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- One of the Stories, Turner who built the CityFour great grandsons of John J. Turner compiled the information used in this story. Richard, John, Bob, and Eric Gilston also collaborated on a segment on Turner Construction that was part of WMHT-TV's Our Town Amsterdam documentary in 2010.Turner family Amsterdam buildersBy Bob CudmoreThe family construction company founded by John J. Turner built Amsterdam's Clock Building and schools including today s Lynch Literacy Academy.Starting in 1913 the Turner firm spent four years renovating the mansion owned by the carpet-making Sanford family on Church Street, now City Hall. The Turners built new homes for other captains of industry, such as the Guy Park Avenue mansion constructed for knitting mill owner David Chalmers.John J. Turner was born in 1853 in the town of Day, Saratoga County. He learned masonry and construction from his father, Michael Turner, an Irish immigrant. When Michael's wife Bridget died in 1872 the family moved to Amsterdam, where they likely had relatives. Michael remarried and continued to work as a mason and builder.Tragedy struck the night of April 24, 1876. Part of the bridge from Amsterdam to what was then Port Jackson had been destroyed by a spring ice floe. Michael Turner was the night watchman at a temporary ferry across the Mohawk River. Around midnight two attorneys who worked in Amsterdam engaged Michael to row them across the river to Port Jackson, where the men lived. Their small boat overturned and all three drowned.John J. Turner found work in the building trades, at first with H.C. Grieme. When Amsterdam incorporated as a city in 1885, Turner was elected to the board of alderman as a Democrat.He partnered with others building important structures in the Amsterdam area and even helped construct the state prison in Dannemora in northern New York. In business for himself after 1902, his firm constructed the trolley car power station in Tribes Hill and buildings for General Electric in Schenectady and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.John Turner and Sons went into business as a construction company around 1906. All three sons of John and Maria Egan Turner were educated in civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.The Turner family lived in a modest brick home at 53 Union Street. John J. Turner died in 1924 at age 71.His eldest son, John P. Turner, became company president but died of a heart attack three years later at age 45. John P. Turner had supervised completion of the power station opposite Cranesville, now Cranesville Block, and was especially proud of building the then new St. Mary s Hospital in Amsterdam.Richard E. Turner, who was deaf, then headed the firm until his death in 1940 at age 56. He was owner of the Amsterdam Rugmakers baseball team and an accomplished photographer.Richard and his brother Thomas A. Turner are credited with building Lynch school and the Century Club.They built a housing development of over fifty single family homes in Amsterdam called Hollywood or Little Hollywood off Locust Avenue. The streets are named for American presidents: McKinley, Harrison, Garfield, Taft, Roosevelt and Hayes.The homes originally were built primarily for middle managers employed by the nearby Bigelow Sanford Carpets. The project is mentioned in journals kept by Richard Turner.The Turner construction firm went into decline in the 1940s. Thomas A. Turner, however, remained active in local civic affairs until his death in 1953 at age 65.Four great grandsons of John J. Turner compiled the information used in this story. Richard, John, Bob, and Eric Gilston also collaborated on a segment on Turner Construction that was part of WMHT-TV's Our Town Amsterdam documentary in 2010.Richard Gilston said the Turner family did more than create a successful business, In the process they raised their own families and countless other immigrants out of poverty and put them within reach of achieving their own American dreams.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Robin Oliveira discusses her book “Winter Sisters,” set in Albany, N.Y., in 1879. Oliveira grew up in the Albany area and is also author of a novel about a Civil War physician, “My Name is Mary Sutter.” Sutter is a major character in “Winter Sisters.”
New York, 1879: An epic blizzard descends on Albany, devastating the city. When the snow finally settles, two newly orphaned girls are missing. Determined not to give up hope, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, searches for the two sisters
Thursday, April 27, 2023
A replacement soldier.
A Virginia doctor has written a new book recalling his World War II memories of both the home front in Amsterdam and the last days of the war in Europe.
Friday, April 28, 2023-Episode 472-In Unearthed Meryl Frank tells the story of her cousin Frany Winter, a celebrated Yiddish actress in Vilna in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust. Frank spent many years researching how her cousin Frany died.
Unearthed is the story of Meryl’s search for Franya and a timely history of hatred and resistance. Through archives across four continents, by way of chance encounters and miraculous discoveries, and eventually, guided by the shocking truth recorded in the pages of the forbidden book, Meryl conjures the rogue spirit of her cousin—her beauty and her tragedy.
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
New York City correspondent Jim Kaplan looks at the importance of French aristocrat Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette in the American Revolution.
Coming in May on The Historians
Friday, May 12, 2023
Episode 474-New York City correspondent Jim Kaplan reports on how Harlem was economically developed in the early 1900s. Jewish financiers joined with Black realtor Phillip Payton and other black businessmen to improve race relations in New York City.
