BOUND VOLUMES, August 9, 2012

200 YEARS AGO
Suicide. On Monday last week, a Squaw, called Dimmis, of the Stockbridge tribe of Indians, an itinerant, but resident a short time in this Village, having been taught that the whites, when disappointed in their choice of a sweetheart, sometimes hung themselves, or ended their life by some other mortal means, and having taken a fancy that she was “crossed in love,” procured two ounces of opium, took nearly the whole, sufficient to have killed twenty persons, about 12 o’clock a.m., and after an hour of intense suffering, she fell into a torpid state, which continued about two hours, when she expired – “Sic transit Gloria Squawi.” About twelve she was dancing; about four hours after, she was a corpse.
August 8, 1812

175 YEARS AGO
The increase of importations of coffee and tea are the natural results of an increase of population and wealth; but we are inclined to place much of the addition made annually to the quantity of these articles used, to the fact that they are in a considerable degree supplanting ardent spirits in the public house, and in the social circle. It is indeed a gratifying truth that while we have in everything else increased our importations, in the article of ardent spirits, both imported and home manufactured, there has in ten years been a falling off in quantity of about one-half; a fact which speaks volumes in favor of the temperance effort.
August 7, 1837

150 YEARS AGO
Editorial – The just expectation of the people – who have furnished men and money without stint – have been disappointed in regard to the war. They were assured months ago that the government had all the men necessary to crush out the rebellion, and that its termination was certain and speedy. Well, it turned out, contrary to expectation, that McClellan lacked the men necessary to take Richmond, and when forced to retreat and take a new position, the Government was without a reserve from which to reinforce him. It had stopped recruiting – just at the time when the rebels had resorted to a draft, and were crowding new men by the thousand into the field. It then became necessary to withdraw troops from important positions at the south and southwest in order to save the Army of the Potomac and to hold Washington! Thus we were found acting on the defensive, out-numbered by the rebels in Virginia. This lack of foresight in the Government has been the means of prolonging the war, has more thoroughly united the South, and adds thousands of lives and hundreds of millions to the cost of the war.
August 8, 1862

125 YEARS AGO
Courtship & Marriage – Every young lady has a right to know why a young man solicits her company. Her life is too valuable to be trifled with for mere pleasure. But young ladies like company. They can make it a pleasure or a curse. Courtship, if properly engaged in, is only an introduction to the happiness that will follow. Find one that will love you, not only through courtship, but through joys and sorrows, success and adversity – one that will be a helpmeet through life. Acquaintance is one of the important elements of courtship. Too many young ladies have committed suicide and died broken-hearted because they did not gain knowledge of their lover’s character before bestowing their affections on them. Have both eyes open. Court in the daytime and not in the dark.
August 12, 1887

100 YEARS AGO
The circus is coming. On Thursday, August 8, the Prairie Lillie & Nebraska Bill’s Wild West Exhibition will be here to thrill the hearts of all the children, ages six to sixty. With this circus are the most noted, celebrated and renowned Cowboys, Indians, Trappers and Guides identified with early frontier life. They have each and every one experienced the hardships of early pioneer days and are this season portraying to the American public in a decidedly realistic manner the trial and tribulations that it was necessary to experience in the far West during the time the Red men reigned supreme. In addition – Cossacks from Russia, Gauchos from South America, Arabs from the desert, U.S. Cavalry and Artillery troopers, and an abundance of bright-eyed senoritas and dashing, daring rosy-cheeked western beauties lead by the famous Queen of the Saddle, Prairie Lillie.
August 7, 1912

75 YEARS AGO
The pavilion and other buildings at the new Fairy Spring Park of the village of Cooperstown are now completed. The work was carried out by contractor David H. Willsey according to plans drawn by Arthur R. Cobbett of this village. Coincident with the construction of the buildings a number of other improvements have been carried out which place this delightful resort in splendid condition for picnics, reunions and gatherings large and small.
August 11, 1937

50 YEARS AGO
The Board of Supervisors last week took the first steps toward establishing a Family Court in Otsego County under the provisions of a state constitution amendment voted last November and signed into law just last spring by Governor Rockefeller. The new court, with jurisdiction over all cases involving youngsters under 16 years old, except capital crimes, and all cases involving family matters, except divorce actions, will come into being on September 1. The new Family Court will replace Children’s Courts in New York State at that time.
August 8, 1962

25 YEARS AGO
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown voted Monday night in favor of a 41-unit condominium development on the Glen Garage site. At public meetings, a group known as the “Irish Hill Residents,” have pointed out logistical difficulties the buildings will encounter such as water supply, sewage disposal, parking and traffic hazards. Those objections have been dismissed as “nitpicking” by trustees and officials of Masi-Soule Developers. The Masi-Soule certificate of partnership lists four individuals – David Soule of 47 Chestnut, Cooperstown; Stefano A. Masi, 4 Squire Court, Mahwah, N.J.; Charles P. Boyle, 8 Squire Court, Mahwah, N.J.; and A. Donald Nazzaro of 207 Beechwood Road, Ridgewood, N.J.
August 12, 1987