Interview about "Black Hannah" Johnson with descendants of Zaggel family, transcript (2019-10-12).htm
description: In October 2019, descendants of the Zaggel family, Marie A. Sommer and Roberta, met with me at Sweeney Cemetery to share their family’s long-held oral traditions about Hannah Johnson. As we walked through the cemetery, they recounted stories that had been passed down through generations of the family about “Black Hannah,” her life, and her connection to the Zaggel farm and surrounding area. They also pointed out the grave long believed within the family to be Hannah’s burial place. The conversation was recorded on October 12, 2019, preserving an important example of how Hannah’s story survived in local family memory long after her death. Editorial note: Adjacent remarks by the same speaker have been combined. A few brief personal and off-topic exchanges have been omitted and are visibly marked below. Otherwise, the transcript preserves the wording of the recording. Marie A. Sommer ...Fred and Catherine Zaggel. Now they would have...Fred would have been involved. Around the time of Hannah, that they would have had the original farm. NT HISTORY Okay. And this is the this is the Sommer plot here? Marie A. Sommer Yes. Because these were the...this family got together, and that's how we got the Sommers. NT HISTORY Okay. Marie A. Sommer And that was my husband's great great grandparents right here. And these are also my great great grandparents. So we have a double knowing of what went on, through family. NT HISTORY Right. Marie A. Sommer [Looking around cemetery] I didn't realize how bad this place is. You know, the the stones that show ...I don’t even see the names on them anymore hardly. NT HISTORY Yeah, there's a lot. I noticed last time I was here. That's why I sort of despaired at finding the actual Hannah Johnson site. Because there were so many gravestones that... Marie A. Sommer She’s under “Hannah Haines.” Not Johnson. [Looking around cemetery again] Seemed so huge when we were kids. Come all the time to [the] memorial and they would clean around everything in. …
date: 2019-10-12

Plan de la Cataracte de Niagara et de lIsthme qui separe les Lacs Erie et Ontario, map (1801).jpg
date: 1801

Tonawanda, deed map details (1851).jpg
date: 1851

White to Vandervoort, mortgage, 1836-10-01 (vol12 p481).jpg
description: On October 1, 1836, Stephen White mortgaged his interest in Lot 80—about 185 acres along the east side of the Niagara River, excluding the railroad right-of-way and state-reserved mineral rights—to William Vandervoort as security for a $4,000 loan. White agreed to repay the debt in two $2,000 installments due March 1, 1838, and March 1, 1839, with 7 percent annual interest; if he paid, the mortgage became void, but if he defaulted, Vandervoort could sell the property at public auction, recover the debt and expenses, and return any surplus to White. The instrument was recorded August 18, 1837. (A preservation study says William Vandervoort purchased farm Lot 80 on June 7, 1826. If that is correct, White’s 1836 mortgage back to Vandervoort strongly suggests a missing intervening transaction—most plausibly a deed from Vandervoort to White, perhaps accompanied by this mortgage as security for unpaid purchase money. Until that deed appears, White’s title chain is demonstrably incomplete. -- Page 481 This Indenture, made this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, between Stephen White, of the City Boston, State of Massachusetts, of the first part, and William Vandervoort, of the Town of Wheatfield, County of Niagara, State of New York, of the second part: Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of Four Thousand Dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, to him in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, release, enfeoff and confirm unto the said party of the second part, and to his heirs and assigns forever: All that certain part or parcel of land, situate in the County of Niagara and State of New York, and distinguished as Lot number Eighty (80) of the unappropriated lands lying along the…
date: 1836-10-01

Daybook of Drs. Jesse F. Locke and Frederick F. Hoyer (1850-1853), pp 1-303.jpg
date: 1850

Former Vandervoort mansion, Sweeney Industrial Properties office, 1908 map detail.jpg
date: 1908

Mounds, Bone-Heaps, etc., excerpt (E.G. Squier, Aboriginal Monuments of the State of New York, 1849).jpg
description: CHAPTER IV. MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. Various references to mounds or tumuli, resembling those found in the Valley of the Mississippi, have been made in the preceding pages. These mounds are far from numerous, and hardly deserve a separate notice. It is nevertheless an interesting fact to know that isolated examples occur, in situations where it is clear no dependence exists between them and the grand system of earth-works of the Western States. It serves to sustain the conclusion that the savage Indian tribes occasionally constructed mounds; which are however rather to be considered as accidents than the results of a general practice. The purposes of the mounds of New York, so far as can be determined, seem uniformly to have been those of sepulture. They generally occur upon commanding or remarkable positions. Most of them have been excavated, under the impulse of an idle curiosity, or have had their contents scattered by “money-diggers,” a ghostly race, of which, singularly enough, even at this day, representatives may be found in almost every village. I was fortunate enough to discover one upon Tonawanda Island, in Niagara River, which had escaped their midnight attentions. It was originally about fifteen feet in height. At the base appeared to have been a circle of stones, perhaps ten feet in diameter, within which were several small heaps of bones, each comprising three or four skeletons. The bones are of individuals of all ages, and had evidently been deposited after the removal of the flesh. Traces of fire were to be discovered upon the stones. Some chippings of flint and broken arrow-points, as also some fragments of deers’ horns, which appeared to have been worked into form, were found amongst the bones. The skulls had been crushed by the superincumbent earth. The mounds which formerly existed in Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Livingston, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Chenango, and Delaware counties, all appear to have contained human bones, in greater or less quantities, d…
date: 1849

Tonawanda Island area Neutral sites, Aboriginal Occupation of New York, p109 (Bulletin of the New York State Museum, 1900).jpg
description: William M. Beauchamp’s Aboriginal Occupation of New York was published by the New York State Museum in 1900 as a preliminary statewide inventory of Indigenous sites. Beauchamp assembled reports from earlier investigators such as E. G. Squier, consulted maps, local histories and the Jesuit Relations, corresponded with collectors and residents, and added observations from his own fieldwork. He repeatedly warned that the record was incomplete: some counties had been closely studied, while others were represented only by old reports whose sites and artifacts had already disappeared. His work is therefore most valuable as a record of what was still known in the nineteenth century, not as a modern archaeological survey. Beauchamp believed that the Neutral or Attiwandaron people had once occupied the country east of the Niagara River and north of the Erie Nation, although most of their villages lay in present-day Ontario. He thought that they may once have maintained a considerable population in Western New York, but gradually withdrew westward as the Senecas and the other Haudenosaunee nations grew more powerful. He tentatively placed the southern limit of Neutral territory around Eighteen Mile Creek. Within that general framework, Niagara County—including the Niagara River corridor and the Tonawandas—belonged to the former Neutral sphere, although Beauchamp did not claim that every site he cataloged could be assigned confidently to one nation. At Tonawanda, Beauchamp recorded a circular mound on the upper end of Tonawanda Island and a larger mound, reportedly fifteen feet high, opened by Squier in 1848. Beneath it was a stone circle containing small groups of bones representing adults and children; the remains had apparently been gathered only after the flesh had disappeared, making this a clear case of secondary burial. Beauchamp also listed an open-air flint-working site covering about an acre opposite the island at the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, as well as another poor…
date: 1900

Tonawanda Cataract Power Company, article with photos (Western Electrician, 1899-03-18).jpg
date: 1899-03-18

Lumber Vessels in the Gratwick Channel, photos (1920).gal
description: (AI) Exhibit E — Loaded Steam Lumber Barge in the Gratwick Channel A loaded, self-propelled steam lumber barge occupies the narrow channel between White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s Dock No. 3 and the southern end of Dock No. 1, directly opposite the waterfront later acquired by Empire Engineering. The vessel is shown facing upstream in approximately the position used by lumber carriers entering or leaving Dock No. 1. The timber posts in the foreground are remnants of an older water dock on the Empire property. Before about 1910, a railroad track reportedly ran diagonally from shore onto that dock; by the time of the photograph, the track and dock superstructure had disappeared, leaving rows of decaying pilings. Material visible along the right side was identified in testimony as dredged spoil deposited behind those pilings, where it could wash or collapse back into the navigable channel. Stacked lumber can also be seen near the southern end of Dock No. 1. Apparently photographed July 20, 1920. Exhibit F — Tug and Loaded Tow-Barge Approaching Dock No. 1 A tug guides a large, loaded lumber barge through the channel in front of the Empire Engineering property toward White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s Dock No. 1. Unlike the self-propelled vessel in Exhibit E, this barge depended on the smaller tug for steering and propulsion. The photograph demonstrates how completely a working lumber tow occupied the available passage. The tug and barge had to move through a corridor bounded by dock frontage, shallow water, old pilings and the river’s deeper channel. White, Gratwick & Mitchell used the image to show that this was not vacant water available for new construction, but an active approach regularly used to bring Great Lakes lumber cargoes to the dock. Apparently photographed July 21, 1920. Exhibit G — Loaded Lumber Barge Turning Beside the Empire Property The loaded tow-barge shown in Exhibit F is photographed during its turning maneuver in front of the Empire Engineering property. Th…
date: 1920-07-20

