New Owners for Rustic Ties
Story by Carol Vogel
Heath Williams knew there was a need for a large wedding venue and event space in the area. In his hometown, Dolgeville, NY, he made his vision a reality with Rustic Ties. He’s now passed the torch on to new owners Brooke and Ty Stowell, who are looking forward to carrying on Heath’s vision while making it their own.
How it Began
Rustic Ties is a unique venue in the area, and Heath explained how he got started building his vision. “I started planning Rustic Ties back in 2017 because there was a need for a wedding venue in our area and a need for one that could hold larger weddings. I purchased the land and designed the grounds and buildings to be very functional and spacious. It was always my plan to
build the business up and sell it in five years so I could retire outside of the United States.”
The wedding and event venue features plenty of green space on its extensive 43 ½ acres which includes a pond, making it perfect for stunning photographs.
In addition to the huge indoor event space for up to 200, there are bride and groom dressing suites, an outdoor covered bar and a caterer’s kitchen.
“Rustic Ties opened in 2019 and hosted a handful of weddings. Those weddings and the fact that people could now see the venue complete gave me a full season of bookings for 2020. Unfortunately, Covid came along and destroyed my 2020 season and limited my 2021 season. Through all of that, I continued to make improvements to the grounds and facilities
and booked weddings each season. Rustic Ties blossomed into a beautiful venue with a great reputation, but it was time for me to move on.”
A Perfect Fit
Brooke had run her own creative business in Dolgeville prior to working with Rustic Ties.
“I started out doing the little craft shop in town, and then I always did a little bit of floral work. I think I planned my first wedding at 19 for my boss at the credit union when I worked there.”
Heath recalls, “Brooke had been a vendor for some of the brides over the years, and I knew her as someone that was creative and hard working. She also enjoyed working with weddings and had helped some of the wedding coordinators in the past with the set-
BB Music Center now open on Central Ave in Ilion
By Dave Warner
BB Music Center has opened at 141 Central Avenue in Ilion with musical instruments, repairs, and accessories.
Brad Bechard is the owner and he said, “I grew up in
Ilion and started playing guitar when I was eleven, and I’ve been playing in bands ever since. I traveled with a rock and roll band called the British Invasion Show for eight or nine years. We did the 60s, 70s, and a lot of the old stuff, British
and American.”
Then, that group broke up, and he did an Alice Cooper tribute band for two years. “We did all Alice Cooper with stage production and everything.”
up and decorating of the barn.”
Through working with Brooke, Heath had an idea. “I thought she would be a good fit, so at the end of the 2022 season, I asked her if she would be interested in becoming a manager and working with the couples starting in 2023. I also mentioned that I was looking to sell the business in the next
In 1989, he came off the road because he said he just couldn’t do it anymore. “When I came off the road, I worked as a mechanic and opened my own shop in Herkimer for 30 years - B&B Auto Tech - that was me.”
He said he got sick of that business, so he sold it. In between, he continued to play with a couple of bands—Showtime and Carmen Brookfield. “I played for them for about two and one-half years, and then I got married and had a couple of kids.”
Bechard said that his son is now a drummer out in Buffalo.
“I’ve been around and played in a lot of local bands. I was a guitar player for years, and then we lost a bass player in a band called Tears, so it was here you go, you’re now playing bass.”
He said that he can also
year or two but that I didn’t want to sell it to investors or anyone that I didn’t think would run the business themselves.”
The conversation led Heath to realize that Brooke and her husband Ty had many talents that would benefit Rustic Ties. Besides Ty’s landscaping business, he also did
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play drums and a little bit on the keyboard.
“I started this shop in Herkimer two years ago in the Emporium over on Mohawk Street. I had a vendor spot and was doing really well,” he said.
The building was sold, and he took everything in the shop home. “My girlfriend said, ‘I’m sick of looking at all these guitars,’ so she said, ‘Why don’t you start looking for a place?’”
Bechard said that Realtor Bruce Ward was a good friend who helped him find his new location. “I looked in Herkimer and Mohawk but landed on this space in Ilion and moved here in July.”
He plans to redo the rest of the space to increase the size of the shop and add a studio.
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Brook and Ty Stowell are the new owners of Rustic Ties. Photo used with permission from Rustic Ties.
property maintenance like commercial cleanings and stripping and waxing floors among other projects. Ty mentioned that “every once in a while, I get crazy and do catering jobs, too!”
Brooke laughed and said, “Heath lit up and said, ‘You guys really can do it all!’”
Heath added “She had the background with weddings and decorating, and Ty had a background in landscaping, maintenance, bartending, catering and has been the officiant for several weddings at Rustic Ties in the past.” He couldn’t have found a more capable and reliable couple to run Rustic Ties.
Getting to work
Heath was impressed with the transition. “Brooke came on board and picked things up very quickly. I took some vacation time and let her run things without my assistance/interference. She handled everything great, and Rustic Ties didn’t skip a beat.”
Things were going well, and then “She told me that she and her husband Ty were interested in buying the business from me, so we worked out a plan to let them operate the business for the entire 2024 season without me being present. I told them to do things the way they wanted to do them and the way they would do it if they were the owners. I wanted to make sure they knew exactly what they were getting into, and I wanted them to feel comfortable making changes and adjustments so that it was 100% realistic. The
2024 season was all theirs, and they did an amazing job.”
Heath mentioned that everyone was on the same page. “They even added a sweetheart swing which was her idea, and Ty built it. I was impressed because every year I added something new to the venue that added a nice touch or new photo opportunity, and they were already thinking the same way. They survived the 2024 season and said they still wanted to buy the business.” Heath laughed. “When the season ended at the end of October, we finalized the paperwork, and Rustic Ties is now theirs.”
