4-16-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 Years Ago
Home & Vicinity – A building fund contribution box has been placed in the Y.M.C.A. rooms. Attention was called to the box last Sunday at the association meeting and $1.11 was dropped into it. This it is proposed shall be the nucleus of a fund which it is hoped speedily to enlarge until the association shall feel warranted in commencing an association building in Oneonta.
About $30 was netted by the “What Talk” of the Y.M.C.A. last Friday evening. The talk, by Captain Wood, was interesting and, at periods, glowing. Recitations were well rendered by Jessica Terwilliger, Grace Rowe and Stewart Tompkins, and a song “The Army Bean,” by J.C. Richmond, was heartily encored.
April 1885
100 Years Ago
The City Club of Oneonta held its first annual meeting Friday evening with practically the full membership in attendance. The club now has 148 resident and 16 non-resident members. The fiscal year closes with all the bills paid and a considerable surplus in the treasury. The officers are as follows: President, A.L. Kellogg; First Vice-President, E.D. Townsend; Second Vice President, Frank L. Sherman; Treasurer, Harry C. Bard; Secretary, Sumner N. Parks; and Directors to serve three years, C.L. Bowdish and A.J. Thompson.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
The public service commission has granted the petition of the Delaware & Hudson railroad to discontinue operation on 15 days notice to the public of four passenger trains between Albany and Altamont. Oneonta D&H employees are particularly interested in this move because of the fact that they may be “bumped” by crews now operating the Altamont trains that hold preferred runs and are entitled to rights in case they decide to exercise them. Public Service Commissioner Lunn, in a memorandum, states: “that the company is gradually losing the paying patrons which is readily observed and is a fact known to all acquainted with the present trend of passenger revenue decrease on nearly all railroads due to competition of the private motor car and motor bus.”
April 1930
40 Years Ago
Off to spend three exciting days in New York City are 4-H’ers Nancy Baird of Oneonta, Carol Lynch of Oneonta, and Lulu Olmstead of Laurens. These three girls were selected by the Home Economics Advisory Committee to participate in this 4-H home economics award trip. Selection was based on their outstanding home economics achievements. They will be in New York City on April 13, 14 and 15 where they will join with other 4-H representatives from the Eastern District counties. Mrs. T.H. Gladstone, leader of the Thimblena 4-H Club in Otego, was chosen to accompany the girls. The Otsego County Bankers Association is sponsoring the trip.
April 1970
30 Years Ago
The Otsego County Planning Department has been without a director for the past six months and may soon be without an economic developer following the resignation, effective May 4, of Fred Paris. In a letter to Charles Bateman, chair of the county’s board committee on inter-governmental affairs, Mr. Paris, 27, cited the inability to do a good job because of the understaffed department. Paris has worked as economic developer for the department since 1975 and has been serving as acting planning director since the departure of Mayo Snyder last October. Mr. Paris is of the opinion that in order to be adequately staffed, the department should consist of a planning director, an economic developer, a planner and a typist.
April 1980
20 Years Ago
April 1990
10 Years Ago
Judith S. Kaye, Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, attended the dedication of the Children’s Center at the Otsego County Office Building last Friday. The cheerfully decorated Center, which has been open since September of last year, provides what the judge described as “a caring and safe place for children” while parents or care-givers attend to serious matters in the Otsego County Family Court or the Department of Social Services. “I have seen the children in family court, and it is not a good place for children to be,” said Judge Kaye. The local center is the 27th such facility to be opened in New York.
April 2000
4-16-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
I have often said and I now repeat it again, that it ever was, and still is the desire of the party styled federal, to curtail the rights of the common class of people and bring them under bondage. In order to deceive they style themselves “Federal Republicans,” “Friends of the People,” “Disciples of Washington,” &c., &c., setting up the hue and cry against Democracy – setting it forth as being something very terrible, and, if adhered to, will utterly destroy liberty and equality. I believe the people of America, generally speaking, would choose the best, and as a democratic government is the only pure republican government on earth, if they are rightly informed such they will support.
April 14, 1810
175 YEAR AGO
Married in the Presbyterian Church, Cherry Valley, on the evening of the 6th, instant (April 6), by the Rev. Mr. Lochead, Asahel Grant, M.D., of Utica, N.Y. to Miss Judith S. Campbell, adopted daughter of the Hon. William Campbell, Surveyor General. Doctor and Mrs. Grant, are, we understand, about to sail from Boston to Constantinople, as missionaries destined to the city of Ooramiah, in Persia, where they expect to join the Rev. Mr. Perkins and wife, already in that country. Their route from Constantinople will be, first to Trebizond on the Black Sea, and then by land to Erzeroom and Tabreez to Ooramiah. This mission is to the Nestorians, a Christian sect that originated in the fifth century, somewhat numerous, and who have persevered in refusing to connect themselves with the Church of Rome. If the mission succeeds in establishing Schools and Seminaries of Science, as it is believed it will in one of the Provinces of Persia, much good is anticipated from it by the Christian public.
April 13, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The Cooper Memorial, now standing in Lakewood Cemetery, has received an appropriate and fitting completion, in the statuette of Leatherstocking, recently erected upon the top. We believe we but express the opinion of everyone, who has viewed this work of art when we say that the sculptor, Launtz, has succeeded in presenting a perfect embodiment in marble of the hero of the “Pioneers.”
April 13, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The quarrel over Afghanistan: Afghanistan has a territory of about 200,000 square miles and a population of about 7,500,000. Her soldiers are brave and hardy. It was in 1747 that they liberated their country from the rule of Persia. In regard to the present quarrel of England and Russia over Afghanistan, the New York Journals states: “Prejudice for, or against Russia or England should not be allowed to blind the public opinion of America to the real cause of the present crisis in Central Asia. With the war we have nothing to do either as principals or as seconds. We are good friends of both sides. Any expression of sympathy on our part for either would be injudicious and ill-timed. Americans need not be, and ought not to be, pro-English or pro-Russian.”
April 18, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The following teachers have been engaged for the faculty of the Cooperstown Union High School for the year 1910-1911: M.J. Multer, B.A., principal, Department of Mathematics; C. Arlene Lyman, A.B. Department of Latin and History; Antoinette K. Owens, Department of History and English; Alice A. Fish, A.B. Department of Modern Languages; Lucy M. Elliott, A.B., Department of Science; Lulu Fryat, Department of Elocution and Physical Culture; Minnie A. Persons, Department of Drawing and Music; M. Estelle Hume, Principal of Grammar Department; Sara E. Lippitt, Assistant in Grammar Department; Ida M. Van Deusen, Fifth Grade; Fannie A. Yencer, Fourth Grade; Nina G. De La Fleur, Third Grade; Minnie E. Lloyd, Second Grade; Mabel E. Davis, First Grade.
April 16, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Mrs. Ambrose Clark’s Kellsboro Jack won the Scottish Grand National Handicap Steeplechase on Saturday from Lord Roseberry’s Keen Blade, Lady Lindsay’s Apostasy, and three others. The race, run over a three-mile-seven-furlong course at Bogside, Scotland, was worth 700 pounds. Kellsboro Jack won by eight lengths and paid even money. Kellsboro Jack won the Grand National at Aintree, England, world’s greatest steeplechase, last year.
April 17, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
More than 225 persons attended the Hat Show and Tea held last Wednesday at Fenimore House, sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Cooperstown. Mrs. LeRoy L. Parshall and Mrs. Mark M. Lehmkuhl were hostesses and Mrs. Eugene D. Rames, dressed as the Easter Bunny, met everyone at the door and also escorted the first model down the ramp. Featured in the show were the exclusive hats created by Mrs. Byron S. Brokaw of Binghamton. Models for the event were: Mrs. Adrian A. Pierson, Mrs. Harold W. Shafer Mrs. W. Douglas Feeck, Mrs. H. Gregory Lippitt, Mrs. Joseph P. Leary, Mrs. Lewis I. Whipple, Mrs. Donald R. Lettis, Mrs. David G. Morris, and Mrs. Arthur T. Peevers. Mrs. John E. Casey was general chair of the affair.
April 13, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
10 YEARS AGO
Three local historians – Tom Heitz, Jessie Ravage and Hugh MacDougall – are the organizers of “Save the Station,” an effort directed at saving the old D. & H. Railway Station, now used as a residence, from threatened demolition. Petitions will be circulated for Cooperstown and area residents to sign beginning this week. The committee has three goals, the first of which is to educate others about the station’s history, architecture and significance. “Our second goal is to explore potential adaptive uses for the station that will preserve its essential character and secure its future as an historic structure,” Heitz said. The third goal is to generate public support and dialogue regarding the station. “Save the Station seeks a future for the station that preserves its historic integrity, while addressing the needs of the current owners, the concerns of neighbors and the interests of the community as a whole,” Heitz said. (Ed. Note: The former D&H station survived demolition and was later sold to a purchaser who restored the building and continues to use it as a residence.
April 21, 2000
4-9-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 Years Ago
Home & Vicinity – Dr. Charles Knapp, without any doubt whatever the main mover in the horrible grave robbery at Milford Centre a few months since, and over whose head an indictment is hanging for the crime, was graduated from the Montreal Medical College last February, and having purchased a portion of the practice and formed a partnership with one of the Montreal physicians, has settled in that city.
The night express train west was delayed several hours Sunday night by running into a large stone which had rolled upon the track in a cut east of Richmondville. The engine was thrown from the track and the pilot was broken.
April 1885
100 Years Ago
The Local News – Work is going rapidly forward for the new Central Hotel building. Considerable iron work has been received, and it is hoped to have the bank ready for occupancy by July and the hotel itself in November. The latest plans are for four bowling alleys, a billiard parlor and barber shop in the basement. Already, inquiries for stores, barber shop, bowling alleys and the hotel itself are coming in, and probably all will be rented before the building is finished.
There was a collision Sunday afternoon at the corner of Walnut and Church streets between a city trolley car and the automobile of F.H. Bresee. The auto was just turning the corner into Church Street and had been slowed down, when the trolley came at a good rate of speed down the line. Mr. Bresee was unable to get across the track before trolley and auto collided. All the occupants of the auto were badly jarred. Mrs. Jamison White, who is visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. L.H. Bresee, suffered worst of all. No bones were broken, but the bruises required the services of a physician for a day or two.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
With the return Monday of H.H. Linn from Florida, where he had been spending the winter, final approval of specifications for the mass production trailer which is to be built at the West End plant of the Linn Trailer Co., is now being given. On his southern trip, Mr. Linn traveled with a trailer attached to his Packard coupe and this 3,800 mile test convinced him that all details of the trailer have been perfected. Mr. Linn picked up orders for 26 trailers in spite of the fact that the trip was made for pleasure. A number of individuals trailed him for miles until he stopped so that they might learn about the unique type of trailer that he was towing. The trailer will be marketed under the name “U-Can-Bac,” indicative of the patented automatic device developed by Mr. Linn which assures that the car to which the trailer is attached can back up under any circumstances.
April 1930
60 Years Ago
The third annual Farm and Home Show sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce at the State Armory closed Saturday night with a new record high attendance recorded, in spite of bad weather and the inauguration of a small admission charge for adults. Nearly 10,000 adults attended the show during its three days last week and an equal number of children were admitted without charge. Total attendance last year was 17,000. The high point of the show was the auction of the dressed poultry and baby chicks entered in competition by poultry men of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The floor of the Armory fronting the poultry display was packed with spectators and active bidders during the auction. The Grand Champion entry of dressed poultry, a 2.5 pound fryer, was sold to Donald Whiteman for $1.30.
April 1950
40 Years Ago
A planned outdoor rock music festival for 25,000 college students on a farm in the Town of Worcester, May 2 and 3 is not to be. Supreme Court Justice David F. Lee, Jr., of Norwich, granted the Town of Worcester a temporary injunction barring the festival after a 90-minute hearing in the Broome County Courthouse Friday. Justice Lee also directed that the promoters of the festival refrain from selling any more tickets and cease advertising the event. James M. Coogan of Yonkers, a lawyer representing the promoters, estimated damages to his clients at about $50,000. Coogan asked Justice Lee to estimate damages as well for purposes of a lawsuit should an appellate court fail to affirm Justice Lee’s decision on the injunction. Justice Lee also ruled last month that a proposed rock concert at Song Mountain Ski Center in Cortland County cannot be held. In that decision, Justice Lee said area highways were inadequate to handle an audience of 30,000 and would tax police and hospital facilities. The Otsego County Board of Representatives, at their meeting on Wednesday, adopted a resolution expressing their concerns about music festivals. More than 100 persons protested the proposed Worcester festival at a Town meeting on Tuesday.
April 1970
30 Years Ago
April 1980
20 Years Ago
Consumers are still getting less than what they are paying for on many grocery items sold at area stores. Recent surveys conducted locally show that consumers are getting 5.18 ounces in a box of Knox orange-flavored gelatin which is listed as 8.6 ounces on the unit price sticker at the Great American in Oneonta. Unit quantities have not changed for Value Time peanut butter, which is being sold in 40-ounce jars for $3.99, even though the label reads 48 ounces. Consumers are paying 99 cents for 192.5 square feet of Mega toilet tissue when they should be getting 225 square feet.
April 1990
10 Years Ago
On April 20th the Otsego County Drug Treatment Court will begin operation, joining the 500 active drug courts in the country in a program that combines drug and alcohol treatment programs, mandatory drug testing, and educational training to help people kick their substance abuse habits for good. Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma, who will be presiding over the drug court.
April 2000
4-9-10 FREEMANS JOURNAL 200 YEARS AGO
Died in Hartwick on the 30th ult. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, consort of Mr. Stephen Smith, in the 64th year of her age, Mrs. Smith’s health had been decaying for some time, under the ravages of consumption; and her constitution finally gave way to the influence of that formidable disease. Her sufferings were very considerable, but her patience and fortitude were conspicuous throughout. The many virtues which adorned her character endeared her to her family and those who were intimately acquainted with her. Her bereft husband and children have to lament in her death, a loss to them irreparable.
April 7, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
A Tailor’s Advertisement – Call and Examine – Hollenbeck & Nash, having made arrangements by which they are enabled to do all work in their line, in a manner far superior to anything ever done before in the County or State, and perhaps in the United States, would respectfully notify the public that their shop is the place where work is done to perfection, not excepting the “Fly-slipping down company,” and executed with the greatest dispatch and on the most reasonable terms. (Ed. Note: The phrase “fly-slipping down” refers to a competitor’s deficient design for the crotch opening in a pair of pants).
April 6, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Judge Turner gave the concluding portion of his lecture on Friday evening last. The lecture was interesting throughout, and was interspersed with clever anecdotes and incidents, but there was two much of it. While we fully endorse what was said of Cooperstown, and of the need of more public spirit and a greater degree of sociability, no lecture should detain a crowded audience two hours in an ill-ventilated and not overly comfortable seated hall. It is at the same time proper to state, that much has been done within the past seven or eight years in the way of local improvements. The “drive” which the lecturer made at our church architecture and at the two miserable old District Schools on the corporation met with decided approval.
April 6, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Colored Republicans Leaving the Party – We recently met a very intelligent Southern gentleman, who in the course of conversation relating to the recent election and its result, said: “One effect will be to break up the solid position of the blacks, who have been led to believe that the Democrats are their enemies, seeking to restore them to slavery, and hence they have uniformly voted with the Republicans. This has also led the whites, partly for self-protection, to unite in opposition, and the great body of them have voted the Democratic ticket. The blacks are becoming rapidly undeceived, and many of them at the next election will vote with the Democrats.
April 11, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Personal – Mrs. Stephen C. Clark of Albany, and her guest, Miss Cynthia Sherwood of New York, were over-Sunday visitors in town. The Misses Abigail and Nellie Clinton have rented the Babbitt House on Chestnut Street, recently occupied by Chas. F. White, and will begin housekeeping there in the near future. Miss Fannie Clinton of Oneonta will make her home with her sisters.
April 9, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Coach Lester Bursey’s Orange & Black basketball quintet copped the championship of the Class C sectional tournament of the New York State Interscholastic Athletic Association at the State Armory at Oneonta on Friday night of last week by a convincing margin of 41 to 26 in the final battle with Marcellus high school, winners of the title of the western division of Section 4. At assembly in the local school Monday morning Coach Bursey introduced the members of the squad and short speeches were made by the varsity men telling how it seems to be a champion. This was the final game of another most successful court season.
April 3, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
25 YEARS AGO
Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, M.D., former Physician-in-Chief (1955-1963) at Bassett hospital will return to Cooperstown on Friday, April 19th to deliver the third James Bordley, III Memorial Lecture at the Bassett Hall auditorium. Dr. Thomas, a world-renowned expert on bone marrow transplantation, is currently professor of medicine and head of the Division of Oncology at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in Seattle. While at Bassett, Dr. Thomas and Research Physician Dr. Joseph W. Ferrebee, conducted the hospital’s pioneering studies in bone marrow transplantation in 1956.
April 10, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
On April 20, the Otsego County Drug Treatment Court will begin operation, joining the 500 active drug courts in the country in a program that combines drug and alcohol treatment programs, mandatory drug testing and educational training to help people kick their substance abuse habits.
April 7, 2000
100 Years Ago
The City Club of Oneonta held its first annual meeting Friday evening with practically the full membership in attendance. The club now has 148 resident and 16 non-resident members. The fiscal year closes with all the bills paid and a considerable surplus in the treasury. The officers are as follows: President, A.L. Kellogg; First Vice-President, E.D. Townsend; Second Vice President, Frank L. Sherman; Treasurer, Harry C. Bard; Secretary, Sumner N. Parks; and Directors to serve three years, C.L. Bowdish and A.J. Thompson.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
The public service commission has granted the petition of the Delaware & Hudson railroad to discontinue operation on 15 days notice to the public of four passenger trains between Albany and Altamont. Oneonta D&H employees are particularly interested in this move because of the fact that they may be “bumped” by crews now operating the Altamont trains that hold preferred runs and are entitled to rights in case they decide to exercise them. Public Service Commissioner Lunn, in a memorandum, states: “that the company is gradually losing the paying patrons which is readily observed and is a fact known to all acquainted with the present trend of passenger revenue decrease on nearly all railroads due to competition of the private motor car and motor bus.”
April 1930
40 Years Ago
Off to spend three exciting days in New York City are 4-H’ers Nancy Baird of Oneonta, Carol Lynch of Oneonta, and Lulu Olmstead of Laurens. These three girls were selected by the Home Economics Advisory Committee to participate in this 4-H home economics award trip. Selection was based on their outstanding home economics achievements. They will be in New York City on April 13, 14 and 15 where they will join with other 4-H representatives from the Eastern District counties. Mrs. T.H. Gladstone, leader of the Thimblena 4-H Club in Otego, was chosen to accompany the girls. The Otsego County Bankers Association is sponsoring the trip.
April 1970
30 Years Ago
The Otsego County Planning Department has been without a director for the past six months and may soon be without an economic developer following the resignation, effective May 4, of Fred Paris. In a letter to Charles Bateman, chair of the county’s board committee on inter-governmental affairs, Mr. Paris, 27, cited the inability to do a good job because of the understaffed department. Paris has worked as economic developer for the department since 1975 and has been serving as acting planning director since the departure of Mayo Snyder last October. Mr. Paris is of the opinion that in order to be adequately staffed, the department should consist of a planning director, an economic developer, a planner and a typist.
April 1980
20 Years Ago
April 1990
10 Years Ago
Judith S. Kaye, Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, attended the dedication of the Children’s Center at the Otsego County Office Building last Friday. The cheerfully decorated Center, which has been open since September of last year, provides what the judge described as “a caring and safe place for children” while parents or care-givers attend to serious matters in the Otsego County Family Court or the Department of Social Services. “I have seen the children in family court, and it is not a good place for children to be,” said Judge Kaye. The local center is the 27th such facility to be opened in New York.
April 2000
4-16-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
I have often said and I now repeat it again, that it ever was, and still is the desire of the party styled federal, to curtail the rights of the common class of people and bring them under bondage. In order to deceive they style themselves “Federal Republicans,” “Friends of the People,” “Disciples of Washington,” &c., &c., setting up the hue and cry against Democracy – setting it forth as being something very terrible, and, if adhered to, will utterly destroy liberty and equality. I believe the people of America, generally speaking, would choose the best, and as a democratic government is the only pure republican government on earth, if they are rightly informed such they will support.
April 14, 1810
175 YEAR AGO
Married in the Presbyterian Church, Cherry Valley, on the evening of the 6th, instant (April 6), by the Rev. Mr. Lochead, Asahel Grant, M.D., of Utica, N.Y. to Miss Judith S. Campbell, adopted daughter of the Hon. William Campbell, Surveyor General. Doctor and Mrs. Grant, are, we understand, about to sail from Boston to Constantinople, as missionaries destined to the city of Ooramiah, in Persia, where they expect to join the Rev. Mr. Perkins and wife, already in that country. Their route from Constantinople will be, first to Trebizond on the Black Sea, and then by land to Erzeroom and Tabreez to Ooramiah. This mission is to the Nestorians, a Christian sect that originated in the fifth century, somewhat numerous, and who have persevered in refusing to connect themselves with the Church of Rome. If the mission succeeds in establishing Schools and Seminaries of Science, as it is believed it will in one of the Provinces of Persia, much good is anticipated from it by the Christian public.
April 13, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The Cooper Memorial, now standing in Lakewood Cemetery, has received an appropriate and fitting completion, in the statuette of Leatherstocking, recently erected upon the top. We believe we but express the opinion of everyone, who has viewed this work of art when we say that the sculptor, Launtz, has succeeded in presenting a perfect embodiment in marble of the hero of the “Pioneers.”
April 13, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The quarrel over Afghanistan: Afghanistan has a territory of about 200,000 square miles and a population of about 7,500,000. Her soldiers are brave and hardy. It was in 1747 that they liberated their country from the rule of Persia. In regard to the present quarrel of England and Russia over Afghanistan, the New York Journals states: “Prejudice for, or against Russia or England should not be allowed to blind the public opinion of America to the real cause of the present crisis in Central Asia. With the war we have nothing to do either as principals or as seconds. We are good friends of both sides. Any expression of sympathy on our part for either would be injudicious and ill-timed. Americans need not be, and ought not to be, pro-English or pro-Russian.”
April 18, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The following teachers have been engaged for the faculty of the Cooperstown Union High School for the year 1910-1911: M.J. Multer, B.A., principal, Department of Mathematics; C. Arlene Lyman, A.B. Department of Latin and History; Antoinette K. Owens, Department of History and English; Alice A. Fish, A.B. Department of Modern Languages; Lucy M. Elliott, A.B., Department of Science; Lulu Fryat, Department of Elocution and Physical Culture; Minnie A. Persons, Department of Drawing and Music; M. Estelle Hume, Principal of Grammar Department; Sara E. Lippitt, Assistant in Grammar Department; Ida M. Van Deusen, Fifth Grade; Fannie A. Yencer, Fourth Grade; Nina G. De La Fleur, Third Grade; Minnie E. Lloyd, Second Grade; Mabel E. Davis, First Grade.
April 16, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Mrs. Ambrose Clark’s Kellsboro Jack won the Scottish Grand National Handicap Steeplechase on Saturday from Lord Roseberry’s Keen Blade, Lady Lindsay’s Apostasy, and three others. The race, run over a three-mile-seven-furlong course at Bogside, Scotland, was worth 700 pounds. Kellsboro Jack won by eight lengths and paid even money. Kellsboro Jack won the Grand National at Aintree, England, world’s greatest steeplechase, last year.
April 17, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
More than 225 persons attended the Hat Show and Tea held last Wednesday at Fenimore House, sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Cooperstown. Mrs. LeRoy L. Parshall and Mrs. Mark M. Lehmkuhl were hostesses and Mrs. Eugene D. Rames, dressed as the Easter Bunny, met everyone at the door and also escorted the first model down the ramp. Featured in the show were the exclusive hats created by Mrs. Byron S. Brokaw of Binghamton. Models for the event were: Mrs. Adrian A. Pierson, Mrs. Harold W. Shafer Mrs. W. Douglas Feeck, Mrs. H. Gregory Lippitt, Mrs. Joseph P. Leary, Mrs. Lewis I. Whipple, Mrs. Donald R. Lettis, Mrs. David G. Morris, and Mrs. Arthur T. Peevers. Mrs. John E. Casey was general chair of the affair.
April 13, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
10 YEARS AGO
Three local historians – Tom Heitz, Jessie Ravage and Hugh MacDougall – are the organizers of “Save the Station,” an effort directed at saving the old D. & H. Railway Station, now used as a residence, from threatened demolition. Petitions will be circulated for Cooperstown and area residents to sign beginning this week. The committee has three goals, the first of which is to educate others about the station’s history, architecture and significance. “Our second goal is to explore potential adaptive uses for the station that will preserve its essential character and secure its future as an historic structure,” Heitz said. The third goal is to generate public support and dialogue regarding the station. “Save the Station seeks a future for the station that preserves its historic integrity, while addressing the needs of the current owners, the concerns of neighbors and the interests of the community as a whole,” Heitz said. (Ed. Note: The former D&H station survived demolition and was later sold to a purchaser who restored the building and continues to use it as a residence.
April 21, 2000
4-9-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 Years Ago
Home & Vicinity – Dr. Charles Knapp, without any doubt whatever the main mover in the horrible grave robbery at Milford Centre a few months since, and over whose head an indictment is hanging for the crime, was graduated from the Montreal Medical College last February, and having purchased a portion of the practice and formed a partnership with one of the Montreal physicians, has settled in that city.
The night express train west was delayed several hours Sunday night by running into a large stone which had rolled upon the track in a cut east of Richmondville. The engine was thrown from the track and the pilot was broken.
April 1885
100 Years Ago
The Local News – Work is going rapidly forward for the new Central Hotel building. Considerable iron work has been received, and it is hoped to have the bank ready for occupancy by July and the hotel itself in November. The latest plans are for four bowling alleys, a billiard parlor and barber shop in the basement. Already, inquiries for stores, barber shop, bowling alleys and the hotel itself are coming in, and probably all will be rented before the building is finished.
There was a collision Sunday afternoon at the corner of Walnut and Church streets between a city trolley car and the automobile of F.H. Bresee. The auto was just turning the corner into Church Street and had been slowed down, when the trolley came at a good rate of speed down the line. Mr. Bresee was unable to get across the track before trolley and auto collided. All the occupants of the auto were badly jarred. Mrs. Jamison White, who is visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. L.H. Bresee, suffered worst of all. No bones were broken, but the bruises required the services of a physician for a day or two.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
With the return Monday of H.H. Linn from Florida, where he had been spending the winter, final approval of specifications for the mass production trailer which is to be built at the West End plant of the Linn Trailer Co., is now being given. On his southern trip, Mr. Linn traveled with a trailer attached to his Packard coupe and this 3,800 mile test convinced him that all details of the trailer have been perfected. Mr. Linn picked up orders for 26 trailers in spite of the fact that the trip was made for pleasure. A number of individuals trailed him for miles until he stopped so that they might learn about the unique type of trailer that he was towing. The trailer will be marketed under the name “U-Can-Bac,” indicative of the patented automatic device developed by Mr. Linn which assures that the car to which the trailer is attached can back up under any circumstances.
April 1930
60 Years Ago
The third annual Farm and Home Show sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce at the State Armory closed Saturday night with a new record high attendance recorded, in spite of bad weather and the inauguration of a small admission charge for adults. Nearly 10,000 adults attended the show during its three days last week and an equal number of children were admitted without charge. Total attendance last year was 17,000. The high point of the show was the auction of the dressed poultry and baby chicks entered in competition by poultry men of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The floor of the Armory fronting the poultry display was packed with spectators and active bidders during the auction. The Grand Champion entry of dressed poultry, a 2.5 pound fryer, was sold to Donald Whiteman for $1.30.
April 1950
40 Years Ago
A planned outdoor rock music festival for 25,000 college students on a farm in the Town of Worcester, May 2 and 3 is not to be. Supreme Court Justice David F. Lee, Jr., of Norwich, granted the Town of Worcester a temporary injunction barring the festival after a 90-minute hearing in the Broome County Courthouse Friday. Justice Lee also directed that the promoters of the festival refrain from selling any more tickets and cease advertising the event. James M. Coogan of Yonkers, a lawyer representing the promoters, estimated damages to his clients at about $50,000. Coogan asked Justice Lee to estimate damages as well for purposes of a lawsuit should an appellate court fail to affirm Justice Lee’s decision on the injunction. Justice Lee also ruled last month that a proposed rock concert at Song Mountain Ski Center in Cortland County cannot be held. In that decision, Justice Lee said area highways were inadequate to handle an audience of 30,000 and would tax police and hospital facilities. The Otsego County Board of Representatives, at their meeting on Wednesday, adopted a resolution expressing their concerns about music festivals. More than 100 persons protested the proposed Worcester festival at a Town meeting on Tuesday.
April 1970
30 Years Ago
April 1980
20 Years Ago
Consumers are still getting less than what they are paying for on many grocery items sold at area stores. Recent surveys conducted locally show that consumers are getting 5.18 ounces in a box of Knox orange-flavored gelatin which is listed as 8.6 ounces on the unit price sticker at the Great American in Oneonta. Unit quantities have not changed for Value Time peanut butter, which is being sold in 40-ounce jars for $3.99, even though the label reads 48 ounces. Consumers are paying 99 cents for 192.5 square feet of Mega toilet tissue when they should be getting 225 square feet.
April 1990
10 Years Ago
On April 20th the Otsego County Drug Treatment Court will begin operation, joining the 500 active drug courts in the country in a program that combines drug and alcohol treatment programs, mandatory drug testing, and educational training to help people kick their substance abuse habits for good. Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma, who will be presiding over the drug court.
April 2000
4-9-10 FREEMANS JOURNAL 200 YEARS AGO
Died in Hartwick on the 30th ult. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, consort of Mr. Stephen Smith, in the 64th year of her age, Mrs. Smith’s health had been decaying for some time, under the ravages of consumption; and her constitution finally gave way to the influence of that formidable disease. Her sufferings were very considerable, but her patience and fortitude were conspicuous throughout. The many virtues which adorned her character endeared her to her family and those who were intimately acquainted with her. Her bereft husband and children have to lament in her death, a loss to them irreparable.
April 7, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
A Tailor’s Advertisement – Call and Examine – Hollenbeck & Nash, having made arrangements by which they are enabled to do all work in their line, in a manner far superior to anything ever done before in the County or State, and perhaps in the United States, would respectfully notify the public that their shop is the place where work is done to perfection, not excepting the “Fly-slipping down company,” and executed with the greatest dispatch and on the most reasonable terms. (Ed. Note: The phrase “fly-slipping down” refers to a competitor’s deficient design for the crotch opening in a pair of pants).
