1
200
43
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/238652e7a4796fe15e8d2f05ee9cf960.jpg
91e1b479419de2c6a8a68039fde78a44
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Avenues (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" src="http://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/83.jpg" alt="Ironton" /> <span class="cover-caption">Looking east over the Avenues from the Niagara River. 2016 Google Earth </span> <br />In the 1880s, new industrial jobs (at <a href="http://nthistory.com/collections/show/16">Tonawanda Iron and Steel</a>, the lumber docks and planing mills, and later Buffalo Bolt) spurred growth in the area north of Wheatfield. Poles, Hungarians and others flocked to the new area, bringing their languages and traditions (and chickens) with them. The new village becomes known as “Ironton;” today, "The Avenues."<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>IRONTON ADDITION.— With the advent of the Niagara River Iron Works in 1873 brisk times were anticipated and quite a large tract of land was platted into lots in that vicinity. As the furnace was discontinued in about a year, developments were practically at a standstill for more than a dozen years...</blockquote>
This <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/247">1875 Wheatfield map</a> shows Ironton clearly labeled, and smattering of homes within the (unlabeled) avenues. A <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1543">1938 article</a> claims that the influx of Polish begins in 1882 with the establishment of a John Cichoki's <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/1665">tavern on River Road</a> near Wheatfield. <br /><br />An 1884 Educational report mentions an Ironton school in a frame house half a mile from stone 1866 Goundry Street School.* In 1889, <span><a href="http://nthistory.com/collections/show/64">Ironton Public School #2</a> opens at the corner of 1st Ave and Oliver Street (present-day Elizabeth Harvey Apartments / Olmsted Center for Sight).</span><br /><br />Also in 1889, the big furnace on River Road near Wheatfield fires up again, and the adjacent marshes and former farms once again become valuable real estate. Investors jump. The 1891 guidebook continues:
<blockquote><br />It was purchased from Pratt & Jewett by Geo. P. Smith and A. J. Hathaway, Oct. 15, 1889, replatted, and Jan. 1st, 1890, put on the market. Within a year 500 building lots had been sold and 100 houses erected.<br /><br />With June of the present year [1891] the Ironton Land Co. was incorporated with capital of §100,000 and everything bids fair for a prosperous career, as this is the river center of North Tonawanda corporation, and being traversed by all the rail- roads it cannot fail to secure prominent manufacturing interests. <br /><br />The Ironton addition is less than a mile from the North Tonawanda City Hall. With the Iron & Steel Works, the surrounding lumber interests and the bolt and nut works of Plumb, Burdict ct Barnard, which has recently been located on the adjoining property, this section of the city will make a convenient and desirable place for mechanics and business firms. It has the water supply, electric lights, and will soon be connected by the electric street car line. <br /><br />A double two story brick block for stores has just been completed on Oliver street, making a nice addition to the mercantile conveniences there, a $15,000 brick school house was erected a couple of years since, a church dedicated in August and this section has all the modern conveniences of the older part of the city.</blockquote>
For the numerous Polish on the <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/3436">original seven avenues</a>, their church is the center of their community. OLC is established on Center Ave, exactly where the grotto is today. It is later rebuilt just south. <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/98">Pettit Creek</a> flows through the area (it will be covered).<br /><br /><a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200105.pdf">The paving of Oliver Street being planned August 26, 1893.<br /></a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s"> A progress report </a><a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200169.pdf">about a month later</a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s">. October 5 </a><a href="http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale/North%20Tonawanda%20NY%20Evening%20News%201893%20Jul-Jul%201894%20Grayscale%20-%200235.pdf">there is labor trouble between Poles and Italians</a><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s">.</a><br /><br />"Ironton" (along with the villages of <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/93">Gratwick</a> and <a href="http://nthistory.com/collections/show/56">Martinsville</a>) is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897. The last remnant of the old village name is in its "Ironton Street," running along the west edge of the original avenues.<br /><br />The upper avenues remain essentially woods and marshes until the 1940s, when settlement accelerates with the nationwide Baby Boom. The opening of the Memorial Pool in 1947<br /><br /><em>Notes:</em><br /><br /> * <span><em>Annual Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, of the State of New-York</em> (1884,</span> <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=EEEdAQAAIAAJ">Google Books)</a> Also has lots of details about new Goundry Street school and a brief mention of Gratwick school and enrollment figures.1890 "The village of Tonawanda is up and awake as far as educational matters are concerned. It has a progressive board of education composed of five members, all liberal men in their views. A new brick school building is nearly completed at Ironton, a suburb of the village, that would be a pride to any town."<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zCwdAQAAIAAJ&dq=ironton+tonawanda&source=gbs_navlinks_s"><br /></a> <br />John Carr on Facebook in January 2017: "Go back to the 1800's and my great grandfather's farm, as well as several others, was there, extending from the river inland past Payne. The house was originally along the river. Eventually the lumber yards and steel mills pushed the property, and the house back from the river to Oliver (#849 or #869). In the 1890's, after his death, the property was sold off and developed into individual housing lots. At that time the area was annexed to North Tonawanda, before that the area was part of Wheatfield. Carr Street still exists by the town pool. Many of my great grand parents children and their families had homes in the area. We see the area today pretty much as it was developed then, however modernized a bit and not the capitol of industry it was then."
Map
A diagram of a geographical area's major arteries of transportation, buildings, land owners and terrain.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Avenues, Payne Estate, future Mid-City Plaza, aerial photo (1938).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1938
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://niagara-county.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html">https://niagara-county.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html</a>
avenues
gratwick
ironton
map
photo
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/bd1c956343d5a1b2eb3ae2a298fd303d.jpg
083b33994bd2f06b9971d14bd7566b71
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Avenues Folk: Mary Kijowski-Konstanty, 47 15th Ave.