Getting that first-hand experience was integral and the way things worked out wasn’t lost on Brooke. “It was always a dream to have my mom and my sister join me. My mom passed away several years ago, so she’s not able to help out. However, Ty has stepped in and taken over, so my dream still becomes a reality.”
Brooke and Ty are thrilled to be the new owners of Rustic Ties. Their family business gets to help create amazing memories for other families, not only as a wedding venue but for community events and live music as well.
Looking to the Future
There are many exciting projects and additions coming to Rustic Ties, and both Brooke and Ty have ideas for things they want to accomplish at the property. Brooke has plans to highlight
those who are married on the property. “Heath always did something new each year, so we plan on carrying on that tradition. I am trying to do something very personal to commemorate each of the couples that we have spent time with and have been married here since we took over. I am looking to find something unique where they can initial or sign their names or something like that on the property as a display starting from our first wedding of 2025 moving forward.” Inspired by the love locks on bridges found around the world, Brooke is excited about creating something memorable for her couples.
Although the setting is already picturesque, Ty’s focus will be on creating even more photo opportunities on the property. “I am going to be putting in a 1-acre wildflower field in one of the corners. We are going to have an easy access path, which we will accentuate with a stone wall and open up to an acre of wildflowers. It will give a beautiful photo op for our photographers and brides and grooms.” Ty is working on mixing it up so that they have a rotating field that blooms consistently throughout each season. “We want
to have a rotation, so we don’t have a big burst in spring, and then they’re gone.”
Another addition to Rustic Ties is in-house catering. Ty’s family has done food catering work for 40 years and, in addition to all the property maintenance, Brooke says “he is also taking on becoming our caterer for the venue as well so he’s a busy boy! He does all of the fun stuff!” He has lots of help from family, especially his dad, who likes to pitch in and help prep like peeling potatoes and vegetables.
Brooke and Ty have lots of ideas. “Wait and see what we’re going to do, you’re going to be like, ‘Man, that is a great idea!’” Ty adds. “We know what we’re doing next fall, and we will reveal it in the Spring of 2026 because it will be a year-long project for us. It will give more opportunities for photographers and our couples, and it will make a couple of areas around the property a little more homey – I guess we’ll leave it at that without giving too much away!” Ty laughed.
The word is out about Rustic Ties, and Brooke is excited for the future. “We have a lot of weddings booked already for next year, and we are booking
into 2026. Our first public event of the 2025 season will be the Violet Festival Band Night – and we are going to have Gridley Paige out for that on Friday, June 13th, 2025.” Moving Forward
Heath was extremely happy with how seamlessly everything worked out. “For me, they were the perfect fit. I wanted Rustic Ties to go to someone who would care for it as much as I did. I also wanted someone who would be looking to make improvements and learn from each wedding. Things are always changing, weddings aren’t cookie cutter anymore, so you must be willing to make changes and grow with the times. I have no doubt that Brooke and Ty will succeed. They are both hard-working, and their skill sets complement each other and this business perfectly!”
Ty added, “It’s an easier transition because we’re just carrying on things since we have been involved already in the business. It’s the kind of thing that you have to come here to see the differences and wait to see how we put our stamp on it.”
Brooke agreed and
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Band at Rustic Ties. Photo used with permission from Rustic Ties.
New businesses open in Dolgeville
By Dave Warner
A couple of new businesses have popped up in Dolgeville in the old library building at 22 North Main Street, and two more are set to use the space.
Jacob Manning, owner of Sureprint Pack N Ship, said, “The Village owns the building, but they were saying that they didn’t want it on the books, so Ward Halverson put out a call on Facebook for cheap rent - asking people to make this space something.”
He said that it had previously been used for a community space and other things.
“Both myself and Mike Taylor responded. I hadn’t known Mike until three months ago when we went to a couple of Village Board meetings to present our proposal.”
Manning said the meetings were packed and that several proposals were made.
“What our proposal shaped up to was sort of a co-op space, where I presented a pack ship print sort of thing, and Mike presented an IT store concept,” he said.
Taylor is an IT technician who specializes in small electronic repairs, including phones, tablets, computers, TVs, printers, and just about anything electronic.
Manning said that at one of the Village Board meetings, they went
around the room to hear some of the ideas. “I spoke at the meeting, and sometime after that, Mike chimed in, and I immediately said, ‘Mike, let’s do something together.”
It’s two different entities in the building with Tailored Computer Care and Sureprint Pack N Ship.
“He does his IT wonders over there and I do my sort of pack, ship and print, here. I have FedEx right now, but UPS has been in the works for a little bit too long it seems, because we’re coming up with the holidays.”
Manning has signed the contract for UPS and has been approved to be an authorized shipping outlet for them.
“I am established as a franchise called Package Hub Business Centers. You have to have different service offerings. Printing, faxing, virtual mailboxes and more. It’s been a journey, but any day now, I’ll be able to accept UPS packages.”
He said that there just seemed to be a real need for a FedEx-authorized dealer in the area.
Taylor said that he’s been in operation since 2010, just doing it parttime. “That was shortly after I got my degree in computers. I got back from deployment and said, I want to do this fulltime. I wanted to leave my regular 9-5 job. This became available, and I was initially skeptical, but it became the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Since then, I’ve increased my business a thousandfold,” he said.
Manning said, “I know Mike has been very busy and I’ve had some traffic as well. Just a variety of things. I’m trying to figure out what the advertising scope has to be and all of that.”
He said that he had worked with Mohawk Valley EDGE, and they had given him a grant based on his business plan. “That was very helpful.”
Manning says he still feels like he’s in the softopening phase, learning about what people need.
