BOUND VOLUMES

September 10, 2020

200 YEARS AGO

We, the undersigned members of the Visiting Committee appointed to examine the Students of Hartwick Academy under the care of the Rev. Ernest Lewis Hazelius, in gratification to our own feelings, as well as in discharge of the duty which we owe to the interests of Literature, are happy to take this public opportunity of expressing our entire satisfaction with the proficiency of the students of that Seminary, and of assuring Parents and Guardians of the many proofs which the examination afforded of the zeal, assiduity and fidelity of the Principal. The progress of the various Classes in Hebrew, Greek, Lain, French, Mathematics, Geography, English Grammar, Composition, &c. incontestably proved that the teacher was not only master of these branches himself, but possessed the happiest talent of imparting them to others. During the five years which have elapsed since the first establishment of this Seminary, 161 young people have received the advantages of education within its walls. Of these 161 pupils, 4 have applied themselves to Hebrew, 85 to Greek and Latin, 18 to French, 26 to various branches of Mathematical Science, and 28 to the simpler literature necessary to form the Tradesman and Mechanic. Seven young men have passed from the institution into Union College.

September 4, 1820

175 YEARS AGO

Matrimonial Divorces: The following cases were decided by Chancellor Walworth: Sarah Ann Haydock vs. William A. Haydock – Decree for an absolute divorce of the wife for the adultery of her husband, and awarding the care and custody of the children of the marriage to the wife.
Peter Voorheis vs. Caroline Murphy, falsely called Caroline Yoorheis – Decree declaring the marriage contract between the parties void, on the ground that at the time of the marriage, the former husband of the defendant was and still is living. Truman Whitcomb vs. Lucy M. Whitcomb for absolute divorce for the husband for the adultery of the wife, and declaring the three youngest children of the defendant illegitimate.

September 8, 1845

150 YEARS AGO

Sad Case of Drowning – Mr. Leverett C. Stowell, of this village, for many years a merchant in the City of New York went out in a boat to bathe in the lake about 6 o’clock Thursday morning last. On his way to the dock he stopped at the Post Office and invited his cousin, which Mr. Coffin was unable to do. About a half-mile northwest of the dock, two hours later, his boat was found floating about, containing all his clothes, watch, &c. and nearby his lifeless body. It is supposed he was taken with a cramp, or became suddenly ill, after entering the water, and was unable to regain his boat. The jury, summoned by Dr. Blodgett, coroner, brought in a verdict of accidental drowning. Mr. S. was a very pleasant gentleman, and his sudden death in this manner cast a gloom over the entire village. He was in his sixtieth year. He leaves a wife and three children.

September 8, 1870

125 YEARS AGO

Hints to Housekeepers – Linen undergarments that are badly stained with perspiration should have such spots soaked and washed in tepid water, without soap or soda, before adding them to the regular washing.
The best laundry aprons are made of rubber cloth or of brown and blue denim. The former is to be preferred because it best protects the dress against a wetting. Never use very hot water when washing the hands as it tends to make the skin too tender and sensitive. Lemon will remove most stains from the nails and skin and then glycerine, or some other emollient can be applied before retiring. If one wears old, loose kid gloves while ironing they will save many callous spots on the hands. Tincture of myrrh dropped into the water is an excellent wash for the mouth and the throat. The proper proportions are ten drops of myrrh to a glass of water.

September 12, 1895

100 YEARS AGO

National Baseball League President J.A. Heydler upon donating $100 toward efforts to purchase Phinney’s pasture as the site where Abner Doubleday invented baseball states: “I have not attempted to umpire a baseball game in 20 years. But, I would not resist the temptation to umpire the first inning today. I am deeply interested in the idea of establishing here a national memorial to baseball. And, if it be said in future years that I as President of the National League took part in today’s event, I shall be proud of it. You can certainly depend upon me to do all I can to cooperate in the nation-wide movement to perpetuate the birthplace of the National Game. It is fortunate that General Doubleday lived in such an interesting country when he conceived the game of baseball…” (Ed. Note: The story that Civil War General Abner Doubleday invented baseball in 1839 in Cooperstown is false. Doubleday never visited the Village of Cooperstown. The origins of the game are diverse and cannot be attributed to a specific time, person or place.)

September 8, 1920

50 YEARS AGO

Despite a drop of 511 from August 1969, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum had its second best month on record with 73,615 coming through the turnstiles. Last year’s high for a single month was 74,126. So far this year, 167,061 persons have visited the Hall of Fame.

September 9, 1970

25 YEARS AGO

Alan Taylor’s forthcoming book titled “William Cooper’s Town: Power and Persuasion on the Frontier of The Early American Republic” will be featured in a lecture by the author at the Fenimore House Museum on Sunday, September 10. According to Wendell Tripp, NYSHA Director of Publications Taylor’s study of Judge Cooper “adroitly blends three usually distinct genres: biography, community history and literary analysis.”

September 10, 1995

10 YEARS AGO

An estimated 7,000 Sugarland country music fans flooded Doubleday Field on Saturday night, September 4. “It was a great day – very busy – but everyone was patient with everything” said Susan O’Handley, Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. The Chamber was able to leverage a $5 service charge on tickets it sold and O’Handley anticipates $5,000 from the venture. The Village of Cooperstown should receive a similar amount.

September 9, 2010