Clippings, News and Events

Clippings, Stories and News Events
1930-1939

1930

1930, August 22 - Ellenburg Boy Loses Fingers In Explosion. Harold LaClair, 15, Ellenburg, is in a serious condition in the Champlain Valley hospital as the result of an explosion late Friday afternoon, which removed the thumb and index finger of his right hand and also incurred an injury to his right eye. He is attended by Dr. L. C. Barton, Jr., who last night performed an operation to amputate the remaining fragments of the two digits. Young LaClair while working on his father's farm Friday found a dynamite cap, a thing which he had never seen before. Thinking little of the cap at the time he placed it in his pocket where it remained until he returned to his home. Standing on the front porch of the house awaiting supper, he placed his hand in his pocket in search of a match with which to light a cigarette, and brought out both a match and the cap. Holding the cap in his right hand, he lit the match and brought together with the result that an explosion followed. He was felled by the blow. His father who was nearby at the time rushed to his assistance and carried him inside the house where Dr. Daniel D. Daley, of Ellenburg, was called. Upon the latter’s arrival he ordered the youth be removed to the hospital immediately.

1931

1931, January 30 - Local Men Held on Serious Charge - Chateaugay was pushed into the limelight Sunday night by an alleged highway robbery in which the victim was relieved of $105 by two young men of the village. The story as told is that George LeClair, aged 63 years, of Clinton, came to Chateaugay to do some trading, bringing with him two pocketbooks, one containing nine $20 bills and two $5.00 bills, while in the other was a ten and a five dollar note. Meeting up with Maurice (Jabut) Jarvis, LeClair was piloted about town and is said to have imbibed rather freely, and in making a good fellow of himself he displayed his roll of wealth. It was a dazzling sight to Jarvis, who continued to establish himself in the good graces of LeClair. Later in the evening, LeClair started to walk to his home and the fact was known to Jarvis, who then appraised a chum, Marlin Perry, when the two men started in pursuit of LeClair. He had reached the top of the hill near the Holcomb residence when he was overtaken and attacked, a coat being thrown over his head and he was thrown to the ground. An approaching automobile scared the assailants away, but they renewed the attack at a point farther along the street, when the alleged robbery is said to have taken place. At about 9:30 o'clock Deputy Sheriff E. M. Lancto was notified of the affair and he immediately started out to investigate the matter. LeClair’s story as told to the officer gave him a clew to the assailants, but it was thought advisable to secure the aid of a couple of State Troopers, and the Malone barracks was accordingly notified. Troopers O'Donnell and Beckwith were assigned to assist Officer Lancto, and upon their arrival they went to Jarvis home on East Main street, where they found their man and put him through a severe quizzing. Jarvis stoutly denied any knowledge of the affair and attempted to prove an alibi, but the officers were not satisfied with his story and placed him under arrest. Lancto and O'Donnell then proceeded to Perry’s home on River street and stiffly questioned this young man, who at first also denied all knowledge of the holdup. However, after a few minutes he changed his mind and offered to make a full -statement, which was taken in the presence of Police Justice Ryan. This document hooked up both men in the robbery, and both were then placed under arrest. Deputy Sheriff Lancto turned the prisoners over to the Troopers and they were taken to Malone, where on Tuesday they were brought before Justice H. C. Genaway and held to await the action of the grand jury.

1932

1933

1933, September - A very pretty wedding was solemnized by Father Boyer at St. Edmund's church in Ellenburg at eight o'clock Tuesday morning when Ada LeClair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. LaClair, became the bride of Norman LaClair, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter LaClair, of Ellenburg Center. They were attended by Lillian LaClair, sister of the groom, and Harold LaClair, brother of the bride. The bride looked very charming in a gown of pink crepe with white hat. The bridesmaid was attired in pale green with white hat. Following the ceremony a wedding dinner was served to about one hundred people at the home of the groom's parents. A wedding supper was served that night at the bride's home and the evening was spent in dancing. A very large crowd of relatives and friends were present. They were the recipients of many useful and valuable gifts. Both bride and groom are well known in the community and their many friends wish them many years of happy wedded life.

1934

1934, March 2 - Peter LeClair and Miss Elizabeth Richer were united in marriage on Monday evening by Rev. E. G. Brice.

