USA > New York > Erie County > Kenmore > History of Kenmore. Erie County, New York > Part 4
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IN U. S. SERVICE
Capt. Henry A. Brown reported for duty at the Rock Island, Ill., Arsenal on June 12th. Henry Hider a yeoman in the navy was appointed Stenographer on the staff of Admiral Sims. Howard Dobson received the appointment of radio
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operator, and Willard Dobson to hospital service. Capt. D. W. Bailey, a pioneer citizen and member of the G. A. R. died July 15th, 1918, aged 82. The new fire alarm system for the village was completed and in use September 25th, 1918.
PEACE AND WAR
The first mail delivered by carriers went into effect April 1st, 1918 from Station H. Buffalo. Rev. Dr. C. H. Norris died May 3rd, 1918. Dr. Norris was a prominent member of the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 36 years. His seven years of retirement from effective service were spent in Kenmore. The L. P. A. Eberhardt property at Delaware Avenue and West Hazeltine Avenue was purchased by the War Council of the Y. W. C. A. and an addition built for a Cafeteria. The institution housed twenty-five girls engaged in war work. Thus passed into semi-public use the two brown stone residences at the entrance to Kenmore from the south, built in 1893-4. The fire-proof vault addition was built adjoining the village hall in November at a cost of $4000.
CURTISS AEROPLANE COMPANY
During the war Kenmore felt the benefit of the Curtiss Aeroplane Company, which operated the world's largest aeroplane factory. The testing grounds occupied thirty acres on Elmwood Avenue and Military Road, partly within the village limits. Kenmore provided homes for many of the workmen.
On May 29th, Milton Brounshidle and Irwin Brounshidle, Romaine Heald, Fred C. Post, and William F. Thorn left for Camp Dix.
THE HONORED DEAD
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Lieutenant Harry E. Crosby, formerly of the 74th Regiment and later of company K, 108th Regiment was killed going "over the top" at the head of his men in Bony, France, on Setember 29th, 1918. Milton J. Brounshidle made the "supreme sacrifice" at St. Mihiel, France, September 28th, 1918. Lambert J. Keller laid down his life for his country in the Argonne drive, October 2nd, 1918. Winfield B. Kimmins fell at Champagne, France, October 6th, 1918. Frederick B. Eberhardt Jr., died at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station January 20th, 1919. Joseph Leo Byrnes died at Tours, France, February 5th, 1919. J. Owen Fisher died at Coblenz, Germany, March 1st, 1919.
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THE MEMORIAL TABLET
"In memory of those who gave their lives in the great world war," a Memorial Tablet in memory of those who fell in the great struggle was unveiled on Memorial Day May 30th, 1920 on the lawn in front of the village hall, one of the most conspicuous locations in Kenmore. The ceremony was of a military character in charge of Brounshidle Post No. 205. City Judge Patrick J. Keeler of Buffalo who served as Captain in the 106th Artillery in France delivered the address. Rev. Dr. F. Hyatt Smith, of the Presbyterian Church made the in-
vocation. Dr. Walter J. M. Wurtz, Chairman of the com- mittee to procure funds and erect the tablet made the presen- tation. Arthur R. Atkinson, President of the Village accepted the tablet in behalf of the Town of Tonawanda. Captain Henry A. Brown, U. S. Engineers, of the American Legion removed the flag which covered the bronze tablet. The Rev. Arthur Partington of the Methodist Episcopal Church offered a prayer for the repose of the dead. The Rev. Father Bank of St. Paul's Parish offered the closing prayer.
The monument is of solid rough-faced granite, six feet in height, three feet nine inches in width, and two feet eight inches in depth, a lasting memorial to the boys who never re- turned from the war.
AFTER THE WORLD STRUGGLE
Similar psychological effects followed the great world war that were experienced in common with the rest of the country and the world. A reaction followed the strain under which the people had been working. A letting loose of pent-up feelings; a freedom from restraint, a prodigality of spending, a questioning of old accepted standards in ethics and religion, a larger independence in the attitude of women in regard to dress, industrial life and politics. The propinquity of Buffalo to Kenmore naturally affected the daily life of our village in all the expressions of thought and action. Yet during the progress of the war the affairs of the village under the adminis- tration of Matthew D. Young, and Arthur R. Aatkinson went on, so far as improvement and orderliness were concerned, with regularity and tranquility.