“I’m here 9-6 Monday through Friday, Saturday is 10-2, and we’re closed on Sunday.”
“It was just a really cool opportunity. I stumbled onto it just like Mike did, and we weren’t really sure that it was a legit thing, but it’s panned out, and it seems like it’s going OK so far,” he stated.
Taylor mentioned that two other businesses
will be coming in to occupy the space. One, they’ve coined the Apple Orchard, with homegrown cinnamon, apple pies, products, and jams. Then, another one will have art, CPR, and other classes. The space is also available for rent for events.
For shipping, you can call 315-556-8400 or visit their website sureprint.co. For Taylor Computer Care you can call 315-617-1920 or visit tailoredcomputercare. com.
was
“It
the struggles with Covid and all of that and he was still able to
build up a successful business. He had a great vision, and I feel honored that he hand-picked us. He considers this his baby and his legacy, and he wants to hand the reins over to someone he knows would treat it the same way. We’re really very thankful that he chose us.”
Learn more about Rustic Ties by visiting rustictiesweddings.com/. RUSTIC From Page 2
Photo by Dave Warner - Jacob Manning (right) owner of Sureprint Pack N Ship and Mike Taylor, owner of Tailored Computer Care work the counter.
City of Little Falls
December 3, 2024
Public Hearing—6:30
Local Law #8 – change from calendar year to fiscal year-end.
December 3, 2024
Public Hearing—6:45
Local Law #9 – Setting salary for City Treasurer and City Clerk.
December 3, 2024
Common Council
Meeting—Auditing of the bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting: 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.
December 4, 2024
Planning Board Meeting—5:00 pm in the Mayor’s conference room – 21 W. Monroe Street (separating the parcel into two parts in order to sell the garage part of the parcel separate from the rental house.) 36 Prospect Street (Gilbert Mansion) Site Plan Review, Declaration of Lead Agency.
December 8, 2024
Serenade for the Season
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 588 Albany St. An afternoon of chamber music with the Caroga Arts Collective. Free admission, suggested donation - $15. Light reception to follow.
December 8, 2024
Herkimer Home invites you to join us for a celebration of the holidays at Palatines and Presents: A German Christmas! This year’s event will be held on Sunday, from 3pm until 6pm. Standard site admission of $4 for adults and $3 for students/ seniors; children 12 and under are free.
December 9, 2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting - Bills 8:30 a.m. and Regular Session 9:00 a.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room in City Hall.
December 13, 2024
Santa Claus at the Fire Station in Little Falls. He will ride through the City on a firetruck, before showing up at the station from 4 pm - 5 pm.
December 13, 2024
Christmas in Little Falls 5:30 - 8:30. Entertainment in Sterzinar Park, carriage rides, Canal Place businesses are open for activities and shopping.
December 14, 2024
Christmas in Little Falls. 9 am – Reindeer Run, 9 am – Elks LFMS/HS Holiday recital, 9 am – American Legion superhero breakfast, 10 am-Noon – Pictures with Santa/ Scouts/P4AP – Youth and Family Center, 10 am – 4 pm – “Chickmas” at the Presbyterian Church, 10 am – Bartenders Race on Main Street, 10 am – Children activities (cooked decorating and other activities) Senior Community Center on Main Street, 10 am –Storytime at the Library, 11 am – Utica Zoomobile at ACE Hardware, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm – Carriage rides through the City, Noon – Soupfest, Noon – Elks Craft Fair, 4 pm –“Polar Express” at Valley Cinema.
December 14, 2024
In conjunction with “Christmas in Little Falls” Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 594 E. Albany St., Little Falls, NY will be having their annual St. Nicholas Bazaar on
EVENTS
Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The following will be available. Soup and Sandwich Luncheon, Bake Sale, Emmanuel Thrift Table, Gift and Craft vendors, Basket and Quilt Raffle. Everyone welcome.
December 14, 2024
Christmas Open House at Creative Designs by Tiffany Florist - 9:30 am - 1:00 pm. Noon ribbon cutting at 632 E Main St.
December 14, 2024
Pictures with Santa at Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Home, 755 East Monroe St. 11 am - 1 pm.
December 15, 2024
Christmas in Little Falls - 2 pm - Christmas concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 E Gansevoort St.
December 16, 2024
Recreation/Harbor — 6 p.m., in the Mayor’s Conference Room in City Hall.
December 16, 2024 Board of Public Works Meeting—Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
December 18, 2024 Urban Renewal Board Meeting—Regular Session, 8:00 a.m., in the Mayor’s Conference
Room in City Hall.
Norway
December 15, 2024
Norway Historical Society, 1067 Newport-Gray Rd. 2:00 PM Meet and Greet with Refreshments, 2:30 PM Christmas Program with: Christmas Carols, Holiday Readings, Children’s Gifts.
Herkimer
December 21, 2024Santa Claus will be at the Community Market from 11 am until 3 pm. He will be choosing the winner of the gift basket between 3 and 3:30 pm.
Santa kicking off Christmas in Little Falls at the Fire Station
By Dave Warner
It’s December, and it’s Christmas time. What better way to kick off the season in Little Falls than to bring Santa back for an open house at the fire station on December 13th?
Mayor Deborah Kaufman stated, “Christmas at the Fire Station is something that had been going on for years, and then sometime around 2017, it was discontinued. We decided that this year, we should bring some
of the things that have been traditions in the City, some of the things that bring back wonderful memories for the parents and the kids.”
All the trucks will be available, as will many of the firefighters and EMTs.
“It’s an exciting time for them as well.”
To kick the event off, Santa Claus will be on the back of a firetruck roaming through neighborhoods with the siren going and waving
to children along the way, starting at about 3:30 pm. Then, he’ll return to the fire station, where an open house will be held.