1934, April 30 - WHO'S WHO IN THE SENIOR CLASS - There are 19 members of the 1934 Senior Class. We are going to give you a short history of each of the individual members. The two that we have selected for this week are the two youngest members of the class. We hope that you will enjoy these short sketches. WALTER J. LECLAIR - Walter J. LeClair was born on Friday November 30th, 1917, at Ellenburg Depot. He is the oldest son of Edward J. and Marion P. LeClair. When he was only six months old, his parents moved to Easthampton, Mass., but resided there only a short time and again moved back to Ellenburg Depot. He has spent several vacations in Easthampton since that time. Walter has three brothers, namely, Leon, Carl and Kenneth. All attend this school. He began his school life when only four years of age attending the Primary Department of this school and Miss White was his first teacher. His other teachers have been Miss Patnode, Mrs. Sargeant, Miss Calnon (now Mrs. Stanford) and Mr. Conners. He was only twelve years old when he became a full-fledged High School Student. He is now a member of the Senior Class and will graduate this June. Mathematics and Science seem to be his favorite studies. Walter was a member of the Varsity Seconds in 1932 and 1933 and was Captain of the winning volley ball and basketball intramural team in ‘34. He has always taken an active part in practically all school activities and is a member of the Dramatic Club. In our last School Play he took the part of the Sheriff and played a very strong part. He is the second youngest of the Senior boys and is decidedly popular among his classmates. At the present time he has made no future plans for next year. His horoscope is as follows: Nickname, Walt; Saying,Gosh Durn; In 1950, Dominy's gardener; Pastime, sweeping; Favorite study, Business Arithmetic; Appears, with a broom.

1934, July 27 - Woman Fractures Leg in Accident. Miss Alice Priest, of Frontier, received a fractured leg in an automobile accident at Churubusco on Sunday afternoon in which three automobiles were involved. The accident occurred on the cement road between Churubusco and the International boundary line. Peter LeClair was traveling north on the highway and behind him was Leo Recore of the same place. Proceeding in the opposite direction was a car driven by George Sutton. Riding with him was Miss Priest. Recore attempted to pass LeClair and pulled to the left of the road. When he saw Sutton’s car approaching from the opposite direction he pulled farther to the left of the road to let Sutton's car pass in the center. He then apparently lost control of the car and it careened to the right of the road and struck Sutton's car and the latter car struck LeClair’s machine. Recore was arrested by state troopers on a charge of reckless driving and arraigned before Justice of the Peace Edwin Powers at Churubusco was fined $5. The injured woman was taken to the Alice Hyde hospital at Malone.

1934, November 2 - Monday morning at St. Edmund's church at Ellenburg, was the scene of a quiet but pretty wedding when Miss Muriel LeClair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter LeClair, became the bride of Israel LeClair, of Churubusco, son of Mr. and Mrs. William LeClair. The couple were attended by Miss Delia LeClair at matron of honor, and John LeClair, brother of the groom as best man. The bride was attired in brown with accessories to match. The matron of honor was attired in tan. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of the groom. There were about 70 guests present. The table was prettily decorated in pink and white. A late dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. LeClair and later toward the close of the evening a large crowd gathered at the home of the groom, where an enjoyable evening was spent in dancing to a late hour. Both Mr. and Mrs. LeClair have many friends in this vicinity who extend best wishes to them for years of happiness. The newlyweds will reside at his home in Churubusco, where Mr. LeClair is engaged in farming.

1934, December 14 - Dufrane-LeClair - A very quiet wedding was solemnized at St. Philomena's church on Monday morning, December 3rd, at 6 o clock when Rev. A. P. Landry united in the holy bonds of matrimony Miss Laura LeClair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eldage LeClair, of Churubusco, and Stephen Dufrane, of Chateaugay. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. William Chappell, sister and brother-in-law of the bride. The bride was attired in dark blue with accessories to match. The bridesmaid wore dark brown with accessories to match. Both groom and best man wore brown suits. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Tourville at Ellenburg Center and a wedding dinner was served at Mr. and Mrs. Peter LeClair’s at Ellenburg. Miss LeClair has always resided at Churubusco and Mr. Dufrane has been an employee at the Sheffield Condensary for some time past. Mr. and Mrs. Dufrane have the best wishes for many years of wedded bliss. They will reside at Chateaugay.

