Zehr Estate

Designer/Builder

The VanAtta family connection to 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY.

Azariah J. VanAtta, Designer and Builder of 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY

Also included here is the history of the Town Clock Block in Waverly, NY

Azariah's lineage to Jacob Jansen of Etten: Azariah (1827-1913), wife Corlista Ames (1828-1912); Johannes M. Vanette/VanAtta (John Middaugh Vanette) 1782; Benjamin Vanette 1753; Thomas Vanette/Van Etta 1717; Emanuel Van Etten 1681; Jacob Jansen of Etten 1632.

The following is taken from Our County And Its People. Tioga County, New York:

"An old English family is the Vanette one. The name is now spelled VanAtta. The first one we can trace in this country is Thomas Vanette, born April 5, 1717, in New Jersey. His children were Joanna, Anna, Bridget, Benjamin, and Lydia. Benjamin, born in New Jersey also, on April 12, 1753, married Margaret Middaugh, born June 23, 1755. Their children were Peter, Marietta, Thomas, Johannes M., Elizabeth, and Isaac. Johannes M., born November 1, 1782, married Elizabeth Albright, born August 16, 1787, came to Barton in 1823, took up a lot of wild land, built a log house, and by industry and thrift developed a fine farm and acquired competence. Of their ten children were Peter, Margaret A., Adam, William, Caroline, Benjamin, Sarah, Isaac, Azariah J., and Rebecca, M. Mr. VanAtta (as now began to be known) died March 7, 1861, his wife surviving him until September 1, 1870. Azariah J. VanAtta, born on the new home in Barton, December 15, 1827, was brought up on the farm. He then married Carlista E., daughter of Calvin and Sarah Ames, and located in Waverly as a carpenter. He has been an active figure in Waverly for many years and the degree of respect in which he is held is derived from his uniform walk and conduct. Since 1880 he has been superintendent of the Waverly water works. Mr. and Mrs. VanAtta's surviving children are E. Clair, a dealer in coal of Waverly; John C., a leading druggist, and Edwin H., also a druggist.

Taken from newspaper: A settler of the 1820's to Barton was John VanAtta, a native of New Jersey, born in 1782. He came here in 1824 or 1825 and settled on a farm near Straw Hill, which after his death, was owned by his son, A. J. VanAtta. John was a farmer right up to his death in 1861. John's wife was Elizabeth Albright and they had ten children: Peter, Margaret, Adam, William, Caroline, Benjamin, Sarah, Isaac, Azariah, and Rebecca.

Johannes M. was born Nov. 1, 1782 and married Elizabeth Albright (born Aug. 16, 1787) and then came to Barton in 1823 where they purchased a large amount of land, built a log house, and eventually developed a fine farm. Johannes and Elizabeth had ten children: Peter, Margaret A., Adam, William, Caroline, Benjamin, Sarah, Isaac, Azariah J. and Rebecca M. VanAtta.  Johannes (John) M. Van(n)atta died March 7, 1861 and his wife Elizabeth died Sept. 1, 1870. 

From History of Waverly New York by Albertson, 1943 - page 301 -Van Atta - …  Azariah b. Dec. 15, 1827, d. 1913, Carpenter, late Supt. of Waverly Water Works, buried Forest Home Cem., m. Calista (Corlista), dau. of Calvin and Sarah Ames, d. Feb. 12, 1912, 4 children: Clarence F., d. in infancy; E. Clair, harness dealer, m. (1) Augusta, dau. of Dr. Daniel D. Harnden of Waverly, b. Mar. 3, 1857, d. Nov. 18, 1882, no children, M. (2) Kitty Spencer of Scranton, no children; John C., druggist of Waverly, m. Carrie, dau. of Bert Campbell, have son, Ronald; Edwin H., druggist, m. Rose Graft, have dau. Virginia.


Azariah J. Vanatta was born Dec. 15, 1827 and was brought up on the family farm in Barton, near Straw Hill.  He married Corlista E. Ames (1828-1912), daughter of Calvin and Sarah Ames, on  Feb. 12, 1850 and then located in Waverly as a carpenter. They had four children: Clarence who died at 9 months of age; E. Clair, a dealer in coal of Waverly; John C., a leading druggist; Edwin H., also a druggist.


1860 census - Barton, Tioga county, NY - Azariah Vanatta 31 yo., lumberman, real estate $250, personal $100; Corlista 31 yo.; Eugene C. 2 yo.; John C. 8 months


1865 census - Azariah J. Vanatta 37 yo., carpenter; wife Corlista E. 36 yo.; son Eugene C. 8 yo.; son John C. M. Vanatta 5 yo. - living in the house of Walter H. Lewis 52 yo. cooper; wife Esther M. 45 yo.; Mary J. Lewis 18 yo., teacher; John E. Lewis 10 yo., Hanna L. Lewis 1 yr. 2 months

(Azariah and his family were most likely renting from the Lewis' on Chemung street, towards Pennsylvania ave. area)

Azariah J. Vanatta lived at 152 Chemung street by 1869 and not sure how long prior to 1869. It is likely that Azariah had the home at 152 Chemung street built circa 1865 and lived in the home for about 5 years. The home at 152 Chemung street is shown on the 1869 map.

On August 22, 1869, the Cayuta Chapt. No. 245, R. A. M. was organized. Officers were; O. W. Shepard, H. P., R. A, Elmer, C. K., A. J. Van Atta, S., E. P. Curtis, secretary, Thomas Marsh, treasurer.

1870 census - 152 Chemung st. Waverly, NY - Azariah Vanatta 41 yo., carpenter & joiner, real estate $5,000, personal $1,000; Corlista E. 40 yo.; E. Clare 12 yo.; John C. 10 yo.; Eddie H. 1 yo.


July 29, 1870 Waverly Advocate - A. J. Van Atta sold his residence, corner of Fulton and Chemung St’s to Geo. W. Orange, Railway Agent at this station, for $5,100. (152 Chemung st.)  and Azariah VanAtta moved to 441 Penns. Ave.

It is very likely that 152 Chemung street is another Waverly home which Azariah VanAtta built.


Aug. 5, 1870 Waverly Advocate - A. J. Van Atta has bought George F. Walker’s House and Lot on Penn’s Avenue, adjoining the Institute property, for $2,500.

In 1871, Azariah J. VanAtta was a master of the Waverly Lodge, No. 407, F. & A. M. . This lodge was organized under a dispensation June 3, 1856, and a chapter granted on June 9.

1872 directory:

- Adam Vanatta, (Factoryville) S. D. 4, farmer 50 acres.

- Benjamin Vanatta, (Barton) S. D. 5, farmer 104 acres.

- Oscar H. Vanatta, (Barton) S. D. 5, farmer 79 acres and leases 52 acres.

- Peter Vanatta, (Barton), S. D. 5, farmer 52 acres

In 1873, Azariah J. VanAtta was hired by Dewitt Slaughter to design and rebuild our home at 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY. This was a wedding gift to Dewitt's only living child, Samuel Slaughter who was married in May of 1873 to Miss Charlotte Wells.

1875 census - framed home worth $3,000, according to newspaper this home was at 441 Pennsylvania ave. -  A. J. Vanatta 47 yo., carpenter; wife C. E. 46 yo.; son E. C. 18 yo., carpenter; son J. C. 15 yo.; son E. H. 6 yo.

In 1876, ground was broken for the new Primary School building on Lincoln street. Mr. Larnard had the job and he engaged A. J. Van Atta to superintend the job for him. The plans and specifications for the building were prepared by Mr. John Seacord.

In 1880, the Waverly Water Works was completed at a cost of $40,000. Azariah Vanatta was the contractor for this project and it was one of his last as a contractor.

1880 census - 441 Pennsylvania ave. Waverly, NY - Azariah Vanatta 51 yo., carpenter; Corlista E. 51 yo.; son John C. 20 yo., clerk in store; son Edwin H. 11 yo.

In 1884, A. J. VanAtta was one of the trustees for the Waverly Lodge No. 497 F. & A. M.

In 1886, A. J. VanAtta had charge of the repair work being done at "Slaughter & VanAtta's store," Corner Drug Store. (A. J. VanAtta's son, John C. VanAtta, was partner with Samuel Slaughter in the drug store business. Samuel Slaughter, owner of the building - 337 Broad st. Samuel Slaughter of 208 Chemung st.)

1887 Waverly directory: (old numbering)

- Azariah VanAtta, contractor and builder, home at 111 (today’s 441) Pennsylvania ave., home and doing business

- Clarence VanAtta, clerk, home at 109 Fulton street (today’s 419 Fulton st.)

- E. Clair VanAtta, clerk, home at 9 Tioga street (today’s 7 Tioga st.)

- Edwin H. VanAtta, drug clerk, boards at 5 Park ave. (today’s 421 Park ave.)

- John C. VanAtta, (Slaughter & VanAtta) home at 5 Park ave. (today’s 421 Park ave.)


Nov. 30, 1889 Waverly Free Press - Married. Vanatta-Grafft - In Waverly, N. Y., on Wednesday, November 27, 1889, by Rev. P. R. Ross, Mr. Edwin H. VanAtta and Miss Rose Grafft, both of Waverly.


Nov. 25, 1891 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. Edwin H. VanAtta of East Waverly will entertain the matrimoniacs whist club at their home on Friday evening of this week. It is the occasion of their second wedding anniversary.


March 31, 1894 Waverly Free Press - Jackson G. Lantz, formerly a clerk in John C. VanAtta’s drug store, now in the drug business at Havana, N. Y., spent Sunday with his parents in this place.

June 6, 1894 - Eugene Clair Van Atta of Waverly, NY married Kittie B. Spencer of Scranton, PA

Sept. 1, 1894 Waverly Free Press - Samuel W. Slaughter. The death of Mr. Samuel W. Slaughter, whose serious illness was briefly mentioned in the Free Press last week, occurred at his home on Friday night, at about 7 o’clock. Mr. Slaughter was born November 8, 1837, and had lived in Waverly about forty years. He engaged in the drug business about thirty-five years ago, and has been for years closely identified with the best interests of the village. He was succeeded in the drug business by John C. VanAtta, a few years ago, but he was a director in the Waverly Water Co., and also in the Hall & Lyon Furniture Co., and was vice president of the Citizens Bank, at the time of his death. He was a man of large wealth which he used conscientiously for the bettering of his fellowmen, and his integrity of character was unquestioned. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and his loss will be keenly felt by that society. His widow and one daughter, Gertrude, about four years old, survive him. The funeral was held at the late home on (208) Chemung street, Monday afternoon at four o’clock, and was attended by a large company of friends. Rev. P. R. Ross conducted the sad service, assisted by Rev. J. L. Taylor, of Wyoming, Ohio, a former pastor, and Rev. H. D. Jenkins, of Sioux City, Iowa, a friend of the boyhood days of the deceased. The remains were taken to Scotchtown, about five miles from Middletown, for burial. Rev. P. R. Ross accompanied them, and officiated at the last sad rites at the grave. (In June of 1898, his remains, after resting in a vault in Phillipsburg cemetery, were brought back to Waverly in Glenwood Cemetery for burial.)

Died. Slaughter - In Waverly, N. Y., Friday, August 24, 1894. Mr. Samuel Wickham Slaughter, aged 56 years, 9 months, and 16 days.

Even though the drug business was taken over by John C. VanAtta, the building at 337 Broad street remained owned by the Slaughter family until 1946, when Samuel’s daughter, Mary Gertrude Slaughter Knapp sold the building to Earl Payne who had been renting the first floor of the building.


1895 Waverly directory:

- Alfred VanAtta, emp. Lehigh Valley Rail Road, home at 54 Pitney street, South Waverly

- Azariah J. VanAtta, supt. water works, home at 441 Penna. ave.

- Clarence VanAtta, clerk, home at 483 Fulton street

- E. Clair VanAtta, wholesale coal dealer at 419 Fulton street, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin H. VanAtta, drug clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- John C. VanAtta, druggist, wall paper, window shades, & c at 337 Broad street corner of Waverly street, home at 421 Park ave.

- Oscar H. VanAtta, insurance, home at 483 Fulton street


July 11, 1896 Waverly Free Press - Miss Mayme Spencer, of Scranton, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Claire VanAtta.


1897 Waverly directory:

- Alfred Van Atta, laborer, home at 54 Pitney street, South Waverly

- Azariah J. Van Atta, supt. water works, home at 441 Penna. ave.

- E. Clair Van Atta, coal dealer, home at 7 Tioga st.

- Edwin H. Van Atta, drug clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- John C. Van Atta, druggist, wall paper, window shades & c at 337 Broad street, home on Park ave.

- J. Van Atta, cigar maker, boards at Tioga hotel


Circa 1897 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta entertained a number of friends at their pleasant home on Tioga street Wednesday evening in honor of Mrs. VanAtta’s sister, Miss Spencer. Progressive whist was the order of the evening. A dainty collation was served during the evening.


1900 census -  owns home with mortgage - 441 Pennsylvania ave. Waverly, NY - Azariah Vanatta 72 yo., superintendent of Water Works; wife Corlista E. 71 yo.; granddaughter Grace N. Van Atta 17 yo., single, born Oct. 1882 in Illinois


1900 census - owned home at 7 Tioga street, Waverly, NY - E. C. VanAtta 42 yo., trav. saleman, coal; wife Kittie S. 37 yo.


1900 census - owned home at 449 Park ave. Waverly, NY - John C. VanAtta 40 yo., druggist; wife Carrie C. 40 yo.; son Ronald C. 4 yo.; servant Nellie Finnegan 26 yo.


1900 census - renting at 457 Cayuta ave. Waverly, NY - Edwin H. VanAtta 31 yo., drug salesman; wife Rose G. 31 yo.; daughter Virginia G. 7 yo. 


Sept. 16, 1900 Waverly Free Press - Obituary. Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell. The death of Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, widow of the late W. B. Campbell, occurred at her home in Winter Haven Fla., Tuesday of last week. Mrs. Campbell went to live in the south several years ago. Her husband was a former resident of Waverly, being the senior member of the firm of Campbell Bros., dry goods merchants. One daughter, Miss Bessie, survives the deceased, besides one adopted daughter, Mrs. John C. VanAtta, of this place. Mrs. Campbell was a daughter of the late Perry Weatherly and enjoyed the highest respect of a host of friends in this vicinity. (Interesting connection, since Azariah VanAtta was said to have been designer of Town Clock Block.)


Nov. 17, 1900 Waverly Free Press - Mrs. Edwin H. VanAtta gave a very pleasant reception to about one hundred of her friends at her home on Cayuta avenue Saturday afternoon from two until six o’clock. Mrs. G. H. Grafft, Miss Keeler, of Union, and Mrs. Steele, of Owego, assisted in receiving, and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta, Mrs. John C. VanAtta, Mrs. W. E. Tew, Mrs. I. Grant Dodge, Mrs. Irvin Case, Miss Grafft, Miss Finch and Miss Pratt assisted in the dining room. The house was very prettily decorated in red and green. (457 Cayuta ave.)


1901 Waverly directory :

- Alfred VanAtta, laborer, home at 54 Pitney street, South Waverly

- Azariah J. VanAtta, emp. water works, home at 441 Penna. ave.

- E. Clair VanAtta, coal salesman, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin H. VanAtta, clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- Grace H. VanAtta, student, boards at 441 Penna. ave.

- John C. VanAtta, drugs, stationary, wall paper and window shades & c at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.

- Leontine VanAtta, widow of Oscar H., home at 21 Lincoln

- Rebecca VanAtta, seamstress, home at 36 Lincoln


Circa 1902 Waverly Free Press - The ladies of the Y. M. C. A. auxiliary wish to thank the people of Waverly, and especially J. F. Seamon, superintendent of the gas office, E. D. Mixer and E. Claire VanAtta for donations and services given to the ladies during the recent rummage sale.


1903 Waverly directory:

- Alfred VanAtta, janitor, home at 54 Pitney street, South Waverly

- Azariah J. VanAtta, emp. Waverly Water Co., home at 441 Penna. ave.

- E. Clair VanAtta, coal salesman, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin H. VanAtta, clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- F. Leontine Van Atta, widow of Oscar H., home at 21 Lincoln

- Grace H. VanAtta, student, boards at 441 Penna. ave.

- John C. VanAtta, drugs, stationery, wall paper, window shades $ c at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.

- Rebecca M. VanAtta, home at 36 Lincoln


1905 census - 441 Pennsylvania ave. Waverly, NY - Azariah Vanatta 77 yo.; wife Corlista A. 76 yo.; sister Rebecca M. 74 yo.


1905 census - 7 Tioga street Waverly, NY - E. Claire VanAtta 47 yo., wholesale coal agent; wife Kittie 41 yo.


1905 census - 449 Park Ave. - John C. VanAtta 45 yo., drug merchant; wife Carrie C. 45 yo.; son Ronald C. 9 yo.; servant May Pustell 22 yo.


1905 directory:

- Alfred Van Atta, janitor high school, home at 54 Pitney street, South Waverly

- Amy H. Van Atta, teacher, boards at 426 Waverly street

- Azariah J. Van Atta, supt. water works, home at 441 Penna. ave.

- E. Clair Van Atta, coal salesman, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin H. Van Atta, clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- John C. Van Atta, drugs, stationery, wall paper, window shades & c at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.

- F. Leontine Van Atta, widow of Oscar, home at 21 Lincoln

- Rebecca M. Van Atta, boards at 441 Penna. ave. 


Circa 1905 Waverly Free Press - Ronald, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. VanAtta, entertained about twenty five of his boy and girl friends Monday from 4:30 to 7:30 in honor of his ninth birthday. The barn had been tastefully decorated and here and on the pretty lawn the time was spent with games and romping. A fine supper completed the festivities.

In 1907,  A. J. VanAtta donated land next to his home for the Waverly Institute for the new school building.

July 12, 1907 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. R. N. La Barre and children, of Scranton, are guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta, Tioga street.


July 26, 1907 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. John C. VanAtta and Mr. and Mrs. H. C. VanDuzer and daughter, were in Ithaca Saturday.


Nov. 15, 1907 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta spent the first of the week in Cortland and Ithaca.


1908 Waverly directory:

- Amy C. VanAtta, teacher, resides at 426 Waverly street

- Azariah VanAtta, overseer water works, home at 441 Penna. ave.

- E. Clair VanAtta, coal salesman, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin H. VanAtta, clerk at 337 Broad street, home at 457 Cayuta ave.

- John C. VanAtta, drugs, stationery, wall paper and window shades at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.


March 20, 1908 Waverly Free Press - Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta has been visiting her mother and sisters at Scranton, Pa.


Aug. 14, 1908 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta spent Sunday in Wellsburg as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. West.


In 1909, Edwin H. VanAtta died, born in 1869. He is buried in Glenwood cemetery. Spouse - Rose G. VanAtta (1868-1957) buried in Glenwood Cemetery.


June 24, 1909 Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin - Waverly - The funeral of the late Edwin H. Van Atta was held at the house on Cayuta avenue at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon and was largely attended. Many of the business places of the village were closed from 2:30 to 4:30 o’clock out of respect for the memory of the deceased, while the funeral was being held. 


June 24, 1909 Elmira Star Gazette - Edwin H. Van Atta Dies In Waverly. Edwin H. Van Atta died at his late home, 457 Cayuta avenue, at 11:15 Monday morning. He was born in Waverly April 18, 1869, and had resided here all his life. When he was fourteen years old he entered the drug store conducted by his brother, John C. Van Atta, and until about one year ago, when ill health made it impossible, was associated with him at the same store. Nineteen years ago he married Miss Rose Grafft, daughter of George H. Grafft of Cayuta avenue. His aged father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Van Atta of Pennsylvania avenue, survive him; also his widow and one daughter, Miss Virginia Van Atta, a student in the Waverly High School, and two brothers, John C. and E. Clair Van Atta.


Aug. 27, 1909 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta visited relatives in Scranton Sunday.


Oct. 29, 1909 Waverly Free Press - Mill To Be Built. … F. E. Lyford and E. Claire VanAtta, who have been largely instrumental in raising the $12,000 required from local capitalists, report that all the bonds have been taken, the First National Banks of Waverly, Sayre and Athens heading the lists and other investors showing a pleasing readiness to back the scheme.


April 8, 1910 Waverly Free Press - Promised Silk Mill Coming. Supposed Abandoned Project is Revived by a New Firm. In spite of delay and of considerable change in the original plans, it looks now as if Waverly would have its silk mill after all. Last fall our business men were in active correspondence with the Smith Brothers of Paterson and Albertus and between $12,000 and $15,000 was subscribed for a $50,000 plant to be built here. Constructing Engineer Morrison was promoting the deal, and F. E. Lyford and E. Claire VanAtta were active in securing the subscriptions, and the negotiations went to the extent of securing an option on a factory site on Broad street. Soon after, however, the Smith Brothers, became interested in other mills and for a long time nothing has been heard of the proposed silk factory, nearly every one taking it for granted that the scheme had all fallen through. Those most interested, however, have kept in touch with the business and, as a result this letter was received Monday. New York, N. Y., Apr. 2, 1910. F. E. Lyford, E. Claire VanAtta, Waverly, N. Y. Gentlemen: Enclosed find agreement properly signed. The name of the corporation will be Waverly Silk Ribbon Company, which will be composed of three good practical men who have had many years’ experience in this line. We will be ready to begin building operations before May 1st. Have the owner of the land send me an option to expire May 15th. yours truly, John Hartley, President. Mr. VanAtta stated Monday that Mr. Hartley is president of the Hartley Silk Manufacturing Co., of 483-487 Broome street, New York, and he and his brother, Norbert Hartley, are the men who were backing Smith Bros., when they were planning to come here. The letter explains itself. The Hartleys will take over the subscriptions, and will build and equip the plant according to the previous plans. Most of the subscribers, it is said, have been consulted, and agree to the new proposition. The subscriptions will simply be transferred to the Hartleys and, unless something unforeseen happens, ground for the new plant will be broken this month.


May 6, 1910 Waverly Free Press - Old Home Week Aug. 21ST. Committees Now Named and Everybody will Get to Work at Once. … Music - John Daly, Horace H. Kinney, Harold Watrous, Harvey Ingham, David O. Decker, John C. VanAtta, E. F. Perkins, Louise Lane Blackmore, and all members of the Polyhymnia Club. … 


May 13, 1910 Waverly Free Press - Plan For Old Home (Week). … Pamphlets - E. Claire VanAtta …

In 1910,  A. J. VanAtta was 81 years old living with his wife, Corlista, also 81 years old and their servant, Ruth Davenport, 63 years old, at 441 Pennsylvania Avenue., Waverly, NY. He was superintendent of the Water Works. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1910.