“Kids will be able to share their wish list with Santa, and parents will be able to take pictures,” Kaufman said.
There will be hot cocoa, donuts, and more. “Stewarts was incredibly generous to us this year with the donation of refreshments. The fire
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Little Falls Public Library Calendar
Herkimer County Historical Society Announces Holiday Events
Herkimer, NY – The Herkimer County Historical Society is excited to announce a series of engaging events for the community this December. Located at 406 N Main St in Herkimer, NY, the Society is offering a unique chance to explore art, history, and holiday cheer. These events are perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add a creative touch to the season.
Watercolor Painting Class: Let’s Paint Some Ornaments!
Date: Monday, December 2nd Time: 5:30 PM
Cost: $25 per person (ALL supplies included!)
Seating is limited! Reserve your seat now! Get into the holiday spirit by joining us for a watercolor painting class where you can create beautiful holiday ornaments. All supplies are provided, and no prior painting experience is necessary. This class is perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a fun and creative evening. Don’t miss out – space is limited!
Reserve your spot now by calling 315866-6413 or emailing herkimerhistory@yahoo. com.
(DAR)? Do you have questions about joining, or need help with your DAR application? This informative session will answer all your questions! Whether you’re curious about the history and mission of the DAR or need guidance on the application process, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from current DAR members.
For more information or to reserve a seat, please call: 315-866-6413 or email: herkimerhistory@ yahoo.com
Event details on Facebook: DAR Information Session
4th Annual Cookie Sale & Visit from Santa!
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Daughters of the American Revolution: Join Us for a DAR Information Session
SENIOR MEALS FOR DECEMBER
To reserve a meal, call the Herkimer County Office for the Aging at least one business day in advance, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315-867-1204 or 315-867-1634. If you will not be home for meals, call 315867-1204 at least a day in advance. All sites are handicapped accessible.
Dec 02 - Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic roll, cookie.
Dec 03 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, peas, pudding parfait.
Dec 04 - Pork chops, au gratin potatoes, Sonoma blend vegetables, frosted birthday cake.
Dec 05 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, peaches.
Dec 06 - Chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, warm three-bean salad, fruited gelatin.
Dec 09 - Salisbury steak, rice pilaf, Pacific blend vegetables, pudding.
Dec 10 - Pork and mushroom stew, tossed salad, biscuit, brownie.
Dec 11 - Philly cheeseburger, coleslaw, German potatoe salad, cookie.
Dec 12 - Roast beef dinner with gravy, stuffing, red cabbage, cupcake.
Dec 13 - Chicken cacciatore, noodles, Italian blend vegetables, pears.
Dec 16 - Tuna casserole, beets, cauliflower, carnival cookie.
Dec 17 - Beef stew, biscuit, pumpkin cookie.
Dec 18 - Christmas dinner, stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions, dinner roll, apple pie.
Dec 19 - Stuffed pepper casserole, tossed salad, broccoli, cookie.
Dec 20 - Omelet, hash browns, sausage, muffin, fruit cup.
Dec 23 - Ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, pudding.
Dec 24 - Cream of broccoli soup, chicken salad sandwich, three-bean salad, Mandarin oranges.
Dec 25 - Merry Christmas!
Dec 26 - Pot roast, roast potatoes, carrots, oatmeal cookie.
Dec 27 - Chicken stir fry, fluffy rice, Japanese blend vegetables, ice cream.
Dec 30 - Baked fish in lemon sauce, confetti rice, spinach, brownie.
Dec 31 - Roast turkey dinner with gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, tropical fruit.
All meals are served with 8 ounces of milk, a slice of bread, and margarine. Desserts have no concentrated sweets. The suggested donation is $3. Mail donations to Herkimer County OFA, 109 Mary St., Suite 2501, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes are available from drivers.
Date: Wednesday, December 4th Time: 4:00 PM
Have you ever wondered about the Daughters of the American Revolution
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fighters union participated in a very generous way as well to make this happen,” she stated.
The event will finish at about 5 p.m. so that people can head to Canal Place and Sterizinar Park for the entertainment, carriage rides, and shopping that will be featured from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Yarn Christmas Tree is back at the Library with some new twists
By Dave Warner
John Ossowski and Mike Beehm spent eleven months creating a yarn Christmas tree last year that got a lot of attention at the Little Falls Public Library. This year, it’s back, and they’ve added a few new twists.
Ossowski said, “There’s about 120 more squares, increasing the size of each layer so that it hangs a little better. Then we added a LOT of lights and each one is individually sown in place. So, again, it was a lot of work.”
The tree is 10 1/2 feet tall, and they believe it’s the tallest in the Mohawk Valley. “It’s not the biggest in the world, but easily the
biggest in Central New York,” stated Ossowski.
“All the LEDs are very cool, and we doublechecked them to make sure there’s no heat. We have a big crochet wreath that we hang outdoors at home with lights, and we’ve never had a problem.”
He also spoke about the new box that they have for food pantry donations. “It will hopefully overflow and we’ll have the donations all around the tree. ‘To Little Falls’ is the appropriate tag, since it’s a present to the City.”
They also have a new Menorah. “It lights up with crochet flames. They’re all individually made, and
E&H Productions returns to Little Falls for their next film
By Dave Warner
E&H Productions has returned to Little Falls to shoot scenes for their next film, “Bloodlines.”
Shawn Uebele is no stranger to the City and said, “With this movie, I wanted to do something centered around Halloween. We had time to script it, which came together pretty fast. But it also meant shooting had to happen pretty quickly, so we didn’t lose continuity with the rest of the leaves falling off the trees and the possibility of snow.”
they have wires through them. We’ll poke them into the candle every day of Hanukkah,” he stated.