Mohawk Valley Weather, Tuesday, April 25, 2023
A slight chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 33. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.WednesdayShowers likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Tuesday, April 25, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersHussain loses request to appeal, will stand trial in Schoharie limo crash case next weekALBANY — Nauman Hussain’s attorneys’ request to appeal to the state’s highest court to reinstate his no-jail plea deal and delay…Mayfield baseball erupts in first inning en route to 10-2 win over CanajoharieMAYFIELD — The Mayfield Panthers made the most of the opportunities they were given Monday against Canajoharie. A pair of…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsCobleskill woman killed in early Saturday single-vehicle Charleston crash, Montgomery Co. Sheriff saysCHARLESTON – A Cobleskill woman was killed in an early Saturday one-car crash in Charleston, Montgomery County Sheriff’s officials said…https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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6 min - A boxing Mecca in the 30s and 40s
Monday, April 24, 2023-Story behind the story(Monday Podcast)Boxing a popular Amsterdam sport.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023-The family who built Amsterdam-From the Archives of Focus on History from the Daily Gazette
The family construction company founded by John J. Turner built Amsterdam’s Clock Building, the former Elks Lodge on Division Street and schools including today’s Lynch Literacy Academy.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023-Robin Oliveira discusses her book “Winter Sisters,” set in Albany, N.Y., in 1879. Oliveira grew up in the Albany area and is also author of a novel about a Civil War physician, “My Name is Mary Sutter.” Sutter is a major character in “Winter Sisters.”
New York, 1879: An epic blizzard descends on Albany, devastating the city. When the snow finally settles, two newly orphaned girls are missing. Determined not to give up hope, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, searches for the two sisters
Thursday, April 27, 2023-A replacement soldier.
Friday, April 28, 2023-Episode 472-In Unearthed Meryl Frank tells the story of her cousin Frany Winter, a celebrated Yiddish actress in Vilna in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust. Frank spent many years researching how her cousin Frany died.
Unearthed is the story of Meryl’s search for Franya and a timely history of hatred and resistance. Through archives across four continents, by way of chance encounters and miraculous discoveries, and eventually, guided by the shocking truth recorded in the pages of the forbidden book, Meryl conjures the rogue spirit of her cousin—her beauty and her tragedy.
Boxing a popular sport in Amsterdam
By Bob Cudmore
Amsterdam was a boxing mecca in the 1930s and 1940s—a legacy of boxing matches arranged for soldiers at the city’s National Guard Armory, now a boutique hotel called Amsterdam Castle.
Fights also were staged at Lanzi’s Arena on Bridge Street by the family who still operates an Amsterdam restaurant called Lorenzo’s South Side. Sometimes bouts were held at the former junior high school gym on Guy Park Avenue.
Sammy and Jimmy Pepe, who owned a West End restaurant, trained fighters and were friends with German heavyweight Max Schmeling. Jo Jo Zeno had training quarters on East Main Street.
For many years in the 1990s school teacher George Lazarou wrote a weekly history article in the Amsterdam Recorder called "A bit of reminiscing" and frequently discussed boxing.
In a 1999 interview for the WMHT-TV documentary Carpet City, Lazarou was asked why boxing thrived in 1930s Amsterdam, “That’s a good question. All I can say is that we had so many good athletes here. Great athletes who were proficient in basketball, baseball, softball, hockey. Boxing was just another sport.”
Lazarou, who died at age 91 in 2012, was a fighter himself in Amsterdam back in the day. He was trained by his friend Buddy Benoit. Benoit had been trained by Jo Jo Zeno.
Lazarou said, “Buddy Benoit and I went to school together. He became a professional fighter. He fought Jake LaMotta and barely lost. He was that good.”
Benoit began his boxing career in 1936 when he was 16 years old, according to an article written by Lazarou. In a span of 11 years Benoit amassed a total of 120 amateur and 76 professional fights.
In 1939 Benoit won a decision over another one of Amsterdam’s great fighters, welterweight William “Sailor” Barron. An estimated 1,600 people jammed into Lanzi’s Arena to watch that match.
“Sailor” Barron served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Lazarou wrote Barron took part in an estimated 500 fights, including bouts when he served in the Navy. He also worked as a bartender at Schenectady’s Hotel Van Curler and maintained decorum in the movie theater as head usher at the Rialto in Amsterdam.
Barron died unexpectedly at age 60 in 1950. Lazarou wrote, “It was said that a chip of Amsterdam died with him. For such was the image of the man.”
Lazarou wrote of Benoit, “Turning professional in 1940 and fighting under the name of Buddy O’Dell, he compiled an enviable record of 66 victories, losing a ten round decision to the tough and rugged Jake LaMotta in 1942.” O’Dell was Benoit’s mother’s maiden name.
In one of his history books, Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti wrote about Benoit, whose real name was Delor Benoit, Jr. Benoit’s father had moved to Amsterdam from Canada and worked in one of the carpet mills.
Benoit survived the sinking of the USS Princeton during World War II in the battle of Leyte Gulf off the Philippines.
