Kate Barnhart. Mrs. Russell recovered and died three years later, but Mrs. Barnhart died the day this news item came out. Another victim of grippe was Mrs. T.C. Strangeway. The paper noted that "Nettie Doig is with her." Mrs. Strangeway survived this attack, dying in 1936.

121 years ago today, on March 20, 1990, James H. Coulter died. Born in 1872, he was the son of Francis Coulter and Loruhannah Henderson. He married Minnie Miller in 1895. Minnie died nine days after her husband. James' brother Walter died two days after that.

180 years ago today, on March 21, 1841, Louisa McFarland was born in Bovina, the daughter of Andrew McFarland and Jane Russell. She lived in Bovina her entire life, dying of gastritis in 1911. She is buried in Bovina.

138 years ago today, on March 22, 1883, Alexander F. Storie signed this oath of office as town supervisor, using an altered oath form from the town of Delhi. The oath was signed late because the original person elected to the position, David Black, had refused to serve, so a new supervisor had to be appointed by the Justices of the Peace. 

163 years ago today, an auction notice appeared in the March 23, 1858 Bloomville Mirror, posted by Mrs. Sarah Tuttle, advertising a sale for April 1. "AUCTION-The subscriber will sell at public Auction or Vendue, at the residence of the late William Tuttle, in Bovina, on Thursday, April 1st, 1858, at 10 o'clock A.M., the following property, viz:-15 COWS, 1 span of Horses, 3 Yuearlings, 3 Calves, 10 Sheep, 3 Shoats, 1 two Horse Pleasure Wagon, 1 two horse Lumber Wagon, 1 Sleigh, 1 set of two horse Harness, 1 Horse Rake, Fanning Mill, Plough, Drag, and all the Farming & Dairying Utensils. Also, a quantity of Hay. Terms-Cash on all sums under $5, and on all sumes above that amount, a credit until the 1st of December next will be given for approved notes." William had died in March 1856, at the age of 62. Sarah survived her husband by almost 28 years, dying in 1884. The farm was on Lee Hollow and later became the Lee family farm.

Ninety-five years ago today, the March 24, 1926 Stamford Mirror reported on the dismantling of the Old Methodist Church in Bovina. Under the headline "Razing Landmark At Bovina Center," the article went on: "In the dismantling of the old Methodist Church building, our community witnesses the passing of an old landmark. The building was erected at a contract price of $1,397.50 in 1849, and was built of native pine and hemlock lumber, much of which is still in excellent condition and which will be used in the construction of a new barn at the Champ Worden farm. It is estimated that a church building of this size would now cost above $5,000." This church stood across from what is now the community hall. 

131 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 25, 1890 Stamford Mirror reported that "Alex Crozier is soon to commence keeping a grocery at Bovina, in a part of John Johnstons wagon shop building." Though not clear exactly where this was, this likely was located in the Mountain Brook area of the town.

157 years ago today, on March 26, 1864, Edward Boggs was paid $54 for his teaching services in the District 4 school in Bovina. Boggs was the son of William H. Boggs and Elizabeth McKenzie. He married Nancy Murray in 1866 and died in South Kortright in 1908.

138 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 27, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported that "Rev. James Black, of Canada, is in town visiting his brother, David Black, who is still quite sick." The same column reported that Rev. Black would be preaching at the Bovina United Presbyterian Church. David died about 10 days later on April 7, 1883. James went back to Canada, where he died in 1915 at the age of 93.

139 years ago today, the Bovina column in the March 28, 1882 Stamford Mirror noted that the "District School No. 3 is closed for a vacation of three weeks." This is the school located at Bovina Road and County Route 6 in the Mountain Brook area. The same column also reported that the "writing school is also closed, Mr. Gordon received a fifteen dollar present for his services." Gordon was noted for his beautiful handwriting.

Twenty-seven years ago day, the March 29, 1994 Delaware County Times published this photo of David Roberts and Charles LaFever at the Delaware County Home and Infirmary. 

Twenty-eight years ago today, the Bovina News in the March 30, 1993 Delaware County Times noted that "Approximately 30 members, spouses and guests attended the annual Bovina Rescue Squad dinner on last Friday evening at Hidden Inn in South Kortright. Mrs. Leona LaFever was honored as she retires from her years of service to the squad. The Squad is to be congratulated for their service to the community."

195 years ago today, on March 31, 1826, Sally Adee was born in Bovina, the daughter of Darius Adee and Harriett Jewell. We don't know much else about her. She lived with her widowed mother but by 1870 was living in Davenport with what appear to be a niece and nephew. She is believed to be buried in the Nichols cemetery on Cape Horn Road, though exactly where or when she died is unknown.

Here's the compilation of the daily entries on the Town of Bovina Facebook page for April:

135 years ago today, the April 1, 1886 Hobart Independent reported that "Thos. H. Lee, son of Rev. Dr. Lee of Bovina, is now a clerk in the New York Custom House, Auditor's office, with a salary of $1,400 per annum."

Forty-six years ago today, the April 2, 1975 Walton Reporter published this photo of Bovina and Delhi Fire Department members who received certificates of completion of the essentials of firemanship course. 

183 years ago today, the April 3, 1838 St. Johnsbury Caledonian (Vermont) newspaper under a column labeled Agricultural carried a Bovina farmer's remedy for preventing rust in wheat. This likely is Scottish born Walter Scott (1776-1840), son of Adam Scott. 

Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the April 4, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "The school bus is on the road again this week." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. James Hoy and son James were at Delhi the first of the week.." as were "Mr and Mrs. Lester Hoy and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Russell and son Ronnie …"

Twenty-three years ago today, on April 5, 1998, this photograph was taken of the Bovina U.P. Church choir. The members are (left to right) Pat Parsons (Miele), Marie Burns, Marge Burgin, Leona LaFever, Lois Monroe, Anna Lounsbury, Frances Burns, Lauren Monroe, Thelma Barlow, Joe Dibble and Enid Carter.

Eighty-seven years ago today, the April 6, 1934 Delaware Express reported that the "Bovina girls ended their season of basketball Friday night, playing South Kortright. Bovina girls won."

Ninety-nine years ago today, the April 7, 1922 issue of the Andes Recorder reported in the Bovina column "Born to Mr. and Mrs. James Boggs, in upper Bovina, March 29, a daughter - Anna Elizabeth." Anna would marry first Glenn Hobbie then after his death, Harold Lounsbury. Anna died in 2009.

124 years ago today, the April 8, 1897 Clarion Democrat (Pennsylvania), in a column entitled Farm Notes, had this item: "Bovina (N.Y.) farmers think that the grasshoppers working on the hay and straw the past season is the cause of so much sickness among cows and horses there this winter."

172 years ago today, the April 9, 1849 Delaware Gazette carried this ad for Herrick's Sugar Coated Pills and Kid Strengthening Plasters. One of the agents selling these products was B.F. Griswold, Bovina. Griswold actually was probably from Walton. 

138 years ago today, the April 10, 1883 Stamford Mirror had this item in its Bovina column: "A young man from Bulgaria, at present a member of the junior class of the Hamilton College, delivered a lecture in the U.P. Church, on Wednesday eve. A collection amounting to about $19 was taken up to assist the lecturer in obtaining his education."

Thirty years ago today, the April 11, 1991 Mirror Recorder carried this Bovina column by Ann Cairns:  

102 years ago today, the Bovina column of the April 12, 1919 Delaware Republican reported that "Hale Elliott, who has been laid up several weeks with injuries received by a fall in the dry milk plant, has returned to his work there." He was born in 1890 and died in 1980.

Seventy-seven years ago today, the April 13, 1944 issue of the Delaware Republican Express reported the following: "At the Easter service at the Bovina United Presbyterian Church the following babies were baptized: Marianne Hilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hilson; Mary Coulter Parsons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Parsons; Donald Alan Burns, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Burns; Robert Laidlaw Wilson, son of Mrs. Robert Wilson; Lee Gary Archibald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Archibald; Martha Rae Jardine and Richard Alan Jardine, children of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jardine."

198 years ago, on April 14, 1823, days of highway work were assessed for property owners in Bovina highway district 14. Before the imposition of road taxes in the early 20th century, roads were maintained by assessing days of work on the property owners around the roads. They either had to carry out the work or hire someone to do it. Where this district was located cannot be precisely determined, but it may have been in the area of Pink Street.

Ten years ago today, this article and photo appeared in the April 15, 2011 Delaware County Times celebrating the Bovina Public Library's Readers of the Year.

Seventy-nine years ago today, the Bovina column in the April 16, 1942 Delaware Republican reported that "Jean Ditty of New York City spent the past week in town with Mr. and Mrs. A. Gardner." I don’t know who either of these people are. If anyone can enlighten me, I’m happy to hear from you. 

111 years ago today, on April 17, 1910, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Wilson McFarland died in upper Bovina …. at 7 a.m. He was taken with lagrippe on Friday and this was complicated by heart trouble. He was born in town of Roxbury in the Plattekill valley 71 years ago April 2. When only about a year old his mother died and he was taken by his grandfather, James Thomson at the 'stone house' and had always remained there. He is survived by an aunt, Miss Lydia Thomson, one sister, Mrs. Nancy Jane Ackerly, of Margaretville, and a half-brother, Milton McFarland, of Delhi." The funeral took place on the 19th and he was buried in the Bovina cemetery.