April 6, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Judge Turner gave the concluding portion of his lecture on Friday evening last. The lecture was interesting throughout, and was interspersed with clever anecdotes and incidents, but there was two much of it. While we fully endorse what was said of Cooperstown, and of the need of more public spirit and a greater degree of sociability, no lecture should detain a crowded audience two hours in an ill-ventilated and not overly comfortable seated hall. It is at the same time proper to state, that much has been done within the past seven or eight years in the way of local improvements. The “drive” which the lecturer made at our church architecture and at the two miserable old District Schools on the corporation met with decided approval.
April 6, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Colored Republicans Leaving the Party – We recently met a very intelligent Southern gentleman, who in the course of conversation relating to the recent election and its result, said: “One effect will be to break up the solid position of the blacks, who have been led to believe that the Democrats are their enemies, seeking to restore them to slavery, and hence they have uniformly voted with the Republicans. This has also led the whites, partly for self-protection, to unite in opposition, and the great body of them have voted the Democratic ticket. The blacks are becoming rapidly undeceived, and many of them at the next election will vote with the Democrats.
April 11, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Personal – Mrs. Stephen C. Clark of Albany, and her guest, Miss Cynthia Sherwood of New York, were over-Sunday visitors in town. The Misses Abigail and Nellie Clinton have rented the Babbitt House on Chestnut Street, recently occupied by Chas. F. White, and will begin housekeeping there in the near future. Miss Fannie Clinton of Oneonta will make her home with her sisters.
April 9, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Coach Lester Bursey’s Orange & Black basketball quintet copped the championship of the Class C sectional tournament of the New York State Interscholastic Athletic Association at the State Armory at Oneonta on Friday night of last week by a convincing margin of 41 to 26 in the final battle with Marcellus high school, winners of the title of the western division of Section 4. At assembly in the local school Monday morning Coach Bursey introduced the members of the squad and short speeches were made by the varsity men telling how it seems to be a champion. This was the final game of another most successful court season.
April 3, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
25 YEARS AGO
Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, M.D., former Physician-in-Chief (1955-1963) at Bassett hospital will return to Cooperstown on Friday, April 19th to deliver the third James Bordley, III Memorial Lecture at the Bassett Hall auditorium. Dr. Thomas, a world-renowned expert on bone marrow transplantation, is currently professor of medicine and head of the Division of Oncology at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in Seattle. While at Bassett, Dr. Thomas and Research Physician Dr. Joseph W. Ferrebee, conducted the hospital’s pioneering studies in bone marrow transplantation in 1956.
April 10, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
On April 20, the Otsego County Drug Treatment Court will begin operation, joining the 500 active drug courts in the country in a program that combines drug and alcohol treatment programs, mandatory drug testing and educational training to help people kick their substance abuse habits.
April 7, 2000
4-2-09
Home & Vicinity – One of the best minstrel shows ever in Oneonta was that by Gorton’s New Orleans Company on Tuesday evening. The opera house was crowded to overflowing, and from the first act to the last the audience manifested its approval by hearty applause. There were no stale and no poor features to the entertainment. The troupe will be sure of a good house when next they come this way.
Clifford Wilber and James Whipple were arrested on Main Street yesterday afternoon by Officer Morton for intoxication. When the officer reached the head of Front Street with his prisoners, on his way to the lock-up, they showed fight and a lively tussle was had, during which Whipple set his teeth deep into the thumb of Mr. Morton. Wilber escaped during the fracas and secured himself in a barn, but was recaptured. He was fined $3 and costs. Whipple, being an old offender, was fined $9 or 30 days in jail. He went to Cooperstown.
April 1885
100 Years Ago
The Local News – Buster Brown and his dog Tige were an afternoon and evening attraction for two days last week in the show windows at Wilder’s. They were advertising the famous Buster Brown stockings, and so long as they were in the window the streets were crowded with spectators.
The work of completing the laying of brick on the upper Main Street pavement was resumed this week and with pleasant weather should be finished in a few days, making a continuous stretch of pavement from Luther Street through Main to the old village corporation line at the intersection of Main and Sand Streets.
“Our new Minister” with the original cast will be presented next Monday afternoon and evening at the Oneonta Theatre. Matinee tickets will be 25 cents; evening, 25, 35 and 50 cents.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
Three Hartwick College girls and the father of two of them were slightly injured and the seven-passenger sedan in which they were riding was slightly damaged, when it collided head-on last Wednesday on the Edmeston Bridge with a five-ton truck of the Edmeston Products Corporation. Miss Ruth Simonson, 19, was driving the sedan when the accident occurred. Her father, Marvin Simonson, of Stamford was riding in the front seat with her. Her sister, Naoma Simonson, 20, and Miss Viola Ecklund, 20, were riding on the back seat. The party had motored to Leonardsville and was returning to Oneonta. As they crossed the Edmeston bridge, the truck, operated by Joe Henkes, approached from the opposite end. Miss Simonson thought the driver was going to stop the truck and allow her to get off the bridge, but the truck continued to approach and a head-on collision resulted. The three girls were shaken up and suffered minor bruises, while Mr. Simonson received bodily injuries.
April 1930
60 Years Ago
Acting before the April Fool’s Day deadline, Oneonta barber Arthur F. Duggleby settled his three cent debt with the Veterans Administration by sending his personal check for two cents which together with a one cent credit on premiums for his life insurance policy squares his government account. “It cost me 33 cents to send the payment by registered mail and the Veterans Administration already spent 30 cents to dun me. I requested a receipt which will cost them still more,” Duggleby said. “Before we get through, it will cost a hundred times the pennies involved.”
April 1950
40 Years Ago
April 1970
30 Years Ago
Approximately 67 percent of motorists involved in accidents in New York State during 1979 did not use seat belts, the State Traffic Safety Council has announced. Council studies show more motorists and passengers buckle up on long haul trips but tend to overlook these devices on short trips. Unfortunately, studies show that most accidents happen on short trips when restraint systems are most needed, but seldom used. The Council plans to hold workshops statewide starting Tuesday, April 8, to explain why seat belts should be used at all times. The one-day workshops will cover research studies on car crashes and passenger restraints; federal standards on air bags and seat belts; medical aspects of restraint use relative to occupant injuries; New York’s proposed child restraint law; public support; available resources, and general education. During January 1980, 191 people died in 176 fatal accidents on New York highways, an increase of 14 percent over the 167 people killed in 148 crashes in January 1979. This year, 64 pedestrians made up nearly 34 percent of the total deaths. Last year, the fatalities included 59 pedestrians, two motorcyclists and bicyclist. No motorcycle or bicycle deaths have been recorded so far this year.
April 1980
20 Years Ago
Harold Schwab wonders what the fuss is about concerning Bettiol’s 23-acre fill project on Route 28 next door to his south side home. Some 50 protesters gathered briefly at the Bettiol property Sunday after marching from downtown via Bettiol’s flagship Red Barrel gas and convenience store at the Route 23/28 intersection. They staged a demonstration there before heading down Route 28 to the land that is marked by uprooted trees. “I think they’re wasting their time,” said Schwab. Referring to the trees on the site, he added: “The damage has already been done to the trees. They looked kind of scrubby anyway.” Schwab is the retired operator of a now-closed Texaco station on Route 28 in front of his mobile home where he has lived for 30 years.
April 1990
10 Years Ago
Paul Scheele, professor of political science at the State University College at Oneonta, will speak on Thursday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. at the Otsego County Courthouse, Main Street, in Cooperstown. Scheele’s presentation will be “We Get What We Vote For, Or Do We?” Scheele’s chief research interests include American national public policy and natural resource issues. He ha s recently edited a volume of readings focused on the impact of elections on governing. On Thursday, Scheele will discuss the myth of electoral mandates, the adoption of proportional representation and the proposition that American politics are becoming atomized.
April 2000
3-26-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Just received and for sale at the Otsego Bookstore – The “Alcoran of Mahomet” (Ed. Note: a version of the Koran) Price in 1 vol. 2 dollars; in 2 ditto, bound in calf and neatly gilt, with a copious preliminary discourse, and abounding with large explanatory notes, 750 cents. Likewise Spelling Books, Murray’s Grammar, American Selection, American Reader, Art of Reading, American Preceptor, Dwight’s Geography, &c., &c., &c.
March 31, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Died in the Town of Maryland, on the 23rd instant (March), Mr. Francis Peterson, in the 100th year of his age. The deceased was a soldier in the French War, and also in the War of the Revolution, and for the last few years of his life was a participator in the bounties of the government. Mr. P. always maintained the character of an honest, upright man. He had ever enjoyed remarkably good health, the effect probably of his temperate habits, and his last days were not embittered by pain or sickness, the wick of life having been burnt even to the socket, and the blaze extinguished from utter exhaustion.
March 30, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Rev. J.R. Nisbet’s lecture on “Burmah and the Burmans” was attentively listened to by a pleased and instructed audience, on Friday evening last. Mr. N. dwelt among that far-away and interesting heathen people, for a short time, as a Christian missionary, and his opportunities were of course ample for studying their habits, customs, traditions, religion, government, and laws – the nature of the climate, soil, mode of culture, &c. Lectures of this character are of great benefit, when delivered by one who has personally witnessed what he discourses about.
March 30, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Summary News: During the past few weeks our local exchanges have recorded an unusual amount of sickness in this and adjoining counties, and the deaths of large numbers of old people – partly due to the steady and prolonged cold weather. The sick have had the patient care and sympathy which it was natural to bestow; now there are many anxious watchers and tender nurses and faithful physicians, much worn by long vigils and the hardest of labor, who are worthy of all thoughtful consideration, and who greatly need rest and recuperation.
April 4, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Almshouse Plans Adopted – A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, necessitated by the forthcoming repairs at the county almshouse, was held Thursday. Architect E. Linn Kinne of Utica was present with plans for the erection of a new hospital building and dining pavilion and such repairs as were necessary to the old buildings, at a total cost not to exceed $25,000. These repairs and improvements will put the plant in first class shape and the new buildings will be so situated as to be available as part of a new system of buildings, when in future years the time comes for the abandonment of the old.
April 2, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
Doorbells began ringing Friday morning as the federal census of 1960 got underway in all areas of Otsego County. Mrs. Ernest A. Lippitt is directing the canvassing in the northern areas of the county. Canvassers working under Mrs. Lippitt’s direction are Mrs. Arloween Shipway, Cherry Valley; Mrs. Madeleine Callahan, Springfield; Mrs. Florence Telfer, Richfield Springs; Mrs. Katharine Perkins, Exeter; Mrs. Eileen Edwards, Plainfield; Orlo Woodbridge, Edmeston; Mrs. Carolyn Lindberg, Burlington; Mrs. Carmelita L. Parshall, Mrs. Beulah Williams, and Mrs. Eleanore Allen, Cooperstown area; Mrs. Martha Blencoe, Otsego and Middlefield; Mrs. Dorothy J. Dubben, Middlefield; Miss May Lum, Decatur, Roseboom and Westford; and Mrs. Mildred Marks, Field Reviewer. The pollsters will be paid about $10 daily.
April 6, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Next Monday when scads of kids and cartoon characters are swarming over the White House lawn having a grand time, Janet Munro will be down there working. She has been asked to do the official Easter egg painting for the White House as part of the traditional Easter Egg Roll and party. The Fly Creek resident, accompanied by her husband, Charles, and their three children, Jackie, 16, David, 14, and Chad, 8, will head to the nation’s capital at the end of the week. Mrs. Munro is nationally known for her work, which is included in the private collections of people like Senator Edward Kennedy, Dr. Benjamin Spock and institutions like the Smithsonian. Mrs. Munro, who has been painting for 18 years, likes to make things look as real as possible. “She has a sincere enthusiasm for depicting everyday life” which combines with an “extraordinary wealth of fine detail,” says Jay Johnson, head of the New York Gallery through which her art is handled.
Lester G. “Red” Bursey, the founder and moving force behind athletics in Cooperstown’s schools and community, died shortly before noon Monday at Bassett Hospital. He was 82. His innovation, good humor, warmth and optimism endeared him to the community he came to in 1925 as a physical education teacher. Bursey spent 43 years in Cooperstown’s schools and was the district’s first director of physical education and athletics.
April 3, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Gordy Robinson is one of a kind. The gas station he operates on Chestnut Street with his wife Barbara Gordon Robinson is the only service station in the village and he’s been at it since he was 17. In 1956, Gordy began working at his father Jessie’s service station then located on the corner of Beaver and Chestnut Streets. When Jessie retired in the mid-1960s, Gordy took over the business. The Robinsons moved into their current location across from the Great American about 21 years ago. And in all that time they’ve only taken one week off. The Robinsons’ station is much more than a place to get your oil changed or your tires rotated. A group of loyal customers and friends show up at the station, day in and day out, to share neighborhood news, watch a little TV, or just relax with a cup of coffee.
March 31, 2000
3-26-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Home & Vicinity – The walking match at the Metropolitan rink Saturday evening, between Willard A. Hoagland of Auburn and Wm. Landon of Oneonta, was won by Hoagland, who made the three miles in 24 minutes, 47 seconds. Though the contestants were unevenly matched, the race proved exciting. Another match has been announced for this evening, Hoagland giving Landon six laps start in a three-mile race. Hoagland is said to be the champion of the state.
The bill to regulate the attendance at roller skating rinks will prohibit girls not fourteen years of age from attending after five o’clock p.m. unless accompanied by parents or guardians, or having their written consent. It also prohibits the admission of children during school hours. March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
After several weeks of speculation, a definite announcement is made today relative to the fate of the property at the corner of Main and Dietz Streets, on which the Central Hotel block was formerly located. The entire plot, which with the 50 feet formerly purchased by the same interests, has a frontage of 150 feet on Main and of from 85 to 110 feet on Dietz Street, and in the rear, is purchased by the Jennings interests, who also take over the brick barn in the rear of the property. Title to the property will go to the Main and Dietz Building Co., which will probably be incorporated in Albany today. Plans for the building are for a handsome five-story structure. At the Main and Dietz corner the offices of the First National Bank will be located, and adjoining a store. Over these there will be business offices on the second floor. The middle part of the ground floor will contain the offices, dining room and café of the hotel, and the east end will be devoted to stores. The second floor, except over the bank, and all of the third and fourth floors will be part of the hotel, while on the fifth floor it is possible there will be club rooms and a café. Many details are as yet incomplete, but this is the general plan for a structure which completed will cost fully $200,000.
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
The progress of education among the Negroes in the South was the subject of an instructive and entertaining talk given by Miss Marilda Barrott at the March meeting of the First Baptist Missionary Society last evening. Mission schools were established in the South in 1865, and until about 10 years ago there were practically no Negro teachers available because of the opposition to allowing their race to have adequate educational opportunities. She told about the influence of missionaries which has finally brought about a willingness on the part of white people to support Negro schools financially. Miss Barrott said that it has been conclusively demonstrated that the two races can live together without friction. It has, however, been found more advantageous for the Negroes and white children to attend separate schools. The reason for this Miss Barrott said is that the Negroes have a feeling of inferiority when in school with whites and so cannot make the best use of their abilities. When studying in separate schools they can be natural and make better progress.
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Two schools in Otsego County are currently making their mark in the field of special education. Both the Otsego School in Edmeston (currently known as Pathfinder Village) and the Upstate Home for Children at Milford Center (currently known as Springbrook) care for the mentally retarded. The Otsego School was founded about 50 years ago by Miss Florence J. Chesebrough, R.N., who is presently a director of the institution, to show that Mongoloid could be taught to care for themselves. Essentially a “home school,” it seeks to “care for, train, and develop to their maximum potential the victim’s of Down’s Syndrome.” The program includes speech training, formation of good habits, coordination development, self-help, and table manners. The Upstate Home for Children was founded in 1923 as the Upstate Baptist Home and originally was a home for orphans. In 1967, it reorganized to give both residential and day care for mentally retarded children. Cost per student at both schools runs about $350 a month. The Otsego School has an enrollment of 58 boys and girls ranging in age from 30 days to adulthood. The Upstate Home has about 21 resident children and conducts a Day School at the First Baptist Church in Oneonta that serves children, ages 6 to 18.
March 1970
30 Years Ago
Rape, was the topic of a day-long consciousness-raising session in coordination with the Oneonta Rape Crisis Network. According to Donna Hotaling, since the network was formed in May, 1978, volunteers at the center have learned of 30 women who have actually been raped, or who have had close calls with attempted rapes. National statistics reveal that for every rape reported, five to 10 go unreported. That means as many as 150 to 200 rapes may have occurred in the area since May, 1978. Speakers at the session included Dr. John Spoor, Director of Health Services at SUCO, Dr. Marc Heller, attending obstetrician and gynecologist at Bassett Hospital, and Tim McCarthy of the Public Safety Department at SUCO.
March 1980
20 Years Ago
The State University College at Oneonta will host Bed and Breakfast accommodations owners and operators, and innkeepers, at a two-day conference and workshop sponsored by the Bed & Breakfast Association of New York State on April 2-3 in the Hunt Union on the campus. Fred Ermlich, assistant dean of Continuing Education at SUNY Oneonta, is conference chairman, and also the first president of the association which is known by the acronym BBANYS.
March 1990
10 Years Ago
Mary Gilkinson, coordinator of the Nutrition Outreach Campaign Program for Opportunities for Otsego, regularly comes into contact with members of the local community who have difficulty in providing enough food for their families to eat a consistently healthy diet. “The focus of our program is to help hook people up with the Food Stamps program,” Gilkinson said.
March 2000
3-26-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Caution – The subscribers, inhabitants of the Town of Milford, inform the public that Joseph Allen, Joseph Allen, Jr., Amasa Allen, David Powers and wife, and Lewis Ackley are not objects of charity, and that the Town of Milford is both willing and able to support its own Poor. Elihu Gifford, Elijah Bundy.
March 24, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Excerpt from the New York Times reprinted in The Freeman’s Journal: The U.S. ship Constitution went to sea yesterday morning, towed down by two steam boats, her fitting out having, in the space of three days, been completed, through the energy of her commander, seconded by the zealous exertions of his officers and crew. The ship is in the most perfect state of preparation, and presents a noble appearance. She must have crossed the bar about ten o’clock and went to sea with a pleasant breeze from the northwest which became more fair and still stronger in the afternoon.
March 23, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
New Store – Mr. D. B. Boden has opened a store for the sale of wines, liquors, cigars, &c. in the brick building owned and in part occupied by Mr. Root. Messrs. Bingham and Jarvis advertise the opening of a new drug and grocery store in the handsome building erected by them last season, connected with which is a bakery.
March 23, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Death of Miss Anne Charlotte Cooper – This unexpected event occurred on Sunday morning last after a few hours serious illness. She had been in delicate health for some weeks past, but was about the house as usual. On Friday morning her sister, Miss Susan F. Cooper, was taken suddenly and alarmingly ill, which called for the active services immediately about her, and excited the most serious apprehensions. The shock was too much for Miss Charlotte’s frail nervous system, and she sank under it, dying of nervous apoplexy. She had long led a very quiet but useful life, efficiently seconding the charitable efforts of her elder sister. She was a lady of marked gentleness and refinement, of a cheerful disposition, who will be greatly missed by those who knew her intimately. Miss Cooper was highly educated and her musical talent was of a superior order.
March 28, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
75 YEARS AGO
Discovery of a beaver village in Otsego County, said by old-timers to be the first known in 75 years, was reported Wednesday by Game Protectors Fred L. Barnard of Milford and Anton Semrov of Cherry Valley. The beaver village is located in Meadow Brook, about two miles south of Middlefield village and seven miles from Cooperstown. It consists of three dams and a hut, according to the game wardens. The beavers, about eight in number, are being protected against trappers by Mr. Barnard and Mr. Semrov as the present open season on the species does not apply to Otsego County. The dams are said to be partly on land owned by Supervisor Melvin C. Bundy of Cooperstown and partly on the Burton farm. The beaver family is believed to have migrated from the vicinity of Van Hornesville where increasing numbers have been reported each year.
March 27, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly, is going back to the mountains – not the Ozarks but the hills of Otsego County. After years of successfully catering corn pone to the café , society set, the belter of barefoot ballads has bought a half interest in the Duke’s Oak Summer Theatre at historic Cooperstown. The theater, along with a school for apprentice actors, is in a barn next door to The Daring Duchess, a night club that Dorothy already owns. Dorothy will be returning to the theatre world that she abandoned when Rodgers and Hammerstein asked her to play the lead in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun.” “I didn’t think I was ready then, so I turned them down and the part went to Ethel Merman,” Dorothy explained. “The chance never came again, but I don’t regret my decision. Now I can play any role I want. You have to follow your star no matter where it leads.”
March 30, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
When the fishing season opens next Monday Otsego Lake will offer something a lot of people are likely to be angling for – salmon. According to Jerry Barnhart, a supervising aquatic biologist with the DEC, salmon fishing in Otsego Lake could mean a bonanza for the area economy. Barnhart calculates that Otsego Lake will have about 6,000 salmon a year and at least 1,800 of them are likely to be caught. Since most salmon fishermen catch one every other trip that would mean about 3,600 trips. Barnhart believes that the value of a fisherman’s trip to catch salmon adds up to about $35 for residents, double for non-residents, counting first-generation expenditures for gas, food, bait, motel and boat rentals. That adds up to about $126,000 a year in revenues.
March 27, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
A photograph by Milo Stewart, Jr., chief photographer at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, has been selected from among more than 40,000 entries from 17,000 professional photographers in 164 countries as a winner in what organizers describe as “the photographic event of our time.” In 1999, the “Moments of Intimacy, Love and Kinship Competition” put out the call for photos in three categories – friendship, family and love – with prizes totaling $750,000 for the 300 winning entries. Stewart’s photograph of a mother and child was among the winners in the love category, netting him a $1,750 award.
March 24, 2000
3-12-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
3-05-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
175 YEARS AGO
Temperance Notice – The annual meeting of the Otsego County Temperance Society will be holden at the Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, on Thursday, the 5th day of March next, at 12 o’clock p.m. The Secretary of each society in the county will please send his annual report to the subscriber forthwith. It is desirable that each Secretary report not only the statistics of his own society, but also those of other societies, as far as he may know, in his own town. Each report will contain the present number of members – increase during the last year – number of places where ardent spirits are sold – number of temperance stores or Taverns, and every fact calculated to advance or retard the progress of Temperance. Levi C. Turner, Secretary, Cooperstown.
March 2, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
A Gymnasium – The young men of New York City seem to be waking up with a will to a thorough appreciation of the benefits of physical training and exercise. To supply the want thus created, new gymnasiums are being established all over the city. Why not have one in Cooperstown with a Reading Room attached? There are several fine rooms in the village suitable to that purpose.
March 2, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
New iron bridges have just been erected at Oaksville and Toddsville, each costing only $495. They are each about 53 feet long. The Oaksville bridge is erected at the expense of this town (Town of Otsego), and the other at the joint expense of Hartwick and Otsego. They are from the factory of the Groton Bridge Co., Tompkins County, and are very strong. We think our Commissioners – Luther Goodrich, John A. McEwen and C.N. Drake – are deserving of due credit in this matter, Goodrich and McEwen being personally present to superintend the placing of these bridges on Tuesday.
There was a slight shock of earthquake felt in this place and some of the surrounding towns on Saturday afternoon last, shortly before six o’clock, Buildings were shaken, windows rattled, water was disturbed and one gentleman says he noticed a rumbling sound like distant thunder.
March 7, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Topics of Cooperstown: Eugene D. Stocker has purchased the Rutherford property, bounded by Lake Street, Nelson Avenue and Prospect Place. He will repair and remodel the buildings and occupy the brick house after May 1. Some fifteen building lots will be placed upon the market. His residence on Pine Street, Mr. Stocker has sold to Frank Lettis., who will occupy it instead of building on the adjoining lot, as he had intended.
The Barbecue Club held a very interesting session at Hoffman’s Restaurant Tuesday night, the guest of honor being a fine Otsego pig, properly roasted under the supervision of Hoff.
The Cooperstown High School class of 1910 will present the moving picture show in the Star Theatre on Thursday evening next. A two-hours entertainment will be given and the admission will be 25 cents. Bill Reisman will sing “We’re Growing Old Together.”
March 5, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
The Misses Betty George and Ruth Michaels entertained 18 of their girlfriends at a delightful masquerade party at the Woman’s Club rooms on Saturday evening. One-half of the guests were dressed as girls and the other half as boys, all of the costumes being more or less fantastic and eliciting a great deal of merriment. Each of the “girls” brought a box of lunch which was auctioned to one of the “boys.” The lunches were then eaten by the respective couples. Miss Gladys P. Griffith, Mrs. Nicholas J. Sterling and Mrs. Harold W. Shafer were the chaperones.
March 6, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
In the past ten years the basic agricultural industries, dairy and poultry, from which the largest income has been realized within Otsego County, have not changed. At the same time there has been a steady decrease in the number of farms from 3,261 in 1950 to 2,823 in 1954 and a continued gradual slide to date. This has meant a gradual decrease in total farm population and increase in rural non-farm and village inhabitants. However, 4-H services for boys and girls in Otsego County now include those who reside in cities and villages. There are now six clubs in Oneonta. Traditional homemaking projects such as cooking, sewing, home management, home improvement have proven transferable to all families regardless of where they lived. In 1949, there were 114 trained 4-H leaders in the county and by 1959 the number had grown to 345. Over the same period the number of clubs increased from 61 to 71 and the 4-H membership from 1,160 to 1,395.
March 9, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
The Cooperstown boys basketball team controlled a resilient Dolgeville squad to win the Section III, Class C2 title by a 69-53 margin at Herkimer County Community College last Friday. It was the first sectional championship for the Redskins since 1978. The Redskins got a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds from 6-5 sophomore center Mike Nelson. “We were very pleased with the contributions of all the players,” Coach Dick White said after the game. An estimated 1,000 CCS supporters were in attendance at the packed gym. Cooperstown will play the Section III, Class C1 winner Jordan Elbridge on Tuesday in Syracuse.
March 6, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The Town of Otsego and the Village of Cooperstown were among 13 municipalities in Otsego County to receive state funding for their justice courts under the newly formed New York State Justice Court Assistance Program. The Village of Cooperstown received $3,000 and the Town of Otsego received $1,200. The program enables towns and villages to apply to Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman for a grant of state funds to assist in the operation of the court system. Otsego Town Justice James F. Wolff, who holds court in both the town and village, said his first spending priority will be the acquisition of a higher quality tape recording system for the Town of Otsego.
March 3, 2000
3-05-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA125 YEARS AGO
Home & Vicinity – Edward Butts, who lives on Brook Street, had around his premises a box of percussion caps such as he had used in exploding dynamite at the Oneonta silver mine. Last Thursday morning, Mr. Butts’ 16-year-old son Irving picked up one of the caps and, his curiosity getting the better of his discretion, commenced tearing it to pieces with a hair-pin, “to see what it was made of.” Suddenly, it exploded with a loud report, and the thumb and forefinger with which it was held were blown to pieces. The young man loses about one-half of each digit.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
One man who lacked the disadvantage of being born in humble surroundings, but who in spite of the fact perfected san invention to found a new industry is the story told of Sherman Mills Fairchild, formerly of Oneonta in the March number of Scientific American. Mr. Fairchild, inventor of the long-distance camera, was born in the red mansion at the corner of Grand and Main Streets, recently purchased by the Masons. Early in life the boy was considered to be too ill for the activities other school children. Consequently, he was alone most of the time, save for tutors and governors. He spent long hours in the attic of the great house, “playing with knick knacks.” When he volunteered for service in WWI he was turned down by surgeons and advised that the dry climate of Arizona would be best if he wanted to maintain any degree of health. Fairchild left for Arizona and in the middle of the last year of the war army officers saw the results of his first aerial photography camera. Within a few weeks the Eastman laboratories at Rochester had been placed at the young man’s disposal. The camera that began as a plaything in the Fairchild garret is now standard equipment in the air services of five nations and Fairchild is head of a camera company and a dozen subsidiary corporations as well as a $200 million aviation corporation. “Once in a while,” the Scientific American says, “we find a man who lacks the advantage of having been born in humble circumstances and who, in spite of that fact, makes an invention that founds a new industry.”
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
How much longer can Oneonta go on losing its young men and women because of the lack of job opportunities? Rosalie Vagliardo, a senior at Oneonta high school, has a pretty good idea of what she wants to do when she graduates in June. Miss Vagliardo has been taking a secretarial course since she has been in the ninth grade, with the eventual hope that she could get a job in a business office. In June, Miss Vagliardo will apply for a job with the telephone company. If she doesn’t get that, OHS has contacts with the State Employment Bureau and it will attempt to place her in a secretarial job somewhere in the vicinity. Last fall, Miss Vagliardo took a secretarial test given by the State Employment Bureau to determine her standing among the other 15 in her class who take the same course. Her standing was among the highest. Miss Vagliardo is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vagliardo of 52 West Broadway. She is the youngest in a family of six brothers.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
A $500,000 negligence action brought by Donald L. Pierce of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on behalf of his 12-year-old son David is in Supreme Court before Justice Joseph P. Molinari. Defendants are the City of Oneonta; Stanley Helz of Fort Lauderdale, David’s stepfather, Nathan Pendleton, a retired Oneonta banker, David’s grandfather, and Frank Getman, an Oneonta attorney. David Pierce was injured critically when he dropped a lighted firecracker into a partially buried gasoline tank. Exploding fumes uprooted the empty 1000-gallon tank and ignited David’s clothing, hurling him some 25 feet through the air. He landed some 30 feet from the ruptured tank. The blast happened on what was the old Elmore property, east of Wilber Park in Oneonta where the Wilber Park Apartment complex is now under construction. The property is owned by Mr. Getman. David’s brother Donald, age 14 at the time, suffered burns while attempting to douse the flames from David’s clothing. The Pierce boys were among five playing at the site. The others were Brian Pierce, age 9, John Spence, age 13, and James Wells, age 13. The firecrackers were purchased in North Carolina.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department has completed a study of possible industrial sites in the county and found there are three potential locations. According to Fred Paris, acting director of the planning department, the three choice locations are on Brown Street in the Town of Oneonta, on River Street in the City of Oneonta, and at a site in the Town of Worcester. Of these the Brown Street site holds the most promise, Paris said. “The site is already zoned industrial, it is in close proximity to other industries, and the support facilities – sewer, water, electricity and gas – are already there.”
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
U.S. Government figures show that 50 percent of all mercury and 27 percent of all cadmium used in the United States is consumed by battery manufacturing. By the year 2000, it is estimated that cadmium use in batteries will rise to 34 percent. By the 1990s, 75 percent of the household batteries sold will be the alkaline/manganese type, which are toxic because they contain mercury. When incinerated, mercury and cadmium are of particular concern because most of the mercury is emitted in a gaseous form and cadmium attaches to fine particulates.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Music by the Al Gallodoro Group and Swamp Yankee will provide the musical backdrop for the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts’ (UCCCA) first annual Northern Exposure Saba Gras masked ball to be held Saturday, March 4 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
March 2000
Resources for Hometown History have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
2-26-10 FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Legal Warning – Pay John Lawrence the old Post-rider in ten days, arrearages behind for papers, that he may be enabled to pay the printer, or expect cost.