After his boxing career Benoit lived in California, according to Cinquanti, and became a claims adjuster for an insurance company. The former boxer died in 2014.
In another article about Amsterdam boxers from the 1930s, Lazarou listed some of the names of local fighters of that day: Matt and Dominick Perfetti, Sammy Crocetti, “Measles” Raco, Carl Palombo, Frank Piccola, Vic Rodrigo, Shorty Persico, Tony Squillace, Freddy and Dunk Baia, Pete and John Duchessi, Buddy Lenahan, Johnny Carp, Matty Syzdek, Tony Conti, Joe Nagorka, Cliff Gaskins, Buddy Lenahan, Mickey DeBerry, Young Rappo, Frankie and Tony Marcellino. Amsterdam Mixed Martial Arts fighter “Tommy Gunnz” Marcellino is related to Frankie and Tony Marcellino.
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
“When Mommy Was a Commie” is a novel set in Schenectady in the early 1950s, inspired by real-life episodes from America’s spy war with Russia. Author Jon Sorensen was a newspaper reporter covering government and politics for The Schenectady Gazette, Buffalo News and New York Daily News.
Mohawk Valley Weather, Monday, April 24, 2023
A chance of showers after 3pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 53. West wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 34. West wind around 6 mph.TuesdayA chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Monday, April 24, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersDEC collects final comments on controversial Broadalbin beach proposal
NORTH BROADALBIN — Environmental regulators are no longer accepting feedback regarding a controversial proposal to plant over the beachy remains…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsAmsterdam’s Pic-n-Nickels turns bottles and cans into cashhttps://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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8 min - Popular Amsterdam Sport/That it Was
Sammy and Jimmy Pepe, who owned a West End restaurant, trained fighters and were friends with German heavyweight Max Schmeling. Jo Jo Zeno had training quarters on East Main Street.
Boxing a popular sport in Amsterdam
By Bob Cudmore
Amsterdam was a boxing mecca in the 1930s and 1940s—a legacy of boxing matches arranged for soldiers at the city’s National Guard Armory, now a boutique hotel called Amsterdam Castle.
Fights also were staged at Lanzi’s Arena on Bridge Street by the family who still operates an Amsterdam restaurant called Lorenzo’s South Side. Sometimes bouts were held at the former junior high school gym on Guy Park Avenue.
Sammy and Jimmy Pepe, who owned a West End restaurant, trained fighters and were friends with German heavyweight Max Schmeling. Jo Jo Zeno had training quarters on East Main Street.
For many years in the 1990s school teacher George Lazarou wrote a weekly history article in the Amsterdam Recorder called "A bit of reminiscing" and frequently discussed boxing.
In a 1999 interview for the WMHT-TV documentary Carpet City, Lazarou was asked why boxing thrived in 1930s Amsterdam, “That’s a good question. All I can say is that we had so many good athletes here. Great athletes who were proficient in basketball, baseball, softball, hockey. Boxing was just another sport.”
Lazarou, who died at age 91 in 2012, was a fighter himself in Amsterdam back in the day. He was trained by his friend Buddy Benoit. Benoit had been trained by Jo Jo Zeno.
Lazarou said, “Buddy Benoit and I went to school together. He became a professional fighter. He fought Jake LaMotta and barely lost. He was that good.”
Benoit began his boxing career in 1936 when he was 16 years old, according to an article written by Lazarou. In a span of 11 years Benoit amassed a total of 120 amateur and 76 professional fights.
In 1939 Benoit won a decision over another one of Amsterdam’s great fighters, welterweight William “Sailor” Barron. An estimated 1,600 people jammed into Lanzi’s Arena to watch that match.
“Sailor” Barron served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Lazarou wrote Barron took part in an estimated 500 fights, including bouts when he served in the Navy. He also worked as a bartender at Schenectady’s Hotel Van Curler and maintained decorum in the movie theater as head usher at the Rialto in Amsterdam.
Barron died unexpectedly at age 60 in 1950. Lazarou wrote, “It was said that a chip of Amsterdam died with him. For such was the image of the man.”
Lazarou wrote of Benoit, “Turning professional in 1940 and fighting under the name of Buddy O’Dell, he compiled an enviable record of 66 victories, losing a ten round decision to the tough and rugged Jake LaMotta in 1942.” O’Dell was Benoit’s mother’s maiden name.
In one of his history books, Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti wrote about Benoit, whose real name was Delor Benoit, Jr. Benoit’s father had moved to Amsterdam from Canada and worked in one of the carpet mills.
Benoit survived the sinking of the USS Princeton during World War II in the battle of Leyte Gulf off the Philippines.
After his boxing career Benoit lived in California, according to Cinquanti, and became a claims adjuster for an insurance company. The former boxer died in 2014.
