The Kittinger Company 

The Kittinger Company was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1866 as "Thompson, Collie & Co."  Around 1870 the company began crafting hand-made upholstered furniture and by this time had changed its name to "Colie & Son" after George and Oliver Colie took control.  The furniture business proved so successful for the Colie's that in 1885 they built a factory specifically for the crafting of furniture. 

In 1913, Irvine J. Kittinger, George Colie's son-in-law and his brother Ralph purchased the company from the Collie family and changed the company's name to the Kittinger Furniture Company.  Under the Kittinger family's control, the company's primary focus was to craft the highest quality furniture possible with Irvine J. Kittinger saying "Our business is not primarily to turn furniture into money, but to produce something really worthwhile". 

In 1966, the Kittinger family sold the company which began the era of "revolving door" ownership.  Although respect for the furniture industry varied by various owners, the quallity of Kittinger Furniture remained excelltn and was always the pride of its skilled workers.  Unfortunately, due to mismanagement and legal issues during one of the owners, Kittinger Funiture was forced to close its iconic Elmwood Avenue factory and the companies assets were scheduled for auction.

In 1996, Ray (a Master Cabinetmaker at Kittinger) and Karen Bialkowski purchased the Kittinger Furniture Company.  They re-established the company and settled in a new factory in North Buffalo at 4675 Transit Road.  Many of the original craftsmen returned to work for the re-opened company. Since taking ownership, Ray and Karen have expanded the Kittinger Furniture Company.  In 2014, the Kittinger Furniture Company opened a new factory and headquarters where all furniture is still made to order by the hands of skilled craftsmen. 

Kittinger Furniture Company has had the honor of helping recreate the Oval office and Cabinet Room several times over at the libraries of former presidents.  Since the 1970s they have crafted pieces for the following:  The Richard M. Nixon Library & Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Libary, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, The William J. Clinton Library & Museum and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

 

Red Coach Inn

2 Buffalo Avenue

Niagara Falls, New York

Named after the red carriage that squired General Lafayette around the Niagara region when he returned here for a visit in 1825. A painting of General Lafayette's red carriage is displayed above the fireplace in the Grill Room.  The painting is by Buffalo artist, A. Rafael Beck and the scene depicts the greeting of Lafayette at the Eagle Tavern which  was located across the street in the early 19th century. 

The Red Coach Inn is an historic bed and breakfast hotel that opened its doors for business on August 30, 1923.  It's renowned for its English Tudor architecture, designed to resemble the Bell Inn in Finedon, England.  The Inn is known for it warm English country ambiance and is considered one of Niagara Falls' most distinctive historic structures. It is known for its unique atmosphere and architecture.  

The Red Coach Iinn situated near the center of town overlooking the spectacular Upper Rapids, is an imposing structure three and one-half stories high.

The Red Coach Inn opened on August 30, 1923 as a unique and elegant hotel for Niagara Falls.  The Inn was owned by William Schoellkopf and Charles Peabody who spared no expense in creating the English inn's atmosphere. When the inn was built, Niagara Falls was then known as the "honeymoon capital of the world".  And yes, Niagara Falls is still considered a honeymoon destination with its first honeymooners recorded in the early 19th century.

Long considered one of the most romantic places in the world, Niagara Falls gained notoriety as a honeymoon destination back in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr and her new husband, Joseph Alston, the future governor of South Carolina embarked from Albany to the Falls as part of their bridal tour.  A few years later, Jerome Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon and his bride traveled from New Orleans to Niagara Falls via stagecoach to experience its splendor.  

Niagara Falls was originally considered to be a destination for the wealthy, but with new rail lines and the opening of the Erie Canal, a few decades later, more couples began to flock to the majestic, natural wonder!  In the 200-plus years since, couples from all over the world have traveled to Niagara Falls to experience the breathtaking power and beauty of this natural wonder the Native Indians called .. "Mighty Thunder" or "Thundering Waters".  This reflects their understanding and sheer awe of the powerful force of the Falls and its sound as one approaches.  They believed the Falls were a manifestation of spiritual energy and a gateway to the divine.  

Red Coach Inn Menu

Circa 1960s

A Table with a View

Ready for your favorite glass of wine or cocktail

TRICO BUILDING APARTMENTS

628 Ellicott Street

Buffalo, New York  

The TRICO Building was built in the 1890s as a large brewery for a German-American neighborhood.  The building expanded and became the first manufacturer of windshield wipers in the United States which at that time was the largest employer in Buffalo.

