Tried to block Ely's road, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1895-05-14).jpg
Dublin Core
Title
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.
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
Collection
Citation
“Tried to block Ely's road, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1895-05-14).jpg,” North Tonawanda History, accessed March 24, 2026, https://www.nthistory.com/items/show/4867.