In another article about Amsterdam boxers from the 1930s, Lazarou listed some of the names of local fighters of that day: Matt and Dominick Perfetti, Sammy Crocetti, “Measles” Raco, Carl Palombo, Frank Piccola, Vic Rodrigo, Shorty Persico, Tony Squillace, Freddy and Dunk Baia, Pete and John Duchessi, Buddy Lenahan, Johnny Carp, Matty Syzdek, Tony Conti, Joe Nagorka, Cliff Gaskins, Buddy Lenahan, Mickey DeBerry, Young Rappo, Frankie and Tony Marcellino. Amsterdam Mixed Martial Arts fighter “Tommy Gunnz” Marcellino is related to Frankie and Tony Marcellino.
Monday, April 24, 2023-Story behind the story(Monday Podcast)Boxing a popular Amsterdam sport.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023-The family who built Amsterdam-From the Archives of Focus on History from the Daily Gazette
Wednesday, April 26, 2023-Robin Oliveira discusses her book “Winter Sisters,” set in Albany, N.Y., in 1879. Oliveira grew up in the Albany area and is also author of a novel about a Civil War physician, “My Name is Mary Sutter.” Sutter is a major character in “Winter Sisters.”
Thursday, April 27, 2023-A replacement soldier.
Friday, April 28, 2023-Episode 472-In Unearthed Meryl Frank tells the story of her cousin Frany Winter, a celebrated Yiddish actress in Vilna in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust. Frank spent many years researching how her cousin Frany died.
Unearthed is the story of Meryl’s search for Franya and a timely history of hatred and resistance. Through archives across four continents, by way of chance encounters and miraculous discoveries, and eventually, guided by the shocking truth recorded in the pages of the forbidden book, Meryl conjures the rogue spirit of her cousin—her beauty and her tragedy.
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
Author Mark Dawidziak investigates Edgar Allan Poe’s strange death in Baltimore, and revisits the moments of his storm-tossed life in his book A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe.
Mohawk Valley Weekend Weather, Sunday, April 23, 2023
Showers, mainly before 1pm. High near 55. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.TonightA slight chance of showers before 1am, then a slight chance of showers after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.MondayA chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. West wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Bob Cudmore Focus on History Stories posted each Weekend in the print and e-edition of The Daily Gazette and Amsterdam RecorderToday "A shooting death in Fort Johnson" posted on The Historians next Sunday, April 30, 2023Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Sunday, April 23, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersWaite: It’s the gunsTwo nights after a Black teenager mixed up “terrace” and “street” while trying to pick up his younger brothers from…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNews“Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful” kicks off with events in Amsterdam, Gloversville, and moreTen years ago, The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District brought six counties together to...https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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5 min - Saturday/The Historians
Tomorrow, Sunday, April 23, 2023
Boxing a popular Amsterdam sport
Sammy and Jimmy Pepe, who owned a West End restaurant, trained fighters and were friends with German heavyweight Max Schmeling. Jo Jo Zeno had training quarters on East Main Street.
A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
How the Adirondack forest preserve was motorized. The guest is John Warren, founder and editor of New York Almanack.
Mohawk Valley Weekend Weather, Saturday, April 22, 2023
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.TonightShowers, mainly after 11pm. Low around 47. Breezy, with a southeast wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.SundayShowers, mainly before 1pm. High near 56. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.Bob Cudmore Focus on History Stories posted each Weekend in the print and e-edition of The Daily Gazette and Amsterdam RecorderToday "A shooting death in Fort Johnson"Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Saturday, April 22, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersEDITORIAL: While waiting on budget, lawmakers could make government more transparentAs rank-and-file state lawmakers are muddling around while the governor and state legislative leaders are off in some secret lair…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsLimo operator’s attorneys file request to appeal to higher court to reinstate no-jail plea dealALBANY — Attorneys for Nauman Hussain have filed a request to appeal to the state’s highest court...https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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11 min - 29 min
- not in favor of "The Deals"
This Sunday, April 23, 2023-Boxing a popular Amsterdam sport
Agile Amsterdam mayor was a great story teller
By Bob Cudmore
Longtime Amsterdam mayor Burtiss Deal was five foot five and weighed 150 pounds when he played varsity football for Amherst College in Massachusetts as a young man.
Into his seventies Deal was able to make an impact on a conversation by jumping onto a table from a standing position,
Born January 29 1882 at a home on Amsterdam’s Division Street, he was the son of entrepreneur Charles Deal and Eugenia Mills Stanley Deal.
Charles Deal moved his small family to West Galway after Burt was born and the elder Deal operated a shoddy mill. The mill used scraps from woolen underwear to create new but inferior woolen yarn.
When Burt was six years old the Blizzard of 1888 and his younger brother Howard arrived. The doctor was marooned with the Deals for several days until the roads were cleared.
The Deals after a time moved back to Amsterdam and Burt graduated from Amsterdam High School, then on Academy Street.
He helped principal Wilbur H. Lynch pack his books for a trip to Mexico for an administrative teaching job.
In 1900 Deal pitched for the Creelers baseball team in Amsterdam, named for the textile workers who tended Amsterdam’s carpet weaving looms.