Forty-three years ago today, on the evening of April 18, 1978, the Bovina Historical Society offered one-night courses in genealogy, with Fletcher Davidson; cake decorating, with Gladys Lay and Ann Cairns; and Chinese cookery, with Nancy Hilson and Eleanor Damgaard. The fee was $1. These photos are ones I took during the evening. Also included, though ironically, not photographed, was Hugh Lee teaching about photography. 

168 years ago today, on April 19, 1853, an auction was held at the farm of William Mitchell. This is the advertisement from the April 12, 1853 Bloomville Mirror. 

140 years ago today, on April 20, 1881, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "The household goods of the late Mrs. Kendall were sold at public auction…. Dan Franklin auctioneer." This likely is Jane Tuttle Kendall, who died in February 1881 at the age of 61. She was the daughter of William Tuttle and Sarah Carman and was married to Charles Kendall. I cannot determine when she married him. Her will file uses her maiden name with a reference to being also known as Jane Kendall.

116 years ago today, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder for April 21, 1905 reported these items: "William McPherson was in town on Saturday.  His father, Ferris McPherson suffering severely with cancer of the face." Ferris would die about 10 months later in February 1906.

Fifty-six years ago, the April 22, 1965 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Bovina maple producers have had a poor year up to now, but the last few days they have had a splendid run of good quality syrup, which will help out a lot to bring the run up to near average."

153 years ago today, on April 23, 1868, Jane Black Murray died. She was born in Scotland in 1789, though we don't know who her parents were. She married William Murray in Scotland and would have nine children, most of whom were born in Bovina. Her husband survived her by 4 years, dying in 1872. They are both buried in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery on Reinertsen Hill Road.

Eighty-two years ago today, on April 24, 1939, Ronald James Russell was born, the elder son of Ernest and Dorothy Russell. He was joined by a brother David in 1941. Ron died in 1985 at the age of 45, after battling diabetes and kidney disease. This photo of Ron and Dave was taken in April 1944 by Bob Wyer (image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association). 

This picture of Mary Jardine and Marjorie Russell was taken thirty-four years ago today, April 25, 1987. 

131 years ago today, the April 26, 1890 Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported that "D. Dickson is in New York this week buying goods." I'm not 100% sure who this is, but it might be a reference to Dr. Gilbert Dickson, who ran a store in the building that is now the Brushland Eating House.

142 years ago today, on April 27, 1879, Hanna Halstead died. She was born in 1801, the daughter of William Halstead. Unfortunately, we don't know a lot about her except that she was living for a number of years with her brother John. In the 1860 census, she's listed as the head of household. She is buried in the Bovina Center cemetery.

Eighty-eight years ago today, the April 28, 1933 Delaware Express had this list of students in the Bovina Center school who made the Honor Roll. [Note - Ray Storie should be Rae Storie, who later married Gene Vandenbord.]

164 years ago today, the April 29, 1857 Delaware Gazette reported on a late snowstorm that hit "the Western and Southern States." New England was spared but apparently not New York. The Delaware County area was reported as having a "full seven feet, and some think nearer eight feet of snow ... during the two storms." There was mild weather between the two storms, allowing some of the snow to melt and settle. "Some ten or twelve barns and sheds in this village [Delhi] and vicinity were crushed in…A Mrs. Snooks, of Bovina, lost three cows and had another badly injured, by the falling of a barn." Mrs. Snooks' farm was on the lower end of Lee Hollow just above the Hook.

144 years ago today, on April 30, 1877, Jane Patterson Dysart died. Born in 1804, she married Peter Dysart and would have two children, both of whom would predecease her. Her son Robert died in October 1863 of typhoid on Folly Island in North Carolina while with the NY 144th Infantry. She lost an infant daughter in 1850. She was survived by an illegitimate grandson. More about her son Robert may be found at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/12/illegitimate-child-of-robert-dysart.html

A century ago in Bovina, the Andes Recorder reported on farms being sold (at least once incorrectly) and common school district election for trustees.

May 6, 1921

•Lancelot Thomson has resigned the office of town assessor.

•David G. Currie has been appointed town clerk for Bovina to succeed the late Thomas Gordon.

•William S. Thomson has sold his farm on Coulter Brook and the new owner is already in possession.

•The name of the party to whom Wm. M. Johnston sold his farm, located in the upper part of Bovina, is R.E. Parsons, and he says “we are good old Connecticut Yankees.”

Bovina School Officials

Elected at Annual Meetings Held on Tuesday Evening

Below is the result of school meetings held Tuesday evening in the town of Bovina, so far as heard from:

•Bovina Center – John Hilson, trustee; John McCune, clerk; David Currie collector.

•Coulter Brook – Fine Hunt, trustee, Milton Doig, clerk, Robert E. Thomson, collector.

•Butt End – Thos Archibald, trustee; Charles McPherson, clerk; Walter Wilson, collector.

•Maynard district – John Burns, trustee; Rema Hobbie, clerk; Alex Thomson, collector.

•Dist No 9 – Harry McCumber, trustee; Alex Kelsey, clerk

•Armstrong district – George Forman, trustee; Ted Fuller, collector

•Pink Street – John Storie, trustee; John Thomson, clerk; Wm. T. Miller, collector.

•E.L. Coulter district – C.B. Hoolihan, trustee

May 13, 1921

•Mrs. Lucy Coulter has had her lawn graded.

•James Ackerly is moving to Harry Robson’s house.

•Mrs. Thomas Gordon was a County Seat visitor Tuesday.

•Mrs. Ida Burgin is ill with rheumatism and under doctor’s care.

•Harry Robson took the Dry Milk truck to Bainbridge this week.

•John McCune is at Delhi in charge of the grading of the new high school grounds.

•Mrs. A.H. Russell is in Oneonta hospital taking treatment for an abscess back of her eye.

•Fred Thomson has moved from part of G.D. Miller’s house to the Hilson house adjoining the store.

•Mr. and Mrs. Herman Joslin have moved into the Lake cottage and will board the Gerry farm help.

•Roscoe Brown is the newly elected trustee at the “Hook”.  Earl Fisk is clerk and John Quinn, collector.

•Elmer Thomson, who is cashier of a bank on Long Island, spent a few days the past week with his father, John G. Thomson.

•Miss Louise Dennis was taken ill Tuesday with intestinal indigestion and altho a  little improved is under the doctor’s care.

•Frank Rupert, who last week bid in John M. Miller farm, has moved back to it from Delhi.  John Miller, who failed to make a go of it, has moved to the tenant house on the former Albert McPherson farm, and will work for Ted Fuller.

Bovina Blacksmith to Leave

B.C. Morrison, who for the past year has rented the blacksmith shop of Elliott Thomson, has purchased the blacksmith business of Charles Gregory at Bloomville, and will move there next week.  He was an excellent workman and Bovina is sorry to lose him.

Select School for Bovina

It a movement is on foot in Bovina to start a select school for student who are advanced enough to take high school work.  About ten pupils can be secured.

May 20, 1921

•Ripe strawberries have been found the past week.

•It is now expected that Bovina may soon have a doctor.

•This place was visited by a severe frost Tuesday morning.

•Mr. Barnes has moved onto the Dickson place up Pink street.

•The reported sale of William S. Thomson’s farm proves to be untrue.

•Mrs. J. Kennedy Russell saw a deer last week just above their house near Lake Delaware.

•Mrs. Herman Sanford, of New Kingston, who has been caring for Louise Dennis, was taken ill and was taken home Wednesday.  Mrs. Joseph Dennis, of Walton, is now caring for Miss Dennis.

•In order to provide more room for the choir at the United Presbyterian church the pulpit will be extended further into the body of the church and the front and probably the second row of pews removed.

May 27, 1921

•F.W. Hyatt has had a DeLaval Milking Machine installed.

•Wiliam McDivitt and wife have moved into William A. Hoy’s tenant house.

•Mrs. William T. Miller, Mrs. James Boggs and Mrs. James Calhoun were Oneonta visitors Tuesday.

•Mrs. Joseph Dennis returned to her home in Walton on Monday.  Mrs. George Cable is caring for Miss Louise Dennis.

•David Liddle’s horse took fright at the creamery a few mornings since and ran to his home in the upper part of the village. [Note, Liddle's home was what is now my house.]

•Laurie Terry, who has been employed by his brother the past year in the garage, has gone to work on the Gerry estate at the Lake.

•Miss Nettie Doig has moved her household goods from a room at the old Doig farm at Tunis Lake and stored in the old Strangeway store.

•Mr. Wilson, of Delhi, has commenced making concrete blocks for Thos C. Strangeway.  It is reported that Mr. Strangeway will build a new house.

•Miss Edith Liddle, who for a number of years has taught up Coulter Brook, has hired to teach for next school year in the Ed Coulter district.

•Sloan Archibald has had the Jennie Miller house, which he recently purchased, modernized by having a bath room fitted up and putting in stationary tubs and hot and cold water. [This is now the Dario and Briana Dario house.]

Bovina Man Takes a Wife

James Monroe, of upper Bovina, and Mrs. Julia Morrison, of Catskill, were married at Catskill, May 20.  The newlyweds arrived at his home Monday and the boys gave them an old fashioned skimmelton. 

