ROBERT LOWELL GOLLER, Town Historian The Historian's Office is available as a resource for local history for both the Town of Aurora and Village of East Aurora.
Since 1919, New York State law has required the appointment of an official historian in each town, village and city. Politically non-partisan, the Historian documents and promotes the history and heritage of the community; and advises local officials, boards and residents on issues related to the history of the town and village. In Aurora and East Aurora, the Historian also collects, preserves and
maintains the archives for the use of the public in their own research; and serves as the curator of the Aurora History Museum in collaboration with the Aurora Historical Society. RESEARCH HOURS: The Historian's Office archives are open for research Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m., and by appointment. Appointments are not necessary during regular office hours, but please feel free to call or email ahead and we can have materials from the archives ready for your visit. EXHIBIT HOURS: The exhibits of the Aurora History Museum, located throughout the first-floor hallways of the Municipal Center, are open during regular Municipal Center hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Operating as usual
439 OAKWOOD AVENUE...Our volunteers in the Historian's Office have been busy cataloguing all our photographs, newspaper clippings and other information related to houses in our community. This early photograph of 439 Oakwood Avenue, once owned by the Larkin family, was taken before a second-floor addition was constructed on the section to the far right.
80 YEARS AGO TODAY...March 23, 1943...Part 2 of Aurora's World War II Draft Call #35 was held. Recognize anyone? The World War II collection in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office includes two scrapbooks featuring photographs of the military draftees standing in front of the doors or in the gymnasium of the East Aurora High School (today's Middle School) on Main Street.
Join us tonight at the Aurora Senior Center...
THE BROTHERHOOD HOUSE...Our volunteers in the Historian's Office have been busy cataloguing all our photographs, newspaper clippings and other information related to houses in our community. This wintertime image of 866 Main Street was captured 100 years ago, in 1923. The house was constructed in 1884-1885 for James D. Yeomans, who owned a large stock farm just outside the village. A railway executive, Yeomans served as Aurora Town Supervisor before moving to Iowa, where he was elected to the State Senate. He was subsequently appointed commissioner of the Interstate Commerce Commission by President Cleveland. The "mansion" at 866 Main Street was later owned by East Aurora Mayor Alfred Brotherhood, and it became known to most locals as the Brotherhood House.
Each Tuesday afternoon I host a live local history chat on my page below, during which I answer a question about local history. This week we discussed the difference between towns, villages and hamlets. Join us live or watch any time later, and follow the page for updates. Questions and comments welcome!
VOTING ON GARBAGE...100 years ago this week, voters in East Aurora went to the polls to decide whether or not to institute taxpayer-funded garbage collection in the village. "This provides for a weekly collection six months of the year and two collections a week during the summer months." Voters approved the measure, 358-126. (Article from the March 15, 1923 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
NOTICE OF VILLAGE ELECTION, 1897...In honor of the village elections in East Aurora tomorrow, here's a notice preserved in the Historian's Office archives for the village election in 1897. Apparently, village officials were mighty frugal in those days; they simply re-used posters from the 1880s and scratched out the old date. In 1897, Abbott S. Griggs was re-elected village president. The title was later changed to mayor. Interestingly, polls in the 1880s and 1890s were open from 1 p.m. "until sunset." Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 21) polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m., at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Ave.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MEDICAL UPDATE...Yesterday we shared a St. Patrick's Day-themed postcard preserved in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office from the collection of East Aurora resident Ada Burns. Here's another, sent in the 1910s with a medical update from her cousin Loretta: "Dear Cousin, I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me, but I am in the hospital and had 1 operation and I am going to have another this week."
ST. PATRICK'S POSTCARD...Today, we send texts. A century ago, folks sent postcards. Our volunteers in the Historian's Office have been busy curating a recently donated collection of postcards, including this colorful St. Patrick's Day greeting, that were sent to Ada Burns of East Aurora. This postcard was sent March 17, 1911 from East Aurora to Willink, with the following terse message: "Dear Ada: Please write as I told you and come to Sunday School." At the time, the Village of East Aurora was served by two post offices: Willink on the west end and East Aurora on the east end. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
TRIANGLES AT THE CIRCLE....Before The Circle became a circle in 1936, it was a series of triangles, shown here looking toward Hamburg Street in this image from the archives around 1930. The World War I cannon was melted down for scrap metal during World War II. This photograph is part of our Featured Exhibit, "The Shapes of The Circle," currently on display in the Aurora History Museum at the Municipal Center. “The Circle” became a circle in 1936, but folks might be surprised to learn that it hasn’t always been that shape. And although it is officially known as Willink Square, named after the village that once surrounded it, it’s never been a square. This special display will be on view outside the Historian's Office at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, through May 31. This and other historical exhibits may be viewed during regular Municipal Center hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Aurora History Museum is presented by the Aurora Town Historian's Office in collaboration with the Aurora Historical Society New York. For more information, visit www.townofaurora.com/departments/historian.
