BOUND VOLUMES

Tom Garretson Named Newspaper’s

First ‘Citizen Of The Year’ In 2006

Compiled by TOM HEITZ • Special to AllOTSEGO.com

Editor’s Note: Bound Volumes, which usually appears in The Freeman’s Journal, is being run online this week.  Check the newspaper for a special report on Citizen of the Year Margaret L. Drugovich and the 2016 Otsego County Yearbook.

200 YEARS AGO

Excerpts from an address by U.S. President James Madison to the Congress – Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that of the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of industry among us, and in the extension of our commerce, the value of which is more and more disclosing itself to commercial nations, it is to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures, and by a portion of our navigation. As the first proceeds in an essential degree from an excess of imported merchandise, which carries a check in its own tendency, the cause, in its present extent, cannot be of very long duration. The evil will not however be viewed by Congress, without a recollection, that manufacturing establishments, if suffered to sink too low, or languish too long, may not revive after the causes shall have ceased; and, in the vicissitude of human affairs, situations may recur, in which a dependence on foreign sources for indispensable supplies, may be among the most serious embarrassments.
December 19, 1816

175 YEARS AGO

Mutiny & Murder – The Big Creole, Captain Edson of Richmond, bound to New Orleans with a cargo of tobacco and 135 Slaves, and four or five passengers was, on December 7, taken possession of by the Slaves who murdered a passenger named Howell, owner of a portion of them, and wounded the Captain and one of the deckhands, dangerously, and the mate and another person severely. But little defense could be made as the victims were unprepared and unarmed, while the Slaves had pistols, knives and bludgeons. The plot as is supposed was arranged in Richmond. Having obtained possession of the vessel, they broke open the trunks and ransacked the whole cargo. The lives of the crew and passengers were spared on condition that the vessel should be taken into Abaco, an English Island where she arrived on December 9. The American Consul there had the wounded taken on shore and medical aid procured, and then applied to the authorities for the arrest and detention of the Slaves. Those identified in the murder were arrested, but the Governor refused to allow them to be sent to the United States. An examination was had by the Magistrates of Nassau and the other Slaves were liberated.
December 27, 1841

150 YEARS AGO

The Institution for the Blind at Batavia is reported to be in a good state of forwardness. The grounds upon which it is located consist of a tract of 50 acres, presented to the State for the purposes of the Institution by the citizens of Batavia. During the past season a large amount of labor has been done in grading and preparing the acreage for the uses to which they are appropriated. The grounds will be approached by two spacious and well-shaded avenues. The building occupies an elevated position, fronting to the south, and overlooking a large extent of undulating country. Two stories of the central structure are already erected and portions of the walls and foundations of the remainder. Among the useful features of the situation is a well sixty feet in depth, the ascertained flow of which is the remarkable quantity of 150 barrels of pure water an hour, or 3,600 barrels per day. To an institution of such a character this is an invaluable auxiliary.
December 28, 1866

125 YEARS AGO

It is with feelings of deep sadness that we are called upon to announce the death by suicide of our esteemed friend William H. Branch, Esq. of Hartwick, early Wednesday morning. He was a merchant tailor, had been postmaster Supervisor and Justice of the Peace in Hartwick and was a man highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was of a highly nervous temperament and for a few days past had suffered from an attack of the grip (influenza), which brought with it, as is frequently the case, great depression of the spirits and physical weakness. He was usually an early riser, and on this occasion went to his barn about 3 o’clock, and there hung himself. It is a very sad case indeed. Mr. Branch leaves a wife and three children. He was in his 66th year.
December 31, 1891

100 YEARS AGO

Through the generosity of Mr. Edward Severin Clark of Cooperstown a new hospital, fully equipped, to be known as the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and Pathological Laboratory, will be constructed in the immediate future as an adjunct to Thanksgiving Hospital. In addition to giving the hospital Mr. Clark will make up any deficit in the necessary running expenses either by a direct payment or the creation of an endowment fund. The Board of Managers of the Thanksgiving Hospital have voted unanimously to accept Mr. Clark’s gift. Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett of Cooperstown, a member of the staff of the Thanksgiving Hospital will have the controlling voice in the management of the new hospital.
December 27, 1916

75 YEARS AGO

Complying with an urgent request by the U.S. Office of Civilian Defense, the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital will start a training course for nurses’ aides on January 7. This will be operated according to regulations for training nurses’ aides established by the American Red Cross. The local Volunteer Special Service Committee for the training will consist of Miss Lillian Douglas, Supervisor of nurses at the Bassett Hospital, Dr. G.M. MacKenzie, Chief of Emergency Medical Service for Otsego County, and Mrs. Robert Johnston, representing the Cooperstown Chapter of the American Red Cross.
December 31, 1941

50 YEARS AGO

Food prices have risen more than 20 percent in the past decade and half of the increase has occurred in the last three years. In Otsego County rising food prices have added $96 a year to the food bill of the average family. Monthly food bills for the average family are estimated at $100 whereas two years ago the same family spent $92 a month.
December 28, 1966

10 YEARS AGO

CHERRY VALLEY – For safely ferrying his divided rural community from one threatened by runaway industrial wind-turbine development to one that is planning and in control of its future, and by doing so with patience, courtesy and growing wisdom, Town Supervisor Tom Garretson was selected as The Freeman’s Journal “Citizen of 2006,” which will now be an annual designation.

Bound Volumes is compiled from resources provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library. Tom Heitz is the Town of Otsego historian.