Back in the early 1990s, Agnes Burns donated a set of glass plate negatives to the Delaware County Historical Association. The images likely were taken by her grandfather, Alexander Burns or her grandmother, Nancy Miller Burns. It's possible her father, John also took these. None of the images are dated, but a couple of clues point to the first decade of the 20th century.

Most of the images were taken on the Burns family farm at the end of Crescent Valley Road and now the home of Mike and Heidi Gogins. Alex was the third generation Burns to have the farm. His grandfather, Moses Burns, was the first settler on the farm, coming at the start of the 19th century. Moses died young. He was 31 when he killed while helping to build a house in Bovina. The farm went to his son John, who, unlike his father, lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1896 at the age of 89.

Some of these images have been shared before in other venues. One of the best known is this shot of Alex and Nancy's daughter, Aggie, feeding various fowl:

Here they are in their Sunday best - Benson and Clarence

Here they are feeding chickens

And here are two images of them with a cow. In the lower image, my grandfather told me that they were pretending the cow is a telephone

I don't know all the people in this shot, but the gentleman to the left with a pipe in his mouth likely is Alex Burns.

 

Here's the tractor being used to put hay in a silo. Before electricity came to rural areas, farmers in the early 20th century often used tractors to supply power for functions like this.

The Burns continued to use more traditional methods however, including this horse drawn reaper. That's Alex to the left and his son John sitting on the reaper.

The farm in the distance is what was then the Ruff farm and is now the Weber farm.

Here are two images (above and below) of the Burns farm.

The Bovina column in the Andes Recorder 100 years ago reported on work on the Bovina Center creamery and out of town visitors.

June 3, 1921

•Mrs. G.J. Dickson was at Syracuse attending the graduation of her dauter Marjorie.

•Joseph Rogers and Hugh Gillispie, of New York, were at Lake Delaware from Saturday until Monday.  Mr. Rogers reports that William Gordon, who has been very ill from blood poisoning following an operation, is very much better.  While he now has sciatica rheumatism his ultimate recovery is looked for.  He is a grandson of the late Thomas Gordon.

June 10, 1921

•Mrs. Frank Russell, on Russell hill, is having her house re-shingled.

•Mrs. George H. Miller has purchased an Overland automobile from Wm. T. Hyzer, of Andes.

•Mrs. Hamilton Russell is ill with inflammatory rheumatism.  Her sister Mrs. Susan Adair, is staying with her. [Mrs. Russell, the former Margaret Doig, was the mother of Cecil Russell.]

•William Johnson and wife, of Kansas, arrived at the home of his sister, Mrs. Alex Crosier, at the Butt End, on Sabbath evening.  They left home on May 23, and covered over 1,700 miles in their Maxwell car.

•The mail route from Bovina to Bloomville, viz Bovina Center, has been let to James A. Liddle, for four years from July 1, at $1480 per year, which is $280 more than the first bid which the government rejected.

•The smoke-stack was raised Saturday on the large boiler at the Co-Op creamery, which will be used to condense the skim milk.  Vats, a pasteurizer, etc. purchased from the defunct Delaware & Greene creamery at Arkville, were brought here this week.  

June 17, 1921

•The assessors are on their rounds.

•Miss Jennie E. Miller is visiting friends at Hamden.

•A New York inspector is here inspecting milk and barns.

•Miss Angelica L. Gerry has arrived at the Gerry summer home at Lake Delaware.

•Alex Myers is painting the store occupied by Cecil Russell – the old Thos E. Hastings store.

•The condenser for condensing the skim milk at the Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery, was started up Tuesday [Jun 14].

•Miss Carrie Dumond has gone to Stamford, where she will be employed during the boarding season at the Madison house.

•Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lunn, from near Seattle arrived in town last Thursday to visit relatives.  Mrs. Lunn is a daughter of the late Robert Forrest of Coulter Brook.

•Master Ledger Myers is the proud possessor of a pair of gold link cuff buttons as a result of winning the standing broad jump of the juniors at the recent field day at Delhi.

•Nelson Reynolds is making alterations in the interior of the United Presbyterian church.  The first row of seats has been removed and the pulpit extended forward in order to give more room for the choir behind the pulpit.

June 24, 1921

•Nelson Reynolds has gone to Meredith to work at his trade – carpenter.

•Walter Huhn, of Brooklyn, has moved into R.B. McFarland’s house below the Hook.

•Alex Myers has completed painting the Russell store and is now painting the house of Milton Hastings.

•Charles A. Lee had both ankles sprained by a fall from a ladder while working at the home of his brother, A.P. Lee.

•Dr. James Crosier, who has a dental office in Philadelphia, is visiting his mother, Mrs. Alex Crosier, in upper Bovina.

•A reunion of the McNair Family will be held at W.S. Coulter’s, Andes, July 2.  Bring sandwiches for your family and one other thing to eat – each one also bring knife, fork, spoon, plate and cup and saucer.  

In March 2013, I presented in two parts the story of the lawsuit between Bovina's two Presbyterian Ministers. Rev. Joshua Kennedy of the Bovina Reformed Presbyterian sued J.B. Lee of the Bovina United Presbyterian Church for slander in 1869. Thanks to Samantha Misa's perusal of the Bloomville Mirror at the Delaware County Historical Association, we discovered some information from early 1868 that had escaped my earlier research. It starts with the January 28, 1868 issue. Dated January 16, it reads:

"Friend Champ: - Having passed through several towns in this County, about Holidays, I have been a little amused with the different sound of Church bells. In one place it said, “Come and be dipped! Come and be Dipped!” another said, “There is room for all! There is room for all!” and in the little town of B, there is one that puts the cap sheaf on all that I ever heard. It speaks very distinctly in this way: “Down with the Methodists! Down with the Methodists! Down with the Methodists! Down with the Methodists! Slander Mr. K! Slander Mr. K! Eternal Damnation! Eternal Damnation!” and so say the congregation, their Minister not excepted."

The letter is signed "Peace Maker." 

Three weeks later, the February 18 issue of the Mirror included on its front page a poem entitled "Brushland Rhymes." The writer of the poem knew details of the rumors involving Rev. Kennedy. The spreading of these rumors by Rev. Lee led to the slander suit. Here's the full poem:

Twenty-eight years ago today, the June 1, 1993 issue of the Delaware County Times carried this picture of former Bovina resident, Theresa Conklin. Theresa was born Theresa Hobbie in Walton in 1923, the daughter of William Hobbie and Elizabeth Mills. She came to Bovina when she was 9 years old and married to Howard Conklin in 1945. They farmed on Reinertsen Hill Road for over 30 years, retiring in 1978. Theresa died in August 1998 at the age of 75.   

190 years ago today, June 2, 1831, an arrest warrant was issued for John Rutherford and John Renwick: "Whereas complaint hath been made before me, John M. Landon, one of the Justices of the peace for [Delaware] county upon the oath of David W. Thomson of Bovina ... that John Rutherford and John Renwick did on the 11th day of May last violently assault and beat him the said David W. Thomson at Bovina … therefore in the name of the people of the State of New York to command you forthwith to apprehend the said John Rutherford & John Renwick of Bovina & bring them before me, to answer unto the said complaint, & further, to be dealt with according to law…" The October 12, 1831 Delaware Gazette reported that "John Rutherford, was tried on an indictment found at the last [Court of] Oyer and Terminer for an assault and battery on David Thompson, and found guilty. He afterwards presented to the court an affidavit in mitigation, shewing that he was not angry at the time of the commission of the offence, and was permitted to escape with the moderate fine of ten dollars." What happened with John Renwick I have yet to determine.

Fifty-one years ago today, the June 3, 1965Delaware Republican-Express reported in its Bovina column that "Enid Carter of Schenectady spent the week-end with her mother in Bovina. Her mother [Edna Carter] had just recently returned from the hospital." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Parsons and family enjoyed a picnic dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vitgo Skovsende at Andes."

162 years ago today, on June 4, 1859, Alexander Sylvanius Bramley, son of John W. Bramley and Margaret McCune was born. He would die only 21 days later on June 25. John and Margaret had a total of eight children, five of whom made it to adulthood. Alexander was their fifth child. This is his headstone, courtesy of Ed and Dick Davidson. 

143 years ago today, the June 5, 1878Delaware Gazette, reported on Bovina's ranking concerning a number of aspects related to farming, noting that Bovina was 17th in the county in acres, in gross sales the thirteenth, in bushels of corn the 14th, in number of cows 14th, etc. The article also noted that Bovina was 10th in the pounds of butter produced and first in the butter produced per acre - 14 1/10 pounds. Here's the full article: 

192 years ago today, on June 6, 1827, the following advertisement appeared in the Commercial Advertiser: 

Fifty-four years ago, the June 7, 1967Oneonta Daily Star carried this article about the fate of the school building in the Bovina Center hamlet. The building is now the Bovina Public Library.

117 years ago today, the June 8, 1904Delaware Gazette reported: "Hon. E.T. Gerry expects to leave New York on Wednesday next, in his coach and four and drive to his Lake Delaware summer home. In making the trip sixteen relays of horses will be used, the distances of each section being from twelve to fifteen miles. He expects to arrive at Lake Delaware Thursday evening. Elmer E. Hastings of Bovina Center, went over the route and arranged the horses. The party will come up the east side of the Hudson River and cross at Kingston.”