Deal went to college in 1903, joined a fraternity and played football but had to leave without a degree and come back to Amsterdam because his family had financial reverses.
He went to work. He was with the production department of General Electric in Schenectady and then was in sales for 17 years at International GE. He was employed at Mohawk Carpet Mills in Amsterdam for five years.
Amsterdam Mayor James Cline gave Deal his first political job on the Civil Service Commission in 1913. A Republican, Deal was elected as Sixth Ward Alderman from 1932 to 1938.
Deal opposed Democratic Mayor Arthur Carter and the New Deal programs. Deal said despite his last name he had no connection to President Roosevelt’s New Deal or President Truman’s Fair Deal. As a tribute to his people skills, however, he was elected vice president of the Democratic Party controlled common council in 1937.
Deal’s former high school principal Wilbur H, Lynch succeeded Arthur Carter as mayor. Lynch appointed Deal as city clerk in 1944 and 1945.
Democrat Joseph Hand was elected mayor in 1945 but lost to Deal in the 1947 election. Deal was reelected three times.
He was not an activist mayor and was friendly to industry. Unfortunately many problems caused decline of the industrial giants of the area including Amsterdam’s Bigelow Sanford and Mohawk carpet mills.
Deal enjoyed establishing a friendship with Jan D’Ailly, the mayor or burgomaster of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He once took the burgomaster on a fall tour of upstate New York.
In 1955, as his fourth term was coming to an end, Bigelow Sanford announced it was leaving Amsterdam. Deal and city Republican chair Walter Going decided it was time for new blood. Republican Frank Martuscello ran that year and was elected, the city’s first Italian-American mayor.
Deal was 73 when he left politics. His eightieth birthday was the occasion for major stories about his career by Sam Zurlo in the Daily Gazette and Hugh Donlon in the Amsterdam Recorder. His life is also chronicled in one of Michael Cinquanti’s books on Amsterdam birthdays.
Deal never married and lived in a house on Division Street which he called Gracie Mansion, a tip of the hat to the mayoral residence in New York City.
Deal died in 1967 at the then Lamp Nursing Home in the city. He was 84 and was buried at Green Hill Cemetery.
Tomorrow, Posted Early
Friday, April 21, 2023
Episode 471-A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
Saturday April 22, 2023-From the Archives- Episode 157, March 31, 2017-Former CIA historian Nicholas Reynolds discusses author Ernest Hemingway’s involvement with American and Soviet spy agencies in the 1940s. Reynolds is author of “Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy.”
Sunday, April 23, 2023-Boxing a popular Amsterdam sport
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Archive story for Thursday, April 20, 2023
Email [email protected]
Ann Maria Bullock Schram of Amsterdam, was a volunteer nurse in the American Civil War. Montgomery County NY historian Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar discusses her research on Schram’s life.
Mohawk Valley Weather, Thursday, April 20, 2023
A slight chance of rain and sleet before 7am, then a slight chance of rain between 7am and 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the evening.FridaySunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph.Bob Cudmore Focus on History Stories posted each Weekend in the print and e-edition of The Daily Gazette and Amsterdam RecorderMohawk Valley News Headlines, Thursday, April 20, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersServices Friday for Schuylerville’s Kaylin Gillis; Remembered as kind, compassionate, lovingSCHUYLERVILLE — Kaylin Gillis had a kind soul, bright personality and love of art. “She was just beginning to find her…Judge denies bail for Hebron man charged in Schuylerville woman’s deathFORT EDWARD — The attorney for a man charged with allegedly murdering a 20-year-old Saratoga County woman in Washington County…GE national union approves two-year deal with company for pay increase; local chapter votes against contractSCHENECTADY — The union representing the largest number of General Electric workers ratified a contract with the company Tuesday that…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsMohawk prepping moratorium on battery energy storage systemsTOWN OF MOHAWK — The Mohawk Town Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed local law to enact...https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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9 min - Wednesday (OK)
The Historians Podcast fund drive for 2023 needs a little Help
We’ve raised $1135 toward our $7000 goal. Online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Amsterdam Mayor Burt Deal
Longtime Amsterdam mayor Burtiss Deal was five foot five and weighed 150 pounds when he played varsity football for Amherst College in Massachusetts as a young man.
Friday, April 21, 2023-Episode 471-A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
Leader Herald columnist Peter Betz has documented how Johnstown celebrated the Fourth of July 200 years ago with cannon shots, a parade and celebration at a local hotel. Revolutionary War veterans were still alive for these festivities. Betz also has details on Johnstown native Enos Throop who served as governor of New York from 1829 to 1832.