Notice – Three pence per pound, in books or stationery at Cash price, given for clean Linen and Cotton rags, at E. Phinney’s bookstore.
February 24, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
There is now remaining in the Town of Plainfield, County of Otsego, a Cow owned by Aquilla Moffatt, having been the mother of ten Calves in the space of two years, one month and ten days. If this is doubted, call on his neighbors. Said Cow had four Calves on the 3rd day of January, 1833; two on the 2nd day of February, 1834; and four on the 12th day of February, 1835. This Cow will be five years old sometime in the month of April next.
February 23, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
“Law and the Lawyers,” was the topic of Mr. Geo. Becker’s lecture in this village, on Friday evening last. To see how so young a man just entering upon the practice of the Law, would acquit himself in handling a subject so interesting and attractive in itself considered drew together a large audience. Mr. B. claimed for Law that position as a science which comprehends and embraces all others – the spirit of order controlling the worlds of matter and of mind. The absolute necessity for the existence of the Profession was claimed as growing out of the requirements of civilized life; as there must needs be a body of men whose peculiar business and study it is to understand, elucidate and enforce the principles of law.
February 24, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Strangers who visit Cooperstown often speak of it as “a place containing a great many very wealthy people.” That is a mistake. There are, say, 16 to 18 persons on this corporation who are worth from $40,000 to about $60,000, several of whom are ladies, and none of whom would be called very wealthy; few are adding to their capital. One gentleman who resides here a few months in the year ranks among the wealthiest men in the country; a lady is at the head of an estate, partly unproductive, worth say $2,500,000, and there are six gentlemen whose wealth is estimated about as follows: $450,000, $250,000, $200,000, $120,000, $100,000, $85,000.
February 28, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Locals – The Cooperstown Independent basketball team added another feature to their crown by defeating the Hamilton College team in the Village Hall Monday evening by a score of 52 to 20. An excellent article titled “The Cost of Peace” appearing in The Otsego Farmer shows that it cost the Town of Otsego last year $2,410.99 to maintain order – 53 cents per capita – four or five times as much as the average of the other towns in the county. This may be due to the large number of tramps that visit us during hop-picking time, or there may be other reasons. The season of the O-te-sa-ga Hotel will open with the state convention of the Sons of Veterans to be held June 22-24.
February 26, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
By formal action taken last week by the Board of Village Trustees, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and the Otsego County Historical Society, Alexander Cleland, whose office is located at 149 Broadway, was appointed secretary of the National Baseball Museum located in Cooperstown in connection with the development of Doubleday Field, the birthplace of the national game. The museum as well as other projects in connection with the establishment of a national baseball shrine here, is being sponsored by the three organizations. Valuable additions to the collection for the museum were received here last week in the nature of two large colored prints illustrating the playing of the national game in its early days. In fact, one of them, showing Union prisoners engaged in a baseball game at Salisbury, North Carolina in 1863, is declared to be the earliest known print of that subject. It bears the inscription “Drawn from nature by Act. Major Otto Boetticher.”
February 27, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Well over half the people now residing in Otsego County can reasonably expect to be alive in the year 2000 to celebrate the dawn of the 21st century. That is the statistical probability based on the mortality tables of the National Office of Vital Statistics and on studies showing the gains in longevity achieved since the last census. It assumes that there will be no world war and no other unnatural holocaust in the interim. Under such conditions, some 27,400 of the present Otsego County population are scheduled to be here to mark the turn of the next century according to studies by the U.S. Social Security Administration. On the basis of past experience, the likelihood is that five years of life will be added to normal life expectancy before year 2000 bringing life expectancy for men to 74 years and 79 years for women. The studies also contemplate the practical elimination of death from infections, the complete control of tuberculosis and a sharp reduction in heart disease and cancer mortality.
February 24, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
It is more than midway through the ice fishing season and the word is out that Canadarago Lake is the place to be. Even this past Saturday afternoon, when milder temperatures left water pooled atop the ice, the lake was well covered with fishermen and their shanties. It’s not that people have abandoned Otsego Lake, though there are only a dozen shanties this year when there are usually 20-30, reports Russ Bland. It’s just that fishing hasn’t been as good as in the past and the nice-sized perch in shallower Canadarago Lake have been luring anglers from throughout the state. “The Perch are gorgeous,” says Dennis Kirk of Cooperstown. “They are averaging 8-12 inches,” says Tom Goodale of Richfield Springs, “and people – more than I’ve seen in a while – are coming from all over to catch them.”
February 27, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
2-26-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Local News – The D&H Company has placed an order with the American Locomotive Company at = for six mammoth locomotives, which will be among the largest in the world. The engines will have 16 drivers each and will exert a traction power of 444,000 pounds. They will be used between Mt. Ararrat and Carbondale and will cost about $25,000 each. Sherman Fairchild, the 13-year-old son of Congressman and Mrs. G.W. Fairchild of this city, had the misfortune last Saturday afternoon to fracture his left leg between the knee and hip while coasting with a number of his companions on Normal hill. The fracture was reduced by Drs. Cutler and Smith and the lad is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Fifteen stories above Park Avenue a man scaled the eight-foot fence surrounding the penthouse of Sherman M. Fairchild, president of the Fairchild Aviation Corporation, and robbed the apartment of jewelry valued at $14,600. While the unusual robbery was being perpetrated Thursday night, Miss May Fairchild, the aunt of Mr. Fairchild, with whom she lives at 898 Park Avenue, was playing bridge at the apartment with friends. In the midst of the bridge game on the first floor of the duplex apartment which is connected with and beneath the penthouse, Miss Fairchild thought she heard the faint tinkle of shattered glass. For a moment, she was alarmed for Mr. Fairchild is in St. Louis attending the aviation show. However, the game proceeded until 9:30 o’clock, when her guests departed and Miss Fairchild ascended to the second floor of the duplex. As she entered her darkened bedroom her eye was attracted to a gleam of light coming from the closet. She hurried in and found that a box in which she keeps a small portion of her jewelry was empty. A safe, built into the wall, four feet high and 10 feet long, had not been touched. Missing were a sapphire bracelet, a sapphire diamond ring, a diamond bracelet, a bar pin set with diamonds, two gold watches with diamonds, a sautoir chain with diamonds and a ring set with pearls and diamonds.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The Grand Opening of the Oneonta Youth Center’s spacious new quarters, comprising the entire top floor of the YMCA building, will be conducted tonight (February 28) with a dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Mayor Carson, members of Oneonta’s Recreation Commission, other city officials and civic leaders are to attend. A special floor show will be staged by Youth Council members at 9:30 p.m. Music for the dance will be provided by Linus Houck’s orchestra. James T. Catella, Jr., president of the Oneonta Youth Council, and E.C. Damaschke, chairman of the Oneonta Recreation Commission, extended a blanket invitation to all young people in the city, who are at least 15 years old, regardless of membership in the youth council. Students from Hartwick College and the State Teachers College are also welcome. The new youth center has a dance floor twice the size of the old one as well as a kitchen and a large reading and game room. The interior has been completely remodeled and redecorated, new lighting fixtures installed and the floors refinished.
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
A group of SUCO students known as “US” released a list of nine demands which will be presented to the SUCO administration. A quarter of the “US” members are veterans of military service. The demands are: That Veterans’ Day be declared a college holiday and classes halted to honor members of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice; That the flags of all nations represented on campus be flown at a height not to exceed the American flag; That the plaque honoring SUCO war dead (presently out of sight at Old Main) be removed, repaired, brought up to date and hung in a place of prominence in the administration building; That a credit-bearing ROTC program be formed on the SUCO campus and its instructors allowed to engage in Defense Department-funded research; That at least 50 ex-servicemen be admitted each semester on full scholarships; That the P.E. requirement for ex-service members and married students be dropped; That the administration expel any student or group of students who attempt to bar anyone’s full exercise of their rights; That the administration dismiss any instructor who aids and abets the disruption of campus life; and that the above be brought before a full meeting of the Faculty Administration Council.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department has completed a study of possible industrial sites in the county and found three to be potential locations. Two of the sites showing the most potential, according to acting County Planning Director Fred Paris, are located on Brown Street and on River Street in the City of Oneonta. Of the two sites, the Brown Street site holds the most promise. “The site is already zoned for industrial development. It’s close to other industries, and to support facilities. Sewer lines, gas service, water and electricity are already there,” Paris explained.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Most area Delaware & Hudson rail customers will get their freight cars next month, thanks to a 30-day service order extension granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to the New York, Susquehanna and Western railroad. The service will allow NYS&W trains to continue serving local firms on the D&H Buffalo-Binghamton-Oneonta and Albany-Rouse’s Point sections until March 23. Area firms have praised the service operated by the NYS&W since the ICC ordered the Cooperstown-based railroad to operate on D&H tracks after the D&H filed for bankruptcy.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department is seeking a portion of the $1.2 million New York State has allotted to help communities develop inter-municipal plans, according to Diane Carlton, county planning director. The grant will be available under the “Smart Growth” program. Carlton said inter-municipal planning differs from county planning because it is built from the bottom up, not the top down. “It’s much more proactive than reactive,” she said.
February 2000
2-19-10 FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Take Notice – Sometime since the sixth day of December, I have lost a Note of Hand signed by Increes Wyman, to David Webb or the bearer, of two hundred and twenty-eight dollars, principle, with the indorsements, which reduces it down to eighty-three dollars, or thereabouts. The first indorsement is signed by the said David Webb. Whoever will produce said obligation that the Subscriber may obtain it shall be well rewarded. Jabez Gross, Jun. Edmeston.
February 17, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Excerpts from the New York State Bank Commissioner’s Report – Individual credit in this country may be said to be sustained in a great measure by the banks. They furnish their own capital and credit in aid of individual enterprise; they furnish the means of exchanging all the fruits of industry, and what is of far more importance in this respect, they give confidence to individuals in making their contracts. It is true the system of credit, as well generally as connected with the currency, may be extended too far, and such is the tendency of it; but yet it would be exceedingly unwise to condemn the use of a machine whose power was capable of the most useful service, merely because it might sometimes require regulation.
February 16, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The lecture delivered last Friday evening by Rev. S.W. Bush was conceived and pronounced in the lecturer’s happiest manner. It gave a lucid analysis of the nature and the object of Poetry, as the first of the fine arts, superior to Music, Painting and Sculpture, both in its range of subject and its power to excite deep and lasting emotion. The influence it has exercised over the human heart was illustrated by reference to the great national poets of ancient and modern times. Bryant was characterized as our national poet, not by invidious comparison with Longfellow, Hallock, and other bards of national reputation, but because of the exquisite manner in which he has delineated American scenes.
February 17, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Mr. L. Skougaard Severini, the talented master in music, well-known to many of the citizens of Cooperstown, died at his residence in New York on February 14 in the 48th year of his age. He was a very pleasant gentleman, who was frequently in Cooperstown as the guest of Mr. Edward Clark and his son Alfred Corning Clark.
Cooperstown Union School – This institution of learning stands deservedly high, and its fame extends far beyond the limits of Otsego. Cooperstown is justly proud of it. It has turned out many excellent scholars. Its reputation is yearly bringing to it advanced scholars from a distance. Its receipts from that source, and from the state educational fund, are large and increasing. Its public exhibitions and examinations always reflect great credit on all concerned. The moral effect of the school discipline and inculcation has been excellent on the youth of this community. It has an able corps of teachers. There is no tax which we so cheerfully pay as that for its support.
February 21, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
A rather light but appreciative audience witnessed an excellent game of basketball on Thursday evening between the rapid New Hartfords and Cooperstown Independents. The visitors played well, but the home boys played better as shown by the score of 35 to 25 in the latter’s favor. The rules of the game were fairly lived up to, and but one severe bit of roughness marred the contest. A violent push by a New Hartford man sent Turton headfirst against the sharp corner of the wall beneath the basket, cutting his head and nose and allowing much good blue blood to be shed. He soon recovered, however, and was in the game again before the five minutes allowed in such case had expired. Fowler, Reed, Turton, Derrick, J.Raubacher and Rouse played for the Independents.
February 19, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
One of the last ties which bound the present with the beginnings of Cooperstown was broken at 5:40 o’clock Friday morning of last week, when Mrs. Charlotte Prentiss Browning, aged 97 years, passed peacefully away in the apartment of her son-in-law and daughter, the Hon. And Mrs. Frank J. Loesch at the Drake Hotel in Chicago where she made her winter home. One of six children of Col. And Mrs. John Holmes Prentiss, Mrs. Browning came from a distinguished pioneer stock. Her father was the second editor of The Freeman’s Journal serving in that capacity from 1809 until his retirement in 1849.
February 20, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Where Nature Smiles – Miss Shirley J. Pernat, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Pernat of Fly Creek, has been named to the Dean’s list at Cortland State Teacher’s College, where she is a sophomore. Mrs. V.E. Nicklas of Cooperstown was guest speaker to the Mothers Group on Tuesday using as her topic “How We Can Teach Our Christian Faith to Pre-School Age Children in the Home and Church School.” Mrs. Nicklas has been co-director of the weekday nursery in Cooperstown and co-superintendent of the Kindergarten department of the Presbyterian Church.
February 17, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
10 YEARS AGO
At the February 22nd village board of trustees meeting, Cooperstown Mayor Wendell Tripp announced the appointment of Al Keck as the new village zoning official. Keck will replace Tony Scalici who has served as village zoning official for the past three years. Keck, a contractor, carpenter and president of the Cooperstown Fire Department said, “I’m glad to be the zoning official. It’s something I believe in and I want to be fair to everyone.” Keck said he’s interested in both preserving the historical integrity of the village and upholding the laws that govern the community. He also said his work as a contractor has given him familiarity with village codes and laws. Tripp also appointed Susan Snell to the chair of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Emery Herman.
February 25, 2000
2-19-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Blocked By Snow – Railroad men – nor the public either for that matter – will not soon forget the snow storm of the present week and the trouble caused by it. The snow commenced falling about noon on Monday, and came so steadily and so rapidly that it was not long before railroad trains found it extremely difficult to make headway. Before the storm ceased Monday night, 16 inches of snow had fallen, the wind in the meantime blowing hard and carrying the snow into railroad cuts to the depth in some instances of ten or twelve feet. The road soon became blocked and passenger and freight trains had to be abandoned. The train due at Oneonta at about 7 p.m. Monday night did not arrive until 3:30 a.m. the following morning, and from that time to Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock, no passenger train from Albany was able to make a through trip. The passengers of Train No. 4, which left Oneonta for Albany on Monday afternoon, had a hard experience. The train became stalled on Esperance hill and the passengers were compelled to remain in the cars all night. The mercury descended to 12 degrees below zero and it was difficult to keep the cars warm. The next forenoon, the train was pulled back to Esperance with the aid of several locomotives and a large force of help. The wife of station agent Hunter came into the cars with two large pails of biscuits which were speedily devoured by the famished passengers.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
It was authoritatively announced on Tuesday that H.T. Jennings and his associates had bought that part of the Central Hotel site at the corner of Main and Dietz Streets in this city. The lot has a frontage of 50 feet on Main Street and extends 87 feet on Dietz, being 11 feet deeper than the old building on that site. The price paid is $500 a front foot -- $25,000 for the lot – which is the record price for Oneonta City realty. It is understood that the new owners will at once erect a very handsome building four stories in height. The First National Bank will occupy the corner, and there will also be a large store on the ground floor.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
“The mission of America may well be to police the world and by protecting the weaker nations help to establish world peace on the basis that truth, law and service are the three strands of a cord which binds the nations of the world in brotherly love” was the closing thought of Rev. A.J. Miller, rector of St. James Episcopal Church at the February meeting of the Oneonta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, held Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Owen C. Becker, 42 Elm Street.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The idea of racial discrimination is a white elephant that too many people keep in their minds the Rev. James Alcock, pastor of Chapin Memorial Universalist Church, told the Oneonta Kiwanis Club yesterday. Rev. Alcock spoke in connection with the observance of National Brotherhood Week. “The only way to effectively rid oneself of this particular white elephant,” Mr. Alcock declared, “is a dedication to the principle of individual rather than group judgment. “Because we get one bad egg in a dozen, we do not throw away the remaining 11. Yes, there are unworthy Jews,” he continued, “unworthy Negroes, but there are also unworthy Catholics and unworthy Protestants. But to damn a family or a person before you know him, to refuse to speak to him, to act as though he didn’t exist is completely out of place in any life that claims for itself the title of Christian.”
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
SUCO’s student-led Moratorium Committee held its second meeting Monday night to set definite plans for future action. The group formed a publicity committee, a membership committee, a community organization committee and a program committee in preparation for events planned this spring. A petition will be circulated around both Oneonta campuses to be signed by draft-eligible men between the ages of 19 and 26 who wish to express their discontent with the war and the military draft. The committee will also sponsor a draft counseling center where trained counselors can aid young men with questions about the Selective Service System. The counselors will not counsel men how to avoid the draft, but just inform them on it. However, if asked how it is possible to avoid the draft, the center will provide the information.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
Members of the Otsego County Board of Representatives unanimously supported a resolution to appropriate funds for the promotion of a National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta. On a voice vote of 13 ayes the representatives approved a sum not to exceed $500 for a promotion being undertaken by the Greater Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is presently engaged in attempting to establish the Soccer Hall of Fame in the city. They noted the city’s outstanding soccer tradition and its proximity to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown would make it an ideal spot for such a facility.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Otsego County Representative Kim Muller, D-Oneonta, moderated a session titled “local Government Solid Waste Initiatives” at the Sixth Annual Conference on Solid Waste Management and Materials Policy held in New York City. The speakers at the session presented approaches to management of the solid waste disposal problem in their areas of Westchester County, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington. More than a 100 people attended the session.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
February 2000
2-12-10 - FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
2-12-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Electric Light for Oneonta – Indications are that Oneonta will be furnished with electric light in the spring. A company with Dr. D.B. Manchester as president has been formed for the purpose. Aside from Dr. Manchester and U.L. Ireland, electrician, the company is composed of non-residents of the town. An engine of about 40 horse capacity will be required to furnish the power. The projectors claim not only that the electric light will be far superior to that of Oneonta gas, but that it will be vastly cheaper – the cost of a light equal in power to two and one-half gas jets, costing no more than for one gas jet at the prevailing price of gas in Oneonta. Mr. Ireland is the inventor of a novel electric fire alarm which is on exhibition at the office of Dr. Manchester.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
A.J. Littlejohn, a representative of the Beebe Electric Railway system of Syracuse, was in Oneonta last Thursday, this city having been selected for the beginning of a continuous trip of about 2,700 miles over electric lines. He left Oneonta at 4:15 p.m., going to Mohawk, Utica and Syracuse, which was the end of the first day’s journey. The trip will include Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and St. Louis; and of the whole distance only 20 miles will be over steam roads. The trip is made to demonstrate the possibilities of long-distance electric travel.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
While fishing at Goodyear Lake Dyke Hurley caught a big fish and then couldn’t figure out to which species it belonged. Neither could the other fishermen on the lake nor local city enthusiasts when he showed it to them. Finally, Professor H.T. Meade of the faculty of Hartwick College was called upon. At first he was puzzled. After looking through several game books he discovered the fish belonged to the cod family and is the only one of its kind to inhabit fresh water. It is known as a ling, burbot, fresh water cusk, and lake lawyer. It is rarely found in the United States, but is fairly common in the lakes of Canada. It inhabits deep waters only. The fish measured 22 inches. Its distinguishing mark is its fins which run from its rounded tail to the head.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The antenna for the Oneonta Police Department’s new two-way FM radio system has been delivered and will be serviced for erection by Saturday, technician Wiley R. Bates said yesterday. When in place the antenna will rise about 45 feet above the roof of the Municipal Building. The main station transmitter will be of 60 watts and the three mobile units of 30 watts each. Two of the mobile units will be placed in police cars and the other in the fire department’s emergency car. Mr. Bates said the system should give “solid coverage for an average of eight to ten miles, with a maximum range of perhaps 25 miles under favorable conditions.”
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Local News – Thieves broke into the U-Totem Laundry on the corner of Chestnut and West Streets Tuesday night. Entry was gained by jimmying an outside door. After an unsuccessful attempt to jimmy a safe in the office, the burglars left with $1 in change and five keys, four to the laundry’s door locks and the other to the coke machine. Footprints in the snow indicated that two individuals were involved. One set of footprints led to Spring Street and the other to a building further down Chestnut Street.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The presentation of minerals, precious stone, geological fossils and jewelry is the theme of Hartwick College’s Yager Museum exhibition titled “Rocks, Minerals, Gems and Fine Jewelry.” Artists, craftsmen, students, jewelers and the Empire Geology Club are all contributing to the event. Throughout the display are jewelry objects of many varieties including antique and modern pieces. The crafts of Evelyn Cohen, a superb technical artist, will be featured along with those of Don Johnson and Paul Reilly of the State University College at Oneonta, and Samuel Shaw, a Hartwick College graduate.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
New York State Governor George Pataki announced last week that Otsego County will receive $180,000 a year for three years to improve substance abuse prevention services. The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation, Inc. (LEAF) will act as the lead agency to spearhead the creation of a Communities that Care program. According to LEAF executive director Elizabeth Currier, a Communities that Care program seeks to create a profile of each community in the county, using the data collected to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of each area.
February 2000
2-5-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
2-5-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
Home & Vicinity – One of the best minstrel shows ever in Oneonta was that by Gorton’s New Orleans Company on Tuesday evening. The opera house was crowded to overflowing, and from the first act to the last the audience manifested its approval by hearty applause. There were no stale and no poor features to the entertainment. The troupe will be sure of a good house when next they come this way.
Clifford Wilber and James Whipple were arrested on Main Street yesterday afternoon by Officer Morton for intoxication. When the officer reached the head of Front Street with his prisoners, on his way to the lock-up, they showed fight and a lively tussle was had, during which Whipple set his teeth deep into the thumb of Mr. Morton. Wilber escaped during the fracas and secured himself in a barn, but was recaptured. He was fined $3 and costs. Whipple, being an old offender, was fined $9 or 30 days in jail. He went to Cooperstown.
April 1885
100 Years Ago
The Local News – Buster Brown and his dog Tige were an afternoon and evening attraction for two days last week in the show windows at Wilder’s. They were advertising the famous Buster Brown stockings, and so long as they were in the window the streets were crowded with spectators.
The work of completing the laying of brick on the upper Main Street pavement was resumed this week and with pleasant weather should be finished in a few days, making a continuous stretch of pavement from Luther Street through Main to the old village corporation line at the intersection of Main and Sand Streets.
“Our new Minister” with the original cast will be presented next Monday afternoon and evening at the Oneonta Theatre. Matinee tickets will be 25 cents; evening, 25, 35 and 50 cents.
April 1910
80 Years Ago
Three Hartwick College girls and the father of two of them were slightly injured and the seven-passenger sedan in which they were riding was slightly damaged, when it collided head-on last Wednesday on the Edmeston Bridge with a five-ton truck of the Edmeston Products Corporation. Miss Ruth Simonson, 19, was driving the sedan when the accident occurred. Her father, Marvin Simonson, of Stamford was riding in the front seat with her. Her sister, Naoma Simonson, 20, and Miss Viola Ecklund, 20, were riding on the back seat. The party had motored to Leonardsville and was returning to Oneonta. As they crossed the Edmeston bridge, the truck, operated by Joe Henkes, approached from the opposite end. Miss Simonson thought the driver was going to stop the truck and allow her to get off the bridge, but the truck continued to approach and a head-on collision resulted. The three girls were shaken up and suffered minor bruises, while Mr. Simonson received bodily injuries.
April 1930
60 Years Ago
Acting before the April Fool’s Day deadline, Oneonta barber Arthur F. Duggleby settled his three cent debt with the Veterans Administration by sending his personal check for two cents which together with a one cent credit on premiums for his life insurance policy squares his government account. “It cost me 33 cents to send the payment by registered mail and the Veterans Administration already spent 30 cents to dun me. I requested a receipt which will cost them still more,” Duggleby said. “Before we get through, it will cost a hundred times the pennies involved.”
April 1950
40 Years Ago
April 1970
30 Years Ago
Approximately 67 percent of motorists involved in accidents in New York State during 1979 did not use seat belts, the State Traffic Safety Council has announced. Council studies show more motorists and passengers buckle up on long haul trips but tend to overlook these devices on short trips. Unfortunately, studies show that most accidents happen on short trips when restraint systems are most needed, but seldom used. The Council plans to hold workshops statewide starting Tuesday, April 8, to explain why seat belts should be used at all times. The one-day workshops will cover research studies on car crashes and passenger restraints; federal standards on air bags and seat belts; medical aspects of restraint use relative to occupant injuries; New York’s proposed child restraint law; public support; available resources, and general education. During January 1980, 191 people died in 176 fatal accidents on New York highways, an increase of 14 percent over the 167 people killed in 148 crashes in January 1979. This year, 64 pedestrians made up nearly 34 percent of the total deaths. Last year, the fatalities included 59 pedestrians, two motorcyclists and bicyclist. No motorcycle or bicycle deaths have been recorded so far this year.
April 1980
20 Years Ago
Harold Schwab wonders what the fuss is about concerning Bettiol’s 23-acre fill project on Route 28 next door to his south side home. Some 50 protesters gathered briefly at the Bettiol property Sunday after marching from downtown via Bettiol’s flagship Red Barrel gas and convenience store at the Route 23/28 intersection. They staged a demonstration there before heading down Route 28 to the land that is marked by uprooted trees. “I think they’re wasting their time,” said Schwab. Referring to the trees on the site, he added: “The damage has already been done to the trees. They looked kind of scrubby anyway.” Schwab is the retired operator of a now-closed Texaco station on Route 28 in front of his mobile home where he has lived for 30 years.
April 1990
10 Years Ago
Paul Scheele, professor of political science at the State University College at Oneonta, will speak on Thursday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. at the Otsego County Courthouse, Main Street, in Cooperstown. Scheele’s presentation will be “We Get What We Vote For, Or Do We?” Scheele’s chief research interests include American national public policy and natural resource issues. He ha s recently edited a volume of readings focused on the impact of elections on governing. On Thursday, Scheele will discuss the myth of electoral mandates, the adoption of proportional representation and the proposition that American politics are becoming atomized.
April 2000
3-26-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Just received and for sale at the Otsego Bookstore – The “Alcoran of Mahomet” (Ed. Note: a version of the Koran) Price in 1 vol. 2 dollars; in 2 ditto, bound in calf and neatly gilt, with a copious preliminary discourse, and abounding with large explanatory notes, 750 cents. Likewise Spelling Books, Murray’s Grammar, American Selection, American Reader, Art of Reading, American Preceptor, Dwight’s Geography, &c., &c., &c.
March 31, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Died in the Town of Maryland, on the 23rd instant (March), Mr. Francis Peterson, in the 100th year of his age. The deceased was a soldier in the French War, and also in the War of the Revolution, and for the last few years of his life was a participator in the bounties of the government. Mr. P. always maintained the character of an honest, upright man. He had ever enjoyed remarkably good health, the effect probably of his temperate habits, and his last days were not embittered by pain or sickness, the wick of life having been burnt even to the socket, and the blaze extinguished from utter exhaustion.
March 30, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Rev. J.R. Nisbet’s lecture on “Burmah and the Burmans” was attentively listened to by a pleased and instructed audience, on Friday evening last. Mr. N. dwelt among that far-away and interesting heathen people, for a short time, as a Christian missionary, and his opportunities were of course ample for studying their habits, customs, traditions, religion, government, and laws – the nature of the climate, soil, mode of culture, &c. Lectures of this character are of great benefit, when delivered by one who has personally witnessed what he discourses about.
March 30, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Summary News: During the past few weeks our local exchanges have recorded an unusual amount of sickness in this and adjoining counties, and the deaths of large numbers of old people – partly due to the steady and prolonged cold weather. The sick have had the patient care and sympathy which it was natural to bestow; now there are many anxious watchers and tender nurses and faithful physicians, much worn by long vigils and the hardest of labor, who are worthy of all thoughtful consideration, and who greatly need rest and recuperation.
April 4, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Almshouse Plans Adopted – A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, necessitated by the forthcoming repairs at the county almshouse, was held Thursday. Architect E. Linn Kinne of Utica was present with plans for the erection of a new hospital building and dining pavilion and such repairs as were necessary to the old buildings, at a total cost not to exceed $25,000. These repairs and improvements will put the plant in first class shape and the new buildings will be so situated as to be available as part of a new system of buildings, when in future years the time comes for the abandonment of the old.
April 2, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
Doorbells began ringing Friday morning as the federal census of 1960 got underway in all areas of Otsego County. Mrs. Ernest A. Lippitt is directing the canvassing in the northern areas of the county. Canvassers working under Mrs. Lippitt’s direction are Mrs. Arloween Shipway, Cherry Valley; Mrs. Madeleine Callahan, Springfield; Mrs. Florence Telfer, Richfield Springs; Mrs. Katharine Perkins, Exeter; Mrs. Eileen Edwards, Plainfield; Orlo Woodbridge, Edmeston; Mrs. Carolyn Lindberg, Burlington; Mrs. Carmelita L. Parshall, Mrs. Beulah Williams, and Mrs. Eleanore Allen, Cooperstown area; Mrs. Martha Blencoe, Otsego and Middlefield; Mrs. Dorothy J. Dubben, Middlefield; Miss May Lum, Decatur, Roseboom and Westford; and Mrs. Mildred Marks, Field Reviewer. The pollsters will be paid about $10 daily.
April 6, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Next Monday when scads of kids and cartoon characters are swarming over the White House lawn having a grand time, Janet Munro will be down there working. She has been asked to do the official Easter egg painting for the White House as part of the traditional Easter Egg Roll and party. The Fly Creek resident, accompanied by her husband, Charles, and their three children, Jackie, 16, David, 14, and Chad, 8, will head to the nation’s capital at the end of the week. Mrs. Munro is nationally known for her work, which is included in the private collections of people like Senator Edward Kennedy, Dr. Benjamin Spock and institutions like the Smithsonian. Mrs. Munro, who has been painting for 18 years, likes to make things look as real as possible. “She has a sincere enthusiasm for depicting everyday life” which combines with an “extraordinary wealth of fine detail,” says Jay Johnson, head of the New York Gallery through which her art is handled.