172 years ago today, the June 9, 1849 issue of the New-York Daily Tribune reported on continuing Anti-Rent activity in Delaware County, four years after the infamous shooting of Osman Steele in Andes. "Two very spirted Anti-Rent meetings have been recently held in Delaware Co. Robert Scott, Esq. presided at the Equal Rights demonstration, held in Bovina on the 1st inst. The Delhi Freeman's Advocate says the meeting was held for the, purpose 'of reorganizing the town with the view of cooperating with the other towns in this county, that are laboring under the blighting curse of patroonery.'"

134 years ago today, the June 10, 1885Lancaster Intelligencer reported that "President Cleveland has appointed Isaac H. Maynard of New York to be second comptroller of the treasurer…The office is worth five thousand dollars a year. General satisfaction is expressed with the appointment." Maynard grew up in Bovina, born there in 1838. Maynard became a lawyer and served a term in the New York State Assembly. 

132 years ago today, the Bovina column in the June 11, 1889Stamford Mirror reported the following: "Coulter Bros. are making post office boxes for Alex Hilson, the newly appointed postmaster. It is expected that the business of our post office will now be increased, at least to the extent of the patronage of the new postmaster, while the Lake Delaware office will lose its patronage, which it has enjoyed for many years."

193 years ago today, on June 12, 1828, Alexander Hoy was born, the son of Robert Hoy and Nancy Bailey. He married Elizabeth Hilson in 1863 and was widowed in 1887. Alexander died in 1906 and is buried next to his wife in the Bovina Cemetery.

Eighty-one years ago today, the Lake Delaware column of the June 13, 1940Delaware Republican reported that "Miss Angelica Gerry has opened Ancrum House for the summer and has as her guest Saxham Deury of Newport, R.I." This may be a gentleman named Francis Saxham Elwes Drury (1859-1942).

102 years ago today, on June 14, 1919, as reported by the Andes Recorder, "Sergeant Donald Lee, a member of the Lightning division, who served over a year in France, arrived home ….having received his discharge."  Lee was born in Bovina in 1896, the son of John Bruce Lee and Lucy A. Hall.  The Lee family lived on Lee Hollow.  Donald was a US Army Sargent during World War I, receiving the Purple Heart.  Donald lived to see his 99th birthday, dying in Florida in May 1995, the last Bovina World War One vet to pass away. He is buried in Bovina.

185 years ago today, on June 15, 1836, the session of the Bovina Associate Presbyterian Church met and went through several items related the conduct of members of the church. "Christina Elliott appeared before session to answer do the sin of fornication and also her imprudent conduct in other reports for which she declared her sorrow…" She was willing to submit to a public rebuke and to be suspended for a time. Elders reported on several other issues, including discussions with Temperance Wooden and Elizabeth Coulter about dancing, with John Miller concerning his attendance at a Methodist service and Hellen Elliott for not coming to church.

121 years ago today, the Delaware Republican for June 16, 1900 reported  that Woodburn & Smyth, the monument dealers in Delhi, had sold several "fine monuments," including to "W.H. Bramley a Dark Barre Granite Sarcophagus of modern design, to be erected in Bovina Center, NY, to the memory of his father and mother who died suddenly last winter. This monument consists of cap, neatly carved and polished on four sides, die polished on four sides with Grecian border traced around the top; second base moulded and polished on four sides, bottom base rock finished and corners margined." [need to get photo of monument - row 3 plot 18

111 years ago today, the Bovina column of the June 17, 1910Andes Recorder reported that "Dr. Ward Young and family expect to leave next Monday to spend two weeks at his old home in Canada."

Two hundred and forty-five years ago today, June 18, 1776, Thomas Elliott was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland. He married Magdaline Thomson and had six children. He died in Bovina in 1838 and is buried in the Old Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery in Bovina.

141 years ago today, a letter to the editor of the Stamford Mirror dated June 19, 1880 was received and published in the paper's next issue. It was written in response to this item in the June 15, 1880 Stamford Mirror: “Norman sometimes gets the neighbors dogs set on him, when he is going to see his girl.” The letter in response to this read as follows: “Brushland, June 19th, 1880. Mr. Mirror:- The author of Bovina items is mistaken about the 'neighbor's dogs.' The only shadow of reality lies in the attack of that barking one who calls himself your correspondent. Truly, N.B.A.”

120 years ago, on June 20, 1901, the Bovina 'uptown' cooperative creamery was organized.  As reported in the Andes Recorder, the "creamery will be built on the Andrew T. McFarlane [McFarland] farm," now the Schumann property.  Thirty farmers were to participate.  The trustees elected were Andrew McFarland, George T. Russell and Alexander Burns. The Recorder went on to report that "[t]he contract for the building and apparatus has been let to F.B. Floyd for $4,350 and it is to be ready for business by September 1."  This creamery was organized a couple of months before the Bovina Center Cooperative Creamery was organized.  The uptown creamery building is no more, though the foundation is still identifiable. Here's a recently identified photo of the creamery:

140 years ago today, the June 21, 1881Stamford Mirror carried this somewhat cryptic item: "The Bovina 'Gossip' misquotes part of an item from the Mirror, and then makes an assertion concerning a 'schoolmarm' which the pupils attending the school taught by her say is a lie."

157 years ago today, on June 22, 1864, a vote was held in Bovina to pay a bounty of $500 to any man enlisting in the Civil War, to be credited to Bovina.  There were several such votes during the war, each time for a larger amount.  By the end of the war, it was up to $800.  This vote was the closest of the war, passing by only one vote, with 68 for and 67 against.

Fifty-seven years ago today, the June 23, 1964Oneonta Daily Star carried this item about the Bovina Center Co-op Creamery:

Sixty-seven years ago today, the Stamford Mirror for June 24, 1954 reported that "Teacher Awards Prizes to Grade Students." The article: Prizes awarded to children in the Bovina Center grade school by their teacher, Mrs. Ray Jardine, were as follows: perfect attendance, Mary Anne LaFever, Jim Hilson, Jeanetta Erway, Norman Hall, Jean Damgaard, and Janet Hoy; most improvement during the year, Betty Conklin and Janet Hoy; and highest average in class, Stewart Rosa, fourth grade; Jean Damgaard, third grade; Steve Rosa, second grade and Linda Graham, first grade.

Eighty-five years ago today, June 25, 1936, Marjorie Russell received her high school diploma from Delaware Academy. 

Seventy-nine years ago today, on June 26, 1942, the Bovina town board passed a resolution choosing the Bovina Community Hall as "an Airplane Observatory for the duration [of the Second World War]." The town agreed to furnish a "telephone and all needed appliances" unless the County agrees cover these expenses.

Eighty-two years ago today, on June 27, 1939, the Delhi Grange met. As later reported in the Delaware Republican, Master Herbert Jensen "announced that all members from Bovina Grange, which surrendered its charter this week, are very welcome to join Delhi Grange; twelve names have already been received from Bovina." I know that my grandparents, Ben and Anna Bell LaFever, joined the Delhi Grange and were active in it their entire lives.

Ninety-two years ago today, in the Bovina column of the June 28, 1929Delaware Express, it was reported that "Bovina was thoroughly watered Sabbath (June 23) night by the very hard rain which lasted several hours. The small flat back of Frank Miller's house [now Roger McIntosh’s house] was nearly covered with water."

126 years ago today, on June 29, 1895 (as later reported by the Andes Recorder) "Dr. Barnard was in town Saturday extracting teeth without pain." This likely is a gentleman named Homer H. Barnard from Milford in Otsego County. He shows up in several census records as a dentist.

Eighty-three years ago, on June 30, 1938 (as later reported in the Andes Recorder), "Rev. and Mrs. Peter McKenzie traveled to Newark to see their two daughters sail on a six-week trip to Finland." The McKenzies had three daughters, Janet, Elizabeth and Margaret. Which two daughters was not stated in the newspaper, though it probably was Janet and Elizabeth.

Bovina in the first full month of summer in 1921 saw a broken hip, a runaway horse, and a dispute between two farmers on Pink Street that led to an assault charge. 

July 1, 1921

•James Monroe and wife motored to Andes on Wednesday.

•The first installment of boys will arrive Friday at the Gerry camp in southern Bovina.

•Mrs. Adam G. King, of Walton, who was visiting at Fred Thomson’s fell and broke her hip.  She had just returned from an auto ride and lost her balance and fell off the edge of the front steps as she was entering the house.  As her age is about 70 the accident is a serious one. [Actually, she was 81 when she had this accident and amazingly, given that a broken hip usually was a death sentence, she survived until 1928.]

July 8, 1921

•Margaret Gordon visited at Walton last week.

•Master John Gordon, of New York, is at Mrs. Thomas Gordon’s. [John Gordon was the step grandson of Mrs. Gordon.]

Bovina Boy Married

Everett Orr Russell, formerly of Bovina, and Ethel Harris, daughter of the late Dr. Harris, formerly of Andes and Walton, were married June 22, at Los Angeles, California. [Everett and Ethel lived in California the rest of their lives. He died in 1966, predeceased by his wife.]

July 15, 1921

•Frank Miller is the first to finish haying.