White, Gratwick & Mitchell, Inc. v. Empire Engineering Company, Inc. (1923) .pdf
description: What the court case was about This is a 1920s dispute between White, Gratwick & Mitchell, operator of two major North Tonawanda lumber docks, and Empire Engineering, which owned the waterfront tract between them. Empire proposed building two large piers for repairing and storing barges and scows. The problem was that the only channel deep enough for loaded lumber vessels to reach White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s northern dock crossed directly in front of Empire’s property. The proposed piers would have blocked it. Empire argued that it owned both the shoreline and the adjoining river bottom, had received a state grant permitting improvements, and remained inside the federal harbor line. White, Gratwick & Mitchell answered that ownership did not permit Empire to obstruct an established navigable channel and destroy access to a neighboring commercial dock. The courts agreed with White, Gratwick & Mitchell and permanently stopped the pier construction. Why it matters to North Tonawanda history The court record unexpectedly preserves the assembly and operation of the Gratwick industrial waterfront. It shows that Gratwick was not developed from one large, untouched parcel. The lumber district was created through a series of private purchases, quitclaims, railroad agreements and state grants of underwater land. It also establishes that John Simson and Benjamin F. Felton were important waterfront owners before William H. Gratwick. Gratwick and his associates gradually acquired or secured rights across their property, joined the docks to the railroad, and extended the usable shoreline outward over the riverbed. Exactly dated land transactions March 16, 1875 — Simson and Felton to Andrew B. Uline. John Simson, Benjamin F. Felton and their wives conveyed a riverfront tract in Lot 72 of the Niagara River Mile Reservation to Andrew B. Uline by warranty deed. The court later described this as most of the upland that became Dock No. 1, with a southern 100-foot strip remaining outside…
date: 1923

North Tonawanda map (Army Corps of Engineers, 1913).jpg
date: 1913

Approximate location of John Chadwick residence (1860).jpg
description: Google map link
date: 1860

Approximate locations of White mansion and ancient burial mound on Tonawanda Island.jpg
description: Using 1837 map.
date: 1837

Country residence to let, Beachwater, ad (Niagara Democrat and Lockport Balance, 1841-09-29).jpg
date: 1841-09-29

In the haunted house, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-07-18).jpg
description: IN THE “HAUNTED HOUSE.” **Party of Buffalonians and Tonawandians Hear Ghostly Shrieks and Rumbling.** A party of five, including two Buffalonians and three residents of the Tonawandas took it into their heads one night recently to investigate the alleged mystery in connection with the old White Mansion at the head of Tonawanda Island. The old residence, where Daniel Webster and other celebrities have been entertained has long been in a dilapidated condition but ghostly rappings, footfalls and apparitions are still said to be nightly occurrences during the hours when spirits are supposed to hold high revels. It was after midnight, when the quintet rowed across the river and landed at the head of the island. The night was of inky blackness and everything was favorable for ghostly visitations. The party gained an entrance by way of a window from which the sash and glass had long been missing and at once proceeded to an upper room, where the story goes, a servant had been strangled to death many years ago. At this point one of the party was found missing. It was thought that his nerve had failed him and the remaining four were in high glee in anticipation of the champagne dinner that the first one who showed signs of fear would provide for the others. The small pocket lamp flickered lazily in the close air of the small room. One of the quartet began to tear the boards from a small window to allow a little ventilation, when a low humming which soon grew into a shriek and finally died gradually away into a moan seemed to issue from the room below. The sound of a heavy body rolling down the stairs followed. The four stout hearts stopped as of one accord and their owners thought not to enquire into the cause of the weird noises but fell over each other in their efforts to be the first out of the haunted house. Arriving at the boat they were greeted by the missing member of the party who between convulsions of laughter informed his friends that he would eat a champagne dinne…
date: 1902-07-18

Quiet at Tonawanda, article (Buffalo Express, 1893-06-19).pdf
description: QUIET AT TONAWANDA Buffalo Soldiery Relieve the Two Separate Companies. PEACEFUL DAY IN CAMP. It Has Been Christened Camp Haunted, Because of the Old Mansion Which They Occupy—Historic Place. Yesterday being Sunday, no lumber was unloaded in the Tonawandas. Nevertheless there was considerable stirring, as the Tonawanda and Niagara Falls military companies were withdrawn from guard duty in the lumber district and the battalion of the 65th Regiment from Buffalo took their place. It was 1.45 o’clock yesterday morning when, preceded by the field music, four companies of the 65th Regiment reached the New-York Central Exchange-street station to take a special train to Tonawanda. The battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Chapin and was made up of Companies A and D of the second battalion and B and F of the first battalion. The little command was officered as follows: Company A, First-Lieut. R. C. Rogers; Second-Lieut. G. W. Windsor; Company B, Capt. H. A. Smith; First-Lieut. G. A. Wilson, Second-Lieut. G. W. Heppleman; Company D, Capt. J. D. Howland, First-Lieut. L. L. Babcock; Company F, Capt. O. E. F. Babcock, First-Lieut. O. J. Becker, Second-Lieut. Arthur Briggs, subalterns detailed from G company. Besides these were the following staff officers: Capt. Clarence Wilson, inspector of rifle practice; Lieut. Harvey W. Putnam, quartermaster; Lieut. H. C. Wadsworth, commissary, and Asst.-Surg. Meyer. The train pulled out 20 minutes after the arrival of the battalion and half an hour later drew into Tonawanda, where everything was found to be as quiet as possible on a hot June Sunday. The 42d Separate Company took the same train to the Falls, and at 10.30 guard-mounting of the 65th Regiment men took place. The 25th Separate Company was relieved as soon as possible. Its members marched to the armory in South Tonawanda and at once became citizens again. Last night they assembled again at the Armory and marched to the First Methodist Church, where they listened to a special ser…
date: 1893-06-19

Son of Dr. Locke drowned, Troy Daily Times (1867).pdf
date: 1867

Mary Rowland, Locke widow, and the Crandall case, article (Buffalo News, 1892-06-10).pdf
date: 1892-06-10

Tonawanda Island Bridge Company incorporation, bridge to be reviewed by Secretary of War (48th Congress, 1884-07-05).jpg
date: 1884-07-05

Picnics once popular on Tonawanda Island, Clarence O. Lewis (Lockport Union-Sun and Journal, 1965-03-24).jpg
description: LOCKPORT, N. Y., UNION-SUN & JOURNAL, Wednesday, March 24, 1965 Picnics Once Popular On Tonawanda Island By CLARENCE O. LEWIS Niagara County Historian In last week’s article we related in part the early and rather interesting story of Tonawanda Island. It was called White’s Island at that time. After Mr. White’s death around 1841 the title to the island seems to have reverted to the original owner, Samuel Leggate. In the Sept. 29, 1841 issue of the Lockport Democrat and Balance the Island was offered for sale or lease by Mr. Leggate. During the period between 1841 and 1859 the island or parts of it changed owners frequently. David F. Bacon, Charles Bartlett and George Robinson were separate owners during that period. Just what year it became a picnic resort is not apparent in our records. For a number of years between 1841 and 1859 the White mansion was said to have been haunted. By 1859 it was a popular picnic resort. On August 18, 1859 the Second Ward Presbyterian Church of Lockport held its annual picnic on White’s Island. The newspaper account of that picnic is interesting. It reads as follows: “Mr. Editor, Dear Sir: Permit me to make a few statements re Pic-Nic of the Second Ward Presbyterian Church which took place at White’s Island last Tuesday. Excursionists assembled at church ½ past 7 o’clock a.m. marched to the boats, headed by Papworth’s Brass Band about 8 o’clock. The boats engaged for the occasion were Capt. Crosby’s packet boat “Express” and the line boat W. H. Priest, towed by the steam tug “Jenney - Bell” of Tonawanda. They left the dock here soon after 8 o’clock but by the time they got above the locks and fairly started it was after 9 a.m. “On their first starting they glided over the water at a lively rate — the band playing a beautiful air, and all appearing to be as “merry as a marriage bell.” They had not proceeded but a few miles, however, before a sudden jolting was observed in the tug, and the slackening of their speed. Upon inquiry it was …
date: 1965-03-24