Lester G. “Red” Bursey, the founder and moving force behind athletics in Cooperstown’s schools and community, died shortly before noon Monday at Bassett Hospital. He was 82. His innovation, good humor, warmth and optimism endeared him to the community he came to in 1925 as a physical education teacher. Bursey spent 43 years in Cooperstown’s schools and was the district’s first director of physical education and athletics.
April 3, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Gordy Robinson is one of a kind. The gas station he operates on Chestnut Street with his wife Barbara Gordon Robinson is the only service station in the village and he’s been at it since he was 17. In 1956, Gordy began working at his father Jessie’s service station then located on the corner of Beaver and Chestnut Streets. When Jessie retired in the mid-1960s, Gordy took over the business. The Robinsons moved into their current location across from the Great American about 21 years ago. And in all that time they’ve only taken one week off. The Robinsons’ station is much more than a place to get your oil changed or your tires rotated. A group of loyal customers and friends show up at the station, day in and day out, to share neighborhood news, watch a little TV, or just relax with a cup of coffee.
March 31, 2000
3-26-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Home & Vicinity – The walking match at the Metropolitan rink Saturday evening, between Willard A. Hoagland of Auburn and Wm. Landon of Oneonta, was won by Hoagland, who made the three miles in 24 minutes, 47 seconds. Though the contestants were unevenly matched, the race proved exciting. Another match has been announced for this evening, Hoagland giving Landon six laps start in a three-mile race. Hoagland is said to be the champion of the state.
The bill to regulate the attendance at roller skating rinks will prohibit girls not fourteen years of age from attending after five o’clock p.m. unless accompanied by parents or guardians, or having their written consent. It also prohibits the admission of children during school hours. March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
After several weeks of speculation, a definite announcement is made today relative to the fate of the property at the corner of Main and Dietz Streets, on which the Central Hotel block was formerly located. The entire plot, which with the 50 feet formerly purchased by the same interests, has a frontage of 150 feet on Main and of from 85 to 110 feet on Dietz Street, and in the rear, is purchased by the Jennings interests, who also take over the brick barn in the rear of the property. Title to the property will go to the Main and Dietz Building Co., which will probably be incorporated in Albany today. Plans for the building are for a handsome five-story structure. At the Main and Dietz corner the offices of the First National Bank will be located, and adjoining a store. Over these there will be business offices on the second floor. The middle part of the ground floor will contain the offices, dining room and café of the hotel, and the east end will be devoted to stores. The second floor, except over the bank, and all of the third and fourth floors will be part of the hotel, while on the fifth floor it is possible there will be club rooms and a café. Many details are as yet incomplete, but this is the general plan for a structure which completed will cost fully $200,000.
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
The progress of education among the Negroes in the South was the subject of an instructive and entertaining talk given by Miss Marilda Barrott at the March meeting of the First Baptist Missionary Society last evening. Mission schools were established in the South in 1865, and until about 10 years ago there were practically no Negro teachers available because of the opposition to allowing their race to have adequate educational opportunities. She told about the influence of missionaries which has finally brought about a willingness on the part of white people to support Negro schools financially. Miss Barrott said that it has been conclusively demonstrated that the two races can live together without friction. It has, however, been found more advantageous for the Negroes and white children to attend separate schools. The reason for this Miss Barrott said is that the Negroes have a feeling of inferiority when in school with whites and so cannot make the best use of their abilities. When studying in separate schools they can be natural and make better progress.
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Two schools in Otsego County are currently making their mark in the field of special education. Both the Otsego School in Edmeston (currently known as Pathfinder Village) and the Upstate Home for Children at Milford Center (currently known as Springbrook) care for the mentally retarded. The Otsego School was founded about 50 years ago by Miss Florence J. Chesebrough, R.N., who is presently a director of the institution, to show that Mongoloid could be taught to care for themselves. Essentially a “home school,” it seeks to “care for, train, and develop to their maximum potential the victim’s of Down’s Syndrome.” The program includes speech training, formation of good habits, coordination development, self-help, and table manners. The Upstate Home for Children was founded in 1923 as the Upstate Baptist Home and originally was a home for orphans. In 1967, it reorganized to give both residential and day care for mentally retarded children. Cost per student at both schools runs about $350 a month. The Otsego School has an enrollment of 58 boys and girls ranging in age from 30 days to adulthood. The Upstate Home has about 21 resident children and conducts a Day School at the First Baptist Church in Oneonta that serves children, ages 6 to 18.
March 1970
30 Years Ago
Rape, was the topic of a day-long consciousness-raising session in coordination with the Oneonta Rape Crisis Network. According to Donna Hotaling, since the network was formed in May, 1978, volunteers at the center have learned of 30 women who have actually been raped, or who have had close calls with attempted rapes. National statistics reveal that for every rape reported, five to 10 go unreported. That means as many as 150 to 200 rapes may have occurred in the area since May, 1978. Speakers at the session included Dr. John Spoor, Director of Health Services at SUCO, Dr. Marc Heller, attending obstetrician and gynecologist at Bassett Hospital, and Tim McCarthy of the Public Safety Department at SUCO.
March 1980
20 Years Ago
The State University College at Oneonta will host Bed and Breakfast accommodations owners and operators, and innkeepers, at a two-day conference and workshop sponsored by the Bed & Breakfast Association of New York State on April 2-3 in the Hunt Union on the campus. Fred Ermlich, assistant dean of Continuing Education at SUNY Oneonta, is conference chairman, and also the first president of the association which is known by the acronym BBANYS.
March 1990
10 Years Ago
Mary Gilkinson, coordinator of the Nutrition Outreach Campaign Program for Opportunities for Otsego, regularly comes into contact with members of the local community who have difficulty in providing enough food for their families to eat a consistently healthy diet. “The focus of our program is to help hook people up with the Food Stamps program,” Gilkinson said.
March 2000
3-26-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Caution – The subscribers, inhabitants of the Town of Milford, inform the public that Joseph Allen, Joseph Allen, Jr., Amasa Allen, David Powers and wife, and Lewis Ackley are not objects of charity, and that the Town of Milford is both willing and able to support its own Poor. Elihu Gifford, Elijah Bundy.
March 24, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Excerpt from the New York Times reprinted in The Freeman’s Journal: The U.S. ship Constitution went to sea yesterday morning, towed down by two steam boats, her fitting out having, in the space of three days, been completed, through the energy of her commander, seconded by the zealous exertions of his officers and crew. The ship is in the most perfect state of preparation, and presents a noble appearance. She must have crossed the bar about ten o’clock and went to sea with a pleasant breeze from the northwest which became more fair and still stronger in the afternoon.
March 23, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
New Store – Mr. D. B. Boden has opened a store for the sale of wines, liquors, cigars, &c. in the brick building owned and in part occupied by Mr. Root. Messrs. Bingham and Jarvis advertise the opening of a new drug and grocery store in the handsome building erected by them last season, connected with which is a bakery.
March 23, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Death of Miss Anne Charlotte Cooper – This unexpected event occurred on Sunday morning last after a few hours serious illness. She had been in delicate health for some weeks past, but was about the house as usual. On Friday morning her sister, Miss Susan F. Cooper, was taken suddenly and alarmingly ill, which called for the active services immediately about her, and excited the most serious apprehensions. The shock was too much for Miss Charlotte’s frail nervous system, and she sank under it, dying of nervous apoplexy. She had long led a very quiet but useful life, efficiently seconding the charitable efforts of her elder sister. She was a lady of marked gentleness and refinement, of a cheerful disposition, who will be greatly missed by those who knew her intimately. Miss Cooper was highly educated and her musical talent was of a superior order.
March 28, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
75 YEARS AGO
Discovery of a beaver village in Otsego County, said by old-timers to be the first known in 75 years, was reported Wednesday by Game Protectors Fred L. Barnard of Milford and Anton Semrov of Cherry Valley. The beaver village is located in Meadow Brook, about two miles south of Middlefield village and seven miles from Cooperstown. It consists of three dams and a hut, according to the game wardens. The beavers, about eight in number, are being protected against trappers by Mr. Barnard and Mr. Semrov as the present open season on the species does not apply to Otsego County. The dams are said to be partly on land owned by Supervisor Melvin C. Bundy of Cooperstown and partly on the Burton farm. The beaver family is believed to have migrated from the vicinity of Van Hornesville where increasing numbers have been reported each year.
March 27, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly, is going back to the mountains – not the Ozarks but the hills of Otsego County. After years of successfully catering corn pone to the café , society set, the belter of barefoot ballads has bought a half interest in the Duke’s Oak Summer Theatre at historic Cooperstown. The theater, along with a school for apprentice actors, is in a barn next door to The Daring Duchess, a night club that Dorothy already owns. Dorothy will be returning to the theatre world that she abandoned when Rodgers and Hammerstein asked her to play the lead in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun.” “I didn’t think I was ready then, so I turned them down and the part went to Ethel Merman,” Dorothy explained. “The chance never came again, but I don’t regret my decision. Now I can play any role I want. You have to follow your star no matter where it leads.”
March 30, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
When the fishing season opens next Monday Otsego Lake will offer something a lot of people are likely to be angling for – salmon. According to Jerry Barnhart, a supervising aquatic biologist with the DEC, salmon fishing in Otsego Lake could mean a bonanza for the area economy. Barnhart calculates that Otsego Lake will have about 6,000 salmon a year and at least 1,800 of them are likely to be caught. Since most salmon fishermen catch one every other trip that would mean about 3,600 trips. Barnhart believes that the value of a fisherman’s trip to catch salmon adds up to about $35 for residents, double for non-residents, counting first-generation expenditures for gas, food, bait, motel and boat rentals. That adds up to about $126,000 a year in revenues.
March 27, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
A photograph by Milo Stewart, Jr., chief photographer at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, has been selected from among more than 40,000 entries from 17,000 professional photographers in 164 countries as a winner in what organizers describe as “the photographic event of our time.” In 1999, the “Moments of Intimacy, Love and Kinship Competition” put out the call for photos in three categories – friendship, family and love – with prizes totaling $750,000 for the 300 winning entries. Stewart’s photograph of a mother and child was among the winners in the love category, netting him a $1,750 award.
March 24, 2000
3-19-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Sheriff McCredy returned from Missouri last Friday night having in custody Egbert M. Carver, the fugitive bank cashier, over whose head indictments are hanging both in Otsego and Delaware counties. M.L. Keyes, cashier of the First National Bank of Oneonta, who went to Missouri with the sheriff to identify Carver, returned with them. On the arrival of the train in Oneonta, Sheriff McCredy and his prisoner walked to the Windsor Hotel, where, after half an hour, a team was procured to take the party to Cooperstown, reaching there about 3 o’clock the following morning. Carver’s personal appearance is much the same as when he was living in Oneonta. During his brief stay in Oneonta he was greeted by several of his acquaintances, with whom he talked freely, but with downcast eyes.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Oneonta High School basket ball team played a fast game with the Colgate Academy five last Monday evening. The teams were well-matched – perhaps more evenly than at any previous game in this city, and it was anybody’s game until the last half-minute. Friday evening there will be a double game of basket ball at the High School gymnasium. The girls’ game will be between the Oneonta and Afton High Schools; the boys’ game between the high school teams of Oneonta and Cooperstown.
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
French fashion makers are sharply split on the question whether women should conceal their curves this spring. Half of them have designed short-skirted models that flatten the bust and hips and often abolish the waistline. The other half offer creations that make the most of the feminine contour, emphasizing such features as fussy sleeves and revealing necklines. Some designers affect a compromise by showing a mixture of both. The leader in the figure-flattening group is Jacques Fath, a good-looking blonde fellow, who creates for the “bright young things” in French society as well as for the mass market in the United States. This spring he goes in for severe looking styles that put the accent on a straight line, narrow silhouette. His skirts are extremely short and tight, unflattering to anyone whose hips tend to bulge. His dresses also have the straight up and down look with sleeveless bodices and short, tight skirts, but he does belt them in at the waist. On the other side of the picture are such designers as Marcel Rochas, Balanciaga, Robert Piquet and Schiaparelli. They play up the feminine figure, making it shapely with full, flowing skirts and drapery that emphasizes the hips and bust. When they use slim skirts they are usually coupled with jackets that are shaped or belted to fit the waist and give the hips a rounded look.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
“Homeless Milk” may become a serious problem in the New York-New Jersey milkshed during the heavy production period of April, May and June, according to Lester W. Martin of Milford, president of the Dairylea Cooperative, Inc. Martin says that Dairylea, the largest marketer of milk in the northeast, will be able to handle its own milk supply but “may not have enough additional plant capacity to help other co-ops and individual producers as in past years.” Dairylea, in its own plants, is now handling millions of pounds of milk that formerly were marketed through the Borden Company, which has closed most of its operations in the northeast. This is in addition to the normally large volume handled by the Dairylea milk manufacturing plants at Vernon, Horseheads, Adams, Ogdensburg and Champlain. Martin says that last April, May and June, production for the New York-New Jersey milkshed totaled some 2.9 billion pounds (1.4 billion quarts) of milk, or about 30 percent of the total year’s supply.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Mental Health Association, a non-profit group of local individuals who are interested in upgrading the quality of mental health care in Otsego County, has announced its 1980 fundraising project. The association will be compiling and selling a community cookbook titled “Otsego County Cooks.” According to Sandra Reynolds, association president, this book will contain about 100 tried and true recipes gathered from employees and friends of Otsego County. The book will be published by Women’s Club Publishing of Chicago. The company is sending Ms. Rachel Maxwell, an advertising specialist, to work with the local group and assist in collecting advertisingrom local merchants. Members who will accompany Ms. Maxwell as she visits area stores beginning March 17, are Carolyn Battista, Grace McGrath, Sandra Reynolds, Cindy Sutton, Gloria Ryan, Dr. Marvin Denburg, Guiseppina Mazzoni, and Rae LaPotin. Revenue generated from the advertising will fund the publication of the cookbook which will be priced at $3.
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Private fundraisers working on behalf of police associations are notorious for doing everything from threatening violence against reluctant donors to impersonating police officers. One of the companies with such a checkered past, known as East-West Theatrical Productions of Connecticut, has just finished a fundraising drive on behalf of the Oneonta Police Benevolent Association. In the first two years of a three year contract between the Oneonta PBA and East-West, the Oneonta PBA has collected only 20 percent of the fundraising take. Mark Howard, Oneonta PBA president admits that there have been complaints about high-pressure tactics in the past and records show that East-West has been investigated by the NYS Attorney-General’s office and subsequently reached an out-of-court settlement in 1985.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Sven Birkerts, Ph.D, author and literary critic, will present a keynote address on the influence of technology on reading and culture at Hartwick College on Monday, March 27th in the Anderson Center for the Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Birkerts is the author of a controversial book titled “The Gutenberg: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age.” Birkerts claims that modern society has lost its appreciation for reading. The presentation is open to the public free of charge.
March 2000
125 YEARS AGO
Sheriff McCredy returned from Missouri last Friday night having in custody Egbert M. Carver, the fugitive bank cashier, over whose head indictments are hanging both in Otsego and Delaware counties. M.L. Keyes, cashier of the First National Bank of Oneonta, who went to Missouri with the sheriff to identify Carver, returned with them. On the arrival of the train in Oneonta, Sheriff McCredy and his prisoner walked to the Windsor Hotel, where, after half an hour, a team was procured to take the party to Cooperstown, reaching there about 3 o’clock the following morning. Carver’s personal appearance is much the same as when he was living in Oneonta. During his brief stay in Oneonta he was greeted by several of his acquaintances, with whom he talked freely, but with downcast eyes.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Oneonta High School basket ball team played a fast game with the Colgate Academy five last Monday evening. The teams were well-matched – perhaps more evenly than at any previous game in this city, and it was anybody’s game until the last half-minute. Friday evening there will be a double game of basket ball at the High School gymnasium. The girls’ game will be between the Oneonta and Afton High Schools; the boys’ game between the high school teams of Oneonta and Cooperstown.
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
French fashion makers are sharply split on the question whether women should conceal their curves this spring. Half of them have designed short-skirted models that flatten the bust and hips and often abolish the waistline. The other half offer creations that make the most of the feminine contour, emphasizing such features as fussy sleeves and revealing necklines. Some designers affect a compromise by showing a mixture of both. The leader in the figure-flattening group is Jacques Fath, a good-looking blonde fellow, who creates for the “bright young things” in French society as well as for the mass market in the United States. This spring he goes in for severe looking styles that put the accent on a straight line, narrow silhouette. His skirts are extremely short and tight, unflattering to anyone whose hips tend to bulge. His dresses also have the straight up and down look with sleeveless bodices and short, tight skirts, but he does belt them in at the waist. On the other side of the picture are such designers as Marcel Rochas, Balanciaga, Robert Piquet and Schiaparelli. They play up the feminine figure, making it shapely with full, flowing skirts and drapery that emphasizes the hips and bust. When they use slim skirts they are usually coupled with jackets that are shaped or belted to fit the waist and give the hips a rounded look.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
“Homeless Milk” may become a serious problem in the New York-New Jersey milkshed during the heavy production period of April, May and June, according to Lester W. Martin of Milford, president of the Dairylea Cooperative, Inc. Martin says that Dairylea, the largest marketer of milk in the northeast, will be able to handle its own milk supply but “may not have enough additional plant capacity to help other co-ops and individual producers as in past years.” Dairylea, in its own plants, is now handling millions of pounds of milk that formerly were marketed through the Borden Company, which has closed most of its operations in the northeast. This is in addition to the normally large volume handled by the Dairylea milk manufacturing plants at Vernon, Horseheads, Adams, Ogdensburg and Champlain. Martin says that last April, May and June, production for the New York-New Jersey milkshed totaled some 2.9 billion pounds (1.4 billion quarts) of milk, or about 30 percent of the total year’s supply.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Mental Health Association, a non-profit group of local individuals who are interested in upgrading the quality of mental health care in Otsego County, has announced its 1980 fundraising project. The association will be compiling and selling a community cookbook titled “Otsego County Cooks.” According to Sandra Reynolds, association president, this book will contain about 100 tried and true recipes gathered from employees and friends of Otsego County. The book will be published by Women’s Club Publishing of Chicago. The company is sending Ms. Rachel Maxwell, an advertising specialist, to work with the local group and assist in collecting advertisingrom local merchants. Members who will accompany Ms. Maxwell as she visits area stores beginning March 17, are Carolyn Battista, Grace McGrath, Sandra Reynolds, Cindy Sutton, Gloria Ryan, Dr. Marvin Denburg, Guiseppina Mazzoni, and Rae LaPotin. Revenue generated from the advertising will fund the publication of the cookbook which will be priced at $3.
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Private fundraisers working on behalf of police associations are notorious for doing everything from threatening violence against reluctant donors to impersonating police officers. One of the companies with such a checkered past, known as East-West Theatrical Productions of Connecticut, has just finished a fundraising drive on behalf of the Oneonta Police Benevolent Association. In the first two years of a three year contract between the Oneonta PBA and East-West, the Oneonta PBA has collected only 20 percent of the fundraising take. Mark Howard, Oneonta PBA president admits that there have been complaints about high-pressure tactics in the past and records show that East-West has been investigated by the NYS Attorney-General’s office and subsequently reached an out-of-court settlement in 1985.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Sven Birkerts, Ph.D, author and literary critic, will present a keynote address on the influence of technology on reading and culture at Hartwick College on Monday, March 27th in the Anderson Center for the Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Birkerts is the author of a controversial book titled “The Gutenberg: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age.” Birkerts claims that modern society has lost its appreciation for reading. The presentation is open to the public free of charge.
March 2000
3-19-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
So long as our republican system of government prevails, so long will the people be industrious, prosperous, independent, and happy; but as soon as they become shackled by the chains of aristocracy they will become indolent, thriftless and miserable.
March 17, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Advertisement – When I wedded Maria, I had no idea of marrying Pa too, and if bound to the one, I never fell in love with the other. Maria, having made her election to remain from, instead of returning to, me, therefore the public are advised of my determination not to pay any debts of her contracting, and those harboring or ill-advising her, are cautioned of their liability. William V. Pandee, Albany, January 29, 1835.
March 16, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
125 YEARS AGO
Summary News: Templeton Lodge is the name given by Mrs. E. Goodwin to the boarding house now being built for her by Dr. Campbell near the lake. It is a pleasantly located house which will be furnished with a view to the convenience and comfort of a summer home to its guests. It will be opened June 1st. Mrs. Goodwin kept “Sunnyside” as a boarding house one season and gave excellent satisfaction to the guests who filled her house.
March 21, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Like all measures suggested and supported by his genius and energy the benefit and pension proposition just devised by Adolphus Busch of St. Louis and Three-Mile Point is as striking as it is original. Mr. Busch proposes to create a fund for the employees of his business. This fund is not to be made up by monthly or weekly mites from the employees but is to be supported generously by the open-handed employer. The 6,000 brewery workers will be the recipient of many benefits and assurances without being compelled to contribute anything but their royalty in return. The new plan put into effect by Mr. Busch is in reality a profit-sharing measure. The thousands of dollars which are to go annually to a fund for the employees to guarantee them and their loved ones against the pains of sickness and death are to come out of Mr. Busch’s profits, and not out of the pockets of the individuals.
March 19, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Following the annual election on Tuesday the new administration was launched at an organization meeting held at the Village Hall on Wednesday evening of last week with newly elected mayor, Lester J. Clark, presiding. The following appointments were made for the coming year: Street Commissioner – Michael MacMoon; Corporation Counsel – Clermonte G. Tennant; Janitor – Alfred Page; Official Depository – First National Bank; Official newspaper – The Otsego Farmer; Teamster – Edwin Smith; Horologists – Lippitt Brothers; Village Historian – Walter R. Littell.
March 20, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Miss Ruth Parish of Cooperstown, who has operated Ann’s Beauty Shop on Main Street for the past 13 years, has sold the business to Mrs. June Perkins of Cooperstown, RD 3 and Miss Barbara Nagelschmidt of Cooperstown. They have already taken possession. Miss Nagelschmidt joined the shop’s staff in April, 1957 and Mrs. Perkins in September of the same year. Miss Parish, who owns the building in which the shop is located next to the Cooperstown Theatre, has an apartment above the shop. She and her mother, Mrs. Maude Parish, left Thursday for a two-week vacation trip to Florida. Her plans for the future are indefinite at this time.
Dr. Francis D. Moore, surgeon-in-chief and director of the Department of surgery at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, and Mosely Professor of Surgery at the Harvard Medical School will be surgeon-in-chief pro tem at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital during the week of March 28. He will have teaching rounds with members of the house staff and with students, conduct seminars and participate in all the affairs of the surgical service during the week. On Friday afternoon he will deliver a lecture in the hospital library on “One Stage Whole Organ Transplantation of the Liver and of the Spleen.”
March 23, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Dr. William F. Streck, a 38-year-old endocrinologist has been named director and chief executive officer of Bassett Hospital. The 12-member board reached its decision at a meeting in New York City last Thursday morning after giving consideration to 34 candidates including Streck. Dr. Streck, who has been the hospital’s acting director, succeeds Dr. Charles A. Ashley, who resigned the post in March after 17 years. “I want us to be viewed as a socially responsible institution that takes care of people,” Streck said. “He’s done a superb job as acting director,” said Edward Stack, secretary of the Clark Foundation and a Bassett trustee.
The CCS Redskins’ boys’ basketball postseason campaign came to a halt at the Broome County Arena with a 74-62 loss to Wilson Magnet High School of Rochester. “We gave it our best shot,” Coach Dick White said. “Our kids never backed down.” George Hunt led the scoring for the Redskins with 20 points. Guard Mike Trosset had four of the Redskins’ 10 team steals and added three assists and 15 points. CCS finished the season with a 21-5 record.
March 20, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, operated by the Leatherstocking Railroad Historical Society is looking forward to a season of growth in ridership, improved facilities and an expanded schedule of special events as it starts its second year. Projects set for this spring include washout and bridge repairs, the installation of 5,000 new ties, and work on the crossing at County Hwy. 11C. The railway’s 2000 schedule gets off to a festive start with the Easter Bunny Express on April 22. Regular service will also be offered between Milford and Cooperstown with three round trips a day from May to October. The train has become a popular spot for fundraisers, celebrations and school excursions.
March 17, 2000
So long as our republican system of government prevails, so long will the people be industrious, prosperous, independent, and happy; but as soon as they become shackled by the chains of aristocracy they will become indolent, thriftless and miserable.
March 17, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Advertisement – When I wedded Maria, I had no idea of marrying Pa too, and if bound to the one, I never fell in love with the other. Maria, having made her election to remain from, instead of returning to, me, therefore the public are advised of my determination not to pay any debts of her contracting, and those harboring or ill-advising her, are cautioned of their liability. William V. Pandee, Albany, January 29, 1835.
March 16, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
125 YEARS AGO
Summary News: Templeton Lodge is the name given by Mrs. E. Goodwin to the boarding house now being built for her by Dr. Campbell near the lake. It is a pleasantly located house which will be furnished with a view to the convenience and comfort of a summer home to its guests. It will be opened June 1st. Mrs. Goodwin kept “Sunnyside” as a boarding house one season and gave excellent satisfaction to the guests who filled her house.
March 21, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Like all measures suggested and supported by his genius and energy the benefit and pension proposition just devised by Adolphus Busch of St. Louis and Three-Mile Point is as striking as it is original. Mr. Busch proposes to create a fund for the employees of his business. This fund is not to be made up by monthly or weekly mites from the employees but is to be supported generously by the open-handed employer. The 6,000 brewery workers will be the recipient of many benefits and assurances without being compelled to contribute anything but their royalty in return. The new plan put into effect by Mr. Busch is in reality a profit-sharing measure. The thousands of dollars which are to go annually to a fund for the employees to guarantee them and their loved ones against the pains of sickness and death are to come out of Mr. Busch’s profits, and not out of the pockets of the individuals.
March 19, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Following the annual election on Tuesday the new administration was launched at an organization meeting held at the Village Hall on Wednesday evening of last week with newly elected mayor, Lester J. Clark, presiding. The following appointments were made for the coming year: Street Commissioner – Michael MacMoon; Corporation Counsel – Clermonte G. Tennant; Janitor – Alfred Page; Official Depository – First National Bank; Official newspaper – The Otsego Farmer; Teamster – Edwin Smith; Horologists – Lippitt Brothers; Village Historian – Walter R. Littell.
March 20, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Miss Ruth Parish of Cooperstown, who has operated Ann’s Beauty Shop on Main Street for the past 13 years, has sold the business to Mrs. June Perkins of Cooperstown, RD 3 and Miss Barbara Nagelschmidt of Cooperstown. They have already taken possession. Miss Nagelschmidt joined the shop’s staff in April, 1957 and Mrs. Perkins in September of the same year. Miss Parish, who owns the building in which the shop is located next to the Cooperstown Theatre, has an apartment above the shop. She and her mother, Mrs. Maude Parish, left Thursday for a two-week vacation trip to Florida. Her plans for the future are indefinite at this time.
Dr. Francis D. Moore, surgeon-in-chief and director of the Department of surgery at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, and Mosely Professor of Surgery at the Harvard Medical School will be surgeon-in-chief pro tem at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital during the week of March 28. He will have teaching rounds with members of the house staff and with students, conduct seminars and participate in all the affairs of the surgical service during the week. On Friday afternoon he will deliver a lecture in the hospital library on “One Stage Whole Organ Transplantation of the Liver and of the Spleen.”
March 23, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Dr. William F. Streck, a 38-year-old endocrinologist has been named director and chief executive officer of Bassett Hospital. The 12-member board reached its decision at a meeting in New York City last Thursday morning after giving consideration to 34 candidates including Streck. Dr. Streck, who has been the hospital’s acting director, succeeds Dr. Charles A. Ashley, who resigned the post in March after 17 years. “I want us to be viewed as a socially responsible institution that takes care of people,” Streck said. “He’s done a superb job as acting director,” said Edward Stack, secretary of the Clark Foundation and a Bassett trustee.
The CCS Redskins’ boys’ basketball postseason campaign came to a halt at the Broome County Arena with a 74-62 loss to Wilson Magnet High School of Rochester. “We gave it our best shot,” Coach Dick White said. “Our kids never backed down.” George Hunt led the scoring for the Redskins with 20 points. Guard Mike Trosset had four of the Redskins’ 10 team steals and added three assists and 15 points. CCS finished the season with a 21-5 record.
March 20, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, operated by the Leatherstocking Railroad Historical Society is looking forward to a season of growth in ridership, improved facilities and an expanded schedule of special events as it starts its second year. Projects set for this spring include washout and bridge repairs, the installation of 5,000 new ties, and work on the crossing at County Hwy. 11C. The railway’s 2000 schedule gets off to a festive start with the Easter Bunny Express on April 22. Regular service will also be offered between Milford and Cooperstown with three round trips a day from May to October. The train has become a popular spot for fundraisers, celebrations and school excursions.
March 17, 2000
3-12-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Home & Vicinity – At the residence of the bride’s parents in Portlandville on March 5th, Miss Carlotta, daughter of M.S. Cooke, Esq., was married to Mr. George H. Wilber. About 40 guests responded to the invitation. The gifts were numerous and valuable, and spoke well for the friendship existing for the bride and groom.
Amidst the excitement of a game of marbles at the lower school, during the noon recess last Friday, David Boughton fell and broke his arm. He said nothing about the injury until his return home after school, when the arm was so swollen that it was with difficulty that the fracture was reduced.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Thirty members of the guidance class of the Oneonta high school visited the Delaware & Hudson railroad shops on Saturday, where the different plants and processes were explained to them by officials of the road. Wesley Dunbar, divisional car foreman, took charge of the class and escorted them first to the machine shop, where different parts of the rail cars are manufactured. Ray Schuster, general car foreman, joined the party. A large steam hammer was operated for the class and an inspection was made of the new electric hammer which is being installed in the plant. The class next visited the lumber shops. W.G. Scutt, wood mill foreman, met the party and explained the different saws and processes as they went through the mill. Frank Clark, foreman of the coach shops, guided the students through the process of building new coaches and the remodeling of the old ones. At the storehouse, A.E. Kniskern told the students there are 3,200 different articles kept ready for instant use. The roundhouse proved to be of extreme interest to members of the class as Mr. Woolever, master mechanic, took charge of the party and Engine 1400, claimed to be the second largest in the world, was put through her paces.