•Wednesday morning as Charles A. McPherson was coming to the creamery the hold back strap broke on the Myers pitch and let the wagon onto the horse.  Mr. McPherson succeeded in stopping the horse near Hilson’s store without colliding with any of the numerous teams and no damage was done.

July 22, 1921

•C.S. Terry has been on the sick list the past week.

•It is reported that the Ed Coulter farm has been sold to an Italian.

•Master Frank McPherson, son of Chas A. McPherson, fell out of a tree last week and broke his arm just above the elbow.

•Rev. and Mrs. Robb, who are missionaries to India, are enroute to Bovina to spend some time with relatives.  Mrs. Robb before her marriage was Jen Campbell. [Jen was the daughter of Duncan Campbell and Nancy Campbell. The Robbs settled in California. Jen died in 1948, Rev. Andrew Robb in 1953.]

A Bovina Scrap

Trouble Between Neighbors Results in an Assault Charge

Mr. Hadley, on the Marshall Thomson farm, swore out a warrant against Ed Leftgren [Lifgren] charging him with assault in second degree.  The trouble is said to be over a spring.  G. Leftgren lives just across the road on the Lyle Thomson place and has the deed to a spring on Hadley’s side of the road.  Friday afternoon when Hadley was in his barn milking Leftgren and his two sons went to the barn and it is alleged charged Hadley with cooling his milk in their spring, and Hadley claimed he only dammed the waste water.  In the trouble Hadley alleges that young Leftgren knocked him down and that he was pounded.  In support of his charge Hadley shows bruises and cuts and a broken finger.  The trial is set for Wednesday.

July 29, 1921

•Bovina had heavy thunder storms Thursday afternoon.

•Mr. Barnes will move onto the Fine Hunt farm up Coulter Brook.

•Mrs. Estella Oliver has gone to Walton to help care for Mrs. A.G. King, who broke her hip a few weeks ago while visiting in Bovina.

•An addition is being built onto the Bovina Center Co-Op Creamery building and preparations are being made to manufacture the skim milk into cheese.

The Stamford Mirror's February 17, 1880 issue had the following item under its Bovina column:

Last Sunday seems to have been a high day for family quarrels in Brushland. A row was begun that day by Charles Allen and wife, which resulted in demolishing the clock and a separation of the parties, Mrs. Allen going off with her father on Tuesday, taking her share of the household goods with her. A similar affair occurred between Robt. Agnew and wife. Agnew is a blacksmith by trade, and located here some time last fall. This worthy couple have been in the habit of quarreling occasionally ever since they have been here, and on Sunday (according to Mrs. Agnew’s story) Agnew shut her up stairs, and kept her there all day, with nothing but two cold griddle-cakes to eat. On Monday, she went up to Mrs. Boyd’s (a relative of Mrs. Agnew’s) and returned home on Tuesday. Agnew came from his shop in the evening, and finding his wife at home, the quarrel was again commenced, when Agnew put his wife out of doors, and threatened to kill her if she came in again. Soon after this, Thomas Miller was crossing the stone bridge, near Strangeway’s store, and heard a noise, as if some one was trying to break the ice, and going down the stream a short distance found Mrs. Agnew, who acted as if she intended to drown herself. She was then taken to M. Dickson’s, where she remained over night. The next day she went to Boyd’s, and is there at present, but is said that she intends to leave Agnew and go back to her mother, who we believe, lives in Scotland.

Mrs. Agnew showed up in the papers again in August 1880. It isn’t clear but it seems she may have overstayed her welcome at Dickson’s:  

Stamford Mirror, August 24, 1880: Michael Dickson having obtained a judgment against, Mrs. Agnew served, an execution on her Monday last, and levied on "three silver dollars, also the potatoes and apples in the garden at present occupied by her," and ordered her to vacate the premises within three days.  The three days have expired and she is still in possession of the premises, and says she has a club laid up to break Mike's head with if he troubles her again."  

I have found few clues as to who she was, but I think she was born either Margaret Jane Boyd or Margaret Jane Mcbirnie. Born around 1849 in Scotland, she was married to Robert Agnew, probably in Scotland. In 1871, she was living in Renfrewshire, Scotland with her husband and one-year-old son, also named Robert.

After her appearance in the news (and in the 1880 census), Mrs. Agnew disappears. Did she go back to Scotland as she threatened? We just don't know. 

Here's the compilation of the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page daily entries for July 2021:

102 years ago today, on July 1, 1919, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Lloyd Oliver had a narrow escape …from going off the high wall at Alex Myers' in his car.  Something was wrong with the car and Terry, the garage man, towed it backwards to the top of the pitch and he started to coast down.  In front of the Myers house a rod dropped down careering the car into the air so that only one wheel was on the ground and when it righted itself it was on the wall and less than a foot from the edge.  Mr. Oliver who had no brakes, succeeded in guiding the car along the wall and it was stopped in front of Elliott Thomson's."

Forty-one years ago today, the July 2, 1980 Stamford Mirror Recorder included this item in the Bovina column, written by Ann Cairns: 

113 years ago today, on July 3, 1908, Norman Hawley was married to Edith Michelbach  in Bovina, with the Rev. Norman Speer officiating and Mrs. E.E. Hastings and John T. Coulter as witnesses.  About six weeks later, on August 18, Norman was arrested at the farm of John A. Irvine on Coulter Brook, where he was a hired hand, for having deserted from the regular army about a year previous while stationed in Vermont.  His wife was living in Binghamton at the time, probably with his parents.  The letters that passed between them led to his discovery.  What actually happened to him after his arrest is not clear, but by 1910, he was living in Binghamton with his wife and parents.  They later settled in Syracuse, where Hawley worked for the railroad.  His arrest for desertion does not appear to have had a major impact on his life.

Sixty-six years ago today, on July 4, 1955, Isabell Russell recorded in her diary "A grand day nice & clear but very hot. Charles was over and we ate on the side lawn had our new picnic table." Charles was Cecil's brother. I believe this photo is from that day - Hildreth Russell, Charles Russell, Cecil Russell and Isabell Russell. 

114 years ago today, the July 5, 1907 Andes Recorder Bovina column reported that: "The telephone service in Bovina is on the 'bum' and with no signs of anything better. It is stated that the central for the Rose lines will be at Hobart and in order to talk with Andes for example it would be necessary to call Hobart and then talk via Delhi. Certainly very convenient."

Twenty-eight years ago today, the July 6, 1993 issue of the Delaware County Times included this photo of Florence Thomas with one of her late husband, Clayt's, antique cars.

122 years ago today, the July 7, 1899 Andes Recorder in its Bovina column reported that "Quite a number of new mowing machines have been bought this year.  Besides those mentioned last week they are Walter Biggar, a McCormick; E. Burgin, an Osborn; James Coulter a Walter A. Wood and F.C. Armstrong, a Buckeye."

123 years ago today, the Bovina column of the July 8, 1898 Andes Recorder reported that "The forest worms are committing great ravages in many sugar camps.  In Stephen Russell’s camp they have many of the trees stripped of leaves, and in many other places are equally as bad."

Thirty-six years ago today, the July 9, 1985 Daily Star carried this article about Bovina native Enid Carter, who was retiring as a home economics teacher in Oneonta. 

109 years ago today, the July 10, 1912 Delaware Gazette carried an article about what later became Route 28: "RIGHT OF WAY SECURED. Tuesday, Chairman Dickson, with [town] Supervisors Johnson and Palmer went over the route of the Andes-Delhi State road in company with an engineer and completed the work of securing the right of way. The damages in Bovina, range from nothing to $200. Some of the trees at Lake Mahican will be saved by a slight change of plans."

102 years ago today, the July 11, 1919 issue of the Catskill Mountain News reported "William T. Miller of Pink Street, Bovina, who had ten head of cattle killed by lightning recently, had no insurance, and $114 received for the hides is the only recompense he will have for the stock."

160 years ago today, on July 12, 1861, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, Robert A.T. Dean died of diphtheria. He was 27 years old the son of John Dean and Elizabeth Johnson. He is buried in the Bovina Cemetery. 

152 years today, on July 13, 1869, James Campbell filed with the town clerk a notice concerning a stray colt that showed up at his farm.  "Notice is hereby given that an iron grey horses colt came to my premises this morning, the owner is requested to prove property, pay charges and take the same away.  Dated July 13, 1869, James M. Campbell"  Campbell's farm was on Scutt Mountain Road. 

Fifteen years ago today, the July 14, 2006 Delaware County Times carried this article about the Bovina Library seeking books for the Ogden Library in Walton, which had been recently hit by a devastating flood: 

Ninety-five years ago today, on July 15, 1926, as reported in the Stamford Mirror, "Mrs. Belle Hilson, Miss Jane Hilson, Miss Elizabeth Strangeway and Miss Ruth Coulter left Thursday for the Pacific coast.  Mrs. Hilson and her daughter expect to visit points in California, while Miss Strangeway and Miss Coulter will attend the Young People's Convention in Seattle."  Belle Hilson was the widow of Alex Hilson and lived in the house now occupied by Chris and Mike Batey.  Elizabeth Strangeway was the aunt of Ruth Coulter.  Ruth would later marry Bill Parsons.

Margaret Doig was born 182 years ago today on July 16, 1839, the daughter of William Doig and Jane Forrest.  She died a month after her fourth birthday on August 16, 1843.