Fancy diplomacy obtained Tonawanda Island for U.S., Beach Water ad, article (Tonawanda News, 1965-06-25).jpg

North swing bridge, chutes, photo (HST, c.1920).jpg

History of NT pools, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-07-05).jpg
date: 1976-07-05

NT lets swim pool contract, article (Tonawanda News, 1945-11-20).pdf
date: 1945-11-20

Memorial pool, platform photos (Tonawanda News, 1957-06-25 2830).jpg
date: 1957-06-25

Drs Jesse Locke and Hoyer, journal info (1850-1852).jpg
description: From Historical Society of the Tonawandas: Taken from an inventory of all historical record repositories in Erie County back in 1983. His journal was part of U.B.'s Medical Collection back then - I think I had found the correct site about 10 years ago - but the curator could not find the artifacts. Note: it is part of the Roswell Park collection - he probably had it at the time of his death. Dr Locke's daughter mentions the journal in the trial notes - just that he never kept an account ledger, only his medical journal. Two addtl minimal mentions of the Johnsons: In Dr Locke's estate probate there is an invoice from Gillie blacksmith for making a pair of hinges "for coloured man" in Dr Locke's account. Also I found Jacob Hook handling a $1.00 cash payment for "Mrs Johnson" at store of Urial Driggs - 1851/52 timeframe.
date: 1850

Court of Appeals Case No. 254, Folios 10851–1089; John Chadwick v. John Fonner et al., 1876.pdf
description: Court of Appeals case and exceptions in the Johnson/Fonner land dispute, 1849–1876
date: 1876

Memorial Pool renovation plans (1986-11-11).pdf
date: 1986-11-11

Memorial Pool, North Tonawanda, selected original blueprints (Wesley Bintz, 1946).gal
date: 1946

Testimonial from Pop Ramsay for Bintz Memorial Pool (Modern Swimming, catalog p53, letter 1948-07-22).jpg
description: On Department of Recreation letterhead.
date: 1948-07-22

Modern Swimming Pools, catalog of Bintz pools (complete text), plus NT-related excerpts (1950).pdf
description: Loaded with photos, ads, financial breakdowns and testimonials for Wesley Bintz-designed pools. Excerpts include the Kiddies Wading Pool which was a feature of the original Payne Park Memorial Pool before making way for the guard house, and an illustration of the "Extended Front" which North Tonawanda's pool would have had but for budgetary restrictions. Also at archive.org.
date: 1950

Pickard family get Jacob Hook's land south of Johnsons, notice (1866-07-09).jpg
description: By 1866, the land immediately south of the Johnson twelve-acre corner was being sold under court judgment against Jacob Hook and others. That helps show the Johnson parcel had a recognizable boundary at its southern edge before the later Fonner/Chadwick judgment deed.
date: 1866-07-09

Johnsons' 12.4 acres in Lot 10, 1938 aerial photo.jpg
description: 10 chains x 12 chains, 40 links.
date: 1938

Montgomery Rasch, obituary (Buffalo News, 1969-07-28)
description: Montgomery Rasch Dies at 39; Leader In North Tonawanda Memorial services for Montgomery Rasch, 39, businessman and community leader, will be held 11 AM tomorrow in the First United Methodist Church. Mr. Rasch, a member of the church's official board, died Saturday night (July 26, 1969) after a long illness. A community leader in North Tonawanda, he was chairman of the North Tonawanda Youth Board three years. He also served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, past skipper of Sea Scouts Ship 428 and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 860. In January he was named Elk of the Year, the first person so honored. He held numerous positions in the lodge, among them chairman of youth activities for 10 years. He also was past district chairman of youth activities the New York State Lodge.' Mr. Rasch was past district commander of Tonawanda District Boy Scouts, a past chairman and former member of the Niagara County Juvenile Aid Bureau, Fund worker and a a a a a a of the "member executive board of the Niagara City Association of Town Superintendents. He was vice-president of Riverside Chemical Co., North Tonawanda. He attended North Tonawanda schools, Greenbriar Military Academy, Lewisburg, W. Va., and The Citadel, Charleston, S. C. He served four years with the Navy. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Marion H. Anthony; his wife, the former Marilyn Kowsky; three children, Montgomery Edward, Margaret and Martha; and a sister, Mrs. Gretchen R. Denk of Lewiston.
date: 1969-07-28

Sea Explorers Busy at Their Local Base, other Sea Wolf photos, article (Tonawanda News, 1950-10-03).pdf

Sweeney Cemetery register, excerpts.jpg
description: Showing John Chadwick, Jesse Locke.
date: 1868

Cemetery minutes trustees 1868-1878.docx
description: Minutes of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association Organization meeting — February 12, 1868 Cemetery minutes trustees 1868-1921 To the board of trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery with the compliments of your BF Felton Tonawanda Minutes of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association Organized under a provision of an act authorizing the incorporation of Rural Association Vol 2nd P.P 635 Received Statutes of State Of New York Meetings of the citizens of Tonawanda Erie Co. in N.Y. and of the Citizens of North Tonawanda Niagara Co N.Y. having met at the council room of the Village of North Tonawanda Niagara co NY want it to notice Present: Hiram Newell Jacob Baker Edmond T (Ages?) George Backer David Robinson Elias P Brown Charles C Harris George W Sherman Benjamin F Felton George (?) Franklin Warren Whitman Jacobs Lewis S Payne Garwood L Judd On motion hon Hiram Newell was appointed president and Garwood Judd Secretary. It was moved and carried that we do now form a corporation under and by virtue of the statute + Known by the name of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association. It was moved + it was moved and carried that six trustees be elected to compose a board of trustees of said cemetery. The following named gentlemen were by ballot duly elected. Franklin Warren Benjamin S Felton Hiram Newell Selden Johnson John Simson Garwood L Judd The president and secretary did then immediately proceed to classify as follows. First class: Horam Newell Garwood Judd Second class: John Simson Benjamin F Felton Third class: Franklin Warren Selden Johnson Motion was made and carried that the annual meeting in each year of the board of trustees shall be on the first Tuesday at 2 o’clock in the month of February. On motion the meeting is now adjourned. Signed: Garwood Judd Horam Newell The above meeting was held on the 12th Feb 1868 Meeting of the board of trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association held at the office of GL Judd North…
date: 1868

You push the button and this new automaton does the rest, article (The San Francisco Call Bulletin, 1901-09-16).jpg
date: 1901-09-16

U. S. Automaton Company incorporates, article (Democrat and Chronicle, 1900-02-04).jpg
date: 1900-02-04

Three more showings of Holyland, article (Tonawanda News, 1920-08-07).jpg
date: 1920-08-07

The electric man, article (Gibson City Courier, 1895-08-30).jpg
date: 1895-08-30

Perew starts tour with Holyland show, article (The Buffalo Times, 1921-07-19).jpg
date: 1921-07-19

North Tonawanda man patents airship devices, article (The Buffalo News, 1910-06-27).jpg
date: 1910-06-27

Mechanical man here today, article (The Pittsburgh Post, 1913-05-03).jpg
date: 1913-05-03

Mechanical man, article (The Buffalo Times, 1900-09-02).jpg
date: 1900-09-02

Makes giant figure walk, article (Freeport Journal Standard, 1900-09-03).jpg
date: 1900-09-03

Hum of city streets, article (The Philadelphia Times, 1902-01-09).pdf
date: 1902-01-09

Holyland goes down the canal, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-08-25).jpg
date: 1921-08-25