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
If all goes well, Arthur F. Duggleby, Navy veteran, may settle his three-cent financial squabble with the Veterans Administration by April Fool’s Day at a total cost to both sides not exceeding a Marshall Plan loan to Europe. Mr. Duggleby, a barber at 110 Main Street, feels that he is getting a trimming in respect to dividends on his National Service Life Insurance. On Thursday, he received a letter bearing a 30-cent registered mail stamp, advising him that he had been overpaid in the sum of three cents and that the Veterans Administration wanted its money. The message listed the debt as $0.03, and advised Duggleby “if the lien is not paid within 60 days from the date of this letter, it will bear interest at the rate of four percent per annum compounded annually. If not paid, it will be deducted from any future settlement of the insurance of any benefits to be derived from the government.” Last October, Duggleby received a letter from the Veterans Administration advising him of “a 1 cent credit on his account which may be deducted from a premium payment.” The same letter also advised him that his check for $3.87 in payment of a premium had been accepted for only $3 because the 87 cents was blurred.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Sam Stratton reports from Washington – The time has come when we upstaters must insist that the Penn Central Railroad be required to extend its present Washington to New York Metroliner service to upstate New York – certainly as far as Albany – probably all the way to Buffalo. The urgent need to bring upstate New York into the 20th century as far as modern, high-speed passenger service was pointed up last week when the Penn Central requested the Interstate Commerce Commission’s permission to discontinue all of its east-west passenger service. The Federal government has spent millions of dollars to help the Penn Central get this Metroliner service going.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
In 1979, the number of farms in the United States was about 37,000 fewer than the previous year. The new definition of a farm is “a place with annual sales of agricultural products totaling $1,000, or more. Estimates based on this definition are available beginning with 1975. From the 2.49 million farms recorded in 1975, there has been an annual erosion of about 1.0 to 1.5 percent to the current total of 2.33 million. It is estimated that a further drop of about one percent in 1980 will bring the number down to 2.31 million farms. However, farm acreage loss has been more moderate. During the second half of the 1970s, 13.7 million acres were diverted to non-agricultural use. However, in 1975, the average farm contained 427 acres. Five years later, in 1979, the average acreage had risen to 450 acres.
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Commuters and shoppers who take the city’s public transit will ride in bigger, more comfortable buses this fall. The new vehicles will carry growing numbers of people who are leaving their cars at home and taking the bus instead. The city signed a contract March 6th with Bus Industries of America to buy three 40 foot long Canadian made Orion buses. Two of the buses will come equipped with wheelchair lifts.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Applications are now available for the Catskill Choral Society’s Dox Apprenticeship Program of 2000/2001. The program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to sing and perform with the Choral Society in its fall and spring concerts. The Dox Apprenticeship Program honors the Choral Society’s former music director, Thurston Dox for his dedication to enriching the musical experiences of young people.
March 2000
.Home & Vicinity – At the residence of the bride’s parents in Portlandville on March 5th, Miss Carlotta, daughter of M.S. Cooke, Esq., was married to Mr. George H. Wilber. About 40 guests responded to the invitation. The gifts were numerous and valuable, and spoke well for the friendship existing for the bride and groom.
Amidst the excitement of a game of marbles at the lower school, during the noon recess last Friday, David Boughton fell and broke his arm. He said nothing about the injury until his return home after school, when the arm was so swollen that it was with difficulty that the fracture was reduced.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Thirty members of the guidance class of the Oneonta high school visited the Delaware & Hudson railroad shops on Saturday, where the different plants and processes were explained to them by officials of the road. Wesley Dunbar, divisional car foreman, took charge of the class and escorted them first to the machine shop, where different parts of the rail cars are manufactured. Ray Schuster, general car foreman, joined the party. A large steam hammer was operated for the class and an inspection was made of the new electric hammer which is being installed in the plant. The class next visited the lumber shops. W.G. Scutt, wood mill foreman, met the party and explained the different saws and processes as they went through the mill. Frank Clark, foreman of the coach shops, guided the students through the process of building new coaches and the remodeling of the old ones. At the storehouse, A.E. Kniskern told the students there are 3,200 different articles kept ready for instant use. The roundhouse proved to be of extreme interest to members of the class as Mr. Woolever, master mechanic, took charge of the party and Engine 1400, claimed to be the second largest in the world, was put through her paces.
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
If all goes well, Arthur F. Duggleby, Navy veteran, may settle his three-cent financial squabble with the Veterans Administration by April Fool’s Day at a total cost to both sides not exceeding a Marshall Plan loan to Europe. Mr. Duggleby, a barber at 110 Main Street, feels that he is getting a trimming in respect to dividends on his National Service Life Insurance. On Thursday, he received a letter bearing a 30-cent registered mail stamp, advising him that he had been overpaid in the sum of three cents and that the Veterans Administration wanted its money. The message listed the debt as $0.03, and advised Duggleby “if the lien is not paid within 60 days from the date of this letter, it will bear interest at the rate of four percent per annum compounded annually. If not paid, it will be deducted from any future settlement of the insurance of any benefits to be derived from the government.” Last October, Duggleby received a letter from the Veterans Administration advising him of “a 1 cent credit on his account which may be deducted from a premium payment.” The same letter also advised him that his check for $3.87 in payment of a premium had been accepted for only $3 because the 87 cents was blurred.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Sam Stratton reports from Washington – The time has come when we upstaters must insist that the Penn Central Railroad be required to extend its present Washington to New York Metroliner service to upstate New York – certainly as far as Albany – probably all the way to Buffalo. The urgent need to bring upstate New York into the 20th century as far as modern, high-speed passenger service was pointed up last week when the Penn Central requested the Interstate Commerce Commission’s permission to discontinue all of its east-west passenger service. The Federal government has spent millions of dollars to help the Penn Central get this Metroliner service going.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
In 1979, the number of farms in the United States was about 37,000 fewer than the previous year. The new definition of a farm is “a place with annual sales of agricultural products totaling $1,000, or more. Estimates based on this definition are available beginning with 1975. From the 2.49 million farms recorded in 1975, there has been an annual erosion of about 1.0 to 1.5 percent to the current total of 2.33 million. It is estimated that a further drop of about one percent in 1980 will bring the number down to 2.31 million farms. However, farm acreage loss has been more moderate. During the second half of the 1970s, 13.7 million acres were diverted to non-agricultural use. However, in 1975, the average farm contained 427 acres. Five years later, in 1979, the average acreage had risen to 450 acres.
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Commuters and shoppers who take the city’s public transit will ride in bigger, more comfortable buses this fall. The new vehicles will carry growing numbers of people who are leaving their cars at home and taking the bus instead. The city signed a contract March 6th with Bus Industries of America to buy three 40 foot long Canadian made Orion buses. Two of the buses will come equipped with wheelchair lifts.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Applications are now available for the Catskill Choral Society’s Dox Apprenticeship Program of 2000/2001. The program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to sing and perform with the Choral Society in its fall and spring concerts. The Dox Apprenticeship Program honors the Choral Society’s former music director, Thurston Dox for his dedication to enriching the musical experiences of young people.
March 2000
3-12-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Having seen and read a new publication entitled “Letters of Abbe Salemankis, to a Friend in Ireland,” I recommend the same to every American who feels an interest in the welfare of his country. In these letters are represented in a brief style, the effects which war systems, commercial wealth, bank companies and usurious loans produce on society. The American people will remain free no longer than while they read and reflect. There are men in every country who wish the people should be ignorant of their true interest.
March 10, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
150 YEARS AGO
Drowned – Geo. Van Nort, living near the Three Mile Point, was drowned in the Lake on Friday evening last. He started to walk on the ice, and fell through. He leaves a wife and several children in needy circumstances.
March 9, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The Evils of Roller Skating. Mr. Eckert, the manager of the Metropolitan Telephone & Telegraph Co. has issued an order against their operators attending roller skating rinks. “The reason we are obliged to make this order is that so many of the girls stay up late at night skating and come down tired and sleepy in the morning that it was really causing serious neglect of business,” Eckert explains. “It is a very violent exercise. It wearies the girls out, keeps them up late, and brings them down to the offices behind time in the morning, and it is a constant strain upon them.” Dr. Frank Hamilton, who was called to the bedside of President Garfield when he was shot, was asked if roller skating has any injurious physical effects. “Yes,” he said, “I have no doubt it has. The exercise is violent. Those who practice it are exceedingly likely to fall, much more so than in ice skating with the ordinary skate, and it calls into action muscles which are unused to severe strains.”
March 14, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Fashions: Two-toned checks in ginghams are again good this season. Tucked yokes are not as popular as they were a season ago. All white or all black is the smartest thing affected in street wear as well as evening costumes. Pique and heavy mannish gloves are much in demand just now for street wear with tailored gowns. Costumes of both simple and elaborate type show variations of the sash draperies that have been popular through the winter. Colors are more subdued than they have been for some time past. There is a tendency toward pale shades with the coming of spring. Soutache braids in gold and silver are used in great quantities. Silk waists for wear with tailored suits are coming in style again. Dresses of rich material show many girdle effects in a contrasting fabric, generally satin. All are folded, but some are double-pointed; some point upward, some downward at the front.
March 12, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
George Detore of Utica, former star third-sacker and Captain of the Cooperstown base ball team, left on Wednesday night of last week for Hot Springs, Arkansas to go into training with the Milwaukee team of the American Association league. Milwaukee bought the “Big Chief” from the Louisville team of the same league last season and he finished in the position of catcher. In the last three years he has seen service in every position except pitcher, and has performed with credit in each. He is reported in the pink of condition after a winter’s hard work in the gym.
March 13, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
One of Otsego County’s historic homes was destroyed by fire Saturday night. Left in ruins by the flames was the stone and frame dwelling on the Hollyhock Farm in Fly Creek Valley owned by the estate of the late Richard P. Davidson of Cooperstown. The loss was estimated at $50,000. The house was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George R. Clay and their five children. Mr. Clay has been an associate in public relations for the New York State Historical Association for the past year. They were not at home when the fire broke out but returned from an afternoon of skiing at Mount Otsego shortly after the fire was discovered by Harry L. Winne and his son, Harry, Jr., who were driving past and saw the house afire. The Clays lost practically all their possessions and were left with just the ski togs they had on. The family dog, a dachshund and one of two geese were also lost. The Clays are staying for the present with Dr. Louis C. Jones at Riverbrink in Cooperstown.
March 16, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Last Wednesday, the Cooperstown Redskins boys’ basketball team needed overtime to defeat Jordan-Elbridge 54-49 to win the Section 3, Class C title. That heart-stopping win set them up for a regional face-off with the Section 10, Class C Canton at Syracuse. The Redskins big men, 6-5 Mike Nelson and 6-6 George Hunt, matched up well with Canton’s 6-5 Paul Dandhy and 6-4 Gordy Leonard. However, the Redskins’ guard play made the difference although smaller than their adversaries. Jim McCormack, Chris Hage, Scott St. John, Mike Trosset and Will Monie played Canton tough on defense and held Canton’s leading scorer Pete Simpson to 16 points. Mark Fundis, out earlier with the flu, saw limited action but, “whenever Fundis was in there, he did something to help the team,” Coach Dick White said. Cooperstown will now take on Rochester Wilson from Section 6.
March 13, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
After seven months of hard work the Cooperstown School District has officially entered the world of the internet. Last Friday, the school’s new website went online. Work on the website began in September 1999. A team of student volunteers including Matt Tabor, Lenny Armstrong, Gerod Bonhoff, Ellen Hollister and Jeanne Delahunty took on the project and did all the work. “The students have done an excellent job; they’ve persevered and spent long hours putting this up,” said Michael Pikarsky, faculty advisor for the project. “These students are to be commended.” Pikarsky said the website idea was born with the students.
March 10, 2000
Having seen and read a new publication entitled “Letters of Abbe Salemankis, to a Friend in Ireland,” I recommend the same to every American who feels an interest in the welfare of his country. In these letters are represented in a brief style, the effects which war systems, commercial wealth, bank companies and usurious loans produce on society. The American people will remain free no longer than while they read and reflect. There are men in every country who wish the people should be ignorant of their true interest.
March 10, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
150 YEARS AGO
Drowned – Geo. Van Nort, living near the Three Mile Point, was drowned in the Lake on Friday evening last. He started to walk on the ice, and fell through. He leaves a wife and several children in needy circumstances.
March 9, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The Evils of Roller Skating. Mr. Eckert, the manager of the Metropolitan Telephone & Telegraph Co. has issued an order against their operators attending roller skating rinks. “The reason we are obliged to make this order is that so many of the girls stay up late at night skating and come down tired and sleepy in the morning that it was really causing serious neglect of business,” Eckert explains. “It is a very violent exercise. It wearies the girls out, keeps them up late, and brings them down to the offices behind time in the morning, and it is a constant strain upon them.” Dr. Frank Hamilton, who was called to the bedside of President Garfield when he was shot, was asked if roller skating has any injurious physical effects. “Yes,” he said, “I have no doubt it has. The exercise is violent. Those who practice it are exceedingly likely to fall, much more so than in ice skating with the ordinary skate, and it calls into action muscles which are unused to severe strains.”
March 14, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Fashions: Two-toned checks in ginghams are again good this season. Tucked yokes are not as popular as they were a season ago. All white or all black is the smartest thing affected in street wear as well as evening costumes. Pique and heavy mannish gloves are much in demand just now for street wear with tailored gowns. Costumes of both simple and elaborate type show variations of the sash draperies that have been popular through the winter. Colors are more subdued than they have been for some time past. There is a tendency toward pale shades with the coming of spring. Soutache braids in gold and silver are used in great quantities. Silk waists for wear with tailored suits are coming in style again. Dresses of rich material show many girdle effects in a contrasting fabric, generally satin. All are folded, but some are double-pointed; some point upward, some downward at the front.
March 12, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
George Detore of Utica, former star third-sacker and Captain of the Cooperstown base ball team, left on Wednesday night of last week for Hot Springs, Arkansas to go into training with the Milwaukee team of the American Association league. Milwaukee bought the “Big Chief” from the Louisville team of the same league last season and he finished in the position of catcher. In the last three years he has seen service in every position except pitcher, and has performed with credit in each. He is reported in the pink of condition after a winter’s hard work in the gym.
March 13, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
One of Otsego County’s historic homes was destroyed by fire Saturday night. Left in ruins by the flames was the stone and frame dwelling on the Hollyhock Farm in Fly Creek Valley owned by the estate of the late Richard P. Davidson of Cooperstown. The loss was estimated at $50,000. The house was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George R. Clay and their five children. Mr. Clay has been an associate in public relations for the New York State Historical Association for the past year. They were not at home when the fire broke out but returned from an afternoon of skiing at Mount Otsego shortly after the fire was discovered by Harry L. Winne and his son, Harry, Jr., who were driving past and saw the house afire. The Clays lost practically all their possessions and were left with just the ski togs they had on. The family dog, a dachshund and one of two geese were also lost. The Clays are staying for the present with Dr. Louis C. Jones at Riverbrink in Cooperstown.
March 16, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Last Wednesday, the Cooperstown Redskins boys’ basketball team needed overtime to defeat Jordan-Elbridge 54-49 to win the Section 3, Class C title. That heart-stopping win set them up for a regional face-off with the Section 10, Class C Canton at Syracuse. The Redskins big men, 6-5 Mike Nelson and 6-6 George Hunt, matched up well with Canton’s 6-5 Paul Dandhy and 6-4 Gordy Leonard. However, the Redskins’ guard play made the difference although smaller than their adversaries. Jim McCormack, Chris Hage, Scott St. John, Mike Trosset and Will Monie played Canton tough on defense and held Canton’s leading scorer Pete Simpson to 16 points. Mark Fundis, out earlier with the flu, saw limited action but, “whenever Fundis was in there, he did something to help the team,” Coach Dick White said. Cooperstown will now take on Rochester Wilson from Section 6.
March 13, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
After seven months of hard work the Cooperstown School District has officially entered the world of the internet. Last Friday, the school’s new website went online. Work on the website began in September 1999. A team of student volunteers including Matt Tabor, Lenny Armstrong, Gerod Bonhoff, Ellen Hollister and Jeanne Delahunty took on the project and did all the work. “The students have done an excellent job; they’ve persevered and spent long hours putting this up,” said Michael Pikarsky, faculty advisor for the project. “These students are to be commended.” Pikarsky said the website idea was born with the students.
March 10, 2000
3-05-10 THE FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
175 YEARS AGO
Temperance Notice – The annual meeting of the Otsego County Temperance Society will be holden at the Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, on Thursday, the 5th day of March next, at 12 o’clock p.m. The Secretary of each society in the county will please send his annual report to the subscriber forthwith. It is desirable that each Secretary report not only the statistics of his own society, but also those of other societies, as far as he may know, in his own town. Each report will contain the present number of members – increase during the last year – number of places where ardent spirits are sold – number of temperance stores or Taverns, and every fact calculated to advance or retard the progress of Temperance. Levi C. Turner, Secretary, Cooperstown.
March 2, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
A Gymnasium – The young men of New York City seem to be waking up with a will to a thorough appreciation of the benefits of physical training and exercise. To supply the want thus created, new gymnasiums are being established all over the city. Why not have one in Cooperstown with a Reading Room attached? There are several fine rooms in the village suitable to that purpose.
March 2, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
New iron bridges have just been erected at Oaksville and Toddsville, each costing only $495. They are each about 53 feet long. The Oaksville bridge is erected at the expense of this town (Town of Otsego), and the other at the joint expense of Hartwick and Otsego. They are from the factory of the Groton Bridge Co., Tompkins County, and are very strong. We think our Commissioners – Luther Goodrich, John A. McEwen and C.N. Drake – are deserving of due credit in this matter, Goodrich and McEwen being personally present to superintend the placing of these bridges on Tuesday.
There was a slight shock of earthquake felt in this place and some of the surrounding towns on Saturday afternoon last, shortly before six o’clock, Buildings were shaken, windows rattled, water was disturbed and one gentleman says he noticed a rumbling sound like distant thunder.
March 7, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Topics of Cooperstown: Eugene D. Stocker has purchased the Rutherford property, bounded by Lake Street, Nelson Avenue and Prospect Place. He will repair and remodel the buildings and occupy the brick house after May 1. Some fifteen building lots will be placed upon the market. His residence on Pine Street, Mr. Stocker has sold to Frank Lettis., who will occupy it instead of building on the adjoining lot, as he had intended.
The Barbecue Club held a very interesting session at Hoffman’s Restaurant Tuesday night, the guest of honor being a fine Otsego pig, properly roasted under the supervision of Hoff.
The Cooperstown High School class of 1910 will present the moving picture show in the Star Theatre on Thursday evening next. A two-hours entertainment will be given and the admission will be 25 cents. Bill Reisman will sing “We’re Growing Old Together.”
March 5, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
The Misses Betty George and Ruth Michaels entertained 18 of their girlfriends at a delightful masquerade party at the Woman’s Club rooms on Saturday evening. One-half of the guests were dressed as girls and the other half as boys, all of the costumes being more or less fantastic and eliciting a great deal of merriment. Each of the “girls” brought a box of lunch which was auctioned to one of the “boys.” The lunches were then eaten by the respective couples. Miss Gladys P. Griffith, Mrs. Nicholas J. Sterling and Mrs. Harold W. Shafer were the chaperones.
March 6, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
In the past ten years the basic agricultural industries, dairy and poultry, from which the largest income has been realized within Otsego County, have not changed. At the same time there has been a steady decrease in the number of farms from 3,261 in 1950 to 2,823 in 1954 and a continued gradual slide to date. This has meant a gradual decrease in total farm population and increase in rural non-farm and village inhabitants. However, 4-H services for boys and girls in Otsego County now include those who reside in cities and villages. There are now six clubs in Oneonta. Traditional homemaking projects such as cooking, sewing, home management, home improvement have proven transferable to all families regardless of where they lived. In 1949, there were 114 trained 4-H leaders in the county and by 1959 the number had grown to 345. Over the same period the number of clubs increased from 61 to 71 and the 4-H membership from 1,160 to 1,395.
March 9, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
The Cooperstown boys basketball team controlled a resilient Dolgeville squad to win the Section III, Class C2 title by a 69-53 margin at Herkimer County Community College last Friday. It was the first sectional championship for the Redskins since 1978. The Redskins got a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds from 6-5 sophomore center Mike Nelson. “We were very pleased with the contributions of all the players,” Coach Dick White said after the game. An estimated 1,000 CCS supporters were in attendance at the packed gym. Cooperstown will play the Section III, Class C1 winner Jordan Elbridge on Tuesday in Syracuse.
March 6, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The Town of Otsego and the Village of Cooperstown were among 13 municipalities in Otsego County to receive state funding for their justice courts under the newly formed New York State Justice Court Assistance Program. The Village of Cooperstown received $3,000 and the Town of Otsego received $1,200. The program enables towns and villages to apply to Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman for a grant of state funds to assist in the operation of the court system. Otsego Town Justice James F. Wolff, who holds court in both the town and village, said his first spending priority will be the acquisition of a higher quality tape recording system for the Town of Otsego.
March 3, 2000
3-05-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Home & Vicinity – Edward Butts, who lives on Brook Street, had around his premises a box of percussion caps such as he had used in exploding dynamite at the Oneonta silver mine. Last Thursday morning, Mr. Butts’ 16-year-old son Irving picked up one of the caps and, his curiosity getting the better of his discretion, commenced tearing it to pieces with a hair-pin, “to see what it was made of.” Suddenly, it exploded with a loud report, and the thumb and forefinger with which it was held were blown to pieces. The young man loses about one-half of each digit.
March 1885
100 YEARS AGO
March 1910
80 YEARS AGO
One man who lacked the disadvantage of being born in humble surroundings, but who in spite of the fact perfected san invention to found a new industry is the story told of Sherman Mills Fairchild, formerly of Oneonta in the March number of Scientific American. Mr. Fairchild, inventor of the long-distance camera, was born in the red mansion at the corner of Grand and Main Streets, recently purchased by the Masons. Early in life the boy was considered to be too ill for the activities other school children. Consequently, he was alone most of the time, save for tutors and governors. He spent long hours in the attic of the great house, “playing with knick knacks.” When he volunteered for service in WWI he was turned down by surgeons and advised that the dry climate of Arizona would be best if he wanted to maintain any degree of health. Fairchild left for Arizona and in the middle of the last year of the war army officers saw the results of his first aerial photography camera. Within a few weeks the Eastman laboratories at Rochester had been placed at the young man’s disposal. The camera that began as a plaything in the Fairchild garret is now standard equipment in the air services of five nations and Fairchild is head of a camera company and a dozen subsidiary corporations as well as a $200 million aviation corporation. “Once in a while,” the Scientific American says, “we find a man who lacks the advantage of having been born in humble circumstances and who, in spite of that fact, makes an invention that founds a new industry.”
March 1930
60 YEARS AGO
How much longer can Oneonta go on losing its young men and women because of the lack of job opportunities? Rosalie Vagliardo, a senior at Oneonta high school, has a pretty good idea of what she wants to do when she graduates in June. Miss Vagliardo has been taking a secretarial course since she has been in the ninth grade, with the eventual hope that she could get a job in a business office. In June, Miss Vagliardo will apply for a job with the telephone company. If she doesn’t get that, OHS has contacts with the State Employment Bureau and it will attempt to place her in a secretarial job somewhere in the vicinity. Last fall, Miss Vagliardo took a secretarial test given by the State Employment Bureau to determine her standing among the other 15 in her class who take the same course. Her standing was among the highest. Miss Vagliardo is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vagliardo of 52 West Broadway. She is the youngest in a family of six brothers.
March 1950
40 YEARS AGO
A $500,000 negligence action brought by Donald L. Pierce of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on behalf of his 12-year-old son David is in Supreme Court before Justice Joseph P. Molinari. Defendants are the City of Oneonta; Stanley Helz of Fort Lauderdale, David’s stepfather, Nathan Pendleton, a retired Oneonta banker, David’s grandfather, and Frank Getman, an Oneonta attorney. David Pierce was injured critically when he dropped a lighted firecracker into a partially buried gasoline tank. Exploding fumes uprooted the empty 1000-gallon tank and ignited David’s clothing, hurling him some 25 feet through the air. He landed some 30 feet from the ruptured tank. The blast happened on what was the old Elmore property, east of Wilber Park in Oneonta where the Wilber Park Apartment complex is now under construction. The property is owned by Mr. Getman. David’s brother Donald, age 14 at the time, suffered burns while attempting to douse the flames from David’s clothing. The Pierce boys were among five playing at the site. The others were Brian Pierce, age 9, John Spence, age 13, and James Wells, age 13. The firecrackers were purchased in North Carolina.
March 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department has completed a study of possible industrial sites in the county and found there are three potential locations. According to Fred Paris, acting director of the planning department, the three choice locations are on Brown Street in the Town of Oneonta, on River Street in the City of Oneonta, and at a site in the Town of Worcester. Of these the Brown Street site holds the most promise, Paris said. “The site is already zoned industrial, it is in close proximity to other industries, and the support facilities – sewer, water, electricity and gas – are already there.”
March 1980
20 YEARS AGO
U.S. Government figures show that 50 percent of all mercury and 27 percent of all cadmium used in the United States is consumed by battery manufacturing. By the year 2000, it is estimated that cadmium use in batteries will rise to 34 percent. By the 1990s, 75 percent of the household batteries sold will be the alkaline/manganese type, which are toxic because they contain mercury. When incinerated, mercury and cadmium are of particular concern because most of the mercury is emitted in a gaseous form and cadmium attaches to fine particulates.
March 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Music by the Al Gallodoro Group and Swamp Yankee will provide the musical backdrop for the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts’ (UCCCA) first annual Northern Exposure Saba Gras masked ball to be held Saturday, March 4 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
March 2000
Resources for Hometown History have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
2-26-10 FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Legal Warning – Pay John Lawrence the old Post-rider in ten days, arrearages behind for papers, that he may be enabled to pay the printer, or expect cost.
Notice – Three pence per pound, in books or stationery at Cash price, given for clean Linen and Cotton rags, at E. Phinney’s bookstore.
February 24, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
There is now remaining in the Town of Plainfield, County of Otsego, a Cow owned by Aquilla Moffatt, having been the mother of ten Calves in the space of two years, one month and ten days. If this is doubted, call on his neighbors. Said Cow had four Calves on the 3rd day of January, 1833; two on the 2nd day of February, 1834; and four on the 12th day of February, 1835. This Cow will be five years old sometime in the month of April next.
February 23, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
“Law and the Lawyers,” was the topic of Mr. Geo. Becker’s lecture in this village, on Friday evening last. To see how so young a man just entering upon the practice of the Law, would acquit himself in handling a subject so interesting and attractive in itself considered drew together a large audience. Mr. B. claimed for Law that position as a science which comprehends and embraces all others – the spirit of order controlling the worlds of matter and of mind. The absolute necessity for the existence of the Profession was claimed as growing out of the requirements of civilized life; as there must needs be a body of men whose peculiar business and study it is to understand, elucidate and enforce the principles of law.
February 24, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Strangers who visit Cooperstown often speak of it as “a place containing a great many very wealthy people.” That is a mistake. There are, say, 16 to 18 persons on this corporation who are worth from $40,000 to about $60,000, several of whom are ladies, and none of whom would be called very wealthy; few are adding to their capital. One gentleman who resides here a few months in the year ranks among the wealthiest men in the country; a lady is at the head of an estate, partly unproductive, worth say $2,500,000, and there are six gentlemen whose wealth is estimated about as follows: $450,000, $250,000, $200,000, $120,000, $100,000, $85,000.
February 28, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Locals – The Cooperstown Independent basketball team added another feature to their crown by defeating the Hamilton College team in the Village Hall Monday evening by a score of 52 to 20. An excellent article titled “The Cost of Peace” appearing in The Otsego Farmer shows that it cost the Town of Otsego last year $2,410.99 to maintain order – 53 cents per capita – four or five times as much as the average of the other towns in the county. This may be due to the large number of tramps that visit us during hop-picking time, or there may be other reasons. The season of the O-te-sa-ga Hotel will open with the state convention of the Sons of Veterans to be held June 22-24.
February 26, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
By formal action taken last week by the Board of Village Trustees, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and the Otsego County Historical Society, Alexander Cleland, whose office is located at 149 Broadway, was appointed secretary of the National Baseball Museum located in Cooperstown in connection with the development of Doubleday Field, the birthplace of the national game. The museum as well as other projects in connection with the establishment of a national baseball shrine here, is being sponsored by the three organizations. Valuable additions to the collection for the museum were received here last week in the nature of two large colored prints illustrating the playing of the national game in its early days. In fact, one of them, showing Union prisoners engaged in a baseball game at Salisbury, North Carolina in 1863, is declared to be the earliest known print of that subject. It bears the inscription “Drawn from nature by Act. Major Otto Boetticher.”
February 27, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Well over half the people now residing in Otsego County can reasonably expect to be alive in the year 2000 to celebrate the dawn of the 21st century. That is the statistical probability based on the mortality tables of the National Office of Vital Statistics and on studies showing the gains in longevity achieved since the last census. It assumes that there will be no world war and no other unnatural holocaust in the interim. Under such conditions, some 27,400 of the present Otsego County population are scheduled to be here to mark the turn of the next century according to studies by the U.S. Social Security Administration. On the basis of past experience, the likelihood is that five years of life will be added to normal life expectancy before year 2000 bringing life expectancy for men to 74 years and 79 years for women. The studies also contemplate the practical elimination of death from infections, the complete control of tuberculosis and a sharp reduction in heart disease and cancer mortality.
February 24, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
It is more than midway through the ice fishing season and the word is out that Canadarago Lake is the place to be. Even this past Saturday afternoon, when milder temperatures left water pooled atop the ice, the lake was well covered with fishermen and their shanties. It’s not that people have abandoned Otsego Lake, though there are only a dozen shanties this year when there are usually 20-30, reports Russ Bland. It’s just that fishing hasn’t been as good as in the past and the nice-sized perch in shallower Canadarago Lake have been luring anglers from throughout the state. “The Perch are gorgeous,” says Dennis Kirk of Cooperstown. “They are averaging 8-12 inches,” says Tom Goodale of Richfield Springs, “and people – more than I’ve seen in a while – are coming from all over to catch them.”
