USA > New York > Erie County > Kenmore > History of Kenmore. Erie County, New York > Part 3
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MR. SQUIRE AND THE "KIDDIES"
That the residents of Kenmore were alive to the needs of the children at the time of incorporation is evident from an item in the Buffalo News of October 16, 1899, which refers to Mr. W. F. Squire as the "gentleman with spectacles, plaintive voice, and courteous but determined never-to-let-go persever- ance". Mr. Squire secured for that part of Buffalo which the genial "Al" Lockwood calls "South Kenmore" a two-room school house on Ramsdell Ave, to accommodate the forty or
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more children in and about Villa Ave, who were obliged to trudge to School No. 21 on Hertel Avenue, in all sorts of wea- ther. The school house was afterwards used by the Baptist congregation of Kenmore, and a larger school house was built on Sessions Street. The original school house was partially de- stroyed by fire and rebuilt as a residence, No. 29 Ramsdell Avenue.
BUILDING BOOM AND JOLLIFICATION
The year 1903 witnessed a new impetus in building. Hun- dreds of people were seeking houses. Rents were $15 and $20 a month, but few were to be had. From the beginning Ken- more has been a village of home owners. This has been a fac- tor in the trim neatness of the lawns, variety of shrubbery and shade trees which has gained for the village the title of "Buf- falo's most beautiful suburb". The night of January 21, 1903 was a "Jollification". Kenmore was illuminated with gas for the first time. The Niagara Light, Heat, and Power Co. com- pleted connections with the local system and piping of houses for light and cooking went on with a rush. On March 26, 1903 the first steps were taken toward the erection of a Village ant Fire Hall. Five notices were posted for a public hearing to be held on March 30, "for the purpose of deciding on either rent- ing or building a Fire Hall". The decision was for "building". A special election was held May 1, at which the village voted to issue bonds for $4000 for the purpose. Bids were opened June 1, and J. B. Rickert was awarded the contract. The building was formally accepted December 12, 1903, situate No. 2831 Delaware Avenue. May 16, 1904, the Village Trustees auth- orized the purchase of a 500 pound bell for the Fire Hall from the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, N. Y. for $235. The bell was suitably inscribed with the names of:
"Myron A. Phelps, President;
R. D. C. Rudhard, Trustee ;
John I. Keller, Trustee;
George H. Pirson, Clerk ;
Frank C. Stillwell, Chief."
After the installation of the Siren alarm the bell was placed in a concrete kiosk on the village green.
AN OLD TIME BRIDGE
When Kenmore was first settled a stream of water had its source in the north-eastern section of the village near McKin- ley Avenue and Colvin Boulevard. It flowed down Myron
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Avenue, across Delaware Avenue into the Scajacquada Creek, Buffalo. The stream was known as Cornelius Creek. A bridge spanned the stream, which in the spring of the year was a wide creek at Kenmore Avenue and Myron Avenue. The former bed of the stream may still be traced in the alluvial soil of Kenmore Avenue and Villa Avenue.
On July 11, 1904, the Town of Tonawanda was notified to either repair the bridge, or build a new structure. The resi- dents of Myron Avenue found it necessary to make a deep ditch by the roadside to carry the surplus water to the bridge. Nearly all traces of this creek have disappeared; a small via- duct on Delaware Avenue near the ball grounds remained for many years after the water was drained into the sewer systems.