Holy Land Entertainment, ad (Tonawanda News, 1921-08-13).jpg
date: 1921-08-13

Holy Land Entertainment, ad (Tonawanda News, 1920-07-30).jpg
date: 1920-07-30

Gigantic, but lifelike, article (Hampshire Telegraph and Naval Chronicle, 1900-11-17).jpg
date: 1900-11-17

Giant automaton, illustration, article (The Post Intelligencer, 1900-10-21).jpg
date: 1900-10-21

Electric men, article (The Solomon Sentinel, 1895-08-21).jpg
date: 1895-08-21

A wooden man who walks, article (Los Angeles Evening Express, 1896-07-18).jpg
date: 1896-07-18

An Iron Man Wonder, article (Birmingham Daily Post, 1900-09-04).jpg
date: 1900-09-04

A new monster, article (Daily Examiner, 1900-12-04).jpg
date: 1900-12-04

Solomon G. Haven to Thomas Bolton, deed (1840-09-14).jpg
description: Haven sells his other half of Lot 10 5 years after selling the first. The consideration was $1,000, which is much higher than the earlier Roop half-interest price of $312.75 and higher than the 1836 Willink-to-Haven whole-lot consideration/mortgage figure. That may reflect improvements, speculation, changed valuation, or some larger financial context not visible in this deed. AI Transcription: Solomon G. Haven To Thomas Bolton This Indenture made the twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty Between Solomon G Haven & Hannah N Haven his wife of the City of Buffalo County of Erie & State of New York of the first part and Thomas Bolton of the City of Cleveland in the County of Cuyahoga in the State of Ohio of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of one Thousand dollars lawful money of the United States of America to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby confessed & acknowledged have granted bargained sold remised released aliened & confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain sell remise release alien and confirm unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever the equal undivided one half of all that certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the county of Niagara and State of New York being part or parcel of a certain Township which on a map or survey of divers tracts or townships of Land made for the Holland Land Company by Joseph Ellicott Surveyor is distinguished by Township number Twelve in the Eighth Range of Townships & which said tract of Land on a certain other map or survey of said Township into lots made for the said Holland Land Company by said Joseph Ellicott is distinguished by Lot number Ten Bounded West by lot number Twelve sixty chains North by lot number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot number Eight sixty three chains ninety three links and South by th…
date: 1840-09-14

Solomon G. Haven to Henry Roop, deed (Book19 p503 1 of 2, 1835-11-19).jpg
description: By late 1835, Solomon G. Haven was already treating Lot 10 as property in which he held a transferable interest, and he conveyed an undivided half-interest to Henry Roop. This makes Haven, not Locke, the key paper-title figure for the Johnsons’ likely arrival period. The Holland Land Co. reps could also have been involved with any arrangement. Haven conveyed an “equal undivided one half” of Lot 10 to Henry Roop on November 19, 1835, for $312.75. The deed does not give Roop a physically surveyed half of the land. It gives him a one-half ownership interest in the whole 124-acre Lot 10. AI Transcription: Solomon G. Haven to Henry Roop, Nov. 19, 1835 This Indenture Made the Nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five Between Solomon G. Haven of the City of Buffalo in the County of Erie and State of New York of the first part and Henry Roop of the same City County and State of the Second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred and twelve Dollars and seventy five cents to him in hand paid by the said party of the Second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged hath released remised and Quit Claimed and by these presents does release remise and Quit Claim unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever the equal undivided one half of all that certain piece or parcel of Land situate lying and being in the Township Number Twelve in the Eighth Range of Townships being in Niagara County and which said piece of Land on a Map or survey of said Township into Lots made for the proprietors of said Township by Joseph Ellicott Surveyor is distinguished by Lot Number Ten in said Township. Bounded West by Lot Number Twelve Sixty chains North by Lot Number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot Number Eight Sixty three chains ninety links and South by the Tonawanda Creek containing one hundred twenty four acres be the same more or …
date: 1835-11-19

William Willink et al to Solomon G. Haven, mortgage for Great Lot 10 (1836-10-27).jpg
description: Mortgage; Liber 18 of Mortgages, page 365 — the 1843 discharge. Deed: Book 22 p 186 AI Transcription: This Indenture, Made this twenty seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six between William Willink, Wilhem Willink, Warnaer Van Heukelom, Jan Teyman Cuming, Isaac Ten Cate, William Willink the younger and Peter Van Eeghen all of the City of Amsterdam in the Kingdom of the Netherlands by David E. Evans their Attorney in fact in the County of Niagara and State of New York, of the first part, and Solomon G. Haven of the County of Erie, State of New York, of the second part, WITNESSETH, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of Eight hundred twenty five 82/100 dollars to them in hand paid, by the said party hereto of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and themselves to be therewith fully satisfied, contented, and paid, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed, conveyed, confirmed, and assured, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff, convey, confirm, and assure unto the said party of the second part, and to his heirs, and assigns forever, ALL that certain tract of LAND, situate, lying, and being in the County of Niagara in the State of New-York, being part or parcel of a certain Township which on a Map or survey of divers Tracts or Townships of Land, made for the said parties of the first part by Joseph Ellicott, Surveyor, is distinguished by Township Number Twelve in the Eighth Range of said Townships, and which said tract of land, on a certain other Map or survey of said Township into lots made for the said parties of the first part by the said Joseph Ellicott, is distinguished by Lot number Ten in said Township. Bounded West by Lot number Twelve sixty chains North by Lot number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot number Eight sixty three chains ninety three links and South by the Tonawanda Creek containing one…
date: 1836-10-27

Memorial Pool, posing on the plat, photo (Jim Mis c1977).jpg
date: 1977

Dr. Jesse Fayette Locke (1810-1861).per
description: Ancestry Link 1810-07-21 in Hollis Center, Maine. 1830 Limerick School in Biddeford Me 1833 Main Temperance Society 1834 College in Maine 1834 Johnsons arrive according to Hannah obit 1837-11-15 Marries Mehitable Hill in Lyman, Maine (Ancestry.com) 1837-12-04 Marries Mehitable Green Hill in Tonawanda (Locke genealogy book on Ancestry.con) 1838 First “resident physician of Tonawanda...Dr. Locke came about (History of City of Buffalo and Erie County p. 419). 1840 Birth of daughter Marian in NY NY? (Ancestry) 1843-02 A J. F. Locke is listed in the Emancipator and Free American treasurer’s report, published March 9, 1843, as collecting subscriptions at Charlestown, Massachusetts; if this is the same Jesse F. Locke later associated with Wheatfield, it would place him in direct financial support of an abolitionist newspaper. (Vol 7 Issue 46) 1843-03-04 Whips a man in tavern for playing possum 1844 First appearance in land records: Jesse F. Locke and Jacob Hug, from Thomas Bolton “of Cleveland” & Wife, Lot 10 124 acres - for $700. “The equal undivided one half…of Lot 10.” So they are partners. 1844 Helps get local Presbyterian worship off the ground with Payne 1847-11-23 Buys Lot 10 from Ephraim Rolles 1848 Birth of daughter Pamelia in NT 1850-09ish Birth of Son Jesse F. Locke Jr. (drowns) 1852-09-18 Wife Mehitable Green Hill dies 1853-11-02 Sells some land to John Chadwick (Chadwick pays $500 for a 31-acre strip in center of Lot 10 from its north boundary to Tonawanda Creek (not Johnsons' land) 1859 Marries Welsh-born Mary Gwynne, later Rowland 1861-03-12 Death 1861-1865 Surrugate court docs
date: 1810

Memorial Pool demolition preparation, photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2026-05-17).gal
date: 2026-05-17

Hannah's Woods, photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2026-05-17).gal
description: South Meadow and East Goundry.
date: 2026-05-17

John Johnson household (U.S. Census, 1840).jpg
description: AI Summary: In the 1840 census for Wheatfield, John Johnson appears as the head of a small free Black household of three. The visible age columns identify one free colored man aged 24 to 35, one free colored woman aged 24 to 35, and one free colored male aged 55-100. All three householders are described as "employed in agriculture." Neighbors as they appear in the text: Martin Bush Daniel Treichler Martin Dewey Alonzo Chasbrough William Simmons Hugh Kelly Adlai Clark Whitman Nash Horace Nash Adam Castleman Treeman Smith Malichi P. Rewey Oliver Lovell John O Tool Eggbert Mansfield Nars Sawyer George Van Slyke Michael Henesa Alexander Chapelet Jacob Hook David Shooman Christopher Van Slyke John Johnson Robert Mathers Sanya Grapan James Summers Thomas King Barney Capaday William Reed Philo Kingsley
date: 1840