Each Tuesday afternoon I host a live local history chat on my page below, during which I answer a question about local history. This week we discussed East Aurora's interesting connection to "The Wizard of Oz." Join us live or watch any time later, and follow the page for updates. Questions and comments welcome!
THE BIG CANDY MATINEE...100 years ago this month, the Millard Fillmore Theatre, which was located just east of the where the Aurora Theatre is located today, held a unique matinee for the silent film "The Three Musketeers." Each audience member received a free bag of candy with a "lucky" number. "No. 100 Receives a $2.50 Gold Piece. No. 200 Wins Five Pound Box of Candy." To watch the same silent film East Aurorans enjoyed at the Millard Fillmore Theatre 100 years ago, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Musketeers_(1921_film) (Advertisement from the March 15, 1923 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
IN-BETWEEN SEASON UNDERWEAR...The Max Cadet store, located for decades where part of Vidler's 5 & 10 is located today, advertised its Wilson Bros.' "in-between season" underwear 100 years ago this month. "Just right for wear now...Cut and tailored with exacting care." (Advertisement from the March 22, 1923 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
What is a village and how is it different from a town? Join us on Thursday, March 23 at the Aurora Senior Center for the Aurora Historical Society New York's speaker series to learn more about the history of our community's three (yes, three!) villages.
Our Speaker Series returns on March 23rd! Aurora Town Historian Robert Lowell Goller joins us to discuss what led to the merger of the Village of East Aurora with it's west end counterpart, the former Village of Willink, and the great debate over what name to choose. This topic has perfect timing - the 150th anniversary of East Aurora is in 2024!
We’ll also take some time during our meeting to recognize the many amazing volunteers of AHS. Details can be found in the flyer below. We hope to see you all there!
VILLAGE OPTS IN TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME...100 years ago, in 1923, Daylight Saving Time began on April 29 in the Village of East Aurora. Without state or federal standards, the decision to "spring ahead" for a time after World War I was left up to local municipalities. The East Aurora Village Board voted to opt in, to maintain the same time as the City of Buffalo. For details about the often-confusing history of Daylight Saving Time in East Aurora, click on the link for Historian Robert Lowell Goller's monthly newspaper column from March 2016: http://www.townofaurora.com/files/6516/3596/0203/March_2016-Daylight_Saving_Confusion.jpg?fbclid=IwAR3-6ffzG8L2GBQccQiZX2T7vyAugBBPiqo00qVn8V0JA5IDy8Z-meJjl64. (Article from the April 26, 1923 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
CROSSING THE RAILROAD TRACKS...A wintertime view of Oakwood Avenue looking east from the railroad tracks in the early 1930s. A few years later, in 1934, the tracks were elevated. The E.E. Godfrey Coal building, which burned in 1994, and the East Aurora Chemical Engine Co. fire hall (today Second Nature Gifts) can be seen on the left side of the photograph. One of the buildings of the Peek lumber mill can be seen on the right, the present location of Oakwood Square Plaza.
WORLD WAR II DRAFT CALL #35, PART 1...These young men were part of Aurora's World War II draft call held 80 years ago today, March 8, 1943. You might recognize some of the names, including that of Robert Vidler in the back row. The World War II collection in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office includes two scrapbooks featuring photographs of the military draftees. In most photographs, the young men are standing in front of the doors or in the gymnasium of the East Aurora High School (today's Middle School) on Main Street, but the setting of this particular photograph is unique. The location is not labeled on the original photograph. Does anyone recognize the houses in the background? (Newspaper article from the March 11, 1943 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office). Vidler's 5 & 10
1950s WINTER ON MAIN STREET...A winter view from our archives of Main Street looking toward Temple Place around 1954. These buildings still stand in 2023, but they are home different businesses. The house on the corner is now Rick's on Main Restaurant.
Each Tuesday afternoon I host a live local history chat on my page below. Today we will discuss the history of women serving (or not serving) on juries. Join us live at 3 p.m. today, Tuesday, or watch any time later. Questions and comments welcome! Previous chats also are available by visiting the page below.
MAIN AND PINE...An early wintertime view from our archives of Main Street looking east from Pine Street. The buildings on the far right side of the photograph are gone, but the two buildings on the left still stand. The brick building on the far left houses Beulah's General Store today; the house next to it, shown at the time with a two-story porch, is today home to the Mandala School.