SNOW STORMS AND STRAY DOGS
The snow fall during the winter of 1905 was so heavy that traffic was "completely closed" on Delaware Avenue. "The deplorable condition making it physically impossible for chil- dren to go to school". The situation was aggravated by the use of a rotary snow plow on the trolley line, which piled the snow on the walks as fast as it was removed. A remonstrance was made, and snow fences were placed in the fields on the west side side of Delaware Avenue. The drifts in some places reached nearly to the top of the telephone poles. The village had to deal with many "ancient wrongs" during the spring. The primitive custom of allowing chickens, cows, and horses to "run at large" became a nuisance. Crowing cocks disturbed the slumbers of late sleepers. On April 1, a resident being "greatly annoyed" complained to the Village Board. The date of the petition being taken into consideration, it was consid- ered as an "April Fool" joke. Being assured to the contrary action was taken by the Board to "keep the chickens within the bounds of her own property", and notice was sent to the transgressor. "Stray" and "Biting" dogs, boys "meddling with street lamps," "pilfering books" from the school house, "driv- ing on the sidewalks," "defacing signs," and other less weighty matters received attention during the meetings of the Village Board, as well as selling lots and issuing building permits. History always has and always will record the faults and foi- ables of the people; civilization will never outgrow them. The Village, itself, was like an irrepressible boy; as to its age, it was but six years old.
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EXTENSION AND POLITICS
The watchword of 1906 was "Extension." At a special election on June 25, a proposition was carried by a majority of 25 votes, ten voting against it, to take in a large section on the north, from the Niagara Falls Boulevard to Military Road. $31,000 covered by bonds was expended in extending sewers and pavements. Men with vision saw that the trend of popu- lation was toward the north, and later years have proved the clearness of their vision. During this period of Kenmore's political history, continuing down to 1912 and beyond two organizations were striving for mastery; the "Greater Ken- more," and the "Good Government" parties; the latter nick- named the "Goo Goos." The contention became so hot that newspapers throughout western New York carried stirring comments which put Kenmore "on the map."
NIGHT POLICEMEN AND SKATING RINK
On March 20, 1908 the Village Board appointed Charles Stephen Sr. "Night Policeman" at a salary of $600 a year. He was instructed to "wear proper and necessary uniform." Sta- tioned at Delaware Avenue and Kemore Avenue during the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning, as the trolley cars reached the terminal, all suspicious characters who could not give a satisfactory account of their business were turned back to Buffalo or sent on to Tonawanada. The resi- dents rested more peacefully because of this vigilant and faith- ful officer of the law. Situated midway between Buffalo and the Tonawandas, crooks of all kinds have been given through passage either way, so that the peace and quietness of the Village has rarely been disturbed during the night. During the year a license was granted the Palace Roller Rink Co., to oper- ate in "Kenmore Convention Hall" for a fee of $10. This hall with so pretentious a name, rented to a company with so aspir- ing a name, was really a political "Wigwam," and was located on Delaware Avenue near the corner of Wabash Avenue, the site now occupied by E. R. Ashbery, No. 2968 Delaware Av- enue. For many years previously the "craze" of roller skating had swept the country. Roller Skating Rinks could be found in every village and hamlet throughout the land. As this form of amusement became stabilized and occupied better buildings, these Rinks were used for Gospel and Temperance meetings accommodating large crowds. One fervent Prohibitionist com- paring the two different uses made of these temporary struc- tures was heard to exclaim, "How the devil must be gnashing
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his teeth." And no wonder, for the Village Board had to take action, after investigation of the conduct in the Rink, and im- pose strict rules and regulations as to opening and closing hours.
The first decade of incorporate life closed with a rapidly growing population. Farm lands were being subdivided into village lots. A bill was passed permitting the Village to col- lect taxes from delinquents who were non-residents. Many shade trees were planted. Streets were extended and paved. New business houses and offices were opened to take care of increased business.
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"The Center of the Niagara Frontier Industrial District"
CHAPTER FOUR Development and the World War 1909 - 1918
NEW FIRE ENGINE AND VILLAGE HALL
Sometimes a mother is heard to say, "My daughter is grow- ing so fast that it keeps me busy lengthening her dresses", but that was before the days of "Bobbing" either hair or skirts. So rapid was the development of the village that the adminis- tration was extremely busy. Permits to erect new homes, and an increasing number of bills to audit each week marked the proceedings. New streets were laid out and old ones length- ened. A special election was held in November 1909 on the question of spending $1700 for an automatic fire alarm system, $400 for a chemical fire engine, and $100 for an extension lad- der. Each proposition was carried at the polls. On April 18, 1910, the Board took a recess to witness a demonstration of the chemical fire extinguisher purchased from the La France Chemical Fire Extinguisher at a cost of $425. The exhibition and the engine both proved to be a great success.