In 2002, TRICO closed its original manufacturing facility known as "Plant #1".  In 2024, the building has now been redeveloped into luxury apartments near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.   Design fedatures throughout the building evoke the look and feel of the building's industrial past.  Residential corridors are lined with photographs of the Buffalo community and its historical architecture. 

The building is also known for once being the office of John R. Oishei (1886-1968), the TRICO founder and an industrialist who went on to become one of the most important philanthropists in the Buffalo Niagara Region.  In 1917, Oishei was the manager of the Teck Theatre in Buffalo.  At the time, while driving in a heavy rain he struck a bicyclist with his car. This inspired Oishei to team up with John Jepson to market the windshield wiper blade Jepson had invented.  

The business first rented manufacturing space in North Buffalo, but in 1919 the Pierce Arrow Motor Company contracted the manufacturer to supply manually operated wipers for its luxury cars and in 1920 Cadillac, Packard and Lincoln did the same.  The company continued to expand.  In 1922, the manufacturer became the supplier of automatic windshild wiper systems to Cadillac.  The entire TRICO complex included 10 buildings. 

During John R. Oishei's lifetime he started a charitable foundation that has become one of the most important philanthropies in the Buffalo Niagara Region.  In 2010, The John R. Oishei Foundation had $284 million in assets and contributed more than $14 million to community and medical causes in the region.  

TRICO Plant No. 1 was listed to the National Register of Historic Places February 2, 2001. 

 

Saturn Club

977 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, New  York

The Saturn Club is one of Buffalo's private social clubs.  It was designed by architect and club member, Duane Lyman in 1921 and built in 1922 by Bley & Lyman. 

Duane Lyman

(1886-1966)

Duane Lyman was an architect based in Buffalo and known for his prolific career which included 100 school buildings, many churches and numerous large homes both in the city and suburban communities.  At the time of his passing, Lyman was referred to as the "dean of Western New York architecture".  After graduating in 1908, he traveled aboard to Europe staying until 1913 and the eve of WWI. He returned to the United States, settling in Buffalo and started an architectural practice.  Lyman volunteered for military service during WWI, serving in the nation's capital and left with the rank of major. Many of Lyman's papers survive in the collection of the Buffalo History Museum.

Other works by Lyman besides the Saturn Club were Vars Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Country Club of Buffalo, Federal Courthouse at Niagara Square, Christ the King Chapel (Canisius College), Williamsville Junior and Senior High School, Diefendorf Hall (University at Buffalo) and M&T Bank Center. 

The Saturn Club was founded in 1885 by thirteen enthusiastic young men who felt the need to congregate in a less formal setting than their 'Father's Club' founded in 1867.  They first congregated on Saturdays (thus the name) to socialize and play cards.  While Saturn Club members are active in all aspects of the community, the Club remains true to  its origins.  It is a social club first, offering recreation, fine dining, fitness programs, member-friendly banquet facilities and meeting rooms with high-tech support.  They've come a long way since 1885 and they look forward to exceeding their standards as Western New York's premier private social club.  

The Saturn Club opened in 1922.  The architectural style is Tudor Revival and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places May 19, 2005.  Notable members were Robert B. Adam, founder of AM&A's department store; John J. Albright, namesake of the Albright Knox Art Gallery; George K. Birge, director of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition and president of Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company; Lawrence Bell, founder of Bell Aircraft; Edward H. Butler, Jr., publisher of the Buffalo Evening News; Stephen Merrell Clement, president of Marine Bank; William J. Conners II, publisher of the Buffalo Courier-Express; William J. Conners III, publisher of the Buffalo Courier-Express; Harold M. Esty, Jr., president of Buffalo China; E. B. Green, Jr., architect; Irvine J. Kittinger, owner of the Kittinger Furniture Company; Seymour H. Knox, businessman; Seymour H. Knox III, co-founder of the Buffalo Sabres; Northrup R. Knox, co-founder of the Buffalo Sabres; John R. Oishei, founder of Trico; John Olmsted, landscape architect, nephew and adopted son of Frederick Law Olmsted; George F. Rand, president of Marine Midland Bank; Carleton Sprague, chancellor of the University of Buffalo; Harlan J. Swift, president of Erie County Savings Bank; Henry Z. Urban, publisher of the Buffalo News and many others.