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="A collage of photographs shows a young girl on the porch of a typical Avenues style home at its center, with an accordion player and men drinking alcohol in others" src="http://www.nthistory.com/custom/cover/141.jpg" /><span class="cover-caption">Center: A young Mary Kijowski on the porch of 47 15th Avenue, c.1933. Photos from her personal collection.</span> In North Tonawanda, the Polish ruled the Avenues. <br /><br />The industrious immigrants pour into the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s, snatching up the plentiful work offered by Tonawanda Iron and Steel, the still-booming lumber industry, Buffalo Bolt and others. By 1933 they have established a vibrant community of over <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2943">5,000 people</a>, with its own churches, taverns, community centers, and stores selling the goods needed to support the traditions of their European homeland. <br /><br />The photos and ephemera in this collection were the personal property of a first-generation Pole living on the Avenues, the late Mary Konstanty (n<span>é</span>e Kijowski, c.1926-2000). Her Polish-born parents are Szymon (who works at nearby Buffalo Bolt) and Paulina. Mary is the youngest of eight siblings, all born in America between 1911 and 1926. In a <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRN1-94PZ?i=8&cc=1488411&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AMVMV-YVS">1920 Census</a> the family is at 21 14th Avenue, squeezed in with another family. By 1926 they have settled at 47 15th Ave.<br /><br />The collection is a vivid snapshot of social life on the Avenues: the men drinking conspicuously and posing with beers on a bench in their tiny backyard; the family farming and ice skating in the unsettled swaths of the upper east Avenues that would be covered by homes after WWII. The sounds of accordions and Polish would have been ringing in the air. <br /><br />Mary is always smiling in the photos; always seemingly keenly aware of some devilish fun to be had, whether she is posing on a tractor, ice skating, or peeking around a tree with her future husband, John Konstanty II. Only the last, 1980 photo of her shows her unsmiling--perhaps annoyed by the picture-taker as she tries to read her newspaper on her porch in peace. <br /><br />Her many grandchildren may or may not know it, but Mary Kijowski appears to have been a bit of a <em>wild child</em>.<br /><br />The Tonawanda News has memorialized one case in point: In October 1942, the paper reports that 16 year-old Mary was out after 4 a.m. in a car driven by her friend Helen Polek of 15 14th Avenue. As they turn a corner on Sweeney Street, Mary tumbles out of the open passenger door, suffering "severe" brush burns and a fractured arm. Helen takes her younger friend to De Graff Memorial Hospital, where Mary is admitted for treatment. They may not have had the Internet to record youthful indiscretions in her day, but they had microfilm.<br /><br />Like many women of her time, Mary Kijowski steps up to help keep factories running while the nation is at war. A March 11, 1943 postcard from the U. S. War Manpower Commission invites her to Buffalo for a job interview. She is assigned to the same factory her father works at, Buffalo Bolt. A wonderful photo in this set shows her with other women inside the North Tonawanda factory; another shows her posing proudly in full "Rosie the Riveter" regalia: a do-rag on her head, and a men's plaid shirt tucked into pants that are far too long for her.<br /><br />She marries John Konstanty II in 1952 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic church. They have four children by 1959. John works at Bethlehem Steel and <a href="https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201959%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201959%2520%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201247.pdf%23xml%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D1ad5d832%26DocId%3D2106552%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D35%26hits%3De%2Bd2%2B376%2B389%2B3ac%2B3e8%2B3e9%2B418%2B454%2B496%2B4b1%2B531%2B589%2Ba66%2Bb06%2Bb69%2Bb75%2Bbe7%2Bbfb%2Bc95%2Bcad%2Bcd4%2Bcf4%2Bdf3%2Bdf8%2Be51%2Be84%2Beaa%2Bee3%2Bf4e%2Bfb7%2B1023%2B10ab%2B10b0%2B10b7%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201959%2520%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201959%2520%2520%2520Grayscale%2520-%25201247.pdf&xml=https%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D1ad5d832%26DocId%3D2106552%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cDISK%2520U%26HitCount%3D35%26hits%3De%2Bd2%2B376%2B389%2B3ac%2B3e8%2B3e9%2B418%2B454%2B496%2B4b1%2B531%2B589%2Ba66%2Bb06%2Bb69%2Bb75%2Bbe7%2Bbfb%2Bc95%2Bcad%2Bcd4%2Bcf4%2Bdf3%2Bdf8%2Be51%2Be84%2Beaa%2Bee3%2Bf4e%2Bfb7%2B1023%2B10ab%2B10b0%2B10b7%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false">runs for alderman</a> that year. <br /><br />A son, Jeffrey, is born in 1962.
