HOMETOWN HISTORY, April 11, 2014
125 Years Ago
Louise Arnot and company will begin a week’s engagement at the Metropolitan on Monday evening, opening in the popular drama “49.” Miss Arnot is pronounced one of the best actresses ever appearing in Oneonta, and her support is first class. Popular prices: 10, 20 and 30 cents.
There is no better place to form an idea of the number of new buildings now being built in Oneonta can be found than on the hill on the south side of the river. In all parts of the village new houses are seen going up, while the East end looks as though it had the chickenpox, so freely is it spotted with newly built unpainted buildings.
April 1889
80 Years Ago
If you decide to tour the solar system in a space ship and hope to find a reception committee waiting at the airport, steer for the planet Venus. Even there, zooming to a stop after your hundred million mile flight from earth, you may find no life except a few plants. On any other planet you probably will find no life at all. That is the opinion of Dr. Walter S. Adams, director of Mount Wilson Observatory after studies of the planets with the world’s largest telescope. It is also quite probable, he says, that should a space pilot leave the solar system far behind and explore throughout the universe, he would find no place in that vast expanse where life as we know it exists. Venus is better fitted than any other planet for the existence of life but the absence of oxygen in its atmosphere and a long period of rotation make life on Venus improbable.
April 1934
60 Years Ago
Professional wrestling’s heavyweight champion, Verne Gagne, will again head a three-match mat card April 21 at Hartwick College in the second wrestling event this year in Oneonta. Gagne, the former Minnesota football star, who forsook the gridiron for wrestling, meets the Terrible Teuton, the notorious villain of wrestling, Hans Schmidt, in a best of three falls match. Schmidt, who is often described by sportswriters as “the meanest man in wrestling,” has vowed to take the championship from Gagne. Gagne, on the other hand is fast becoming a national hero. Schmidt, who weighs 240 pounds on a 6’4” frame, is noted for bone-crushing holds and odd tactics. Gagne, on the other hand, is noted for his clean-cut, scientific wrestling tactics, which have been displayed on television. Gagne is a former Olympic wrestler with a smooth, springy movement. He never pulls hair unless his opponent does it first.
April 1954
30 Years Ago
Approximately 90 people turned out Saturday night to honor Oneonta Fire Chief Francis “Cooty” Russo at a testimonial dinner sponsored by members of the Sixth Ward Athletic Club. Russo is a former president, treasurer and founding member of the club, which began as a local softball team years ago. Russo was named fire chief on June 30, 1983. Among those honoring Russo were club members Ani Colone, Albert Colone, Garret Huyer, John Scarzafava, several city firemen and Roger Hughes, who was mayor when Russo became a fireman. “When I joined the department in 1958 I wanted, someday, to become chief,” Russo said. “You have a good department, and I’m not saying that because I’m chief. You have good firemen who are dedicated. You can sleep easy at night knowing they are there to protect you.” Russo served 15 years before being promoted to captain in 1973. He was appointed fire department instructor in 1975 and became the department trainer in 1976. Russo was cited for “outstanding performance” by the Otsego County Fire Association for his actions at a 1974 Delaware & Hudson Railway explosive propane fire at Emmons.
April 1984
20 Years Ago
After a three-year absence, an Oneonta landmark has returned – Nick’s Diner re-opened Saturday at 22) Chestnut Street. The eatery had closed in September 1991. Nick’s has returned under the ownership of Melissa Burghart, a veteran with eight years of experience in the diner business. “We want to give “the workingman a good place to eat at a good price,” Burghart said. The menu will feature home-cooked foods and fresh pies.
April 1994
10 Years Ago
Vince Foti was awarded the Alan Donovan Outstanding Community Leadership Award at the 2003 United Way Campaign Celebration dinner at Pathfinder Village in Edmeston on March 22. Foti was honored for his continual dedication and support to the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties and the community as a whole. Foti served as the 2003 honorary chair. Board President Barry Warren spoke of the past year’s United Way accomplishments before ending his term. Ellen Blaisdell, new board president, said hard work will be needed to reach goals such as the 2004 campaign goal of $405,000. Guests also took a tour of the Pathfinder Village facilities followed with talks by Dr. Edward Shafer of Pathfinder Village and United Way Executive Director Terry Fernley.
April 2004
