BOUND VOLUMES – Feb. 8, 2019

200 YEARS AGO
Proclamation by DeWitt Clinton, Governor of the State of New York – Whereas, by an inquisition taken before one of the coroners of the city and county of Albany, a certain James Gould, is charged with the murder of Sally Hawkins – and whereas the said James Gould has fled from justice – Now therefore, I do offer a reward of two hundred and fifty dollars, for the apprehension and delivery of the said James Gould to the sheriff of the city and county of Albany – and I do further require all officers and ministers of justice, and all other the good citizens of this state, to be vigilant and active in taking and securing the said fugitive. DeWitt Clinton.
February 8, 1819

175 YEARS AGO
Brutal Outrage – An outrage of the most aggravated and brutal character was perpetrated in Livingston County on Friday night. A person named Alonzo Bates, who resides in Wyoming County, stopped at a tavern with the intention of staying all night. During the evening he heard that a respectable widow with three children – the eldest a daughter of 17 years – lived near. He announced his intention in a boasting manner, of passing the night at her house. He found the mother absent and the family in charge of the daughter – and locking the door he compelled the defenseless girl, under the threat of instant death, to pass the night with him. Towards morning he left the house, but was soon overtaken and brought before the nearest Magistrate, by whom he was held to bail in the sum of $500.
February 12, 1844

150 YEARS AGO
A Run On The Banks – On Friday and Saturday last, Mr. J.H. Story organized a formidable run on the large snow banks which had accumulated in front of the half dozen or more business places owned by him on Main Street. Two teams and several men were set to work and in two days they had run the banks into the Susquehanna. Mr. S. has the thanks of his tenants and those who do business with them.
Advertise – A lady wished to sell a piano, and had Mr. Scott advertise it in The Journal. Within eight days he had a number of applications, seven of them by letter, and the instrument was sold for the amount demanded. If you wish to sell anything – advertise it. If you desire to purchase a farm, dwelling, hops or any particular article, advertise for it. It saves time, trouble and expense.
February 12, 1869

100 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown has recently been honored by being selected as the site of the first “reconstruction” hospital for aviators in the United States. At present, more than 50 aviators, many who have seen service overseas and others from the various aviation camps in this country, are in Cooperstown. And, it is expected within a few months when the Mary Imogene Bassett hospital is completed the number will be increased to at least two or three hundred. The hospital is a highly specialized institution. Aviators who have become “stale” by excessive flying and who are in need of rest and recreation are sent to Cooperstown where they can enjoy themselves for several weeks with the strict discipline of military life somewhat relaxed. The want of oxygen at the high altitudes which the bird men frequent in time has a detrimental effect upon the physical condition of the men. They become nervous and restless. After a careful consideration of conditions the Surgeon General decided that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Hence the Cooperstown project was decided upon as a means of giving rest and relaxation for the aviators.
February 5, 1919

75 YEARS AGO
War Records – The Cooperstown office of the Division of Civilian Mobilization of the State War Council has just announced that membership in the Citizens’ Service Corps will be open to candidates who complete an initial training period of fifty hours of work on the war records now being assembled in the Central Quarters of the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown. The necessity of preserving the records of WWII has been emphasized by the sad experience of the First World War. Thousands of hours and much futile experimentation might have been saved both our military and civilian officials if a satisfactorily arranged and catalogued record of procedure in the 1914-1918 War had been kept. Early in World War II it was decided that this mistake must not be repeated and a systematic and detailed plan for the preservation of war records was evolved. In the Cooperstown area the State Historical Association with its excellent handling and storage facilities has been designated as the repository for such war materials.
February 9, 1944

50 YEARS AGO
In spite of adverse weather conditions nearly 200 persons braved the blowing snow to attend the second program of the Winter Program Series held at Fenimore House on Sunday evening, February 9. The program was presented by Vaughn and George Ward, folksong interpreters and the songs presented were taken from the folk traditions of English-speaking people, American and British and from contemporary sources. The next Winter Series program will feature Dr. Alfred Frankenstein, art critic of the San Francisco Chronicle and historian of American painting who will give an illustrated lecture on William Sidney Mount who painted rural life on Long Island 100 years ago.
February 12, 1969

25 YEARS AGO
The Fourth Annual Fenimore Quilt Club Show on Saturday will exhibit nearly 150 examples of the handcrafted coverings. Quilters will be at the show to explain the techniques and histories behind the pieces on display, including one quilt made in 1835 from the remnants of necktie cloth.
February 8, 1994

10 YEARS AGO
Dan Hooker, the former assemblyman has become senior vice-president of the Clark Estates, Inc., replacing Eric L. Straus. His sister-in-law is Karen Huxtable, Bassett Healthcare spokeswoman. Hooker, a Republican and Conservative, represented the 127th District. As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, he decided not to run for re-election in 2006 and served on active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Senior V.P. reports to Kevin S. Moore as did Eric Straus.
February 6, 2009