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
47 Fifteenth Ave., aerial photo (1938).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1938
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://niagara-county.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html
Description
An account of the resource
Many of the upper east avenues were still unoccupied in 1938.
avenues
gratwick
ironton
map
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/6cfc281b234135bb42521c910dfcdca0.jpg
5eae92c412b167f14ab996d1de6fb336
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School children mobilize in safety drive, photo (Tonawanda News, 1948-04-23).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1948-04-23
gratwick
person
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/e7ebe92250bf6a0dfc04d7e58d2ba3ed.jpg
9ad4ca533d00e1a3ed843d58b7ba2d9e
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School showing 1924 addition, photo (Marjorie Crosby thesis, 1949).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1924
gratwick
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/ddada45aa062a21409bf9e46e9a153eb.jpg
5fc80d0976a0fe02c68ea33e021ddffd
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School playground in winter, photo (Marjorie Crosby thesis, 1949).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1948-11
gratwick
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/78205f097ab850310cccd9d2320dad61.jpg
92e31322356d483cfcf5cd94d783b9c2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School faculty, photos (Marjorie Crosby thesis, 1949).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1948
gratwick
person
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/7adf9512f422c39abe2356a51a747086.jpg
ebbb1f34341ae45c59a41a9f2ed7251d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School before additions, photo c. 1895 (Marjorie Crosby thesis, 1949).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1895
gratwick
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/f28e84fc8dd0b43b7a2f9945af0589de.jpg
708c2af6c5135d770cf5c73ddcdad1c3
https://nthistory.com/files/original/180469cb5ab5cb895097e22325451cb1.jpg
4d9d2e47f453d46cf9ba036764ed56f9
https://nthistory.com/files/original/57d5ca4ce9a4d35b698301840cb1ec9f.jpg
786a4cd5793841f98102fd3033252be2
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Creo-Dipt, Weatherbest Stained Shingles
Description
An account of the resource
In November 1929 Island Street facility nearly wiped out by a disastrous blaze that does an estimated $250,000 in damage and destroys 100 carloads of shingles.
Creo-Dipt used creosote to hold the color within the shingle.
Postcard
A pictorial representation of a place or entity, intended to be written upon and mailed.
Dublin Core
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Title
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Twin City Service Station, Tydol, Weatherbest Shingles, pamphlet (c.1920).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1920
automobile
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/c7e443ff0fe34f907bcab58d4ddb2f27.jpg
a49b318f85d09dbe3026a757581f86e7
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
side view of house, Mable standing - Mable moved -_72A6395_.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/7fde8e570167e0cb30cc877381c622d6.jpg
a98ca2c4fdff50395654256da2288d05
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Side view house, mother and father standing -_72A6382_.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/b29f5e3db67010dbfc648755f0a26508.jpg
0176798b9612fd3e3c73f08b454f33b5
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Cummings house (130 Fredericka Street)-_72A6360_.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/a99fd3d42be44ce3bca6114cfeb49ba1.jpg
fe06848100eb04eba2231dcc0efba21c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
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Title
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croquet grounds, July -_72A6393_.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
person
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/2da75bd7649079ea9b429a025ad25bf8.jpg
12ddde823b604e8bb5e81322ecb8bf74
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Dublin Core
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Title
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Bert layin in croquet ground -_72A6371_.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/86462bfa91d7e4099c83aee10fde2e63.jpg
75d74145a097fdc3dda4428302d77f19
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/browse?tags=gratwick">More items tagged "Gratwick" ></a>
Photo
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Title
A name given to the resource
Boathouses along Gratwick Slip, photo from article (Tonawanda News, 1962-12-04).jpg
Description
An account of the resource
Later demolished. See full article:
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1962-12-04
boathouse
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/9f3bc49c2b1fecf34e5dd30da06d456c.jpeg
9f314db2fd2c968f5497ac82c7998874
https://nthistory.com/files/original/528c0513cfc916918ab90654d8bf29b6.jpeg
79820ddc08b4154a48701c3d61abb9e6
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Title
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Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
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Gratwick School, two photos (c.1970).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1970
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Scott Farrel
gratwick
photo
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/1691f3c2dde7b9ee21e4102820487246.jpg
f182fc00b257f684ebd3bbfd26a1339e
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Title
A name given to the resource
Firefighters
Description
An account of the resource
Rough chronology at <a href="http://www.nthistorymuseum.org/Collections/firefighting.html">NT History Museum</a>, including notes about many defunct companies. A provocative (if unlikely-sounding) morsel about Hydrant Hose Co. No. 3 (1886-1909), formerly based on Sweeney near Delaware bridge:
<blockquote>The fighting crew of the old Hydrant Hose Company liked to fight fires so much, they would first fight the men of any other fire company who raced to a North Tonawanda fire to see who got the pleasure of conquering the flames. Often the flames ended up as the victor as the firefighters spent their energies in a brawl rather than on the element of nature.</blockquote>
From Sarah E. Walter's thesis as it appears on <a href="http://www.nthistorymuseum.org/Collections/thesis.html#thesis">nthistorymuseum.org</a>:
