This day in history: October 31

On October 31, many Americans celebrate the traditions of Halloween by dressing in costumes and telling tales of witches and ghosts.

This day in history: October 30

José Manuel Gallegos was born in Spanish colonial Mexico, in the town of Abiquiú, Nuevo México, on October 30, 1815. His people were Hispanos, descendants of early Spanish settlers.

This day in history: October 29

African-American folk artist Harriet Powers External, nationally recognized for her quilts, was born in rural Georgia on October 29, 1837.

This day in history: October 28

On October 28, 1919, Congress passed the Volstead Act providing for enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified nine months earlier. Known as the Prohibition Amendment, it prohibited the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in the United States.

This day in history: October 27

On October 27, 1787, the first of 85 essays was published in New York’s Independent Journal later to become known as the “Federalist Papers.”

This day in Mohawk Valley History: October 19, 1876

The October 19, 1876, Fulton County Republican, Johnstown, New York, reports on how long mail is taking to travel in the Mohawk Valley.

This day in history: October 17 in Utica, NY

On October 17, 1907, the Utica Daily Press reported on a Oneida Nation delegation’s appeal to New York Governor Hughes.

This day in Mohawk Valley History: October 13, 1900

The October 13, 1900 Gloversville Daily Leader reports on the Local Record. The Big Locomotive: Engine 999.