Bound Volumes
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART, with resources
courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
210 YEARS AGO
A Comet! Another of those singular and extraordinary bodies has made its appearance within view of our globe. It was discovered a few evenings since, but its apparent smallness and the haziness of the atmosphere, prevented its being again seen for several evenings. Its present place at dark is a little south of west, and about 25 degrees above the horizon. It has changed its place considerably since it was first observed, and is now apparent five degrees higher above the horizon. From this it is evident that it has passed its perihelia, and it must be receding from the sun, and the the planets. (Ed. Note: The writer witnessed this comet in May in Chillicothe, Ohio)
July 13, 1811
160 YEARS AGO
Aid for the New York Volunteers! Our brave volunteers in Virginia are suffering for many things which those in the rural districts can easily supply. The sick and wounded make earnest appeals. Shall they appeal in vain? The Ladies of Cooperstown who feel disposed to respond to the call of the brave volunteers of their own state, we are requested to state, will meet at Burgess Hall, promptly at 2 o’clock, on Saturday afternoon next. A general attendance is earnestly solicited.
July 26, 1861
135 YEARS AGO
The Otsego County Medical Society held its 80th annual session at the Court House in Cooperstown on Tuesday last.
The attendance was quite large, and the meeting one of the most pleasant in the long experience of the society. The following members and visitors were present: E.W. Spafford, H.D. Blanchard, Portlandville; W.T. Bassett, Horace Lathrop, L.H. Hills, Cooperstown; E.S. Morgan, O.W. Peck, B.A. Church, M.L. Ford, Oneonta; J.D. Fitch, Schuyler’s Lake; H.W. Boorn, Schenevus; N. Smith, Middlefield; J.K. Leaning, Fly Creek; J.H. Martin, Otego; W.R. Lough, Edmeston; H.H. Clapsaddle, Toddsville; C.S. Arnold, Mt. Vision; D.R. Kenyon, Sherburne and Wm. A. Thayer, honorary member, Cooperstown. Dr. Leaning read a very interesting paper on hysteria. Dr. Spaffard read a terse paper on conservative bleeding as a therapeutic agent. Dr. Church read a very interesting history of a case of extra-uterine pregnancy which, of course, proved fatal. John K. Leaning and George Merritt were appointed delegates to the American Medical Association.
July 24, 1886
110 YEARS AGO
The first National Encampment of the Boy Scouts of America, which was opened last Wednesday, closed on Tuesday, following a very successful engagement. The scouts, 150 strong, occupied perhaps 25 tents in view of the lake and several back on the hill in the woods, presented an interesting, inspiring picture. About half of the encampment hiked to Cooperstown, marched through the Main Street, and surrounded the monument in Cooper Park for a photograph. They next proceeded to Christ Church graveyard where in a solemn procession, they passed single file with heads bared around the grave of the Pioneer Scout of America, James Fenimore Cooper.
The artists connected with the Vitagraph Company of America arrived in Cooperstown Saturday for the purpose of taking photographs for moving picture films of the Boy Scout camp. These scenes will become part of a scenario story written by Dr. Joseph B. Cooke of this village to be exhibited in the leading moving picture theaters in the world. The Vitagraph party includes Kenneth Casey, a roguish youngster, 10 years of age who shares honors with the best of moving picture actors. Besides being a wonderful child actor, he is a singer, and plays several musical instruments.
July 19, 1911
85 YEARS AGO
Wednesday will be a red letter day in the life of Professor Ralph W. Perry of this village, for it marks an anniversary of unusual importance in his career. Prof. Perry, as everyone knows, is not only a schoolmaster of exceptional ability, but also a baseball pitcher of no mean caliber. For several years he has headed the pitching staffs of Cooperstown teams and, in off moments, has filled assignments with other central New York pro and semi-pro teams. It is therefore interesting to note that on July 22, 1922, fourteen years ago, he pitched his first game as a professional player. The momentous game was played on Doubleday Field as Perry hurled the sphere for Middle-ville against Cooperstown. Middleville was victorious and the Glimmerglass reported that the “snappy young pitcher for the visitors struck out 12 men.” Prof. Perry was then a first string pitcher for Hamilton College. He confided to us the other day that he received fifteen dollars for the performance.
July 22, 1936
60 YEARS AGO
An oil painting of Stephen C. Clark, founder and president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, was unveiled Sunday night in the gallery of the Hall of Fame before a large crowd of baseball dignitaries and local officials. Mr. Clark was president of the Hall of Fame from 1936 until his death last September. His granddaughter, Miss Susan Clark and his son, Stephen C. Clark, Jr., unveiled the portrait, the work of William F. Draper.
July 26, 1961
35 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Bicentennial Celebration mementoes include a crystal plate with the bicentennial logo etched in the center. The plate sells for $15. There are also bumper stickers, coffee mugs and calendars available.
All of these items can be obtained at the Village office during business hours.
July 23, 1986
20 YEARS AGO
For the fifth straight year, Arby Productions will provide theatrical entertainment, presenting this season, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” July 26 – 28 at the Baker’s Beach Playhouse near Richfield Springs. Schlather is a 15-year-old sophomore at CCS. “I pride myself in that we do a production that is really well done,” said Schlather. “We are young and we are doing something positive.”
July 20, 2001