<blockquote>The North Tonawanda Fire Dept is known as one of the best paid and volunteer departments in the nation. The greatest enemy the lumbermen had was fire. Annually it destroyed millions of dollars of lumber and cost many lives. A step forward came on May 7, 1876, when twenty of the most prominent residents of the Village of North Tonawanda gathered together in the school house at the corner of Main and Tremont Streets and formed themselves into a Company for the protection of property against the ravages of fire. The newly formed Company petitioned the Village Board and in special session on May 15, 1876, the board approved and appointed them firemen of the Village and their company was called the North Tonawanda Bucket Company, later to be called the Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
<p>North Tonawanda depended heavily on Volunteer Firemen and quickly grew to seven companies located at important places around the city.</p>
</blockquote>
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Date Started </strong></td>
<td><strong>Name </strong></td>
<td><strong>By Whom </strong></td>
<td> <strong>Notes</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 7, 1876</td>
<td>North Tonawanda Bucket Company / Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.</td>
<td> </td>
<td> (See below)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>March 1, 1886</td>
<td>Active Hose Company No.2</td>
<td> </td>
<td>"Ironton Boys"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1886*</td>
<td>Gratwick Hose Company No. 6</td>
<td>Village Council</td>
<td><a href="https://yellow.place/en/gratwick-hose-fire-company-6-north-tonawanda-usa">1890?</a> On Felton until 1962.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>April 1887</td>
<td>Live Active Hose Co. No. 4</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>January 26, 1891</td>
<td>Rescue Fire Company No. 5</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>February 6, 1891</td>
<td>Gratwick Hose Company No. 1</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1894</td>
<td>Sweeney Hose No. 7</td>
<td>Village Council</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br /><br />From The<em> Tonawanda News, May 9, 1896:</em>
<blockquote>Monday, June 15, has been selected as the date of the Firemen's Annual Parade. It is expected that it will prove of more than ordinary interest as unusual efforts will be put forth this year to make it an enjoyable spectacular affair. <br /><br />In this connection it is interesting to note that Thursday of this week was the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the first fire company In North Tonawanda. Previous to this date North Tonawanda had paid Tonawanda $300 a year for the fire protection that the Tonawanda companies afforded. <br /><br />The parent company of North Tonawanda was the <strong>Columbia Hook and Ladder Company</strong>; it is still in existence, but is now one of eight splendid companies of which North Tonawanda can boast. As before stated it was organized May 7, 1876, and its first president was Frank Fellows. It was organized under a famous old hickory tree which stood on the ground now occupied by the parsonage of the First Methodist Church. Nicholas Beckrich was the first foreman of this company and other members of this crack organization were John E. Oelkers, Frank Batt, H. U. Berger, M. J. Wattengel, W. P. Hayes, Jno. Spillman, Aug. Duckwitz, Fred Schultz, Isaac Gardei, Geo. Miller, John Haas, Julius Miller and others. A number of these early firemen are numbered among the most prominent residents of North Tonawanda but it is with considerable pleasure that they recall the days of their early triumphs.</blockquote>
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick Hose No. 6, group photo, cabinet card, Wittkowsky (c1925).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1925
cabinet card
firefighter
gratwick
person
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/3b80f23bb083089f4f1d0f83ee34f825.jpg
695baca7b94d839a09c5cdd2f17b1314
https://nthistory.com/files/original/8b8455c23518cee5efe50dec687b3123.jpg
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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Early Days of the Tonawandas
Description
An account of the resource
These book excerpts and articles shed light on the earliest days of the Tonawandas, as well as the nearby villages of Martinsville, Sawyer's Station, Gratwick and Ironton that would be incorporated into the city of North Tonawanda in 1897. See our <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/browse?type=11&sort_field=Dublin%20Core,Date">Books</a> for full-length works.
Article
Text appearing in a newspaper.
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Title
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Gratwick, descriptive sketch (excerpt from the book, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda - The Lumber City, 1891).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1891-02
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/23bb05ce744f700028e646531cc3d8d7.jpg
a736ee497d8784f71a4057eca1094fd6
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Title
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Gratwick Family: Cumming Photo Collection (c. 1905)
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Gang" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/139.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">The "Boat House Gang," probably photographed at the Gratwick slip. Colorized by Dennis Reed Jr.</span> In 2018, I was asked by a local woman and family friend if I could help her scan some c. 1905 glass negatives she inherited from her grandfather Albert Cumming, an amateur photographer. The amazing and intimate images we found on the long-unseen negatives mostly depict life in the Gratwick section of North Tonawanda, centered around the family home at 130 Fredericka Street. The photos feature New Year's Eve dinners, friends playing croquet, neighborhood kids asked to hold still for the six seconds most exposures took, and Albert posing with his gun and dog.
Video
A moving picture.
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Title
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VIDEO: The Cumming Family of Gratwick (Featuring photos c. 1905).vid
Description
An account of the resource
A family's old (c1905) box of glass negatives reveals fascinating views into the early days of the Gratwick community. Watch for the chicken! Narrated by the photographer's granddaughter, Linda Cumming Nadbrzuch. Produced by Dennis Reed Jr for NThistory.com.<br /><br /><iframe width="900" height="506" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UyhLDTqtg0A?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/24608a25dc876d0a117b20db5cc4f210.jpg
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https://nthistory.com/files/original/f9fb42d915952c3463fa4cf29152ba96.jpg