1910 census - 452 Cayuta ave. Waverly, NY - Anna Grafft 43 yo. single, school teacher public school; sister Margaret Grafft 22 yo. single; brother Edwin Grafft 20 yo. single; sister Rose G. VanAtta 41 yo. widowed (widow of Edwin H.); niece Virginia G. VanAtta 16 yo.


1910 census - 449 Park ave. - John C. VanAtta 50 yo., merchant druggist; wife Carrie 50 yo.; son Ronald 13 yo.; servant Lollie Forbes 23 yo.


1910 census - owned home at 7 Tioga street - Clair VanAtta 42 yo., coal agent own account; wife Kittie 46 yo.

In 1910, Azariah was nominated as one of the men elected for vice-president of Old Home Week Association.

February 23, 1912 - Obituary of Azariah's wife, taken from Waverly Free Press: Mrs. Corlista Van Atta
After an illness of several years duration, Mrs. Corlista Van Atta died Tuesday night at the family home on Park Avenue, aged 83 years. She was born at Berkshire, Vt., in 1828 and married her husband at West Danby Feb. 12, 1850. Since that time she has lived here and was one of the last residents who had watched with interest the growth of the place from a few farm houses to the village of today. Mrs. Van Atta had been an attendant of the M. E. church for years, and the beauty of her christian character was shown in her unselfishness, and patience during her long Illness. She was devoted to her home, her children and her husband, and it is given to few to have passed 62 years of such happy married life as Mr. and Mrs. Van Atta. Their old age has been ideal and the devotion and care of the husband to the wife most touching.
The sympathy of the community will be given to the aged husband, two sons E. C. and J. C. Van Atta of this place, two grandchildren, Ronald Van Atta also of this place, and Miss Virginia Van Atta of Chicago, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. E. H. Van Atta of Chicago. Funeral services will be held at the home this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Parke Richards. The bearers will be C. E. Brooks, F. E. Lyford, H. H. Kinney, John Shear, W. H. W. Jones and E. F. Perkins. The burial will be at Forest Home Cemetery.

Obituary from Waverly Free Press: May 30, 1913
(Died May 27, 1913):
AZARlAH J. VANATTA HAS PASSED AWAY
Aged Resident Dies at His Home on Pennsylvania Avenue. Was Former Architect and Contractor.
The death of Azariah J. Van Atta, one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Waverly, occurred at his home, 441 Pennsylvania avenue, Wednesday night about nine o'clock. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 from the residence, Rev. Parke Richards officiating, and burial was made in Forest Home cemetery.
Azariah J. Van Atta was born at Barton on December 15, 1827. His parents were John W. and Elizabeth Albright Van Atta, and he was the ninth child in a family of eleven children. The family originally came from Rockburg, Warren county, about 1827. Mr. Van Atta was married in 1850 to Miss Corlista Ames of Danby, and moved at once to Waverly, where he has lived ever since.
On May 1, 1867, Mr. Van Atta joined Waverly Lodge 407 F. & A. M., and in 1871 was chosen Worthy Master of that body. He was the oldest living Past Master of the lodge. Besides being a member of the Masonic lodge here, he was a member of St. Omer's Commandery Knights Templar, of Elmira.
Mr. Van Atta was one of the most highly respected of Waverly's residents, and up to a few years ago, when his advanced age compelled him to abandon his more active pursuits, he was active in the affairs of the community. By occupation he was an architect and contractor. Among the buildings in Waverly which he designed and built are the Shipman building, the Merriam block, the building occupied by Simon Zausmer, the town clock block, the Slaughter residence, the Methodist Episcopal church and the old Baptist church. After the building of the water works plant he gave up his work as an architect, and from that time until a few years ago he was superintendent of the water works. In his later years, though unable to follow the strenuous life he had lived so long, he still retained much of his vitality, and never lost his interest in anything that pertained to Waverly.
He is survived by two sons: John C. Van Atta and E. Clair Van Atta, both of Waverly; and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. E. H. Van Atta of Ithaca.

Shipman building - damaged by fire in 1871, O. W. Shipman to rebuild a 3 story brick building. Other fires also in the Shipman block in 1877 and 1894. 327 to 331 Broad street,  damaged by fire and torn down in 1968, northwest corner of Broad and Waverly streets; Merriam block - northeast corner of Broad and Waverly streets; Simon Zausmer - 319 Broad street; town clock block - northeast corner of Broad and Fulton streets, burned in March 1980; Slaughter residence - 208 Chemung street Waverly; Methodist Episcopal church - no longer standing, cornerstone of the church was laid June 15, 1866 and was torn down and replaced by the current church which was dedicated in 1915.; old Baptist church - built in 1864-1865, frame building and surmounted by a steeple reaching 150 feet high. It had an auditorium seating 350 people and a basement for prayer meetings and Sunday school. This new (“old Baptist church” ) building was dedicated  Nov. 8, 1865.  Around 1891, the old Baptist church was moved to the rear of the lot and turned with the front to the east, to be used for Sunday school, prayer meetings and social services. A new church was built of brick, on the enlarged site of the older one, and faced Park avenue. The new church was dedicated May 13, 1891. In 1913, a second floor was built in the Sunday school room, twelve feet above the original floor, with front and rear stairways. So, it is the rear part of the current church that was built by A. J. VanAtta.


1914 Waverly directory:

- E. Clair VanAtta, harness at 342 Broad street, home at 7 Tioga street

- Edwin VanAtta, home at 5 N. Chemung street

- Effie B. VanAtta, teacher, resides at 5 N. Chemung street

- John C. VanAtta, drugs, stationery, wall paper and window shades at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.

- Ronald C. VanAtta, student, resides at 449 Park ave.


1916 Waverly directory:

- Abbie R. VanAtta, widow of Edwin (not Azariah’s son), home 5 N. Chemung street

- E. Clair VanAtta, harness at 342 Broad street, home at 7 Tioga street

- John C. VanAtta, drugs, stationery, wall paper and window shades at 337 Broad street, home at 449 Park ave.

- Ronald C. VanAtta, student, res. 449 Park ave.


1917 directory :

- Mrs. Abbie R. Van Atta, (widow) owns home and lot 5 Chemung street

- E. Clair Van Atta (Kittie Spencer) ret. owns home and lot 7 Tioga street

- John C. Van Atta (Carrie) 1 child, druggist, owns home and lot 449 Park Ave.


Feb. 12, 1917 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Mrs. E. Clair Van Atta, formerly Miss Kittie Spencer of Scranton, is one of the stockholders of the Spencer Coal Company of Scranton, which recently lost a $50,000 coal breaker by fire in that city. The breaker will be rebuilt at once.


July 2, 1917 Elmira Star Gazette - E. Clair Van Atta Dies Waverly Business Man. Lifelong Resident and Highly Regarded - Funeral This Evening to Be Private. Waverly - E. Clair Van Atta, aged sixty years, died at his late home on Tioga street Sunday morning of Bright’s disease. He had been a lifelong resident of Waverly, and was held in the highest esteem by everyone. He recently conducted a harness store on Broad street until forced to give up active business on account of ill health. He was a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 407, F. and A. M., and an honorary member of Tioga Hose Company. The Rev. Parke Richards, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will conduct a prayer service at the home at 8 o’clock this evening, which will be private, only the most intimate friends of the decedent attending. The remains will be taken to Scranton for interment. Mr. Van Atta is survived by his widow and one brother, John C. Van Atta of Waverly.


September 13, 1917 Binghamton Press: Waverly, Sept. 13 - Mr. and Mrs. John C. VanAtta (449 Park ave.), Mr. And Mrs. George B. Knapp (208 Chemung st.), Mr. and Mrs. Daniel, G. Stark (315 Chemung st.), Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Palmer (136 Chemung st.), Dr. and Mrs. James Mills (433 Park ave.) and Ronald VanAtta motored to Syracuse today to attend the New York State Fair.


1918 Waverly directory:

- Abbie R. VanAtta, wid. Edwin (not Azariah’s son), res. 5 N. Chemung street

- John C. Van Atta, drugs, stationery, wall paper and window shades at 337 Broad street, home 449 Park Ave.

- Kittie VanAtta, widow of E. Clair, home 7 Tioga street

- Ronald C. VanAtta, U. S. A., res. 449 Park ave.


May 19, 1925 Elmira: In Business Fifty Years. Waverly, May 19 - John C. VanAtta, the genial proprietor (proprietor of the business only, not the building) of the "corner drug store" here, is today celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his business career, which began just 50 years ago in the store of which he is now proprietor. On leaving school, he started as a clerk for the firm Slaughter and Wells. On Mr. Wells' retirement he became a partner in the firm and after the death of Mr. Slaughter became sole proprietor. (Sole proprietor of business only, not the building. Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp sold the building to Earl Payne in 1946.)


Oct. 17, 1927 Elmira Star Gazette - Rochester - Marriage of Miss Ethel Avis Justice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Justice of Rochester, to Ronald Campbell Van Atta, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Van Atta of Waverly, took place Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the Genesee Baptist Church here. …  Mrs. Van Atta is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music of Rochester and is a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota sorority. Mr. Van Atta was a member of the class of 1918 at Cornell University. After a motor trip to the Thousand Islands and through the New England States, Mr. and Mrs. Van Atta will reside in Waverly. (They rented part of Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp’s home at 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY. Mrs. Knapp’s husband, George Brinker Knapp, had just recently died from an accidental discharged shotgun in the home. Ronald was the grandson of Azariah VanAtta, the designer and builder of 208 Chemung street, how neat that must have been for him to live in part of the home that his grandfather designed and built.)


1928 Waverly directory - 

- Abbie R. VanAtta, widow of Edwin, r 5 N. Chemung st. (not Azariah’s son)

- John C. VanAtta, prop. of VanAtta’s Pharmacy and v-pres. South Waverly Water Co., home at 449 Park ave.

- Kittie S. VanAtta, widow of E. Clair, home 7 Tioga street

- Ronald C. VanAtta, bond salesman, renting part of the home at 208 Chemung street

- VanAtta’s Pharmacy, John C. VanAtta prop. of the business at 337 Broad street, but Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp of 208 Chemung street owns the building.


1930 census - 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY - Gertrude S. Knapp 39 yo. widow of George Brinker Knapp owned home worth $15,000; daughter Charlotte S. Knapp 14 yo.; mother-in-law Frances E. Knapp 84 yo. widow; renting for $55 was Ronald C. VanAtta 33 yo., salesman, securities; wife Ethel J.


Oct. 2, 1933 The Evening Times - Mrs. Claire VanAtta. Mrs. Claire VanAtta, widow of Edward C. VanAtta, died at her Tioga street home in Waverly at 11 o’clock this morning.


Oct. 3, 1933 The Evening Times - Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta. Private funeral services for Mrs. E. Claire VanAtta, 72, will be held at the late home on Tioga street, Waverly, at 7:30 o’clock this evening with Rev. Thomas Tighe, pastor of the Waverly First Presbyterian church, officiating. Tomorrow the body will be taken to Scranton for placement mausoleum in the cemetery at Dunmore. Mrs. VanAtta was born in Dunmore, a daughter of Andrew and Emma Albright Spencer. Her girlhood was spent there and in Scranton and 39 years ago she removed to Waverly where she resided until the time of her death. She was a member of Carantouan chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Shepard Hills Country Club and local parent-teachers’ organizations and a Scranton Episcopal church. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. John Duckworth and Mrs. N. R. LaBar of Scranton; and two brothers, H. M. Spencer of Dunmore and Harold Spencer of Scranton.


Jan. 10, 1934 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - The Citizen’s National Bank returned its officers to another year’s service, at the annual meeting of the stockholders and directors Tuesday. Cecil R. Berry was renamed president and F. A. Sawyer, vice-president. James H. Owen of Chemung and A. C. Palmer were also re-appointed vice-presidents. Louis J. Buley was named cashier and H. C. Watrous assistant cashier. The directors include E. A. Tilton, C. R. Berry, H. H. Kinney, John C. VanAtta, F. A. Sawyer, C. W. Canoll, A. C. Palmer, Wilson S. Hall and James H. Owen


1934 The Waverly Sun and Nichols Recorder: Dean Of Waverly Business Man Is Still Active After 58 Years In Same Store. "How do you do, sir?" A voice boomed across counters and show cases as the reporter entered the door of John Van Atta's pharmacy. For 58 years, Mr. Van Atta has been in the same business on the same spot - in the same village by name, but a very changing village. At fourteen years of age, Mr. Van Atta entered the employment of Slaughter and Wells who owned the drug store on that location. The young boy liked the work. He liked waiting on customers, mixing prescriptions. Customers liked him and when Mr. Wells died, the firm became Slaughter and Van Atta. The death of Mr. Slaughter 32 years ago, left Mr. Van Atta alone in the business which he still conducts with a great deal of the spryness of his youth. Waverly was quite different in the days when Mr. Van Atta started as (Continued on page 8)(Continued from Page 1) a clerk. There were only wooden cross walks on Broad street, and there was no pavement at all. There were only half as many business places as now, with most of them located on Broad street. The side business streets were not built up and Elizabeth street did not exist. Mr. Van Atta remembers that the fire department had an old hand steamer and the village hall was constructed of wood, in place of the present modern structure. There were no switch engines on the railroads, he says. Cars were moved by horses from one location to another. He remembers when the Methodist Episcopal church burned down on the location opposite the end of Elizabeth street now mentioned for the postoffice. The drugstore business has changed in 58 years. As in other businesses the advertised brands have supplanted drugs of local manufacture, the prepared packages, bulk sales. Much of the work of the druggist has been removed. "Why we used to make all those pills, now there are houses which make a business of it." Business is mostly cash nowadays, a situation which makes it better for the druggist. All stores in the village used to keep open until 9 or 10 o'clock in the evening. Although drug stores still keep open in the evening, Mr. Van Atta approves early closing by other stores. "It's much nicer now," he says. "Has it made any difference in the amount of business done?" the reporter wanted to know. Mr. Van Atta doesn't believe it. "People can get into town more easily with cars," he says. "They used to consider it an all day job to come to town, but now it's a matter of an hour or two." Mr. Van Atta is a native of Waverly. His father was superintendant of the water works. In those days there were reserve cisterns on Broad street. Water was pumped to the cisterns from a well near the railroad station. The water supply was used for fire purposes only. "Some changes!" exclaimed Mr. Van Atta. Mr. Van Atta has not belonged to very many organizations, he says. The hours in the drug store business did not seem to permit. He is however an honorary member of the Tioga Hose Company after years of active service. The reporter prepared to depart, "You're welcome, sir. Come again any time. Always glad to help out!" the friendly voice boomed out in parting. The reporter left believing that he had found the reason why John Van Atta has been able to remain in the same business in the same place for 58 years. (John C. VanAtta born in 1859, died in 1937. Samuel Slaughter died in 1894.) Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp still owned the building, she sold the building to Earl Payne in 1946.


1936 Waverly Directory:

- Abbie R. VanAtta, wd. Edwin, r 5 N. Chemung street

-  John C. VanAtta, prop. VanAtta’s Pharmacy and v-pres. S. W. Water Co. and dir. First Nat. Bank, home 449 Park av.

- Ronald C. VanAtta, bond salesman, r 449 Park av.

- VanAtta’s Pharmacy, John C. VanAtta prop., 337 Broad street


Oct. 4, 1937 The Evening Times - Funeral of John C. VanAtta, who died at his home, 449 Park avenue, at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon, will be held from the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Thomas Tighe, pastor of the First Presbyterian church will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery. Mr. VanAtta was born in Waverly 77 years ago, and was the oldest business man on Broad street. He started in the drug business at the corner of Broad and Park avenue (newspaper mistake, should be Waverly street, his home was on Park ave.) when he was scarcely 14 years old, and has conducted the same business at the same place for 64 years. He was active up until a short time before his death. Mr. VanAtta did not belong to any fraternal or business organizations, although he was a director of the Citizen's National Bank and a member of the Presbyterian church. His vocation in life was his drug store, and he made it his hobby too. Although he led a quiet life, he was well known by virtually everyone in the community, and his perennial good nature made him many friends. He has been a daily part of the Broad street scene for longer than anyone can remember. Surviving are his widow, a son, Ronald, of Rochester; and a niece, Mrs. Virginia Tarleton of Brooklyn, N. Y.


Oct. 6, 1937 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Final Tribute Paid Waverly Druggist. A host of friends of the late John C. VanAtta of Waverly, among them many business men of the village, paid final tribute to their former fellow citizen at services conducted Tuesday afternoon at the home on Park Ave. by the Rev. Thomas Tighe of the First Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery. Active pall bearers were Charles B. Toby, Frederic S. Deyo, Wallace S. Young, John Murray Jr., John C. Rhoades and Evan S. Johnson. Honorary bearers were Edson A. Tilton, James H. Owen, Fred A. Sawyer, John Murray Sr., Harold C. Watrous, Frederick Hawkes, Louis D. Atwater and Harry Knapp, all directors of the Citizens National Bank of which Mr. VanAtta was one.


November 4, 1937 The Evening Times: Vanatta Store Is Sold To E. J. Payne. Waverly, Nov. 4 - John C. VanAtta drug store has been sold to Earl Payne, it was announced this morning. It is the first time this store has changed hands in over 50 years. Mr. Payne plans to close out the stock, remodel the store and continue the business with the same lines of merchandise carried by the late Mr. VanAtta. He stated that he will also continue to run his other drug store on Broad street. The VanAtta store was established in its present location at the corner of Waverly street about 80 years ago by Slaughter and Wells. When Mr. Wells died, Mr. VanAtta accepted a position as clerk, later purchasing the store from its original owner. (Samuel Slaughter was the original owner of the Corner Drug Store. His daughter, Gertrude Slaughter Knapp, still owned the building at this time. She sold the building to Earl Payne in 1946. VanAtta and Payne bought the business only. Then, in 1946 Earl Payne also bought the building.)


1938 Waverly directory :

- Abbie R. Van Atta, widow of Edwin, r 5 N. Chemung street

- Rose Van Atta, widow of John C. r 449 Park Ave. (mistake in directory, Carrie was the widow of John C., Rose was widow of John’s son, Edwin H.)


1940 census - Rochester, NY - renting in a two family home at 653 Averill Avenue - Carrie Van Atta 80 yo. widow; son Ronald Van Atta 43 yo., salesman for industrial commercial supplies; daughter-in-law Ethel J. 37 yo., sales lady in Ladies apparel  (In 1935, all three were living in Waverly, NY)


1940 Waverly directory - No VanAtta's listed.


1941 Rochester directory - Mrs. Ethel VanAtta, adv. mgr. at 78 Clinton av. S r 525 Averill Av.

(Ronald C. VanAtta not listed in this directory.)


Aug. 21, 1942 Greece Press - Miss Ethel Justice Van Atta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Clarence Justice of Long Pond Road became the bride of Herman Hartman of this city a week ago. The ceremony took place last Wednesday at Ashbury First Methodist Church, with the Rev. Weldon F. Crossland, D. D., officiating. Miss Frances F. Eynon and R. Elmer Gardner were attendants. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman will be at home at 5 Brighton Place after August 26.


Oct. 3, 1942 Elmira Star Gazette - Mrs. John C. VanAtta, resident of Waverly for many years, died Friday, Oct. 2, 1942, at the Owego Home for the Aged. She was a member of the Benevolent Society and Missionary Society of the Waverly Presbyterian Church. She leaves a son, Ronald VanAtta of Plattsburg, N. Y. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.


1950 census - Rochester, NY - Herman C. Hartman 42 yo., chief clerk railway signal; wife Ethel J. 47 yo. lab technician Kodak manuf.


July 3, 1951 - Ronald Campbell VanAtta died in Syracuse, NY. He was born May 29, 1896 in Waverly, NY.

July 5, 1951 Syracuse Herald-Journal - R. Vanatta Dies. Ronald Vanatta, 55, formerly of Tupper Lake, died Tuesday at City Hospital where he had been a patient since June 20. Dr. Harry L. Gilmore, county coroner, said death resulted from tuberculosis and asthma.


Oct. 17, 1957 The Evening Times - Mrs. Rose G. Van Atta, 89, formerly of Waverly and a resident of Brooklyn and New York City for the past 40 years, died at her home in Brooklyn Tuesday evening. Mrs. Van Atta was born in Waverly, the daughter of George H. and Myra Bonnell Grafft. She married Edwin H. Van Atta in November 1889. She moved from Waverly in 1911 to New York. She was a former member of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. A. B. Tarleton of Brooklyn; one sister, Mrs. Frank J. Hathway of Glen Cove, L. I.; one half-sister, Mrs. M. Stuart Hall of Montour Falls, N. Y.; and one granddaughter, Mrs. Robert Senar of Richmond, Va. The body is at the Russell Funeral Home, 462 Fulton street, Waverly, … Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery.


May 22, 1984 The Burlington Free Press, Vermont - Mrs. Dorothy T. Sener, 48, died Saturday in Chester. She was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Brooklyn, N. Y., daughter of Alfred B. and Virginia (Van Atta) Tarleton. She was educated in the Brooklyn public schools, attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, N. Y., and was a graduate of Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City. She had formerly lived in Harrisburg, Pa., Baltimore, Md., Greenwich and West Hartford, Conn. She was a 10-year resident of Chester where she had been a member of the Review Club and the DAR. Active in local affairs, she had served as secretary of the local Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment. She had previously served as recording secretary for the School Board. She is survived by her mother of Chester; two sons, Richard B. Sener of Chester and James T. Sener of West Hartford, Conn.; a daughter, Julie Ann Sener of Chester. 


1988 - Virginia Van Atta Tarleton died. She is buried in Glenwood cemetery, Waverly, NY.

Her husband, Alfred Beverly Tarleton died in 1976. He is buried in Glenwood cemetery.


Sept. 23, 1989 - Ethel Avice Justice Van Atta Hartman died. She was born April 19, 1903.

Very interesting is that Brad (Zehr), owner of 208 Chemung st. Waverly, NY, along with his wife, Amy, is also on the same family tree as Azariah J. VanAtta, both Brad and Azariah going back to Jacob Jansen. The connection for Brad to Jacob Jansen Vanetten being Brad's Great Great Aunt Amelia VanEtten.

Barbara Zehr Lyndaker was Brad's Great Great Grandma, on Brad's mother's side of family. Barbara's brother, Christian Zehr, was Brad's Great Great Uncle who married Amelia VanEtten, making Amelia VanEtten Zehr to be Brad's Great Great Aunt.

Barbara Zehr Lyndaker  was the daughter of Christian Zehr (1815-1899) of France, an Amish Bishop, and Anna Beller Zehr (1820-1881). Barbara was the wife of Joseph Bechler Lyndaker, Sr. She was the mother of Michael Lyndaker (stepson of Joseph), married AnnaYousey;  Christian L. Lyndaker married Lena Yousey first and second married Katie Moser; Anna E. married Jacob Roggie; Barbara married Andrew Yancey; Joseph C. Lyndaker married Sarah Yousey; Mary Jane married Christopher C. Noftsier; Katherine married Peter Swartzentruber, Elizabeth married John Yancey, John A. Lyndaker married Anna Zehr and Lena Lyndaker died at age of 2.  Barbara was the sister of Michael Beller Zehr, Anna B. Sauer, John B. Zehr, Catherine Yousey, Christian Zehr jr., Joseph Benjamin Zehr and Andrew B. Zehr.