118 years ago, on July 17, 1903, as reported by the Ithaca Daily News, "Mr. and Mrs. David Hoy left for their vacation in Bovina." Hoy, the uncle of Fletcher Davidson and Vera Storie, among others, grew up in Bovina and became the Registrar of Cornell University for many years. He also is responsible for starting the extensive genealogy files referred to as 'Early Bovina Families.' I, for one, will always be grateful for his pioneering efforts in documenting Bovina's history.

174 years ago today, on July 18, 1847, two families with Bovina connections were bereft of children. Both children were about 3 years old.  Robert Forrest, the son of Thomas E. Forrest and Ellen Raitt, is buried in the Old Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery (more commonly known as the Reinertsen Hill Road cemetery). In that same cemetery there is a memorial stone to Robert Scott, the son of Robert and Ellen Scott. Robert died at sea.

103 years ago today, on July 19, 1918, Bovina was hit with a heavy storm that caused considerable crop damage and killed three cows.  Gardens and field crops, including William Archibald's buckwheat were destroyed by hail, some of the early stones being as large as plums (the Archibald farm was at the lower end of Bovina Center, what is now the McPherson farm).  The maple tree at the home of the Muller sisters (across from about where Hugh Lee's is located) was struck by lightning.  Lightning traveled into the house of Adam Laidlaw through the telephone lines but did no damage (Laidlaw is where Marie Burns lives now).  A.B. Phyfe, who had the farm now owned by Tim and Kristin Schneider, saw his entire dairy of three cows killed by lightning.

Eighteen years ago today, on July 20, 2003, I took this photograph of my dad, Charlie LaFever, with the Davidson brothers, Richard, Ed and Alan. It was the last time these four gentlemen would gather like this. Charlie and Alan died within a couple of weeks of each other in early 2004. Ed and Dick continued their annual trips to Bovina for about another decade. Ed passed away in 2019. Dick lives in California. 

Sixty years ago today, the July 21, 1961 issue of the Oneonta Star included this story about the family of baseball great Whitey Ford spending some time at Suits-Us Farm: 

138 years ago today, on July 22, 1883, Mary Isabella Hoy Davidson, wife of Douglass Davidson, died giving birth to an infant son, who also died the same day.  Five years later, Douglass was remarried to his late wife's sister, Margaret Jane Hoy.  They would have four children, two of whom, Vera and Fletcher, would survive to adulthood.

120 years ago today, on July 23, 1901, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "the first load of lumber was drawn for the creamery at the Centre…"

197 years ago today, on July 24, 1824, James Coulter posted the following notice to be published in the Delaware Gazette: "Six Cents Reward. Ranaway from the subscriber an indented apprentice named Thomas Freeman. All persons are hereby forbid harboring or trusting him on my account, as I will pay no deb of his contracting. The above reward will be paid by the subscriber to any person who may apprehend and deliver said boy to him but no charges will be allowed."

Eighty-seven years ago today, on July 25, 1934, J. Douglas Burns died in Bovina at the age of 75. He was a lifelong resident of Bovina, the son of John Burns and Nancy Ormiston. He married Maggie Doig in 1879. They had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood - Arthur, Eva, Elizabeth and Willam C.

140 years ago today, the Bovina column for the July 26, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported that "The new boat on the pond at the coopershop is a source of attraction for the small boys, and some large ones."

Thirty-nine years ago today, this article appeared in the July 27, 1982 Delaware County Times about Russell's Store.  

Eighty-one years ago today, on July 28, 1940, Elizabeth Richardson Irvine passed away.  Mrs. Richardson lived in what is now Tony and Norma Gabriele's house.  She had been ill only a few days before her death.  Born in 1866, she married John Irvine and had five children.  Her husband John died in 1918 and she had lost a son, William, in 1929.  Elizabeth was survived by sons Lester, Clifton and Lloyd and daughter Isabell Russell.  Clifton and Lloyd were living in Washington State at the time of their mother's death, so they sent this telegram on hearing the news to their sister. 

105 years ago today, the July 29, 1916 Delaware Republican carried this Bovina column: 

Eighty-seven years ago today, on July 30, 1934, David Currie resigned as Bovina Town Clerk. James Hoy was appointed to fill the position. Hoy would hold the position for about a year when David Currie would resume it and hold it until 1945. James' wife, Margaret, succeeded David in the position, becoming the first woman to be the Town Clerk for Bovina.

Sixty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the July 31, 1952 Delaware Republican Express included this: "Mr. and Mrs. William Rockefeller and Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Thomas and daughter, Patty, enjoyed a trip to the Catskill Game Farm Sunday." The same column also reported that "Fred Henderson and Andrew Reinertsen began work Monday on a carpentry job on the Ralph Barnhart house in South Kortright." And finally, this item: "Jimmy LaFever of Unadilla is visiting at the home of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Leif Reinertsen."

In August 1921, Bovina saw lightning strikes that killed four cows, a house burn down, several reunions and a verdict in an assault case on Pink Street the previous month.

August 5, 1921

Frank Coulter and wife attended the Ward Reunion at Andes on Wednesday.

The party with whom E.L. Coulter bargained for the sale of his large farm has thus far failed to return with the money.

Mrs. G.D. Miller fell Monday while going down the stone steps at their home and struck her head, sustaining quite severe injuries.

Lightning in Bovina

Bovina has been visited by severe storms the past week.  Last Thursday [Jul 28] afternoon there were four heavy showers and heavy thunder and lightning.  James Robson had four cows killed Robert Robson two. Sabbath morning [Jul 31] during severe electrical storm, lightning struck the barns of Arthur Hoy, Gustave Liftgren and Fred Bramley up Pink Street but none of them were fired.

Bovina Lawsuit Adjourned

Entire Town Turned Out for Hadley –Leftgren [Lifgren] Assault Case

A stranger in Bovina on Wednesday might have thought that on old time town meeting was in progress.  The cause of all the excitement was the expected Hadley-Leftgren assault case set down for trial on that day before Judge Strangeway.  The hour for the trial came at last and with it disappointment for it was announced that Fred Youmans, the attorney for the defense had been detained in Delhi by the stern command a cruel doctor who told him he was sick.  The case was then adjourned until August 15, and then the men and women can again don their glad togs and come to see it or perhaps it might again adjourn – who knows.

August 12, 1921

John W. Blair is having his farmhouse painted.  Alex Myers is doing the job.

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Russell left last Thursday for Wisconsin to visit his brother.

Miss Jennie Miller went to the Butt End on Thursday, where she will board with Mrs. Walter Wilter Wilson.

Douglas Davidson and wife, Sloan Archibald and wife, Milton R. Hoy, Mrs. W.I. Storie, Fletcher Davidson and Lois Ormiston motored to Washington county and visited the old Hoy homestead.

Bovina Man Has Operation

John W. McCune was operated upon Monday [Aug 8] for a bad case of appendicitis.  The operation was performed by Dr. Latcher assisted by Dr. Goodrich and the appendix had burst.  Mr. McCune was taken sick Friday while working on the grading job at the high school building in Delhi.

Coulter Reunion

The Coulter re-union will be held at Frank Dickson’s on August 24, 1921.  Please bring enough sandwiches for your family and one other article, also cup spoon and for.  By order Com.

Lake Delaware House Sold

Charles A. Lee has sold his house and lot at Lake Delaware to Roscoe N. Brown for $1,500.  The place was formerly the old “Pent” Flowers store and Mr. Lee converted it into a dwelling.  Mr. Lee will go to Great Barrington and make his home with his dauter Mrs. F.D. M. Landon.

August 19, 1921

The Thomson re-union is scheduled to be held Friday at home of Ad Laidlaw.

John Aitken and family were at Delhi on Wednesday attending the Brown reunion.

Within the past two weeks Thomas Raitt in southern Bovina has had three cows and a horse die.

Miss Louise Dennis has returned home from Walton, where he spent several weeks with her nephew, Joseph Dennis.

William Gordon of New York, the grandson of the late Thomas Gordon, who has been ill for several months, is able to be around his room.

George Decker has bargained for the sale of his farm (Purdy place) near Lake Delaware to Robert Hunt, taking the Hunt house in Bovina Center in part payment.

Announcements have been received by Bovina friends of the marriage in Seattle, Washington, of J. Clifton Irvine and Miss Annie Maloney.  The groom is a son of Mrs. John Irvine of this place.

Bovina Town Picnic

It is to be Thursday, August 25, 1921, and annually hereafter on the last Thursday in August.It is to be a Basket Lunch picnic at Bovina Center.  Bring your knife fork, spoon and drinking cup.

There is to be public speaking, band music, contests with prizes – This is free.

Base ball game, Bovina singles vs. Bovina married.  Adults 25c, children under 12 yr. 15c

Everybody – that includes you – invited.  Come. Put a few pennies in your purse for picnic goodies.

Bovina Assault Case Tried - Jury Renders Verdict of Guilty in the Hadly-Liftgren Scrap

The much heralded Bovina assault case of A.E. Hadley against Gustave Liftgren and his son Edward Liftgren finally came to trial on Monday in the town hall before Justice Thomas C. Strangeway and a jury.  The court room was packed with spectators anxious to hear the evidence.  The case consumed the entire day and about 11 o’clock p.m. the jury returned a verdict of guilty of assault in the third degree.  The court sentenced each defendant to pay a fine of $40 and Edward Liftgren was given an additional sentence of fifteen days in jail.