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https://nthistory.com/files/original/189dfc850d3b44ea00e01184658ea61b.jpg
5104ef964dc93c85b83c8d9c50165a69
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/browse?tags=gratwick">More items tagged "Gratwick" ></a>
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Title
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Gratwick Slip boathouse gang, photo (Cumming Family, c1905).jpg
Description
An account of the resource
A slip on the Niagara River was lined with boathouses south of the (projected) foot of East Ave. Today it is the North Tonawanda Water Wastewater Treatment Plant. PHOTOS: c1905. Map: 1951.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1905
boathouse
gratwick
map
person
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/0a8812639dab07f82adc1d65f326b35a.jpg
1ddce5e1b3aa3a97d69ff9bc15aea82b
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Boathouse Park, Weatherbest Slip
Description
An account of the resource
<img class="cover" alt="Boathouse Park" src="http://nthistory.com/custom/cover/124.jpg" /> <span class="cover-caption">PHOTO: Dennis Reed Jr.</span> Around the junction of Tonawanda Creek and the "Little River" three small slips cut into the land. The slips were dug in the 1870s to accommodate Great Lakes and other vessels necessary to North Tonawanda's world-class lumber industry (<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2668">Buffalo <i>News</i></a>, 2006). Great piles of lumber towered around them.<br /><br />That lumber industry, as residents know, eventually moves elsewhere. By the 1950s* dozens of private boathouses occupy the area. The city owns the property; the boaters own the structures, pay taxes on them, and lease the land annually.<br /><br />In 1965 the city of North Tonawanda sells the land to the boathouse owners at their request, only to have the sale almost immediately deemed illegal by Mayor Durkee, and nullified. Still, the annual lease continues.<br /><br />In the 1970s the boathouse residents' status becomes contentious when the county health department threatens to fine the city steeply for the <em>effluvium</em> the boathouse residents are releasing into the Little River. The city threatens to evict tenants, to stop renewing leases, and—at the nadir of the clash—to turn off water service to the area. After all, the city argues, the lease does not permit use of the boathouses as living quarters. The park residents' right to enjoy the waterfront property at the exclusion of all other city residents is also called into question.<br /><br />One mayor wants to evict the tenants and turn the area into a carousel park. In the 1980s developer Wilbur Holler wants to turn the area into townhouses. None of these plans is successful. In 2008 a row of boathouses is demolished, as they are built over a city sewer. But in 2021 the community appears to be all but intractable.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">*It is unclear how long the structures have been there; </span><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/2688" style="font-size: 0.8em;">a similar slip at Gratwick</a><span style="font-size: 0.8em;"> (since demolished for the wastewater plant) appears to have had boathouses since at least 1905.</span>
Article
Text appearing in a newspaper.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Council orders legal actions to evict boathouse owners, Riverfront lease system in NT, photo article (Tonawanda News, 1962-12-04) .jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1962-12-04
Description
An account of the resource
Weatherbest and Gratwick slips pictured
boathouse
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/7a8a7cf617e71c1646e4298aa247b185.jpg
9e0dea2c9748d439a96974b6d2cb21ce
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https://nthistory.com/files/original/f4f0d36bc91123de9d0df14d0a2fa9a7.jpg
55d69ad8e1f57c085d1f7732477318ec
https://nthistory.com/files/original/bfd3a7e9ce9f8a35bdd99eaedeabc3f5.jpg
36c0e43de42d2e2810f4e6d8bdc48a07
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
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Title
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Oliver Street photo collection (1947).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1947
gratwick
ironton
oliver
village
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/6440cb1c3b0993b80d796917ca79a7a7.jpg
d6f1ecb9b7fcde3904dde4213852da71
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Title
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Buffalo Bolt, Roblin Steel
Description
An account of the resource
Formerly situated on Oliver Street near East Ave., this longtime employer got its start in Amsterdam, N.Y. in 1855. They moved to a small two-story brick at the corner of Clinton & Adams Streets in Buffalo, where the brilliant Orrin C. Burdict joined the firm, and began inventing many superior machines. They were known as Plumb , Burdict & Barnard for a time. Eventually they extended to Eagle Street. In 1897 they were forced to suspended activities as patent expiration hurt their business. Soon after R. H. Plumb, the senior partner, removed the machinery to North Tonawanda, using steam for a few years until Niagara Falls electricity prevailed. From: <em><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=uo5PAQAAMAAJ&lpg=PA225&ots=HsKZ916Mg0&dq=%22Buffalo%20Bolt%22%201855&pg=PA225#v=onepage&q=%22Buffalo%20Bolt%22%201855&f=false">History of the Bolt and Nut Industry of America</a></em> by W. R. Wilbur
Illustration
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Works of the Buffalo Bolt Plant, illustration (Greater Buffalo NY Industrial Commercial, 1914).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1914
factory
gratwick
ironton
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/fbfa6b5acc63aa01d6b57c6607c5191e.jpg
63b61cd7fb84443709443a9ba7d417fe
Photo
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Gratwick Lanes bar, photo (c.1945).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945
bar
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/82bbdccfe667d43483a8ef7e0aad3930.jpg
e5214bd976ccb2593a39793f65dbdfe1
Dublin Core
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Title
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Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co.
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Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co., Gratwick Station, map detail (1893).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1893
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/b4460e92d2be95e93a45a6c912deae75.jpg
10084bebac77d3a8d7fd369c7d3f98c1
Dublin Core
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Gillie, Goddard and Company, (etc).