'THE BANK' TURNS 100...It was deemed “fire-proof and burglar-proof.” It was also called “one of the most completely equipped” bank buildings in New York State. There might have been a tinge of hyperbole in the newspaper coverage, but the opening of the Bank of East Aurora’s “handsome” new building of concrete, brick and steel on the south side of Main Street adjacent to the Masonic Temple 100 years ago this month certainly drew attention. In case you missed it in last week's edition of the East Aurora Advertiser, click on the link to read Historian Robert Lowell Goller's latest monthly newspaper column:
http://www.townofaurora.com/files/6316/7716/4337/Historians_Corner-February_2023-The_Bank_of_East_Aurora.pdf
WINTER AT OAKWOOD AND ELM...The Chemical Engine Co. No. 1 fire hall is featured in this wintertime photograph of the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Elm Street in the 1950s. Note the siren on the top of the fire hall. At one point the village jail was located within this building, which today is home to Second Nature gift shop. This and other fire halls throughout the village were consolidated into a central fire station on Oakwood Avenue in 1954. The building that currently houses Elm Street Bakery can be seen on the far left; Pioneer Cemetery can be seen in the background on the right.
THOMAS DRUG...We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Bob Thomas (https://www.comfortfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=27340947&fbclid=IwAR0XdD2OD8RoZ9OWwtQhW6PYwwoTr62LSfjhoTPlU9E-Y7Qx_h2cC58Pp1c). In his memory, we share a reprint of a 1950 soda fountain menu sent to the Historian's Office by his family, and from the archives vintage images of the store at Main and Walnut Streets. Who remembers meeting your friends at Thomas'?
WINTER IN GRIFFINS MILLS...A circa-1908 postcard preserved the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office shows the covered bridge that once spanned the Cazenovia Creek ravine in the hamlet of Griffins Mills.
NOT-SO-TEMPORARY PHARMACY....On Friday we shared on our social media pages photographs of a massive early-morning fire that destroyed several buildings on the north side of Main Street at the west end of the village 90 years ago, Feb. 26, 1933. One of the destroyed buildings contained the pharmacy and apartment of Fred A. Darrin. After the fire, he re-opened across the street. The new quarters were meant to be temporary until he could rebuild, but Mr. Darrin remained there for the next several years until his retirement. To say he downsized would be a gross understatement; his new pharmacy measured a mere 18 by 22 feet and was dubbed the region's "tiniest pharmacy." The building, which was later home to a series of other small businesses, including East Aurora Locksmith, is pictured here in the mid-1930s and after it was demolished December 7, 2022. For more information about the history of the building, click on the following link to read the Historian's monthly newspaper column from February 2022: http://www.townofaurora.com/files/3216/4564/4758/Historians_Corner-February_2022-Tiniest_Pharmacy.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2ijEIDT2aj5zcsO5mrNDBNWMenUSfkF0aik2YyIlWqwc-x0AELQc4K9As
Each Tuesday afternoon I host a live local history chat on my page below. Join us live at 3 p.m., Tuesday, or watch any time later. Questions and comments welcome! Previous chats, including last week's about East Aurora's world-famous indoor racetrack, are available by visiting the page below.
I was recently interviewed by the East Aurora Bee Newspaper for an article about MARY JEAN TAYLOR, who fought for the right to attend school with white children. In June 1902, she became the first Black student to receive a diploma from East Aurora High School. Join us for our live history chat Tuesday (February 28), when I will discuss my research into the accomplishments of Miss Taylor and the lessons we can learn from her life about Black history in our predominantly white community. Have particular questions about this topic or others? Drop them in the comments or send me a message. Tune in for "Local History Live" TUESDAY at 3 p.m. on this page or watch anytime later.
WEST END FIRE...One of East Aurora's most devastating fires destroyed buildings on the north side of Main Street at the west end of the village 90 years ago this weekend. The blaze, discovered early Sunday morning, February 26, 1933, destroyed the Hatch building, which housed the Darrin Drug Store and Erbin Market, and the adjacent and recently remodeled Lange's Village Inn. Strong winds made things difficult for firefighters, who responded from several area towns. These photographs from the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office show the buildings before and after the fire. The building shown still standing in the after-fire photo is now home to the Aurora Cider House at the corner of Hamlin Avenue. (Article from the March 2, 1933 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
THE CIRCLE BEFORE IT WAS A CIRCLE...This is one of the earliest--if not the earliest--image we have in the archives of The Circle at the west end of the Village of East Aurora, likely from the 1890s. Note the wooden planks atop the muddy road and the giant utility poles, which many East Aurorans at the time considered unsightly. This photograph is part of our Featured Exhibit, "The Shapes of The Circle," currently on display in the Aurora History Museum at the Municipal Center. “The Circle” became a circle in 1936, but folks might be surprised to learn that it hasn’t always been that shape. And although it is officially known as Willink Square, named after the village that once surrounded it, it’s never been a square. It started out in the early 1800s as nothing more than a dirt convergence of some of East Aurora’s main roads. It later became informal ovals, then grass triangles, and—after automobiles grew in popularity—the intersection was converted into a circle as part of a Depression-era Works Project Administration initiative in 1936. Though transportation engineers consider it a “roundabout,” folks in East Aurora simply call it “The Circle.” This special display will be on view outside the Historian's Office at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, through May 31. This and other historical exhibits may be viewed during regular Municipal Center hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Aurora History Museum is presented by the Aurora Town Historian's Office in collaboration with the Aurora Historical Society New York. For more information, visit www.townofaurora.com/departments/historian.