1935

1935, March - The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence LeClair died recently of pneumonia. The baby was one year and four months old. It was interred in the Catholic cemetery at Ellenburg Corners

1935, March -Mrs. Blanche Robare of Pittsburgh formerly of Churubusco, was recently badly burned on her right arm and right leg while working at a gas range. Grease from cooking overflowed the pan and became ignited by the gas causing an explosion, which threw the grease on Miss Robare's clothing. She was taken to the Champlain Valley hospital, where she was given immediate attention, and her many friends are pleased to learn that she is making as good recovery as could be expected under the circumstances.

1935, September 27 - A miscellaneous shower was tendered Miss Evangeline Sancomb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sancomb, of Chateaugay, member of the nursing staff of the Alice Hyde Hospital on the occasion of her approaching marriage to Leland Murphy, of Malone. The delightful event was held on Wednesday evening at the Colonial Club in Malone and 88 nurses were present. Buffet lunch was served and a short program was enjoyed. The evening was concluded with dancing. The bride to be received many beautiful and useful gifts.

1936

1936, June - Mr. and Mrs. Israel LeClair and family have removed back, to this town after spending a few years at Cohoes. Their friends and neighbors welcome them again to our community.

1936, December 18 - McPherson Girl Still Unconscious. Miss Evelyn McPherson, 18, of Ellenburg Center, critically injured in on automobile accident last November 22 still clings to a slim thread of life in the Champlain Valley hospital at Plattsburgh, although she has not regained consciousness since the accident Sunday marking the 19th day. Hospital authorities said Sunday night that her condition was not very good and no hope is held for her recovery. She is suffering from a depressed fractured skull. Howard LeClair, 28, her companion died several hours after being admitted to the hospital. Evangeline Tourville, 21, and Raymond Whalen other occupants of the car, escaped minor injuries The accident occurred when the automobile in which they were riding skidded into an electric light pole in Ellenburg Center.

1937

1937, November 12 - Whether or not John LaClair has "the power" to heal in his hands, as he and many of his neighbors believe, the North Country is fast beating a path to his door. He lives on the Frontier road three miles north of Churubusco in Clinton county and last Sunday this road was blocked with cars parked in front of his humble little cottage as some 218 persons came to be healed by the touch of his hands. Over this same Frontier road bootleg cars roared in the days of prohibition, but now it is a lovely and peaceful countryside. From the LaClair dooryard the St. Lawrence valley unrolls for countless miles. Even on this murky October day the roof of a church in Ormstown, 18 miles away, gleamed, and on a bright day Montreal bridge is discernible. At nights the lights of that city shine brightly. LaClair, a wiry farmer of 38, clad in overalls and yellow windbreaker was working on a piece of farm machinery Tuesday. He also was wearing a week's growth of blue black beard. In the yard about him were playing, John Jr., 4, and Harold, 6. Mr. LaClair quite affably stopped work to discuss the work that has the countryside talking and wondering pro and con. “It was this little feller here," pointing to John, Jr., "who got me started three years ago, although I had always had the power in my hands. "Johnnie, he was eight months old, fell on a hot kitchen stove and was burned so bad that pieces of his face flesh stuck to the hot iron. I took care of him with my own power and look at his face now." The boy's cheeks were as smooth as any country Cherub's. From that healing his fame began to grow and spread and each Sunday now they come from all directions, the halt, the maimed and the blind. "I get all kinds," he declared simply. He had worked on 10 already Tuesday morning and there had been 21 there, he said Monday. They average around 200 on Sunday and there was one party from Alberta, two women, he said. His own neighborhood is either non-committal or in his favor. Just recently Amos Recore, who lives two houses away, caught a finger in a hayrake so that it was flattened. He could not do the evening milk and could not sleep so he went to the LaClair home for treatment. He slept the rest of the night, so the story goes, and the next morning did his milking. Another neighbor, John Robare, stepped on a rusty spike and a week later his foot swelled angrily. He came for the “power” treatment and the swelling subsided and the foot became well. There are any number of similar stories, of children cured scarless of eczema, of lame backs, and asthma cleared up suddenly, but the two cases that occurred to LaClair himself in visiting Tuesday were quite remarkable if as stated. An elderly man in Plattsburgh suffered a stroke. He was "tongue-tied" LaClair said, and his arm and leg useless on one side. Next time he came to see me he could talk as well as ever and he had his arm and leg working again although the knee was stiff because two small cords were dead." He talked quite simply but there was a suggestion about him. "How does it feel when you are healing some one, is there any sensation?" he was asked. "No, but sometimes it makes the one I am working on feel queer. "How do you explain it; how do you do it?" "Just with the power in my hands," was the enigmatic reply. Then he did amplify it a bit. He said that he had always possessed the power. Even when a child he divined happenings like a fortune teller although he never told fortunes. "Sometimes when I was a little boy my father would go through the snow to my grandfather's over there," pointing through fields to a house some miles away. "My mother would get worried after dark and we'd sit there waiting. All at once I would tell mother that it was all right that father had started for home. I could feel it. And in just the time, about a half hour, he would get here." Mr. LaClair has fitted up a little room in a chapel effect, it was stated in the neighborhood but he did not sh0w it. The little farm of 60 acres is quite off the beaten track and only about three quarters of a mile from the Canadian line. The healer appeared quite modest about his work and it was explained that no fee is charged although those whom he treats frequently leave gifts.