American District Steam Company, photos (c.1950).jpg
date: 1950

Gratwick area, W. Stenzel, B.F. Felton, map detail (1875).jpg
date: 1875

Gratwick area, map detail (1891).jpg
date: 1891

Veteran Keke shows the kids how it's done, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-22).jpg
description: Monday, March 22, 1976 Veteran Keke Shows the Kids How By PETER DRUMSTA Even under the pressure of playoffs, Keke Mortson was clearly enjoying himself. Because, after a hockey career spanning three decades, the colorful Mortson — who will turn 42 years old a week from today — is finishing it up with a flourish as a Buffalo Norseman. It was his guile that sparked the Norsemen to a 5-1 victory over the defending Lockhart Cup champion Johnstown Jets Sunday afternoon before 4041 in Memorial Auditorium, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead in their North American Hockey League quarter-final playoff series. The series continues with games tonight and Wednesday at Johnstown. The fourth game is set for Thursday in the Tonawanda Sports Center, with a fifth game, if necessary, in Johnstown. The Jets, who finished 36 points ahead of the Norsemen in the NAHL West, didn’t look the part Sunday. --- MORTSON AND his young mates quickly took advantage. He popped in a short shot at the 6-minute, 40-second mark of the first period, with assists from defenseman Wayne Morin and Larry Gould. Gould scored later in the period with a crisp pass from Reggie Lahey for a 2-0 lead. In the second, Lahey and Gould assisted on another close-in drive by Mortson for his second goal midway through the period. The goal that flattened the Jets came less than a minute later, when Jim Stanfield scooped up a pass from Dave Given, deked his way in on goalie Ron Docken, and popped the puck past him for a 4-0 lead. Billy Steele added a short-handed goal in the third period for Buffalo. Johnstown’s Jean Tetreault spoiled what would have been Buffalo’s first shutout of the season, scoring with less than 4 minutes left. --- MORTSON, who joined the team after receiving a call from Norseman General Manager Willie Marshall, vows a permanent retirement after this season with a vehement “you better believe it.” “My wife is after me to quit,” said the smiling Mortson after his smooth-skating performance. “Last time I went home …
date: 1976-03-22

Trottier back on ice for Norsemen tonight, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-24).pdf
description: Trottier Back on Ice For Norsemen Tonight Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 24 — Player-coach Guy Trottier, who scored seven game-winning goals for the Buffalo Norsemen this season, will be back on the ice this evening after a four-game absence. And the team needs him. The Norsemen clash with the Johnstown Jets here in the third game of their best-of-five Lockhart Cup quarter-final playoff series. Each has one victory. The series shifts to the Tonawanda Sports Center tomorrow evening at 7:45, with a fifth game in Jamestown Saturday if necessary. Trottier, who missed the last two games of the North American Hockey League regular season and the first two playoff games with a back injury, takes the place of defenseman Greg Neeld. Neeld drew a game misconduct Monday for hurling his stick into the stands after the game. Trottier scored 58 points in 57 games for Buffalo this season, including 15 power-play goals. Buffalo has been unable to capitalize during power-plays against the rough, penalty-prone Jets.
date: 1976-03-24

Strong minor leagues, NAHL recap, article (The Standard, 1976-04-15).pdf
date: 1976-04-15

Paul Newman assists Norsemen?, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-20).pdf
date: 1976-03-20

Attack was deliberate, says Neeld, article (The Province, 1976-04-01).pdf
date: 1976-04-01

Norsemen vs. Jets Game 4, ad (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-23).pdf
date: 1976-03-23

Norsemen storybook tells an exciting tale, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-26).pdf
date: 1976-03-26

Norsemen are down to their last chance, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-25).pdf
description: Norsemen Are Down To Their Last Chance Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 25 — The home ice advantage and improved goaltending gave the Johnstown Jets a one-game advantage in their playoff series with the Buffalo Norsemen Wednesday evening. Backed by the goaltending of Louie Levasseur, the Jets won their second straight game in the Cambria County War Memorial here, beating Buffalo, 6-2 before 3118 fans in their best-of-three Lockhart Cup quarter-final series. The pressure will be on the Norsemen this evening in the fourth game of the series, with the Jets holding a 2-1 edge. Game time is 7:45 PM in the Tonawanda Sports Center. --- IF THE Norsemen win, the two teams will play fifth and deciding game Saturday in Johnstown. If they lose, their first North American Hockey League season will be over. Levasseur, who led the Jets to the Lockhart Cup title last year, was not with the Jets in their opening-game loss to Buffalo. But he returned to win their last two games and will probably start again this evening. He made 33 saves, and the Jets outshot Buffalo, 43-35. Meanwhile, both Jim Makey and Mario Vien played in goal for Buffalo, neither with much success. The first period ended in a 1-1 tie on goals by the Jets’ Jean Tetreault and Dave Peace. Then Johnstown swamped the Norsemen with three unanswered second-period goals by Henry Taylor, Steve Carlson and Player-coach Jim Cardiff. --- BILLY STEELE interrupted the Jets, scoring for Buffalo early in the third. But Carlson scored again and Vern Cempigotto, Reg Bechtold and Bruce Boudreau all added singles for emphasis. Defenseman Greg Neeld will be back for Buffalo this evening after a one-game suspension, but Player-coach Guy Trottier will not be able to play after receiving a game misconduct. Protesting a call to Referee Steve Dowling, Trottier was called for the penalty after the first period Wednesday. It carries an automatic one-game suspension.
date: 1976-03-25

Newman at Johnstown, article (The Evening Standard, 1976-03-24.jpg
date: 1976-03-24

Neeld had made "objectionable comments", article (Philadelphia Daily News, 1976-03-29).pdf
date: 1976-03-29

Neeld charges intimidation, article (The Montreal Star, 1976-03-31).pdf
date: 1976-03-31

NAHL mess - Out of sight, out of mind, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-30).pdf
date: 1976-03-30

Marshall says NAHL ignoring pre-game fight, article (The Globe and Mail, 1976-03-30).pdf
date: 1976-03-30

Marshall eyes future of Norsemen, article (The Evening News, 1976-03-30).pdf
date: 1976-03-30

Johnstown tops Buffalo, transcribed article (The Harrisburg PA Evening News, 1976-03-23).pdf
description: Johnstown tops Buffalo JOHNSTOWN (AP) — Rookie center Bruce Boudreau and veteran left wing John Gofton each scored two goals yesterday as the Johnstown Jets defeated the Buffalo Norsemen 6-4 in a North American Hockey League playoff game. The victory evened the best-of-five, Western Division semifinal series at one game apiece. Johnstown, the defending Lockhart Cup Champions, finished atop the division in the regular season while Buffalo finished fourth, 36 points back. The Jets outshot the Norsemen 46-30 with Dave Birch and Hank Taylor contributing single goals. Buffalo’s scores came from Dave Given, Charlie LaBelle, Larry Gould and Greg Neeld.
date: 1976-03-23

Johnstown floods Buffalo net, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-23).pdf
description: Johnstown Floods Buffalo Net Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 23 — The defending-champion Johnstown Jets re-emerged as the physical team they were throughout the North American Hockey League season and the results were the same. The Jets battered the Buffalo Norsemen, survived numerous shorthanded situations and scored a 6-4 Lockhart Cup quarter-final playoff victory here Monday evening before 2364 in the Cambria County War Memorial. The outcome evens the best-of-five series at one game each. The two teams clash here again tomorrow evening, with a fourth game set for the Tonawanda Sports Center Thursday at 7:45 PM. The Jets, listless in their opening-game loss to Buffalo Sunday, punished the Norsemen and outshot them, 47-30, despite being called for 55 minutes in penalties. The Norsemen were called for only 14 minutes. --- BRUCE BOUDREAU scored the only first-period goal on a breakaway to give Johnstown the lead, but Dave Peace tied the game early in the second on a controversial goal which the Jets claimed was batted in with a high stick. The Jets then ran up four goals in a 10-minute stretch. Boudreau scored his second, Henry Taylor tallied, and both assisted on a goal by Dave Birch. John Gofton netted the first of his two goals for a 5-1 lead. Charlie Labelle and Larry Gould brought the Norsemen within range with single goals, but Gofton’s second score on a power play at the 15:11 mark iced it. --- GREG NEELD scored Buffalo’s final goal while the Jets were two men short. But the young defenseman disqualified himself for tomorrow evening’s game when he threw his stick into the stands in anger at the end of the game. He received a game misconduct from Referee Gene Kusy after the game which carries an automatic one-game suspension. Mario Vien replaced Jim Makey in goal for Buffalo in the midst of the Jets’ four-goal surge. Each gave up three goals, with Vien making 24 saves. Makey 15.
date: 1976-03-23