March 19, 1933 - Norwich - George Zehr of S. Broad st. has been called to Croghan by the death of his mother, Mrs. Amelia Van Etten Zehr, wife of Christian Zehr. Her death occurred Sunday morning at the family home at the age of 75. Funeral services will be held from the home Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 and from the Methodist Church at Beaver Falls at 2 o'clock. In addition to the husband and son mentioned, Mrs. Zehr leaves four other sons and three daughters, James and William of Croghan, Burt of Waterville, Henry of Carthage, Mrs. L. Christian (Ella Irene) of Dexter, Mrs. John Loughlin (Cora B.) of Deferiet, and Mrs. George Alexander (Melinda) of Copenhagen.

Aug. 27, 1939 - Christian Zehr, 86, died at 3:40 a. m. on Sunday at his home following an illness of several years, with heart affliction and infirmities of age, at his home in the village. He was born November 20, 1852, and is the last member of 8 children born to the late Christian and Anna Beller Zehr, on Belfort road about two miles from this village, and his entire life was spent in Croghan. On September 6, 1873 he married Miss Amelia Van Etten of Belfort, and to them were born nine children, 6 sons and three daughters, of which four sons and three daughters survive: Henry Zehr, Watertown; Bert Zehr, Waterville; George, Norwich; James D. Zehr, Croghan; Mrs. George Alexander, Copenhagen; Mrs. John Langhton, Deferiets; Mrs. Loran Christian, Dexter. One son, William Zehr, died a few years ago at age 59, and another age 9 months. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. The couple observed their golden wedding in 1932. Mrs. Zehr died 7 years ago. Mr. Zehr had been employed for many years as foreman in the T. B. Basselin lumber camps and following the death of Mr. Basselin, he was employed in the Virkler Feed Mill in Croghan, until his health failed several years ago. The funeral was held on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the house and at two at the Evangelical church at Beaver Falls. Rev C. A. Whitehead officiating. Burial in family plot in Beaver Falls. 

Jacob Jansen Van Etten. Jacob Jansen was born Oct. 22, 1632 and baptized in October of 1634 at Etten, North Brabant, Holland. He became the progenitor of the Van Etten/Van Atta family after he came to America.

Brad's Great Great Aunt, Amelia Van Etten Zehr, from Brad's mother's side: Amelia Van Etten; Jacob Van Etten 1828; Petrus (Peter) Van Etten 1803; Petrus Van Etten 1763; Dirk (Dirck) Van Etten 1739; Jacobus Jansen Van Etten 1696; Jan Jacobszen Van Etten 1666; Jacob Jansen of Etten 1632.


The following contains some history of the site of 301 Broad street Waverly, NY, where the former town clock block stood, the town clock block which was designed by Azariah VanAtta, the same architect who designed and rebuilt our home in 1873 at 208 Chemung street:
Campbell Block - formerly stood at the northeast corner of Broad and Fulton streets.
Campbell Block Fire:

May 28, 1883 The Evening Gazette, Port Jervis, N. Y. - Fire At Waverly. Last Saturday morning a fire broke out in the fourth story of the Campbell block in Waverly, but was extinguished after the roof and upper story had been badly damaged. The loss is estimated at $7,000, caused mostly by water. The office of the Waverly Tribune, located on the third floor, was badly demoralized.

May 28, 1883 Evening Journal, Albany, N. Y. - Elmira - At 10:30 this morning a fire broke out in the Campbell block at Waverly. A heavy wind was blowing. Although four streams were quickly put on, the Campbell block was soon in ruins. The fire spread rapidly. The buildings were the best in the town. A steamer with 500 feet of hose and a detail of men from the Elmira department have just embarked.

May 31, 1883 Broome Republican, Binghamton, N. Y. - A Blaze In Waverly. The Campbell Block Destroyed. About 10:30 o’clock Saturday morning, the village of Waverly was thrown into a state of unwanted excitement by the breaking out of a fire in the Campbell Block, located upon Main street, in the business portion to the town. Owing to the high wind prevailing at the time, the fire had gained considerable headway shortly after its discovery and before the fire department arrived at the spot. Notwithstanding the energetic efforts of the firemen, the fire continued to spread, although several streams of water were playing upon the building, and as fears were entertained for the adjoining property, the authorities hastily telegraphed to Elmira for their steamer and a hose carriage. Their appeal for help was answered as quickly as possible, under the circumstances, a special train being sent from Elmira to their relief. By the time assistance arrived however, the Waverly firemen had gained control of the blaze. The Tioga Hotel and the opera house block near by narrowly escaped destruction. The Tribune office was burned out. The loss is estimated at $8,000. The fire was first discovered in the third story of the Campbell Block, but how it originated remains a mystery. There was an insurance on the building and contents.

June 1, 1883 Waverly Advocate - The Fire Fiend Again.  About 10:30 A. M. last Saturday, smoke was discovered issuing from the roof of the Campbell block. The alarm was promptly sounded, and was quickly responded to by the fire department. The telephone wires retarded somewhat the raising of ladders, but they were quickly cut and soon four streams were being poured on the rapidly burning building. It was some minutes before the firemen succeeded in getting the streams where they would be most effective, owning to the height of the building and the difficulty of getting through the roof, and also to the frequent bursting of the hose, but finally with one stream pouring into the west windows from the roof of the Bank, another on the roof from Manner’s block, and two others from the streets, the work of flooding out the flames commenced, and by 11:15 the fire was under control, and soon was entirely extinguished. The Mansard roof and fourth story were destroyed, but below this the flames did not get, and the only damage done below was by water. This however was severe as sufficient water was poured into the building to wet everything below clear to the cellar. At one time it looked as if the entire block must go, with a prospect that the Opera House and Tioga Hotel would bear it company. The building was owned by Selim Kirby, and was insured in Brook’s agency for $10,000. The first floor of the building occupied by Campbell’s auction store, Meyer’s tobacco store, and Harris’ jewelry store; the second by Justice Spalding’s office, G. D. Lindsley’s law office, C. C. Brooks insurance office, Smith Bro’s office and a suite of living rooms occupied by Orrin Dexter; the third by living rooms (vacant) sleeping rooms &c, and the Tribune office; the fourth was used as a sort of store room, being reached by an elevator, and also used by Smith Bro’s as a picture frame factory. It was in this room that the fire started. It seems that M. O. Smith was engaged in making frames, and used a gluepet, that was heated by a kerosene lamp. He chanced to leave the room for a few minutes, and during his absence the lamp probably exploded, as when he returned he found the bench on which the lamp sat burning rapidly. A few pails of water would then have extinguished it but unfortunately they were not at hand, and before they could be brought it was too late. The Parshall block adjoining the Campbell block on the East was considerably damaged by water. Odd Fellow’s hall, on the third floor, was most severely damaged, the elegant paper on the ceiling being spoiled, and the carpet and furniture ? less damaged. Slight damage was also done in Judge Allen’s law office on the second floor, but not sufficient to cause him to move out. The work of repairing the damage to the Campbell block will be commenced at once and pushed rapidly to completion, and pending the repairs, occupants of the second and third floors may be found as follows: C. C. Brooks with H. F. Goff, G. E. Lindsley with G. H. Grafft, Justice Spalding at his store, Smith Bro’s in Exchange block. The Tribune office will be removed permanently to rooms in the Tioga House.

June 7, 1883 Corning Journal - The Campbell block at Waverly was burned on Saturday forenoon.

June 8, 1883 The Campbell block, in Waverly, was destroyed by fire Saturday morning. The losses are unknown.

June 15, 1883 Waverly Advocate - Baldwin & Genung have the contract for repairing the Campbell block. The roof will be of tin, but the front will be put up fully as high as before and surmounted with a much handsomer cornice. The tower on the corner will also be nearly twice as high as the old one, and the building when completed will be even more ornamental and imposing than before. Work was commenced last Monday and will be pressed to a speedy completion.
- It is suggested that a town clock be put into the tower that is to be built on the Campbell block. It is a central point, and a clock would not be very expensive and would be a public convenience, and we think the idea a good one.
- Mr. Kirby received but $3,500 insurance on the Campbell block instead of $5,000 as at first reported.

June 22, 1883 Waverly Advocate - The front of the Campbell block was found to be in a dangerous condition, and is being taken down to the first story. The wooden girders are being replaced with iron ones, and the walls will be properly tied and laid. The mason work is in the hands of G. B. Morgan and Simon Kinney, which is a guarantee that it will be done in a workmanlike manner. Mr. Kirby intends to make it a first class building, durable as well as ornamental.

[ Some history on Selim Kirby, owner of the Campbell block at time of rebuild after fire of 1883 -
March 7, 1873 Waverly Advocate - First National Bank - Corner of Broad and Fulton Streets. The only Incorporated Bank in Waverly. Howard Elmer, Prest. C. H. Shepard, Vice Prest. R. A. Elmer, Cashier. Directors, Howard Elmer, C. H. Shepard, Jno. A. Perkins, R. A. Elmer, Chas. L. Anthony, Selim Kirby, Wm. Manners.
June 25 1873 Wyoming Democrat, Tunkhannock, PA - New Bank at Waverly. - It may be known to a few geographically inclined in their studies that the line between the States of New York and Pennsylvania runs through the village of Waverly, and that perhaps one third of its population reside in the latter named state. In consequence of this, Waverly proper does not figure so largely in the census returns as it would were its inhabitants on both sides of the line included. A new bank; to be located on the Pennsylvania side of the town, has just been organized under a very favorable charter obtained in that State. It is to be called the “Home Savings Bank,” with a capital of $100,000 and is authorized to do a regular banking business, to discount paper, sell, exchange, &c. Its directors are Selim Kirby, O. A. Barstow and Dr. G. P. Cady, of Nichols, N. Y., Howard Elmer, of Waverly and Eugene Underhill, of Athens, Pa. The bank will commence business next month and will be under the direct care of Mr. Kirby, a prominent and well known citizen of Tioga county.
Circa 1886 Waverly Free Press - G. & J. Hungerford, of this place, in company with Selim Kirby, a wealthy banker of Waverly, N. Y., own a tract of land just west of Oneida, on which is a six foot vein of very fine coal, said to be equal to the best Ohio block. This mine is a fortune to its owners and only requires a nominal outly to open it up. We hope ere many months to see work begun on these mines by the parties owning them.
Circa June 1887 Owego Daily Record - … Selim Kirby, of Nichols, N. Y. Mr. Kirby owns a large amount of real estate here (Waverly) and at Nichols, and other places, besides several hundred acres near Gaines, Pa. … Mr. Kirby’s poor health for some months has prevented him from giving personal attention to his business, and hence to realize upon his real estate, and this his doubtless the prime cause of the trouble. … , while Mr. Kirby is estimated to own from $150,000 to $200,000 worth of real estate. … Mr. Kirby is a man of keen business acumen and of undoubted integrity, and all hope that his financial troubles will be but temporary. … Mr. Kirby has been ill about three months, and it is said that during this time the bank deposits have fallen off from $190,000 to the neighborhood of $80,000.
August 6, 1887 The Waverly Free Press - Selim Kirby, president of the defunct Home Savings bank, died at his home in Nichols, at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday.
Aug. 8, 1887 Owego Daily Record - The last sad rites over the mortal remains of the late Selim Kirby were solemnized, Saturday, at his late residence in Nichols. The funeral, though private, was largely attended, many being present from out of town. Howard Elmer and Hon. J. T. Sawyer, of Waverly, and C. A. Thompson, cashier of the Owego National Bank, of Owego, were among those who were in attendance. The remains were interred in the family lot in the Nichols cemetery. The relatives have the sympathy of many in their double affliction.]

June 29, 1883 Waverly Advocate - The work of repairing the Campbell block is being pushed as rapidly as the weather will permit.

Aug. 17, 1883 Waverly Advocate - Morgan and Keeler are doing the painting on the Campbell block.

Aug. 24, 1883 Waverly Advocate - The cornice caps and other ornamental work for the roof of the Campbell block, was received on Monday, and workmen are rapidly putting it into position. It is made of galvanized iron, and was manufactured by Barker Dounce & Co., of Elmira.

Aug. 31, 1883 Waverly Advocate - The new dry goods store in the Campbell block is to be opened Sept. 10.

Sept. 7, 1883 Waverly Advocate - Work on the Campbell block is nearly completed. The exterior work is done and the scaffolding has been taken down. The building is greatly improved in appearance. The clock is expected next week and will be at once put in position.
- Mr. Miller will open his new store in the Campbell block, Sept. 15.

Dec. 14, 1883 Waverly Advocate and Jan. 11, 1884 Waverly Advocate - Franklin W. Collins, Attorney and Counsellor at Law. Campbell Block. Practice in Both States.

Jan. 25, 1884 Waverly Advocate - Miller’s In Order To Reduce Stock Before Invoicing I Will sell for the next Thirty Days Dry Goods and Carpets, Regardless Of Cost. We Mean Business No Humbug. Miller’s Under Town Clock. Waverly, N. Y.

June 25, 1885 The Waverly Advocate - June 22, 1885. A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at the Clerk’s office at 7:30 p.m. … Selim Kirby presented a bill showing the cost of new stone pavement recently laid in front of the “Campbell Block” amounted to $162.80 …

Jan. 28, 1888 Waverly Free Press - The large three-story brick building located at the corner of Broad and Fulton streets, and known as the Campbell block, and a resident at the corner of Chemung and Pine streets, both formerly owned by Selim Kirby, were sold at mortgage sale on Tuesday. The former was purchased by Calvin Parsons, of Parsons, Pa., for $15,000 and the latter by F. E. Lyford for $950.

Looking back: Prior to the “Campbell block” there stood a wooden building on this site (301 Broad st.). Captain Davis is said to have bought the lot for $50 circa 1849. The wooden building housed various things; a shoe manufacturer, grocery and dry goods, Alpine & Doubleday, by 1868, H. J. Baldwin owned the wooden building, Daniel P. Schultz prop. of Waverly and Athens Democrat which was started in 1867, it was published from 1868 thru 1870, every Tuesday at $2 per year, job printing of all kinds, office was on the second floor over Armstrong & Hungerford’s store, at corner of Broad and Fulton streets, the paper stopped publication in 1870.  In 1870 - D. P. Schultz, licensed auctioneer in Waverly. After leaving Waverly around 1870, Daniel Schultz was a conductor between New York and Port Jervis.
 In 1871, Hugh J. Baldwin had a design for a new brick building on the north east corner of Broad and Fulton streets, Person’s or Parson’s (newspaper had spelled both ways) & Hungerford’s grocery up to 1873 when there was fire in the wooden building.  Feb. 26, 1873 Addison Advertiser - At Waverly, N.Y. Parsons & Hungerford’s grocery store, at Waverly, was destroyed by fire on Friday night. Loss $10,000. The adjoining buildings were damaged to the extent of $1,000. The wooden block may have been known as the “Empire block.”

May 27, 1870 Waverly Advocate - Dissolution. The co-partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Wm. B. Campbell & Co. was this day dissolved by mutual consent. The business will be carried on at the old stand No. 62 Broad Street, by Campbell Bro’s, who will receive al monies due the old firm, and pay all debts of the same. W. B. Campbell, Perry Weatherly.  Waverly, N. Y. April 22, 1870

April 19, 1872 Waverly Advocate - Messrs. Gardner & Bixby, who occupy the neat little Jewelry Store on the corner of Fulton and Broad streets, have very recently refurnished it with a large and handsome stock of first class Jewelry, American Watches, Clocks, Silver and Plated Ware. They take the utmost pains in their selections, and secure the very best of goods. We take great pleasure in recommending them to the public as good square dealers. All a person needs to be convinced is to give them a call, and examine their goods.
Feb. 23, 1873 - Fire - Parsons and Hungerford, groceries
Oct. 10, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The Opera House is nearly enclosed, and the Campbell block is being pushed vigorously.

Oct. 17, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The second story of the Campbell block is now underway.

Nov. 7, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The brick work of the Campbell block is completed, and ready for the fourth story which is to be Mansard in style.

Nov. 14, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The Campbell block is nearly enclosed. The fourth story is Mansard, with an ornamented tower on the Broad and Fulton corner.

Nov. 28, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The severe cold weather has interfered very much with the enclosing of the Campbell block, yet something is being done towards an early completion of the building when the weather will permit work on the outside.

Dec. 5, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The weather has permitted a resupination of work on the exterior of the Campbell block.

Dec. 12, 1873 Waverly Advocate - The Campbell block is being pushed with great energy. The roofing is completed, which is part slate and the balance the patent iron roofing. The entire building is so far enclosed as to permit it work on the inside.

Jan. 2, 1874 Waverly Advocate - The Campbell block is being plastered inside. It is a cold time for the work, but coal at $6 per ton neutralizes old zero very effectually.

Feb. 27, 1874 Waverly Advocate - Now take a look at the Campbell block. - The temporary enclosure of the fronts have been removed, and the beauty of the building fully disclosed. What town can beat it?

March 5, 1874 - 301 Broad street, Campbell Block opens - Campbell Brothers move in, Sedgewick Jewelers in corner small store in back, were previously in Exchange block.

Firm of Campbell and Ackley then Wm B. Campbell,  F. J. Campbell and Emery J. Campbell, brothers in business — Campbell Brothers - Campbell Bro’s -  corner of Fulton and Broad street

March 20, 1874 Waverly Advocate - Geo. R. Harris, our veteran Jeweler, is now very ? located in his new quarters in the Campbell block, entrance on Fulton street. George has a very pleasant business place indeed. Sedgwick has got settled in his new Jewelry store, corner of the Campbell Block. It is the prettiest and most convenient Jewelry store in the country - we will make no exceptions. Just look in, and you will know how it is yourself.

April 17, 1874 Waverly Advocate and May 15, 1874 Waverly Advocate - Nearly opposite the Post Office is the snug, neat little Jewelry Store of our old citizen George R. Harris. He is in the Campbell block, entrance from Fulton street. If you want anything in that line give George a call.

April 2, 1875 Waverly Advocate - The Elmira Gazette of last Saturday (double sheet) contained a very fine wood-cut of the Arnot Block, corner Water and Lake streets. It is a beautiful building - a credit to the “Queen City,” or any other city. The block however is small, - not so large as the Campbell block in this village, which renders it less imposing than many other structures of less merit. It does not look so, however, on paper.

[June 1875 Waverly Advocate - Dissolution - The firm heretofore existing under the name of J. W. Knapp & CO. is this day dissolved by mutual consent. J. W. Knapp - Chas. A. Durkee. Waverly, N.Y., June 23, 1875. The business will hereafter be carried on at the old stand by J. W. Knapp, with whom all the accounts of the late firm must be settled.
Sept. 17, 1875 Waverly Advocate - J. W. Knapp is overhauling the interior of his double store, southside of Broad street, and will soon occupy two stories of the building with his extensive Dry Goods and Grocery business.]

Feb. 18, 1876 Waverly Advocate - A Welcome Is extended to all the friends and old Patrons of Chas. B. Gibbs, in his newly Furnished Office, just opened in the Front Room of Campbell Block. He has furnished the office new throughout putting in the latest Improved Dental Chair, which is a Novelty of Itself and Worth Viewing. Our work will rest upon its own Merits, and with our past success we hope to merit future patronage. All Work in our Line executed Promptly and in Nice Order. Charles B. Gibbs, Waverly, April 4, 1875.

Circa 1876 Waverly Advocate - W. H. Jones, formerly with Hildebrands, has opened a shop for making and repairing Boots and Shoes, in the Campbell Block. Mr. Jones is a good workman, and will no doubt receive his share of customers.

March 23, 1878 Waverly Free Press - November 19, 5 p.m., Mrs. M. G. Mercereau, corner of Fulton and Broad streets, had goods damaged by the breakage of a kerosene lamp. Damage incurred, $36.19. Insurance paid, $26.19.

Dec. 7, 1878 Waverly Free Press - John R. Murray, Attorney At Law. Office in Campbell Block. Waverly, N. Y. Special attention given to insurance cases.

March 21, 1879 Waverly Advocate - Geo. A. Preston, the B. & M. R. R., Land and Ticket Agent, hailing from the “Parlor City,” Binghamton, has located his office in the Campbell block, where all who contemplate going West may find him in his most obliging and happy mood. He can furnish the Burlington and Missouri Colony tickets and special rates for land explorers and settlers, or for freight by carload or hundred. For pamphlets, circulars and any information in regard to Nebraska Land apply in person or by postal.

April 2, 1880 Waverly Advocate - An entrance has been made on the Fulton street side of the store formerly occupied by Mr. Sedgwick, Campbell Block, to accommodate the cigar and tobacco business of J. E. Guyer. It is an improvement.

April 9, 1880 Waverly Advocate - Mr. Guyer is nicely located with his cigar business at the corner of Broad and Fulton streets. He has fitted up the little store and made a perfect gem of it.
- The neatest cigar store in Southern New York is at the corner of Broad and Fulton streets, Campbell Block. Mr. Guyer has fitted it up with taste, and ornamented it in artistic style. He has as fine a stock of goods as can be found this side of New York. It embraces everything in that line of trade, and is fresh and choice. Just step in at the sign of the Indian Queen, and see how near we hit the mark.

July 30, 1880 Waverly Advocate - Geo. R. Harris, WatchMaker And Jeweler, Campbell’s Block, Fulton St., opposite Postoffice, Waverly, N. Y. Repairing Satisfactorily Done Or No Pay, At Reasonable Prices.

Jan. 21, 1881 Waverly Advocate - W. H. Spaulding, who has been Police Justice for the past year, is also Justice of the Peace, succeeding John R. Murray, Esq., whose term expired the 1st inst. His office is with C. C. Brooks, Insurance Agent, in the Campbell block, corner Fulton and Broad streets.

Dec. 2, 1881 Waverly Advocate - Emery J. Campbell of this village has been appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sherif Davis, the appointment to take effect Jan. 1.

April 2, 1882 Waverly Advocate - The new Waverly newspaper, the Tribune, goes into the Campbell block, third story.