1938

1938, February 5 - A very pretty wedding took place at St. Edmund's church at Ellenburg on February 21st, when Miss Della LeClair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. LeClair, was united in marriage to Ellsworth Trombley, son of Mrs. Joseph Trombley, of Ellenburg. They were attended by Leonard and Vivian Trombley, nephew and niece of the groom, both of Burke. The bride wore a navy blue suit and the bridesmaid a gray suit and accessories to match. The groom and best man were dressed in navy blue. Miss LeClair was born in Ellenburg and is a young lady of sterling character and charming personality and has a wide circle of friends. Mr. Trombley is an ambitious young man with a host of friends and holds a fine position on a farm in Ellenburg Center. There was a splendid wedding supper served at the home of the groom. A dance was held at the Town Hall at Ellenburg Center where a host of relatives and friends gathered and enjoyed a pleasant evening. The newlyweds left on Tuesday for a honeymoon trip to Johnson City, after which they will take up their residence on his farm. Their many friends will extend congratulations.

1938, September 30 - At a charming wedding ceremony held in St. Patrick's church on Monday morning, Miss Rose Alma LeClair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter LeClair, of Chateaugay, was united in marriage to Earl James Kette, son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Kette of Churubusco. Rev. J. R. McClure, pastor of St. Patrick's church officiated at the ceremony. The bride was attractively dressed in Saphire Blue transparent velvet with hat and accessories to match. She carried a bridal bouquet of pink roses. The bridesmaid Miss Flora LeClair, sister of the bride was attired in Navy Blue satin and carried a bouquet of pink roses. The best man was Kenneth Dwyer, cousin of the groom. After the service a breakfast was served at the home of the bride and a supper at the home of the groom followed by a reception dance that was attended by many relatives and friends in the Grange Hall at Chateaugay. The couple were presented with many beautiful and useful gifts. After a short wedding trip they will reside a t the home of the groom. Their many friends wish them many years of happy married life.

1938, October 28 - Titus-LeClair - The marriage of Maurice Titus, of Brainardsville, and Miss Victoria LeClair, of Ellenburg Center, was solemnized at St. Patrick's church at 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning, Rev. J. Stickelmore performing the ceremony during a nuptial mass. The couple were attended by Miss Lillian LeClair, sister of the bride, and Donald Smith, of Ellenburg Center, as best man. The bride was beautifully attired in white satin and wore a tulle veil. The bridesmaid was gowned in blue. Both bride and bridesmaid carried corsage bouquets. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William LeClair, and is a young lady who is well and favorab ly known throughout this entire section as one possessing an amiable and charming disposition, and who is also endowed with the true characteristics of a Christian woman. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Titus, and is highly esteemed as one of the leading young men of this community. They have the heartiest of congratulations and best wishes of all their friends. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's parents and a supper was served at the home of the groom's parents. In the evening a reception was held at the Hall in Brainardsville and was attended by a large number of friends of the young couple. Mr. and Mrs. Titus departed on a wedding trip to Florence, Mass., where they will be the guests of Mr. Titus’ aunt. Mrs. Anna Rackham. Upon their return they will reside at the home of Mr. Titus' parents.

1939

1939, December 1 - While hunting near the Chateaugay Lake area last Thursday afternoon an eight point buck weighing ** pounds was shot by Estie LeClair. Those included in the hunting party were: Peter, Dewey and Jora LeClair, Wilbur, Leighton and **dys Parmeter and Judson McSwain.