THE VILLAGE LOCKUP
In July 1919 the Commissioner of Prisons ordered the village lockup closed within ninety days, because it was below the required standard fixed by the State. In September an extension of time was asked by the village until January 1st,
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1920. Meanwhile it was decided to remove the "Cages" from the Fire Hall and turn the matter of incarceration of prisoners over to the town authorities. Thereafter those under detention were kept in the Tonawanda Police Headquarters in the old Laundry Building which was purchased, located on Delaware Avenue at Norway Street.
RE-PAVING DELAWARE AVENUE
The brick pavement on Delaware Avenue went to pieces under the heavy truck traffic and a new pavement of concrete was laid during the summer of 1919. Bonds were issued in the amount of $8500.00 to meet the expense apportioned to the Village. Transfers were given on No. 9 Street Cars to our residents and the public who lived on Delaware Avenue and streets adjacent thereto as far as the north village line.
SHELTER WANTED
The outskirts of any city are always the last to receive the improvements accorded the thickly populated sections. This is naturally the case. Witness the fact in the condition of South Eugene Avenue at the Buffalo city line, also Virgil Avenue and Kenmore Avenue, both east and west. Attention was called by the Village to the Buffalo International Railway terminus at Elmwood Avenue and Hinman Street where passengers must wait in all kinds of weather without shelter. Like conditions have existed at other points since the founding of the village. The people of our progressive village have certainly been numbered among the "long suffering public" in matters of public transportation.
COAL SHORTAGE
The coal situation was very acute in 1920. A committee was appointed by the Village Board to try and regulate the supply and demand. Two cars of forty-five tons each were secured by Mang & Ebling, and L. Spring & Sons. One ton lots were sold to a customer, after inspection of the coal bin, and on order of the Coal Committee. Nor were these periodic privations to see an end at the close of this struggle in our economic life. "The worst was yet to come" during the winter of 1925-1926. Kenmore co-operated with the Bureau of Fuel Administration.
Arthur R. Atkinson retired as President of the Village on March 21st, 1921. On surrendering the position to Walter Ducker, President elect, he gave a resume of his experiences thanking his co-laborers and the public for their co-operation
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and congratulating Mr. Ducker on his incumbency. Frank C. Moore was re-appointed Village Clerk.
ZONING ORDINANCE
With the rapid growth of the Village the question of re- striction in the location and kind of buildings erected was inevitable. This became necessary in order to prevent deter- ioration of property values, the invasion of purely residential sections by business concerns, and the erection of cheap and unsightly dwellings. In 1922 a committee was appointed by the Village Board. Henry C. Premus and the Village Attorney Fred J. Blackmon, and later Frank C. Moore rendered invalu- able aid in this direction. "The Village Beautiful" must be watched with eternal vigilance in order to retain its beauty. Unsightly bill boards, "hot dog" stands, uneven sidewalks, accumulation of rubbish left by careless contractors, the erection of signs, placing of telephone poles, unnecessary re- moval of shade trees, as well as parking of automobiles, street names and numbers must be carefully watched in order to preserve the neatness and ornamental appearance of the Village. The intrusion and carelessness of a few should not destroy the caution and artistic taste of the many.
STREET NAMES
It was learned in 1923 that twenty-eight streets in Ken- more duplicated the names of streets in Buffalo and as Ken- more's mail is delivered from Buffalo numerous complaints of mail delivery were made. This would be provided against if Kenmore had a postoffice, which it should have. However, to conform to the wishes of the postoffice department, the names of several streets were changed on suggestion of Presi- dent Walter Ducker of the Village and in naming new streets the custom of choosing the names of prominent deceased citizens is commendable. The community spirit is alive in our village. A common interest is recognized by our citizens. This is necessary for orderly government and invaluable as an asset.
"STEP ON IT"
In the Revolutionary War John Marshall led a company of soldiers armed with flintlock guns, and Franklin worked at night by the light of tallow "dips." Our grandfathers used ox teams for farm work and road travel. Even when horses superseded as a means of rapid transit six miles an hour, or fifty miles a day was "going some." But in the year of grace
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1921 the speed limit for motor vehicles passing through our village was limited to "twenty miles an hour." Infractions of the law led to a fine of $50. Kenmore became a "Speed Trap," so motorists said. How to safe-guard pedestrians and at the same time prevent traffic congestion on Delaware Avenue is a problem that may be partly solved by widening our main artery of travel.
ECHOES OF THE WAR
In 1922 the American Legion having acquired a naval gun which did service on the Von Steuben in the German navy during the world war, permission was asked to place it on the triangle village green which was granted. The trophy is not only an interesting relic, but provides any amount of amusement to school boys who take a sight along the barrel, manipulate the gears and shoot down imaginary enemies.