Mohawk Valley Weather, Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. West wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.TonightPartly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 61. West wind 6 to 9 mph.Bob Cudmore Focus on History Stories posted each Weekend in the print and e-edition of The Daily Gazette and Amsterdam RecorderMohawk Valley News Headlines, Wednesday, April 19, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersJohnstown’s Tallon delivers on the mound and at the plate in 12-4 baseball win over rival GloversvilleJOHNSTOWN — Johnstown senior starting pitcher Zach Tallon made the most of his outing against Gloversville Tuesday night, dropping his…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsBroadalbin-Perth CSD proposes 0.95% tax increaseBROADALBIN — Property owners in the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District could see a nearly 1%...https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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5 min - found not Guilty
Fort Johnson man fatally shot at supper time
By Bob Cudmore
William H. Marshall, Jr., 27, was shot twice in the head at suppertime on Wednesday, March 12 1919 at his home in Fort Johnson.
The fatal shots came from a revolver apparently held by Nellie Bostwick Dery, a woman in her thirties who had been living with Marshall for two years. He was separated from his wife and children who were living in Oneida County.
Nellie Bostwick, born in Perth, was the daughter of Robert and Ada Bostwick. She married William Dery of Amsterdam in 1902. The couple had a daughter named Mildred. Nellie and William separated in 1917.
Almost immediately after the shots were fired, Bostwick Dery phoned William Marshall Sr., the victim’s father, saying, "Come over right away. Something awful has happened."
The gravely wounded man had worked in Amsterdam knitting mills but recently had joined his father in the garden business.
When the father arrived he found his son still alive, sitting in a chair, bleeding profusely. The father called a doctor, Richard Canna, and police. Bostwick Dery was hysterical and was tranquilized with a shot from a hypodermic syringe when the doctor arrived.
She was taken to Amsterdam City Hospital. Her lover, who never regained consciousness, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital where he died fifteen minutes after being admitted.
The Historians Podcast fund drive for 2023
We’ve raised $1135 toward our $7000 goal. Online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.
The Fort Johnson shooting was front page news the following day in the Amsterdam Recorder. Another front page story worried that although World War I was over, civilization was facing chaos from Russia’s Bolshevik revolution. More men were arriving home from the Great War.
The Fort Johnson case went to trial in July. District Attorney Newton Herrick argued that Marshall’s death was a homicide, with the motive being that Bostwick Dery had become jealous of attentions Marshall was giving to another woman.
The defendant stated that if Marshall was unfaithful to her, she did not know it. Her version of the reason for the fatal incident was that she and Marshall had been annoyed by rats on an ash pile in the backyard. She took Marshall’s revolver to him that night so he would either shoot a rat she had just seen or show her how to use the weapon.
She carried the gun in her right hand and had a comb in the other hand as she wanted to comb Marshall’s unkempt hair. In her effort to give him the gun, she accidentally discharged the weapon not once but twice.
Defense attorney A. Howard Burtch said Marshall was, “A big good natured fellow, rough in his manners, rough in his play. (He and Bostwick Dery) were frequent attendees at the vaudeville and burlesque shows in Amsterdam. They were always together and always happy up to the time of the accident.
The trial at County Court in Fonda resulted in a deadlocked jury. Five jurors were for conviction on second degree murder, one was for manslaughter and six were for acquittal.
In a second trial in April 1920, there was difficulty getting enough jurors, as many men did not want to serve on a jury deciding the fate of a female murder defendant. Women were not common on juries until the second half of the twentieth century.
In the second trial, Bostwick Dery was found not guilty. She made a scene after the verdict in her impassioned expressions of thanks to the jurors who hurriedly left the court house.
After her acquittal, Bostwick Dery worked as a dressmaker and married a Mohawk Carpet Mill employee, Wallace Smalley. The Smalleys lived quietly on Devendorf Street in Amsterdam. She died in 1958 and was buried at Hagaman Cemetery.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Amsterdam Mayor Burt Deal
Friday, April 21, 2023-Episode 471-A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
Travis Proulx discusses preservation efforts at the Adirondack home of lumber baron Theodore Basselin in Croghan, New York.
Mohawk Valley Weather, Tuesday, April 18, 2023
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. West wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.TonightA chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.WednesdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 48. West wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Tuesday, April 18, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersEDITORIAL: Poll shows New York is worth the effort to saveFor those who call New York their home willingly, and who feel the state sometimes gets a bad rap, there…GUEST COLUMN: Rockefeller drug laws: A lesson for policy makersResponding to a heroin epidemic and rising street crime, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller pushed draconian drug laws through the state Legislature…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsDoug Kissinger takes reins after Broadalbin supervisor steps downBROADALBIN — Broadalbin’s town supervisor has stepped down after less than two years in the position. Bruce Van Genderen resigned as supervisor…Judge rejects motion to delay Schoharie limo trial, seek FBI probe reporthttps://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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3 min - The Demskys of Eagle Street(The Podcast)
The Historians Podcast fund drive for 2023
We’ve raised $1135 toward our $7000 goal. Online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
A suppertime murder in Fort Johnson
William H. Marshall, Jr., 27, was shot twice in the head at suppertime on Wednesday, March 12 1919 at his home in Fort Johnson.
The fatal shots came from a revolver apparently held by Nellie Bostwick Dery...
