BOUND VOLUMES

September 3, 2020

200 YEARS AGO

Science – To witness the steady march of science in our country cannot but excite emotions of satisfaction in the mind of every true friend of literature. Nations, both ancient and modern, have received their rank on the historian’s page, not from the number of kingdoms desolated, the victories achieved or the extent of territory acquired, but from the aid they have furnished for the advancement of science. We see that science, not heroic deeds or warlike achievements, will fix the standard of a nation’s character.

September 4, 1820

175 YEARS AGO

Indians. After a Temperance address by W.P. Angell, Esq., the venerable Governor of the Tribe, Blacksnake, now in his 97th year, arose to speak to his brethren. This he did for some time in his native tongue, with great energy. He then addressed his white brethren. He said that the speaker had told them of the evils of drunkenness, and he knew it to be true. But he continued, “Who is it that has made my people drink? Indians cannot make whiskey. Indians do not sell it. But, white people make it and bring it among us. It is they who can remove it, and now we call upon them to do it. We ask them to take their whiskey and rum away, and leave us sober as they found us.”

September 1, 1845

150 YEARS AGO

An informal meeting of a score or two of our citizens was held at the office of Mr. Lee, the object of which was stated to be the formation of a “Village Improvement Society” for Cooperstown. A Committee was formed to examine the sulphur springs in and about the village with a view to their further development and use. Mr. Brooks made a report on behalf of the committee on sulphur springs, which was very interesting, containing facts entirely new to most of those present. Specimens of the water bottled at three or four different springs in the village and vicinity were exhibited, some of which when uncorked, gave strong indications of their origin. Mr. Story stated that he should soon proceed to a thorough examination of the spring near the lake, owned by him, under the direction of scientific men. There is also a spring on the property of Mr. Boden. Both may prove to be of great value.

September 1, 1870

125 YEARS AGO

The Union School opens for work Monday next. Since it commences one week later than usual, the teachers urge that every pupil who intends to attend during the fall be promptly on hand at the opening hour. Any pupil who is to begin Geometry or is to be in any of the language classes, cannot afford to be absent a single day. The Principal has received applications enough to insure a teachers’ training class. If there are others who wish to enter they should make application at once, for the class can number but 25. All 20 diplomas claimed at the recent Regents’ Examinations held in this school have been allowed by the Board. This is the largest number ever allowed at one time for this school, and the practical result is $200 cash for the school from the Literary Fund.

September 5, 1895

75 YEARS AGO

The President Speaks – In a message broadcast primarily to members of the American Armed Forces scattered across the Earth, Mr. Truman said: “With the destructive force of war removed from the world we can turn now to the grave task of preserving the peace that you, gallant men and women, have won. It is a task which requires our most urgent attention. It is one in which we must collaborate with our allies and the other nations of the world. They are determined as we are that war must be abolished from the Earth, if the Earth, as we know it, is to remain. Civilization cannot survive another total war.

September 5, 1945

50 YEARS AGO

According to the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, about 1,500 persons were on hand at Doubleday Field Saturday afternoon August 22, to hear the New Christy Minstrels. Joseph C. Schilling, executive director of the Chamber said the organization was disappointed in the small turn-out for this most excellent program. “The weather was fine and the program outstanding,” he said, “but we had hoped for a far larger crowd.”
Miss Judith A. Talbot, a senior at Cooperstown Central School, who returned last month after spending a year in Amazawa, Japan as a Rotary International Exchange student, was the speaker at the regular weekly luncheon meeting of the Cooperstown Rotary Club at the Cooper Inn. She described Japanese food as “fabulous” admitting that she put on weight during her first two weeks there. She attended a Japanese school during the year and learned a great deal about English grammar because of the particular emphasis placed on this subject. Plenty of snow fell in Amazawa during her stay.

September 2, 1970

25 YEARS AGO

The Cooperstown Central School class of 1960 celebrated its thirty-fifth reunion in mid-August. The gala weekend began with a “get-reacquainted party” at the Cornfield with entertainment provided by class members Lou Mele, Reggie Higgins, David St. John, and CCS 1959 graduate Steve Willsey playing guitars, banjo and bass. On Saturday, everyone enjoyed a family picnic at the home of Carol Winne Butts. Guests of honor at this outing were the parents of class members, including Mabel Atwell whose daughter Nea was in the class.

September 3, 1995

10 YEARS AGO

She was an 11-year-old Australian shepherd who touched the lives of many. She was Bassett Hospital’s most famous and most intelligent therapy dog. And now, sadly, Crackerjax, is no more. In April, 2009, Jax was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Jax was a fighter, his owner, Vivian Beckmann, explained. With that diagnosis, most dogs go quickly, but Jax lasted another 18 months, dying August 15 after 11 amazing years. Beckmann originally bought Jax for her mother’s seventy-eighth birthday. Beckmann’s mother was battling major diseases at the time. When Jax was just two-years old, she became a certified therapy dog. Beckmann’s mother died in 2002, but Jax’s therapy dog career continued.

September 2, 2010