April 28, 1882 Waverly Advocate - Emery J. Campbell has purchased the stock of Dry Goods, Groceries, and extensive business of his brother, Wm. B. Campbell, corner Broad and Fulton Streets. Wm. B. Campbell’s health had become so poor that he was admonished he must retire from the extensive business in which he was engaged. E. J. Campbell has had very extensive experience in the various branches of trade, commencing here in 1866, by buying out Van Duzer & Hallet, then in the Grocery Business in the Van Duzer block, south side of Broad St. Afterwards he and his brother, W. B., bought out the firm of Campbell & Ackley, doing business in the old building, corner of Fulton street, where the magnificent Campbell block now stands, the firm being Campbell Brothers, and included F. J. Campbell, now in the wholesale liquor business. After the dissolution of this firm, Emery went into the Insurance business with C. C. Brooks, the firm being Brooks and Campbell. About a year ago he engaged in the ready-made clothing business with Mr. Carroll of Athens, occupying a store in Van Duzer block, where he first commenced in 1886. That firm having dissolved a few weeks ago, we now find Mr. Campbell back at his old occupation, dry goods and groceries. In these various changes Mr. Campbell has been educated to his work as few other men have; and in them all he has maintained a good name and a good business character. In his new quarters he has fine opportunities to do a leading business in this town. That he will do it we have no doubt. We commend him to the confidence and patronage of the public.

May 11, 1883 Waverly Advocate - Mr. Kirby is making arrangements to introduce the city water into the Campbell block.

May 25, 1883 Waverly Advocate - G. F. Lindsley and E. F. Goff have dissolved partnership. Mr. Goff retains the old office in the Exchange block, while Mr. Lindsley has opened a pleasant office in the Campbell block, with C. C. Brooks, W. H. Spaulding, and A. G. Allen as neighbors.

Back to the fire of May 26, 1883 - Fire - Campbell block, near top of this page.

Jan. 25, 1884 Waverly Advocate - Miller's - In Order To Reduce Stock Before Invoicing I will sell for the next Thirty Days Dry Goods and Carpets, Regardless Of Cost. We Mean Business No Humbug. Miller's Under Town Clock. Waverly, N. Y.

The history of the former Town Clock Building site will be picked up here: Jan. 28, 1888 Waverly Free Press - The large three-story brick building located at the corner of Broad and Fulton streets, and known as the Campbell block, and a resident at the corner of Chemung and Pine streets, both formerly owned by Selim Kirby, were sold at mortgage sale on Tuesday. The former was purchased by Calvin Parsons, of Parsons, Pa., for $15,000 and the latter by F. E. Lyford for $950.

1887 directory - Joseph W. Knapp, dry goods at 203 (old numbering) Broad st., home on Reed st.; Harry W. Knapp, clerk, bds. Reed

The Knapp’s Department Store history goes back to 1866, shortly after the Civil War, when J. W. Knapp engaged in a grocery business at the corner of Broad and Clark streets. In 1876, the store was moved to the south side of Broad street. In 1881, he engaged in the dry goods business. In 1890, the store was moved to the corner of Fulton and Broad streets, the town clock building, 301 Chemung street.

Joseph Warren Knapp was the son of William Knapp. Joseph was born Nov. 17, 1843 in the town of Barton, NY. He was educated in the district schools and attended the Waverly Academy for about eight months. On April 13, 1861, he enlisted in the war of the rebellion on the first call for troops, in Company E, 23rd regiment, NY Volunteers at about 17 years old. He was honorably discharged in April of 1863 and returned to Waverly and attended the Eastman Business College of Poughkeepsie, NY from which he graduated. After graduating college, Joseph was a clerk for two years in the general store of Manning & Finch at Factoryville (East Waverly). Then, in 1866, opened his own store in Waverly.

Joseph knapp married Frances E. Durkee and together they had the following children; 1. Harry William Knapp born Oct. 18, 1870, 2. Joseph Warren Knapp born July 8, 1879, 3. Robert Shackleton Knapp born March 22, 1882, 4. Ralph Waldo Knapp born Sept. 23, 1883 and 5. George Brinker Knapp born Nov. 9, 1885

1891 Waverly Free Press - Knapp & Waldo Have their New Stock of Hamburg Embroideries And Spring White Goods! Ready for Inspection and invite you to call and examine them, also full line of Bleached And Brown Muslins of all the popular makes and in all widths. Under Town Clock, Waverly, N. Y.

June 27, 1891 Waverly Free Press - For Sale - Newest and best varieties of fruit trees, ornamental stock and small fruit plants by D. J. McDonald, agent for Kanadesaga Nurseries of Geneva, located under town clock, Waverly, N. Y.

Aug. 29, 1891 Waverly Free Press - J. W. Knapp has been making some improvements in his store, and will hereafter conduct special cloak and carpet departments, on the second floor. Two rooms are now being thoroughly prepared for that purpose.

1893 Sanborn map - 301 to 303 Broad st. before this was referred to as #1801 on the map - Tobacco on west side of store and dry goods on east side of the store. Building is 3 1/2 stories according to map.

Circa 1894 Waverly Free Press - Mr. Romaine C. Cole, of New York, a son-in-law of T. J. Phillips, of this place, has purchased the Campbell block of G. W. Fish. Possession will be given in a few days.

July 21, 1894 Waverly Free Press - The sale of the Campbell block to Mr. Romaine C. Cole, of Brooklyn, which was recently announced, failed to be consummated.

Dec. 8, 1894 Waverly Free Press - J. W. Knapp & Son, Headquarters For Holiday Goods - Popular Selections For Old And Young. Staple And Fancy Dry Goods, Notions, Etc. Good and Appropriate Presents. Merry Christmas To All. Under Town Clock. Waverly, N. Y.

Oct. 5, 1894 Elmira Star Gazette - A large pane of glass was broken in the second story of the Campbell block last evening, falling to the sidewalk below. It was very lucky that no one was passing at the time.

1895 directory: J. W. Knapp & Son (Joseph W. & Harry W.) dry goods and carpets, Broad corner Fulton (301-303 Broad st.); Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home at 201 Chemung street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home on Reed st. outside city; Thomas J. Phillips, home at 455 Waverly st.

1897 directory - J. W. Knapp & Son (J. W. and H. W. K.) dry goods and carpets, Broad st. corner Fulton st.; Harry W. Knapp, h. 100 Providence street; Joseph W. Knapp, h. Reed street outside limits

Circa 1900 Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. Harry Knapp will move from Providence street into the home of Mrs. Knapp’s father, T. J. Phillips, (455)Waverly street.

1901 directory: Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son - Broad street, corner of Fulton street) home at 455 Waverly st.; J. W. Knapp & Son - (H. W.), dry goods and carpets corner of Broad and Fulton streets; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home on Reed street outside of limits; Joseph W. Knapp jr., clerk at corner of Broad and Fulton streets, boards on Reed st., outside limits; Robert S. Knapp, student, bds. Reed street, outside limits; Thomas J. Phillips, h. 455 Waverly street

Jan. 4, 1902 Waverly Free Press - Mr. Joseph Warren Knapp, Jr., and Miss Ella Grace Mixer of this place, were united in marriage New Year’s night by the Rev. Dr. P. R. Ross at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. Edwin Mixer, on Lincoln avenue. The house was decorated in a most artistic manner, southern wild smilax, holly, palms and cut flowers being used in great profusion. The ceremony took place at 7:30 o’clock in the music room. The mandolin club of Athens played the wedding march and dispersed sweet music during the entire evening. … Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are spending their honeymoon in New York city, and soon after their return will be at home to their many friends at 465 Fulton street. … (1901 directory - Edwin D. Mixer, hardware, stoves, plumbing and heating at 317 Broad st., home at 11 Lincoln ave.; Edna C. Mixer, music teacher, bds.; Edwin R. Mixer, clerk at 317 Broad st., bds.; Ella G. Mixer, bds.)

April 25, 1902 Waverly Free Press - J. W. Knapp & Son, Under Town Clock, Waverly. New Suits, Skirts And Shirt Waists ...

1903 directory: Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son - Broad street, corner of Fulton street) home at 455 Waverly st.; J. W. Knapp & Son (Joseph W. and Harry W. Knapp), dry goods, carpets and furniture, 301 Broad street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son), home on Reed st. beyond limits; Joseph W. Knapp jr., clerk at 301 Broad street, home at 465 Fulton street; Ralph W. Knapp, clerk at 301 Broad street, bds. Reed street beyond limits

March 13, 1903 Elmira Daily Gazette - Robert Knapp, Of Waverly, Is Dead. Another Victim of Ithaca's Typhoid Fever Epidemic. ... Particularly sad is the death of Robert Knapp, one of Waverly's best known young men, who passed away in that village yesterday after an illness with typhoid fever. He was a sophomore at Cornell university and contracted the disease while attending college. ... He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, and four brothers, Harry W. Knapp who is connected with his father in the large department store of J. W. Knapp & Son; Joseph W. Knapp, jr., who is employed in the same store, Ralph, a freshman at Cornell, and George, a student in the Waverly High School. ... The interment will be at Glenwood cemetery.

March 13, 1903 The Waverly Free Press - Robert S. Knapp died at the home of his father, J. W. Knapp, about nine o’clock Thursday morning. … Robert Knapp was born in Waverly March 22, 1882, and had lived and grown to manhood here. … In 1901 he entered Cornell University and registered in the course in electrical engineering. … The funeral will be held at the home on Lyman avenue Saturday and will be private. .. interment will be made in the family plot in Glenwood cemetery.

1905 directory - 301 Broad street - J. W. Knapp & Son; George Knapp, student, bds. Lyman ave, beyond limits; Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son - Broad street, corner of Fulton street) home at 455 Waverly st.; J. W. Knapp & Son (J. W. and H. W.) dry goods, carpets and furniture at 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home on Lyman ave. beyond limits; Joseph W. Knapp jr., clerk at 301 Broad street, home at 305 Chemung street; Ralph W. Knapp, student, bds on Lyman ave., beyond limits

Dec. 13, 1907 Waverly Free Press - J. W. Knapp & Son. Department Store. There are no commercial enterprises that add so much to the importance of any town as do the department stores of the present day. Waverly is not behind the times in this respect, as may be seen by a visit to J. W. Knapp & Son's store, located at the corner of Broad and Fulton street. It is one of the most thorougly equipped and completely stocked stores in this section and is equally a credit to the firm and to the town. The premises occupied are very large and include an entire three-story and basement building, also part of the Loomis Opera House block on Fulton street, is well lighted and equipped with all conveniences and is divided into numerous departments for the orderly and systematic classification of the stock carried, which includes everything under the heading of staple and fancy dry goods, dress goods, ladies' suits and coats, furs, small wares, all kinds of household furniture, carpets, etc. Taken all in all, the stock cannot be excelled by any other house in the county, and as the firm are careful and discriminating buyers, and their output is large, they can buy and sell cheaper than most of their competitors. They employ a large force of experienced salespeople and this force has been greatly increased for the holiday season. The stock in all departments has also been largely added to, and J. W. Knapp & Sons'...

Jan. 3, 1908 Waverly Free Press - Last Monday night the chimney in Knapp's department store burned out. This is the second time the chimney has burned out this winter.

1908 directory: George Knapp, student, res. Lyman ave, beyond limits; Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home at 455 Waverly st.; J. W. Knapp & Son (J. W. and H. W.) dry goods, carpets and furniture at 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) home on Lyman ave. beyond limits; Joseph W. Knapp jr, home at 303 Chemung street

Nov. 27, 1908 Waverly Free Press - Death Of Honored Citizen. Thos. J. Phillips Passed Away Yesterday at His Home in This Village After a Brief Illness. Thomas J. Phillips died at his residence, on Waverly street, Thursday morning, November 26, 1908, at the age of 84 years, after being ill but a few days from bronchitis. T. J. Phillips, son of Augustus and Mary (Atkins) Phillips, was born in the town of Ithaca, Nov. 14, 1824. He received his education at the Homer Academy under Principal Woolworth, and after leaving school taught at Jacksonville, N. Y., and for two years at Ulysses, N. Y. Before completing his school days he was the hero of a unique business venture. When about eighteen his health failed, and he was sent on a western trip in hopes of regaining it. He went by stage from Ithaca to Buffalo, thence by boat to the village which is now the city of Chicago, and from there started to make the return trip on horseback. Finding cattle cheaper in the west, he began to buy along the way, and six months later crossed the Hudson river, driving two hundred fifty head, which netted him a snug profit in the New York market. After three years of teaching, Mr. Phillips went into partnership in a wholesale lumber business with Isaac M. Beers of Ithaca. Three years later the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Phillips established a wholesale lumber business at 28 and 30 Cherry street, New York City. To utilize the waste lumber he also began to manufacture matches, and claimed the distinction of making the first “parlor” matches used in the United States. After three years in the city, he discontinued the match factory and bought a flouring mill in Danby, which he conducted until it burned eleven years later. Mr. Phillips came to Waverly from Danby in May, 1869. Together with Lee Curtis, he bought the flouring mill at Milltown, now owned by the Lehigh, and Phillips & Curtis conducted it in partnership until 1893, when Mr. Phillips retired from active business. In the death of Mr. Phillips, Waverly loses one of her most honored and beloved citizens. He was at all times a liberal minded, public spirited citizen, serving as village trustee for years, several terms on the Board of Education, and was a trustee of the Presbyterian church when it was erected. He was always cheery and had a bright, hopeful word for all. No one ever heard him speak harshly of anyone and those whose life his touched could but be better and stronger for having known him. He is survived by one brother, Richard H. Phillips, of Ithaca, N. Y., and three daughters, Mrs. Cecil L. Saunders, Cleveland, O.; Mrs. Helen L. Cole and Mrs. Harry W. Knapp, of this village. The funeral will be held from the late home, 455 Waverly street, Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, the Rev. Dr. Ross, officiating. Interment will be made in the Glenwood cemetery.

Dec. 8, 1911 Waverly Free Press - Victor Will Do As He Is Told. We have read with some amusement the little article, entitled, "Malice toward None; Charity for All", signed by Victor, in which he outlines his policies for the future. ... He will say nothing about the fact that the Knapp store on the corner of Broad and Fulton Streets, which has a basement, and three stories above the sidewalk, has no fire escapes and not even stairs on the inside form one floor to another. If a fire should happen to start in the basement near the elevator shaft, there would be no way of escape for the people in the upper floors where women and children go to shop. "The Sun" will say  nothing about the building on the opposite corner of Broad and Fulton which is also a three story building, with a basement, with lodge rooms on the top floor, and which has only one narrow stairway, with no fire escapes. ... "The Waverly Sun" is owned and controlled by Fred E. Lyford, Frank L. Howard, Percy L. Lang, Harry Knapp and George D. Genung, and their plan to knock the interests which they cannot control, will be continued, and the same policy will continue which has existed in the past fo concealing anything which they would rather the public should not know. ...

Aug. 23, 1912 Waverly Free Press - Real Estate Transfers. … Joseph W. Knapp to Elma J. Merrill, $1, Barton.

May 30, 1913 Waverly Free Press - AZARlAH J. VANATTA HAS PASSED AWAY Aged Resident Dies at His Home on Pennsylvania Avenue. Was Former Architect and Contractor. The death of Azariah J. Van Atta, one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Waverly, occurred at his home, 441 Pennsylvania avenue, Wednesday night about nine o'clock. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 from the residence, Rev. Parke Richards officiating, and burial was made in Forest Home cemetery. Azariah J. Van Atta was born at Barton on December 15, 1827. His parents were John W. and Elizabeth Albright Van Atta, and he was the ninth child in a family of eleven children. The family originally came from Rockburg, Warren county, about 1827. Mr. Van Atta was married in 1850 to Miss Corlista Ames of Danby, and moved at once to Waverly, where he has lived ever since. On May 1, 1867, Mr. Van Atta joined Waverly Lodge 407 F. & A. M., and in 1871 was chosen Worthy Master of that body. He was the oldest living Past Master of the lodge. Besides being a member of the Masonic lodge here, he was a member of St. Omer's Commandery Knights Templar, of Elmira. Mr. Van Atta was one of the most highly respected of Waverly's residents, and up to a few years ago, when his advanced age compelled him to abandon his more active pursuits, he was active in the affairs of the community. By occupation he was an architect and contractor. Among the buildings in Waverly which he designed and built are the Shipman building, the Merriam block, the building occupied by Simon Zausmer, the town clock block, the Slaughter residence, the Methodist Episcopal church and the old Baptist church. After the building of the water works plant he gave up his work as an architect, and from that time until a few years ago he was superintendent of the water works. In his later years, though unable to follow the strenuous life he had lived so long, he still retained much of his vitality, and never lost his interest in anything that pertained to Waverly. He is survived by two sons: John C. Van Atta and E. Clair Van Atta, both of Waverly; and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. E. H. Van Atta of Ithaca.

[Shipman building - damaged by fire in 1871, O. W. Shipman to rebuild a 3 story brick building. Other fires also in the Shipman block in 1877 and 1894. 327 to 331 Broad street, damaged by fire and torn down in 1968, northwest corner of Broad and Waverly streets; Merriam block - northeast corner of Broad and Waverly streets; Simon Zausmer - 319 Broad street; town clock block - northeast corner of Broad and Fulton streets, burned in March 1980; Slaughter residence - 208 Chemung street Waverly; Methodist Episcopal church - no longer standing, cornerstone of the church was laid June 15, 1866 and was torn down and replaced by the current church which was dedicated in 1915.; old Baptist church - built in 1864-1865, frame building and surmounted by a steeple reaching 150 feet high. It had an auditorium seating 350 people and a basement for prayer meetings and Sunday school. This new (“old Baptist church” ) building was dedicated Nov. 8, 1865. Around 1891, the old Baptist church was moved to the rear of the lot and turned with the front to the east, to be used for Sunday school, prayer meetings and social services. A new church was built of brick, on the enlarged site of the older one, and faced Park avenue. The new church was dedicated May 13, 1891. In 1913, a second floor was built in the Sunday school room, twelve feet above the original floor, with front and rear stairways. So, it is the rear part of the current church that was built by A. J. VanAtta.]

1914 directory - 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street - J. W. Knapp & Son, dry goods, carpets and furniture; George Knapp, clerk at 301 Broad street, res. 225 Clinton ave.; Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) h 225 Clinton ave.; Joseph W. Knapp jr. (Mixer & Knapp) h 97 Center street; T. Phillips Knapp, student, res. 455 Waverly street

Miss Mary Gertrude Slaughter, of 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY, married George Brinker Knapp, of 225 Clinton ave. Waverly, NY, on February 2, 1915.

Feb. 17, 1918 Elmira Telegram - Waverly - Word was received here this morning of the death of Miss Mary Scofield, which occurred at her home in Winter Haven, Fla., Monday. Miss Scofield formerly resided in Waverly. The remains will be brought to Waverly Monday night and the funeral will be held at the home of Joseph W. Knapp, jr. of Center street, Tuesday. The hour has not yet been decided upon. She is survived by one brother, William Scofield, of Winter Haven.

1918 directory: 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street - J. W. Knapp & Son, dry goods, carpets and furniture; George B. Knapp, clerk, h 208 Chemung street; Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) h 29 Lincoln street; Joseph W. Knapp jr. (Mixer & Knapp) h 97 Center street; T. Phillips Knapp, student, res. 455 Waverly street

1917 Rural directory: George B. Knapp (Gertrude) 1 child, clerk, Gertrude Slaughter Knapp owns home and lot at 208 Chemung street, 2 autos, telephone; Harry Knapp, 3 children, dry goods store, owns home and lot at 455 Waverly street, 1 auto; Joseph Knapp jr. (Ella) 4 children, hardware & plumbing, owns home and lot at 97 Center street; Joseph W. Knapp (Frances) runs dry goods store, tenant of home and lot at 29 Lincoln street

1918 directory: 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street - J. W. Knapp & Son (J. W. and H. W.), dry goods, carpets and furniture; George B. Knapp, h 208 Chemung street; Harry W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Joseph W. Knapp (J. W. Knapp & Son) h 29 Lincoln street; Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware store, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, home at 97 Center street; Thomas Phillips Knapp, U. S. A., res. 455 Waverly street

July 13, 1918 Elmira Star Gazette - Lieutenant Phillips T. Knapp Is Recovering in France. Waverly Soldier, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Knapp, Well Cared for in French Hospital - Went Across in January After Leaving Cornell to Join Officers’ Traning Camp. Second Lieutenant T. Phillips Knapp is in the Evacuation Hospital in Neuilly, France, recovering from wounds received in the engagement at Chateau Thierry, according to letters received from him by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Knapp, of Waverly street, yesterday. … Lieutenant Knapp received his commission last December at Fort Niagara, where he was sent from Cornell where, as a senior, with his college education nearly completed, he could resist the call of his country and the opportunity to do his share in the great conflict no longer and joined the colors. His “sheepskin,” however was accorded him and was sent to his home here a year ago last month. In January he was given a command and was sent across. He went “over the top” at Chateau Thierry as Second Lieutenant in command of 23rd Co. E., 6th Machine Gun Battalion. …

December 26, 1919 Elmira Star-Gazette: Control of Waverly Bank Passes to New Interests. Fred A. Sawyer, Arthur C. Palmer, Geo. B. Knapp, W. T. Goodnow and Robert Page Buy Majority of the Stock of Citizens Bank - Will Elect Officers Jan. 13. Waverly, Dec. 26. - Fred A. Sawyer and four men associated with him on Wednesday purchased a controlling interest in the stock of the Citizens' Bank, when they became owners of the stock of Mrs. J. F. Sawyer and Ellen Sawyer Hallstead. The new stock holders are: Arthur C. Palmer and George B. Knapp of (208 Chemung st.) Waverly, W. T. Goodnew of Sayre, and Robert Page of Athens. The annual meeting of stockholders of the Citizens' Bank will be held January 13. Fred A. Sawyer is president of the bank and has been its guiding manager for several years and the bank is just completing the most successful year in its history. Mr. Sawyer has been spending some time with his son, Harold, but came home last week and was active in the stock transfer. He returned to Wheeling Saturday but will come to Waverly for the annual meeting. Robert Page is cashier of the First National Bank of Sayre, director of the Farmers' National Bank of Athens, and president of the Waverly Gas Light Company; W. T. Goodnow is vice-president of the First National Bank of Sayre, general manager of the Sayre Land Company; general manager of the Sayre Water Company, and president of the Cayuta Manufacturing Company and the Sayre Stamping Company. Arthur C. Palmer is president and general manager of the Tioga Mill and Elevator Company, and a director of the Spencer Glove Company. George B. Knapp is one of Waverly's most progressive young business men. The capital stock of the bank is $50,000; surplus $75,000

September 19, 1920 The Telegram (Elmira, NY): Waverly, Sept. 18. - Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Knapp expect to leave next month for California, where they will spend the winter.