The street connecting Elmwood Avenue and Military Road near the west end of LaSalle Avenue, was designated "Keller Avenue," in honor of Lambert Keller who made the "supreme sacrifice" in France during the world war.
On March 6th, 1922 the Village Tax Budget was $68,676.34
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"A Village of Attractive Homes"
CHAPTER SIX
Progress and Silver Jubilee
Kenmore's progress in 1924 surpassed any other year since the founding of the village. 787 building permits were issued involving an estimated cost of $3,007,962. Bonds were issued for $150,000 for water extension, and $126,000 for gas mains. Kenmore at this time was one of the most rapidly growing villages in the country. The population touched the 6500 mark. Mail was now received from Hertel Station, Buffalo, and distributed in the village by seven carriers. The demand for a Post Office in Kenmore was revived. The Delaware Avenue motor bus service to Buffalo with an eight minute schedule was started on November 27th. A seven year con- tract was made between the Village and the Republic Light, Heat, and Power Company for gas supply. Large mains from Tonawanda with feed lines east and west from the Village Hall were laid.
SILVER JUBILEE
The outstanding event of 1924 was the Silver Jubilee Celebration commemorating the quarter century from the in- corporation of the Village, which took place August 3rd-9th. Sunday was called "Church Day." Special services were held in all the churches during the morning. In the evening Hon. Daniel A. Reed of Dunkirk, N. Y. addressed a mass meeting in the spacious auditorium of the new High School.
Monday was "Rotary Day" and "Boy Scout Day" and was ushered in with aerial bombs and siren whistle and closed with a fine display of fireworks. A program of sports and events by the Boy Scouts took place in the afternoon. The streets and business places were gaily decorated. Bolton's Band of 35 pieces played every afternoon on the village green and for dancing at the large pavilion corner of Delaware Avenue and Westgate Avenue where now stands the artistic "Circle Building" containing ten stores. Tuesday was "Ladies Day." A luncheon was served under the auspices of the League of Women Voters with a program and noted women speakers from the county and state. Wednesday was "Fire- men's Day." A parade in which the several organizations of
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fire-fighters, with the village apparatus took part, and of which the village has always been justly proud, called forth exclama- tions of pleasure and rounds of applause. The Village officials and celebration committees took part in the imposing parade. Athletic events occupied the afternoon, dancing and the "Mid- way" the evening. Thursday, "Children's Day" was marked with a unique event-a "Baby Contest." The first prize was awarded baby William Hutchison the 10 month and one week old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hutchison of Kinsey Avenue, weight 20 pounds five ounces, general appearance and health 100%. Kenmore, unlike many older villages in Western New York which have "gone to seed," is blessed with many child- ren, being populated with young married folks owning their own homes. A free Baby Clinic is held every week in the Y. W. C. A. and baby carriages have the right of way on the sidewalks. Friday was given over to the politicians, "Politi- cians' Day." On such an occasion Kenmore is right at home. A large crowd of people were drawn from all over the county. District Attorney Guy B. Moore, and Hon. James M. Mead, Member of Congress were the speakers of the day.
Saturday, the closing day, brought the celebration to a grand climax. A wonderful pageant "The Past, Present, and Future of Kenmore" in which was featured the history and community spirit with elaborate floats, together with various societies and organizations made a sight well worth the time, effort and money expended.
The celebration drew wide attention to the growth and advantages of Kenmore as a desirable residential section. It was a big success from every standpoint and reflected great credit on the various committees as a reward for their arduous work. "Kenmore, Let's Go" was the slogan. The Village appropriated $1000 for advertising. 20,000 copies of an elaborate and artistic booklet were distributed. Frank C. Moore was the chairman of the general committee; Walter Ducker, vice chairman; J. Fred Moore, finance; A. R. Atkin- son, speakers; Clare Rickert, athletics; E. J. W. Baldwin, con- cessions and Mrs. Jessie E. Webster, chairman ladies' day.
KENMORE'S GROWTH
In April, 1924, 225 dwellings were under construction, and 79 families moved into new homes. During the year 348 permits for new dwellings were issued; 263 gas meters were installed. A total of 514 dwellings were completed in 1924.
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The assessed valuation of village property was $7,800,00, and in 1925 had increased to $10,000,000. Robert M. Cramer one of Kenmore's pioneer home builders and an active leader in the Good Government party died in Penn Yan, N. Y., June 2nd, 1924. The village budget for 1924 was $137,060.88.
