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September 2017 Program

 

A SAMPLING OF THE HAMP FILM COLLECTION
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 7:00 PM
North Tonawanda Common Council Chambers
North Tonawanda City Hall

 

The Historical Society is fortunate to have this collection, donated by the Hamp family. Fred Hamp Jr. (1883-1959) was an avid amateur film photographer who captured numerous Twin Cities activities from the 1920s through the 1950s, including celebrations, civic events, and what are now historical subjects. A number of these films have been transferred to current digital DVD storage and the Society volunteers have put together a wide variety of snippets that allow us to take a glimpse at life in the Twin Cities from picnics, to parades and sporting events, even the first air mail service from Post Office to airplane departure.

Attendees enjoyed viewing the clothing, cars, and buildings in each era, as well as picking out people they recognized or figured out what has replaced various landmarks or other changes that took place as the cities developed.

Whether you were interested in the TNT football game of 1932, complete with marching band, or just curious about what famous actress Helen Hayes was doing at the Bison Shipyard in June, 1944, or even if you wanted another glimpse of the Canadiana picking up passengers for the 1936 Tonawanda Day at Crystal Beach, there was a little something for everyone.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas hopes to be able to raise the funds necessary to transfer all of the remaining Hamp films to DVD format to preserve those moments caught on film of the Twin Cities so many decades ago. The community is very fortunate to have some of it’s history captured on film and its long-term preservation is a goal that everyone should be interested in supporting.


Official Home:  The Historical Society of the Tonawandas, Inc.
Museum and General Office:  113 Main Street, Tonawanda, NY, 14150-2129
(716) 694-7406     Email  tonahist@gmail.com
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