BOUND VOLUMES

Jan. 2, 2020

200 YEARS AGO

From the Editor John H. Prentiss: Since we resumed the publication of this paper, the subscription list has increased more than four hundred, and not a day passes but adds more or less respectable names to it. This fact is mentioned, because we are certain it will be highly gratifying to many gentlemen in the county, who have manifested a warm interest in the prosperity of the establishment.

January 3, 1820

175 YEARS AGO

With this, the first number of our paper for the year 1845, are tendered to its numerous readers the compliments of the Season. We have a long while held converse with them, and of course the acquaintance has strengthened our attachment to their interests, which it will be our pleasure to further and promote to the best of our ability so long as the present interesting relations between us shall exist. The condition of things throughout our widespread country, with the exception of here and there a scudding cloud of disaffection to good order in the observance of the laws, is such as to afford gratification to all, and can safely be counted upon as harbingers of good to the Great Republic. May the propriety of conduct, and good citizenship, characterize us all throughout our lives.

January 6, 1845

150 YEARS AGO

Prominent Points Emphasized in the New York State Governor’s Annual Message: The state’s debt has been decreased over four millions during the past year and is now less than thirty-five million. A great reform is demanded in the management of the State Prisons and the prompt action of the legislature is needed. Our Common School system commands the hearty sympathy and support of the people, and may be further perfected. What the Governor so feelingly urges in regard to the condition of the insane poor of the Stare, will command attention and sympathy. It is recommended that the Excise Laws be made general in their application and that there be a return to the old system of granting licenses by local Boards.

January 6, 1870

100 YEARS AGO

The contest between Herkimer High School and Cooperstown High School Basket-Ball teams at the gymnasium on Friday evening last resulted in favor of the home team by the close score of 22-21. A large audience witnessed the struggle. Many took part in the dancing afterward. Music was furnished by Reisman’s orchestra. Games are scheduled for this Tuesday and Friday evenings – Independents vs. All-College for Tuesday and high schools on Friday.
What Pine is worth – The Otsego farmer must plant white, red and Scotch pine. His profit will be in the growth which will accrue year-by-year. An acre of pines at 40 years of age planted six by six feet will be worth $900 on the stump. What better legacy could a father leave his children than a block of pine forest?

December 31, 1919

75 YEARS AGO

Aviation cadet Harold V. Clark, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harris G. Clark, Sr., of Cooperstown, RD2, a recent graduate of the Army Air Force bombardier school at Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been appointed a flight officer and awarded the “Silver Wings” of the aerial bombardier. Flight Officer Clark is a graduate of Cooperstown High School, class of 1942, where as an undergraduate he served as captain of the basketball team and played baseball. In civilian life he was employed as an apprentice carpenter. His brother, also serving in the Air Corps, holds the rank of First Lieutenant. Prior to his successful completion of 18 weeks of flight and combat training in high level precision bombing and navigation at Kirtland Field, Flight Officer Clark was stationed at the Santa Ana California Army Air Base.

January 3, 1945

50 YEARS AGO

The number of working wives is on the increase in Otsego County. No less than 46.3 percent of the married women in the local area leave their homes each day and head for their outside jobs in offices, stores, factories, schools, hospitals and the like. In 1960, the figures show, only 35.1 percent did so. In Otsego County there has been an increase since 1960 in the proportion of females – married and single – who are holding down jobs. The 1960 census listed a total of 6,997 at work, equal to 34.7 percent of the female population over age 14. It has now reached approximately 40.6 percent.
The Fourth Annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival will open with a gala parade through the center of town to the skating rink where a skating exhibition will take place and a Queen will be crowned. Then, it’s on to the Teen Dance, the Western Square Dance, or the Bavarian Beer Party. To round the evening off, a Night Owl’s breakfast will be served at Sherry’s Restaurant. Saturday events will include an art show, a fishing contest, sled and ski races, golf tournament, Klondike derby, snowmobile races, and a squash tournament. Highlight of the afternoon will be the Gymkhanna on ice. The traditional Susquehanna Ball will be followed by a Nite Owl’s Breakfast at Hickory Grove.

January 7, 1970

25 YEARS AGO

Plans for a tourist excursion train from Milford to Cooperstown are foundering but the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society isn’t giving up just yet. The society’s grant request for $700,000 to begin work on the tourist train line was denied. “We’re still working with Assemblyman Bill Magee and Sen. James Seward,” Bruce Hodges, the group’s president said. “We have also contacted Congressman Sherwood Boehlert and are looking into other funding or some other way to pay for this project’s future,” Hodges said. According to Hodges the excursion train would run on tracks now owned by the Delaware-Otsego Corporation and is projected to bring in $8 million per year with 100,000 tourist riders on board while creating 50 jobs in the area.

January 4, 1995

10 YEARS AGO

William Durland Preston, a long-time and well-respected sign painter, died Saturday evening, December 26, 2009, surrounded by family at his Fly Creek home. He was 73. Bill was born October 31, 1936, at Bassett Hospital. For many years, Bill was one of the area’s finest sign painters, a passion he pursued for more than 40 years.

January 1, 2010