1921 directory: 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street - H. W. Knapp & Son (Harry W. and Thomas P.), dry goods, carpets and furniture; George B. Knapp, h 208 Chemung street; Harry W. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Helen Knapp, student, b. 97 Center street; Joseph W. Sr., h 29 Lincoln street; Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, h 97 Center street; Thomas Phillips Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), b. 455 Waverly street

1922 directory: 301 Broad street and 416 Fulton street - H. W. Knapp & Son (Harry W. and Thomas P.), dry goods, carpets and furniture; George B. Knapp, h 208 Chemung street; Harry W. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Helen Knapp, student, b. 97 Center street; Joseph W. Sr., h 311 Chemung street; Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, h 97 Center street; Thomas Phillips Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), b. 455 Waverly street

June 2, 1922 Elmira Star Gazette - Miss Frances Knapp Is Bride Of John H. Murray at Waverly. Popular Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Knapp and Mr. Murray Wed at Home of Bride’s Parents by Rev. Caldwell. A quiet wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Knapp on Waverly street Thursday evening, … The guests included only immediate members of the families. The bride is a graduate of Vassar college and the bridegroom of Union college. Mr. and Mrs. Murray will enjoy an extended motor trip during the month of June, after which they will return to Waverly where they will live. The bride was an honor student of the Waverly high school and at college. The bridegroom was valedictorian of his class and captain of the football team. Waverly people join with the families in best wishes for a happy future for the two charming young people.

Oct. 3, 1922 The Evening Times - At the meeting of the board of trustees last evening the question of the town clock from its present location in the Knapp block to a belfry to be erected on the town hall building was taken up. The firm of Letts and Austin presented a bid of $1334 for putting the addition to the present tower and moving the clock and putting in in place. This would not include the cost of putting the building where it is now located in shape of securing the right of way for its removal. It was estimated that the entire cost would be nearly $2000. The clock question was tabled until next month and meanwhile, an effort will be made to determine whether people of Waverly really want to hear the clock ring every hour or whether they would prefer silence especially during the night hours.

April 21, 1923 The Evening Times - The town clock will not be removed to the belfry at the town hall but from the top of the Knapp block at the corner of Broad and Fulton streets it will again announce to residents of the village the passing of the hours. The weights formerly in use are to be hung on new cables and these cables will be placed in a casing reaching to the basement of the Knapp store. It is not believed likely that a catastrophe like that of the breaking of a weight cable will occur a second time, but in case a cable should weaken the weights would fall through the casing and bury themselves in the ground without any possibility of danger to the Knapp building.

Nov. 1, 1923 The Evening Times - Austin and Letts have the contract for putting the town clock in shape once more and in the near future it will not only register but strike hours. The striking weights are to be carried through a conduit to the cellar of the Knapp store thus eliminating any possible damage, should a cable break allowing them to fall.

1924 directory: 301 Broad street and 416 -18-20 Fulton street - H. W. Knapp & Son (Harry W. and Thomas P. and Romaine C. Knapp), department store; Edwin M. Knapp, student, b. 97 Center street; Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp Sr., b. 208 Chemung street at home of Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp & George Brinker Knapp, her daughter-in-law and son George B. Knapp, h 208 Chemung street; Harry W. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), h 455 Waverly street; Helen E. Knapp, emp. Iron Kettle Inn, b. 97 Center street; Joseph W. Sr., h 311 Chemung street; Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, h 97 Center street; Romaine C. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), b. 455 Waverly street; Thomas Phillips Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), b. 455 Waverly street

Feb. 2, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly Town Clock Again Telling Time. The Waverly town clock is again striking the hour after five years of silence, the repairs having been completed Friday. Five years ago the cable broke and the 800 pounds weights crashed through the ceiling of the third floor of Knapp's department store. The owners of the building refused to allow the weights to be replaced in the belfry and during the past week a conduit for the cable has been extended to the cellar, preventing further damage.

April 18, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette - Joseph Knapp Dies In West. Waverly - Joseph W. Knapp, sr., aged 80 years, died at Pasadena, Cal., Thursday, according to word received here. Mr. Knapp with Mrs. Knapp had been spending the winter in the west. He was one of Waverly's best known residents and had been in business here more than 50 years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, a member of the Walter C. Hull Post, G. A. R., Waverly Masonic Lodge, active in the Presbyterian Church. The decedent is survived by his widow and four sons, Harry, Joseph, George of Waverly and Ralph of Pittsburgh. George went to California about 10 days ago and will bring back the remains.

April 19, 1924 The Evening Times - Joseph W. Knapp. Waverly loses an honored citizen in the death of Joseph W. Knapp, who passed away at Los Angeles, Cal., Thursday, April 17, 1924, in his eighty-first year. Joseph Warren, son of William Knapp, was born in Waverly, November 17, 1843. He was educated in the public schools and attended the Waverly Academy. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion April 13, 1861 on the first call for troops, in Company E, 23rd Regiment, New York. He was then about seventeen years of age, the smallest and youngest member of the company. He served in the drum corps first and later in the ranks. The first battle in which he participated was the second battle of Bull Run. The next battle of importance was that of South Mountain, then Antium and Fredericksburg. The time of his enlistment was two years, and he was honorably discharged in April 1863. He then returned to Waverly, and attended Eastman Business College of Poughkeepsie, from which he graduated in 1866. He entered in the grocery business at the corner of Broad and Clark streets. Later he engaged in a dry goods and grocery business where the Johnson and Bell stores are now located, later disposing of these. In the year 1881 he established the dry goods business in the present block where the Knapp and Son large department store is now located. He was actively engaged in the management of this business for some 43 years, retiring from business a few years ago to enjoy a well earned rest and vacation form his arduous duties. He was a great student and reader and enjoyed nature and out of doors above all things. He was a man of sterling character, always throwing his influence on the right side of moral issues, ever ready to give a helping hand for the uplift of humanity. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church for 20 years and an active worker in the Prohibition party. He was a life member in the Masonic order of Waverly, being one of its oldest members. He leaves, besides his widow, two sisters and a brother and four sons, Harry W., Joseph W., George B., all of Waverly, and Ralph W. of Pittsburgh, Pa., ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

April 22, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette - Joseph W. Knapp. Waverly - The funeral of the late Joseph W. Knapp will be held from the home of his son, Harry W. Knapp, Waverly street, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate. Interment will be in Glenwood cemetery. The remains arrived from Pasadena, Calif., this morning. The sad trip across the continent was made by his widow and his son, George Knapp.

April 22, 1924 The Evening Times - Banks To Close For Funeral Of J. W. Knapp - The First National and the Citizens Banks will both close tomorrow afternoon for the funeral of the late Joseph W. Knapp, Sr.

1924 Waverly directory:

Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp, b. 208 Chemung street
George B. Knapp (Gertrude Slaughter Knapp) h. 208 Chemung street
Harry W. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), h. 455 Waverly street
H. W. Knapp & Son (Harry W., Thomas P. and Romaine C. Knapp) dept. store at 301 Broad street and 416-18-20 Fulton street.
Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, h. 97 Center street; Helen E. Knapp, emp. Iron Kettle Inn, b. 97 Center street; Edwin M. Knapp, student, b. 97 Center street
Romaine C. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), b. 455 Waverly street
Thomas Philips Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son) b. 455 Waverly street
Jane Knapp, widow of David D. Knapp, h. 459 Waverly street

December 30, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette: Former Athlete Visits Waverly. Waverly, Dec.30 - Ralph Knapp, who is engaged in engineering in Pittsburgh, is visiting his mother, Mrs. J. W. Knapp, sr., and his brothers in Waverly. Mr. Knapp was one of the star forwards on the basketball team which held Yale to a tie at the old Waverly opera house court and later was rated as one of the best ends who ever played on a Colgate University football team.

April 15, 1925 Elmira Star Gazette: Miss Altha Hodges Becomes Bride Of Thomas Knapp at Bath Today. Bath, April 15 - A pretty wedding was solemnized at 9:30 o'clock this morning at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, when Miss Altha Rua, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erford B. Hodges of this village, became the bride of Thomas Phillips Knapp of Waverly. ...Mr. and Mrs. Knapp left at noon via the D. L. & W. Railroad for a brief wedding trip. After May 1, they will be "at home" at their newly furnished apartment at 311 Chemung street, Waverly. ... The bride is among the attractive and popular young ladies of Bath. A graduate of the Bath High School, and of Elmira College and its school of Music, she is at present a member of the faculty of the Waverly High School. Mr. Knapp is junior member of the firm of H. W. Knapp and Son and is well known in business circles of Waverly and vicinity. Among the guests present were: Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Knapp, Mrs. Joseph Knapp, sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Knapp, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knapp, jr., Mr. and Mrs. John H. Murray, jr., of Waverly; ...

1926 directory:
301 Broad street and 416 -18-20 Fulton street - H. W. Knapp & Son (Harry W. and Thomas P. Knapp), department store
Edwin M. Knapp, student, b. 97 Centre street (directory has “Centre” vs. “Center” as in earlier directories.)
Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp Sr., b. 208 Chemung street at home of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp and her (Frances) son, George Brinker Knapp
George B. Knapp, h 208 Chemung street
Harry W. Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son) and v-pres. First National Bank, h 455 Waverly street
Helen E. Knapp, emp. Iron Kettle Inn, b. 97 Centre street
Joseph W. Sr., h 311 Chemung street
Joseph W. Knapp Jr, hardware, stoves, ranges and paints at 317 Broad street, h 97 Centre street
Thomas Phillips Knapp (H. W. Knapp & Son), h 311 Chemung street
Warren J. Knapp, student, r. 97 Centre street

July 24, 1926 Elmira Star-Gazette: Soon to Sail. Waverly, July 24. - Ralph Knapp, graduate of Waverly High School and Colgate University, who at present is visiting his brothers, Harry (455 Waverly st.), Joseph (97 Center st.) and George Knapp (208 Chemung st.) of Waverly will sail Monday from New York City on route for Poland, where he will have charge of a three-year engineering contract in the construction of reservoirs and laying water mains for Polish cities. He is in the employ of the Uhlen & Company Construction Company of New York City.

Jan. 20, 1927 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Mrs. Ralph Knapp and two children of Pittsburgh, who have been visiting relatives in Waverly for the past week, left Tuesday for New York City and sailed from there today on the S. S. Albert Ballin of the Hamburg-American line for Poland to join Mr. Knapp who is in charge of extensive construction in that country representing Ulen & Company of New York City. Joseph W. Knapp of Waverly accompanied Mrs. Knapp and her children as far as New York City and saw them safely aboard their steamer.

October 10, 1927 Waverly: George B. Knapp Killed By Charge from Shotgun. Prominent Waverly Man Dies Instantly When Gun Is Accidently Discharged At Home Here. George Brinker Knapp, accidently shot himself at 5:30 Saturday afternoon in his bedroom at his home, 208 Chemung street. Mr. Knapp has been ill for several weeks and had only recently returned from Glen Springs Sanitarium, Watkins Glen where he had been receiving treatments. He was much improved in health, however, and was making plans to start on a brief squirrel hunting trip with friends this week. Mr. Knapp had just taken a bath and returned to his room to dress. Mrs. Knapp, his wife, was on the first floor of the home and was making preparations to take Mr. Knapp for a short automobile ride before dinner. Hearing a noise as if someone had fallen, Mrs. Knapp hastened to her husband's room and found him lying upon his back on the floor with a large wardrobe trunk, which stood in the room, over turned and lying partially on Mr. Knapp. A shotgun, which had been lying across the top of the trunk and which Mr. Knapp had been cleaning in readiness for the hunting trip, had been fired, probably as the trunk had fallen and the charge had entered the body of her husband, passing through his chest. Dr. F. H. Spencer, the family physician, was summoned and found that life was extinct. He called Coroner J. T. Tucker who made an examination and decided that death was accidental. The decedent was born in Waverly in November, 1885, and had resided in this village all his life. He was engaged for a short time in the dry goods business with his father but had retired from active business life some years ago. Mr. Knapp, while not taking an active part in the civic life of the village on account of ill-health, was one of the best known citizens of this community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Waverly; a member of Tioga Hose company and a charter member of the Shepard Hills Country club. In the latter organization, Mr. Knapp always had taken a very active part. Being an ardent golf enthusiast, he had played in most of the tournaments of the past few years and for a time was chairman of the tournament committee and also of the greens committee. He was a director of the Citizen's National Bank. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp; one daughter, Charlotte at home; his mother, Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp Sr., who resided with her son, and three brothers, Harry and Joseph of Waverly and Ralph, at present in Warsaw, Poland. Funeral services will be held at the late home Tuesday at 2:30 and will be private. Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate and interment will be in Glenwood cemetery.

October 10, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette: GEORGE B. KNAPP FUNERAL TUESDAY; Shock to Valley. Waverly, Oct. 10. - The funeral of George Brinker Knapp, whose tragic death occurred Saturday afternoon at his home, 208 Chemung Street, will be held at the home Tuesday at 2:30 p. m. The Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, minister of the Waverly Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were preparing to go for an automobile ride, and Mr. Knapp had gone upstairs to prepare for it. Mr. Knapp had been preparing to go hunting and had his shot gun out getting it ready. In some manner it exploded. Mrs. Knapp, hearing a noise as if something had fallen, rushed upstairs to find her husband's body lifeless. Dr. F. Hallett Spencer was called but life was extinct and he immediately notified Coroner John T. Tucker who pronounced death due to accidental shooting. Mr. Knapp was 41 years of age and is survived by his widow; one daughter, Charlotte; his mother, Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, sr., and three brothers, Harry W. and Joseph W., of Waverly, and Ralph W. Knapp, who is in Poland. Mr. Knapp took an active part in the Shepard Hills Country Club, holding several offices in that club, at the time of his death being vice president. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Tioga Hose Company and Loyal Order of Moose. He was not in active business, but was a director of the Citizens' National Bank. Mr. Knapp had a pleasing personality and had a host of friends.

October 13, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette: George B. Knapp. Waverly, Oct. 12. - Funeral of the late George B. Knapp was held from the home on (208) Chemung Street, Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Albert O. Caldwell officiated. The bearers were Philip Finch, Robert Fish and Edgar Sebring, of Elmira, Cecil Berry, Wilton Hall and Harold Watrous, of Waverly. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery.

October 14, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette: Directors Take Action On Death Of Geo. B. Knapp. Waverly, Oct. 14. - The board of directors of the Citizens' National Bank Thursday adopted resolutions on the death of the late George Brinker Knapp, a member of the board up to the time of his death. The resolutions: "Whereas, God, in his wise providence has seen fit to remove from our midst our associate and fellow director, George B. Knapp, therefore, be it. "Resolved, that we, the Directors of the Citizens' National Bank of Waverly, New York, express our profound and sincere appreciation that in the death of Mr. Knapp this Bank and the Community have lost one who was true in the fulfillment of all his obligations, earnest in every duty, valued for his ready co-operation, admired for his sterling qualities, and beloved as a genial and loyal friend and associate, leaving a void difficult to fill, and be it further "Resolved, that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Citizen's National Bank of Waverly, New York, and copies thereof be sent to the widow and mother of the late Mr. Knapp expressing our great sympathy for them in their bereavement.

June 19, 1930 The Evening Times - Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., son, Warren Knapp, and daughter, Elnora, returned last night from Hanover, N. H., where they attended the commencement exercises at Dartmouth college.
July 1, 1930 The Evening Times - Mrs. George Knapp, daughter Miss Charlotte Knapp, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., motored to Cooperstown, N. Y., Sunday. Miss Charlotte Knapp will spend the remainder of the summer there at Pathfinder Lodge, a camp for girls.
Aug. 30, 1930 The Evening Times - Arthur W. Brinker. Word was received by Waverly relatives this morning, of the death at his home in Fort Collins, Col. of Arthur W. Brinker, Wednesday afternoon after an extended illness. Mr. Brinker, who was 86 years of age, was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp Sr., of Waverly.
Dec. 20, 1930 The Evening Times - Robert Knapp, a student at Cook’s Academy, is spending the holiday vacation in Waverly at the home of his uncle Joseph W. Knapp and family.
April 7, 1931 The Evening Times - Village Officers And Committees For 1931 Named. … .. Raymond J. Donahue received the appointment as custodian of the town clock in place of Simon Zausmer, who has held the contract for a number of years. …

Nov. 13, 1931 The Evening Times - Coat Of Paint Given Town Clock. Steeple Jacks from Ithaca Attract Much Attention While Doing Work. Waverly’s town clock and clock tower have been given a cleaning and a coat of paint. The face of the clock has been cleaned and the rest of the tower painted a dark green, so that the hands and figures on the clock face can be readily seen from the street. The clock tower has been repaired and new slate shingles laid. The work was accomplished by two steeple-jacks from Ithaca. The men spend most of their time repairing and painting the towers and roofs at Cornell University and are experts. While they were at work on the Waverly clock tower, the corner, at Fulton and Broad street was roped off, to keep pedestrians out of the danger zone. Their work attracted much attention and, at all times during they day, a group could be seen standing on the opposite side of the street watching the men at their work. The tower is part of the brick block owned and occupied by Harry W. Knapp and son and the repairs were made by Mr. Knapp.

June 29, 1932 The Evening Times - Mrs. Harry W. Knapp of Waverly and sister Mrs. Walter Lockerby of Ithaca left yesterday for their summer home at Ocean City, N. J. where they will spend a month by the sea.

Dec. 1, 1932 The Evening Times - Waverly’s town clock is temporarily out of commission with some part of the mechanism broken. It will be two or three days before repairs can be made, according to Ray Donahue, official custodian of this faithful old servant of the village. Meantime the four faces will remain dark and residents of the village will have to depend on other sources to check their time pieces.

Dec. 13, 1932 The Evening Times - The Waverly town clock, which stopped about two weeks ago, is again ticking off the minutes and hours. Raymond Donahue, custodian of the big clock that has been running for half a century, found that a tooth, about three inches long, had been broken from one of the big brass wheels of the mechanism. Mr. Donahue repaired the gear himself. A new wheel would have cost the village $20.

May 31, 1934 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Mrs. Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp and devoted mother of Harry, Joseph, Robert, Ralph and the late George Knapp, died at the home of her eldest son, Harry W. Knapp, May 29. Mrs. Knapp was born in Waverly Nov. 2, 1844. She married when young and lived her entire life here. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, president of its missionary society and a teacher in its Sunday school for many years. She was one of the oldest members of the WCTU and was active in all things that would improve the welfare of Waverly. She was a scholarly woman with a thoughtful mind and lovable character, a leader of her generation. Besides the sons who survive her she leaves nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the home of Harry W. Knapp today at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Thomas Tighe of the Waverly Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery.

April 7, 1937 Waterbury Evening Democrat CT - The wedding of Miss Mary Estelle Utting, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy F. Utting of Plattsburg, N. Y. to Joseph Warren Knapp, Jr., of Willow street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knapp of Waverly, N. Y. took place Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at St. John’s Episcopal church. Rev. Dr. John N Lewis officiating. Miss Utting was attended by Miss Marian P. King of Plattsburgh, N. Y. and Edwin M. Knapp of Waverly, N .Y., was his brother’s best man. … Following the ceremony a wedding supper was served at Hawley Manor in Newtown. Mr. Knapp and his bride will make their home at 75 Waterville street. The bride is a graduate of the Plattsburg high school, class of 1934 and the Pittsburg state normal school. Mr. Knapp is a member of the class of 1930 at Dartmouth college, is assistant manager of F. W. Woolworth Co. Guests at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Miss Elnora M. Knapp, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Knapp, all of Waverly, N. Y.

March 1, 1938 The Evening Times - T. Phillips Knapp Public Accountant 301 Broad St. - Waverly, N. Y. Phone 197

Oct. 28, 1938 The Evening Times - Remodeling Done, Knapps’ to Hold Formal Opening. Entire First Floor Done Over, Adds to Comfort and Ease of Customers in Shopping; Opening Is Saturday. Formal opening of the remodeled Knapps’ Department store will be tomorrow, with the entire main floor presenting a new and modern store idea to Waverly and vicinity, which has known Knapps’ since the Civil War. In step with the latest merchandising ideas, the entire main floor has been remodeled and redecorated. With a color scheme of walnut and ivory, the interior presents an entirely new appearance. The most useful innovation, as far as the public goes, is the open display tables, where the merchandise may be inspected easily and with a minimum of trouble. Plenty of aisle space allows customers to circulate freely. The pillars have been encased in mirrors, and venetian blinds on the west windows add to the attractiveness of the store. As for the departments themselves, they have been thoroughly renovated, modern merchandising ideas installed throughout. The cosmetic bar across the front is new and different, the men’s department close to the door and larger in size than ever, expected to help shoppers in selecting their needs. The “cotton patch”, where the latest in dress styles will be on display before they are placed in the ready to wear department, is another innovation that shoppers will be quick to appreciate. The piece goods and pattern department extends across the rear of the store, with all merchandise arranged for the shoppers’ easy choice. Knapps’ is one of Waverly’s oldest institutions. Founded in Factoryville (East Waverly) shortly after the Civil war by the father and grandfather of the present owners, J. W. Knapp, it was moved to the South side of Broad street in 1876, and in 1890 the present building became its permanent home. At that time Knapps’ dealt only in dry goods, but became a department store soon after, when Harry W. Knapp, son of the founder, became associated with the store. In 1919 T. Phillips Knapp, grandson of the founder, joined his father, and since then they have maintained the prestige and enjoyed the patronage of a wide section of this area.

May 15, 1939 The Evening Times - Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., of 97 Center street, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Elnora, to Frank P. Boyle of Ithaca, formerly of Waverly. Miss Knapp is a graduate of Waverly high school. She attended Wilson college for one year and is now a senior at Cornell University. Mr. Boyle is also a Waverly high school graduate, and a senior at Cornell University. He is a member of Alpha Zeta fraternity. No date has been set for the wedding.

Sept. 19. 1939 The Evening Times - Miss Elnora M. Knapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., of 97 Center street, Waverly, and Frank P. Boyle of Ithaca, formerly of Waverly, were married Monday afternoon at 5:30 o’clock at the First Presbyterian church in a candlelight setting with a background of gladiolas and palms. Rev. Thomas Tighe performed the ceremony. Mrs. Henry Coward of Evanston, Ill, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Miss Charlotte Knapp, a cousin of the bride, and Miss Ruth Shoemaker of Waverly were bridesmaids. Robert Cowell of Endicott was best man and ushers were Leslie Tighe of Waverly and John Brereton of Troy. … A wedding supper for 50 guests was served at the Iron Kettle inn. After a wedding trip to an unannounced destination, the couple will reside at 303 Hillview, Ithaca. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boyle are graduates of Waverly high school and Cornell university. The bride also attended Wilson college for a year. The bridegroom now has an assistantship in botany at Cornell.

April 22, 1940 The Evening Times - Cecil L. Saunders of Cleveland, Ohio, died at his home in Ithaca Saturday morning. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Anna Phillips Saunders, sister of Mrs. Harry W. Knapp of Waverly and Mrs. Helen Lockerby; and a brother, William Saunders of Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Baldwin funeral home in Ithaca.