Ossowski said that there’s more to come with the design of the Menorah as it evolves.
They have also done a wreath, but that will be displayed in the Main Street Mercantile location.
“The big thing is if you come to visit, bring food donations and sign our guest book. You should see some of the things people wrote in there last year. It’s really touching,” he said.
For more information on the project, visit https:// www.littlefallsfof.com/
Uebele said it’s a horror film but not a typical slasher film. “It has a lot of comical moments as well as some sci-fi action set in the fictional location of Clark County, New York. It’s where many E&H productions films, as well as other local indie films, have been shot in the past.”
Stereotypical points occur in almost every horror movie, and there are also many TV shows or movies where there is a power struggle between the local sheriff and the mayor’s office.
“Anybody who knows any of the Clark County movies knows that Clark County is one of those places that once you’re there, you never leave. It’s almost like the county itself is the driving force for evil,” he stated.
The movie, which has the working title “Bloodlines,” follows a man who is looking for justice for his brother, who was murdered by a slasher character some years earlier. He encounters an unlikely bunch of “allies” to help him in his quest.
Uebele said, “I chose to film once again in Little
Falls, New York, because I had filmed a 20-minute short film segment for the “How to Survive a Horror Movie” earlier this summer. The mayor’s office and the police department were unlike the movie stereotype. We worked very well together, and they helped me get everything I needed with locations and permits.”
“They were also a big help again with this movie. Little Falls is a film-friendly city, and it is a friend to other styles of art as well,” he said.
Mayor Deborah Kaufman remarked, “Once again, our picturesque city is destined for the big screen in Shawn Uebele’s latest production, Bloodlines. Sean and his E&H Production team have been great to work with on this project. It’s always a treat to watch gifted filmmakers at work.”
“City Hall played a prominent role in this film. Locals will undoubtedly recognize the sheriff’s department scenes filmed in the city’s council chambers and offices. Other scenes were shot along River Road. We’re delighted that Shawn sees our beautiful city and historic architecture as the perfect backdrop for his films,” she said.
Photos by Dave Warner - Top - Actors work a scene in the Mayor’s conference room of City Hall. Bottom, Shawn Uebele checks an angle in the camera.
It’s Christmas, which means, time for those Paca Gardens socks
By Dave Warner
It’s Christmas, which means time to head to Paca Gardens at 27 West Main Street in Little Falls to get those year-round socks and other great gift items.
Owner Andy McEvoy said, “We’ve got everything decorated for Christmas - all the lights, Santa, and the Grinch in the window, which everybody loves. People come back so that the little kids can have their picture taken
with the Grinch.”
“We’re just trying to make it look appealing and festive and get people in the Christmas spirit.”
McEvoy said that every year, socks are the hot item. “They’re the biggest gift item all year round, but especially at Christmas. They’re our biggest selling item because everybody loves El Paca socks. All these years, we’ve never had a single person complain about them.”
He said they have some new El Paca ponchos, new styles of socks, caps, and scarves.
“It’s a great time of year. People are coming in, and they’re happy and festive, and they want to celebrate Christmas time. Having a little snow in the air and the cold weather kind of gets everybody in the mood. It’s a fun time of year,” he said.
For more information, visit them on Facebook or call 315-823-1100.
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Bechard says he does setups and repairs as well. “I sell strings and accessories, and I’m trying to work with the schools as well.”
For more information, email bbechard2@ yahoo.com or call 315360-4757.
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Date: Saturday, December 14th
Cookie Sale Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Santa Visit Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Herkimer County Historical Society’s annual holiday cookie sale is back, with a special visit from Santa Claus! Pre-packaged containers filled with a variety of homemade cookies will be available for just $15 each. In addition to delicious treats, children can enjoy holiday-themed activities, including a fun coloring contest. Santa will be available for photos and holiday cheer from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Don’t miss out on this
festive event that’s fun for the whole family!
For more information, visit: Cookie Sale & Santa Visit Event
The Herkimer County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Herkimer County. These upcoming events offer an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the holiday season in a creative and educational way.
For additional details please visit our website at herkimercountyhistory. org or follow us on social media.
Bootleggers made a valuable haul
The Little Falls Evening Times
November 2, 1921
Touched Up Wine Cellar of Local Resident Last
Another bold burglary was pulled off in the city last night, the second in two days, when thieves entered the cellar of L. O. Bucklin’s home at the corner of William, Monroe, and Gansevoort streets and carried away nearly one hundred cases of wines and liquors, valued at approximately $10,000. Three trucks were used in transporting the stolen goods, according to the findings of the police, but no clues have been obtained as to the identity of the robbers. In point of value of the goods stolen, it was the biggest burglary pulled off in the city in recent years. The theft was probably committed at about 1 o’clock this morning and was discovered by William Dorey when he went to take care of the fires at the Bucklin home. Suspicious characters were seen during the night around other local house which were known to contain valuable caches of liquors, and this and other circumstances connected with the matter would seem to indicate that the thieves were familiar with the field in which the operated.
The goods which were taken were being held legally by Mr. Bucklin, having been acquired
prior to the time when prohibition went into effect. Entrance to the cellar was affected by using a bar with which a window grate was sprung. Someone of small size must have crawled through the window and opened the cellar door. Then an iron door leading to the wine cellar was sprung and forced open by the thieves, who next carried the goods out in cases.
Charles Moyer, who resides near the Bucklin home, arose at 1 o’clock this morning to let a dog into the house and at that time there were three trucks in the vicinity, one on William street, one near the roadway leading to the Bucklin house and the other some distance away. There is little doubt but that then wines and liquors were carried out of the cellar, loaded on the trucks and carried away.