Recorder readers will remember that trouble arose a few weeks ago over a spring belonging to Gustave Lifegren, which was located on the farm of Mr. Hadley, and that Liftgren and his son went to the barn of Hadley while he was milking, Hadley charged that he was assaulted by the two defendants and pounded and had a broken finger.

August 26, 1921

Miller Homestead Farm is exhibiting millet 6 feet 9 inches in length.

Miss Mable Thomson is ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Thomson, and a fever is feared.

The Archibald re-union was held at Thos Boggs’ on Tuesday and the Coulter re-union at Frank Dickson’s on Wednesday.

John W. McCune is recovering nicely from his operation for appendicitis, and his trained nurse, Mrs. Theobald, returned to Utica on Wednesday.

A large moving van from Paterson, N.J. arrived Wednesday with a load of household goods for the Italian who has bought the E.L. Coulter farm on the turnpike.

Announcements have been received of the marriage of Ralph Barnhart, eldest son of Mrs. Kate Barnhart, of Bovina, and Miss Anna Ruland, of Jefferson, August 10.  The newlyweds are moving into rooms in G.D. Miller’s house.

Bovina House Destroyed - House on the Albert McPherson Farm Burned Last Saturday

The house on what is known as the Albert McPherson farm, which is now a part of the S.G. Bramly farm, on the Bloomville road, and which is now owned by Jean Muller, was destroyed by fire Saturday forenoon together with most of the contents. The fire is said to have been caused by the explosion of the oil stove of John Miller who occupied the house.  Neighbors soon saw the smoke and the telephone brought several cars from the village, but the house was enveloped in flames by the time they arrived and nothing could be done to save it.  Few of the contents were saved. The house was built only a few years ago by Charles A. McPherson before he purchased the Bramley placed and united the farms.  It is stated that there is an insurance of $1,0900 on the building and $8,000 on the contents.

The twentieth century saw the advent of two summer camps for children in the Bovina township. The first was the Lake Delaware Boys’ Camp was established in 1911 by Robert L. Gerry. A little over a decade later Mr. and MRs. Aaron Mirski established a camp at Tunis Lake. 

This entry will focus on the Lake Delaware Camp. Next month I'll post an entry about the Tunis Lake camp.

Mr. Gerry started his camp at Tunis Lake in 1909, using tents. He decided to move the camp to his own property on Lake Delaware. The camp exists to this day – and continues to use tents for housing the campers, but it also includes a chapel and other structures. The camp organ, donated to the camp by Robert Gerry’s father, Elbridge, still is used today. It was built in 1877 by Hilborne Roosevelt, a cousin of Teddy Roosevelt. It is not electrified and still operates with a large wheel to provide the air needed. 

During his forty year career, Bob Wyer of Delhi came on two occasions to photograph the camp. 

Here are two images taken of the Lake Delaware Boys Camp August 1942. In the second photo, you can see Bob Wyer's shadow at the bottom of the image. 

And he went back to the camp in August 1947 for more pictures.

Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Agnes Bell (Aggie) Armstrong was born 149 years ago on August 1, 1872, the daughter of Frank C. Armstrong and Jennette Burns.  Sadly, she would die only three days later.  She is buried in the Bovina Cemetery.  Three years less one day after her death, the Armstrongs had another daughter that they named Agnes Jeanette.  Sadly, she too would die young, dying when only two months old.

Ninety-one years ago today, August 2, 1930, this article appeared in the Binghamton Press.  Gilbert D. Miller was Bovina's last surviving Civil War veteran.  He would die a few months later on March 13, 1931.

Seventy-seven years ago today, the August 3, 1944 issue of the Delaware Republican Express including two items about the McKenzie family: "Miss Elizabeth McKenzie of Newark, N.J., returned to her work on July 30th, having spent a month's vacation here with her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Peter Mckenzie." Another item appeared about Elizabeth's brother: "The Rev. Gordon McKenzie of Scranton, Pa., was in town last Tuesday. He brought his daughter Janet and a friend to join her mother and sister Elizabeth, who are spending the summer in the Callie Boggs house (now the home of Harlo and Donna Bray)."

106 years ago today, the August 4, 1915 issue of the Delaware Gazette carried this article about three deaths in Bovina: 

Fifty-four years ago today, onAugust 5, 1967, Fred Ganger died unexpectedly at his home in Delhi. A native of Germany, he had a farm for a number of years on Cape Horn Road before retiring to Delhi.

Fifty-seven years ago today, August 6, 1964, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express, “Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rabeler and her mother, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rabeler, and two daughters, Richard Jardine and sister Martha, and Tanya Lay took the bus from Delhi to the Worlds Fair at New York….."

112 years ago today, on August 7, 1909, the barn of William H. Maynard burned down. I believe this farm was about a mile off Cape Horn Road and was once the Warren Farm near the Bovina/Stamford town line. The foundations of the farm still exist. Here's the news article about the dramatic fire from the August 12, 1909 Binghamton Presss and Sun Bulletin: 

126 years ago today, August 8, 1895, there was a 'theft' at the home of Rev. Hayes. It was briefly reported in the Andes Recorder: "At the reception at Rev. Hayes' last Thursday evening some one borrowed two cakes."

129 years ago today, on August 9, 1892, as later reported in the Delaware Republican, "T.A. Archibald had one of his nice gray horses killed by lightning…"

194 years today, on August 10, 1827, George Laidlaw was born in Scotland, the son of David Laidlaw and Helen Knox Hart.  He came to America as a child and married Janet Hume in Delhi.  They would have five children.  George died at the age of 49 in 1877 and is buried in Bovina.

123 years ago today, on August 11, 1898, the Board of Railroad Commissioners of the State of New York held a public hearing on the application of the Delaware Railroad Company to lay a railroad from Delhi to Andes, with a spur to Bovina.  Here's the Public Notice as published in the August 6 Delaware Republican.  And there are a series of entries in the Bovina NY History blog, starting with March 5, 2011, about this most serious attempt to get a railroad into Bovina: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-trains-almost-came-i-everything.html

Seventy-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 12, 1943 Delaware Republican reported that "Miss Kate Birdsall, who is in nurses' training at Vassar Hospital, Poughkeepsie, is home on vacation." She likely also was home for the wedding of her cousin, Catherine Banuat. The same column reported that Marjorie Russell gave a shower in honor of Catherine.

Thirty-seven years ago today, the August 13, 1984, Daily Star (Oneonta) carried this article about Stella McPherson and her wonderful flower gardens: 

Sixty-eight years ago today, August 14, 1953, this photograph was taken of the "Beacon Lights" Sunday School class. The class met to hold a surprise party for Mrs. William J. Storie in honor of 25 years teaching the class. The class held a program on the theme 1928, including a history in photographs, popular songs and a fashion parade. Unfortunately, this is the best quality copy I have of the photo. If anyone has one that is better, I'd love to know. Front:  Elizabeth Mabon, Marion McPherson, Marian Spear, Vera Storie, Mary Burgin, Helen Hall; Second: Stella McPherson, Marjorie Walley, Ruth McGowan, Eleanor Archibald, Bea Thompson, Helen Burns, Dorothy Russell, Margaret McPherson, Marjorie Russell, Celia Coulter, Grace Roberts, Helen McDivitt; Third:  Helen Forrest, Mrs. Stanley McMaster, her guest from Canada, Leona LaFever, Gladys Lay, Laura LaFever, Helen Tyrrell, Gladys Doig, Doris Rabeler, Margaret Gordon, Rae Vandenbord

133 years ago today, on August 15, 1888, Mr. Frank Armstrong of Bovina was married to Mrs. Mary Brown of Colchester. It was his second marriage. His first was to Jeanette Burns, who died in 1885. His second wife died in Bovina in 1911. Frank would get married for a third time, marrying Mary E. Niesh. He would be widowed a third time when that Mary died in 1924. Frank died in 1925. Mary Brown's history is interesting. She came into the marriage with a son, James Franklin Brown. His father is unknown. James married a Coulter and had several children, including Mary Brown, who married Edwin "Ted" Burgin. Here's a framed certificate commemorating Frank and Mary's marriage. 

Sixty-nine years ago today, on August 16, 1952, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "An amateur show for the benefit of the Bovina library was held … at the Community hall. It was directed by George Duphily. Twelve others took part. There was selections of music, songs and two movies. About 75 were in attendance for which a nice sum was realized. Much credit is due Mr. Duphily and others who helped to make it a success."

141 years ago today, the August 17, 1880 Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror reported that "an ice-cream sociable, in the interest of the M.E. Church, was held at the house of Mrs. Loughran … proceeds amounting to $10.65."

128 years ago today, the following item appeared in the August 18, 1893 Andes Recorder - "Bovina is noted for its great butter - pure Jersey butter that is a strong competitor of Elgin [Illinois], and is growing in favor with the butter men every year.  A correspondent says: 'When we were young 100 pounds of butter per cow was a fair average; now from 300 to 400 pounds per cow does not satisfy the Bovina dairyman.  We expect, if they keep on grading their stock, by the time of the next centennial the Bovina cow will be giving butter instead of milk.'"