Jan. 2, 1941 The Evening Times - Mrs. Anne Phillips Saunders, a former Waverly resident, died Sunday at her home, 446 N. Aurora street, Ithaca. Mrs. Saunders was the daughter of late Thomas J. and Augusta Canfield Phillips of Waverly and was the widow of Cecil L. Saunders. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Harry W. Knapp of Waverly and Mrs. W. H. Lockerby of Ithaca; a niece, Mrs. John H. Murray, Jr., of Waverly, and two nephews, T. Phillips Knapp of Waverly and Romaine Cole Knapp of Steubenville, Ohio. Funeral services were held from the Baldwin-Davis funeral home in Ithaca Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Hugh A. Moran, pastor of the Ithaca First Presbyterian church, officiated. Burial was in Lake View cemetery.

March 4, 1941 The Evening Times - Harry W. Knapp, Waverly Store Owner Is Dead. Seventy-Year-Old Prominent Business Man Was Village Native, Headed Department Store Firm For Many Years. Harry W. Knapp, 70, prominent Waverly citizen and business man died at his home, 455 Waverly street, last night about 8 o'clock after an extended illness. Mr. Knapp was a native Waverlyite, the son of Joseph and Frances Durkee Knapp. He attended the old Waverly academy and Wyoming Seminary. He returned from the latter school to become a partner of his father who had established a "dry goods store" in 1881 at the site of what is now Knapp's department store. After his father retired, Mr. Knapp became head of the firm and his son, T. Phillips Knapp, became a partner when he returned to Waverly from service overseas in the World War. The firm of H. W. Knapp & Son conducted the business since that time. Mr. Knapp was honored last September at a testimonial dinner given by the Board of Trade for six Waverly men with 50-year business records in the community. Mr. Knapp had wide interests in the community outside of his business. He was a director of the Citizens National bank and a director and vice-president of the former First National bank of Waverly. He was president of the Waverly Cooperative Savings and Loan Association. He was a member of the Waverly board of education for nearly 20 years and president of that body for several terms. He was a member of the Waverly First Presbyterian church, had served as a trustee of the church for 25 years and was a former president of the board of trustees of the church. He was a charter member of the Waverly Rotary club, a charter member and director of the Shepard Hills Country club, president of the former Waverly Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tioga Hose company and a member of the Waverly Lodge of Masons. During the World War, he served as a member of the Victory loan committee in Waverly and was prominently connected with the committee which staged a very successful Old Home Week in Waverly 30 years ago. Surviving are his wife; two sons, T. Phillips of Waverly and Romaine C. of Steubenville, Ohio; one daughter, Mrs. John Murray, Jr., of South Waverly; two brothers, Joseph of Waverly and Ralph of Chicago; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The body is in the family home, 455 Waverly street, where funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Thomas Tighe, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery. Philip Sturge, Waverly Board of Trade president, today requested Waverly merchants to close their business places during the hour of the funeral.

March 5, 1941 The Evening Times - Stores Will Close For Knapp Funeral. Philip H. Sturge, Waverly Board of Trade president, has requested that Waverly merchants close their stores Thursday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 o’clock during the hour of the funeral service of Harry W. Knapp. Mr. Knapp has a business record of 50 years in Waverly. He was first associated with his father, the late Joseph W. Knapp, Sr., and later was the senior member of the firm of H. W. Knapp & Son.

March 6, 1941 The Evening Times - Knapp’s department store in Waverly will reopen Friday morning after having been closed for three days because of the death of Harry W. Knapp, senior partner in the firm of H. W. Knapp & Son.

Maria P. Knapp, widow of Harry W. Knapp, died May 10, 1941. Her parents were the late Thomas J. Phillips and Augusta M. Phillips.

May 10, 1941 The Evening Times - Mrs. Maria L. Knapp, 70, widow of Harry W. Knapp, died this morning at 5 o’clock at her home, 455 Waverly street, Waverly, after an extended illness. Mrs. Knapp was a native and a lifelong resident of Waverly, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Augusta Canfield Phillips. On June 21, 1893 (wedding write up was from year 1894), she was wed to Mr. Knapp who died on March 3 of this year after having been in business in Waverly for 50 years. She was a member of the Waverly First Presbyterian church and for many years was active in the affairs of the Women’s Missionary society and the Benevolence society. She was actively associated with the P-TA when it was organized in Waverly schools. During the World War, she gave much time and energy to work of the Red Cross. She was a member of the Waverly chapter of the American Association of University women. Surviving are: One daughter Mrs. John H. Murray, Jr., of South Waverly; two sons, T. Phillips Knapp of Waverly and Romaine Cole Knapp of Steubenville, Ohio, one sister, Mrs. Helen Cole Lockerby of Ithaca; and eight grandchildren. The body is the family home, 455 Waverly street, where funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock EDT. Rev. Thomas Tighe, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church, will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery.

Oct. 27, 1943 The Evening Times - Air Raid Alert Is Held In Waverly. The air raid alert which was held in the village of Waverly yesterday afternoon was termed very successful by T. Phillips Knapp, director of civilian protection for Waverly. There was a good turnout of wardens and no incidents were staged. The yellow came at 2:15, the blue at 2:30 on the half, warning red at 2:38. The second blue came at 2:47 and the all clear at 2:59. The sirens were pronounced clearly audible.

April 17, 1944 The Knickerbocker News, Albany, N. Y. - Teacher Engaged To Waverly Man. Mr. and Mrs. Elbert L. Kemp of Morris St., have announced the engagement of their daughter, Miss H. Alice Kemp, to Joseph Warren Knapp 3d, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp of Waverly. The wedding will take place in the summer. Miss Kemp was graduated from Albany High School and New York State College for Teachers. She is a member of the faculty of Waverly Junior High School and is choir director of the First Presbyterian Church, Waverly. Mr. Knapp was graduated from Waverly High School and Dartmouth College and is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He is in the hardware business with his father.

July 26, 1944 The Knickerbocker News, Albany, N. Y. - Miss H. Alice Kemp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert L. Kemp, 468 Morris, and Joseph Warren Knapp 3rd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Waverly, were married July 19 in the Friendship House of the First Lutheran Church. … Mr. Knapp and his bride left for Chautauqua. They will live in Waverly. …

September 13, 1945 The Waverly Sun-Recorder: Mrs. Ralph Fralick of the Ellistown road, owner of the Marilorn Cabins, has purchased the home of Mrs. Gertrude Knapp on [208] Chemung Street. (The abstract date is Nov. 15, 1945.)
March 5, 1946 The Evening Times - Monthly Reports Given by Board. The regular monthly meeting of the Waverly Board of Trustees was held last evening … A new arrangement will be made in the meter of the Village clock. The board authorized the change of the meter to the basement of the Knapp building in order to make it easier to be read. A time clock will also be installed to regulate the time that the lights in the clock will turn on and off at night. …

Dec. 30, 1947 The Evening Times - Born to Dr. Frank P. and Elnora Knapp Boyle of Montreal, Canada, a daughter at the Royal Victoria hospital, Montreal, Mrs. Boyle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., 97 Center street, Waverly.

April 5, 1949 The Evening Times - Highlights of the annual reorganization meeting of the Waverly Board of Trustees which was held last night at the Village Hall of Waverly … Appointments made by the board as follows: … ; custodian of the town clock, Charles Schreck; …

December 1950 Phone Directory Athens - Sayre South Waverly And Nearby Communities: Knapp Geo. B. Mrs. 9 Athens 270-J - Edwin Knapp at 89 Spring st. - J. W. jr. Knapp hardware at 326 Broad st. Residence at 97 Center st. - J. Warren Knapp 3rd at 94 Spring st. - T. P. Knapp at 455 Waverly st. - Knapp's Department Store at 301 Broad st.

May 29, 1950 The Evening Times - Mrs. Coward, Ex-Waverlyite Dies in Cleveland. Mrs. Helen Knapp Coward of Cleveland, O., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., of Waverly and former teacher at the Junior high school here, died Saturday in Cleveland. She was born in Waverly and was a graduate of Waverly high school in 1921 and in the class of ’25 from Wellesley college. She lived here until 1936 when she married Henry R. Coward and moved to Cleveland. Besides teaching here, she had also taught in Potsdam, N. Y., and Rye, N. Y., high schools. She was a former member of the First Presbyterian church of Waverly and when she made her home in Cleveland, she transferred to the Presbyterian church there. Survivors include in addition to her husband and parents, two children, a son, Bob, and a daughter, Cathleen; two brothers, Edwin Knapp and Joseph W. Knapp III, both of Waverly; and one sister, Mrs. Frank T. Boyle of Geneva, N. Y.

Feb. 11, 1952 The Evening Times - Ralph W. Knapp, 68, brother of Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., of Waverly, and a native Waverlyite, died at Waukesha Memorial hospital, Waukesha, Wis., last Friday. He was born here Sept. 23, 1883, and died at the age of 68. He was a member of the Waverly Presbyterian church and graduated from Waverly high school in 1902 and Colgate university in 1907. Besides his brother, he is survived by a son, Robert, and a daughter, Mrs. Norma Knapp Webb. The body will be brought to Waverly to the Russell funeral home, 462 Fulton street, where funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock.

Jan. 4, 1953 Elmira Star Gazette - Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp Jr., of 97 Center St., Waverly, observed their 51st wedding anniversary New Year’s Day. They were married Jan. 1, 1902, at the home of Mrs. Knapp at 3 Lincoln Ave., Waverly. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have three children: Edwin M. Knapp and J. Warren Knapp 3rd, both of Waverly, and Mrs. Frank Boyle of Geneva.

May 18, 1953 The Evening Times - Waverly’s town clock atop Knapp’s department store is back in service again after being out of commission for the past seven weeks with a stripped gear. Charles Shreck, keeper of the clock for the village, reported that the gear repairs cost $35 and that the clock was put back in service Sunday. He stated that the clock is keeping good time and the only thing to be corrected is the striking of the hours. He reported the clock is striking about five minutes fast.

Sept. 29, 1953 The Evening Times - Miss Marcia Knapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Phillips Knapp of Waverly street, has returned this week to Towson, Md., to resume her duties as physical education instructor at Goucher college.

March 26, 1954 The Evening Times - Two showers were given recently for Doris Anne Cook, daughter of Mrs. LeRoy Cook of North Main street, Athens. Miss Cook will marry Thomas P. Knapp, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Phillips Knapp of 455 Waverly street, Waverly, on Easter Sunday in the Athens Methodist church. …

1956 directory:
301-303 Broad street - Knapp’s Department Store, proprietor of store - T. Phillips Knapp
Charlotte S. Knapp, emp. Ithaca, r. 436 Pennsylvania ave.
Gertrude S. Knapp, widow of George B., h 436 Pennsylvania ave.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd (Alice) hardware 326 Broad st., h 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Knapp Jr. (Ella M.) retired h. 97 Center st.
Leona M. Knapp (Mrs. Robert Knapp) emp. snack bar RPHosp., h 6 Orchard st.
Robert Knapp (Leona M.)  fireman Erie RR, h 6 Orchard st.
T. Phillips Knapp (Altha H.) prop. Knapp’s Department Store, h 455 Waverly st.
Thomas P. Knapp Jr (Doris C.) merchandise manager Knapp’s Department Store, h 29 Pine street
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad street

June 13, 1956 The Evening Times - … Four bids ranging from a high of $1,645 to a low of $650 for repairs to the town clock were received but the board, after Trustee Dr. Dominic Motsay, finance chairman, said “this is an awful lot of money to spend on the town clock,” asked Trustee Boldman to “search further into the work that has to be done and into the costs involved.” …

June 23, 1956, Mary Gertrude Slaughter Knapp died. Former owner of the 208 Chemung st. Waverly, NY estate, which she sold in 1945.
June 25, 1956 The Evening Times: Gertrude Knapp Dies, Lifelong Waverly Resident. Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp, 66, of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly and a lifelong resident died Saturday night at 10 o'clock in the Robert Packer Hospital after an extended illness. She was the widow of George B. Knapp. Born in Waverly, she was the daughter of Samuel W. and Charlotte W. Slaughter. Mrs. Knapp was a member of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church and of Carantouan chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Surviving are one daughter, Miss Charlotte Knapp of Ithaca; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The body is in the Russell funeral home, 462 Fulton street Waverly, where friends may call tonight from 7 to 9 o'clock. Funeral service will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock with Rev. Frederick Homrighouse, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery.
June 27, 1956 The Evening Times: Gertrude Knapp Funeral Is Held. Largely attended funeral services for Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly, were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at Russell funeral home. Rev. Frederick Homrighouse, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waverly, officiated. The Carantouan chapter of the Waverly DAR attended the services. Pallbearers were: Wilton S. Hall, Harold C. Watrous, H. Slade Palmer, Victor L. Buley, Francis L. R. Gibbs and Herbert H. Smith. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery.
June 28, 1956 Waverly Sun: Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp Succumbs to Illness. Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon, June 26, at Russell Funeral home in Waverly for Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp, 66, of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly, who died Saturday night in Robert Packer hospital after an extended illness. The Rev. Frederick M. Homrighouse, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church, officiated with burial in Glenwood cemetery. Mrs. Knapp was the widow of George B. Knapp. She was the daughter of Samuel W. and Charlotte W. Slaughter, a lifelong resident of Waverly, a member of Waverly First Presbyterian church and Carantouan chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include one daughter, Miss Charlotte Knapp of Ithaca, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. (Russell Funeral Home, 462 Fulton St., Waverly, NY, then later McKee Memorial Chapel)
June 29, 1956 Schenectady Gazette: Mrs. Wilbur A. Spraker attended the funeral service in Waverly Tuesday afternoon of Mrs. George B. Knapp, Waverly, a former visitor at Mrs. Spraker's home.
July 11, 1957 The Evening Times - The old Waverly Village clock must endure a face lifting in these new-fangled plastics and will lose part of its insides, but it will keep its perch atop the Knapp building as a result of last night’s Village board meeting.

Aug. 14, 1957 The Evening Times - Grand Opening Knapp’s Hardware … In 1892 my grandfather, Edwin Mixer, came to Waverly and went into the Hardware business at 317 Broad St. In 1915 my father, Joseph W. Knapp Jr., purchased the business and operated it for 37 years. Since my father’s retirement in 1952 I have been carrying on the family business at our present address, 326 Broad St. For the past 65 years it has been our pleasure to serve the people of Waverly and its surrounding areas, and I hope to enjoy the same privilege in the future. J. Warren Knapp 3rd.

1958 directory:
301-303 Broad street - Knapp’s Department Store (T. Phillips Knapp and Thomas P. Knapp jr.), proprietor of store - T. Phillips Knapp
J. Warren Knapp 3rd (Alice) hardware 326 Broad st., h 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Jr. Knapp (Ella M.) retired, h 97 Center st.
Leona M. Knapp (Mrs. Robert Knapp) Waverly Restaurant, h 6 Orchard st.
Marcia H. Knapp, teacher at Sayre school, h 455 Waverly st.
Robert Knapp (Leona M.)  fireman Erie RR, h 6 Orchard st.
T. Phillips Knapp (Altha H.) prop. Knapp’s Department Store, h 455 Waverly st.
Thomas P. Knapp Jr (Doris C.)  Knapp’s Department Store, h 29 Pine street
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd proprietor, 326 Broad street

Aug. 24, 1960 Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin - Village of Waverly - T. Phillips Knapp and Thomas P. Knapp, Jr., doing business as Knapp's Department Store to Thomas P. Knapp, Jr.

Nov. 1, 1960 The Evening Times - Property Transfers. … The two in Waverly were Robert E. Knapp and Leona M. Knapp to Floyd E. Holt and Aline Howland Holt; Joseph W. Knapp, Jr. and Ella M. Knapp to C. David Lake and Mary M. Lake

1961 directory:
301-303 Broad street - Knapp’s Department Store (T. Phillips Knapp and Thomas P. Knapp jr.), proprietor of store - T. Phillips Knapp
J. Warren Knapp 3rd (Alice) hardware 326 Broad st., h 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Jr. Knapp (Ella M.) retired, h 97 Center st.
Marcia H. Knapp, teacher at Schenctady, r. 455 Waverly st.
T. Phillips Knapp (Altha H.) prop. Knapp’s Department Store, h 455 Waverly st.
Thomas P. Knapp Jr (Doris C.)  Knapp’s Department Store, h 29 Pine street
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd proprietor, 326 Broad street

Oct. 20, 1961 The Evening Times - Knapp Department Store in Waverly To Quit Business. Valley’s Oldest Retail Firm Was Operated By Four Generations. Knapp’s Dept. Store the oldest retail firm in the Valley and operated by four generations of one family, is going out of business, it was revealed today by Thomas P. Knapp, Jr., the great-grandson of the founder. The reason for closing is health, said Mr. Knapp, who has headed the 87-year-old establishment, the Valley’s biggest department store, for the past eight years. The store will close tonight, but will reopen next Thursday with a going-out-of-business sale. Everything in the store will be sold, including fixtures. The decision announced today was made suddenly, but was obviously a difficult one, made only at the urgency of physicians. In discussing it today, T. Phillips Knapp, father of the present head of the company and grandson of the founder, called it “the toughest decision we have been called upon to make in our lifetimes. It is like losing old friends.” Making it toughest of all was the very fact of Knapp’s long tradition. “We have prided ourselves not only on our quality lines of merchandise,” Mr. Knapp said, “but on our honest and fair dealings with our customers.” That the customers keep coming back, and have been coming back for 87 years, is evidenced by the record. “We have three generations of customers coming into our store right now,” Mr. Knapp said. “They have been coming to us all their lives, and all ours.” Joseph Warren Knapp began the long family tradition in 1874 when he opened a dry goods store on the south side of Broad St., which is across the street from the present location. The business prospered and in the 1880’s he moved into what was then the Campbell block but which has been, ever since, identified by everyone as Knapp’s.  Harry W. Knapp, the son of the founder, joined the firm when he came of age and after his father’s death took over operation of the business. Through the years, expansion took place as the store gained customers and reputation. Along with the dry goods, departments of ready-to-wear and other merchandise were added gradually, until in the later years of Harry’s operation, it had become a department store - The Valley’s biggest. T. Phillips Knapp, grandson of the founder and father of the present head of business, joined the firm in September 1919 after his return from Army service during World War I. He continued the expansion, adding more departments, enlarging and improving those already established, and gaining more customers. Full operation of the firm was turned over to him by his father in 1937 when the latter retired after a heart attack, but Harry continued to take part in the running of the store until his death in 1941. Meanwhile, Thomas P. Jr., was graduated from Waverly High School and Cornell, and then, following in the family tradition in 1948 he joined his father in the firm, the latter relinquishing control in 1953 when Thomas assumed responsibility for full operation. In the eight years of the management by Thomas Knapp, two modernization programs were undertaken. The first was in 1954, when the store was completely modernized - a project that had been the dream of his grandfather and father but had been delayed by World War I and then the Great Depression. A year ago Mr. Knapp bought the two story building on Fulton St, which adjoins the present Knapp’s, and also added a second warehouse, with plans for virtually doubling the sales space now available. The health factor postponed the carrying out of these plans, and eventually led to the decision to close out the business.

Dec. 2, 1961 The Evening Times - Knapp’s Buildings In Waverly Leased By Kobacker Co. Furniture and Home Furnishing Store to Be Opened About Feb. 1. The Knapp’s Department store buildings in Waverly have been leased to the Kobacker Furniture Co. of Elmira and Corning and will be opened about Feb. 1 as a furniture and home furnishings store, it was announced this morning. Announcement of the plans was made by T. Phillips Knapp and Thomas P. Knapp, Jr., owners of the Knapp store, which is ceasing business. The Kobacker firm is a subsidiary of the Tilmore Corp., a large operator of fine furniture, home furnishings and department stores in the East and Middle West. George Nathenson, treasurer of the Tilmore Corporation and vice president of Kobacker Furniture Company, Inc., stated this morning that extensive remodeling and redecorating will be made on the six selling floors of the building in preparation for the opening about Feb. 1, as the Valley’s largest and finest furniture and home furnishings store. The Knapps this morning expressed their great satisfaction in having the fast-growing Tilmore Corp which owns Kobacker Furniture Co., coming the the Valley and stated that they feel that the modern complete store which Kobacker’s will open at the former Knapp’s Department Store location will be a wonderful addition to the Waverly business section and the entire Valley area.

Dec. 13, 1961 Elmira Advertiser - 6 Hour final public auction sale on everything left at Knapp’s Department Store, Broad St., Waverly, N. Y. $350,000 going out of business sale, Wednesday, Dec. 13 - 4 to 10 p.m. Public and dealers invited. Everything left in merchandise and store equipment must be sold at sacrifice …

Jan. 2, 1962 The Evening Times - pic - Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr. of 208 Chemung St., Waverly, were honored at a family tea Sunday at the home of his niece, Mrs. John Murray in South Waverly. The occasion was the observance of their 60th wedding anniversary. Twelve members of the immediate family were in attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, who have been residents of Waverly their entire married life, were married New Year’s Day 1902, by Dr. Ross of the First Presbyterian Church in Waverly. Both are members of the First Presbyterian Church and are the parents of three living children, Edward Knapp of Daytona Beach, Fla., Warren Knapp, 3rd, of Waverly and Mrs. Frank Boyle of Honolulu, Hawaii. An older daughter Helen is deceased.

Feb. 14, 1962 The Evening Times - Knapp’s Take Great Pleasure in Welcoming - Kobacker’s To Waverly. T. Phillips Knapp and Thomas P. Knapp Jr., owners of the former Knapp’s Department Store, are happy and proud to present the Kobacker Furniture Company to Waverly and the Valley. …

Jan. 25, 1963 The Evening Times - Mrs. Edna Mixer Scofield, 87, of Daytona Beach, Fla., died Thursday morning. She was the widow of William H. Scofield. A former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waverly, she was a charter member of the Polyhymnia Club. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Scofield Barrett; two grandsons and two great grandsons; a sister, Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., of Waverly and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla., and burial will be in Waverly at the convenience of the family.