Jets win by default, face Firebirds tonight, article (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1976-03-28).jpg
date: 1976-03-28

High-sticking duel, Dennis Anderson, photo (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-26).pdf
date: 1976-03-26

Buffalo contends NAHL dominated by "goon" hockey, article (The Daily Courier, 1976-03-30).pdf
date: 1976-03-30

Ironton addition, George P. Smith and August J. Hathaway subdivision, map (1891-04-27).jpg
date: 1891-04-27

Owner would raze Plaza Apartments, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-05-24).jpg
date: 1938-05-24

Lost - Our only skyscraper, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-08-11).jpg
date: 1938-08-11

25-story skyscraper to rise on Plaza Partments site, April Fools story (Tonawanda News, 1938-04-01).jpg
date: 1938-04-01

Tonawanda Iron and Steel, photo (1934-08).jpg
date: 1934-08

Tried to block Ely's road, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1895-05-14).jpg
description: Transcribed by AI: TRIED TO BLOCK ELY’S ROAD. North Tonawanda Firemen Called Out to Prevent Track Laying. An effort was made in North Tonawanda last night to block the Ely trolley line to Buffalo. A gang of George P. Smith’s workmen attempted to lay tracks across Payne avenue at Robinson street, but were prevented by firemen under orders from the street committee. The Smith Company have a franchise on Robinson street and were laying their tracks by virtue of it, although the plain object is to block the Ely line. At 7 o’clock about 20 men were at work on the point named when Trustees Geib and Wilcox of the street committee told J. A. Read to have the men stop work. The reason for ordering the men to stop was that the work should have been done in the day time. The foreman said he had orders from Mr. Smith to quit work and he could not do so. The committee then went to the nearest fire alarm box and called up a fire company. The laborers continued to spike down tracks until a well directed stream of water ended their ardor for work and they stopped. The committee then took the team from the hook and ladder truck and pulled up the rails. At 9 o’clock the Smith workmen abandoned their work. Watchmen were stationed on the scene to prevent further work. It is possible another attempt will be made today. There is much excitement over the action of the committee as well as that of Smith. The fight is supposed to be between the two companies and out of the hands of the village.
date: 1895-05-14

George Perry Smith (1842-1928).per
description: 1897 Biography: "George P. Smith Smith, George P., one of the most enterprising men of Niagara county, was born in Lockport, June 15, 1842, a son of Hon. Henry P, and Christina (Long) Smith and was educated in Genesee College. ln 1862 he removed to Saginaw Bay, Mich., where he has since been interested in the lumber business; in 1874 he returned to North Tonawanda, which has since been his home, except an additional nine years spent in Saginaw. He has done a great deal for North Tonawanda through his connection with the Tonawanda Lumber & Saw Mill Company, the Tonawanda Standard Light and Power Company, the Standard Gas Company, the Ironton Land Company, the United States Water Company, the Niagara Real Estate and Investment Company, the North Tonawanda Land Company, and the Tonawanda Street Railway Company. In 1884 Mr. Smith married Susan Otterson of Michigan, who was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Can." - From Landmarks of Niagara County, New York, by William Pool, D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, NY, 1897. GenWeb. President of multiple companies. In 1893 sells his Tonawanda home to Martin Reisterer for $18,000 and plans to build a new one in Ironton. [Ends up on Christiana St. instead]. In 1895 involved in dispute with city and Ely tracks. He died on 17 April 1928, in Missoula, Missoula, Montana, United States, at the age of 85 according to FamilySearch.com Ancestry.com
date: 1842

The rise and fall of the Plaza Apartments, transcribed article (Tonawanda News, 1938-07-02).jpg
description: Transcribed by AI There's an old saying that everything that goes up must come down, and the truth of this statement is being borne out in the Tonawandas these days with the razing of the Plaza apartments on the corner of Tremont and Main streets. The work being done on the condemned building is causing a mild bit of attention, as each day sees it approaching the level of the ground that has supported it for 42 years. Its erection and final completion in 1896 caused appropriate notice. A newspaper of that period reported: "On the corner of Webster and Tremont streets, Mr. George P. Smith, one of the leading developers of North Tonawanda, has this year erected a towering six-story business block. From the top of the elevator tower the historian recently spent a half hour taking a birds-eye view of this city and its surroundings.” Mr. Smith was indeed one of the leading citizens of old North Tonawanda. He was the son of the Hon. H. R. Smith and Christiana Long Smith, for whom Christiana street is named. The younger Smith was raised entirely in North Tonawanda and became engaged in the lumber business. His great executive ability finally led him to become, not only the head of that concern, but also president of the Standard Light and Power company, the Standard Gas company of Tonawanda, the Tonawanda Street Railroad company, the Ironton Land company of North Tonawanda, the United States Water Works company, the North Tonawanda Land company, and the Niagara Real Estate and Insurance company.
date: 1938-07-02

Razing work is started on Plaza Apartmets, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-06-15).jpg
date: 1938-06-15

Plaza Apartments fire origin is undetermined, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-02-19).pdf
date: 1938-02-19

Inquiry ordered into taxes of Plaza apartmets, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-05-17).jpg
date: 1938-05-17

The Smith Building, former Real Estate Exchange, photo (c.1936).jpg
description: Smith Dining Car also pictured.
date: 1936

R. T. Jones Lumber Co., photo (c.1938).jpg
date: 1938

International Paper Co., photo (c.1938).jpg
date: 1938

Bascule bridge opening, Webster Street, photo (c.1938).jpg
date: 1938

Norsemen team photo 2 (c.1976-02-08).jpg
description: NOT IN OTHER PHOTO 30 - 11 - Gordon Nielson? (C, appears in 2/27 program, 4GP) 9 - Robbie Balyc? (NA, appears in 2/27 program, 19GP). Randy Montgomery? 12/27 10 - 20 - Bob Barnes? (D, appears in 2/27 program, 23 GP); George Kuzmicz? 12/27 NOT IN THIS PHOTO 9 - Bill Steele (in Jets 1/2?) 30 - Jim Makey (he is in 2/27 program w P. Rupp) 10 - Labelle (he is in 2/27) 12 - Dave Given (in Jets 1/2?) 20 - Dennis Anderson (in Jets 1/2?)
date: 1976-02-08

South Swing Bridge, pen and ink (2026-02-19).jpg

Pioneer Period of Western New York, book (Chipman P. Turner, 1888).pdf
date: 1888

Pettit's Run and the Easiest Victory of the War of 1812 - Excerpted from Pioneer Period of Western New York, Chipman P. Turner, pp. 35-36 (1888).htm
description: A slight haze rose from the marshes on the borders of the Niagara River, but not enough to shroud the banks or the road that lay along its shore in obscure darkness. It was the route from the year 1800 for military transfer from Fort Niagara to Black Rock, Buffalo and other western points. The march of regiments, companies and detachments, was a common, hourly expected occurrence, not usually creating surprise or apprehension of peril. The tragedy of Lewiston had been enacted, creating constant fear in the minds of all. Buffalo and Black Rock were threatened points. Volunteer regiments had been drafted from eastern sections to the rescue, timidly approaching the scene of war, to which they were unaccustomed; crackling brush, a rustling leaf, were startling omens, and prudence in advancing was deemed “the better part of valor,” and made the adopted strategy in the instance related. The scene of action, according to the record of the time, may be placed at what is known as “Pettitt’s Run,” taking the name of Joshua Pettitt, locating at its junction with the Niagara river, a short two miles below Tonawanda, as early as 1810. Nearly as early a settler as Pettitt, was George N. Burger, who made a beginning by erecting a log house, which in the exigency of war was appropriated by the government as an arsenal for the depositing of arms and ammunition, guarded by a small number of volunteer citizens. The hour of midnight had but just passed when the vigilant watchman were aroused by the footsteps of marching men, tramp of horses and mud-bound wheels of a wagon train, in slow progress up the river. Whether friend or foe was yet to be determined; moments were not to be wasted or retreat justified, without at least the best defence that could be made. Necessity became “the mother of invention,” and proved to be the available relief. The stream passed through a bed of mud, mixed with melting snow, bridged in rough corduroy, that proved fitting for the success of the exploit the…
date: 1813-12-24