The Seventh Annual Coulter Family Reunion was held ninety-six years ago today on August 19, 1925 at three residences in Bovina Center, George Russell's (the Robson House),  James Thomson's (the Pelletier house) and Harvey C. Burgin's (the Jason and Lisa Stanton house).

102 years ago yesterday, on August 20, 1919, one hundred and fifty relatives attended the Archibald reunion held on Wednesday at home of William J. Archibald.

138 years ago today, the August 21, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "Coulter Bros. have taken their portable sawmill to Shavertown to do a large job of sawing at that place."

119 years ago today, on August 22, 1902, the Bovina Fortnightly Club held an entertainment. 

151 years ago today, the August 23, 1870 Bloomville Mirror carried this plea concerning the post office in Brushland: 

Ninety five years ago today on August 24, 1926, William Gavett of Delhi, was severely scalded by steam Tuesday while employed at the Bovina Center Co-operative Creamery.

110 years ago, the August 25, 1911Bovina column of the Andes Recorder included the following item: "Robert Graham, who went to Canada in the sixties, is visiting relatives in town. In his younger days he was a teacher and went to Canada to teach because wages were much better there. His last visit here was 25 years ago." Graham, born in Scotland in 1830, died in Canada in December 1925.

The descendants of David, William and Berry Miller held their annual reunion ninety-seven years ago today (August 26, 1924). The reunion was held at Belle Miller's (now Amy Burns' and Tom Lamport's house across from Russell's Store). Later newspaper reports said that about 75 people were present but that "several families were not represented."

Seventy-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the August 27, 1942 Delaware Republican reported that "Mrs. Margaret K. Gladstone of Suffern, N.Y., is visiting relatives in town."

Ninety-two years ago today, on August 28, 1928, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, Bovina resident "Miss Caroline Dickson arrived home…from her European trip. Her sister, Mrs. Curran accompanied her here." Caroline had left for Europe on July 6. She had arrived back in New York harbor two days before on the "Carona," which had left from LeHavre on August 18. This is the passenger list from the Carona, downloaded from Ancestry.com, showing her listing. 

113 years ago today, the August 29, 1908 Hobart Independent carried this report concerning the railroad coming to Bovina. This wasn't the first attempt but it was almost the last. The interest that was so strong when the major attempt took place in 1898 had waned considerably as the automobile came into being.

140 years ago today, the Bovina column in the August 30, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported that "Quite a number of our farmers have finished their oat harvests." The same paper also reported that "Rev. J.B. Lee has purchased a horse."

160 years ago today, on August 31, 1861, Alphonzo Lee died at the age of 54. As later reported in the Delaware Gazette, Lee was "respected and esteemed among those with whom he had business or social relations. Kind and indulgent as a husband and father, accommodating as a neighbor, and benevolent as a man and christian, his memory will long be held dear by those who have enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship." Lee was born in Connecticut in 1807 and came to Bovina likely in the 1820s.

September 2, 1921

•The schools of the town will open next Tuesday.

•Wilson Monroe spent the past week with cousins in New York city.

•Attorney and Mrs. Ernest Bergman and son, of New York, are visiting his sister, Mrs. William T. Russell.

•Miss Margaret Gordon who has spent the summer vacation at the Scott homestead in Fall Clove, has returned home.

•Mr. and Mrs. Felix Crevier, of Paterson, NJ are now in possession of the Edward L. Coulter farm on the turnpike, which they have purchased together with the personal property.  The price is reported to be about $13,000.

The Bovina Town Picnic

The Annual Affair Well Attended Last Thursday

There was a large crowd – about 1,000 – at the annual picnic for the town of Bovina held last Thursday [August 25] and the day was an ideal one.

Following the picnic dinner Rev. F.N. Crawford, the president of the day introduced Assemblyman Lincoln R. Long of New Kingston, and he was followed by Rev. Marvin J. Thomson, of Troy and both gave fine addresses.

The sports included a peanut hunt by the small boys, a wheelbarrow race, tug of war, races and broad and high jumping.  A ball game between the married and single men resulted in favor of the married men.  

September 9, 1921

•Edward L. Coulter, who recently sold his farm, is storing his household goods in the small Dickson house in the Center.

•Postmaster Lauren Dickson has returned from a trip to New Haven, Connecticut.

•Mrs. G.J. Dickson has gone to Ossining, N.Y. to visit her daughter, Mrs. George Baldwin.

•A thorobred Jersey heifer disappeared last week from the pasture of Will Storie and it is thought to have been stolen.

•Thomas C. Strangeway has commenced digging the cellar for a new house on his lot just at the rear of the hotel building which he now owns.

•The Hadley-Leftgren [Lifgren] feud still continues and the latest trouble was caused by Hadley’s calves straying onto the Leftgren land and he shut them up.

•Bovina students who have entered high school at Delhi are: Mary Brown, Helen Gladstone, Jennette Laidlaw, Ruth Coulter, Beatrice Hoy, Francis Bell, Gladys Worden, Margaret Gordon and William Gordon.

At Rogers Cottage

Joseph Rogers, wife and son, and William Gordon and nurse, Miss Flyshour, of new York, arrived at the Rogers cottage at Lake Delaware last Thursday to spend a few weeks.  Mr. Gordon is slowly recovering from an illness of several months from blood poisoning and rheumatism.

September 16, 1921

•John Blair, John Hilson and Will Archibald are attending the State fair at Syracuse this week.  

•Alex Myers is painting the residence of James A. Gow, which stands nearly opposite the U.P. church.

•Last week it cost A.E. Hadley $10 to get his calves which had strayed to the land of Gustave Lefgren.  Hadley has now has supreme writs served on Lefgren and his son.

•The body of James D. Calhoun, who was killed in France during the world war, arrived here this week and burial was made Wednesday in Bovina Center cemetery.  Members of Calhoun post of Andes, acted as bearers.

Bovina Farm Sold

Walter G. McDivitt has sold his 228 acre farm up Coulter Brook, in the town of Bovina, to Paul C. Furhmann of Brooklyn.  The sale includes stock, tolls and crops, and possession is given October 1.  The place was formerly the William T. Miller and Robert Biggar farms.

September 23, 1921

•Sheffield Smith has purchased another truck.

•Mrs. Elliott Thomson picked a dish of ripe strawberries last week.

•Sloan Archibald is building a new barn at the rear of his residence.

•Paul Furhmann, who recently purchased the farm of W.G. McDivitt up Coulter Brook, arrived with his household goods Tuesday.

•Thos C. Strangeway has the cellar completed for his new house and Al Boggs is putting up the forms for the concrete foundation.

Ford Over the Wall

Last Friday two women, strangers in town, whose names could not be learned, went off the road and over the stone wall in a Ford car, near where the Coulter Brook road meets the uptown road.  The car was upset but the women escaped injury.  Help was secured and the car gotten back on to the road and the women went on their way.

Bovina House on Fire

The farm house of John Thomson, up Pink Street was damaged by fire on Wednesday.  During the forenoon the chimney burned out and soon after noon fire was discovered in a partition.  Help was summoned by telephone and in addition to neighbors three or four cars went from the village and the fire was put out with comparatively small damage.  

September 30, 1921

•George Cable and wife moved this week to Bainbridge, and have rented their hosue here.

•Lauren Dickson will leave this week for New Haven, Connecticut, to take a course in the Yale Law School.

•Jacob Gerkins, who has been on the Alex Bryden farm for the past two years, will vacate the place October 1.

•William Gordon has purchased a Ford for the use of himself and sister in going back and forth to school in Delhi.

•Galie Hafele will work with Al Boggs at the carpenter trade.  He has rented W.A. Hoy’s tenant house in Bovina Center.

•Miss Louise Dennis is again confined to her bed and her niece, Miss Emma Dennis, of Walton, is here helping care for her.

•Rev. and Mrs. Charles Lay and four children, who had spent two weeks with her parents, Mr and Mrs. George Miller, returned to Mundale o Friday.

•A number of the lady friends of Mrs. John A. Irvine and Mrs. John McCune made them a surprise visit last Friday evening at the home of the first name.  The occasion was birthday of the two ladies – one falling on Friday and the other on Saturday.

Death of Infant

The two weeks old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Bye died in southern Bovina last week of intestinal poisoning.  The mother will be remembered as Mary Mason.

 A little over a decade after the Lake Delaware Camp was established, someone established a camp at Tunis Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Mirski established a boys’ camp at the lake in 1922.  Unlike the Lake Delaware Camp, the Tunis Lake Camp had cabins for the campers. The Mirskis ran the camp until 1944, when they sold it to concentrate on the companion girls’ camp they established on Perch Lake in Andes.  The camp was owned in the 1950s and into the 1960s by George Kaye and Oscar Newman. It became a co-ed during their ownership. They sold the camp in the late 1960s. The last year the camp operated was in 1970. The property was sold to Eric Weidemeyer who created the Tunis Lake development.  Today, the area is occupied by individual homeowners, with the lake as a common ground.

This Wyer image of Mr. Mirski was taken in February 1939.

This first set of images are from the off-season in November 1940:

Wyer was back in the camp in July 1941:

In July 1945, he was back to photograph some indoor activities of the campers: 

If anyone reading this has any memories of attending this camp, I would LOVE to hear from you.