1963 directory:
301 Broad street - Kobacker Furniture Company
Helen E. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd, (Alice) prop. Knapp’s Hardware, h. 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Knapp Jr. (Ella) retired, renting an apartment at 208 Chemung street apartment house, owned by Robert and Vera Callison
Marcia H. Knapp, teacher at Schenectady, r. 455 Waverly street
T. Phillips Knapp (Alta H.) retired, h. 455 Waverly st.
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

Dec. 18, 1964 The Evening Times - pic - T. Phillips Knapp, Businessman, Valley Civic Leader Dies. Decorated World War I Veteran, in Business 42 Years in Waverly. T. Phillips Knapp, 69, of 455 Waverly St., Waverly, partner in the former Knapp’s Department Store in Waverly and a leading Valley business man and civic leader for many years, died shortly after midnight last night at the Robert Packer Hospital following an extended illness. Born July 28, 1895, the son of the late Harry William and Maria Phillips Knapp, he graduated from Waverly High School, class of 1913, and received his bachelor of arts degree from Cornell University in 1917. On April 15, 1917, he enlisted in the regular army and was commissioned a second lieutenant on Nov. 25, 1917. Mr. Knapp served throughout World War I with the famed Second Division in the 9th Infantry Machine Gun Co. and was wounded at the Battle of Belleau Woods on June 12, 1918. In the battle of Blanc Mont, in October of 1918, he was decorated for bravery in action, receiving a battlefield promotion to first lieutenant. He received the French Croix de Guerre, and the Purple Heart. Mr. Knapp became a partner with his father in 1919 in Knapp’s Department Store in Waverly which had been founded in 1874 by his grandfather, Joseph Warren Knapp. He continued the operation of this leading Valley store through the fourth family generation with a partnership with his son, Thomas P. Knapp, discontinued in 1961. Mr. Knapp was a member and former vestryman of Grace Episcopal Church in Waverly. He was a charter member and long time director of Shepard Hills Country Club, and as chairman of the greens committee for many years, designed and supervised construction of many of the present golf holes at the club. He was also club champion six times. Mr. Knapp was a past president of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce in addition to serving as director for several years as well as chairman of its Retail Division. He was a former director of the Citizen’s Bank and a former member of the Advisory Committee of the Waverly office of the Marine Midland Trust Co. of Southern New York. Mr. Knapp was active in other organizations, serving on the Waverly Board of Water Commissioners and as its president; was a past commander of the Betowski VandeMark Post No. 492 American Legion of Waverly; head of the Waverly Civil Defense Corps during much of World War 2, a former member of the Waverly Lions Club and one of the founders and a former director of the Valley Economic Development Association. He was also a member for many years of the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1490 of Waverly, the Sayre Elks Lodge No. 1536, V. F. W. of Sayre. Surviving are his wife, the former Miss Altha Hodges, of Bath, N. Y.; a son Thomas Phillips Knapp of Woodland Hills, Calif.; two daughters, Marcia Hodges Knapp of Schenectady and Melissa Knapp Williams of Augusta, Ga.; several grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. John H. Murray of South Waverly and an uncle, Joseph Warren Knapp of Waverly; several nieces and nephews. … Private burial will be in Glenwood cemetery, Waverly.

Dec. 20, 1964 Elmira Star Gazette - T. Phillips Knapp - Age 69, of 455 Waverly St., Waverly, Friday, Dec. 18, 1964. He was former president of Waverly Chamber of Commerce; a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Waverly. Survived by wife, Altha; son, Thomas Phillips Knapp of Woodland Hills, Calif.; daughters, Marcia Hodges Knapp of Schenectady, Melissa Knapp Williams of Augusta, Ga.; sister, Mrs. John J. Murray of South Waverly; and several grandchildren. Body at Kolb-Allgeier Funeral Home, Waverly. Calling hours: today 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral in Grace Episcopal Church, Waverly, Monday at 2 p.m., the Rev. Howard St. Cyr. Private burial at Glenwood Cemetery, Waverly.

Dec. 21, 1964 The Evening Times - T. Phillips Knapp. In the death of T. Phillips Knapp, the Valley has lost an outstanding citizen who has, over a long period of years, contributed greatly to the greater good of the entire community. Mr. Knapp has always been a major factor for community progress, and has consistently been an able and a willing worker and a wise adviser on all matters concerned with the betterment of the entire Valley. It is not necessary to repeat here the community activities of which he has been a part; they have been listed elsewhere in this newspaper in connection with his death. Suffice it to say that they are many and varied; that there has been no facet of local activity that has not benefitted from his wisdom and his energy. He will be greatly missed throughout the entire Valley.

1965 directory:
301 Broad street - Kobacker Furniture Company
Alta H. Knapp, widow of T. Phillips Knapp, h. 455 Waverly st.
Helen E. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd, (Alice) prop. Knapp’s Hardware, h. 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Knapp Jr. (Ella) retired, renting an apartment at 208 Chemung street apartment house, owned by Robert and Vera Callison
Marcia H. Knapp, teacher at Schenectady, r. 455 Waverly street
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

May 11, 1966 The Evening Times - Joseph Knapp Will Enter Hamilton College. Joseph W. Knapp IV has been accepted at Hamilton College in Clinton, N. Y., for the fall semester where he will major in mathematics. He has been granted a Hamilton Scholarship. A graduate of Waverly Central High School in June of 1965, Joseph is a Rotary Exchange Student in India where he has been since August. He will return home in July. … He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren Knapp III of 94 Spring St., Waverly.

1967 directory:
301 Broad street - Kobacker Furniture Company
Alice Knapp (Mrs. J. Warren III), librarian W. Elementary School, h. 94 Spring st.
Alta H. Knapp, widow of T. Phillips Knapp, h. 455 Waverly st.
Helen E. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd, (Alice) prop. Knapp’s Hardware, h. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren IV Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
Joseph W. Knapp Jr. (Ella) retired, renting an apartment at 208 Chemung street apartment house, owned by Robert and Vera Callison
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

Aug. 29, 1967 The Evening Times - Ex-Waverlyite To Leave for Madrid, Spain. Dr. Frank P. Boyle, a former Waverly resident and presently of Albany, Cal., will leave shortly for Madrid, Spain, to present a research paper on the ultra-fast freezing of fruits to the 12th International Congress of Refrigeration. Following the Congress, he will visit research institutions in France, Holland and England before returning to California. A graduate of Waverly High School he earned his B. S. and Ph. D degrees at Cornell University. He was a professor at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Hawaii and later was director of New Product Development for the Dole Company in Hawaii. Dr. Boyle is presently head of the Fruit Processing Technology Laboratory at the Western Regional Research Laboratory in Albany, Cal. He, his wife, the former Elnora Knapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp of 208 Chemung St., Waverly, and three of their children, Sue Anne, Laurie and Michale, have been visiting relatives in Waverly for the past week.

Jan. 18, 1968 The Evening Times - Thomas P. Knapp, Jr., Waverly Native, Dies At Home in California. Thomas P. Knapp, Jr., 41, son of Mrs. T. Phillips Knapp of 455 Waverly St., Waverly, and the late T. Phillips Knapp, died unexpectedly Tuesday night at his home in Woodland Hills, Calif. A Waverly native, Mr. Knapp was graduated from Waverly High School, class of 1943 and from Cornell University, class of 1949, with a degree in business administration. While there he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was on the board of directors of Willard Straight Hall. His college was interrupted by two years’ service with the U. S. Navy. Following graduation from Cornell University, he became associated with his father in the operation of Knapp’s Department Store in Waverly, becoming the fourth generation of this family in the business which was liquidated in December of 1961. While in Waverly Mr. Knapp was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, was president of the Chamber of Commerce, a director and vice president of the Valley Economic Development Association; a member of the advisory board of the Marine Midland Trust Co. of Southern New York, a member and director of the Shepard Hills Country Club. He was also a member of the Betowski-Van de Mark Post No. 492 of Waverly American Legion, and of the Waverly Lions Club and of the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1490 of Waverly. He and his family moved to Woodland Hills, Calif., in July of 1962 where he immediately entered the executive training program of the Bank of America, the largest commercial bank in the world. He was promoted to assistant vice president in the newly formed direct leasing division in 1964, and in August of 1965 was named vice president and second in charge of consumer credit in the Southern Division with headquarters in Los Angeles. In 1966 he became vice president of Bank Americard, the world’s largest credit card. He resigned this position in April of 1967 and became a licensed broker with the firm of Dean, Witter, and Co., investment brokers. In Los Angeles, Mr. Knapp was a member of the Woodland Hills Country Club, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and was an elder in the Woodland Hills Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Doris Ann Cook Knapp, formerly of Athens; two daughters, Pamela and Diane, and one son, Thomas P. Knapp III; his mother, Mrs. T. Phillips Knapp of Waverly; two sisters, Miss Marcia Knapp of Shermon Oaks, Calif., and Mrs. Robert (Melissa) Williams of Eldwood, Ill. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Kolb-Allgeier Funeral Service, 445 Waverly St., Waverly, where the body will be brought from California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, the American Cancer Society or the Waverly Free Library.

1969 directory:
301 Broad street - Kobacker Furniture Company
Alice Knapp (Mrs. J. Warren III), librarian W. Elementary School, h. 94 Spring st.
Alta H. Knapp, widow of T. Phillips Knapp, h. 455 Waverly st.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd, (Alice) prop. Knapp’s Hardware, h. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren IV Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
Margaret A. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

July 8, 1969 The Evening Times - Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., a resident of Sayre House, is celebrating his 90th birthday today. His wife, who will be 90 on Aug. 30, also a resident of Sayre House, will be helping him celebrate. Mr. Knapp was born in Waverly on July 8, 1879, the son of the late Joseph Warren Knapp and Frances Durkee Knapp. He attended Waverly High School where he played end on the football team and recalls traveling by train for games in Corning and Elmira. He worked with his father in Knapp’s Department Store and ran a small dairy business on the family homestead in Lyman Ave. In 1915, he entered into partnership with his father-in-law, Edwin D. Mixer, who operated a hardware store on Broad St. He purchased the business in 1918 and operated it until his retirement in 1952. He joined the Waverly Rotary Club a few months after it was organized in 1919 and was an active member until 1924. He served on the Waverly School board of education from 1922 to 1925 with Harold Watrous, Hart I. Seely, Sr., Dr. Tucker and Percy Meserve. Mr. Knapp was a member of the Shepard Hills Country Club for many years and has been a member of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church for 75 years. He married the former Miss Ella Mixer on Jan. 1, 1902 and they will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary next New Year’s Day. Mrs. Knapp will celebrate her birthday on Aug. 30. Born in Machias, N. Y. on Aug 30, 1879, she was the daughter of the late Edwin E. Mixer and Elnora Sweeten Mixer and resided in Fredonia, N. Y. until 1891 when the family moved to Waverly. She attended the Waverly schools and was a charter member of the Polyhymnia Club. Also a 75-year member of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church, she sang in a quartet at the church for several years. Their children are Edwin M. Knapp of Daytona Beach, Fla., J. Warren Knapp, III, of Waverly, Elnora Knapp Boyle of Lafayette, Cal. Another daughter, Helen Knapp Coward, died in 1950. They have nine grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been residents of Sayre House since April.

July 22, 1969 The Evening Times - Warren Knapp And Wife Feted On Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren Knapp, III, of 94 Spring St., Waverly, were guests of honor at a dinner party Saturday evening by their children at the Vestal Steak House in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary. Mr. Knapp, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr., residents of Sayre House, married the former Miss Alice Kemp, daughter of Mrs. Elbert L. Kemp now of Sayre House and the late Elbert Kemp, on July 19, 1944 at the First Luthurn Church of Albany, N. Y. Dr. Chalmers E. Frontz, pastor of the church, performed the ceremony. Edwin M. Knapp, brother of the bridegroom, was best man and Mrs. Robert (Elizabeth) Lee, sister of the bride, was her honor attendant. A reception was held at the home of the bride in Albany and the couple honeymooned in Chautauqua, N. Y. Mr. Knapp, a native of Waverly, is proprietor of Knapp’s Hardware Store in Waverly. Mrs. Knapp is Elementary Librarian in the Elmira School District. Both are members of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church of Waverly and active in church activities. They are the parents of three children, Miss Helen Elizabeth (Betsy) Knapp, cafeteria director-dietician at a Rochester High School; Joseph Warren (Joe) Knapp, IV, who will enter his senior year at Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y. in September; he was also a Rotary Exchange Student to India; and Margaret Alice (Peggy) Knapp, a graduate of Waverly Central High School in June, who is leaving Aug. 4 for a year as a Rotary Exchange Student to Sweden; in 1970, she will enter Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. The children presented Mr. and Mrs. Knapp with flowers for the occasion Saturday evening and the couple received several gifts, cards and a cake.

Jan. 13, 1972 Elmira Star Gazette - pic - Kobacker’s to Close Waverly Furniture Store. Kobacker’s Enterprises, Inc., Elmira, is closing its Waverly furniture store at the end of February. Harold Hewett, manager of the Waverly outlet at Broad and Fulton Sts., made the announcement Wednesday. “I opened the store 10 years ago in February,” the manager commented. “After 10 years we’re going to close the store. They have plans to expand the store in Elmira.” Hewett said that the general business climate entered into the decision, but added, “most of it is because of the nearness of Elmira now with the new highway.” The Waverly - Chemung portion of the Southern Tier Expressway has cut travel time to Elmira form the Valley in half. The Waverly store is composed of three floors and a basement area. Owned by the T. Phillips Knapp estate, it encompasses approximately 17,000 square feet, Hewett said, and is serviced by an elevator located on the eastern side of the structure. The firm currently employs four full-time and two part time personnel.  Six years ago the estate purchased what is now the western half of the building. Expansion into the newer portion was accompanied by construction of a new facade. The large building dominates the downtown section of Waverly as its large, four-faced clock tower soars higher than any surrounding structure. The closing marks the third time within two years that major retailers have deserted Waverly facilities. Woolworth’s once operated a store nearly adjacent to Kobacker’s and Acme Markets outlet was until late last year located on an adjoining street.

Jan. 16, 1972 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - The departure of Kobacker’s Furniture Store from Waverly drew no positive comments from the village’s merchants or residents. What it did bring were frustrated, and at times, bitter, complaints about the economic conditions here. “Kobacker’s leaving is a great loss to Waverly,” said William Taff of Haggerty’s Appliance Store. “Anytime a store closes, it makes the rest of downtown just that less inviting for shoppers. Taff laid part of the blame for the empty storefronts along Broad St. to village taxes. “I’m not sure of the exact tax base for Broad St. property,” he said, but, it’s much higher than over in Sayre. What needs to be done,” Taff said, “is to lower that base. It’ll make a big difference to downtown.” But, the store manager did see some hope for Waverly with the new Southern Tier Expressway. “The road will help,” Taff said, “but, maybe not right away. It will bring long term economic gains to Waverly.” “That new road is not going to help us merchants here,” said Michael Pudiak, manager of Philadelphia Sales. “We’ve got nothing to offer Elmira people here, so why are they going to come?” But, Pudiak said that he had no intention of shopping in Elmira, either. “Why should I drive all that way when I can get it here, he said. “I did a lot of business with Kobacker’s, but now, I’ll just go somewhere else in the Valley to get what I need. In fact, I like to shop here, “ Pudiak added. Still, Kobacker’s exit will be felt hard in Waverly, Pudiak thinks. “It’s going to affect the town, no question,” he said. “It leaves another empty store and another reason why people won’s stop here.” “The problems of Waverly are everbody’s fault,” said Henry Clark of Clark’s Drug Store. “There’s always been an element of opposition that kills things, just like the parking lots were killed here and our village fathers don’t seem to want to do anything about it.”
Clark said he spoke at last week’s village board meeting on the village parking problems, but got little satisfaction form the board members. “They sat and listened politely, but nothing was done. I don’t know what more I could have done though, but speak my piece.” The village board received a sharper blast from John Lattari, an unsuccessful candidate for the board and an employe of General Shelters. “The board’s not interested in keeping young people around here,” Lattari said. “They just want to turn Waverly into a retirement community.” Lattari said he did his shopping in Elmira or Sayre rather than Waverly. “Just look at this place,” he said pointing to Broad Street, “some stores need paint, others are falling down. They ought to just tear the whole place down.” He also claimed that property on Broad St. was over-valued and that taxes were “too high for what you get.” “I don’t blame Kobacker’s one bit for leaving,” Lattari said.
- Store Closings - Harding’s Dress Shop, 1956 - Knapp’s Department Store, 1962 (1961) - Schwartz’s
Dress Shop, 1963 - Endicott Johnson Shoes, 1966 - Gem Drugs, 1966 - Zausmer Jewelry, 1968 - Hub’s Store, 1968 - Waverly Music Store, 1970 - Woolworth’s Department Store, 1970 - Acme Market, 1971 - Kobacker’s Furniture, 1972

1972 directory:
301 Broad street - Kobacker Enterprises Inc.
Alice Knapp (Mrs. J. Warren III), librarian Elmira, h. 94 Spring st.
Alta H. Knapp, widow of T. Phillips Knapp, h. 455 Waverly st.
J. Warren Knapp 3rd, (Alice) prop. Knapp’s Hardware, h. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren IV Knapp, U. S. A., r. 94 Spring st.
Margaret A. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

Sept. 27, 1972 Elmira Star Gazette - Drive A Little Way And Save A Lot. Jay Furniture Co. Temporarily Located at 301 Broad St. Waverly, N. Y. (Under Town Clock)

Jan. 17, 1973 The Evening Times - A Waverly business man has purchased the Knapp building at Fulton and Broad Sts., Waverly, and expects to be open for business next month with his furniture, carpet and appliance business and perhaps expand to a department store operation in the foreseeable future. Norman Andrus, who has operated his business for several years from his home on Walker Hill, purchased the downtown building from Mrs. T. Phillips Knapp, and plans extensive remodeling in the future. Knapp’s Department Store closed its doors in 1962 and Kobacker’s Furniture Store operated there until last year. Except for a few months when the building was leased by Jay Furniture of Athens after the June flood, the building has been vacant for a year. A progressive business at the corner will be an asset to the entire village, other merchants stated today.

March 8, 1973 The Evening Times - Started in Hospital Norm Andrus’ ‘Home Beautiful’ Opens This Weekend on Former Knapp Site. A business that started from a hospital bed nearly five years ago has developed into a four-floor extensive furniture, appliance and related items store located in the former Knapp Building at the corner of Broad and Fulton St., Waverly. Norm Andrus, “Home Beautiful” will have its grand opening on Friday and Saturday, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies Friday morning at 10:30 with Waverly Mayor Daniel Leary to cut the ribbon. Also to be on hand for the two-day grand opening will be Miss Judith Ann Keithley, “Miss New York State,” and Village officials as well as representatives of furniture and appliance companies. The first 100 women to visit the store will receive a long-stemmed rose. Various gifts will be given to visitors and every hour a door prize will be awarded. The four floors of the building have been refurbished with wall-to-wall carpeting, with sections of overlay shag for better individual room display. There is also a new office and rest room with paneling. “Home Beautiful” will feature furniture, appliances, radios, tape and record players, carpets, oriental rugs, lamps, paintings, mirrors, dinettes, coffee and end tables, stoves and washers, all well-known names. Besides Mr. Andrus, a staff of nine will serve and deliver, including an interior decorator for custom drapes, bedspreads and slipcovers, as well as consulting homeowners for style and room arrangement. Small appliances, drapes, linens, dishes and wallpaper will be added a little later. Mr. Andrus, a native of Waverly, started his business nearly five years ago at his home on Walker Hill where he was confined to a hospital bed. At that time, he ran an order business for small items and this kept expanding as more people asked for more products. As his health improved, he started stocking items and adding to his home until the only room left for his privacy was his bedroom. He opened a store in Owego and a rug store in downtown Waverly a few years ago, but preferred to keep all his showrooms under one roof, and added to his home again and moved “back on the hill.” The business has outgrown the additions to the house and Mr. Andrus purchased the former Knapp building for his future. All are invited to visit the store on Friday and Saturday for the grand opening, and to browse on Sunday afternoon from 1 o’clock until 5.

March 25, 1973 Elmira Star Gazette - What’s Happening In Waverly. Waverly - Here’s an abbreviated box score of developments that have raised hopes of a new life for the village. Knapp’s - Norm Andrus’ Home Beautiful now occupies the large building on downtown’s main intersection, filling a void that lasted a year. Parking - Village board has purchased the lot on the north side of the one currently open; Francis L. Gibbs has purchased the one with the Waverly St. entrance, and has no definite plans as of yet for it. Delbert Huckle has purchased the one adjacent to his Elizabeth St. building, the three moves ending a 10-year stalemate. One-hour free parking on-street already in effect.
Acme - The former grocery market will soon house Giltex Mfg. Co. of Elmira and Binghamton. The company which services food chains on the Eastern seaboard will be in the Acme building next month, the building owner Delbert Huckle said.
Motel - Attorneys predict closing of the deal this month that will mean a new Ramada Inn at the eastern expressway exit of Rt. 17, just south of Waverly.
VEDA - Wavery’s Industrial park, owned by Valley Economic Development Association is “still in the running” as the possible site of a new major industry, New York State Department of Commerce Officials say.
Rynone - Rynone Industries has purchased former General Shelters property and plans consolidation of all but Container Division into Waverly buildings.
Marine Midland - Bank has added drive-in window, new landscaping on Fulton St. Says Senior Vice-President Durwood G. Hotter, “We reiterate our faith in Waverly area. As we look to the future we are aware that we will want to improve our physical facilities in Waverly,” although definite plans are not yet firm.
Hospital - Tioga General Hospital has won a new chance at establishing an Owego clinic, and may begin this year with construction of new, modernized wing.
Landscaping - Gibbs Insurance Agency and adjacent Jayne’s Florists have joined with bank in Fulton St. sidewalk “green strip” project.
Food Service - Morley’s Grocery has opened on Broad St., Ted Clark’s Grocery on western Broad St., plans expansion into new building, Soprano’s Market in East Waverly has completed major renovations.
“Eyesores” - Betowski Bldg., Broad St. to be occupied, renovated by Thomas J. Mullen real estate; occupants for Albertson Bldg., Broad St. being negotiated with new owner, A. C. Goodrich; Charles L. Carnrike, East Waverly has purchased adjacent rundown property, plans new venture on Cayuta Ave.
Book Store - Mrs. Raymah Fraley, Waverly Free Library librarian, will open a new book store in May next door to Star-Gazette office, Broad St.
DePumpo - Lester J. DePumpo, owner of janitorial products firm in East Waverly, has improved his Cayuta Ave. building, purchased a lot at Broad and Loder Streets, and promises a “major development” downtown soon.
“New Looks” = Ransom Insurance, Broad St. has completed new front, interior remodeling; Robert Martin has improved proper ties in the western section of Broad St.; S and B. Electric has leased building adjacent to main store and added new product line; Food and Drug Research Labs are installed in a Broad St. office; and a newly redecorated tavern, The Village Pub, is in business on Fulton St. In addition, Waverly Glen area is destined for improvements soon, a street sweeper is scheduled to arrive, record federal aid has been secured for sewer work and flood repair, and Chemung St., to return to residential status once the expressway opens, will be repaved along its entire length, with curbs, and new drainage to be added, paid for by New York State.

Aug. 24, 1973 The Evening Times - pic - J. Warren Knapp, III, 65, of 94 Spring St., Waverly, a well-known Waverly businessman, died this morning Aug. 23, 1973 at 8 o’clock at the Robert Packer Hospital following a brief illness. He operated Knapp’s Hardware Store at 326 Broad St. Born in Waverly, July 21, 1908, the son of the late Joseph and Ella Mixer Knapp, … From 1931 until 1936, Mr. Knapp was employed by the Woolworth chain in Olean, Hornell, Plattsburg and Waterbury, Conn. Between 1936 and 1938 he was employed by the Mahoney Brothers in Schenectady. In 1938 he joined his father, the late Joseph Knapp, at Knapp’s Hardware in Waverly. … Burial will be in Glenwood Memorial Park, Waverly. Contributions may be made to the Waverly First Presbyterian Church memorial fund, the Cancer Society, or Waverly Free Library.

