HIGGS: Returning to Third: Odd numbers on east side of 500 block | Opinion

We are looking back at what is now part of the “Entertainment District,” the 500 block of Third Street, so I will try to compare the then and now if I can as we take our walk on the east side which are the odd numbers.

Starting at the corner which is now Wine on Third at 501 Third, which has taken over the next three individual store fronts at that address, we first find the McClure’s Drug Store owned by James McClure who lived in Lewiston with wife Janet. David Gleason, DDS occupied 503 Third and he and Lois lived at 808 Ashland Ave. In the same building was Joseph Puerner, MD who resided at 1235 Norwood Ave. with wife Annabelle. Next door at 505 Third we find Billings Mutual Insurance Agency and Remington Rand, Inc. William E. Billings, the manager, was well known for many years in the insurance business. Their advertising read: “Call Us Before You Need Us” which is very appropriate for this type of business. He and Thelma lived in LaSalle at 215 60th St. Remington Rand sold office supplies in the same building. Phillip and Anna Kahn operated the Kahn Decorating Studio at 507 Third and they resided at 671 Chilton Ave. This is the last portion of what is now known as 501 Third St.

Next, at 509 Third was a small residential building where Michael and Dorothy Trivisondoli resided and is now owned by Lou Muzzillo. It has been renovated over the years and currently houses a rare coin and related items buy-and-sell establishment. I bet lots of you remember the Delores Shoppe at 511 Third, whose proprietor Delores Ely maintained a very successful bridal business for many years. She lived upstairs as I recall and sold women’s clothing as well as operating a full service bridal shop. The building has been vacant for several years now.

Next, at 515 Third which was a two-family dwelling at this time where Joseph Murphy, a foreman at Kimberly Clark occupied one portion and Anna McMahon resided in the other. At 527 Third was J.R. Saul & Son’s Grocery Store, followed by Ulrich’s Pharmacy operated by William Ulrich who resided at 724 Park Place with wife Costanza. At 531 Third was Samuel Sheusi’s bakery and he and Phyllis lived at 2758 Woodlawn Ave. This building also housed the Richard Apartments where eight tenants resided on the second floor.

At 533 -37 Third was the Manenty Furniture Store. Harold, Guido and Max Manenty along with H.D. Barch owned the custom-made furniture, appliances, floor coverings, radios, television and upholstering business. Guido lived at 1140 Pierce Ave., Harold and Bessie at 439 8th St. and Max lived at 2661 Whirlpool St. Homer and Angela Barch were at 4835 Penn St.

Harry F. Sterner owned the only cigar store in this block at 539 Third St. Harry lived in Buffalo. I could not find a corresponding street number or ownership today but have to assume they were part of the remaining vacant buildings in that block today.

Remember, we are in 1951 during these columns and Niagara Falls had a population of 90,875 and all the business districts were successful as there was plenty of factory employment which always necessitates the professional, medical, food service industry, and home and office supply businesses along with numerous other small business ventures.

Some of the notables at the Board of Education were the Commissioners: William L. Salacuse, Wesley L. Kester, Charles M. Brent, Stephen C. McMullen, Edward D. Mahoney, Arthur Silverberg, Mrs. Mary L. Bialecki, Victor deWysocki and Wilbur F. Connell. School Administrators were: William J. Small, superintendent, James H. Erwin, deputy superintendent of instructional service and F.J. Lang, business manager.

Next time we will cross the street and find out who was there. I have received several telephone calls with readers reminiscing about past friends and relatives. Nice to hear from you.

The city of Niagara Falls — celebrating 125 years of history. Contact Norma Higgs by email at niahigg@aol.com.