Bound Volumes, Hometown History

February 1, 2024

70 YEARS AGO

Leo P. Norton, 39, Colliers, faces an indefinite stay in jail following his conviction yesterday in City Court on a charge that he gave a teenager a drink. An all-day trial ended shortly before supper when a jury of four men and two women brought in a verdict of guilty after nearly one and one-half hours of deliberation. Judge John L. Van Woert deferred sentencing to await action of the State Parole Board. The conviction automatically becomes a violation of Norton’s parole. With convictions for offenses dating back to 1930, Norton has been on parole for 17 years. With his wife and seven children looking on in court, Norton took the stand in his own behalf to deny that he gave a thirteen-year-old youth some wine. It was the youth’s own bottle, he testified. Norton was arrested on the teenage drink charge January 13 and has been in jail since.

January 1954

50 YEARS AGO

A proposal calling for the use of Homer Folks hospital as a “regional center to serve human needs,” was made public yesterday by Dr. Indulis Ritenis, Director of Otsego County’s Community Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services unit located at Fox Hospital. Dr. Ritenis said part of Homer Folks should be used as a training facility by several area agencies to provide training for college students in the areas of mental health, mental retardation, alcoholism, and other related medical fields. In addition, he proposes “rehabilitation and job training facilities for the physically and mentally handicapped as well as people with minor legal problems.”

January 1974

40 YEARS AGO

Fox Memorial Hospital’s 1984 profile census shows that through October 1983 there were 33,806 adult medical surgical days. The medical/surgical occupancy rate averaged 84 percent; maternity occupancy averaged 83 percent. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of births at Fox Hospital in the last several years. In 1979, there were 227 births; in 1982 there were 452. For 1983, through the end of November, 535 babies had been born at Fox, and 580 births were expected by year’s end. In 1983 Fox Hospital employed more than 600 people, making it the second largest employer in Oneonta.

January 1984

30 YEARS AGO

The 1994 Human Services Fair will start today at Oneonta’s Southside Mall. Sponsored by the Otsego Council on Human Services, the fair is designed to help the community understand the range of programs available through the area’s human services agencies and to show people how to begin using these services. The theme of this year’s fair is “Your Health, Your Community, and You.” Participating service providers will offer interactive displays for all age groups. Among the agencies and organizations participating are the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, the American Cancer Society, Catskill Area Hospice, and many more.

January 1994

20 YEARS AGO

Safety rules for operating snow blowers: Do not stick hands into the snow blower chute or near moving parts. Do not disable manufacturer safety mechanisms. Make sure the snow blower has stopped completely before trying to work on it. Although the motor may be stopped, snow puts pressure on jammed blades and blades can move after clogged snow is removed. Use manufacturer supplied objects to unclog the snow blower. Do not put sticks or similar objects into the machine. Never allow children to operate a snow blower. Keep people and pets away from the clearing area. Wear eye protection and gloves. Never operate after drinking alcohol.

January 2004