Bound Volumes, Hometown History

August 15, 2024

135 YEARS AGO

The Oneonta Phosphate Company uses material which has heretofore gone to waste. It is located about one mile east of the village. The superintendent of this company, Mr. A.B. Coffin, began the manufacture of phosphate about five years ago in the village of Middlefield. He gradually enlarged his works there til he was able to send out 240 tons a year. But the lack of railway facilities hampered him. Accordingly he came to Oneonta less than a year ago and organized the present company, of which N.I. Ford is president and which has a nominal capital of $12,000 though twice that amount is employed in the business. The company was incorporated in January and the first products of the factory were put on the market April 17th. Only about 150 tons were made, the company preferring to spend the present summer in preparation. The company manufactures three varieties of fertilizers – potato phosphate, the domestic brand and superphosphate. These vary principally in the quantities of nitrogen and ammonia contained. Another product is the domestic egg food, a mixture of granulated bone, oyster shells and glass. No other company manufactures this and the demand is practically unlimited. Mr. Coffin has already made and sold over 75 tons, and 300 tons more will be made at once. Among other marketable products of the fertilizer works are neat’s-foot oil, of which they have a barrel each day, soap grease in large quantities, horns, hoofs and hides.

August 1889

90 YEARS AGO

Oneonta and vicinity residents turned out by the thousands yesterday to see a genuine, old-time circus parade, a spectacle that had not been witnessed in this city for many a year. Downie Brothers three-ring circus, the third largest in the world, staged a parade that recalled bygone days to the older folks and provided new thrills for the youngsters. Seventeen wagons, including a steam calliope, together with three bands, five elephants, four camels, fair ladies on horseback, clowns, lions, monkeys, and ponies drew a generous share of attention and approval. The line of march led from the circus grounds on Wilcox Flats up Main Street to Chestnut, to Church, through the residential sections, and back down Main Street.

August 1934

40 YEARS AGO

New Yorkers under age 21 who are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will automatically lose their licenses for at least a year, under a bill signed by Gov. Mario Cuomo. The measure imposes strict new license sanctions on those under 19 who drink and drive and to second offenders under age 21. The new law requires that anyone under 19 found guilty of driving while intoxicated, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or who refuses to take a breath or blood test, lose their license for a year, or until they reach 19, whichever is the greatest amount of time. Convicted second offenders under age 21 will automatically lose their licenses for a year, or until they are 21.

August 1984

20 YEARS AGO

Many physicians wear neckties to achieve a look of professionalism. But new research shows the neckties carry bacteria that can spread disease. Researchers found that neckties donned by doctors at a Queens hospital were nesting spots for germs. Past research has implicated stethoscopes, pens and white coats as germ carriers. With ties now on the list of suspected germ-spreaders, some physicians predict a relaxation in physician attire and staff dress codes. The study at Queens sampled 42 neckties worn by doctors, physician assistants and medical students at the teaching hospital. About half of the neckties worn by physicians were found to harbor potential pathogens.

August 2004