Bound Volumes

January 23, 2025

160 YEARS AGO

The question of submitting to the States a proposition to amend the Federal Constitution in order to abolish slavery throughout the Union, has, as our readers are aware, passed the Senate by the requisite two-thirds vote and is now before the House of Representatives. The Republicans support the measure to a man; most of the Democrats oppose it—not because they care to perpetuate slavery, but because they doubt the policy and good effect on the country of bringing forth this important and radical measure at this time. They also fear that one effect will be to prolong the war. A number of Democrats in Congress, however, support the measure.

January 20, 1865

85 YEARS AGO

Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd advised the U.S. Navy by radio that the Antarctic expedition’s seventeen-ton snow cruiser was safely ashore at the Bay of Whales. The huge vehicle demolished a ramp while being taken off the flagship North Star and only quick action by Dr. Thomas C. Poulter of Chicago, who was at the controls, saved the $150,000 machine from catastrophe. As a 60-foot steel and wood landing ramp gave way, Dr. Poulter applied full power, jolted ashore and sped a full mile before coming to a halt. The cruiser attracted large crowds of sightseers as it crossed New York State on Route 20 headed for Boston. One of the largest gatherings was at Richfield Springs where the gigantic vehicle spent a night.

January 24, 1940

60 YEARS AGO

Richfield Springs fluoridation supporters are using “a technique common to a police state which cannot be tolerated in a democratic community.” The Rev. Lawrence C. Butler told parishioners of St. John’s Episcopal Church there in his sermon Sunday. “Men and women will not permit the infringement of their civil right of free speech and thought,” Father Butler said. “These methods are the short but sharp fears that constitute conniving communism. There has been name-calling, intimidation, deep embarrassment, spying, calling people into account for their actions, and even the fear of losing employment should one speak his views as an opponent to fluoridation,” Father Butler said. At issue is a proposal to fluoridate the village water. “People are confused and when they are confused they become alarmed. They get angry. We have an angry village right now. The village has been caught up in a whirl of vindictiveness.”

January 27, 1965

35 YEARS AGO

During the 10 a.m. worship service, Sunday, January 14, 11 new members became a part of the Fly Creek Methodist Church family which numbers 152 on its roll. The church endeavors to meet the spiritual needs of folk of varied backgrounds, as it is the only church in the Fly Creek area. Eight of the persons received into membership are graduates of a three-month confirmation class, led by Rev. Kenneth R. Baldwin of Oneonta. These young people are: Melanie Brienza, Jim Foster, Sarah Good, Brian Green, Mark Pernat, Matthew Pernat, Lucy Schaeffer and Jessica Tedesco.

January 24, 1990

20 YEARS AGO

Chef David Neil and his partner, Purple Star owner Donabeth Reed, have big plans in the works. The two are planning a new restaurant in Index to be known as the Yum Yum shack. Neil, who has been the chef at the Cooperstown Country Club for the past two summers and was instrumental in local culinary offerings at the Hoffman Lane Bistro and Gabriella’s, said the new enterprise will have a seafood theme, but he hopes to offer something for everyone. “We want to do something casual, very family-oriented and fun,” he said. “We want the bikers to come by, the doctors to come by and we want the families to come by.”

January 21, 2005