Lyman passed at his home which he designed and built on Oakland Place in Buffalo. He was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery.   

 

The Hotel Niagara

201 Rainbow Blvd.

Niagara Falls, New York

The building is one of the most important landmarks in downtown Niagara Falls.

The Hotel Niagara was built by Niagara Falls businessman, Frank A. Dudley in 1923 with the cornerstone laid on March 24, 1924.  The 12 story, steel frame and concrete hotel was designed by prominent Buffalo architects, August Esenwein and James A. Johnson.  The hotel was dedicated on April 8, 1925 and opened for business the following day.  It is located 1/4 mile from the Horseshoe Falls and one block from the Seneca Niagara Casino.  

The hotel's primary public roomss include the lobby, ballroom and main dining room that feature elaborate ceiling paster moldings and columns, gilded capitals, faux limestone walls, oak and emerald terrazzo floors. The architectural style was art deco with a terra-cotta facade.

The Hotel Niagara was added to the National Register of Historic Places December 5, 2008.

Hotel Niagara Art Deco Cocktail Lounge

Circa 1939

 

Maid of the Mist

Niagara Falls, New York

Circa 1846-1854

The first Maid of the Mist, a side-wheel steamboat ferry with twin smokestacks commands the mighty Niagara. 

Circa 1854-1860

The second Maid of the Mist, a single-stack paddle wheel steamer, 72 feet long with a 17-foot beam. 

As early as 1834, small boats were the only way to transport people across the Niagara River.  The Maid of the Mist I was launched on May 27, 1846.  On July 14, 1854 the Maid of the Mist II was launched. The elegant, 70 foot long Maid of the Mist III was launched in June of 1885.  The Maid of the Mist IV was launched in 1892 on the American side.

The first series of boats to bear the "Maid of the Mist" moniker were wooden-hulled ferries.  These were in use until an early season fire destroyed the last of them at the Canadian docks on April 22, 1955. 

 On  July 28, 1955 a new Maid of the Mist boat was launched to replace those boats destroyed by fire.  The boat, christened "Maid of the Mist V" was built entirely of steel. In June of 1956, the sixth boat in the Maid of the Mist fleet was launched.  In 1983, this boat was sold and today it continues service as a missionary ship on the Amazon River.  

In 1990, the Maid of the Mist VI was launched into service.  The all-steel double deck boat is capable of carrying 600 passengers at a time. On May 30, 1997 the first section of the new Maid of the Mist VII arrived on a flatbed trailer to the Maid of the Mist docks. The first piece of the hull weighed 27,730 pounds.  Over the following weeks the remainder of the boat was delivered in 14 separate pieces including 8 addtional pieces.  When assembled, the new Maid of the Mist was 80 feet long and weighed 145 tons.  This Maid of the Mist was officially launched into service on July 11, 1997. 

 Its name is inspired by an Iroquois legend.  The legend tells of a woman who, after the death of her love, throws herself into Niagara Falls, but is caught and saved by the God of Thunder.  The Maid of the Mist boats have a long history of ferrying tourists close to the Falls for a unique up-close-and personal experience.   

The Maid of the Mist starts and ends on the American side crossing briefly into Canada during a portion of the trip.  James V. Glynn is chairman and chief executive officer of Maid of the Mist Corp.  He joined Maid of the Mist in 1950 as a ticket setter working on the dock at the age of 16 to pay for college.  Glynn purchased the company in 1971.  Steam-powered boats were replaced by diesel-powered craft in 1955.  All were named Maid of the Mist until 2020, when company president Christopher M. Glynn introduced two new boats powered by lithium-ion battery-powered electric motors. James V. Glynn truly fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming president of the Maid of the Mist Corporation.  

In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt felt the mist on his face.

Notable passengers have been Marilyn Monroe in June 1952 when she rode the Maid of the Mist while in Niagara Falls to film the movie, Niagara.

In 1949, Jawaharial Nehru prime minister of India rode the Maid of the Mist. In 1987, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson enjoyed a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist.  In 1983, Mikhail Gorbachev was a passenger on the Maid of the Mist.  In 1991, Prince Charles and Princess Diana along with their two sons, William and Harry rode the Maid of the Mist.

A moment frozen in time of Princess Diana, the People's Princess.

In 1996, President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn were passengers, escorted by James V. Glynn.  In 2022, the Maid of the Mist was featured in the motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks.