Mr. Moyer’s suspicions were not aroused by the sight of the motor trucks and he gave the matter no further thought until he heard about the burglary today. Mr. Bucklin was up at midnight and at that time everything was all right.
It was learned this morning that the thieves, of whom there must have been several, had cut the telephone wires leading to the Bucklin house, so that, in case they were discovered during their operations, it would be impossible to summon help by use of then
phone.
The robbers undoubtedly stole the stuff in order to dispose of it by bootlegging methods.
No Common Thugs Handled Job at the Bucklin Home – Later Developments In the Case
As further details of the burglary at the home of L. O. Bucklin on Tuesday, November 1, from which $10,000 worth of wines and liquors were stolen Tuesday night, become known, the boldness and magnitude of the theft –one of the biggest ever pulled off in a city like this – become apparent. The men who pulled off the job were not only daring thieves, but they were expert mechanics as well, as is shown by the way in which the manipulated the locks and iron doors in getting into the cellar. Burglaries of that kind are read about in stories and occasionally depicted in moving pictures but are not so often encountered in real life – at least, not in this part of the country. It is understood that private detectives will be put on the trail in an effort to run the criminals to earth.
One of the facts lately learned regarding the
burglary is that highpowered automobiles, not trucks, were used in carrying away the stolen goods. At the time the theft was being committed, an automobile halted at then home of Elias Keller. Mr. Keller became aware of this fact and inquired what was wanted. The driver of the car said that he had had some trouble with the machine and was waiting to get fixed up. Mr. Kellar inquired if any help was wanted, to which the driver replied that there were three or four in his party and he would get along without assistance. He said he was on his way to Fairfield. The Keller residence is a short distance from the corner of William and Monroe streets, on Monroe. The car had stopped in the driveway. There is
little doubt but that this machine was one of those which was used in the burglary.
Another circumstance in connection with the case is that a stranger was near the corner of William and Monroe streets a couple of days prior to the burglary making inquiries as to where the residence of Mr. Bucklin was located.
Note: $10,000 in 1921 would be worth about $158,000 today.
Community Market brings back old-time Christmas feel in Herkimer
LITTLE FALLS
By Dave Warner
If you want that old-time Christmas shopping feel, look no further than the Community Market at 142 N Main Street in Herkimer. They’ve gone out of their way to spruce up the store and take you back in time.
Tammy Crossway said, “We thought we’d do custom windows for the season, so each of us— my husband Matt and Christine Salamone— picked a window and decorated ourselves. Then we did a group window with the manger and the living room where the little boy is lying down.”
“We just felt we’d do a little extra this year from what we’ve done in the past. We decorate every year, but this year, we went above and beyond. We painted in the spray snow, and we thought it’d be fine to make Main Street look more festive,” she stated.
They have also added music on the street. “We thought it would bring
Author
Patrick Maxwell details another
By Dave Warner
It seems like I’ve been interviewing many authors in the Valley recently, and yet another popped up on my radar with a fascinating book. In it, Patrick Maxwell works to uncover the genuine Chester Gillette, and his story is told in Gillette’s own voice, with no holds barred.
In November of 1906, hordes of reporters, witnesses, and spectators descended on Herkimer in Upstate New York, transforming the village into a media sensation as it hosted one of the most celebrated trials of the twentieth century.
Gillette, who was a worker in his uncle’s skirt factory in Cortland, was on trial for the murder of Grace Brown, a workmate of low social standing who was pregnant with Gillette’s child. Gillette, who was determined to marry a wealthy socialite to improve his poor situation, was alleged to have taken Grace to Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks, where he struck her down in a boat and tossed her into the lake to clear his path to a better life.
Despite millions of words in newspapers, books, and at least two movies, Gillette’s true story and unique personality never seemed to surface.
Maxwell is an unlikely author, as he owns a big farm with about 640 acres in Newport, Schyler, and Herkimer. “I’m right at the nexus of all three towns. We have a big cattle ranch with just under 300 beef cows. We’re pretty big for a beef operation in Central New York. People who do beef tend to be hobby farmers.”
He said they were a dairy farm, but they took advantage of a buyout in 1986. “If you think dairy struggles, beef is not the way to make a living,” he said. “Because it was set up with dairy money that was there, I can make it work.”
Maxwell said that he’s very curious about things, self-taught and that writing came late in life.
“Probably when I was around 40, I got hooked on short stories and all the famous authors.”
He said that he didn’t really know if he wanted to write at that point, but was watching a segment on TV about electrical wiring and he thought that he could explain it better than that.
“I was in Walden Books and saw a ‘Writing for Dummies’ book, and I got it. It told you about how to write magazine articles and things like that.”
Maxwell wrote up a magazine article and pitched it to Mother Earth News. They contacted him, and he sold it for $500 on his first try.
“As soon as I did that, I got to thinking that I could write short stories, so that’s when I started writing. I’ve been doing that for a good twenty-five years,” he stated.
He said there would have been a market if he’d started writing them in the 70s. But by the 90s, that market was pretty much gone. “A lot of magazines began to drop them at about that time.”
“The best response that I actually got was from Playboy. They had a very high standard of writing, and they featured short
stories. I had one that I thought could work for them and actually got a reply, which is very rare.”
The woman who read the story said she liked it, but it just missed their audience a bit, so she asked him to write something else for them.
“I’m a slow writer, so it probably took me a good
eight or nine months to get something worked up that I thought might be a little more appropriate for them,” he remarked.
He sent it, and the reply was that since you last heard from us, Playboy has changed a lot. They no longer want to accept manuscripts from unknown authors. “That’s
as close as I got for short stories.”