Description
An account of the resource
William M. Gillie's main foundry and plant is located on Goose Island at Tonawanda and Chestnut. In September 1892 a massive fire destroys some of Gillie's plant, and the nearby Gillie, Goddard and Company "whirligig" production facilities--the third time the latter had burned. Apparently they are fed up, and erect a new factory in North Tonawanda (around present-day 15th Ave, but west of Oliver) to manufacture merry-go-rounds and, when demand wanes, bicycles. They are prospering when, on June 6, 1896, another disastrous fire strikes, with flames so high the fire "seemed to lick the very clouds above." The plant was woefully underinsured. By October an even larger building is completed on the spot, and also houses Gillie, Goddard and Drury and the Tonawanda Cycle Company.<br /><br />From <em>Landmarks of Niagara County</em>, New York (1897):
<blockquote>Gillie, William M., was born in Scotland in 1852...and came to America with his parents in 1854. He learned the blacksmith trade and was in that business for himself for 11 years, when he branched out into the machinery business and finally formed the stock company of Gillie, Goddard & Co. They manufacture merry-go-rounds, bicycles, etc., and also have a foundry. Their trade extends all over this country, Canada, Mexico and other points such as Buenos Ayres, New Brunswick, etc. Mr. Gillie has been a trustee of the village for two years and was re-elected in the spring of 1896. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and A. O. U. W. He married Mary Campbell, and their children are Harold, James, Agnes and Jean.</blockquote>
From <em>Tonawanda and North Tonawanda</em> (1891):
<blockquote>A native of Scotland, Mr. Gillie, emigrated to this place thirty-seven years ago, learned the machinists trade in boyhood, and a dozen years since erected the slips adjoining the creek at the corner of Tonawada and Chestnut streets. The machine shop is 30x70 feet, equipped with lathes of all necessary dimensions, and other iron devices for making new work or doing any kind of repairs. The foundry is 40x60 feet, where all kinds of castings are turned out; and with direct connections to the Niagara Furnace of this city, iron of the requisite grade is secured better and cheaper than formerly, with a complete saving of time and freights. The engine and boiler room is fitted with the necessary power producing apparatus for the successful conduct of the work. A specialty is made in steering wheels and other boat castings, water works pipe, builders' columns, etc. Although as before said, any kind of casting is produced lo the order of customers, or machinery made to special pattern. Twenty to twenty-five skilled mechanics find employment here, and, as Tonawanda develops into a manufacturing city, Mr. Gillie's shops and other like concerns will doubtless be compelled to enlarge their sphere of action. The plant recently purchased by J. Bordman, and under the super- intendence of W. A. Hartwig, is also fitted up as a foundry and machine shop.</blockquote>
In 1895 partner Goddard<a href="http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201895%2520Oct-Dec%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201895%2520Oct-Dec%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200055.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff9a0f1cc2%26DocId%3D5659519%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D11%26hits%3D52%2Ba3%2Ba5%2Ba6%2B18c%2B1b7%2B1f6%2B217%2B350%2Be1f%2Be8a%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201895%2520Oct-Dec%2520Grayscale%2FNorth%2520Tonawanda%2520NY%2520Evening%2520News%25201895%2520Oct-Dec%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200055.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff9a0f1cc2%26DocId%3D5659519%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D11%26hits%3D52%2Ba3%2Ba5%2Ba6%2B18c%2B1b7%2B1f6%2B217%2B350%2Be1f%2Be8a%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf"> is reported</a> implicated in a murder.<br /><br />The Gillie Machine Co. is formed in 1907. At some point W. M. Gillie's son, James enters the family business (A "J. B. Gillie" is identified as the company's president and manager in the 1923 ad in this collection). The Tonawanda concern is later purchased by Alfred Schwartz, who names it Tonawanda Engineering Company. Clarence A. Hackett purchases it in 1947, and it's relocated to Military Rd. in 1957 when the Seymour Street bridge is built across the creek.<br /><br />
Article
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Big Fire at Tonawanda, Gillie Goddard destroyed, article (Democrat and Chronicle, 1896-06-06).jpg
Date
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1896-06-06
fire
gratwick
ironton
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/a1e824b9ba84e82a1065f82ae7905d9c.jpg
d0342bd4fe96fe71a57dad94953a9fe4
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Title
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Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Object
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Gratwick Landmarkers, sweatshirt (1979).jpg
Description
An account of the resource
85th anniversary
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1979
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/d33075666584d59e1eda15194cd12bd7.jpg
b6ad72e879fbf4130c87a46215834fe0
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Title
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Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Illustration
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Gratwick Elementary School, illustration (Paul Lachacz).jpg
Description
An account of the resource
By Paul Lachacz
gratwick
school
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/cdc62c8a005ff94244761e7619b01e0f.jpg
ec0fa4547074e96db95e1621b689520f
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Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/browse?tags=gratwick">More items tagged "Gratwick" ></a>
Illustration
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Docks, yards and planing mills of Gratwick, Smith and Fryer Lumber Co., illustration from booklet (c1880).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1880
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/105f87cf4673bc6425d729e6285503c9.jpg
1ab1150290de758cb5edd7676d66de05
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Goundry Street School
Description
An account of the resource
The Goundry Street School was a stone building constructed in 1866. From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606"><em>History of Niagara County 1821-1878</em></a> (1878):
<blockquote>The North Tonawanda Union School has four departments and four teachers. The last winter term averaged 190 scholars and the summer term 125, J. W. Brown is principal, with Libbie M. Pugsley, Hannah Densmore, and Nellie Becker as assistants. The whole number of scholars of school age is 674. The school-house was erected in 1866. The board of education consists of Benjamin F. Felton, president; H. O. Nightingale, clerk; Dr. C. Backer, Giles Schell and John Chadwick. The school building is a substantial stone edifice, located at one of the most pleasant points in the village. The yards in front and play grounds are kept in good condition.</blockquote>
In late 1882 a new addition is built in front of and connected to the original schoolhouse. Another addition is made in 1892. In 1955, after 89 years of educating students, the "bell atop Goundry School...sounds the call to classes for the last time." After some time as a school administration building, the historic old structure is scheduled to be razed on October 27, 1975.
Article
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Goundry, Ironton and Gratwick schools, Annual Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, excerpt (1884).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1884
gratwick
ironton
martinsville
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/53ba22683b3eafd35af028170f374f63.jpg
ec3a57506502a5564887574ace80425f
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Art of North Tonawanda by Dennis Reed Jr
Description
An account of the resource
I am not only interested in local history, but I also enjoy sketching and painting local scenes! <a href="mailto:info@nthistory.com">Email me</a> to buy prints of any of the art here, or follow my art through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agenbyte">Facebook group</a>.
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North Tonawanda neighborhoods, illustrated map by Dennis Reed Jr (2016).jpg
Description
An account of the resource
The product of historical research, community feedback, and my own imagination.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-11
avenues
gratwick
ironton
martinsville
midcity
neighborhoods
spruce
wurlitzerpark
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/d80c9f5e1808cba0a1eb5de468861785.jpg
57f591452256aaa150b52277d2bda144
Dublin Core
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Title
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Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co.