February 27, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
2-26-10 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Local News – The D&H Company has placed an order with the American Locomotive Company at = for six mammoth locomotives, which will be among the largest in the world. The engines will have 16 drivers each and will exert a traction power of 444,000 pounds. They will be used between Mt. Ararrat and Carbondale and will cost about $25,000 each. Sherman Fairchild, the 13-year-old son of Congressman and Mrs. G.W. Fairchild of this city, had the misfortune last Saturday afternoon to fracture his left leg between the knee and hip while coasting with a number of his companions on Normal hill. The fracture was reduced by Drs. Cutler and Smith and the lad is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Fifteen stories above Park Avenue a man scaled the eight-foot fence surrounding the penthouse of Sherman M. Fairchild, president of the Fairchild Aviation Corporation, and robbed the apartment of jewelry valued at $14,600. While the unusual robbery was being perpetrated Thursday night, Miss May Fairchild, the aunt of Mr. Fairchild, with whom she lives at 898 Park Avenue, was playing bridge at the apartment with friends. In the midst of the bridge game on the first floor of the duplex apartment which is connected with and beneath the penthouse, Miss Fairchild thought she heard the faint tinkle of shattered glass. For a moment, she was alarmed for Mr. Fairchild is in St. Louis attending the aviation show. However, the game proceeded until 9:30 o’clock, when her guests departed and Miss Fairchild ascended to the second floor of the duplex. As she entered her darkened bedroom her eye was attracted to a gleam of light coming from the closet. She hurried in and found that a box in which she keeps a small portion of her jewelry was empty. A safe, built into the wall, four feet high and 10 feet long, had not been touched. Missing were a sapphire bracelet, a sapphire diamond ring, a diamond bracelet, a bar pin set with diamonds, two gold watches with diamonds, a sautoir chain with diamonds and a ring set with pearls and diamonds.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The Grand Opening of the Oneonta Youth Center’s spacious new quarters, comprising the entire top floor of the YMCA building, will be conducted tonight (February 28) with a dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Mayor Carson, members of Oneonta’s Recreation Commission, other city officials and civic leaders are to attend. A special floor show will be staged by Youth Council members at 9:30 p.m. Music for the dance will be provided by Linus Houck’s orchestra. James T. Catella, Jr., president of the Oneonta Youth Council, and E.C. Damaschke, chairman of the Oneonta Recreation Commission, extended a blanket invitation to all young people in the city, who are at least 15 years old, regardless of membership in the youth council. Students from Hartwick College and the State Teachers College are also welcome. The new youth center has a dance floor twice the size of the old one as well as a kitchen and a large reading and game room. The interior has been completely remodeled and redecorated, new lighting fixtures installed and the floors refinished.
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
A group of SUCO students known as “US” released a list of nine demands which will be presented to the SUCO administration. A quarter of the “US” members are veterans of military service. The demands are: That Veterans’ Day be declared a college holiday and classes halted to honor members of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice; That the flags of all nations represented on campus be flown at a height not to exceed the American flag; That the plaque honoring SUCO war dead (presently out of sight at Old Main) be removed, repaired, brought up to date and hung in a place of prominence in the administration building; That a credit-bearing ROTC program be formed on the SUCO campus and its instructors allowed to engage in Defense Department-funded research; That at least 50 ex-servicemen be admitted each semester on full scholarships; That the P.E. requirement for ex-service members and married students be dropped; That the administration expel any student or group of students who attempt to bar anyone’s full exercise of their rights; That the administration dismiss any instructor who aids and abets the disruption of campus life; and that the above be brought before a full meeting of the Faculty Administration Council.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department has completed a study of possible industrial sites in the county and found three to be potential locations. Two of the sites showing the most potential, according to acting County Planning Director Fred Paris, are located on Brown Street and on River Street in the City of Oneonta. Of the two sites, the Brown Street site holds the most promise. “The site is already zoned for industrial development. It’s close to other industries, and to support facilities. Sewer lines, gas service, water and electricity are already there,” Paris explained.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Most area Delaware & Hudson rail customers will get their freight cars next month, thanks to a 30-day service order extension granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to the New York, Susquehanna and Western railroad. The service will allow NYS&W trains to continue serving local firms on the D&H Buffalo-Binghamton-Oneonta and Albany-Rouse’s Point sections until March 23. Area firms have praised the service operated by the NYS&W since the ICC ordered the Cooperstown-based railroad to operate on D&H tracks after the D&H filed for bankruptcy.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Planning Department is seeking a portion of the $1.2 million New York State has allotted to help communities develop inter-municipal plans, according to Diane Carlton, county planning director. The grant will be available under the “Smart Growth” program. Carlton said inter-municipal planning differs from county planning because it is built from the bottom up, not the top down. “It’s much more proactive than reactive,” she said.
February 2000
2-19-10 FREEMANS JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Take Notice – Sometime since the sixth day of December, I have lost a Note of Hand signed by Increes Wyman, to David Webb or the bearer, of two hundred and twenty-eight dollars, principle, with the indorsements, which reduces it down to eighty-three dollars, or thereabouts. The first indorsement is signed by the said David Webb. Whoever will produce said obligation that the Subscriber may obtain it shall be well rewarded. Jabez Gross, Jun. Edmeston.
February 17, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Excerpts from the New York State Bank Commissioner’s Report – Individual credit in this country may be said to be sustained in a great measure by the banks. They furnish their own capital and credit in aid of individual enterprise; they furnish the means of exchanging all the fruits of industry, and what is of far more importance in this respect, they give confidence to individuals in making their contracts. It is true the system of credit, as well generally as connected with the currency, may be extended too far, and such is the tendency of it; but yet it would be exceedingly unwise to condemn the use of a machine whose power was capable of the most useful service, merely because it might sometimes require regulation.
February 16, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The lecture delivered last Friday evening by Rev. S.W. Bush was conceived and pronounced in the lecturer’s happiest manner. It gave a lucid analysis of the nature and the object of Poetry, as the first of the fine arts, superior to Music, Painting and Sculpture, both in its range of subject and its power to excite deep and lasting emotion. The influence it has exercised over the human heart was illustrated by reference to the great national poets of ancient and modern times. Bryant was characterized as our national poet, not by invidious comparison with Longfellow, Hallock, and other bards of national reputation, but because of the exquisite manner in which he has delineated American scenes.
February 17, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Mr. L. Skougaard Severini, the talented master in music, well-known to many of the citizens of Cooperstown, died at his residence in New York on February 14 in the 48th year of his age. He was a very pleasant gentleman, who was frequently in Cooperstown as the guest of Mr. Edward Clark and his son Alfred Corning Clark.
Cooperstown Union School – This institution of learning stands deservedly high, and its fame extends far beyond the limits of Otsego. Cooperstown is justly proud of it. It has turned out many excellent scholars. Its reputation is yearly bringing to it advanced scholars from a distance. Its receipts from that source, and from the state educational fund, are large and increasing. Its public exhibitions and examinations always reflect great credit on all concerned. The moral effect of the school discipline and inculcation has been excellent on the youth of this community. It has an able corps of teachers. There is no tax which we so cheerfully pay as that for its support.
February 21, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
A rather light but appreciative audience witnessed an excellent game of basketball on Thursday evening between the rapid New Hartfords and Cooperstown Independents. The visitors played well, but the home boys played better as shown by the score of 35 to 25 in the latter’s favor. The rules of the game were fairly lived up to, and but one severe bit of roughness marred the contest. A violent push by a New Hartford man sent Turton headfirst against the sharp corner of the wall beneath the basket, cutting his head and nose and allowing much good blue blood to be shed. He soon recovered, however, and was in the game again before the five minutes allowed in such case had expired. Fowler, Reed, Turton, Derrick, J.Raubacher and Rouse played for the Independents.
February 19, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
One of the last ties which bound the present with the beginnings of Cooperstown was broken at 5:40 o’clock Friday morning of last week, when Mrs. Charlotte Prentiss Browning, aged 97 years, passed peacefully away in the apartment of her son-in-law and daughter, the Hon. And Mrs. Frank J. Loesch at the Drake Hotel in Chicago where she made her winter home. One of six children of Col. And Mrs. John Holmes Prentiss, Mrs. Browning came from a distinguished pioneer stock. Her father was the second editor of The Freeman’s Journal serving in that capacity from 1809 until his retirement in 1849.
February 20, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Where Nature Smiles – Miss Shirley J. Pernat, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Pernat of Fly Creek, has been named to the Dean’s list at Cortland State Teacher’s College, where she is a sophomore. Mrs. V.E. Nicklas of Cooperstown was guest speaker to the Mothers Group on Tuesday using as her topic “How We Can Teach Our Christian Faith to Pre-School Age Children in the Home and Church School.” Mrs. Nicklas has been co-director of the weekday nursery in Cooperstown and co-superintendent of the Kindergarten department of the Presbyterian Church.
February 17, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
10 YEARS AGO
At the February 22nd village board of trustees meeting, Cooperstown Mayor Wendell Tripp announced the appointment of Al Keck as the new village zoning official. Keck will replace Tony Scalici who has served as village zoning official for the past three years. Keck, a contractor, carpenter and president of the Cooperstown Fire Department said, “I’m glad to be the zoning official. It’s something I believe in and I want to be fair to everyone.” Keck said he’s interested in both preserving the historical integrity of the village and upholding the laws that govern the community. He also said his work as a contractor has given him familiarity with village codes and laws. Tripp also appointed Susan Snell to the chair of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Emery Herman.
February 25, 2000
2-19-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Blocked By Snow – Railroad men – nor the public either for that matter – will not soon forget the snow storm of the present week and the trouble caused by it. The snow commenced falling about noon on Monday, and came so steadily and so rapidly that it was not long before railroad trains found it extremely difficult to make headway. Before the storm ceased Monday night, 16 inches of snow had fallen, the wind in the meantime blowing hard and carrying the snow into railroad cuts to the depth in some instances of ten or twelve feet. The road soon became blocked and passenger and freight trains had to be abandoned. The train due at Oneonta at about 7 p.m. Monday night did not arrive until 3:30 a.m. the following morning, and from that time to Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock, no passenger train from Albany was able to make a through trip. The passengers of Train No. 4, which left Oneonta for Albany on Monday afternoon, had a hard experience. The train became stalled on Esperance hill and the passengers were compelled to remain in the cars all night. The mercury descended to 12 degrees below zero and it was difficult to keep the cars warm. The next forenoon, the train was pulled back to Esperance with the aid of several locomotives and a large force of help. The wife of station agent Hunter came into the cars with two large pails of biscuits which were speedily devoured by the famished passengers.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
It was authoritatively announced on Tuesday that H.T. Jennings and his associates had bought that part of the Central Hotel site at the corner of Main and Dietz Streets in this city. The lot has a frontage of 50 feet on Main Street and extends 87 feet on Dietz, being 11 feet deeper than the old building on that site. The price paid is $500 a front foot -- $25,000 for the lot – which is the record price for Oneonta City realty. It is understood that the new owners will at once erect a very handsome building four stories in height. The First National Bank will occupy the corner, and there will also be a large store on the ground floor.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
“The mission of America may well be to police the world and by protecting the weaker nations help to establish world peace on the basis that truth, law and service are the three strands of a cord which binds the nations of the world in brotherly love” was the closing thought of Rev. A.J. Miller, rector of St. James Episcopal Church at the February meeting of the Oneonta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, held Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Owen C. Becker, 42 Elm Street.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The idea of racial discrimination is a white elephant that too many people keep in their minds the Rev. James Alcock, pastor of Chapin Memorial Universalist Church, told the Oneonta Kiwanis Club yesterday. Rev. Alcock spoke in connection with the observance of National Brotherhood Week. “The only way to effectively rid oneself of this particular white elephant,” Mr. Alcock declared, “is a dedication to the principle of individual rather than group judgment. “Because we get one bad egg in a dozen, we do not throw away the remaining 11. Yes, there are unworthy Jews,” he continued, “unworthy Negroes, but there are also unworthy Catholics and unworthy Protestants. But to damn a family or a person before you know him, to refuse to speak to him, to act as though he didn’t exist is completely out of place in any life that claims for itself the title of Christian.”
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
SUCO’s student-led Moratorium Committee held its second meeting Monday night to set definite plans for future action. The group formed a publicity committee, a membership committee, a community organization committee and a program committee in preparation for events planned this spring. A petition will be circulated around both Oneonta campuses to be signed by draft-eligible men between the ages of 19 and 26 who wish to express their discontent with the war and the military draft. The committee will also sponsor a draft counseling center where trained counselors can aid young men with questions about the Selective Service System. The counselors will not counsel men how to avoid the draft, but just inform them on it. However, if asked how it is possible to avoid the draft, the center will provide the information.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
Members of the Otsego County Board of Representatives unanimously supported a resolution to appropriate funds for the promotion of a National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta. On a voice vote of 13 ayes the representatives approved a sum not to exceed $500 for a promotion being undertaken by the Greater Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is presently engaged in attempting to establish the Soccer Hall of Fame in the city. They noted the city’s outstanding soccer tradition and its proximity to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown would make it an ideal spot for such a facility.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Otsego County Representative Kim Muller, D-Oneonta, moderated a session titled “local Government Solid Waste Initiatives” at the Sixth Annual Conference on Solid Waste Management and Materials Policy held in New York City. The speakers at the session presented approaches to management of the solid waste disposal problem in their areas of Westchester County, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington. More than a 100 people attended the session.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
February 2000
2-12-10 - FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Take Notice – Cash will be paid for Old Cast Iron, such as old Potato Kettles, Fire Dogs, and any kind of broken Iron hollow ware, at one dollar per Cwt., delivered at the store of the subscriber, in Otsego Village. E.H. Metcalf.
February 10, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Attempt to Assassinate the President – While the President (Andrew Jackson) was at the Capitol yesterday, Richard Lawrence, a painter, attempted to shoot him. The President, with the Secretary of the Treasury on his arm, on retiring from the Rotundo to reach his carriage at the steps of the portico, advanced towards the spot where Lawrence stood, who had his pistol concealed under his coat, and when he approached within two yards and a half of him, the assassin extended his arm and leveled the pistol at his breast. The percussion cap exploded with a noise so great that several witnesses supposed the pistol had fired. On the instant, the assassin dropped the pistol from his right hand and taking another ready cocked from his left, presented and snapped it at the President, who at the moment had raised his stick, and was rushing upon him. Mr. Woodbury and Lieut. Gedney, at the same instant, laid hold of the man who gave way through the crowd and was at last knocked down.
February 9, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Shall Women Vote? That is the question with a few of the women of our State – and only a very few. Not one in a hundred ever gave the subject a moment’s serious thought; and if allowed the privilege of voting, not one in fifty would avail themselves of it.
February 10, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The rhetorical exhibition given by the pupils of the Cooperstown Union School and Academy at the Court House Friday evening last was one of the most interesting of its kind we have ever attended, and was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. The singing by the pupils of the school under the leadership of Mrs. B.F. Austin was complimentary both to teacher and scholars. Of the recitations, that of Willis’s “Hagar in the Wilderness,” was well rendered by Miss Grace Ingalls. Miss Fannie Austin recited Carlton’s “The Christmas Prayer” very prettily, and Miss Ella Corwin gave “Better than Diamonds,” an anonymous prose selection, with feeling. Miss Root recited “The Ride of Paul Venarez” and Miss Russell, “The Relief of Lucknow.” Whittier’s “Mary Garvin,” a difficult thing, was remarkably well-rendered by Miss Jennie Russell. Miss Mamie Potter gave evidence of great talent in her admirable treatment of Wilson’s “Painter of Seville.”
February 14, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Locals – Photographer Telfer has put out some post card photographs of the snow banks on Main Street and they are finding a ready sale. Those nearest to camera look pretty steep, maybe, but the snow is here, all the same – more than we have had before in a dozen years. D.J. McGown has the plans for his new camp house to be erected near Five-Mile Point next summer. The plans were made by Architect Frank P. Whiting and include a basement, bath room and all the conveniences of a dwelling house.
February 12, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Declaring that the Conservation Department is not “a necessary nuisance, as some people seem to think, but a vital and necessary part of the state government,” John J. Halpin of Albany, its secretary, gave a comprehensive view of its functions in an address at the regular luncheon of the Cooperstown Rotary Club at the Fenimore Hotel on Tuesday of last week. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the inception of official conservation in New York State. “It was on May 15th, 1885, that Governor David B. Hill, signed a bill creating the forest commission,” he said. “The necessity for forest conservation work in this state had been recognized for more than 200 years, but it was not until the bill was introduced that any definite steps were taken to preserve the forest.”
February 13, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
25 YEARS AGO
Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Sampson Smith, Jr., of Cooperstown and Sarasota, Florida, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Cory Sampson Smith to J. Michael Moffat, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Moffat of Cooperstown and Naples, Florida. Miss Smith is the granddaughter of Mrs. Joseph Campbell and the late W.T. Sampson Smith, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas T. Johnston. She attended the Madeira School and the School of Fashion Design in Boston. Moffat graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and Kenyon College in Ohio. He is currently employed by Best Films, Ltd. in London, England. An August wedding is planned.
February 13, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Governor Pataki announced that Otsego County will be one of 15 counties to receive funding for community-based programs that will improve substance abuse prevention services. Otsego County will receive $180,000 a year for three years. The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation, Inc. (LEAF) will act as lead agency and spearhead the organization of a Communities that Care programs.
February 11, 2000
Take Notice – Cash will be paid for Old Cast Iron, such as old Potato Kettles, Fire Dogs, and any kind of broken Iron hollow ware, at one dollar per Cwt., delivered at the store of the subscriber, in Otsego Village. E.H. Metcalf.
February 10, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Attempt to Assassinate the President – While the President (Andrew Jackson) was at the Capitol yesterday, Richard Lawrence, a painter, attempted to shoot him. The President, with the Secretary of the Treasury on his arm, on retiring from the Rotundo to reach his carriage at the steps of the portico, advanced towards the spot where Lawrence stood, who had his pistol concealed under his coat, and when he approached within two yards and a half of him, the assassin extended his arm and leveled the pistol at his breast. The percussion cap exploded with a noise so great that several witnesses supposed the pistol had fired. On the instant, the assassin dropped the pistol from his right hand and taking another ready cocked from his left, presented and snapped it at the President, who at the moment had raised his stick, and was rushing upon him. Mr. Woodbury and Lieut. Gedney, at the same instant, laid hold of the man who gave way through the crowd and was at last knocked down.
February 9, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Shall Women Vote? That is the question with a few of the women of our State – and only a very few. Not one in a hundred ever gave the subject a moment’s serious thought; and if allowed the privilege of voting, not one in fifty would avail themselves of it.
February 10, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The rhetorical exhibition given by the pupils of the Cooperstown Union School and Academy at the Court House Friday evening last was one of the most interesting of its kind we have ever attended, and was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. The singing by the pupils of the school under the leadership of Mrs. B.F. Austin was complimentary both to teacher and scholars. Of the recitations, that of Willis’s “Hagar in the Wilderness,” was well rendered by Miss Grace Ingalls. Miss Fannie Austin recited Carlton’s “The Christmas Prayer” very prettily, and Miss Ella Corwin gave “Better than Diamonds,” an anonymous prose selection, with feeling. Miss Root recited “The Ride of Paul Venarez” and Miss Russell, “The Relief of Lucknow.” Whittier’s “Mary Garvin,” a difficult thing, was remarkably well-rendered by Miss Jennie Russell. Miss Mamie Potter gave evidence of great talent in her admirable treatment of Wilson’s “Painter of Seville.”
February 14, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Locals – Photographer Telfer has put out some post card photographs of the snow banks on Main Street and they are finding a ready sale. Those nearest to camera look pretty steep, maybe, but the snow is here, all the same – more than we have had before in a dozen years. D.J. McGown has the plans for his new camp house to be erected near Five-Mile Point next summer. The plans were made by Architect Frank P. Whiting and include a basement, bath room and all the conveniences of a dwelling house.
February 12, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Declaring that the Conservation Department is not “a necessary nuisance, as some people seem to think, but a vital and necessary part of the state government,” John J. Halpin of Albany, its secretary, gave a comprehensive view of its functions in an address at the regular luncheon of the Cooperstown Rotary Club at the Fenimore Hotel on Tuesday of last week. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the inception of official conservation in New York State. “It was on May 15th, 1885, that Governor David B. Hill, signed a bill creating the forest commission,” he said. “The necessity for forest conservation work in this state had been recognized for more than 200 years, but it was not until the bill was introduced that any definite steps were taken to preserve the forest.”
February 13, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
25 YEARS AGO
Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Sampson Smith, Jr., of Cooperstown and Sarasota, Florida, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Cory Sampson Smith to J. Michael Moffat, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Moffat of Cooperstown and Naples, Florida. Miss Smith is the granddaughter of Mrs. Joseph Campbell and the late W.T. Sampson Smith, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas T. Johnston. She attended the Madeira School and the School of Fashion Design in Boston. Moffat graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and Kenyon College in Ohio. He is currently employed by Best Films, Ltd. in London, England. An August wedding is planned.
February 13, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Governor Pataki announced that Otsego County will be one of 15 counties to receive funding for community-based programs that will improve substance abuse prevention services. Otsego County will receive $180,000 a year for three years. The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation, Inc. (LEAF) will act as lead agency and spearhead the organization of a Communities that Care programs.
February 11, 2000
2-12-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Electric Light for Oneonta – Indications are that Oneonta will be furnished with electric light in the spring. A company with Dr. D.B. Manchester as president has been formed for the purpose. Aside from Dr. Manchester and U.L. Ireland, electrician, the company is composed of non-residents of the town. An engine of about 40 horse capacity will be required to furnish the power. The projectors claim not only that the electric light will be far superior to that of Oneonta gas, but that it will be vastly cheaper – the cost of a light equal in power to two and one-half gas jets, costing no more than for one gas jet at the prevailing price of gas in Oneonta. Mr. Ireland is the inventor of a novel electric fire alarm which is on exhibition at the office of Dr. Manchester.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
A.J. Littlejohn, a representative of the Beebe Electric Railway system of Syracuse, was in Oneonta last Thursday, this city having been selected for the beginning of a continuous trip of about 2,700 miles over electric lines. He left Oneonta at 4:15 p.m., going to Mohawk, Utica and Syracuse, which was the end of the first day’s journey. The trip will include Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and St. Louis; and of the whole distance only 20 miles will be over steam roads. The trip is made to demonstrate the possibilities of long-distance electric travel.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
While fishing at Goodyear Lake Dyke Hurley caught a big fish and then couldn’t figure out to which species it belonged. Neither could the other fishermen on the lake nor local city enthusiasts when he showed it to them. Finally, Professor H.T. Meade of the faculty of Hartwick College was called upon. At first he was puzzled. After looking through several game books he discovered the fish belonged to the cod family and is the only one of its kind to inhabit fresh water. It is known as a ling, burbot, fresh water cusk, and lake lawyer. It is rarely found in the United States, but is fairly common in the lakes of Canada. It inhabits deep waters only. The fish measured 22 inches. Its distinguishing mark is its fins which run from its rounded tail to the head.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
The antenna for the Oneonta Police Department’s new two-way FM radio system has been delivered and will be serviced for erection by Saturday, technician Wiley R. Bates said yesterday. When in place the antenna will rise about 45 feet above the roof of the Municipal Building. The main station transmitter will be of 60 watts and the three mobile units of 30 watts each. Two of the mobile units will be placed in police cars and the other in the fire department’s emergency car. Mr. Bates said the system should give “solid coverage for an average of eight to ten miles, with a maximum range of perhaps 25 miles under favorable conditions.”
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Local News – Thieves broke into the U-Totem Laundry on the corner of Chestnut and West Streets Tuesday night. Entry was gained by jimmying an outside door. After an unsuccessful attempt to jimmy a safe in the office, the burglars left with $1 in change and five keys, four to the laundry’s door locks and the other to the coke machine. Footprints in the snow indicated that two individuals were involved. One set of footprints led to Spring Street and the other to a building further down Chestnut Street.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
The presentation of minerals, precious stone, geological fossils and jewelry is the theme of Hartwick College’s Yager Museum exhibition titled “Rocks, Minerals, Gems and Fine Jewelry.” Artists, craftsmen, students, jewelers and the Empire Geology Club are all contributing to the event. Throughout the display are jewelry objects of many varieties including antique and modern pieces. The crafts of Evelyn Cohen, a superb technical artist, will be featured along with those of Don Johnson and Paul Reilly of the State University College at Oneonta, and Samuel Shaw, a Hartwick College graduate.
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
New York State Governor George Pataki announced last week that Otsego County will receive $180,000 a year for three years to improve substance abuse prevention services. The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation, Inc. (LEAF) will act as the lead agency to spearhead the creation of a Communities that Care program. According to LEAF executive director Elizabeth Currier, a Communities that Care program seeks to create a profile of each community in the county, using the data collected to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of each area.
February 2000
2-5-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
Home & Vicinity – Five sleigh-loads of handsome, well-dressed women, drawn by plumed horses, enjoyed a ride about Oneonta Tuesday afternoon upon invitation of Mrs. George I. Wilber and Mrs. Wm. Morris. The sleighing was excellent and the weather all that could be asked for. After the ride the sleighs came up in front of the Central Hotel where a “lovely” supper was served which brought forth a great deal of praise from the critical married women, of which class the party was for the most part composed. The ladies were sixty in number and they talked like sixty.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Merchants’ Association of Oneonta held its sixth annual banquet at the Windsor Hotel Friday evening of last week. The attendance was large, fully 110 members and guests sitting down at about ten o’clock to one of the finest repasts ever served on like occasion in the city, and at once attacking and disposing of the viands with a zest and keen enjoyment which would make a big reduction sale look like thirty cents. The banquet was a genuine triumph for Landlord Swart. Following the dinner, which was interspersed with music by Wolcott’s orchestra, came a series of addresses. M.G. Ronan, president of the association, was toastmaster. There were three speakers on the program – Dr. Schumacher, Superintendent H.W. Rockwell and lawyer Joseph W. Lawson, Esq. of Albany.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Over 80,000 people visited Howe Caverns, located near Cobleskill, from its opening on May 27, 1929 to December 31, a remarkable showing for the first year of such an enterprise. This was disclosed at a meeting of the stockholders held at Cobleskill last week. Plans for the illumination of the underground lake, which is 200 feet below the surface and 600 feet long, and for the providing of boats for the use of visitors by May 1 were discussed as well. The company will install 650 additional electric lights to illuminate the lake, making 1,650 electric lights in all within the caverns.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
Undefeated Oneonta State Teachers College, the only unbeaten college basketball team in upstate New York, ran its victory string to 13 games Saturday night in the State Armory by beating Geneseo State Teachers College, 35-22. The contest was a battle of strategy more than anything else. Geneseo employed a deliberate cautious style of play, working out of a “mill” when the Red Dragons refused to be drawn into a man-to-man defense. The action lagged and at one time the activity was so dull that Fran Delaney, officiating with Jim Konstanty, expressed his attitude toward the idleness when he grabbed a soda pop tray from a vendor and went through the motions of selling it. The rules provide that a player must get rid of the ball within five seconds if an opponent is within three feet, but the ball can be held for 40 minutes if the three-foot zone is not transgressed. Geneseo held the ball for four minutes in the third period and five minutes in the fourth as the Dragons refused to relinquish their sliding zone defense.
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Insufficient customer support has resulted in withdrawal by the New York Telephone Co. of its plan to expand local calling areas in a wide region around Oneonta. Involved were 14,367 customers in Oneonta, Cooperstown, Davenport, Edmeston, Hartwick, Hobart, Milford, Otego, Schenevus and Worcester. Last May the company polled its area customers for opinions on its proposal, which would have expanded service while at the same time increasing the monthly rates. John F. Murphy, company manager in Oneonta, said 10,502 customers participated in the poll. Of the total, he said 5,936 or 56.5 per cent opposed the plan; 4,140 or 39.4 percent were in favor, and 426 or 4.1 percent were neutral. Mr. Murphy said the plan would have eliminated toll charges ranging up to 25 cents. Under the plan monthly increases for residential customers would have ranged from 95 cents for a multi-party line in Otego to $2.15 for an individual line in Edmeston.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
The office of Continuing Education at SUNY Oneonta will offer a basic aviation ground school during the spring semester. The course will prepare students to pass the Federal Aviation written examination, which is a prerequisite to flight training. Topics to be covered include aerodynamics, navigation, flight planning and weather. Plans are being made to administer the FAA examination at the end of the class. The instructor is Edward J. Welch, Jr., owner of Oneonta Aviation, Inc. Welch is a certified flight instructor and a licensed commercial pilot.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society and the Ayres Society of Natural History will be searching for winter resident owls and hawks on February 12 in the Mohawk Valley near Sharon Springs. This is often a winter range for Short-eared and Snowy Owls and Rough-legged Hawks. Other hawks and owls, including Great-horned, Screech and Saw-whet Owls, are found in the area throughout the year. Participants should bring binoculars, dress warmly and bring a sandwich as food may not be available to purchase. The group will search for day-flying owls and hawks during the late afternoon and twilight and for night owls after dark.
February 2000
Home & Vicinity – Five sleigh-loads of handsome, well-dressed women, drawn by plumed horses, enjoyed a ride about Oneonta Tuesday afternoon upon invitation of Mrs. George I. Wilber and Mrs. Wm. Morris. The sleighing was excellent and the weather all that could be asked for. After the ride the sleighs came up in front of the Central Hotel where a “lovely” supper was served which brought forth a great deal of praise from the critical married women, of which class the party was for the most part composed. The ladies were sixty in number and they talked like sixty.
February 1885
100 YEARS AGO
The Merchants’ Association of Oneonta held its sixth annual banquet at the Windsor Hotel Friday evening of last week. The attendance was large, fully 110 members and guests sitting down at about ten o’clock to one of the finest repasts ever served on like occasion in the city, and at once attacking and disposing of the viands with a zest and keen enjoyment which would make a big reduction sale look like thirty cents. The banquet was a genuine triumph for Landlord Swart. Following the dinner, which was interspersed with music by Wolcott’s orchestra, came a series of addresses. M.G. Ronan, president of the association, was toastmaster. There were three speakers on the program – Dr. Schumacher, Superintendent H.W. Rockwell and lawyer Joseph W. Lawson, Esq. of Albany.
February 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Over 80,000 people visited Howe Caverns, located near Cobleskill, from its opening on May 27, 1929 to December 31, a remarkable showing for the first year of such an enterprise. This was disclosed at a meeting of the stockholders held at Cobleskill last week. Plans for the illumination of the underground lake, which is 200 feet below the surface and 600 feet long, and for the providing of boats for the use of visitors by May 1 were discussed as well. The company will install 650 additional electric lights to illuminate the lake, making 1,650 electric lights in all within the caverns.
February 1930
60 YEARS AGO
Undefeated Oneonta State Teachers College, the only unbeaten college basketball team in upstate New York, ran its victory string to 13 games Saturday night in the State Armory by beating Geneseo State Teachers College, 35-22. The contest was a battle of strategy more than anything else. Geneseo employed a deliberate cautious style of play, working out of a “mill” when the Red Dragons refused to be drawn into a man-to-man defense. The action lagged and at one time the activity was so dull that Fran Delaney, officiating with Jim Konstanty, expressed his attitude toward the idleness when he grabbed a soda pop tray from a vendor and went through the motions of selling it. The rules provide that a player must get rid of the ball within five seconds if an opponent is within three feet, but the ball can be held for 40 minutes if the three-foot zone is not transgressed. Geneseo held the ball for four minutes in the third period and five minutes in the fourth as the Dragons refused to relinquish their sliding zone defense.
