HOMETOWN HISTORY, August 14, 2014

125 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 till 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

100 Years Ago
A dispatch from Paris states that Archer M. Huntington of New York, who is president of the National Geographical Society, the American Numismatic Society and the Hispanic-American Museum of New York City, along with his wife, have been arrested at Nuremburg, Bavaria by the German police, and they are now held as spies. Archer M. Huntington is a nephew and adopted son of the late Collis P. Huntington, the railroad builder. Mr. Huntington and his wife had been abroad on their annual tour of Europe since last May. They expected to remain in Europe until next November. It is believed that Mr. Huntington’s detention was caused by the discovery of maps which he has been making for the local aeronautic club. Mr. Huntington’s chauffeur, who escaped to Switzerland, telegraphed to the American embassy in Paris saying that Mr. and Mrs. Huntington had been maltreated. Mr. Huntington was stripped naked while the police were searching him and his wife was subjected to insults and indignities. Mrs. Huntington is a daughter of Mrs. Ellen M. Huntington Gates. Mrs. Gates is an aunt of Mrs. E.D. Lewis and of E.H. Pardee of Oneonta. In recent years she has spent a considerable portion of each summer at Colliscroft, the home of Mr. Pardee.
August 1914

80 Years Ago
Oneonta and vicinity residents turned out by 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
The 28th annual water carnival and graduation for swimmers in Oneonta’s summer program at Wilber Park pool drew a crowd estimated at 350 people. During the event, a series of races were conducted and awards certificates, Wilber Pool cards and Red Cross cards were presented. First-place winners in the Advanced Beginners’ crawl stroke races were Don McCommery, Jane Hollis, Kathy Hendrickson, Randy Stalford, Billy Baskin and Karen Keiller. Cary Yates won the Intermediate breast stroke race for girls. Among the many competing in other events, or earning certificates, were Denise Finch, Margaret Ash, Lisa Pudelka, Becky Ambrose, Jenny Ambrose, Cathy Ambrose, Patty Gennarino, Jeff Slawson, Lynne Ponder, Anthony Colone, Veronica Perrone, Kathy Sanford, Tammy Hidge and Scott and Kathy Moyer.
August 1974

30 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.
August 1984

20 Years Ago
The Lesbian and Gay Concerns Network will hold its next potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Pavilion in Upper Wilber Park. Bring a dish to pass and table service. The LGCN is affiliated with the Universalist Church, but one does not need to be part of the church to attend meetings, which are the third Monday of the month. Meetings are open to friends, family members and supporters.
August 1994

10 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 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