BOUND VOLUMES, September 13, 2012

200 YEARS AGO
On Saturday, last, toward sunset, the sound of drum and fife, announced something martial. Soon, a regiment of volunteer militia commanded by Lieut. Col. Farrington, from the county of Delaware, appeared, preceded by an escort from this village of about 30 citizens, on horseback and a number of infantry. The regiments pitched their beautiful tents near to and eastwardly of the Court-house, which exhibited a spectacle, novel and interesting to a great part of the villagers. They remained in their encampment until Monday morning when the general was played – the tents struck, and they marched for Utica, from whence they will probably proceed to Sacket’s Harbor. The detached Militia, under command of Lt. Col. Stranahan, marched to their Rondezvous, in Litchfield on Monday last. They are expected to recommence their march from that place to the westward next Tuesday.
September 12, 1812

175 YEARS AGO
With this number commences the thirtieth volume of this paper. The manner in which it has been sustained thorough the hard pitched onsets of the opponents of sound democratic principles, is an indication of no doubtful cast, that the course which it has pursued and the doctrines it has maintained, have thus far found a cordial sympathy in the views and feelings of the people. The support thus given him by the public constitutes an item of encouragement, which is fully appreciated by the Editor, in the midst of the exertion necessary to enable him to meet the reasonable anticipations of the public. On his part we wish the two thousand patrons of the Journal, health, happiness and prosperity; and them, with the country, triumphant success in the practical development of the plain and enduring principles of Democracy. William Lusk Crandal, Editor Pro Tem.
September 11, 1837

150 YEARS AGO
Summary of the News – Mr. Timothy Herkimer, whose arrest we noticed last week, was conveyed to Fort Lafayette on Saturday last. This was unexpected to him and his friends, as it was supposed he would have a hearing before some commissioner appointed by the Secretary of War.
Ladies Rally! On Friday of this week at 2 p.m., all ladies willing to aid their country by working for the sick and wounded soldiers – of whom there are now many thousand – are urgently requested to meet at the Presbyterian Session Room in this village. There will be sewing machines present to aid in the work – and there will be work for all who come. Let the room be crowded. The work is needed now.
September 12, 1862

125 YEARS AGO
Milford – A regular cyclone passed just southwest of this village, Wednesday, about 2 p.m., sweeping everything in its path. Two storms seemed to meet – one coming from the northeast, the other from the south, and when they came together it formed such a whirlwind or cyclone as has never been seen in this section. It was about one-fourth of a mile wide. It first unroofed several buildings on the “Crouch,” a place owned by David Wilber; then it took an easterly direction, taking the roof from Menzo Wilcox’s barn, and ruining apple trees in great numbers. It next took W.L. Baker’s hop kiln from its foundation. A kiln of hops was in process of drying, and the kiln barely escaped being burned. Three hop boxes were taken right out of the yard, and no trace of them has yet been found. A water pail which was in the yard at the time was carried over the hill and found in another yard nearly a half mile away.
September 16, 1887

75 YEARS AGO
While engaged in demolishing the old building adjoining the Alfred Corning Clark gymnasium to make space for the new National Baseball Museum building, Matthew T. Harvey and his force came across some very interesting old tile and brick which undoubtedly were made somewhere in Otsego County when the building was built. Frank P. Whiting, the architect in charge of the construction of the new museum said it is the first instance that has come to his notice in this locality where a double brick has been built into a wall and preserved in such perfect condition. The old building in which they were found was one of the oldest business structures in the village, having been erected in all probability by Judge William Cooper.
September 15, 1937

50 YEARS AGO
The Scriven Foundation of New York has purchased of The Freeman’s Journal Company the vacant plot at the northwest corner of Main and Pioneer Streets, and will turn it over to the Village of Cooperstown for development as a park site until such time as it can be sold as business development property. The village has agreed that it will not sell the property without the prior written approval of the Scriven Foundation, and if such approval is granted, the net proceeds of the sale will be paid over to the Foundation. The site measures approximately 82 by 75 feet.
September 12, 1962

25 YEARS AGO
A joint youth and adult Youth Recreation Board has been approved by village trustees to oversee the operation of an area teen center on the second floor of the Cooperstown Library building at 22 Main Street. The center will be in operation Friday and Saturday nights with an official opening planned for October. Various activities such as movies and dances are planned as well as a snack bar.
September 16, 1987

10 YEARS AGO
Otsego County Director of Public Health Kathryn Abernethy cautioned residents to be aware of Lyme disease. “We do have Lyme disease-carrying ticks in the area,” she said. Lately, health officials have noticed an increase in family pets suffering from Lyme disease. “We’ve had quite a few,” said Dr. Michael Powers, a veterinarian at the Cooperstown Veterinary Clinic. “Probably in the range of 20 or more dogs in the last year,” he added. According to the NYS Department of Health, more than 23,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in the state since 1986.
September 13, 2002