February 1950
40 YEARS AGO
Insufficient customer support has resulted in withdrawal by the New York Telephone Co. of its plan to expand local calling areas in a wide region around Oneonta. Involved were 14,367 customers in Oneonta, Cooperstown, Davenport, Edmeston, Hartwick, Hobart, Milford, Otego, Schenevus and Worcester. Last May the company polled its area customers for opinions on its proposal, which would have expanded service while at the same time increasing the monthly rates. John F. Murphy, company manager in Oneonta, said 10,502 customers participated in the poll. Of the total, he said 5,936 or 56.5 per cent opposed the plan; 4,140 or 39.4 percent were in favor, and 426 or 4.1 percent were neutral. Mr. Murphy said the plan would have eliminated toll charges ranging up to 25 cents. Under the plan monthly increases for residential customers would have ranged from 95 cents for a multi-party line in Otego to $2.15 for an individual line in Edmeston.
February 1970
30 YEARS AGO
February 1980
20 YEARS AGO
The office of Continuing Education at SUNY Oneonta will offer a basic aviation ground school during the spring semester. The course will prepare students to pass the Federal Aviation written examination, which is a prerequisite to flight training. Topics to be covered include aerodynamics, navigation, flight planning and weather. Plans are being made to administer the FAA examination at the end of the class. The instructor is Edward J. Welch, Jr., owner of Oneonta Aviation, Inc. Welch is a certified flight instructor and a licensed commercial pilot.
February 1990
10 YEARS AGO
The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society and the Ayres Society of Natural History will be searching for winter resident owls and hawks on February 12 in the Mohawk Valley near Sharon Springs. This is often a winter range for Short-eared and Snowy Owls and Rough-legged Hawks. Other hawks and owls, including Great-horned, Screech and Saw-whet Owls, are found in the area throughout the year. Participants should bring binoculars, dress warmly and bring a sandwich as food may not be available to purchase. The group will search for day-flying owls and hawks during the late afternoon and twilight and for night owls after dark.
February 2000
2-5-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Take Notice! The subscriber, having the misfortune to burn his accounts for wool-carding, this season, by accident on the 4th inst. Hereby requests all those who are indebted to him for the abovementioned business, to come forward and make known the amount they are indebted, as soon as possible, in order that he may charge them anew. Eliphalet Williams. N.B. He wishes it to be understood that no part of his wool carding works were burnt at the time that his account books were accidentally consumed by fire, communicated by a candle.
February 3, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
We have read with much pleasure the report of a committee of the Regents of the University of this State, on “The Education of Common School Teachers.” The committee proposes the establishment of a department of instruction for common school teachers in the existing academies. They recommend the selection of one Academy in each senate district to a total of eight departments. For the prosecution of their design, the Regents have resolved to appropriate the sum of $400 annually, for the support of teachers in those academies and it is intended also to supply these with a suitable philosophical and chemical apparatus, libraries, etc.
February 2, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The lecture delivered on Friday evening last by G.P. Keese, Esq., on “Water, Its Facts and Fables,” drew together a large audience. If any entered the hall with the impression that they were to be treated to a dry lecture on a wet subject, they must have been agreeably disappointed. Mr. Keese has evidently devoted much attention and close reading to a subject which he showed to be so full of interest, and which embraces so wide a range of scientific investigation.
February 3, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Dr. Alex F. Sterling, son-in-law of the late Ambrose L. Jordan, died in New York, after a long illness, on Saturday last, aged 68 years. He was a genial, pleasant, liberal gentleman, who years ago used to spend considerable time in Cooperstown. He was made wealthy by his brother-in-law, the late Edward Clark, who had him appointed Secretary of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. a number of years ago. Dr. Sterling gave away a great deal of money in his lifetime. He left about two millions to his only daughter Mrs. Postley.
February 7, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Many of our villagers are taking the opportunity to examine the tuberculosis exhibit of the State Charities Aid Association being shown this week at the Y.M.C.A. building. Local physicians are present from 3 to 5 o’clock each afternoon to explain the statements and pictures presented. When one stops to realize that out of 138,912 deaths in New York State in 1908, 14,347 resulted from tuberculosis, there is little wonder that the people are so alert whenever there is a chance to learn more of this dread disease and how it may be stamped out.
February 5, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
Robert James Conklin of Richfield Springs died at his place of business, E.D. Conklin & Son, early Saturday morning. He had been in ill health since he suffered a heart attack last summer. He was 51 years of age. At the time of his death he was postmaster and president of the Richfield Springs Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Conklin was born in Mohawk, May 8, 1908, the son of Edward and Martha (Smith) Conklin. He attended grade schools in Mohawk and Richfield Springs and was graduated from the Richfield Springs high school in 1925. He later graduated from the Syracuse Heating and Engineering school. At the age of 16, he established the E.D. Conklin & Son coal business in Richfield Springs, using the name of his father in the firm’s name, the father being associated with him in the business for a number of years. Later on, building supplies were added to the firm’s inventory. Mr. Conklin was sworn in January 14, 1951 as postmaster. He married Louise Walsh of Ilion on August 15th, 1936. She survives.
February 3, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Doug Walrath Retires as Village Clerk. When it is suggested that he is the one who really runs the village, Doug Walrath just smiles. He wouldn’t take the light away from anyone else. But, for the last 20 years, he has been serving the village as clerk, clerk-treasurer and administrator – a myriad of jobs that mean he is generally the one who keeps Cooperstown going on a daily basis. In Walrath’s 20 years, the village reappraised its real properties; built a new sewer plant – the biggest project the village has ever undertaken, – installed new street lights; established a new landfill; built a new fire hall, and finally, began to realize the benefits of regulations which had been in the incubation stage for years.
February 6, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
On Monday, January 31, Jane Forbes Clark announced that Kevin S. Moore, former senior vice president, has been elected president and director of The Clark Estates, Inc. Moore succeeds Edward W. Stack, who resigned as president. Clark also announced that former vice president Eric L. Strauss has been named senior vice president. Moore joined The Clark Estates in 1991. Prior to his tenure at the Clark Estates, Inc. Moore served as president, chief executive officer and director of Jet Capital Corporation, vice president of mergers and acquisitions for Farley Industries and an associate with the venture capital firm of Golder, Thoma & Co. “Kevin is a wonderful person,” said Clark. “He cares for all of Cooperstown and what we do here. He is the perfect person for the job.” Moore earned his Master of Business Administration from Stanford University and completed his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College. Strauss has served as vice president of The Clark Estates since February 1997 and is currently president of the Leatherstocking Corporation which owns the Otesaga Hotel and the Cooper Inn. Strauss is also a director of The Farmers’ Museum.
February 4, 2000
Take Notice! The subscriber, having the misfortune to burn his accounts for wool-carding, this season, by accident on the 4th inst. Hereby requests all those who are indebted to him for the abovementioned business, to come forward and make known the amount they are indebted, as soon as possible, in order that he may charge them anew. Eliphalet Williams. N.B. He wishes it to be understood that no part of his wool carding works were burnt at the time that his account books were accidentally consumed by fire, communicated by a candle.
February 3, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
We have read with much pleasure the report of a committee of the Regents of the University of this State, on “The Education of Common School Teachers.” The committee proposes the establishment of a department of instruction for common school teachers in the existing academies. They recommend the selection of one Academy in each senate district to a total of eight departments. For the prosecution of their design, the Regents have resolved to appropriate the sum of $400 annually, for the support of teachers in those academies and it is intended also to supply these with a suitable philosophical and chemical apparatus, libraries, etc.
February 2, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
The lecture delivered on Friday evening last by G.P. Keese, Esq., on “Water, Its Facts and Fables,” drew together a large audience. If any entered the hall with the impression that they were to be treated to a dry lecture on a wet subject, they must have been agreeably disappointed. Mr. Keese has evidently devoted much attention and close reading to a subject which he showed to be so full of interest, and which embraces so wide a range of scientific investigation.
February 3, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Dr. Alex F. Sterling, son-in-law of the late Ambrose L. Jordan, died in New York, after a long illness, on Saturday last, aged 68 years. He was a genial, pleasant, liberal gentleman, who years ago used to spend considerable time in Cooperstown. He was made wealthy by his brother-in-law, the late Edward Clark, who had him appointed Secretary of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. a number of years ago. Dr. Sterling gave away a great deal of money in his lifetime. He left about two millions to his only daughter Mrs. Postley.
February 7, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Many of our villagers are taking the opportunity to examine the tuberculosis exhibit of the State Charities Aid Association being shown this week at the Y.M.C.A. building. Local physicians are present from 3 to 5 o’clock each afternoon to explain the statements and pictures presented. When one stops to realize that out of 138,912 deaths in New York State in 1908, 14,347 resulted from tuberculosis, there is little wonder that the people are so alert whenever there is a chance to learn more of this dread disease and how it may be stamped out.
February 5, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
Robert James Conklin of Richfield Springs died at his place of business, E.D. Conklin & Son, early Saturday morning. He had been in ill health since he suffered a heart attack last summer. He was 51 years of age. At the time of his death he was postmaster and president of the Richfield Springs Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Conklin was born in Mohawk, May 8, 1908, the son of Edward and Martha (Smith) Conklin. He attended grade schools in Mohawk and Richfield Springs and was graduated from the Richfield Springs high school in 1925. He later graduated from the Syracuse Heating and Engineering school. At the age of 16, he established the E.D. Conklin & Son coal business in Richfield Springs, using the name of his father in the firm’s name, the father being associated with him in the business for a number of years. Later on, building supplies were added to the firm’s inventory. Mr. Conklin was sworn in January 14, 1951 as postmaster. He married Louise Walsh of Ilion on August 15th, 1936. She survives.
February 3, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Doug Walrath Retires as Village Clerk. When it is suggested that he is the one who really runs the village, Doug Walrath just smiles. He wouldn’t take the light away from anyone else. But, for the last 20 years, he has been serving the village as clerk, clerk-treasurer and administrator – a myriad of jobs that mean he is generally the one who keeps Cooperstown going on a daily basis. In Walrath’s 20 years, the village reappraised its real properties; built a new sewer plant – the biggest project the village has ever undertaken, – installed new street lights; established a new landfill; built a new fire hall, and finally, began to realize the benefits of regulations which had been in the incubation stage for years.
February 6, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
On Monday, January 31, Jane Forbes Clark announced that Kevin S. Moore, former senior vice president, has been elected president and director of The Clark Estates, Inc. Moore succeeds Edward W. Stack, who resigned as president. Clark also announced that former vice president Eric L. Strauss has been named senior vice president. Moore joined The Clark Estates in 1991. Prior to his tenure at the Clark Estates, Inc. Moore served as president, chief executive officer and director of Jet Capital Corporation, vice president of mergers and acquisitions for Farley Industries and an associate with the venture capital firm of Golder, Thoma & Co. “Kevin is a wonderful person,” said Clark. “He cares for all of Cooperstown and what we do here. He is the perfect person for the job.” Moore earned his Master of Business Administration from Stanford University and completed his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College. Strauss has served as vice president of The Clark Estates since February 1997 and is currently president of the Leatherstocking Corporation which owns the Otesaga Hotel and the Cooper Inn. Strauss is also a director of The Farmers’ Museum.
February 4, 2000
1-29-11 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGOBurdette Guy, who for some years has been engaged in the manufacture of extension tables at Schenevus, has decided to remove his business to Oneonta. A company with capital of $10,000 is to be formed, the stock for which is mostly subscribed. The plan is to lease and fit up the Columbian skating rink building and secure power from the shop nearby of W.H. Woodin. Mr. Guy has already a profitable trade established, and with the benefit of the increased facilities to be had in Oneonta, it is probable the business may be made extensive. It will bring to Oneonta several workmen and their families and is the sort of industry which tends to help the growth and business interests of a village.
January 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Exactly one year and three weeks, almost to the hour, after the blaze in December, 1908, which laid waste a large section on the south side of Main Street in this city, came early last Sunday morning the fire which in less than two hours destroyed the Central Hotel block.
While in property lost the two fires were about the same, the last resulted in the loss of human life – something which heretofore in the history of Oneonta is unrecorded. Killed in the fire were Jacob Hedinger of Oneonta and George Conklin and Edwin Emerson of Otego. The fire was discovered about 3:15 a.m. by Mr. Evans, night clerk of the hotel. A short time before Mr. Evans had visited the boiler room and had attended to the fires.
He returned to the office, where he lay down, but soon after remarked to Joseph Quick, who was also in the office, that he smelled smoke. The cause of the fire will never be accurately known.
It probably resulted, however, from an explosion of gas in the furnace, throwing hot coal and blazing gas into the room. What is to be done with the site is not as yet determined. One proposition is to make it a public park.
January 1910
80 YEARS AGO
The 10th anniversary of national prohibition was observed in Oneonta last night at a gathering of 225 members of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) at the First Methodist Episcopal Church. “We have a job if we are going to get a state enforcement act,” Mrs. Charlotte Fraser Schneider, national W.C.T.U.. Americanization Director said. “The wets are highly organized. They have rented part of a large office building in Albany as their private headquarters, I understand. Their agents are talking with foreign women. We’re going to get a state enforcement act and we’re going to make the whole world dry. Poland is dry now. Italy has strict supervision in liquor under Mussolini. Scotland, even, has local option. In England, young men and women under 13 years of age are forbidden to enter the saloons.”
January 1930
60 YEARS AGO
It has long been a bone of contention in American homes whether or not married women should work or not? Men feel that women should stay in the home; that it is the man’s job to go out and earn bread. What they don’t realize is that labor-saving devices in the homes give women a lot of free time nowadays and the best way to occupy that free time is to go out and get a job. According to Dr. Mary Fisher Langmuir, Director of the Vassar College Institute for family and community living, “at least for two-thirds of the wives today, marriage happiness can be improved if the wives have some interest or job or outside responsibility to discharge. Wives with outside interests, responsibilities or outlets for their energies are more likely to have better balanced and more successful marriages than those who don’t.”
January 1950
40 YEARS AGO
January 1970
30 YEARS AGO
New industries are not coming to Oneonta in numbers sufficient to off-set the ones that are declining. Oneonta’s two institutions of higher education face uncertain futures as well as the city’s railroad industry. However, there is reason to be optimistic.
Community Development Director Joseph Bernier looks for the D&H Railroad to get stronger in the next decade. “With the transportation bond issue passed in November, I can only see them (D&H) growing stronger,” Bernier said.
Bernier points out that Oneonta is in the geographic center of the area and remains a central point for rail passenger and freight movement. “I look for a locomotive repair facility that could come to Oneonta, and if it does, it could mean 100 new jobs for the area.”
January 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Michael Z. Zizza, son of Ms. Kathleen C. Zelker of East Street in Oneonta has been nominated by U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Zizza attends Oneonta High School, ranking 26th in a class of 152. He is president of the Spanish Club and vice president of the senior class. He is a member of the varsity football, wrestling, track, and weight-lifting teams.
January 1990
10 YEARS AGO
Time Warner’s merger with America Online and EMI of Britain presages a new era for the Internet and music lovers everywhere. “Music, out of all our businesses, is the one that will benefit the most from the Internet and the digital revolution.”
Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin says. The addition of EMI will create a massive stable of 2,500 artists and a large music catalog of albums and songs to be delivered over the Internet or shipped via CD to consumers. Warner’s stable of artists includes such well-known performers as Cher, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Modonna, Metallica and REM.
EMI is bringing names like the Spice Girls, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra into the new fold.
January 2000
1-29-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Report of the Mint of the United States – It will appear that for the last year there have been issued from the Mint, of gold coins, in half eagles, 33,875 pieces, amounting to 166,375 dollars; of silver coins in half dollars and dimes, 1,450,520 pieces, amounting to 267,376 dollars; and of copper coins, in cents and half cents, 1,377,439 pieces, amounting to 800 and 53 cents – making in the whole 2,861,834 pieces of coin, amounting to 884,000 dollars and 53 cents.
January 27, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Missionaries murdered – By the ship Covington, at Baltimore, advices have been received from Batavia to September 24th. They contain the melancholy intelligence that Mr. Layman and Mr. Monson, American Missionaries, had been murdered by the Cannibals of the Batta country in the interior of Sumatra, and their bodies eaten. Their widows were at Batavia waiting an opportunity to return to America.
January 26, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Dr. Sprague’s Lecture on Friday evening last on “The Cause of Ill Health,” was attended by a large and attentive audience. It was the plain, practical, common-sense discourse we expected to hear from a Physician of Dr. Sprague’s reading and experience, and if acted up to by those in attendance, cannot fail to redound to their happiness and benefit. What was said in regard to the importance of ample protection against cold in a climate like ours, and the clever hits at some of the prevalent fashions – prolific causes of ill health in females – should have been heard by many others. But, as the Doctor intimated in his lecture, the “dear creatures” will “follow the fashion” – if they die for it! So what is the use of talking?
January 27, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
The Conviction of J. Fenimore Clayton for killing his child – At about 10 o’clock on Friday night the Court House bell rang, announcing that the jury had agreed on a verdict. In a short time the Court House was nearly filled by those anxious to hear the result. Judge Murray took his seat, the Sheriff brought in the prisoner, and District Attorney Barber and J.A. Lynes took their positions within the bar, the latter by the side of the prisoner. As the jurors filed into their seats, Clayton eagerly scanned their faces. The foreman of the jury, in reply to the clerk, said they had agreed on a verdict. The prisoner and jury arose. Holding in his hand the slip of paper containing the written verdict, Clerk Van Horn read: “We find the prisoner at the bar guilty of murder in the second degree.” Clayton received the result with controlled feelings and the court adjourned until 8:30 o’clock Saturday morning. At that time Judge Murray sentenced Clayton to hard labor at Auburn for life.
January 24, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
January 29, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
The Cooperstown High School basketeers won a great court classic, Saturday, when they handed Nott Terrace High School of Schenectady the worst defeat ever suffered by that institution, in a game played on the local court that ended in a score of 41 to 21. The visitors, fresh from a victory over the Oneonta Yellowjackets, underrated a stubborn Leatherstocking tribe. The Orange and Black hoopsters were masters of this battle that will go down in sport history as they demonstrated once again their ability to overcome powerful quintets from the big cities. Captain “Do-Do Laurence led the scoring for Cooperstown with 16 points. Foxey Koletnik and Dick Peaslee tired out all opposing guards by their speed. Guy McRorie and Frankie Romano gave fine exhibitions of offensive and defensive tactics.
January 30, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Former Mayor Rowan D. Spraker and Henry R. Mallory have been named co-chairmen of a committee which will conduct a campaign to raise $14,000 to finance Cooperstown’s Area Planning program. The announcement was made jointly by Cooperstown mayor Alva C. Welch and Frederick L. Rath, chairman of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, which also includes Theodore P. Feury, Arthur T. Peevers, Dr. Alfred Jaretski, III, and Frederick H. McGown, Jr., presented an interim report to the Board of Trustees two weeks ago in which it urged immediate steps be taken to undertake a Cooperstown area study leading to a detailed planning program for the area. The firm of Blair Associates of Providence, Rhode Island is prepared to conduct the study based on a bid of $14,000.
January 27, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown high school students will participate in a special Valentine’s Day program designed to counter advertising and peer pressure for teenagers to smoke. “Save a Sweet Heart” (SASH) is being coordinated by student advisors Harry Peplinski and James Austin in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Heart Association. SASH includes posters mimicking popular cigarette ads, public address announcements and no-smoking contracts by students. Smoking and non-smoking students are included in the program. “Peer pressure is one of the major reasons teenagers begin to smoke. The SASH program can make that peer pressure a positive force,” said Dr. David Svahn, SASH program planning chair and a heart association board member. It is estimated that 20 percent of seniors in high school smoke and smoking among girls, ages 17-18, is at an all-time high of 26 percent.
January 30, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Otsego County’s “Complete Count Committee” is comprised of individuals who will actively seek to ensure that everyone in Otsego County is counted in the year 2000 Census which begins this month. The Census Bureau is assisting with this endeavor by providing training and materials for distribution. It is extremely important that an accurate count of individuals residing in Otsego County be calculated for federal and state aid purposes, federal and state grants and loan programs, for representation in the state legislature, for economic development efforts, and for business recruitment efforts.
January 28, 2000
1-22-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 YEARS AGO
The dull times existing in railroad affairs have had the effect of bringing about a reduction in the forces of the D. & H. C. Co. Effective yesterday morning the position of engine dispatcher, for some years filled at the Oneonta roundhouse by C.O. Beach, is abolished. Mr. Beach returns to the road as engineer, and has been given trains 7 and 8 – the passenger run between Oneonta and Albany. Engineer C.E. Currier, who has been running 7 and 8 goes to 15 and 16, the local passenger train between Oneonta and Binghamton. “Deck” Orr, who has been train dispatcher at Binghamton, is to run the “pusher” out of that city.
January 1885
100 YEARS AGO
While Congressman Fairchild was in Oneonta last Saturday he was waited upon by a delegation of citizens who desire to have the site for the new government building changed from the Wilber property, on Main Street opposite Ford Avenue, to the Dr. Case property on Dietz Street. Mr. Fairchild frankly stated that he had from the outset considered the Case site the best, all things considered, and that when Mr. Windom was here, he (Fairchild) had interviewed Dr. Case upon the subject and endeavored to persuade him to offer the property. The understanding is that the plans for the property are under way and the United States attorney for this district has been instructed and has taken the initial steps to condemn the site of the Wilber block.
January 1910
80 YEARS AGO
Oneonta police files hold 5,000 fingerprints – In a steel cabinet at one corner of Sergeant Howard Odell’s office in the municipal building are the strings connecting Oneonta with the criminal world, the pulling whereof identifies or clears the records of suspicious characters daily. In the files, classified according to their ridge marks, are the prints of 5,000 hands collected from all over the United States during a period of two-and-a-half years. New additions are being received daily. In a wooden cabinet to the left of the Sergeant’s desk is the Rogue’s Gallery of local characters, started last July. Looking within, one finds the faces of the knifers, car thieves, peeping Toms, petty thieves and state tramps who have appeared in city court since last July.
January 1930
60 YEARS AGO
January 1950
40 YEARS AGO
A collection of trophies, scrapbooks, photographs and other mementoes from the legendary career of Daniel Fox, Captain of the famous Troop “C” State Police Rough Riders of the early 1900s are now on display in a special room at the Sidney Village Hall. The scrapbooks detail the unit’s colorful history. Included are many photographs of Captain Fox, members of the unit and the rough riders’ horses. There are also photos given to Captain Fox by prominent.
The safety of women students using a footpath extending from the upper end of Elm Street to the State University College at Oneonta campus is a concern for both college and city authorities. The Oneonta Common Council, after meeting with a newly formed Student Advisory Committee, wants to do something to make the passage known as “the cow path” safe for use by everyone. Five to nine girls are attacked on the cow path every year according to Joseph Connors, president of the State University’s Student Senate. “It’s a narrow path with brush and woods on each side,” Connors said, “and it’s not lit at all. We would like to get lights on both sides of the path to protect girls walking there.” The Common Council has called for a survey and cost estimate for the installation of lighting in the cow path area. The cow path is said to be on property owned by both the city and the state.
January 1970
30 YEARS AGO
Commercial airlines serve both Oneonta and Sidney. Three flights daily from both Oneonta and Sidney fly into LaGuardia with propeller-driven planes from local airports built by the City of Oneonta and by Sidney and Delaware County. Sidney’s airport opened in 1975 and Oneonta’s is still under construction awaiting a $2 million runway extension and instrument landing equipment. Bernard Ford, owner of Ford-Aire operating out of Sidney says, “You can fly back and forth to New York 50 times a week and it would be just as smooth as riding down the highway, and it would be safer.” Ford-Aire’s flights are averaging 50 percent occupancy.
January 1980
20 YEARS AGO
Albert Colone, director of the National Soccer Hall of Fame recently received the Bill Jeffrey Award from the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America. The award is usually given to outstanding soccer coaches, but Colone, who never coached soccer, is the first outside of coaching to receive it. Colone has been with the National Soccer Hall of Fame since its inception going back to 1977. Since that time Colone has seen the Hall grow into a 4,000-foot-square museum. He sees nothing but promise for the future as soccer continues to increase in popularity all over the world.
January 1990
10 YEARS AGO
The Rev. Kenneth Baldwin of Oneonta nominates St. Francis of Assisi as his candidate for Man of the Millennium. “First off, he’s not just the meek and mild animal lover of myths and legends. The real Francis was a high-spirited and rather wealthy young man on the road to economic success and military glory. He renounced it all to follow the gospel. The ideas and values that he personified – simplicity of life, non-violence, humility, love of creation – are qualities of increasing importance as the world limps out of the materialistic, war-torn 20th century.” Rev. Baldwin adds that St. Francis inspired many worthy social movements that came after him.
January 2000
Resources for Hometown History have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
1-22-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Among the names on a list of persons with letters awaiting pick-up at the village post office are: Abijah Barnum, Ephraim Berry, Dan Bowen, Polly Barnum, John W. Coleman, Cyrenus Clark, Jacob Deitz, Obadiah Dunham, Caleb Clark, David Graham, Abel Hoag, Simon Ingals, Tully C. Jarvis, William Kinne, Loudor Lippit, Chancy Newell, Jonathan Newman, Josiah Purple, Aaron Phillips, Levi Potter, Stephen Seward, Cornelius and Gerrit G. Van Denburgh, Lewis E. Washburn, Bildad Welch, Reuben Whipple and Benjamin Wyman.
January 20, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
Excerpt from the annual report of the New York State Superintendent of Common Schools – The incompetency of teachers is still the great evil of the common school system of this state and the source of a low standard of education in most of the schools. The principal obstacle to improvement is the low wages of teachers. So long as the compensation of teachers is on a level with that which is commanded by the most ordinary employments, it is not to be expected that men of the necessary talents will prepare themselves for the business of teaching.
January 19, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
Otsego County Medical Society – The semi-annual meeting of this society convened in the Hall of the Otsego Hotel, in this village, at 12 p.m. of January 17. Present, Dr. J.K. Leaning, in the Chair, Dr. J.S. Sprague, Secretary, Dr. H. Lathrop, Jr., Treasurer, and Drs. A.E. Metcalf, P.E. Johnson, T.B. Smith, P.S. Smith and Nelson Beach, members. The Secretary reported that he had notified Dr. Charles W. Fox to appear and show cause why he should not be expelled from the Society, for an alleged violation of its code of ethics, pursuant to a resolution passed at its last meeting; to which notice Dr. Fox had responded by letter, disclaiming membership, and justifying his course. After the reading of all the correspondence upon the subject, on motion of Dr. Metcalf, the name of Charles W. Fox was stricken from the role of members of the Society.
January 20, 1870
125 YEARS AGO
January 24, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
At a meeting of the Vestry of Christ Church last Friday evening the design for a new altar and reredos as memorial of the Rev. Philip A.H. Brown was submitted in behalf of Mrs. Brown and unanimously approved. The altar and reredos are to be of stone. The reredos is of Gothic style with a central canopy of carved stone above the altar cross, flanked with smaller canopies at either end of the altar. As memorial of a much beloved priest, once Rector of Christ Church, this gift is especially appropriate. On July 8, 1810, Christ Church was consecrated. One of the important events of the parish centennial celebration on July 8 of this year will be the consecration and first use of the new altar.
January 22, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
As the result of the movement launched a few weeks ago by George H. White responses were received from 27 who could qualify for membership in the new organization to be known as “The Native Sons of Cooperstown.” The conditions imposed required that members must be men born in Cooperstown 60 years or more ago. Twenty of those responding met at the Fenimore Hotel Monday evening in response to the founder’s invitation, their combined ages averaging 69 and one-half years. Mr. White was elected the first president; Edward Brockham, vice-president, and L.E. Walrath, secretary. In addition to the officers, those present were Loraine D. Benton, John H. Becker, George I. Blodgett, Charles A. Collar, Arthur D. Cooper, Frederick W. Gruby, Claude L. Hotaling, John H. King, Francis Kraham, Michael P. Kraham, Charles Peck, Alex S. Phinney, Ralph R. Russell, George N. Smith, William H. Tuttle, Levi A. Wood, and Elbert Wicks. Others eligible to membership are Harrison B. Converse, Harvey Eddy, Arthur M. Field, B. Frank Murdock, Paul C. Murdock, Arthur D. Hecox, and Robert B. Lasher.
January 23, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
A drill to test the Mary Imogene Bassett hospital’s disaster procedure was held Wednesday afternoon of last week at the hospital with nearly every member of the hospital staff on duty at the time taking part. Plans for using human subjects as simulated casualties had to be cancelled on account of forecasts of adverse weather during the period of the test. However, with this exception, the drill went off as scheduled and empty stretchers were used to simulate casualties rather than members of the Sea Scouts and Civil Air Patrol. It was the second such drill held at the hospital since the procedure was formalized nearly two years ago. The chairman of Bassett’s Disaster Planning Committee is Dr. James Mithoefer.
January 20, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
After five years in the Tri-Valley League’s boys’ varsity soccer competition, Cooperstown will move to the Central New York Soccer League in 1985. “Tri-Valley is a real good soccer league and we’re going to miss that competition,” CCS athletic director Ted Kantorowski said. “But, it’s a Section 4 league of smaller schools and we needed to align ourselves with a league of larger schools in Section 3,” Katorowski added. Cooperstown will compete in the Center State Division of the CNY Soccer League. That division is expected to include Hamilton, Waterville, Mount Markham, and Sauquoit. Cooperstown girls’ soccer teams will continue to compete in the Tri-Valley League.
January 23, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
Edward W. Stack, president of the Clark Estates, Inc., chair and chief executive officer of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and vice-president of the Clark Foundation, indicated that he is resigning as president of the Clark Estates, but will continue as before with his duties at the Hall of Fame and Clark Foundation. Stack also serves as Vice-President of the Scriven Foundation, vice-president and trustee of Bassett Hospital, secretary and trustee of the New York Historical Association, vice-president and director of The Farmers’ Museum, a member of the Hartwick College Board of Trustees and a member of the board of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home. Stack was hired by the Clark Estates in 1956, following his graduation from Pace University with a degree in accounting. His employment has spanned five decades and he has worked with three generations of the Clark family.
January 21, 2000
1-15-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
It is rumored that the president of the United States will revive the recruitment service in order to complete a full quota of the regiments to be raised. Less than half the energies of the Union will abundantly suffice to beat off “the dogs of war” from our coasts, should they, fool-hardy, dare to advance, to meet confusion worst confounded. Our independence is “a grief of mind to Isaac (Great Britain) and to Rebecca (France).” We are indeed the most independent nation on the globe and it will require a modicum only of our military force, which will readily volunteer for the occasion, to repel both John Bull and Nicholas Frog.
January 13, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
To Farmers – Winter has come, and what provision have you made for passing the evenings of the four ensuing months pleasurably and profitably to yourself and others? The farmer who thinks it will do now, as formerly, to sit by the fire and drink cider, and tell stories through the winter has not kept pace with the spirit of the times. There has grown up in our land a certain class of individuals who speak of and treat the cultivators of the soil as an inferior caste, men who cannot understand the leading topics of the day. The farmer has no excuse for ignorance. Information on all the useful and necessary subjects, which come before us as men, and citizens, is so easily accessible, that he who remains ignorant deserves to be a reproach and a byword. Let no one think then that he is prepared for winter and has not made arrangements for a liberal supply of food for the mind as well as the body.