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"Kenmore, Northward the Course of Progress Takes its Way" CHAPTER SEVEN The Present Outlook 1925 - 1926
One year from the time when the "Midway" was held on Westgate Avenue, during "Jubilee" week, and the street did not have a house built upon it, there were forty completed, up-to-date dwellings. The northwest corner lot on Delaware Avenue, which at one time was sold for $5000, now had a valuation of $30,000. During April 103 families moved into the village.
DELAWARE AVENUE TO BE WIDENED
During December the Village and Town Boards united under the State Boulevard Act to widen Delaware Avenue, inside the village five feet on each side, and outside the village ten feet on each side. The low bidder for the improvement was Fred W. Knickenburg of Buffalo, at $195,800. It is estimated that 9,000 automobiles and trucks pass on Delaware Avenue every day. Uniform spun concrete lamp posts and pre-cast curbing will be included. When completed Delaware Avenue will be one of the finest streets in any village in the state.
THE KENMORE THEATRE
The Kenmore Theatre was built during the year 1925 and opened January 30th, 1926. The building fronts on Delaware Avenue, from Landers Road to Chapel Road. It contains 16 stores, a large hall, and bowling alleys. The theatre proper seats 1600 people and is owned and controlled by Kenmore men, costing $300,000. The people of Kenmore now have one of the finest motion picture palaces in the state.
POPULATION
Careful computation at the close of 1925 showed that Ken- more had a population of 8,500 people, and was the largest village in Western New York. The population doubled in five years, 1920-1925. The growth in population since 1900 is as follows: 1905-506, 1910-1020, 1915-1700, 1920- 3160, 1925-8,500.
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BUILDING RECORD
Eight hundred sixteen new families moved into Kenmore in 1925. The total number of building permits issued during the year was 991, including 760 dwellings, 209 garages, ten stores, five stores and apartments, one bank, two churches, two apartment houses, and one laundry. The total increased valuation will be $3,306.720. Only 26 families moved out of the village.
THE WATER PROBLEM
"No question is ever settled until it is settled right" is an old time saying. In Kenmore it harks back to the "Village Pump" in 1889. The latest solution to the vexing question was suggested by H. F. Huy, general manager of the Western New York Water Company which supplies Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda. "What the Village of Kenmore needs, and needs badly," says Mr. Huy, "is a storage tank of half a million gallons capacity, to store water for emergency use at fires and during the lawn sprinkling hours during the summer." Such a tank is now being erected. This company obtains its water supply from Lake Erie, at Woodlawn, N. Y., about eight miles south of the pumping station of the City of Buffalo. Its two intake mains extend out into the lake about one mile, where a bountiful supply of pure and wholesome water is obtained. From Woodlawn the water supply is pumped to a 10,000,000 gallon, concrete lined reservoir in the Hamburg hills, from which point it is distributed by gravity throughout the entire territory supplied by the water company, through a piping system consisting of approximately two hundred miles of mains, 66% of which are 8-inch or larger in diameter. At Depew, N. Y., a second pumping station is maintained, with a reservoir in connection therewith to increase the pressure to supply Kenmore and other villages in the Company's terri- tory. A contract was let in February 1926 by the Company for the construction of a million-gallon storage tank at Cheek- towaga, N. Y., which will be completed about July 1st, 1926. It is quite probable that this will solve Kenmore's water problem for many years to come.
KENMORE RECORD
With the issue of February 6, 1926, the Kenmore Record began its eleventh year of publication.
The paper was first issued in four-page, five column form. Ten weeks later the size was enlarged to six column, and later
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to eight pages, then to a seven column page, its present form. Regular editions of the paper now contain 16 pages. The circulation each week reaches nearly 3000 copies.
The policy of the paper as the exponent of village and town news accounts for the rapid growth of the paper. The special features of school news, church, and society doings, and independent political attitude commend it to our citizenry.
DEATH OF PROMINENT PEOPLE
Lewis E. Burritt, one of Kenmore's best known and estim- able citizens died on February 8th, 1925. Mr. Burritt was the receiver of taxes and assessments. He was also a prominent Freemason, and Christian Scientist. Clarence H. Arnold died November 22nd, 1925, which sad event was followed by the death of his wife on January 11th, 1926. Mr. Arnold was connected with the New York Telephone Company. In politics he was a Democrat. Mrs. Arnold was a member of the D. A. R. also active in church work, and was for a time connected with the Kenmore Public Library. The community suffered a distinct loss in the departure of these well known people who identified themselves with the welfare of Kenmore.