THE NIGHT THE TREES DIED!...Forecasters are calling for an ice storm tonight, but hopefully it won't be anywhere near as brutal as the famous ice storm of March 2, 1976, which cut off power and damaged many trees in East Aurora. Here from the archives are a few pages from the East Aurora Advertiser's "storm special" published the following week. Advertiser columnist Sig Spooner called March 2, 1976, "The Night the Trees Died!" (Images from the March 11, 1976 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
1940s SNOW...The archives of the Aurora Town Historian's office contain many wonderful wintertime photographs of the community, including this one of the High School (today's Middle School).
Each Tuesday afternoon I host a live local history chat on my page below. Join us live at 3 p.m., or watch any time later. Questions and comments welcome!
GEORGE WASHINGTON POSTCARDS sent to Ada Burns in the 1910s and early 1920s. Miss Burns lived on the western end of Oakwood Avenue, which at the time was still under the jurisdiction of the Willink Post Office. A collection of her postcards were recently donated to the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office. While many states consider today Presidents Day, the federal government still officially calls it Washington’s Birthday.
WORLD WAR II DRAFT CALL #34, Part 2...Earlier this month we shared part one of Aurora World War II Draft Call #34. Here's part two, which was held 80 years ago this weekend, on February 19, 1943. The World War II collection in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office includes two scrapbooks featuring photographs of the military draftees standing in front of the doors or in the gymnasium of the East Aurora High School (today's Middle School) on Main Street. Unfortunately the caption information for this photograph only includes first names, and it appears at least a few of the last names are misspelled. Any known corrections are appreciated!
WINTER AT THE ROYCROFT INN...A vintage wintertime view of The Roycroft Inn from the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office. Note the sign hanging over South Grove Street in the background.
FEBRUARY 1960...There are often clues contained in undated photographs to figure out when they were taken. In East Aurora, the marquee of the Aurora Theatre has proven time and time again to be a valuable resource. This wintertime photograph of Main Street had been labeled "1950s," but with a little detective work in our newspaper archives we discovered that the movies on the marquee actually were shown at the theatre in February 1960. (Advertisement from the February 18, 1960 issue of the East Aurora Advertiser, in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian's Office).
Photos from Aurora Historical Society New York's post
VALENTINE GOSSIPS!...Yesterday we shared Valentine postcards sent to Ada Burns of East Aurora in the 1910s and early 1920s. Here's another interesting one from her recently donated postcard collection. It was postmarked at 8:30 a.m., February 14, 1912, at the East Aurora Post Office and sent to the Willink Post Office. At the time, the Village of East Aurora was served by two post offices. The Willink post office was on the western end of the village and the East Aurora post office was on the eastern end until they merged the following year, in 1913. Happy Valentine's Day!
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Glad to take part in a great day of history in the Town of Aurora hamlet of Griffins Mills with the Friends of Griffins Mills.
Take a listen as the 1902 Seth Thomas Hall Clock strikes 12 noon in the Aurora Town Historian's Office. With the recent closure of Bank of America's East Aurora branch, the clock, which stood for decades in the lobby of the bank at Main and Church Streets, was recently donated to the Aurora Historical Society New York and has become part of the collection of the Aurora History Museum at the Municipal Center on Oakwood Avenue. The 1902 clock is No. 27 in a series of “hall clocks” manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company at the turn of the 20th Century. Come see the clock and Aurora History Museum during regular Municipal Center hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about the clock and its history: http://www.townofaurora.com/files/7116/2741/4357/Aurora_History_Museum-Erie_County_Trust_Co._Lobby_Clock.pdf.
Rededicating the Civil War memorial in East Aurora's Oakwood Cemetery this morning. Thanks to the local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for their efforts to restore this 1886 monument, around which the community gathers each year for Memorial Day ceremonies.
ROBERT LOWELL GOLLER, Historian.
Thank you for keeping history alive! Since 1919, New York State law has required each town and village to appoint a historian to promote local history and manage the archives. The research center is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1-4 p.m., and by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and Monday evenings after 7 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs posted on and shared to this page are from the archives of the Aurora Town Historian’s Office. Thanks to the many donors and to the many volunteers over the past century who have helped catalog and preserve this history.
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