If you missed our "premiere" Hamp Film Show in 2009, here's your chance to view a sampling of this exceptional historical collection on Wednesday, September 13th. This special Society program will be held in the North Tonawanda Common Council Chambers at City Hall on Payne Avenue.
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.
Do you know of anyone who was part of the Polar Club of 1932?
Enjoy viewing the clothing, cars, and buildings in each era, as well as picking out people you recognize or figuring out what has replaced various landmarks or other changes that took place as the cities developed.
Whether you are 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, you'll find there is a little something for everyone.
While this is just a sampling of the entire Hamp film collection, we hope you will join us to see for yourself some of what Fred saw and recorded of our local history. Since this is a public event, please feel free to bring a guest.
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.