HOMETOWN History • April 26, 2019

150 Years Ago

Memorial Day – By a general order from the headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic, the 30th of May next has been set apart as a memorial day to do honor at their graves to the memory and glorious deeds of the fallen soldiers of the nation. Henceforth, this day, last year so pleasingly observed, will be a fixed festival in the calendar of loyalty. This is the second public observance of the occasion, and we unite with General Logan in hoping that it will recur yearly while there remains a heart loyal to the cause in which these brave men fell, and while the moving principle for which they died is held worth preserving.

April 1869

125 Years Ago

The Coxey Army, or as it is called, the “Army of the Commonweal,” which started from Ohio two or three weeks ago and which has since been marching toward Washington, is now in Maryland and will soon be at the national capital. The Commissioners of the District of Columbia, alarmed at the approach of so many men and at the formidable proportions the Army of Coxey promises to assume when all the branches which are organizing in various portions of the United States have arrived, have issued a proclamation which in effect is that the laws of the district will be strictly enforced against all evil doers. In the meantime, the Coxey movement, which was at first looked upon derisively, is assuming serious proportions and sober-minded people in all parts of the country who have the welfare of the nation truly at heart are asking themselves where is it all going to end. Who is responsible? The mobs of tramps, bummers, beggars and deluded men now converging upon Washington, seizing trains, and living like invading armies upon the fears of the country through which they pass, are disgracing the reputation of the American people for good order, industry and common sense.

April 26, 1894

100 Years Ago

Our soldier and sailor boys to the number of about 150 were the guests of Oneonta citizens at the State Armory Tuesday evening. If there existed the slightest doubt in the mind of any as to the appreciation cherished for them and their record with the colors, it must have been dispelled ere the morning hours came when the combined orchestra rendered the “good night” number and the event ended. The program was, as promised, short and pleasing, with only enough of laudatory remarks to satisfy the city that the feelings cherished for the men had been voiced. The dinner was one of such excellence as to satisfy the boys who had dined on army rations for months. The ball appealed with especial charm to the men who had been so long away from home and amid surroundings quite remote from such merrymaking. It was 2 o’clock ere the music ceased and the big armory was still and dark, with the event only a memory, but a happy one for all.

April 1919

80 Years Ago

Five sterling acts of vaudeville, presenting an entirely new show, elicited tumultuous applause at the Elks Silver Anniversary World’s Fair at the club house last night. The performers were called back again and again by the enthusiastic audience. One of the greatest attractions was the Silver Comet duo, a roller skating act, featured by a head swivel stunt which left the audience breathless. The diminutive girl and her partner took a huge member of the audience for a giant swing as one of the features of the act. Jean Arlington, fast tap dancer and Ina Leland, mistress of ceremonies and blues singer, also added much to the program. Leaving the audience in amazement was the Great Gerard, magician and escape artist, who, in addition to many feats of magic, was handcuffed by an Oneonta officer’s own cuffs, placed in a nailed and roped box, yet walked out free moments later. Perhaps the star act was that of Marks & Vale, a comedy bicycle riding stunt in which they rode bicycles backward, upside-down, and every other trick way.

April 1939

40 Years Ago

Roger Carey had flirted with no-hitters before in his high school pitching. It was just a matter of time before the flirtation became a marriage. Carey struck out 14 Chenango Valley batters and walked only three Monday in pitching the first no-hitter of his varsity career in Oneonta’s 6-1 Southern Tier Athletic Conference Division II victory. The no-hitter was the third thrown by STAC pitchers this year. Oneonta hitters, who had blasted 10 doubles in four previous games, yesterday cracked three home runs. Carey, Jay Dilello, and Bob Escher all homered while Dino Elwood tripled. Oneonta scored five times in the fourth.

April 1979

20 Years Ago

About a month since the state police took up residence in their new $250,000 station, troopers say they already see the changes that were envisioned when the project was first announced in March 1998. New technological capabilities, more space and updated facilities are all factors troopers have in their favor at the new building, which is located at the corner of State Routes 7 and 205 in the Town of Oneonta. The building measures 55 feet by 100 feet, with an addition for a 28 by 32 foot two car garage. The troopers rent the station from Bettiol Enterprises in Oneonta for between $40,000 and $45,000 annually. About 30 troopers, supervisors and investigators along with two civilians work out of the new office.

April 1999

10 Years Ago

In 1889, Oneonta’s Harlow E. Bundy patented the “International Time Recorder.” It grew into IBM.
At the end of World War I, Oneonta’s young Sherman Fairchild figured out the mystery of aerial surveillance and grew that idea and others into huge Fairchild Aviation.
On May 1, 2009, Michael Pentaris’ staff at 118 Whinney Hill Road is due to begin manufacturing something that must have been as obscure as an “International Time Recorder” was 120 years ago: “electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC) and modules using EDLCs.”

April 2009