“For the last 15 or 20 years, I have dropped in at the Utica Writers Club. One time, they had a sprinkling of books around the room, and I found one called ‘Murder in the Adirondacks: “An American Tragedy”
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Photo by Dave Warner - Author Patrick Maxwell sits outside with his new book called ‘The Last Word.’
Where I WanderRed, White and Blue
Story and Photographs By Joan Herrmann
Whereiwander… today it is here, there, and everywhere because I am wandering in hopes of finding a Snowy Owl. We have heard about numerous sightings, which leads me to believe this may be a year of being able to find and photograph one of these amazing raptors. Their arrival is known as an Irruption, which is different from Migration. It is thought to be generated by a potential lack of food to meet the needs of both the juveniles and the female Snowy Owls, as they are the ones that would be competing with the much larger males for late fall and winter food rations. Therefore, they will leave their own habitat for a better source of food and less competition. If they travel to a nearby area, which they may have visited in past irruptions, it is a great benefit to photographers. Home for the Snowy Owls is most often the Arctic, and to be able to see and photograph one in just a few hours of travel is truly exciting. The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) has been known to seek out the shores of Lake Ontario in past years.
By learning a bit about the Snowy Owl’s habits and habitats and also their physical features may
make it easier if you seek to pursue and photograph one. For example, owls are nocturnal (more active at night) and also crepuscular (hunting for food at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days). I am apt to find and be able to photograph them in the early morning or before sunset. They are nocturnal, and they will roost (sleep) during the daylight hours. They are able to camouflage themselves exceptionally well but may still be found with a bit of bird sleuthing. Quite often, Crows and Blue Jays will harass an owl during the daylight by screeching and even dive-bombing the owl as it attempts to sleep. The Blue Jays and Crows know that the owl is a carnivore, and they and their offspring are potential prey.
Owls have highly developed eyes and ears that help them find their prey while they are hunting. Their ears are arranged asymmetrically (which means that one ear is higher than the other one) on their head. Owls have the ability to hear possible prey, like a mouse rustling in the grass or even under leaves and snow. Their flattened facial disks reflect even the slightest sound to their ears in a similar way that a satellite disk brings information to our televisions. I had the
most amazing experience several years ago as I watched Snowy Owl on an overcast day. The owl was sitting on the top of a telephone pole that was adjacent to a barn and a farmyard. I watched it turn its head and knew it was listening for prey. It finally triangulated the sound of a vole under about a foot of snow. It flew from the pole to the spot and descended with its talons down into the snow, and brought up its targeted prey. It then returned to the pole, transferred the vole to its mouth, and swallowed it whole.
Once the prey is swallowed, it will digest within the owl’s crop. It will take about six to ten hours, depending on the size of the prey, to completely digest. Once the prey has been digested, the owl will regurgitate (cough up) the undigested parts in the form of a pellet, which will contain the hair, bones, teeth, and nails. The prey’s hair will surround all of the sharp parts and keep the owl’s throat from being injured when the pellet is coughed up and spit out.
Among the Red birds that I may have an opportunity to see in winter are those that don’t necessarily migrate. I was truly surprised when I looked through the window and saw an extremely large bird on the suet cake feeders. The suet cake feeders are only six by six inches and the
bird which was trying to remove the suet was about eighteen inches in height. This new arrival to the suet feeder was a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). I have seen numerous other woodpeckers that eat the Peanut Butter Cakes that arrive for a moment or two throughout the day. They are the Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) and on a few rare occasions a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). The Pileated Woodpecker was a big surprise, but it gave me an opportunity to get a really good look at its features and learn more about its habits. All of these woodpeckers that feed on the suet have brilliant Red markings. The Pileated Woodpecker male has a red mustache and a red forehead, while
the female has a black mustache and black forehead. Other than those two features, they are almost monomorphic (having the same physical appearance). Their diet is mainly that of an omnivore (eating both plants and insects); in addition to eating carpenter ants and woodboring beetles, they will also consume fruits and berries, which may even include poison ivy berries, sumac, and bittersweet. It may become quite evident that a Pileated woodpecker is visiting your neighborhood when you discover extremely large rectangular holes in nearby trees. There will also be a rather large pile of wood chips on the ground below.
Birds that are blue in color have always fascinated me, especially the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata). We have an unusually Please See WANDER Page 11
back that old-time feeling of shopping. Since Mungers is an older department store, we wanted to bring that old Christmas feeling back.”
The inside has a 12-foot Christmas tree, a wreath hanging on the wall from when Mungers was open, and some Mungers Christmas memorabilia downstairs. “We even have Santa and trees up on the balcony.”
Joe Chilelli stated, “Santa will be here on the 21st from 11-3 pm. We will have him pull the winner of the gift basket that we have displayed at around 3-3:30. Tickets for the raffle are free, as long as it’s with a purchase from the luncheonette or any vendor on the lower level.”
WANDER
large flock of Blue Jays that visit our feeders all year around. I let them know that I am bringing unsalted peanuts and black oiled sunflower seed to the tray feeders on the balcony by slapping the now empty trays on the railings. I have counted as many as twenty-three Jays waiting in the Black walnut tree for me to go back into the house before they descend to get their food. We also have a heated bird bath that provides a source of open water throughout the winter for the birds and other critters.
Shows you might have missed on the Studio 25 Podcast Network
My Little Falls (The Creative Outpost) creates a lot of monthly content besides the stories you read here, including audio, video, and even live-streamed events. Where do you find all of this?