Advertisement
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Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill, Gratwick Station, ad (Tonawanda News, 1893-09-29.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1893-09-29
Description
An account of the resource
On 1893 atlas, their planing mill and dockage on the Niagara river is the northernmost in the city, with Gratwick, Smith and Frye their souther neighbors.
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/8d758fc656ef80f775039579c218e0c1.jpg
c0b0d9c2a0541fe422b6c3a268911383
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Title
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Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
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Gratwick School, photo (1990).jpg
Date
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1990
Source
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Kathleen Hay via Facebook.
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/7ecc2aad300d82d32e506f516991a01e.jpg
c2b74a9067639d203b54c6dbce8ad20c
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
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Gratwick School, photo (c1960).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1960
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Gary Scozzafava via Facebook
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/95aa34f055693074ee90fae7a43721bf.jpg
e06acdd4f553c803f4fcd37ba9e50ecb
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
Photo
A photographic depiction of a person or place.
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Gratwick School, kindergarten class photo (1962).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1962
Description
An account of the resource
Identifications made via Facebook:
"Teacher: Miss Ann Aliamo/Mrs. Sandino. The top row first photo is Ann Miller, 3rd row 6th is Rob Chorny and bottom row 5th photo is Tim Sexton- all part of the group from Fredericka Street (Oliver to Winter). That's Curtis Reed, second row, second from the right next to Susan Zelowhoski."
A reader (Linda Chorny Himes) writes:
"The first child in the top row is Ann Miller, she lived on Fredericka Street. My brother, Rob Chorny, who is also in the photo and I lived across the street from the Millers."
Kathleen Brown Hay (NTHS 1963) says:
"The girl in top row next to teacher is Jill Ann Brown. The second row from the bottom, the second photo from the right is Janice Barrett."
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/9bbb874110ec8a77c33d78691ef9680d.jpg
630fe0570190a6c041086089f182e01d
https://nthistory.com/files/original/10c0855bb4d44bad9fc30906b1993b67.jpg
0e8636c93d6292415d8a19be015db1b1
https://nthistory.com/files/original/727a8d250538e25c9f125440ebcb93e9.jpg
1122904101cbb7f66715b29c8be33767
Dublin Core
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Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick, William H..jpg
Description
An account of the resource
From <a href="http://buffaloah.com/a/archs/rich/richgrat/">Buffalo as an Architectural Museum</a>:
<blockquote>[William H.] Gratwick was born in Albany, NY. After he learned the lumber trade, he came to Buffalo in 1877 and founded the lumber firm of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co. with offices in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Detroit. He was also the managing owner of six lake vessels and president of the YMCA.<br /><br />The William H. Gratwick House stood at 776 Delaware Avenue at the northwest corner of Delaware and Summer. It was Richardson's last commission, according to his biographer Mariana Van Rensselaer, before he died in 1886. A heavy, brownstone Richardsonian Romanesque building, it was finished by the firm that continued Richardson's practice --Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.</blockquote>
From <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/606"><em>History of Niagara County 1821-1878</em></a> (1878):
<blockquote>Extensive, as are the other yards and docks, astonishment is still further excited upon the premises of W. H. Gratwick & Co., one and a half miles down the river on the Central railroad. The office for the transaction of their business could not be more conveniently and comfortably arranged for employees and customers. W. H. Gratwick, formerly residing in Albany, is now a resident of Buffalo, acting as the local representative of the firm at that point ; the other members associated are Robert S. Fryer, in Albany, under the name of Gratwick, Fryer & Co., and Edward Smith, in Michigan, representing the firm of Smith, Gratwick & Co. The capital they employ in the prosecution of their business is $500,000 ; in the various localities and departments they employ four hundred and fifty men. They own a tract of 31,000 acres of pine land in the northern part of Michigan, where they have two mills that annually turn out 28,000,000 feet which is transported inbarges to Tonawanda and forwarded by rail and canal to eastern markets ; they deal exclusively in their own production. Their docks have a river frontage of 803 feet, with a water slip, doubling the means of storage, and an additional dock in the rear, 600 feet long; in all, 2,200 feet. Tramways have been built for wagon roads, and tracks to receive the cars from the Central and Erie railroads, to be loaded directly from vessels or piles on the docks. The docks, 300 feet out in the river, reach thirteen feet depth of water, sufficient to float the largest craft on the lakes. The cost of land, docks and buildings was $25,000. The stock on hand of planed and dressed lumber averages from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 feet, with a proportionately large supply of shingles and laths. About four years since, Gratwick & Co. became the pioneers in occupying lots far down the river, an example that others have thought worthy of imitation.</blockquote>
Source
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Photo: <em>A History of Buffalo, Delineating the Evolution of the City</em> By Josephus Nelson Larned, Charles Elliott Fitch, Ellis Henry Roberts, Progress of the Empire state company, New York, pub Published by The Progress of the Empire state company, 1911 (page 228).<br /><br />http://buffaloah.com<br /><br />http://www.gratwick.com/
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/c83085efdd5631d5f5c4bc65b6d5ac30.jpg
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
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Gratwick Public School No 4, map detail (Sanborn Map Company, 1910, 1913).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1913
gratwick
map
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/76e39c4e49900946fe3c12487717f9d2.jpg
895088a702cad33376fd8174905a9a95
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Title
A name given to the resource
Trolleys and Trains
Description
An account of the resource
Before everybody in North Tonawanda could afford their very own muffler-less Honda Civic to run up and down Oliver Street, trolleys and trains were an important means of personal transportation. Several lines ran throughout the city, moving people to and from their jobs, churches, or just out for a look around.