Wednesday, April 19, 2023-From the Archives- Episode 49, March 2, 2015 Larry Gooley, author of "Terror in the Adirondacks," the story of serial killer Robert Garrow.
Larry Gooley
https://www.lawrencegooley.com/
Thursday, April 20, 2023-From the Archives of Focus on History from the Daily Gazette-Amsterdam Mayor Burt Deal
Friday, April 21, 2023-Episode 471-A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
The Demskys of Eagle Street
By Bob Cudmore
In his day, ragman Harry Demsky was as well known in Amsterdam as his son Isadore.
Isadore, who was called Izzy, changed his name to Kirk Douglas and became a Hollywood actor and producer after World War II. The comment next to Isadore’s picture in the 1934 Amsterdam high school yearbook stated, “Not to know him argues yourself unknown.”
Harry Demsky, also known as Herschel, was a legendary strong man, drinker and brawler. Kirk Douglas wrote in his 1988 autobiography, “The Ragman’s Son,” that his father was “the toughest, strongest Jew” in Amsterdam.
Douglas wrote, “There were other stories about my father that raised him to the level of legend: that he popped metal bottle caps and crushed shot glasses with his teeth; that he would go from saloon to saloon with an iron bar, betting for drinks that he could bend it with his bare hands, and doing it.”
According to Douglas’s book, his father was born Herschel Danielovitch in Russia. His wife, Bryna or Bertha Sanglel, was born in Belarus. Their six daughters and one son were born in America. According to census records the children were Bessie, Catherine, Marion, Isadore (Kirk), Ida, Freda and Ruth.
My aunt Vera Cudmore and my mother Julia Cook were childhood friends with the Demsky girls. My mother said she was afraid of Harry Demsky.
Harry left his Eagle Street home most days with his horse-drawn wagon, traveling the streets of Amsterdam yelling “Rags, any rags!”
The rags and scrap metal collected were sold to what we would call a recycling company.
Douglas wrote, “I’d help my father stuff the rags into burlap bags. I’d jab four holes in the top of the bag, lace a woman’s discarded stocking through the holes, knot it, and add it to the pile of bags.”
Harry and his wife Bryna separated in their later years. At Douglas’s expense, Harry lived at Boggie’s Fourth Ward Hotel on Amsterdam’s East Main Street. Bryna resided with one of her daughters in the Capital District and then moved to the Jewish Home for the Aged in Troy.
Harry also stayed at the home of one of their daughters in Troy late in his life and two days before he died in 1954, he was moved to the Jewish Home for the Aged. Douglas visited him but flew back to California early on a Sunday, believing his father was rallying. Harry, 70, died later that day and was buried at the Cranesville cemetery of Congregation Sons of Israel of Amsterdam.
Bill Simons of Oneonta has written several articles about Kirk Douglas and his family for Jewish publications and has visited Harry Demsky’s grave on Cranes Hollow Road in Cranesville, guided there by Amsterdam Eagle Street native John Naple.
Douglas named his Hollywood production company after his beloved mother, Bryna. The actor was at his mother’s bedside in 1958 when she passed away at age 74 at an Albany hospital. Her body was buried at Temple Israel Cemetery in Albany,
When Douglas came back home to Amsterdam in 1985 for the dedication of a park in his honor adjacent to the Chuctanunda Creek, he recalled how his mother would sit on the porch of their home on Eagle Street and say “Ahhh America, such a wonderful land.”
Kirk Douglas died at age 103 in 2020. Historic Amsterdam League installed a marker at the corner of East Main and Eagle streets explaining that the famous actor and producer was born nearby.
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
...every morning at half past 4
Sit Down, 8 Hours, Joe Hill and more
Musicians Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle have a new CD and concert featuring history songs about the labor union movement in America.Mohawk Valley Weather for a New Week, Monday, April 17, 2023
Showers, mainly before 5pm. High near 59. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.TonightA chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.TuesdayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Monday, April 17, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility MattersCheese causes sewer plant discharge in JohnstownTOWN OF JOHNSTOWN — A cheese-clogged pipe resulted in untreated water discharged by the Cayadutta Creek, according to a state…https://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewsMohawk Town Board advancing toward adoption of PUD lawTOWN OF MOHAWK — The Mohawk Town Board is laying the groundwork to adopt Planned Unit Development (PUD) regulations enabling…Fort Plain sixth graders decode hidden artworkFORT PLAIN — Sixth-graders at Harry Hoag Elementary in Fort Plain recently took part in a...https://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
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6 min - He was born a Demsky
Episode #500 coming this Fall
Currently in Production, Coming in May
Jim Kaplan/Battle of Bennington
The Historians Podcast fund drive received a much needed boost from the Hagaman Historical Society and a donation from John Noble. We’ve raised $1135 toward our $7000 goal. PLEASE DONATE online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302. Thank you-every contribution helps.
The Demskys of Eagle Street
By Bob Cudmore
In his day, ragman Harry Demsky was as well known in Amsterdam as his son Isadore.