President Jimmy Carter and James V. Glynn

Photo Credit to Derek Gee

In 2022, the Maid of the Mist VII was featured in the motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks.  Hanks' son, Truman and actress Rachel Keller wearing red coats were in the onboard scene.

In 1969, water flow was cut off to the American Falls to study erosion. 

In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive a barrel ride over the Falls.

The Maid of the Mist is waiting for you to come aboard!

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking sight offering stunning views and certainly a sense of awe.

This summer take a ride on The Maid of the Mist and visit the Erie Canal's 200th celebration!

.. or dinner with a spectacular view ..

 

Palace Theatre

617 Broadway

Lorain, Ohio

The Palace is the largest one-floor theatre in the State of Ohio and would serve as the  cornerstone for Lorain.  The exterior was designed in Gothic style with a facade of terra cotta and elaborately cut stone while the interior was reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance.  Both the inner and outer lobbies featured ornate sculptured ceilings elegantly painted in soft shades of turquoise and coral, highlighted in gold.  The graceful domed ceiling of the main auditorium featured an exquisite three-quarter-ton crystal chandelier. 

The Palace featured a fireproof projection room and two Peerless Simplex projection machines.  These machines allowed pictures to be run continuously without a break for re-winding.  The 100 foot stage contained 23 sets of lines for flying scenery, making it suitable for vaudeville shows. The full orchestra pit was accessible from both the main seating area and the basement.  In 1928, the total cost of construction and equiipment was $500,000. For many years, the Variety Amusement Company owned and operated the Palace. 

On opening night patrons flocked into the Palace's 1,720 upholstered leather seats to watch a talking movie for the first time and were treated to a film resume of world events.  They viewed a comedy and novelty reel, followed by Syd Sampliner and his Palace Concert Orchestra plus three acts of vaudeville.  The spotlight then moved to the Mighty Wurlitzer organ as it rose from below the stage, thrilling the audience with its pulsating crescendos.  

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

Opus 1858

Model 220

The organ was tagged for delivery to the Lorain Place on February 25, 1928.  It was fulled installed by March 15, 1928.  This organ is one of only seven built in this style.  It is also one of only two Wurlitzer's of this particular style worldwide that is still in its orginal installed location.  The console is positioned in the orchestra pit and thanks to a 2014 refurbishment, this Might Wurlitzer can once again .. rise majestically on a lift for solo presentations and descend gracefully back into the orchestra pit. 

A virtually unknown and certainly unseen feature of the Lorain Palace Wurlitzer is its organ chambers.  These chambers house the ranks of pipes, the percussion and the organ's other effects which are tucked away behind the walls on either side of the Palace stage.  It is from these hidden chambers in conjunction with the sole power source for the organ located in the basement that the "mighty" Wurlitzer gets its might!

As a theatre sidenote, Lorain, Ohio also had the State Theatre located at 375 Broadway.  It housed one screen and had 1,350 seats.  In 1924, Lorain experienced a tornado that destroyed the State Theatre.  Sadly, it was demolished.  

 

Ther is an historical marker at the former theatre location commemorating those lost at the State Theatre due to the powerful tornado.  Though the State Theatre held strong by all reports, the nearby seven-story Wickens Furniture building was no match for the storm, falling on top of the theatre allowing many patrons in the State Theatre to run to the street.  Unfortunately, the roof weight of the Wickens building and some of its top floors concaved the State Theatre with the balcony crashing to the main floor leading to loss of life. Today, there is an historical marker at 383 Broadway commemorating lives lost.  The theatre's remains were ultimately razed on June 30, 1924.

Historical Marker Inscription

Just after 5:00 P.M. on June 28, 1924, a tornado swept off Lake Erie directly into downtown Lorain.  Within five minutes, seventy-eight people lost their lives.  Fifteen died in the old State Theatre that stood upon this site, as an audience of two hundred watched a Saturday afternoon musical performance.  More than one thousand suffered injuries.  The tornado did extensive damage to the business district, destroyed 500 homes and damaged a thousand more.  The city's largest industry, the American Shipbuilding yards, was severely damaged.  The tornado, which had hit Sandusky before striking Lorain, continued along the shoreline and struck Sheffeld and Avon minutes later.  Contemporary accounts listed eighty-two deaths resulting from the deadliest tornado in Ohio's history.