USA > New York > Erie County > Kenmore > History of Kenmore. Erie County, New York > Part 5
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ANNEXATION
The annexation question like Banquo's ghost in Macbeth will not "down." In 1894 annexation was one of the live questions in Kenmore and had the support of the Kenmore Business Mens' Association. At that time a Buffalo newspaper said "Kenmore should be a part of Buffalo. The result is inevitable." Now, thirty-two years later, both the village board and the town board are emphatically opposed to the project, a bill having recently been introduced in the legisla- ture by a Buffalo member of that body. The reasons favoring annexation in 1894 were the likelihood of getting better sewer-
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age, water, light, fire protection, and pavements which the infant village badly needed at that time and did not have the taxable property to pay for them. Now the village has these advantages and considers itself in a better condition financially and politically than Buffalo; better able to manage its own affairs as a rapidly growing community of eight thousand souls. It may be "inevitable" that some day we will become a part of greater Buffalo, nevertheless all forces are united to prevent such a consummation at this time. The community spirit has been strong from the beginning in Kenmore and would be destroyed by annexation.
VILLAGE BUDGET
As an interesting comparison in growth, Kenmore budget in 1915 was $25,761.09, in 1926 $258,061.63 and the tax rate a little over $16.00 per thousand. The monies received and disbursed during 1925 by the receiver of taxes and assessments was $2,131,924.75. The tentative village budget for the year 1926 was $258,061.63, or $50,000.00 greater than in 1925. Eighty-four new families moved into Kenmore during January and February 1926 and building permits keep up a steady advance.
VILLAGE ELECTION
The second largest vote in the history of the village was cast at the village election held March 16th, 1926, at which 1196 people voted. The entire republican ticket was re- elected. Roy R. Brockett, President; Willis H. Hall and Charles J. J. Seaman, Trustees; Charles L. Titus, Police Justice. On March 22nd the following officials were re- appointed : Village Clerk, Walter Ducker; Village Engineer, Vernon Eager; Village Attorneys, Blackmon & Moore; Super- intendent Public Works, Henry Schunk; Electrical Engineer, Arthur P. H. Saul; Chief of Police, Clarence Yochum; Police Officers, Alfred W. Bleyle, Harry D. Brounshidle, Miner Wildey, Frank V. Schultz, Thomas DeGuehrey, Edward Schultz, Archie B. Kirkwood, W. Carlysle Johnson. Special Officers: Arthur Burke, Thomas Costello, Bruce Miller, Victor F. Moreland Charles Weiss, Walter Ducker. Constables : John Yochum, Henry Schunk, Albert Drews. Special Fire Police: (Members of the American Legion, Brounshidle Post) Robert K. House, Leonard Sipperley, Ray Grant, O. C. Keener, W. T. Burlingame, Dr. Richard R. Holbrook.
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POST OFFICE
In response to local agitation, particularly through the tax- payers association, the Department at Washington considered the proposal and decided to establish a station to be known as the Kenmore Station. Sealed proposals for suitable quarters were called for up to April 3rd, the lease to be for five to ten years and floor space to be 800 square feet. Carrier service will still be from Hertel Station, Buffalo, but the increasing population and expanding territory occupied by homes and business concerns will undoubtedly bring carrier service from our own Station.
WORLD FAMOUS VISITOR
Tuesday, March, 30th, the world famous, deaf-blind woman Helen Keller, addressed a large audience in the Ken- more High School auditorium. She was accompanied and assisted by her life-long friend and teacher Anne Sullivan Macy, and Edwin Grasse, the eminent blind violinist. Mr. Frank C. Densberger, Superintendent of Schools presided and Miss Katherine L. Busch at the piano. The arrangements were under the supervision of the Kenmore Committee of the Ameri- can Foundation for the Blind.
BASKETBALL
The Kenmore High School basketball team came within two points of winning the State Championship in the elimina- tion contest at Syracuse, N. Y., March 25th-27th. Of the final game, Carl Burkhardt, physical director of the Buffalo Public Schools said, "The most wonderful basketball ever played by a High School team in a state tournament." Several hundred citizens went to see the contest and cheer on the com- batants. No event of recent years so stirred the village which was advertised by this competition in athletics. The team was honored by the State Athletic Association with a silver cup inscribed "Runner-up, Public High School Basketball Champ- ionship 1926."