Isadore, who was called Izzy, changed his name to Kirk Douglas and became a Hollywood actor and producer after World War II. The comment next to Isadore’s picture in the 1934 Amsterdam high school yearbook stated, “Not to know him argues yourself unknown.”
Harry Demsky, also known as Herschel, was a legendary strong man, drinker and brawler. Kirk Douglas wrote in his 1988 autobiography, “The Ragman’s Son,” that his father was “the toughest, strongest Jew” in Amsterdam.
Douglas wrote, “There were other stories about my father that raised him to the level of legend: that he popped metal bottle caps and crushed shot glasses with his teeth; that he would go from saloon to saloon with an iron bar, betting for drinks that he could bend it with his bare hands, and doing it.”
According to Douglas’s book, his father was born Herschel Danielovitch in Russia. His wife, Bryna or Bertha Sanglel, was born in Belarus. Their six daughters and one son were born in America. According to census records the children were Bessie, Catherine, Marion, Isadore (Kirk), Ida, Freda and Ruth.
My aunt Vera Cudmore and my mother Julia Cook were childhood friends with the Demsky girls. My mother said she was afraid of Harry Demsky.
Harry left his Eagle Street home most days with his horse-drawn wagon, traveling the streets of Amsterdam yelling “Rags, any rags!”
The rags and scrap metal collected were sold to what we would call a recycling company.
Douglas wrote, “I’d help my father stuff the rags into burlap bags. I’d jab four holes in the top of the bag, lace a woman’s discarded stocking through the holes, knot it, and add it to the pile of bags.”
Tomorrow, Monday, April 17, 2023-The Demskys of Amsterdam(The Podcast)
Douglas said he got to be quite good at stuffing ragbags, “I don’t think I’d have any trouble doing it today.”
Harry and his wife Bryna separated in their later years. At Douglas’s expense, Harry lived at Boggie’s Fourth Ward Hotel on Amsterdam’s East Main Street. Bryna resided with one of her daughters in the Capital District and then moved to the Jewish Home for the Aged in Troy.
Harry also stayed at the home of one of their daughters in Troy late in his life and two days before he died in 1954, he was moved to the Jewish Home for the Aged. Douglas visited him but flew back to California early on a Sunday, believing his father was rallying. Harry, 70, died later that day and was buried at the Cranesville cemetery of Congregation Sons of Israel of Amsterdam.
Bill Simons of Oneonta has written several articles about Kirk Douglas and his family for Jewish publications and has visited Harry Demsky’s grave on Cranes Hollow Road in Cranesville, guided there by Amsterdam Eagle Street native John Naple.
Douglas named his Hollywood production company after his beloved mother, Bryna. The actor was at his mother’s bedside in 1958 when she passed away at age 74 at an Albany hospital. Her body was buried at Temple Israel Cemetery in Albany,
When Douglas came back home to Amsterdam in 1985 for the dedication of a park in his honor adjacent to the Chuctanunda Creek, he recalled how his mother would sit on the porch of their home on Eagle Street and say “Ahhh America, such a wonderful land.”
Kirk Douglas died at age 103 in 2020. Historic Amsterdam League installed a marker at the corner of East Main and Eagle streets explaining that the famous actor and producer was born nearby.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023-From the Archives of Focus on History from the Daily Gazette-A suppertime murder in Fort Johnson
Wednesday, April 19, 2023-From the Archives- Episode 49, March 2, 2015 Larry Gooley, author of "Terror in the Adirondacks," the story of serial killer Robert Garrow.
Thursday, April 20, 2023-From the Archives of Focus on History from the Daily Gazette-Amsterdam Mayor Burt Deal
Friday, April 21, 2023-Episode 471-A highlights edition with excepts from: Steve Haggerty on Norman Rockwell’s models; Denise Van Buren on Beacon, New York; Kate Fagan on women’s basketball; Charles Evans on Valerie Andre, French surgeon and rescue pilot; Alan Maddaus, on the Prestons of Galway, a 19th century family; Maria Riccio Bryce, creator of Requiem: What Remains Is Love; Patrick Chaisson on aircraft production in New York State during WW II.”
Bob Cudmore "History stories from The Mohawk Valley"
Email [email protected]
New York State historian Devin Lander discusses plans to observe the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Mohawk Valley Weekend Weather, Sunday, April 16, 2023
Isolated showers before 7am. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.TonightShowers likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.MondayShowers, mainly before 5pm. High near 60. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Sunday, April 16, 2023Daily GazetteTo subscribe https://dailygazette.com/subscribe/Paper-Paper, On-line and e-editionWhen Credibility Mattershttps://dailygazette.com/RecorderNewshttps://www.recordernews.com/Leader Herald Make Us A Part Of Your Day
https://www.leaderherald.com/
6 min
About The Historians
From the publisher's feed
The Historians is a weekly audio interview podcast that features authors and other guests who discuss the rich heritage of the Mohawk Valley NY region and the nation.