At a special election held July 16, a proposition to pur- chase the vacated Union School Building for $9500 to be used as a Village Hall was unanimously carried. The building is still in use and marks the civic center of the Village. Up to this time the Board meetings were held in the Fire Hall. It was felt that a long step had been taken in advance. On Nov- ember 25, 1910, Myron A. Phelps, the first Village President, and one of the original settlers and most influential citizens, died and was buried in Elmlawn Cemetery. For seven years previous to his demise he occupied the position of Sergeant-at- arms in the State Capital, Albany.
DANGEROUS GRADE CROSSING
One of the first actions taken by the newly organized Vil- lage Board on March 27, 1911, was in reference to the frequent accidents occurring at the double grade crossing on Delaware Avenue over the tracks of the D. L. &. W. R. R. and Erie Rail- road. The death of a young lad at that place had recently oc- curred. In the strongest language possible the matter was laid before the Public Service Commission. Two years later (1913) the present subways were completed and, as is always the case,
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the public wondered how the old order of things was endured so long. It is to Kenmore that the credit belongs for the im- provement.
ELECTRICITY AND POLITICS
On June 3, 1912, the Buffalo General Electric Company was granted permission to operate for distribution of electricity for light, heat, and power in Kenmore. Its use soon became general and "gas mantles" became obsolete. There was how- ever, another kind of "gas" that came into general use at this time, and people began to "step on it". Repeated warnings were issued against "speeding" through the village.
The great American. amusement of politics was carried on with much zeal by rival factions at this time, and the Village Hall was freely granted both sides for "Rallies" which drew capacity crowds. Whatever the result of the election the Vil- lage continued to grow. The differences more particularly concerned administrative policy than anything else. It is to Kenmore's credit that the people were deeply interested in the problems of self-government. They got out to vote and kept posted in civic affairs.
THE "KENMORE ECHO"
The "Greater Kenmore" party which had been in power for several years made a great effort to retain leadership, prid- ing themselves on the condition of the village under their ad- ministration. For two years the "Kenmore Echo", the organ of the party, was published by W. G. Ruddle at the "The Printery" on West Hazeltine Avenue. With the victory rest- ing upon the "Good Government" banners the paper ceased publication.
THE TRIANGLE
It does not seem credible that in the year 1913 a proposi- tion was carried at the polls to purchase the triangle plot of land in front of the Village Hall for the paltry sum of $55. Or at least that portion of it which was not included in the original site of the Public School Building, now the Village Hall, and lying between Old Delaware Road and Delaware Avenue. This beautiful plot of land now adorned with the captured cannon, old fire bell in its kiosk, and World War Memorial could not be purchased now for a hundred times that sum. It is comparable only to the purchase of Manhattan Island by the Dutch from the Indians for "The value of sixty guilders", about twenty-four dollars gold.
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KENMORE CIVIC ASSOCIATION
For several years the Kenmore Civic Association was very active in village improvement. "Civic Week" was celebrated each year with a program of events intended to advertise, ad- vance, and improve the Village as a desirable place for homes. The churches, schools, fire department and other organiza- tions were all enlisted to provide entertainment and public exercises. The celebration was always a success. Buttons with "K. C. A .- Boost, Build, Boom Kenmore" were worn. "Stickers" for the backs of letters, and an illustrated booklet "Kenmore, Buffalo's Home Suburb" were distributed and mail- ed to other places.
THE "KENMORE NEWS"
The "Kenmore News" owned and edited by Ray D. French, was the official paper of the village, and Town of Tonawanda in 1912, and was published on the first Thursday of each month. Mr. French was the cashier of the State Bank of Ken- more at the opening of that institution. The "News" was bought by the "Kenmore Record". Mr. French moved to Cali- fornia and died in Los Angeles, November 27, 1922. His life motto was "For Others".