NECROLOGY
The Rev. Charles L. Rhoades died March 31st. Born May 13th, 1849, he was a practicing lawyer before entering the ministry. During his later years he lived a retired life in Ken- more. Mrs. Emily M. Russell, wife of Alfred Russell, vice president of the Rowland Corporation, died on March 26th, Mrs. Russell had lived in Kenmore for many years and was a
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prominent member of the Eastern Star Lodge. Mrs. Louis Myers who had lived in Kenmore for 18 years died on March 26th. Mrs. Emma C. McClelland, wife of Dr. F. E. McClelland died March 26th, after a brief illness leaving four small child- ren. M. Frank Anderson, a resident of Kenmore for 16 years died on March 27th, aged 79 years. Mr. Anderson was at one time special police officer but was living a retired life.
TAX RATE FOR 1926
The village tax rate officially adopted for the year 1926 was fixed at $16.87 per thousand, a reduction of $2.13 per thousand from the 1925 rate. This was brought about by the adoption of the Town assessment roll, the increased valuation of new buildings constructed in 1925, and the increased valua- tion of vacant property on vacant streets. The budget for the year 1926 totals $258,061.62. It is thought that the peak of expenditures in the village has been reached, and that from now on the tax rate should grow less, as the improved streets are built up.
CONTINUED GROWTH
During March, 1926, fifty-one new families moved into the village and only two families moved out, a gain of forty-nine families, which means a gain of about two hundred in popula- tion. Two hundred and fifty houses are in course of construction.
GOLDEN WEDDING
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Love celebrated the fiftieth anni- versary of their marriage on Saturday, April 24. Mr. Love is living in retirement after serving fifty-one years as a machinist. He came to Kenmore in the late 90's and has seen the growth of the village since it was but a small hamlet.
Kenmore's quota in the Community Fund Drive was $3,806. Kenmore Y. W. C. A. will receive $6,000 of the fund and the Wheel Chair Home $26,261.
BOYS' WEEK
Harking back to the early 90's when First Lieutenant Jesse R. Harris, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A., organized and drilled the "Kenmore Cadets," the people of Kenmore have believed that the formation of character in youth is the most important, valuable, and lasting work that can be done for the upbuilding of a community. During our entire history we have devoted
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much time and thought to this end.
One of the notable events of the year was the observance of Boys' Week May 2nd-9th. The local observance was sponsored by the Kenmore Rotary Club in co-operation with the churches, schools, and various civic organizations. Each day of the week was filled with exercises and entertainments calculated to inform, instruct and entertain the large number of boys in the community. Frank C. Moore, chairman, William Harper, Judge E. A. Jones andDr. W. H. Jones arranged for the celebration. Boys took charge of the service in the Church of the Advent, Episcopal, in everything but the sermon. They presided at the regular Rotary Club, Village Board, Board of Education and Town Board, astonishing their elders with ability and expression of ideas on matters of public interest. It was valuable training in citizenship.
KENMORE'S GROWTH
During April 118 new families moved into the village which is an advance over the same period in 1925. Many houses are in process of erection showing that there will be no diminishing in the rapid growth of the village.
DEATH OF OLD RESIDENT
Frank A. Bussey who had been in the employ of the Ameri- can Radiator Company for 32 years and a resident of Ken- more for 19 years died on May 5th. With his wife Mrs. Grace G. S. Bussey, they were prominent in church work and social functions.
The issue of the Kenmore Record for Thursday, April 29th was 2600 copies of 16 pages showing a remarkable growth in circulation in the past few years and warrants a semi-weekly edition. The Record serves the town of Tonawanda, Kenil- worth, Ellwood, Riverside besides the village of Kenmore featuring the schools and various organizations in the territory, also officially represents the village and town administration.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Early in the spring of 1922 Matthew D. Young, C. D. Blair, Edward T. Danahy, Harold V. Cook and Charles D. Warren conceived the idea of organizing a National Bank in Kenmore. The prepared plans were approved by the Comptroller of Currency at Washington. The original capital was $65,000. Business was first transacted in the brick block corner of Delaware Avenue and Warren Avenue, in what was formerly
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a grocery store. The doors were opened May 27th, 1922. In the fall of 1924 the bank took over the entire ground floor of the building, so rapidly did the business increase. Plans for a new bank building were drawn up in 1925. On Saturday, May 15th, the new edifice was ready for occupancy and form- ally opened to the public. Situate at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Lincoln Boulevard, and in architectural design and interior finish nothing was left to be desired. In location and appearance any city might be proud of such a financial institution which demonstrates the ability and spirit of Ken- more men.