Aug. 25, 1973 Elmira Star Gazette - J. Warren Knapp III - Age 65, of 94 Spring St., Waverly, Friday, August 24, 1973 in Robert Packer Hospital following a brief illness. Friends may call at the Russell Funeral Home, 462 Fulton St., Waverly, Sunday afternoon 2 to 4 p.m. Private graveside services at the convenience of the family at Glenwood Memorial Park. Rev. Richard Ploth officiating. Survived by wife, Alice, at home; two daughters, Helen (Betsy) of Rochester and Margaret (Peggy) of the Univ. of Oregon, Oregon; one son, Sgt. Joseph (Joe) Warren Knapp IV, stationed in Seoul, Korea; one brother, Edwin Knapp of Daytona Beach, Fla.; one sister, Mrs. Frank (Elnora) Boyle of Lafayette, Calif; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Knapp was born in Waverly July 21, 1908, son of the late Joseph and Ella Mixer Knapp and has resided in Waverly al his life. He was the owner and proprietor of Knapp’s Hardware Store since 1938. Membership First Presbyterian Church of Waverly. He was a church Elder and Trustee, Sunday Superintendent of the Sunday School, member of the Chamber of Commerce and the N. Y. S. Retail Hardware Assoc. He was also a veteran of World War II.

1974 directory:
301 Broad street - Norm Andrus’ Home Beautiful
Alice Knapp (widwo of J. Warren III), librarian Elmira, h. 94 Spring st.
J. Warren IV Knapp, U. S. A., r. 94 Spring st.
Margaret A. Knapp, student, r. 94 Spring st.
Knapp’s Hardware, J. Warren Knapp 3rd, proprietor, 326 Broad st.

[May 6, 1975 The Evening Times - TC Property Changes Given. … Those in the town of Barton were Norman Andrus, by referee, to Rolls Enterprises, Inc.; …]

July 30, 1975 The Evening Times - Waverlyites Unite in Clean-up Effort. A busy group of Waverly residents have organized to help rid the town of unnecessary sights such as weeds, and so forth. Formed only a week ago, the Waverly Bicentennial Beautification Committee has chopped weeds at the parking lot at the corner of Broad and Waverly Sts. and has applied weed killer purchased with money donated by Albert Epstein, owner of the lot. Also weeds were chopped at the corner of Loder and Broad Sts. and a $20 donation from the owner, Lester DePumpo, will be used next spring to purchase flowers to be planted in various sites about the community. … The group also took on the task of washing the windows and sweeping around the former Norman Andrus Furniture Store on Broad Street, which now stands empty. …

From Waverly Historical Society museum notes: 301 Broad street building bought by Friedlander & Reizes Law Firm from Knapp estate along with library building.

From Waverly Historical Society museum notes: 1976 - Town clock fixed by new owner of Knapp building, off again in about 6 months. A man from California bought all 3 buildings from Broad to Elizabeth street, talk of tearing most of them down?

From Waverly Historical Society museum notes: 1977 - Fletcher’s Music Store

From Waverly Historical Society museum notes: 1977 - Arthur C. Simons operated the ACS Home Furnishings in the Knapp Building at Fulton and Broad Sts. Donald L. Abrams had a store in Athens. In August of 1978, Simons and Abrams formed a partnership and relocated to the Knapp Block.

Jan. 2, 1980 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly -  A downtown eyesore since 1975 is undergoing a transformation into a spacious new furniture business. Simons and Abrams, located at 301 Broad St., purchased the former Woolworth’s building next door with plans to open on March 1. Art Simons Jr. said some 12,000 square feet of display space will be available on the street and basement levels. He said $10,000 in renovations will include interior fixtures and a wood-stained front. Simons and Donald L. Abrams opened separate businesses in 1977. Simons operated the ACS Home Furnishings in the Knapp Block at Fulton and Broad Sts. and Abrams had a furniture store in Athens. the men formed a partnership in 1978, expanding their line of household furnishings at the Knapp site. Plans are to close the present store in February for relocating to the remodeled structure. The Woolworth building was built in 1941. The most recent tenant was the Endwell Rug Co. While not disclosing the sale price, Simons said negotiations for the new site began several months ago. “We’ve go faith that Waverly is going to come back with some of the younger merchants,” said Simons. “We’re going to have one of the bigger displays around. We’re competitive,” he added. The Endwell Rug building has recently caused safety problems with broken plate glass windows. Simons said the remodeled front will include four display viewing windows. Inside, the 14-foot ceilings are being lowered to eight and new insulation is being installed. An advantage of the store is that shoppers will have access from the Municipal Parking Lot on Elizabeth St., he said. The owners are doing some of the labor, cutting down on renovation costs, Simons said. “We’re going to shock some people,” with the improvements, he said.

March 15, 1980 The Evening Times - Edwin M. Knapp, 73. Edwin M. Knapp, 73, 1288 Monticello Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida, died March 5, 1980 at Halifax Medical Center after a prolonged illness. Mr. Knapp was born in Waverly, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, Jr. and graduated form Dartmouth College in 1927. He and his wife, the former Lucia Crowell of Elmira, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last July. Before retiring to Daytona Beach in 1960, Mr. Knapp served as Vice President in charge of sales for the Dog Food Division of Kasco Mills in Waverly and held the same position at Corn Products International in New York City. An ardent sportsman, Mr. Knapp was gold champion five times at Shephard Hills Country Club in Waverly and a noted field trial handler and judge of English Setter and Pointer hunting dogs. He was a member of the Daytona Beach Golf Club, where he served as Secretary and Vice President of the Men’s Golf Association. From 1960 until 1972 Mr. and Mrs. Knapp owned and operated the Knapp Apartments at 615 South Grandview Ave., Daytona Beach. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Knapp served as Deacon and Treasurer for seven years. Survivors include his widow and a sister, Mrs. Elnora Boyle, of Lafayette, California, and several nieces and nephews. Two sons, Edwin, Jr. and Jeffrey, died in the 1950’s. There will be no local services. The ashes will be interred in Glenwood Cemetery, Waverly, at a later date.

March 17, 1980 The Evening Times - Waverly Fire Destroys 3 Building. Town Clock Topples; Fire Termed 'Worst Ever' By Steve Piatt. Firefighters early this morning continued to pour water on the remains of three buildings destroyed early Sunday morning by a fire termed by many as possibly the worst ever in the Valley. The fire, which broke out at 4 a.m. Sunday, destroyed the Country Woodshed Bar (formerly the Waverly Opera House), the Knapp Building and Simons and Abrams Furniture Store, in addition to toppling the Knapp Building's 104-year-old town clock. ... The Waverly Free Library on Fulton St. adjacent to the Country Woodshed, along with the Marine Midland Bank on the corner of Broad and Fulton St. opposite the Knapp Building, were saved with the help of aerial ladder trucks from Sayre and Owego, Keene said. ... The fire started in the rear portion of the Country Woodshed, and Keene said the fire was out of control when firefighters arrived. ... The four-faced white tower housing the brass and cast iron clock toppled inside the Knapp Building after fire enveloped the tower. ...

March 17, 1980 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Mayor Daniel F. Leary likened the scene of Sunday morning’s downtown fire as “something from a World War II bombing.” The Knapp Building at Broad and Fulton Sts. with its landmark town clock, the recently opened Simons & Abrams Furniture Store on Broad St. and a building that once housed the Waverly Opera House on Fulton St. were reduced to rubble by the fire. Leary said it’s possible we can turn this around” and include the fire-damaged block in a future federal community development grant to revitalize downtown. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when the town clock came down,” Fire Chief Ronald Keene said. Fire officials believe the fire started in the Country Woodshed, a bar on the first floor of the once-thriving Opera House. Mrs. Georgia Lunn, Waverly’s first librarian, said the Opera House closed before 1925. Bowling alleys were later installed on the second floor. Art Abrams, a partner in the Simons & Abrams furniture store, purchased the former Woolworth building from Endwell Rug in late December. Abrams said he and his partner had renovated the now-ruined structure and had scheduled an open house next Monday. Charles Schreck, who worked for Knapp’s, said Knapp’s Department Store closed in 1961. He said the building was used by Kolbacker’s but vacated before a 10-year lease expired. Schreck cared for the village-owned tower clock when he worked for Knapp’s and called its loss “a terrible thing.” The Knapp building was vacant Sunday except for some furniture stored there by Abrams who rented the building for one year before moving to the former Woolworth building. Police Sgt. Ronald Goble said the fire scene was roped off Sunday to keep pedestrians away from falling brick.

March 17, 1980 The Evening Times - For Property Owners, Blaze Battle Not Over. …  And for two of the three property holders, the fire was even more devastating because of insufficient insurance. … According to Alan Friedlander, one of several partners owning the original Knapp Department Store which also housed the historic town clock, the building “is partially covered, but it looks to me as if the building is gone.” …  The downtown section of Waverly is presently the subject of a Cornell University class study for architectural design. The class project, being carried out by five Cornell students and Professor Norman Mintz, is tentatively forecast to have the village’s downtown business district re-faced in a late 1900’s setting. Norman who presented an architectural study for the Market Street area in Corning, is an advocate of historic  preservation. According to MacNeal, plans had been primarily constructed around the clock, which was to have served as the center of the long-range renovation project. “But that may have changed when the clock went,” MacNeal said. “Some people wanted to keep it like an old town, but now they might change their minds.” The clock, with its late 19th century face overlooking the Broad Street area, had been the pinnacle of the plans. MacNeil couldn’t speculate if the study into a more modern atmosphere or remain a turn-of-the century look. … The study by the architectural class at Cornell is a branch of a main future plan study by Ithaca architect Anton Egner. “I don’t know what they’ll do. Egner’s plan is the base plan,” MacNeal said. “It certainly is a depressing sight,” added MacNeal, surveying the ruins. “I think most of the people walking around here are in shock.”

March 21, 1980 Elmira Star Gazette - ... The Waverly Free Library contents were emptied when fire threatened that five-story former hotel north of the tavern. ... That building and the Knapp structure were owned by a local corporation, the Treadwell Press Inc. Business and professional men comprise the group. Geral Weed owned the former Waverly Opera House where his restaurant was located. The late 19th Century show house quit operations prior to 1925. In more recent years, about six bowling alleys had been installed on the second floor. ...

March 21, 1980 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - The heating system in one of two large downtown buildings destroyed on Fulton St. by fire Sunday has been ruled out as the probable cause. … That building and the Knapp structure were owned by a local corporation, the Treadwell Press Inc. Business and professional men comprise the group. Gerald Weed owned the former Waverly Opera House where his restaurant was located. …

March 23, 1980 Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin - Seven days after a fire reduced a half block of downtown Waverly to charred rubble, residents of the wwest Tioga County village are planning to build on the ashes. ... Briefly, the fire destroyed the old Simons and Abrams Furniture Store, the Country Woodshed tavern and an apartment unit between the two. The building into which Simons and Abrams moved last month was heavily damaged - the roof caved in under the weight of debris when the old building collapsed. Arthur C. Simons Jr. and Donald L. Abrams are already back in business. They moved into a vacant storefront building at 323 Broad St., a half block east of their old store. They are also renting the old Western Auto store directly across the street. ... They started their business in August, 1978 with about 9,000 square feet in the old Knapp Building at the corner of Broad and Fulton Streets. Last month they moved into the old Woolworth Store with 11,000 square feet. Today they are operating out of about 3,000 square feet. "We're hoping we can restore the old (Woolworth) building,"Simons said. "Preliminary indications are that it can be rebuilt." Thomas G. Burns, owner of Burns Kitchen Center at 220 Broadt St., is part owner of the old Knapp Building. He and a group of local businessmen purchased the structure because of its status as the village's best known landmark. It's tall tower is topped by the town clock. ... The building was appraised in 1979 at $86,000, "minus the clock and the tower," Burns said. "It was a historic landmark. How do you put a value on something like that?" ... A six-man investigation team termed the fire's origins as "suspicious," and Tioga County Sheriff's Department investigators are quizzing witnesses this week, trying to establish how the fire began. ...

April 2, 1980 The Evening Times - Editor, The Evening Times, I have just read about the recent great fire in Waverly, particularly regarding the Town Clock on the Knapp building. I have more than a casual remembrance and first hand acquaintance with that clock, in fact, I wound it many times. My father, Simon Zausmer, established his jewelry business in Waverly in 1892. The business was continued by my brother Sid until his passing in 1968; at that time the longest continuous business in Waverly. For about 40 years until the late 1930’s my father had the contract with the Village of Waverly to maintain the Town Clock which involved winding it by hand twice weekly. Originally I believe he received $24.00 annually and then later about $50.00. The procedure was this: you took the elevator in Knapp’s Store to the top floor; then climbed a narrow flight of stairs to the clock. The two heavyweights which made the clock run were wound on a pulley and steel cable by a large two-handed crank. In warm weather, in the close quarters this was quite a chore. My brother, Sid, wound it most frequently, but my other brother, Abe, now living in Syracuse, and the undersigned all served our apprenticeship winding the Town Clock. Technically it was a rather delicate operation to coordinate the hands on the 4 dials to read the same time. My father had a little gimmick to get the clock wound at times; he would invite a customer in the store or acquaintance to go up with him to the clock tower from which you could see a considerable distance in each direction as far as Sayre or Athens, then ask he person to “just try to wind it,” and usually would succeed in some one else doing the cranking. In the 1930’s I believe the clock was electrified to eliminate the hand winding. I was born and raised in Waverly, and if anyone wants facts about that village dating back to 1910, I can give him pretty accurate information. Very truly yours, Garson Zausmer Vista Pines, N-1, 2600 SE Ocean Blvd. Stuart, FLa. 33494

May 17, 1980 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - Demolition crews Friday finished cleaning up debris at Fulton and Broad Sts. caused by by a March 16 blaze that leveled two large downtown buildings. Owners of the site are having the excavation filled in but have no immediate plans for any development. The village board is seeking $1,500 from owners of the former Knapp Building and Country Woodshed Restaurant for public funds spent in emergency demolition after the $1 million blaze. Th early morning fire leveled the former Waverly Opera House on Fulton St. and the Knapp building, which housed the town clock. Extensively damaged was the Simons and Abrams Furniture Store on Broad St. next to the Knapp structure. Forced to evacuate to new quarters after the fire was the Waverly Free Library at Fulton and Elizabeth Sts. The library is renting the ground floor of the Masonic Temple at Waverly and Elizabeth Sts. Mayor Daniel F. Leary applied for emergency state and federal relief but was told because private property was involved there were no aid programs available. However, the State Urban Development Corp. indicated at a recent meeting that low interest loans and possible federal funding may be available for some types of job-generating projects.

Jan. 10, 1981 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - It’s been a bad year for Thomas Burns. It started last March, when he watched the Knapp Building on the corner of Fulton and Broad streets here burn to the ground. He co-owned the structure. Thursday night he stood about a block away - again helpless - as a three-story building at 220 Broad St. was destroyed by fire. He owned it, too. …

Jan. 11, 1981 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly - The Waverly Free Library Association says it will build a new library on a vacant lot here - if the land owner accepts its purchase offer. Association President Nancy Simaitis said the group “offered what we thought the owner would accept in November” for the land, now a vacant lot at the corner of Fulton and Broad streets. She refused to reveal the bid amount. The lot is also the site of the former Knapp Buidling, which burned down last March. The land has been vacant ever since. Simaitis said she hoped the association “will be able to proceed with our plans, but we haven’t heard anything from the owner,” a Waverly man. The association has “been discussing the matter for quite a while,” and has consulted an architect about plans for the structure, she said. No drawings have been made yet. “If the owner accepts our bid, then we will contact the architect again and probably have a building drive to raise funds for a new library,” she said. The Waverly Free Library, next door to the proposed site, was closed last March due to fire damage. Pacific Associates, former owners of the existing structure, gave the building to the association as a gift recently. Simiatis said preliminary architectural studies recommend demolition as “the least expensive way to go.” “We considered renovating the building, but it would be far too expensive,” she said. “That’s why we’re so interested in a new building.” In other action, the association elected new officers last week. They are: Nancy Simaitis, president; Robert Fox, vice-president; Mary Charlotte Donnelly, secretary and Wilson Coward, treasurer.

Sept. 14, 1982 Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin - Tioga OKs 2 housing projects. … The legislature passed a resolution for Elizabeth Square Associates of Waverly to construct a 75-unit apartment house for the low-income elderly in the Village of Waverly. The project proposed and brought before the board last year. The board passed a resolution of intent to finalize the agreement last year but the project met with repeated financial delays. Joseph R. Cook, attorney for Elizabeth Square Associates, said the board’s approval was necessary immediately so the Elizabeth Square Associates could meet tomorrow’s filing deadline for a grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, Cook said, construction must be started by the last week in September to comply with HUD guidelines. The downtown project includes a six-story building to be built on land owned by the Waverly Free Library at Fulton and Elizabeth streets. The first floor will house a 6,000 square-foot library and several community rooms. The remaining five stories will include 75 apartments for the elderly. The library is donating the land to the developers on the condition that it has the first-floor space rent free. Elderly tenants will pay rent not to exceed 25 percent of their income with HUD providing the additional money, Cook said. Elizabeth Square Associates is to pay $8,500 to be divided among Tioga County, the Town of Barton, the Village of Waverly and the Waverly School District in lieu of taxes.

1983 - 166.19-2-33 - Fulton street 19301 x 4 asphalt paving - 430 Fulton street

Nov. 18, 1983 Elmira Star Gazette - Now Renting Elizabeth Square Apartments - 1 bedroom apts. especially designed for the elderly, handicapped or disabled. Each apt. has a stove, refrigerator, carpeting & lots of closets & storage space. For information call Rental office 607-565-2558. Elizabeth Square Apartments CRM Rental Management 430 Fulton St. Waverly, N. Y.
(430 Fulton St. Waverly, N. Y.)

Dec. 28, 1983 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly Library begins move. By Rebecca Vucetich. -  A new chapter in the history of the Waverly Free Library will begin when the library opens its new headquarters at the Elizabeth Square apartment building. Moving the library around the corner form the Masonic Temple building on Waverly St. to the building on Elizabeth St. will take several days, Nancy Simaitis, president of the library’s board of trustees, said Tuesday. … About half of the library’s collection of 27,000 volumes has been in storage since a March 1980 fire that damaged three buildings in Waverly, including one on Fulton St. that had housed the library. The library moved to the Masonic building in June 1980. Once the library is moved to the Elizabeth Square building, the library will have 5,880 square feet, 3,000 more than the Fulton St. building. A genealogical section will be added. The library has completed a successful, fund drive to raise $100,000 to complete work on and furnish the first floor of the Elizabeth Square building.

Feb. 7, 1985 - Charlotte S. Knapp died in Bell, Los Angeles, CA, 69 years of age. Daughter of the late George Brinker Knapp and Mary Gertrude Slaughter Knapp.

Jan. 2, 1990 - $2,900 - 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street, vacant land) from Village of Waverly

June 20, 1990 - $125,000 - 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street, vacant land) and 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.)

June 20, 1990 - 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) Tony Del Nero from Donald L. Abrams for $125,000 plus additional parcel of 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street)

Nov. 1, 1995 - $131,908 - 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street)- and 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) NYS Employees Fed. Credit from Tony Del Nero

1995 - 166.19-2-30 - 4,100 sq. ft. asphalt paving - 301 Broad street

Dec. 5, 1995 - County of Tioga from NYS Employees Fed. Credit; 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.), 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street), 166.19-3-73 in Waverly (454 Waverly St. - manuf. housing), 145.00-2-35 in Barton (Ellis Creek Rd., vacant rural, class 323, land locked gas lease)

Dec. 5, 1995 Elizabeth Square Assoc.- parking lot 166.19-2-30  (301 Broad street) along with additional parcels: 166.19-2-28 in Waverly (307 Broad st., att. row building); 166.19-3-73 in Waverly (454 Waverly St. - manuf. housing); 145.00-2-35 in Barton (Ellis Creek Rd., vacant rural, class 323, land locked gas lease)

[March 28, 1996 - 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) Mark Pack from County of Tioga for $40,000
Oct. 2, 1997 - 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) Mark Pack from Mark Pack for $8,000
Nov. 22, 2002 - 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) Kirk Sorensen from Mark Pack for $45,000
Dec. 12, 2006 - 166.19-2-28 (307 Broad st.) Thomas W. Howe and Sherri N. Howe of 1187 Talmadge Hill South Waverly, NY from Kirk Sorensen for $89,000]

[Aug. 26, 1996 - 166.19-3-73 in Waverly (454 Waverly St. 2 family residence) George and Ann Porter from County of Tioga for $5,800
May 12, 2001 Kenneth L. Harding  from George and Ann Harding; res. vacant land
Year built 2000, crawl space; 2002 672 sq. ft one story attached garage
Aug. 31, 2011 Sharon P. Harding of 8893 Mc Donnells Pkwy Cicero NY  from Kenneth L. Harding, one family residence]

Nov. 10, 2016 Elizabeth Square Housing Development Fund Co. of 117 West Liberty St. Ste. 6 Rome, NY 13440 from Elizabeth Square Assoc. for $3,120,738; 166.19-2-33 (430 Fulton street) and - parking lot -, 166.19-2-30 (301 Broad street)
class 411 - Apartment
52.47x78.14
2021 land assessment - $7,600
2021 full market value - $15,625
total 2021 assessment - $12,500
430 Fulton street - Pilot Program exp. 12/31/2023
total assessment for 2021 - $1,652,800
land assessment for 2021 - $22,500
full market value for 2021 - $2,066,000
total acreage/size - 191.9x170
tax. roll - wholly Exem.
Built in 1983 - 73434 gross floor area 6 stories; 70,794 sq. ft. high-rise apartment, 76 units, and 2,640 sq. ft. library, 1 unit

[Dec. 13, 1996 - 145.00-2-35 in Barton (Ellis Creek Rd., vacant rural class 311) Willis S. Hilker from County of Tioga for $200
Jan. 5, 2001 Wayne Searles of 215 State Route 17C, Lot A Waverly, NY from Willis S. Hilker for $500]

June 16, 2022 Morning Times, Sayre, PA - Remembering the Waverly clock fire. Waverly Historical Society to host presentation on June 26. ... Forty-two years ago this past March, the fire department received a call that would forever change Waverly. On March 16 and 17, Waverly lost a downtown landmark that affected the town visually and financially. ...  Sunday, June 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. ... Joining us will be Ron Keene, the fire chief of that memorable night and other fire personnel that fought the fight. ...





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