PRE-VOLSTEAD PRICES
In the "Kenmore Echo" of March 17, 1913 (note the date) appeared an advertisement of a "Family Liquor Store, W. W. Mang, Proprietor", in which was offered "Meadville Rye, 25 cents per bottle"; "California Port Wine, 25 cents per bottle"; "Duffy's Malt Whiskey, 85 cents per bottle"; "Delivered at your Door". S. Varga charged 85 cents for "Men's Sewed Soles"; Haircuts were 25 cents, and shaving 10 cents. Such were pre-war prices.
Toward the close of the year 1916 an appeal was made to the U. S. Post Office authorities for the free delivery of mail in the village which was granted a few months later, the car- riers starting from Station H, Main Street, Buffalo.
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT
The estimated village tax in 1915 was $25,761.09. The pro- position for removal of ashes, garbage and rubbish $1200. The Village Board was composed of Matthew D. Young, President ; Trustees, F. D. Booth, W. B. Smith, A. E. Seipp, C. J. J. Sea- man; Treasurer, R. A. Toms; Collector, Andrew S. Walker; Sup't Public Works, Fred Ebling; Chief of Police, Albert F. Pallow; Clerk, E. W. Johnson. As a study in comparative
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prices, "bids for 25 tons of coal delivered at the Fire Hall were received at $6.25 and $6.30 per ton".
THE "KENMORE RECORD"
The first issue of the "Kenmore Record" appeared as a four page weekly on February 3, 1916, A. L. Brainard editor and proprietor. Mr. Brainard was considered one of the best news- paper reporters in Buffalo. The "Record" filled the want of the growing Kenmore field at once and soon outgrew its in- fant clothes appearing in larger form. In size it has kept pace with the growth of the village. In politics it is independent. In the year 1922, William B. Smith bought a half interest in the Kenmore Record which was incorporated in the same year. W. B. Smith was elected president and A. L. Brainard treasurer. The first issue in the new plant was an eight page paper with a circulation of one thousand; it is now printing a sixteen page paper and has a circulation of twenty-seven hundred. The special features are of great interest to all classes of readers. It is now printed in its own plant at 11 LaSalle Avenue.
SILVER JUBILEE
The Silver Jubilee of the Methodist Episcopal Church was celebrated in February 1916 while the Rev. Fred'k S. Park- hurst Ph.D. was pastor. Extensive interior improvements were made during the summer. Dr. Parkhurst retired from the ac- tive ministry in October 1916, having served the church four years, and became a permanent resident in the Village taking up general insurance work and writing. He was appointed Local Historian of Kenmore and Tonawanda by the State Univ- ersity in 1919.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
One of the last, and perhaps the greatest achievements of the Kenmore Civic Association was the founding of the Ken- more Public Library. It was a noteworthy achievement and a lasting monument of what can be accomplished by united, per- severing effort. The Library was opened on July 4, 1916 in the Village Hall with public exercises. Eleven hundred books donated at the start. On April 7, 1924, after being a depend- ent tenant in the Village Hall, with the exception of a year in the "Y. W.", the Trustees purchased the property in Mang Avenue, which was opened for library purposes on May 17. At
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a special taxpayers vote on July 7, the sum of $6000 was ap- propriated and the library became the property of the Village. The transfer was signed by the Village authorities on January 3, 1925. An inventory included 2659 books valued at $1,315, furniture $500, building $8000, cash in bank $578.30, Total $10.393.30, for which the taxpayers paid $6000. The Library is now in a growing and flourishing condition.
NO "EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE"
In order that there should be no "East" and "West" side in Kenmore, the streets so designated were re-named. On the east side of Delaware Avenue; East Tremaine Avenue, and East LaSalle Avenue, were re-named respectively Parkwood Avenue, and Euclid Avenue. There are no "Streets" in Ken- more. All thoroughfares are either Avenues, Roads, or Boule- vards. Thus we escape being a "Main Street" town.