FOR CHARITY
The annual drive for the United Charities subscription during the first week in May went over the quota of $3,311. Pledges amounting to $3,695 were received. While this was properly a city of Buffalo movement, yet the Wheel Chair Home, Y. W. C. A. and Boy Scouts of Kenmore will receive more than this amount from the total fund.
AUTOMOBILE TRAGEDY
The very unusual occurrence of two double funerals on following days, May 26th and 27th greatly impressed the people with the dangers of automobile travel. The instant death of Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Moffett and Mr. and Mrs. Willis G. Osmansky was the result of a grade crossing accident on Sunday May 23rd as they were turning from the River Road into the Ward Road at the New York Central Railroad crossing. Only the daughter Miss Kathryn Moffett who was one of the party returning from Niagara Falls survived the crash, being seriously injured. A fifth resident of the village Miss Kathleen Fairbank was killed in an automobile accident while returning from Lockport on May 21st. Two young men were also killed in the same accident. The danger of sudden death, unless extreme caution is exercised, is apparent to all who use the streets.
MEMORIAL DAY
The observance of Memorial Day on Monday May 31st was on a larger scale than ever before in Kenmore. As the fleeting years remove us farther away from the great World War it is evident that "Lest We Forget" is sinking deeper and deeper into the consciousness of the people. The American Legion Post had charge of the parade and public exercises which in
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every way reflected the patriotism and unselfishness of its members as they honored the memory of the American soldiers and sailors.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
At the close of the school year tabulated reports are pub- lished showing that it costs about $70 annually for each child receiving an education in our village. A steadily increasing enrollment marks the increasing population. High standards and efficient administration of schools is an attraction to those with children seeking homes in Kenmore. Admirable location, school advantages, church influence, enterprising realtors and builders, and clean village government all insure a wonderful future growth of our coming city.
The remarkable growth of the Kenmore Public Library is also a striking evidence of far reaching import in the character of our citizenship. A gain of 200 borrowers during the year and the class of books borrowed indicates a healthy discern- ment on the part of the inhabitants. A good library benefits all the people of the community.
With all these good influences which promote intelligence and enrich life, the social, business, religious and educational life of our village is a credit and example. A people who care nothing for these things will never prosper, but with them intelligent progress and prosperity is assured.
This brings us to the close of the 37th year of Kenmore's settlement, and the 27th year of incorporated existence. The year 1926 marks the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, by which the Province of New York became a free state. We are a constituent part of the great commonwealth, which on July 9th, 1776, in Provincial Convention assembled in New York city unanimously approved the Declaration. Kenmore at that time, like nearly all western New York, was uninhabited, save by Indian tribes roaming the forests and walking the trails along the Niagara frontier, dis- puting the advance of the white man. A few descendents of these aborigines remain within our state and have appeared in Kenmore on different occasions, clad in native costume and reciting in song and story the manners and customs of their ancestors, thus linking the past with the present. History is obscured by time. We are fortunate in being able to record the settlement, growth and progress of our village, which, in another 150 years, A. D. 2076, will convey to the readers of
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that future day, events and conditions which took place and existed in what is now a modern village in the Empire State at the beginning of the 20th century. It requires neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet to forecast the future of Ken- more. It will become a part of a great municipality reaching from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. Probably a "Tube" will convey travelers between these points in thirty minutes, while those who prefer the air route will make the trip in half that time. The few remaining farm lands in the Tonawandas that are not already sub-divided will be covered with homes, places of business, and industrial plants. Broad avenues and beautiful parks will adorn all this section. Let us hope that the sun will then shine on a united nation, a peace-loving people, righteous, just, loyal and true.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, REV. C. H. GALL, PASTOR
The Kenmore Methodist Episcopal Church was organized February 13th, 1891 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Myron A. Phelps, corner of Delaware Avenue and Tremaine Avenue. About 50 people formed the first society. Services were held in the homes of the people until June of the same year, when through the kindness of George A. Sanborn a good sized room was provided in a store on West Kenmore Avenue. This place proving too small, the congregation moved into the old "White House" on East Kenmore Avenue, where the society remained until the basement of the present church was ready for occupancy. The first pastor was Frederick Dark, a young student who had charge of the services during the summer of 1891. On the 13th day of June 1892 ground was broken for the new edifice. The corner stone was laid by the Rev. J. E. Williams, Presiding Elder of Buffalo District. On June 4th, 1893, the church was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Sanford Hunt of New York. The following pastors succeeded Mr. Dark : Rev. Earl D. Shepard, 1892. Rev. Joseph Duxbury, 1893. In October 1893 Rev. Phineas T. Lynn took charge and remained for five years. Rev. E. C. Swartz was then appointed and remained until 1901. He was followed by Rev. Peter A. McDonald, who accepted a call to the Park Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, in January 1902 and was followed by Rev. Dr. T. H. Orme. Rev. H. H. Downey was pastor from October 1905 to October 1907. Rev. W. R. Brown took charge in 1908 and remained until 1912. The Rev. Dr. Fred'k S. Parkhurst
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was appointed in October 1912 and closed his pastorate tak- ing a "Retired Relation" in October 1916. Rev. H. A. Reed had charge from 1916 to 1918. Rev. A. Partington was the pastor from 1918 to 1922. The Rev. W. Mortimer Heisler was appointed in October 1922 remaining until 1924. The Rev. C. H. Gall became the pastor in October 1924 and is the present incumbent. The society has purchased a site on Old Delaware Road and expect soon to erect a larger and more modern structure. It has.
KENMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The history of the Kenmore Presbyterian Church is closely linked with the growth and life of Kenmore. In 1889 the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Buffalo was supporting a mission at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, which was attended by the few Presbyterians then living in Kenmore. Mr. L. P. A. Eberhardt gave the site and old church building which cost $2000 and $11,000 respec- tively to the Westminster society on condition that they would contribute one-half of the cost of maintenance which was accepted. Rev. George H. Marsh was the first regular pastor and served the church from December 4th, 1894 to February 2nd, 1897. Rev. L. Hamilton was the next pastor and died in 1899. Following his decease a call was extended to his son Rev. Charles Hamilton who was preaching in Manchester, Iowa who accepted and served the society for eight years and then went as a missionary to the Philippines. In 1907 the Rev. W. S. Carter was called to the pastorate from Rochester, N. Y., Mr. Carter resigned in November, 1912. The "Gym" hall was built by Mr. Eberhardt in 1907 at a cost of $26,000. In 1911 the church was raised off its stone piers and a basement con- taining dining rooms, kitchen, primary and kindergarten rooms were added. The main auditorium was improved and a new organ installed, also choir loft and balcony. The Rev. F. Hyatt Smith assumed charge in 1912 and remained ten years and retired to live in Williamsville, N. Y. During his pastorate the membership doubled and numbered 473. The Rev. John Richelsen of Niagara Falls, N. Y. was called in September, 1923. A campaign for members brought the membership to 562 in January, 1924. Plans were adopted in March 1924 for the present structure at an estimated cost of $65,000 and has sittings for 2000. The membership is 1,126.
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SAINT PAUL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND PARISH
The first priest who said Mass in what is now called Ken- more was the Venerable John Nepomucene Neumann, who died as Bishop of Philadelphia, Pa., in 1860. After Venerable Neumann had been ordained a priest by Bishop Dubois of New York, he came to this territory in 1836. He built a log chapel in 1836 on the same spot where the Chapel of St. John the Baptist now stands, commonly called North Bush Chapel. From here he took care of many surrounding missions, above all, of the few scattered Catholic families in our territory. Later on, priests from Williamsville and Tonawanda took care of these families. About 1868, the present St. John's Chapel was erected and Mass celebrated there. A cemetery was also founded there. For many years subsequently the Catholic families attended St. Joseph's Church, Main Street, Buffalo, also St. Francis Xavier's Church, Black Rock.
St. Paul's Parish proper was established in 1897 by Bishop J. E. Quigley. In 1897 the two dozen Catholic families had obtained permission from Bishop Quigley to build a Church of their own, the late Frank Mang donating a building lot on Delaware Avenue. Soon after the Jesuit Fathers in charge of St. Michael's Church, Buffalo, took charge of St. Paul's, Rev. Fathers Nelles, Pfeil, Sturm, Miller, Leonard and Gisler acting as pastors successively.
January 6, 1899, a two story building of modest dimensions was completed and dedicated as St. Paul's Parochial School. It first stood on the spot of the present garage and being of frame construction was later on moved to the rear of the Church and connected with it. In 1900 the Franciscan Sisters from Sacred Heart Academy, Buffalo, took charge as teachers. They lived in a room in the school building and in the church basement.