Early Ironton School principal Walter Luman Case, bio (c.1890).jpg
date: 1890

Island Street Lumber Co. Mill, 11 Felton Street, photo set (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025).gal
description: A business of the same name produces this ruler and gives an address of 65 Island Street.
date: 2025

Niagara Musical Instrument Co., mailer (1914-04-27).jpg
description: Featuring a photo of the so-called "Midget Orchestra"
date: 1914-04-27

Incinerator Walck and Zimmerman, photo (Dennis Reed Jr. 2008-01-16).png
date: 2008

Tonawanda Power Co. car and probably High Speed line, photo (Power News c. 1926).jpg
date: 1926

Tonawanda line crew pauses for picture, photo (Power Events, c.1926).jpg
date: 1926

Structure at Robonson Street station, photo (c.1926).jpg
date: 1926

Station invites attention, photo article (Power Events, 1927-08).jpg
date: 1927-08

Power furnished by chips, article (Power Events, 1927-01).jpg
date: 1927-01

Old dynamo found in haystack, photo article (Power Events, 1927-05).jpg
date: 1927-05

Niagara falls Power Co wagon and horse, photo (c.1896).jpg
date: 1896

Sweeney, James Sr. and James Jr., portraits and bio (A History of the City of Buffalo, pp187-188, 1908).htm
description: Archive.org, transcribed by AI: James Sweeney, Senior, and James Sweeney, Junior.—About the year 1820 three residents of Buffalo—James Sweeney, John Sweeney, and William Vandervoort—came into possession of three farm lots north of Tonawanda creek, comprising in all about five hundred acres, and upon which a part of the city of North Tonawanda now stands. This land had been selling at a very low figure, land that only awaited the development of the Niagara Frontier to become one of the most valuable tracts in this section of the State. George Goundry had a third interest in the property at one time, Mr. Goundry being one of the pioneers of North Tonawanda. In 1824 the owners of this land, which is located north of Tonawanda creek, began to dispose of it piece by piece, to the village corporation and the residents therein. A copy of a deed of land from James Sweeney, John Sweeney, and William Vandervoort to the village of North Tonawanda, dated 1824, is still in possession of James Sweeney, Senior, son of the James Sweeney mentioned above. In a few years the remaining property passed over to the control of the Sweeney family and has remained in their possession since. The sales which have been made from time to time to individuals, and also to the city of North Tonawanda, leave at the present time in the possession of the Sweeney family about one hundred and fifty to two hundred acres, and comprise what is left of the original grant of the three farm lots. At the death of the elder Sweeney, his son, James Sweeney, took over the management of the property, which was becoming more valuable year by year. About ten years ago, he in turn gave over the control of the property to his son, James Sweeney, Junior. The elder Sweeney still lives and is manager of the property, but James Sweeney, Junior, acting as his agent, does the active work in connection therewith. During the latter part of the ten years that James Sweeney, Junior, has been in control, he has paid particular …
date: 1800

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company Niagara Plant historical files.htm
description: From Hagley Archives: The E.I. du Pont de Nemours Niagara Plant produces a number of specialty chemicals, such as polymer acetates, sodium cyanide, and methyl chloride; the plant was purchased by the DuPont Company in 1930. The Niagara Plant, located in Niagara Falls, New York, can be traced back to two chemical companies founded in the late nineteenth century. The first was the Niagara Electro-Chemical Company, formed in 1896, which manufactured metallic sodium. The second was Roessler & Hasslacher (R&H), which began in 1885 as a precious metals business that later developed into a specialized producer of chlorine products, hydrogen peroxide, other oxides, and metal cyanides. Both companies were very successful and understood the value of combining their companies to form even greater success. They merged in 1925 and operated the Niagara plant until 1930 when DuPont purchased their assets. The purchase ensured DuPont a steady flow of raw materials for manufacturing dyes and tetraethyllead. In addition, the R&H acquisition provided DuPont with access to numerous specialized chemicals such as sodium cyanide used in electroplating, methyl chloride for refrigerants, hydrogen peroxide for oxidizing and bleaching, formaldehyde for plastic and disinfectants, dry-cleaning agents, fumigants, insecticides, and ceramic colors. The plant operated as the R&H Department of DuPont until 1946 when it became known as the Electrochemical Department; in 1971, it was transferred to the Industrial Chemicals Department. The plant marketed the following products: polymer acetates, chlorine products, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, cyanides, and several other specialty chemicals. The Niagara Plant was included in the DuPont Performance Chemicals spinoff that created the Chemours Company in July 2015.

City of North Tonawanda, map (Niagara County Atlas, 1908).jpg
date: 1908

EL-2 railroad signal, Rose Coal, photo (1930).jpg
date: 1930

Great Sale of Lots in the Ironton District, ad (Polish Everybody’s Daily, 1922-10-17).jpg
description: Translation from the Polish by AI: Great Sale of Lots in the Ironton District Real Bargains for 10 Days In the Fastest-Growing Neighborhood of Our City Stop paying rent! Own your own home! Don’t pay high streetcar fares! Live close to your workplace Times are improving There is plenty of work — steady employment — higher wages. PRICES: $60 to $600 $5 down payment $5 per month 10% discount for cash. Surveying/preparation $10 extra. Clear title guaranteed. Large selection of lots The safest investment of money Protection in case of unemployment or illness Great value at low cost Last chance to get bargains like these First come, first served.
date: 1922-10-17

Ironton-related news from Polish Everybody’s Daily newspaper (1912-1923).jpg
description: [Translated from a Buffalo Polish newspaper by AI] 1912 A grand jury has indicted the brothers Jan and Stefan Kuczmiński for burglary (theft with breaking and entering). They stole clothing and other goods worth $502.00 from a railroad car in the Ironton district. They left their stolen loot at the saloon of Walenty Yunger on 7th Avenue. The jury also indicted this saloonkeeper for storing and buying stolen items and goods. — The brothers Kuczmiński committed this robbery and theft on the Lehigh Valley railroad a few months ago, but managed to get away. — Meanwhile, what is meant to hang won’t drown. The Buffalo police arrested them for third-degree assault and for beating Stanisław Rosiński of Tonawanda. — For that they were put in jail for 100 days. Now, as a result of the grand jury indictment, Deputy Sheriff John H. Bollier of Tonawanda has received a court warrant, under which he will arrest the brothers and take them to Lockport as soon as they finish serving this one sentence... To be continued. And the longer they sigh there behind those “Swedish curtains” (jail bars), the better it will be for society and for the Polish community of Tonawanda, because they’re bad birds, and everyone will be glad to be rid of them. 1912-04-24 Marya Malik from the Ironton district on 8th Ave. has evidently fallen into religious insanity. — She walked the streets with a prayer book and prayed loudly without stopping. — She had been ill for quite some time. — The police took her into care, and with her husband’s consent she was sent to the state asylum for the insane. 1912-05-03 New policemen. The police force of North Tonawanda has been strengthened by two policemen, so that the police contingent now totals 15 members, together with a chief, a sergeant, and a special detective. It is not a force that one could boast about in terms of numbers, but it consists almost exclusively of intelligent and respectable citizens. The police consider the Ironton district the most dangerous;…
date: 1912-04-18

Village of Niagara, advertising poster at Long Homestead (1824-07-05).jpg
date: 1824-07-05