Though they may seem romantic to us now, people griped about the trolleys the same way we complain about snow plows today. Apparently their slow speed was sometimes targeted: An item in this set describes a "well-known peddler" in the Gratwick area who is injured by a trolley car. The author drolly observes, "'Twould have been a real miracle if a Gratwick car could have got up enough speed to have killed him" (Tonawanda News, 1908-2-13).
The trolley era did not last long. By the 1920s, the electric streetcar had been passed by the gasoline-powered bus as the most prevalent means of public transportation. Another article in this set from the Tonawanda News, "Carpenter now operates 14 busses in the Tonawandas," outlines the rise of the Carpenter Rapid Transit buses.
Article
Text appearing in a newspaper.
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Title
A name given to the resource
Peddler struck by Gratwick trolley car, joke, article (Tonawanda News, 1908-02-13).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1908-02-13
gratwick
oddity
trolley
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/851f942526e83220abc298072cc64a4b.jpg
a21a296abcc8825ac0a01cf1584cccbd
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School
Description
An account of the resource
Opens in 1894, two years after Pine Woods school, and five years after the second public school, Ironton (According to a 1979 News article).
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick School (No.4) on 1908 map.jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1908
gratwick
map
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/8296be4fb78e1aed2c79170479a1e2c1.jpg
1e9c50ffe3c99cbad85dafbc6f689a89
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Title
A name given to the resource
Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
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People
A painting or photograph of a person and / or a brief biographical description.
Birth Date
1827-12-21
Death Date
1905
Birthplace
Barre, Worcester county, Massachusetts
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Title
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Felton, Benjamin F. (1827-1905).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1827
Description
An account of the resource
One of the most prominent early residents of North Tonawanda, Felton is born in Massachusetts in 1827. Early on he is involved in the manufacture of leather goods and stationary in Buffalo. For the next 15 years he was involved in the news business, apparently renting a franchise on New York Central and other lines for $40,000 a year. In North Tonawanda he became involved with real estate, and fostered the area's industrial growth, being an organizer of the Niagara River Iron Corp, which was succeeded by Tonawanda Iron and Steel. He supervised the creation of many streets, and Gratwick's Felton Street is named after him. He also spent 30 years as president of North Tonawanda's Board of Education. The former Felton School and its nearby orphaned athletic field, Felton Field, still bear his name.
Felton is Village President in 1891.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
His obituary
gratwick
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/f00d45f0f6ffef27330c9af2bf4e4003.jpg
3ad971eddc474766060b3a112441c549
Dublin Core
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Title
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Gratwick (Neighborhood)
Description
An account of the resource
The White, Gratwick & Mitchell Lumber Company establishes a planing mill and substantial lumberyards along the Niagara River in 1879. They employ 450 men, mostly of German origin, who settle northeast of the facilities. The village’s main street is named after prominent area resident, investor, industry and education advocate Benjamin F. Felton. By 1884 there is a "neat frame" school house with one teacher and 30 pupils, built by Felton (school board president at the time). Gratwick is incorporated into the City of North Tonawanda in 1897.<br /><br />From the guidebook "<a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/608">North Tonawanda and Tonawanda</a>" (1891):
<blockquote>Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade of this place was W.H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres from Hon. John Simson and B.F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, and started a lumberyard. A half dozen years later P.W. Ledoux built the sash, door, and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks & Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests of Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co., and Hollister Brothers will be mentioned on other pages. <br /><br />Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests, the next manufactory of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs from five to ten men and has added an important industry to Gratwick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much room for development. <br /><br />Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is worth about $3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in charge of Rev. J.S. Duxbury up to the present writing. <br /><br />St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the missionschool ot Basle, Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the parochial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. <br /><br />Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, two hose companies, and other societies; numerous hotels, stores, coal offices, and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tonawanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in connection with the water mains, has electric lights, and other corporation advantages. <br /><br />Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, "Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly within the new corporate limits. The officers are H.E. Warner, Pres.; J.A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V.P.; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tonawanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. <br /><br />Bluff Point. — E.A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheatfield town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high bluff, making a delightful place for a summer location. <em>Editor's note: <a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/show/607">1878 illustration and modern photo</a></em><br /><br />G.F. Goerss, also a deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Gratwick. Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield and is an authority on real estate values. He has been supervisor, J.P., Justice of Sessions, and in 1887-8 a member of Assembly.</blockquote>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nthistory.com/items/browse?tags=gratwick">More items tagged "Gratwick" ></a>
Postcard
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Canal and Lumber Yards, Gratwick, postcard (c1900).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1900
Description
An account of the resource
Appears to be looking southeast through the Gratwick lumber yeards, from roughly present-day Gratwick Park, with Tonawanda Iron and Steel looming on left, and Tonawanda Island on the right and beyond.
gratwick
lumber
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/b9ef6149b46771618476c6f7a5a4ded7.jpg
66aa2e3054aefb2f6a617142a227483f
Map
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North Tonawanda, northwestern, hi-res, map (1908).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1908
gratwick
ironton
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/f91f00cbd4124ac6a94fbddd4a4ffa45.jpg
51f44940a17e707cd3d9eb3cfbce7e9a
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Gratwick Hose Company 6, matchbook outside (c1910).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1910
civic
firefighter
gratwick
matchbook
-
https://nthistory.com/files/original/ed4a8c52ffe8c4d866407d0e21a2b3a6.jpg
ccb0498b5af7c972b96b04267eee2d80
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Gratwick Hose Company 6, matchbook inside (c1910).jpg
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1910
civic
firefighter
gratwick
matchbook