Mr. J. B. Rickert long identified as a prominent citizen and builder, died February 12, 1916.
During the summer an addition of twelve rooms was made to the High School at a cost of $46,000.
Rev. C. W. Winchester, D. D., a retired Methodist Episco- pal clergyman died March 24, 1916. He was distinguished as an author and lecturer, and was a property owner in the Vil- lage for many years.
Village President Young appointed April 8 as "Tag Day" to raise funds for the destitute in the War Zone. The Fred B. Eberhardt home on Delaware Avenue was sold to the Wheel Chair Home for $17,400 and was occupied on May 1.
Mrs. Frances E. A. Zimmerman, widow of James B. Zim- merman, one of Erie County's most popular residents and Su- pervisor of Tonawanda, died on May 13. Mrs. Zimmerman was an old resident and greatly beloved by a wide circle of friends. She was active in church and temperance work. Both at this time, and at the death of Mr. Zimmerman which oc- curred May 18, 1894, a gloom of sadness was thrown over the entire village. Mr. Zimmerman was an ardent Democrat in politics, and during his lifetime held various official positions in Erie County. He was a Free Mason, and an ardent worker and liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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CHAPTER FIVE Kenmore In The World War
HOME DEFENSE RESERVE
April 6, 1917, The American Congress declared the exis- tence of a state of war with Germany. In common with all parts of our country the village was already aroused with interest in the struggle going on overseas. A number of our men were in the National Guard and Regular U. S. Forces. Kenmore had a number of recruits on the Mexican border in Texas. Corporal Gordon P. Gilbert, 3rd Artillery, Lieut. Harry Crosby, Lieut. Lyman Shaw, and Privates Peel, Raeder, Yochum, Bleyle, Davis, Westfield, Warren and Berger were with the colors before war was declared.
On June 12, in response to the call of the Governor for a reserve National Guard, the 195th Company, 4th Brigade, Home Defense Reserve was organized in Kenmore at the Vil- lage Hall. A firing squad from the 74th Regiment, Buffalo, demonstrated a Lewis Machine Gun. General Edgar B. Jewett spoke on the aims of the organization. Captain Meier of the Buffalo Mounted Police formed and drilled a company of 87 men who signed the roll. The Company marched up Delaware Avenue to the city line and were dismissed. On August 21, the Company was mustered in by Major H. W. Brendel. Fifty men took the oath of service. September 4, the Company elected the following officers: Albert C. Towne, Captain; Robert L. Kimberley, 1st Lieut .; Fred C. Post, 2nd Lieut. Uniforms were provided by Erie County, and the men were armed with Marlin Rifles. Meetings of the Company were held in the Village Hall, and drill took place every Tuesday night. Frederick S. Park- hurst was appointed Sergeant, Company Clerk, and Chaplain, "Detached Service". On July 18, Captain A. C. Towne re- signed and Lieut. Roy E. Perrigo succeeded in command. Frank C. Densberger was elected Second Lieut. in place of Fred C. Post, who entered the regular service and went overseas. Paul Condrell presented the Company with a silk flag 6 x 9 fringed with gold. The Company went into camp over Labor Day at Wheatfield Farm, on the banks of the Niagara River near LaSalle. Sunday September 1, Field Day services were held by Chaplain Parkhurst who led the singing and delivered an ad- dress.