The First National Bank building at the corner of Dela- ware Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard was erected during the year 1925.
Dr. Jesse R. Harris, heretofore referred to as "Ralph Harris" who drilled the "Kenmore Cadets" in 1892, died in Niagara Falls, N. Y., February 6th. He was a retired colonel of the United States army. His mother Mrs. Alice M. Harris still lives among us, one of the earliest pioneers in Kenmore.
REALTORS' DAY
Wednesday, February 10th, 1926, was "Kenmore Day" for the Buffalo Real Estate Board at a luncheon held in the Y. W. C. A. "Know your Kenmore, for it offers sound and constantly increasing real estate investments."
PARACHUTE INVENTOR
Leslie L. Irvin a Kenmore parachute inventor whose aero- plane gracefully flies over our village and has grown familiar to our citizens, sailed for England the last of January on a mission to establish factories in England for the manufacture of 'chutes. His program will keep him abroad during a part of several years.
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MASONIC LODGE
On Sunday morning February 14th, 1926, sod was turned for the new Masonic Temple on Delaware road, just north of the High School. Willard O. Tower, Master of the Master Builder Lodge No. 911 F. & A. M. presided and turned the first spade of earth. Frederick W. Claus, president of the temple association presented the spade to Mr. Tower. The emblem will undoubtedly become a valued souvenir. Chaplain Fred'k S. Parkhurst offered the prayer. Each one of the directors and members of the building committee turned a spadeful of earth. The temple will face Delaware avenue through Chapel Road having a fine location. The building will cost about $70,444 and will be of light buff brick with stone trimming and will be fire proof. In dimension it will be 95 feet front and 155 feet long containing rooms for all lodge purposes and will be an ornament to the village. The corner stone was laid with impressive ceremonies by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York on Saturday, April 10th, William A. Rowan of Nyack, N. Y., Grand Master.
NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
An important event in the history of our village took place on Sunday, February 14th, 1926, when the new Presbyterian Church was dedicated. Probably the largest assembly of people ever gathered together in our village for a special occasion thronged the auditorium and balcony which together seat 1100 people, chairs also were requisite to seat all who came. The Rev. Arnold W. Fismer, Ph. D., D. D., professor of church history in the Bloomfield Theological Seminary, Bloomfield, N. J. delivered the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Dr. F. Hyatt Smith a former pastor, now retired and living in Williamsville, N. Y., gave the address in the evening. On Washington's Birthday the spacious edifice was again thronged at 3 P. M. and 8 P. M. to hear the famous evangelist "Billy" Sunday. At the same hour in the evening about 900 people attended a play given under the auspices of the Brounshidle Post, American Legion, in the high school auditorium and a large attendance was enjoyed at the Kenmore Theatre impressing our citizens with Kenmore's rapid growth in population.
REPUBLICAN CAUCUS
A caucus of the affiliated Republican voters of the village was called by John C. Hider general committeeman for Feb-
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ruary 20th, at which nominations were made for the offices of village president, two trustees, and police justice. Following the caucus the executive committee designated for these offices Roy R. Brockett, president; Charles M. Epes and Albert A. Beutter, trustees; Charles L. Titus, judge. Trustees Willis H. Hall and Charles J. J. Seaman who were denied re-nomina- tion by the committee announced themselves candidates for nomination before the caucus and were supported by a large number of persons. Following this announcement and getting the drift of public sentiment Mr. Epes and Mr. Dearing with- drew from the contest before the caucus. The result of the caucus was as follows: Roy R. Brockett, president; Willis H. Hall, trustee; Charles J. J. Seaman, trustee; Charles L. Titus, justice of the peace. The vote was as follows: For president, Brockett 509, Charles C. Dearing 2; for trustee, Hall 458, Seaman 400, Beutter 209; for justice, Titus 470, Charles H. Pratt 1, William Loncto 1. The result was a re- nomination of Brockett, Hall, Seaman and Titus. Harry A. Epsten circulated a petition and placed his name before the people for justice at the election held March 16th and later withdrew from the field. Mr. Beutter remained as a candidate for trustee supported by the Civic Committee.
NEW TOWN HALL
The proposition made by the Milton J. Brounshidle Post of the American Legion during the year 1925, to build a town memorial hall to combine public offices and a meeting place for the Post was again revived and favored by the town and village officials. The suggestion was made that the village sell the present fire hall property and use the proceeds to help defray the cost of the building. The General Municipal law authorizes the issue of bonds for such purposes.
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