Week of August 7

August 5, 1876 – 150 YEARS AGO

Rockland County Journal

SAD ACCIDENT

         On Thursday afternoon of this week a little boy, aged nearly three years, belonging to George and Melissa Williams, fell from a third-story window on the east side of Onderdonk Block and was severely injured. As the little fellow fell, he struck the shed over the east side of Eckerson’s bakery and bounded out in the street, where he landed about six feet from the curbstone. Mr. Eckerson, who was out-of-doors at the time, heard him strike on the shed and then saw him land in the street. He immediately picked him up and laid him on the sidewalk, at which time he presented a pitiable appearance, with the blood running from his mouth. He was then taken into the house, after which immediate assistance was obtained. Upon the first look several persons thought the child's legs and jaw were broken, but upon close examination it was discovered that its limbs were all right, but it was thought that its jaw was badly injured if not broken. This (Friday) morning we learned that the child had since drank water and had bitten on the emp with its teeth, so that the probability is that the jaw is not broken although it is no doubt badly injured. Internal injuries may have been caused from which the child may not recover, as it still lies in a very and critical condition.

August 7, 1926 – 100 YEARS AGO

Rockland County Times

MAN DROWNS — YOUNG MAN SWIMMING AT RED STONE ON SUNDAY DROWNS WHILE CROWD LOOKS ON — BODY LATER RECOVERED

         A great many people who were enjoying the swimming at the Crusher Dock on Sunday afternoon were witnesses to a tragedy which occurred when a young man, enjoying the picnicking advantages of the beach, was drowned.

         The people who were with him remained at the beach for a while but made little effort to find the body. seeming to the other bathers to be rather unconcerned about their friend's fate. They finally left for their home early in the evening, one of them giving his name to Mr. August Heck. He was Victor Panta of Bogota, N. J.

         The body was recovered by Mr. Fred Byers and his son who were rowing about and grappling for it. Coroner Dutcher was notified and took charge of it.

         At the inquest held on Tuesday, the Coroner learned that the drowned man's name was George W. Beramaa, 27 years of age. He was born in Finland and was at the time of his death employed by William Hill of 12 South Street, Bogota. He is survived by a sister whom it was impossible to locate.

         Coroner Dutcher gave a verdict of accidental drowning. He was buried in Mount Repose Cemetery at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

August 4, 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO

Our Town

FIREMEN TO MARK 125TH ANNIVERSARY

[Image: Empire Engine Company, Piermont, circa 1895. Piermont firemen display their new pumper, pulled by two horses. Holding the reins is Albert Knierich. Patrick Holleran stands alongside and James Sarven is at the rear. The firehouse is on Piermont Avenue. John Scott Collection of the HSRC.]

         From the days of the bucket brigade and hand drawn fire engine, the Piermont Fire Department will mark its 125th anniversary with a parade and celebration A parade, featuring the department's shiny new equipment, as well as antique fire apparatus, will Start at 2 p.m. at the village line on Ferdon Avenue, and proceed to the Clevepak Co. parking lot across from the Empire Hose Co. firehouse. Refreshments will be served, and trophies will be awarded to participating units. Fire companies and equipment from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are expected To take part in the parade.

         General chairman of the event is Allen Lynch, assistant chief of the department. Former chiefs Vito Sorriento and Francis Taulman are co-chairmen. Most parades in Piermont start from the Grand View village line, and proceed south. This parade will go the opposite direction because of construction on Piermont Avenue, Lynch said. 

This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan for the Historical Society of Rockland County. © 2026 by The Historical Society of Rockland County. #FBF Flashback Friday may be reprinted only with written permission from the HSRC. To learn about the HSRC’s mission, upcoming events or programs, visit www.RocklandHistory.org or call (845) 634-9629.