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Mr. Condrell who came from Greece when fifteen years of age and was exempt from the draft, having only taken out his first citizenship papers waived his claim saying, "I am glad to recognize the United States as my country, and am willing to do anything that Uncle Sam may want me to do." Three bar- rels of fruit pits used for making carbon gas masks were col- lected in September 1918. The Company took an active part in the several Liberty Loan drives and Red Cross work. The Kenmore Fife and Drum Corps was an outgrowth of Mr. Con- drell's work in the Company. On February 25, 1919 the Com- pany was mustered out by Major Fowler of Buffalo, 31 re- ceived honorable discharges, many others having entered the regular military service. The total number belonging to the Company was 96. The "Armory" was in the Tower Room of the Village Hall. No ammunition was ever distributed, not a shot was fired. Registration for the Selective Draft in Ken- more took place on Tuesday, June 5, in the Village Hall.
LIBERTY LOANS
Kenmore went "Over the Top" in the several Liberty Loan drives. In the First Liberty Loan, $17,000 was subscribed be- ing led by Matthew D. Young, Chairman; Clarence C. Miller, Sec'y ; Otto Bleyle, A. L. Brainard, F. T. Hall, Andrew Steen and F. J. Wheeler. In the Second Liberty Loan $33,100 was subscribed led by J. M. Campion, Mrs. F. D. Booth, Chairman of the Women's Committee. In the Third Liberty Loan $58,150 was subscribed. In the Fourth Liberty Loan $93,400 was sub- scribed by the entire township of Tonawanda. In the Victory Liberty Loan floated in the summer of 1918 $71,100 was sub- scribed, an excess of $21,100. Mrs. C. L. Titus was Chairman of the Woman's Committee.
RED CROSS WORK
The Tuesday Culture Club was the first organization to take up Red Cross work in Kenmore. The club gave up their annual banquet in May 1917 using $50 to purchase a Base Hospital Bed in Buffalo No. 23, also a one man outfit $15. In June a gift of $10 was made to the Fruit Fund. In October a $6.45 welfare gift was made to the Kenmore boys in the U. S. Service. A total of 446 garments and pieces were made and given between May 4, and October 2, and for the 74th Regi- ment 113 pieces, a grand total of 559 pieces.
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KENMORE BRANCH OF RED CROSS
The Kenmore Branch of the American Red Cross was or- ganized in the Village Hall April 20, 1917 : Dr. W. J. M. Wurtz, Chairman; Mrs. C. L. Titus, Vice Chairman; Mrs. H. Haas, Recording Sec'y .; Miss B. A. Myers, Cor. Sec'y .; Mrs. Louis Neustadter, Treas .; Committees on Ways and Means, Program, Press, Work, Membership, Amusements, Clubs, and Churches were appointed. The workroom was in the Kenmore High School, excepting six weeks in the winter of 1917-1918, when three meetings a week were held in the home of Dr. H. T. Gal- lager on account of coal shortage.
During the first year the following output was made: Sur- gical Dressings, 23,760; Knitting, 757; Garments, 1556; Money raised, $1251.91; Extras, $326.89; Total, $1578.80. All materials were supplied by the Buffalo Chapter. During 1918 the same officers served with the exception that Miss B. A. Myers was elected Vice President. $3128.11 was contributed to the Second Red Cross War Fund, the quota being $2000. 138 meetings were held. The following work was done: Gar- ments, 2383; Surgical Dressings, 14,708; Knitting, 782; 196 magazines and books were sent to the Soldiers' Camp in Elm- wood Avenue, Buffalo. 2250 pounds of clothing for refugees in Europe. Money received, $1049.13 which was paid to Civi- lian Relief; Regular Funds $326.18.
After the armistice the Kenmore Branch continued to "carry on" during 1919 sewing for the refugees, peace pro- grams, and home nursing. Kenmore was one of the first in Erie County to engage a Red Cross Public Health Nurse. This wonderful record does not cover all the work done and money spent by the organization. Many of our citizens worked and subscribed through the Buffalo Chapter. This was true also in a general way during the war. The majority of our people work in Buffalo and belong to various social, fraternal, and benevolent organizations in that city, and also patronize Buffalo banks, and places of amusements. The Buffalo record shows that subscriptions and work were given that did not pass through the Kenmore organizations. Kenmore "carried on" up to the limit and beyond during the war.
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