Mary Long, portrait at Long Homestead (c.1840).jpg
date: 1840

Benjamin Long, portrait at Long Homestead (c.1840).jpg
date: 1840

John Carr buys 111 acres of Lot 75, deed (1868-04-27).jpg
description: This Indenture, made the Twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight BETWEEN Arthur J. Ayer, Susan S. Ayer his wife of the Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, of the first part, and John Carr of the same place. of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Six Thousand, six hundred sixty-seven dollars and twenty cents, to them in hand paid, hath sold, and by these presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, ALL that tract or parcel of land situate in the Town of Wheatfield Niagara County State of New York being the northerly half of Lot number seventy-five and bounded as follows to wit East by the Mile line and West by the Niagara River; North by the [north] line of lot seventy-four & South by a line parallel with the north line of said lot number seventy-five. Containing one hundred and eleven acres & 12/100 acres of land. Excepting the lands conveyed to the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Rail Road Company & the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Rail Road Company! This being the same lands conveyed by deed to Orson Shepard and Jonathan S. Ayers dated Oct 15th 1855 & recorded in the County Clerk’s Office of Niagara County Oct 31st 1855 in Book of Deeds No 65 at page 495. Quick abstract (key facts) Date: 27 April 1868 Grantors: Arthur J. Ayers and Susan B. Ayers (wife), Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY Grantee: John Carr, Wheatfield Consideration: $6,667.20 Land: Northerly half of Lot 75, Wheatfield East: Mile Line West: Niagara River North: Lot 74 line South: line parallel with Lot 75 north line Acreage: 111.12 acres Exceptions: prior conveyances to Buffalo & Niagara Falls Rail Road Co. and Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Rail Road Co. Prior deed breadcrumb: deed to Orson Shepard and Jonathan S. Ayers dated Oct 15, 1855, recorded Oct 31, 1855, Deeds Book 65, p. 495 (Niagara County Clerk)
date: 1868-04-27

Carr, John James (1817-1891)
description: Born 1817 in Dromore Parish, Down, Ireland. In Wheatfield by 1860. https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/22937845/person/272174679708/facts?usePUBJs=true
date: 1817

Rojek's dairy, carton (c.1950)
date: 1950

Tonawandas, Sanborn insurance map overview (1913).jpg
date: 1913

Wurlitzer player piano, ad (New York Tribune, 1918-03-31).pdf
date: 1918-03-31

Along the frontier, Erie Canal placed New York First, article (Tonawanda News, 1924-11-18).pdf
date: 1924-11-18

A. Weston and Son, postcard receipt (1882).jpg
date: 1882

Tondas out for season, article (Niagara Gazette, 1974-10-20).png
date: 1974-10-20

Brief history and large ads for North Tonawanda Land Co., Ironton Land Co., A.W. Story portrait (Tonawanda News, 1894-06-12).pdf
description: History includes Cleveland investors. North Tonawanda Land Co. located in Real Estate Exchange Bldg. List of factories within last two years.

New North Tonawanda officials, Gilmore, photo (Buffalo News, 1914-12-31).pdf

Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co., note (Engineering and Mining Journal, 1889-07-13).png
date: 1889-07-13

Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co., note (Engineering and Mining Journal, 1889-01-19).png
date: 1889-01-19

Tonawanda Iron and Steel and Tonawanda Island, photo (c.1950).png
date: 1950

Tondas take establishment to court, article (Niagara Gazette, 1976-10-17).jpg

The Transfer Lumber and Shingle Company, letterhead and bill (1906).jpg

Payne Wheatfield registry drama, article 1865-11-01_002.pdf

P. W. Scribner, advertising card (c1890).jpg

NT Centennial edition, Payne, Felton, Bodoni, article (Tonawanda News, 1965-06-26).pdf

Martinsville Hotel and brass band, photo (c.1880).jpg

Joseph E. Gilmore, obit (Tonawanda News, 1948-03-30).png

Jack's White Flash, service station, O.iver and Linwood, photo (Ancestry, 1938).png

Ironton football team, newspaper photo (1926).jpg

Indian bones uncovered, article (Buffalo Express, 1884-08-14.pdf

History of Twin Cities, Millener, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-04-19).pdf

Highlights in history of the Tonawandas, article (Tonawanda News, 1930-04-07).pdf
description: Close sketches of business, municipal growth of the Tonawandas.
date: 1930-04-07

Gratwick Hose Christmas party, Santa and three pigs, photo (19498-12).jpg

Fredreick Robertson and Co. Bankers, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, (1925-05-04).png

Christian Wittkiwski obit, 1939-07-14.jpg

Cholera, Ironton home afflicted, article (Buffalo News, 1892-10-07).pdf

Chokes to death as Vic plays, 46 Sweeney, article (Tonawanda News, 1923-02-23).jpg

Carl F. Platter, obit (Tonawanda News, 1985-08-06).jpg

Walenty Krzeminski, Polish-born 1865 and others, photo (Ancestry, before 1947).png
date: 1945

Rose Zoladz at 17, photo (Ancestry 1938).png
date: 1938

Rose Scrivo making punch cards at Remington Rand, photo (Ancestry, 1943).jpg
date: 1943

Rosebrock w Auto-Kart on Payne Ave, photo (Ancestry c1915).jpg
date: 1915

Ray Kolb Sr in boat, photo (c1910).png
date: 1910

Oliver and Center, across from OLC, carriage, Krzeminski, Frances and Cecilia, photo (1915).jpg

Mabell Lydia Zaggel, photo (Ancestry, c.1910.jpg

Joseph Albert Grzenkowski at his wedding reception, photo (Ancestry 1923-08-10).jpg

John Pasciak holding granddaughter Theresa, 418 Rogers St, photo (Ancestry, c1930.jpg

John Olewnick Jr marries Rose Zoladz at OLC, photo (Ancesty, 1942-01-10).png

Grunzweigs trimming hedges, Tonawanda (Ancestry, 1940).png

Girl on bike, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png

Family with bike, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png

Family next to garden wall, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png

Denny & Gladys with Evelyn Teal, photo (Ancestry c1934).jpg

Christian Flateau, Wurlitzer employee badge (c1930).jpg
date: 1930

Celso, Serena, Carlo Merletti, East Schenck, photo (Ancestry, c1945).jpg

But, Lawrence, Sister Mary Kobos, Walenty Krzeminski (3 unk), North Tonawanda, photo (Ancestry, before 1947).png

Bush's Bridge, Rosseau, Edward, Ida (Sahr), photo (Ancestry, c1940).jpg

574 Oliver St, (Ancestry, 1963).jpg

219 Robinson, HST, photo (Ancestry, 1888).png

59 Allen Street, Grandpa Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png

William Schultz, unknown solder, Fred Schultz, Hagen?, photo (Ancestry, c. 1917).jpg

Uncle Jimmy in Grandpa's chicken coop, 41 Bryant, photo (Ancestry).jpg

Tony Vona and Nellie Yates wedding party, photo (Ancestry, 1938-07).jpg

Tofts, 107 Keil, photo (Ancestry, 1918).jpg

Toft family, flags, 109 Keil Street, photo (Ancestry c1915).jpg

Toft family, 109 Keil Street, photo (Ancestrt c1915).jpg

Sweeney Street farm, George Stagg and Uncle Fred Zaggel (on right), photo (Ancestry).jpg

Sophisticated women, 1944.jpg

Sharlene & Sandy, Sister & Brother, Falconer St. Home, photo (Ancestry c1940).jpg

Mary Keil, photo (Ancestry, c.1937).jpg

Mary Keil, 21 Jackson Street, photo (Ancestry, c.1937).jpg

Maria Piepenhagen center front, 100 Washingtin St., photo (Ancestry, c1940).jpg

Lockwood Joyce Rathbun, mother and baby, photo (Ancestry, 1924).jpg

Kuligowski, photo (Ancestry, c1935.jpg

Keil family farm on Nash Road, photo (Ancestry c1894).jpg

JMLT portrait, 109 Keil, photo (c1915).jpg

Henry Louis Keil and his sisters, Nad Rd farm, photo (Ancestry c1894).jpg

Great Great Grandpa and Grandma Zimmerman, NT (Ancestry c 1890).jpg

Friedens confirmation, photo (Ancestry, 1918).jpg

Chris and Ed Flateau, wrong side of fence at Falls, photo (Ancestry).jpg

Charles A. Toye Sr. and other Toyes, photo (Ancestry c. 1950).jpg