January 12, 1835
150 YEARS AGO
January 13, 1870
125 YEARS AGO
J. Fenimore Clayton is a farmer of the Town of Middlefield, about 32 years old, rather fine-looking, about five feet ten inches high, and now weighing about 170 pounds. He was at times addicted to hard drinking, and just preceding the 24th of August last, when he shot his little two-year-old daughter – of whom he was very fond in his sober hours – had been on a prolonged debauch. At the same time he assaulted a neighbor, at whose house he had spent the previous night, and might have killed him but for the fact that he was struck with a club and disarmed. For this crime – the off-spring of dram-drinking – Clayton is now on trial before Judge Murray for his life. The defense is understood to be temporary insanity.
January 17, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Locals – A force of paper-hangers and decorators are now at work completing the interior of the O-te-sa-ga.
At a depth a depth of 138 feet, a fine well of running water has been procured at the site of the new Crist building (Ed. Note: The Crist building is now occupied by the Key Bank branch and other concerns).
Leatherstocking Falls has succumbed to the epidemic of icicles that has spread over this community and the passerby hears not the rumble of the water that takes place, if at all, under several feet of ice. The icicle crop is now abundant in Cooperstown.
January 15, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Mr. F. Ambrose Clark, the Lord Lonsdale of America, sailed for England last Saturday with the Grand National as one of his objectives. But even if he wins the British classic he probably will know no happier moment than was his the afternoon before he sailed. For Mr. Clark was honored at the Racquet and Tennis Club by a group of his friends who presented a portrait of himself done in oil by Raymond Neilson, R.A. It was a simple presentation, presided over by a committee made up of Edward H. Carle, Malcolm Stevenson, the polo player, and Harry St. Zogbaum. The cost of the painting was subscribed by 100 of his friends, nearly all of them prominent in thoroughbred racing, fox hunting or polo. The painting depicts the veteran sportsman in the paddock at Belmont Park attired in his familiar paddock coat and gray bowler hat.
January 16, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Princess Ileana, a member of the Roumanian royal family now living in exile in Newton, Massachusetts, will be the principal speaker at the sesquicentennial dinner of Christ Episcopal Church at the Treadway-Otesaga on June 30, according to an announcement by the Rev. George F. French. Word of the royal visit came at the 149th annual meeting of the church held Monday night at the Episcopal Parish House on Fair Street. Nearly 100 members of the congregation attended the meeting which was preceded by a ham dinner. This is the 150th anniversary of the church proper and the 100th of its St. Agnes Chapel. During the past year, 106 families and friends of the church contributed old gold, silver and gems so that a second processional cross can be made in time for the anniversary services in June. Louis Glasier, a New York City craftsman, is doing the work.
January 13, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
With 159 students and more than a dozen teachers out sick last Friday, Cooperstown Central School District closed its high school in mid-morning and sent pupils home. School superintendent Paul Lambert said “having so many teachers out really impacts your instructional program.” Lambert said he could not recall that the school had ever been closed for sickness. On Monday the high school reported that 98 students and six teachers reported in sick. On Friday there were 42 students and four teachers out at the elementary school.
January 16, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
At its first meeting of the New Year, Monday, January 10, the Hartwick Town Planning Board announced the appointment of Dick Kelly of Route 28 to the town planning board. Kelly fills a vacancy left when former planning board member Thomas Pritchard’s term expired at the end of 1999. Mary Balcom, town board member, said Kelly’s participation in the citizens’ Route 28 committee, which worked with the NYS Department of Transportation to study the road and recommend changes, along with his interest in planning-related issues “put him at an advantage.” “His community service has demonstrated his real desire to join the planning board,” Balcom added.
January 14, 2000
1-15-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 Years Ago
There was lots of fun created by the obstacle race at the skating rink last Saturday night. The conditions of the race were that each contestant should go five times around the rink, then over a saw horse, chair, table and step ladder, then through a barrel suspended by a rope so that it dangled about two feet from the floor, then half way around the rink to a chair, etc. Other conditions were that a glass of water should be drank, a piece of pie eaten, a stick of wood sawed, and a needle threaded. Four boys of about the age of 12 – Connors, McCabe, Landon and Wood entered the race. They reached the suspended barrel about the same moment, and in the attempt of three of them to crawl through at once they became wedged in, and it was with some difficulty that they extricated themselves. Their struggles seemed to amuse the crowd wonderfully, particularly the wood-sawing act, wherein the large boy had an advantage over the small boy. The money was equally divided among the contestants.
January 1885
100 Years Ago
It is understood that Manager Hathaway of the Oneonta Theatre is dissatisfied with the patronage which has been accorded this winter and has notified Manager Gillen to prepare to close the theatre on Saturday of next week. This step, if carried out, will be final so far as the present season is concerned. There have been several high-class attractions in Oneonta since the season opened last fall. But, with a single exception, only one of them has made money. The money-maker was “The Traveling Salesman.” The best-known play of all was “The Gentleman from Mississippi,” but two hundred dollars was lost on it and other plays have lost smaller sums. Friday of this week “Buster Brown” will be presented, and there are one or two more next week. Upon their success may depend the fate of the theatre, for the present winter.
January 1910
60 Years Ago
Local News – Lloyd Lawson, manager of Gardner’s Shoe Store, was injured Saturday when the ladder on which he was attempting to rescue a pet cat from a tree slipped and taking Gardner to the ground. Lawson suffered a fracture of the nose and a severely cut lip. The nose was lacerated from bridge to tip. In addition, his glasses and a dental plate were broken in the fall. Lawson was given emergency treatment at Fox hospital.
Oneonta police began an action Saturday to break an established habit of parking cars on the sidewalk bordering Fox Hospital. Ten summonses were issued during the visiting hour of 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, and two more were given between 7 and 8:30 p.m. Police Chief Robert J. Simmons gave special instructions to tag all cars left on the Norton Avenue sidewalk after receiving a complaint from a woman who said the walkway was blocked every night with parked cars, obliging pedestrians to take to the street or lawn in the darkness. Visitors to the hospital are blamed for the problem rather that physicians or patients.
January 1950
40 Years Ago
People in the United States and 11 other countries around the world are optimistic about the future according to a recent poll conducted by George Gallup of the firm Gallup International. A random survey of public opinion in the 12 nations surveyed shows that people generally believe the world will be a better place over the next two decades than it is today. Gallup says that his poll shows people are optimistic about gains in the fields of medicine, science and technology. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed in the U.S. think that researchers will find a cure for cancer by the year 1990. One in five Americans believes that man will be living on the moon in 20 years. About one-third of those surveyed in the U.S., Great Britain and Canada foresee a three-day work week by 1990. Three out of every 10 Americans believe that life expectancy will rise to 100 years by 1990. Only one in 12 respondents told Gallup that they expected a nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia before 1990.
January 1970
30 Years Ago
James and Cynthia Perkins, an Oneonta couple who are black, found a cross burning on their front lawn late one night last August. The Perkins and their children had come to Oneonta from the Cherry Valley area and rented the residence at 84 Hudson Street. Six area boys, most of them underage, were charged with harassment by Oneonta police. Neighbors of the Perkins responded to the cross burning with food and offers of assistance, but now, nearly five months later, the Perkins are largely ignored, even by close neighbors. Neighbors on either side say hello rarely and one man brought a jar of honey to the Perkins at Christmas but, “that’s it. Nobody has been by since then,” James Perkins says. Some of the Perkins’ children have had trouble at the nearby Valleyview School but nothing serious. “I tell them to ignore it,” Perkins says.
January 1980
20 Years Ago
Although dairy migrant farmers often have a hard life with long hours, little pay and inadequate housing, many enjoy working outdoors because of a deep-seated fondness for farming. “This is the kind of farming they like to do,” said Lorrie Wolverton of the Migrant Tutorial Outreach Program in Oneonta. The main objective of the outreach program is to educate both children and parents of migrant families. About 75 percent of the dairy migrants move around in the four-county area of Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties and the moves disrupt the continuity of their children’s schooling.
January 1990
10 Years Ago
For every child killed in a car crash, about 125 others suffer injuries. When used correctly, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent and hospitalization by 67 percent. However, misuse reduces effectiveness. More than 80 percent of child safety seats are used improperly despite the fact that most parents try to install their child seats correctly.
January 2000
1-8-10 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
200 YEARS AGO
Notice – All persons indebted to the estate of William Cooper, of Cooperstown, County of Otsego, and State of New York, deceased, are requested to make payment to the subscribers; and all persons, having demands against said estate, are requested to present the same for settlement. Richard Fennimore Cooper, Isaac Cooper, Executors.
Public Notice – The proprietors of the Otsego Library, are requested to meet on Wednesday, the third of January, at 3 p.m. at the house of William A. Boyd – to adopt such measures as shall be thought advisable, for the further promotion of said institution. A general and particular invitation is hereby given by order of the trustees, Wm. A. Boyd, Librarian. N.B. It is requested that all books be returned at the above time.
January 6, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
150 YEARS AGO
New Type – The Journal commences the New Year with a complete and beautiful “new dress” from the celebrated foundry of Conner & Sons, New York – an improvement rendered necessary by the amount of work the old type had sustained during a period of upwards of four years. All the advertisements will be reset by another week. The general typographical features of the paper are retained.
January 6, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Slave to fashion – She was dressing for church and the bells had continued to ring. He was impatiently waiting and when it came to placing in position an article of feminine attire that had been omitted in its regular order he suggested that it was an unnecessary appendage. “Yes, but it is the fashion.” “But remember you are going to church, and the fashion of this world passeth away.” “True, my dear, but the bustle of the world does not!” He stepped into the parlor and waited.
January 10, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Deputy County Clerk Robert O. Marshall came downtown New Year’s morning and spotted Muggs, the Orphan House donkey walking dolefully down the middle of the street alone and unattended. Imbued with the beneficent spirit of the season, Marshall concluded that Muggs must have wandered away and was lost and thus needed shelter, food and care. When the Good Samaritan approached, Muggs flopped one of its hind legs, then both of them. After a while Mr. Marshall coaxed Muggs into the Lettis livery stable, telling the landlord thereof to feed him and when he came again that way he would repay him. Mr. Lettis fed the donkey a bale of hay and then telephoned the matron that her orphan child was in his custody. The request came back that Muggs be again liberated; that he was only taking his morning walk and would come back home when he got ready.
January 8, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. George H. White the belfry of the historic Presbyterian Church of this village is to be equipped with a Memorial Carillon. The chimes, besides serving as a call to worship, are destined to make the entire community conscious of religious music in one of its universally loved forms. The Carillon consists of a set of ten ponderous tubular bells, weighing altogether 6,000 pounds, and tuned with meticulous scientific accuracy. Adjacent to the organ is located a small electric keyboard or console similar to a section of a piano keyboard. From this console, the organist plays the mammoth chimes with no more effort than playing on the pipe organ or piano. High in the steeple at the upper end of the bells are located solenoid electric actions. A touch of a finger to a key at the keyboard releases a mighty surge of electric current which propels the hammer with powerful force against the bell to set it into vibration. The Carillon is a product of J.C. Deagan, Inc. of Chicago.
January 9, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Work began Monday at the Fly Creek Methodist Church where volunteer workmen are doing extensive redecoration of the church inside and out in preparation for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the church this year. The Rev. William A. Highfield, pastor of the church, stated that work has already started for the complete renovation of the vestibule where the men are tearing off lathe and plaster. The entire sanctuary will be redecorated as well as some painting and redecorating on the outside of the building. Albert G. DePuy is in charge of the work assisted by Peter Martin. Both are trustees of the church.
January 6, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
“It was a horrible nightmare, hell at its worst,” Cooperstown resident Charles Bateman said. Cooperstown resident Charles Bateman used these words to describe the invasion and battle for Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. Next month, Bateman, along with other members of his Marine division will return to Iwo Jima for a 40th anniversary memorial service. “It will be nice to go back and see it again with our buddies and those we left behind,” Bateman said. This will be Bateman’s last chance ever to visit the island as the Japanese government plans to turn it into a military installation. Bateman was a member of the Fourth Marine Division during WW II. Since then the division has formed an association divided into chapters which meet every year in the United States.
January 9, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The long-term use of the former Mobil filling station on Chestnut Street in the heart of the village will remain undetermined for some time according to Anthony Scalici, village zoning officer. Scalici explains that since the property has not been in use as a filling station for six months, that use cannot be resumed, or “grandfathered.” Mobil removed the fuel pumps immediately upon suspending business operations. Scalici also said underground fuel tanks will have to be removed before the property can be put to a new use. The site is currently available according to a sign posted by Pyramid Brokerage Co. of Albany. A representative of Pyramid said the property is currently available for lease only.
January 7, 2000
200 YEARS AGO
Notice – All persons indebted to the estate of William Cooper, of Cooperstown, County of Otsego, and State of New York, deceased, are requested to make payment to the subscribers; and all persons, having demands against said estate, are requested to present the same for settlement. Richard Fennimore Cooper, Isaac Cooper, Executors.
Public Notice – The proprietors of the Otsego Library, are requested to meet on Wednesday, the third of January, at 3 p.m. at the house of William A. Boyd – to adopt such measures as shall be thought advisable, for the further promotion of said institution. A general and particular invitation is hereby given by order of the trustees, Wm. A. Boyd, Librarian. N.B. It is requested that all books be returned at the above time.
January 6, 1810
175 YEARS AGO
150 YEARS AGO
New Type – The Journal commences the New Year with a complete and beautiful “new dress” from the celebrated foundry of Conner & Sons, New York – an improvement rendered necessary by the amount of work the old type had sustained during a period of upwards of four years. All the advertisements will be reset by another week. The general typographical features of the paper are retained.
January 6, 1860
125 YEARS AGO
Slave to fashion – She was dressing for church and the bells had continued to ring. He was impatiently waiting and when it came to placing in position an article of feminine attire that had been omitted in its regular order he suggested that it was an unnecessary appendage. “Yes, but it is the fashion.” “But remember you are going to church, and the fashion of this world passeth away.” “True, my dear, but the bustle of the world does not!” He stepped into the parlor and waited.
January 10, 1885
100 YEARS AGO
Deputy County Clerk Robert O. Marshall came downtown New Year’s morning and spotted Muggs, the Orphan House donkey walking dolefully down the middle of the street alone and unattended. Imbued with the beneficent spirit of the season, Marshall concluded that Muggs must have wandered away and was lost and thus needed shelter, food and care. When the Good Samaritan approached, Muggs flopped one of its hind legs, then both of them. After a while Mr. Marshall coaxed Muggs into the Lettis livery stable, telling the landlord thereof to feed him and when he came again that way he would repay him. Mr. Lettis fed the donkey a bale of hay and then telephoned the matron that her orphan child was in his custody. The request came back that Muggs be again liberated; that he was only taking his morning walk and would come back home when he got ready.
January 8, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. George H. White the belfry of the historic Presbyterian Church of this village is to be equipped with a Memorial Carillon. The chimes, besides serving as a call to worship, are destined to make the entire community conscious of religious music in one of its universally loved forms. The Carillon consists of a set of ten ponderous tubular bells, weighing altogether 6,000 pounds, and tuned with meticulous scientific accuracy. Adjacent to the organ is located a small electric keyboard or console similar to a section of a piano keyboard. From this console, the organist plays the mammoth chimes with no more effort than playing on the pipe organ or piano. High in the steeple at the upper end of the bells are located solenoid electric actions. A touch of a finger to a key at the keyboard releases a mighty surge of electric current which propels the hammer with powerful force against the bell to set it into vibration. The Carillon is a product of J.C. Deagan, Inc. of Chicago.
January 9, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Work began Monday at the Fly Creek Methodist Church where volunteer workmen are doing extensive redecoration of the church inside and out in preparation for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the church this year. The Rev. William A. Highfield, pastor of the church, stated that work has already started for the complete renovation of the vestibule where the men are tearing off lathe and plaster. The entire sanctuary will be redecorated as well as some painting and redecorating on the outside of the building. Albert G. DePuy is in charge of the work assisted by Peter Martin. Both are trustees of the church.
January 6, 1960
25 YEARS AGO
“It was a horrible nightmare, hell at its worst,” Cooperstown resident Charles Bateman said. Cooperstown resident Charles Bateman used these words to describe the invasion and battle for Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. Next month, Bateman, along with other members of his Marine division will return to Iwo Jima for a 40th anniversary memorial service. “It will be nice to go back and see it again with our buddies and those we left behind,” Bateman said. This will be Bateman’s last chance ever to visit the island as the Japanese government plans to turn it into a military installation. Bateman was a member of the Fourth Marine Division during WW II. Since then the division has formed an association divided into chapters which meet every year in the United States.
January 9, 1985
10 YEARS AGO
The long-term use of the former Mobil filling station on Chestnut Street in the heart of the village will remain undetermined for some time according to Anthony Scalici, village zoning officer. Scalici explains that since the property has not been in use as a filling station for six months, that use cannot be resumed, or “grandfathered.” Mobil removed the fuel pumps immediately upon suspending business operations. Scalici also said underground fuel tanks will have to be removed before the property can be put to a new use. The site is currently available according to a sign posted by Pyramid Brokerage Co. of Albany. A representative of Pyramid said the property is currently available for lease only.
January 7, 2000
1-8-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
125 Years Ago
Home & Vicinity – The manager of the Lockwood minstrel company was arrested at Davenport last week and charged with abducting from Delhi a Miss Mumford, a young woman who was with the troupe. The father of the girl, who lives at Worcester, preferred the charge. The matter was settled by the show people paying costs.
There was a crowd of people at the passenger depot last Monday noon to say goodbye to the students of various schools who, having passed the holiday vacation at home, were about to return. Mssrs. George and Charles Douglass took their leave for Madison University, Miss Ella Pardoe for Syracuse University, Misses Fiora Moody and Grace McCrary for Elmira Female College and Orlo Epes for Cornell University. Half an hour earlier, by the eastbound train, Merton Ford and Kearney Strong departed for New York to resume their medical studies.
January 1885
100 Years Ago
80 Years Ago
Items collected to be placed in a sealed copper can and enclosed within the cornerstone to be laid for the new Wilber Bank building at the corner of Main Street and Ford Avenue include the history of Oneonta and genealogy of the Ford family compiled and published several years ago by E.R. Ford. Pictures showing the various stages of the construction work on the building as well as of the ground-breaking ceremonies last fall will also be sealed in the corner stone as will a large number of postal card views of the city, past and present. Another book to be included is a bound copy of the book, authorized by Congress, containing the “Memorial Address on the Life and Character of David Wilber, May 14, 1890,” before that body.
January 1930
60 Years Ago
Rosanna C. Bagg, Librarian at Huntington Library, reports that her institution circulated over 90,000 books, periodicals, and pamphlets during 1949, numbers that must surely mean the citizens of Oneonta are enjoying their library. More than 17,700 of the books circulated show a desire for knowledge by adults for the subjects covered philosophy, religion, science, useful and fine arts, literature, history and biography, and many others. There were 6,589 magazines taken home for study and pleasure reading as the demand for contemporary history is growing each year. The children enjoyed even more books than last year, and hundreds of adults have found recreation in reading fiction. Some 1,100 new borrowers registered during the year bringing the total for the last four years to 6,685. Books added to the collection in 1949 amounted to 1,386.
January 1950
40 Years Ago
Registration begins today and continues through February 21 for Oneonta’s 1970 Soap Box Derby. Boys between the ages of 11 and 15 years of age who are residents of Otsego, Delaware, Chenango or Schoharie counties are eligible. Registration forms can be obtained and filled out at Country Club Chevrolet, 55 Oneida Street. The public is invited to a special soap box rally on January 31 at Country Club Chevrolet when a film showing Soap Box Derby highlights will be shown. “The Soap Box Derby is a worthwhile undertaking because boys learn the value of taking on and completing a challenging project. They also learn craftsmanship and how to use wood working tools to build their race cars and, of course, they experience the thrill of competition,” James E. Konstanty of the Oneonta Jay Cees says. Entrants will be competing for a $500 savings bond, trophies, and an all-expense paid trip to the All-American Soap Box Derby at Akron, Ohio.
January 1970
30 Years Ago
Advertisement – Price Chopper – Swiss Style Yogurt – All Flavors, 8 oz., 4 for $1; Pancake Syrup, 24 oz. for 89 cents; Purina Dog Chow, 25 lb. $5.98; Heavy Duty Liquid Wisk Detergent, 64 oz. $2.08; Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Cream or Chunky, 18 oz. 96 cents; Charmin Bath Tissue, 4 pk. 88 cents; Orange Juice, 12 oz. 66 cents; Ice Cream, All Flavors, one-half Gallon, $1.28; Margarine, 1 lb. quarters, 38 cents; Cat Food, Hi-Protein, 4 lb. $1.39; Paper Towels, Jumbo Roll, 39 cents; Coffee, 1 lb., $2.59; Spaghetti Sauce, 1 Quart, 88 cents; Onion Rings, 16 oz. 79 cents; Nestle’s Cocoa Mix, Regular or Marshmallow, 12 pk., 98 cents.
January 1980
20 Years Ago
“In my opinion, burn barrels are the worst thing as far as air contamination – worse than open burning because the fires smolder,” the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s district ranger Donald Seacord said. “The incomplete combustion produces more toxic gases.” According to the federal Clean Air Act, a toxic, or hazardous, air pollutant is one which causes or contributes to death or cancer, genetic mutations, birth defects, or other serious illness. Not only do the barrels emit pollutants, says Otsego County’s code enforcement officer James Leo, but they are also fire hazards. Because many people burn garbage at night, the barrels are left unattended and sparks can ignite nearby homes and buildings.
January 1990
10 Years Ago
A burst of hiring by department stores and construction companies helped keep the nation’s unemployment rate at a 30-year-low of 4.1 percent in December – a strong finish for a year in which Americans enjoyed the best labor market since the Vietnam War. Employers added 315,000 jobs to their payrolls last month, the largest gain since July. For all of 1999, the unemployment rate averaged 4.2 percent, the best since a 3.5 percent jobless average in 1969. In 1998, the unemployment rate averaged 4.5 percent.
January 2000
1-10-11 - THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL
175 YEARS AGO
Hamilton College – After languishing for some years, and a struggle for several more, we are gratified to learn that this Institution is assuming a condition of prosperity which most afford great satisfaction to its friends, and which reflects a practical praise of no ordinary value upon the zeal and talent of its faculty. It appears that no less than 55 new students have been admitted the present season into the three under classes. The expenses of a season at this college, amount, for one of the junior classes, to only $72, and in the senior, to from $81 to $100.
December 29, 1834
150 YEARS AGO
Cold! A friend came into our office this morning and volunteered the information that it “was cold enough to freeze the devil!” Curiosity led us to look at the thermometer, which stood at 18 degrees below zero.
December 30, 1859
125 YEARS AGO
Beer and Ale – The brewers, even in these hard times, are a thriving body of manufacturers and, why not? It does not cost them to exceed $3 to produce a barrel of the best beer, or present use ale, which they sell for $5 to $8 – the cheaper qualities scarcely fit to drink. The profit is enormous and the brewers grow fat and rich. With malt and hops both low, the price of ale and beer should come down one or two dollars a barrel. The retail price of malt liquors is also too high. Five cents is too much to pay for a small glass of beer that even at the present too-high price does not cost the retailer over 1 and one-half cents. Many city dealers sell a “schooner,” holding nearly two ordinary glasses, when it is demanded, for 5 cents. A small glass of lager should be had for three cents, and of the best quality.
December 27, 1884
100 YEARS AGO
The Christmas snowstorm, which continued all day Sunday, was one of the most severe in twenty years. The heavy drifts in and about Cooperstown brought the Farmers’ snow shovels into use, and caused the abandonment of some roads and the use of neighboring lots and fields. The trolley kept its snow plows at work, and not a car missed its regular schedule.
January 1, 1910
75 YEARS AGO
Where Nature Smiles: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, their daughter, Miss Elizabeth Clark, and son Bobby, of New York City, spent the weekend and New Year’s Day at Fernleigh.
Dr. Harris Cooke accompanied his sister, Mrs. H.L. Williams to New York on Monday. Mrs. Williams is sailing this week for an extended trip through South and Central America.
Following the frigid temperature of the weekend, Otsego Lake on Monday morning was covered with ice as far north as the eye could reach. Travelers from the north, however, reported that a large expanse is still open.
The Rev. Jackson L. Cole is closing the rectory of Christ Church this week and will spend the winter months at the Fenimore Hotel.
January 2, 1935
50 YEARS AGO
Locals – Mr. and Mrs. John Goddard of Fly Creek announce the engagement of their daughter Carol Ann to Jess Calhoun, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman D. Calhoun of Cooperstown.
Through the efforts of the Rev. Frederick W. Connell, Otsego County Jail Chaplain, and gifts given by the local churches, prisoners at the Otsego County Jail had a merrier Christmas. Chaplain Connell presented to each resident a Christmas basket containing grapes, popcorn balls, pears, oranges and candy, also a pair of loafing socks. These gifts were made possible by special funds from the Board of Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church. The Salvation Army’s Christmas fund provided a radio for the jail as well.
December 30, 1959
25 YEARS AGO
Where Nature Smiles: Congratulations to those students performing at the CCS Elementary School winter concert. They all did a great job and we enjoyed listening to them. Members of the Fourth Grade chorus were Derek Bishop, Jessica Bordley, Mary Beth Crampton, Katie Dietz, Carrie Higgins, Mindy Renwick, Nicole Stevens, Sarah Streck, Brent Page, Peter Heeley, Jason Johannesen, Eli Lewis, Andy Oberriter, Derek Tobler, Hima Chanamolu, Sarah Corcoran, Anita Dalal, Milly Doyle, Jocelyn Gullo, Aura LaBarre, Raelene McKeon, and Shane Sanford. Also in the Fourth Grade chorus were Jennifer Vatovec, Daisy Wells, Sarah Yerdon, Joshua Grippe, Devon Atwood, William Carentz, Tina Utter, Tammy Wilsey, Courtney Slater, Dennis Crippen, and Andy Lemister.
December 26, 1984
10 YEARS AGO
Dr. William Frederick Karl, 72, who will be remembered as a man who loved his family, church and community, passed away at home in Cooperstown on Saturday, December 18, 1999 after a long illness. Dr. Karl valued simplicity and moved with Marion to Cooperstown in 1961, seeking a rural community to raise their children and be near the hills and streams of Otsego County and the Adirondacks.
December 24, 1999
1-1-10 - HOMETOWN ONEONTA
100 Years Ago
A set of beautiful and valuable altar pieces, done in oil on canvass by the late Miss Anna Meigs Case, has been presented to St. James’ Church of this city by her mother, Mrs. Meigs Case, and her two sisters, Mrs. Milward and Mrs. Lang. The pictures, which represent adoring angels swinging censers, were originally intended for an English Church, but the building was found too damp for them. Mrs. Case and her daughters had expected to present the gift at Eastertide, but were anxious to do so while the Rev. Mr. Barkdull was rector. Inasmuch as he leaves Oneonta next week they decided to give them at present. A brass plate bearing the names of the artist and donors will be put in place later. The late Miss Case was an artist of exceptional ability and her pictures won place in leading exhibits in Paris, London and New York.
January 1910
80 Years Ago
In line with President Hoover’s appeal for undiminished business activity, the New York State Automobile Association is urging more snow removal throughout the Empire State as a means of keeping highway maintenance employees at work in winter as well as summer, and, at the same time, effectively speeding up business and preventing the economic losses that result when principal highways are choked with snow and ice.
January 1930
60 Years Ago
New York State Governor Thomas Dewey will rake the Truman administration and turn heavy fire on socialized medicine in his annual message to the legislature on Wednesday. Dewey will say that New York State has achieved the highest health and welfare standards in the world – within the enterprise system and without having government run the lives of its people. New York, he will add, proposes to continue its program along that line. The Governor will decry what he calls the federal government’s insistence on nationalizing the healing arts and taking over the whole field of health on a completely socialized basis, as in Britain.
January 1950
40 Years Ago
A new salary schedule for Otsego County employees effective January 1, under terms of a contract approved Wednesday by the Board of Supervisors, provides maximum annual salary caps for the following positions: Motor Vehicle Clerk, $5,600; Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk, $6,000; County Court Stenographer, $8,200; Jailer, $4,600; Jail Matron, $,580; Watchman, $4,520; Head Nurse, $8,120; Registered Nurse, $7,020; Public Health Nurse, $7,400; Chief Clerk, Surrogate’s Court, $8,250; Probation Officer, $8,200; Deputy Sheriff, $6,400; Case Supervisor, Grade A, $9,000; Senior Case Worker, $8,200; Cleaner, County Office Bldg., $4,200; Receptionist, Telephone Operator, $4,600; Administrator, County Home, $9,120; Election Clerk, $4,200; Senior Typist, $5,200. Maximum hourly rates: General Maintenance Foreman, $3.36; Garage Foreman, $3.42; Automotive Mechanic, $3.31; Skilled Laborer, $3.03; Road Maintainer, $2.74; Welder, $3.14.
January 1970
30 Years Ago
“From a strictly religious standpoint there is nothing in the laws or traditions of Islam which would lead to the killing of the American hostages in Iran.” That is the opinion of Dr. John Garhart, professor of religion at Hartwick College in Oneonta. Professor Garhart points out that affairs of the true Islamic state should follow guidelines derived from three sources – the Koran, examples from the life of the Prophet Mohammed, and precedent from Islamic history. “Nothing in any of these sources supports harming the hostages,” Garhart says. Garhart attributes the militancy of Iranian Shiites in part to their belief that they are the guardians of the true Islamic faith.
January 1980
20 Years Ago
In my opinion, burn barrels are the worst thing as far as air contamination – worse than open burning because the fires smolder, stated DEC District Ranger Donald Seacord. “The incomplete combustion produces more toxic gases.” According to the federal Clean Air Act, a toxic, or hazardous air pollutant, is one which causes or contributes to death or cancer, genetic mutations, birth defects, or other serious illness. Not only do the barrels emit pollutants, said Otsego County Code Enforcement Officer James Leo, but they are also fire hazards. Because many people burn garbage at night, the barrels are left unattended and sparks can ignite nearby homes and buildings. In spring and summer, the sparks ignite grass fires.
January 1990
10 Years Ago
The National Soccer Hall of Fame recently announced the creation of a new education program for children in first through sixth grades that will be available for use by teachers beginning this semester. The program is designed to help children learn a variety of concepts using a soccer theme. “We wanted to create something that children would find exciting,” said Hall of Fame President Will Lunn.
January 2000