On the MyLittleFalls.com website, as each show comes out, we create a small story to bring attention to it. However, the best way to keep up with everything is to Subscribe to the Studio 25 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
It’s your one-stop destination for regional podcasts catering to various interests and passions. We discuss the news, sports, books, religion, music, entertainment, and fantasy football.
From the end of October through November, it was a busy period for shows. Here are just a few that we can highlight.
Ralph Renzuli was back with another episode of The Inside View , interviewing Louis Baum and Peggy Romano about the Holy Family Parish stained glass windows.
The Herkimer County Legislature established the Herkimer County Land Bank earlier this year, so Ralph invited Michael Edwards, the agency’s executive director, to his next episode.
Ralph stayed busy because he brought back the show Through My Eyes, which had been produced by The Creative Outpost and filmed at the Little Falls Library in the China room. Thirteen episodes were completed before the program was shuttered, but that all changed last month when a new episode was recorded at the new Studio 25 location in Canal Place.
Initially, it was only Little Falls Vets, but he thought if someone was willing to do it, why not Ilion, Mohawk, Herkimer, Dolgeville, Fort
Plain, or Canajoharie?
“Anyone willing to do it,” he stated.
Renzulli says he intends to expand it to any Veteran from World War II through Afghanistan. “I don’t know how many people we have around here who have participated in those wars, but there have to be quite a few.”
Steve Cully’s Festivus of Sports Show focused on the NFL and College football throughout the month, while Tiffany Talk, with Tiffany Rutkowski, featured Laurie Britton from BUG Country Radio.
Scott Kinville returned to the mic with his CNY Hockey Report , highlighting the action in Central New York. He had Chris Sugar from DIII Hockey News, Morrisville Women’s Hockey Head Coach John Briggs, the always popular Gary Heenan, head Coach of the #3 Utica Pioneers Men’s Hockey team, and the owner of the Syracuse Crunch, Howard Dolgon.
Not to be left behind, Dave Warner had several episodes of Small Town Life. At the end of October, William L. Kidder, who had just completed the book Defending Fort Stanwix, told the story of the New York Frontier during the American Revolution on the show.
In Episode 29, the legendary Ray Lenarcic was the guest. He covered a lot of ground, discussing the Furnace Street gang, Gram Lorraine, Operation Candy Cane, the Cookie Corps, the Pumpkin Man coloring contest, area food pantries, and more.
The next involved yet another author. Vincent Palmieri discussed his latest book, ‘The King of Orchard Street.’ It is a story about six men in Frankfort, New York, over three generations and across the decades of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Due to the passing of time, these six men’s lives intersected to varying degrees, but their
BOOK From Page 9
revisited,” he said.
Maxwell said he got hooked on the story right away. “It’s a real addictive story if you get into it. You can’t know enough minutia about it.”
He also found that ‘An American Tragedy,’ a 1925 novel by American writer Theodore Dreiser, had become what most people felt was the truth about the event. Dreiser had saved newspaper clippings about the case for several years before writing his novel, during which he studied the case closely. He based Clyde Griffiths on Chester Gillette, deliberately giving him the same initials.
daily living experiences over thirty-plus years never varied. It’s truly about Small Town Life.
Then there was Episode 31. You may not have heard of him, but Anthony Constantino has been in the news lately, and it’s not for his stand-up comedy routine, his boxing prowess, or his role as CEO of Sticker Mule in Amsterdam.
He hit the national spotlight when he was involved in a legal battle with the Mayor of Amsterdam over a sign he placed on top of his building.
Now, Constantino has announced his intention to run for the 21st Congressional District seat, which Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will vacate when she becomes Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik’s district covers all of Herkimer County.
The interview covers his childhood, background, company, and, as we said during the show, everything from stickers to missile defense.
Finally, in Episode 32, Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs team owner Travis Heiser updates the team’s progress for the upcoming season, and guest Chris Nellis discusses the host family program.
During the summer of 2025, from approximately May 29th through August 1st, around 40 young men will move to the Mohawk Valley to play for the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs, a long-standing tradition.
Hosting players gives them a sense of normalcy in a new area. Players become more than just guests; they become part of the family.
For these shows and many more, Subscribe to the Studio 25 Podcast Network , wherever you get your podcasts - Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and others, to catch every episode.
whole trial is a saga in itself,” he said.
Maxwell used the novel form when writing the book. “I thought a lot of readers would like to get into his life as the central character, which had never been done.”
He also wrote the book in first person, so in a way, it’s an autobiography. “But, he’s dead, right?”
Maxwell said that ‘Murder in the Adirondacks: An American Tragedy Revisited, by Craig Brandon,’ tried to set the record straight.
However, he felt that nobody had really told Gillette’s personal story. “One thing I thought was missing was Chester Gillette himself. His whole saga had been told by reporters, but he hadn’t had a lot of one-on-one interviews with them. But, they’d write about him without him having any input.”
“This case is considered one of the most famous of the 20th Century, right here in Herkimer. Thousands of people showed up at the courthouse. They started selling tickets because they didn’t have room for the witnesses,” he said. “It turned into a real circus.”
Maxwell says the case is still being taught and talked about in law school.
“I thought I had some better insights and drew some different conclusions. It’s such a long saga with so much drama in it. The
Maxwell said that he broke the rules a little bit when writing it. “Normally, a novel would have a prologue, and a nonfiction book would have a preface. I have both because I’m claiming this to be the most up-to-date factual book of his life. I had a little bit more to work with because of the internet and other things that were discovered.”
He said, “I’m really proud of the cover because my grandson did it, and my granddaughter laid the book out.”
Maxwell said he didn’t hire any editors or other help to write the book. “If there’s anything wrong with it, it’s all on me.”
The book was published in October, so if you’re interested in reading more, you can find it on Amazon or wherever you buy your books.