The history of St. Paul's Church as a regular diocesan parish opens in April 1909, when Bishop Charles Henry Colton appointed the Rev. Henry B. Laudenbach as the first resident pastor of St. Paul's. New building lots were purchased by Father Laudenbach. In 1909-1910, he built the present brick rectory. At that time the parish comprised about 60 families. In April, 1914, Bishop Colton appointed the Rev. Adam Scheidel to succeed Father Laudenbach. A steady growth of the parish commenced about that time. When the next pastor, Rev. Ferdinand A. Bank was appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop
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Turner, in May, 1920, the parish numbered about 130 families. Meanwhile the Franciscan Sisters had left and Father Scheidel had secured lay teachers for the school but had made arrange- ments with the Sisters of St. Mary of Namour, of St. Mary's Seminary, Buffalo, to take charge of the school in the fall of 1920.
Since August 1920 a third Mass was added to the regular Sunday services, one of the Rev. Jesuit Fathers of Canisius College officiating. When the Sisters of St. Mary, two Sisters and a lay teacher, took charge of the school, there were about 60 children attending.
In the fall of 1921 the interior of the Church was newly frescoed and the seating capacity of the church pews was nearly doubled by adding new pews. Three new building lots were purchased in the fall of 1922, rounding out the church property to 452 feet by 143 feet. In 1923, especially, new families began to move into the parish and in May of the same year Rev. Francis Schubert was appointed as first assistant pastor and a fourth Mass was added to the regular Sunday services. On June 17, 1923, the Parish celebrated its 25th anniversary. Meanwhile the erection of a suitable new parochiel school became a necessity. Three Sisters were teach- ing about 110 pupils in the little frame school. With the approval of the Bishop in the spring of 1924, the architects Bley and Lyman were authorized to draw plans for a school. On July 26th ground was broken, on October 5, the corner stone was laid by the pastor Father Bank, assisted by Rev. E. M. Deck and Rev. F. Schubert. In October 1924 Bishop Turner appointed Rev. Eugene H. Selbert as assistant in the place of Father Schubert. In December of the same year, two more building lots, adjacent to the school site on Victoria Boulevard were purchased together with a frame house with lot making the present premises all in all about 600 by 150 feet.
On Sunday, September 13th, Rt. Rev. Bishop Turner dedicated the new school, many priests being present and the Knights of St. John turned out for the occasion. The following day, September 14th, school studies commenced, 5 class rooms had to be used for 190 pupils. On the same day, the Sisters of St. Mary began to use the house at 55 Victoria Boulevard, purchased last winter, as a convent. On December 28th, Bishop Turner transferred Rev. E. Selbert to the New Cathedral and appointed Rev. Joseph A. Bach of St. Mary's,
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Olean, N. Y., assistant at St. Paul's Church.
In the new St. Paul's school, Kenmore has an edifice which is an architectural object of beauty being of Gothic- English architecture and constructed of rough textured gray brick with stone strimmings. The building is fire proofed throughout.
HISTORY OF KENMORE BAPTIST CHURCH
In the fall of 1910 a few Baptists living in this vicinity met, discussed, planned and finally organized the Kenmore Baptist Church. For several weeks meetings were held in the home of Mr. E. W. Anderson in Villa Avenue. Then a building, which had been a school was bought, remodeled and furnished and there the church endeavored for six years to do the Lord's work. This first building was on Ramsdell Street, (now a dwelling, No. 29, remodeled after a fire.)
For about one year the church was a mission church, dur- ing which time Buffalo and Tonawanda pastors helped in its maintenance. In the fall of 1911 it was thought advisable to organize a regular church. An organization council was called and under the leadership of Rev. R. J. Roberts were duly organized into the Kenmore Baptist Church with a membership of 26.
In the next few years growth was slow but steady. It was soon found that it would be necessary to find larger and more favorably located quarters. The trustees after careful con- sideration recommended the purchase of the lot at the corner of Delaware Road and Cornell Avenue. At once plans were drawn for a building. In June 1916 the corner stone was laid and in April 1917 the church was dedicated.
Never has the growth been spectacular, but always con- stant. Consequently in 1925 it was found necessary to remodel and enlarge the building. With a membership of 227 and a Sunday school of 359 the new building was begun in May 1925 and it was dedicated on November 8, 1925. The new building will seat about 500 and has modern Sunday school equipment. A new Viner pipe organ has been installed. Rev. R. J. Roberts served as pastor for seven years. After his resignation the church had several supplies, among them Rev. A. R. Spencer, for about a year. Rev. Carl Rasmus- sen was called as pastor October, 1919, and died in the early spring of 1920. Rev. Spencer again supplied until September 1920, when Rev. R. A. Fuller assumed the pastoral duties.
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