Bound Volumes, Hometown History

March 20, 2025

135 YEARS AGO

One curious effect of the mild weather of the past three months has been to “obliterate,” in the minds of many, the idea of winter. People are often heard speaking of “last fall,” when further inquiry develops the fact that January is meant. So, too, events of February are referred to as spring. There has been no true Boreal weather and the mind unconsciously has adapted itself to the fact. What the next few weeks may bring we cannot tell. But, it now seems as if 1890 would go into history as “the year without a winter.”

An organization in town which is doing much work in a quiet way is the minister’s association, which meets every Monday forenoon, and which pastors of the Methodist, Baptist, Free Baptist, First and United Presbyterian and Episcopal churches regularly attend. A subject for discussion is regularly chosen and good bit of pleasant controversy had. At recent meetings, “Christian Science,” “Nationalism,” and “Capital Punishment” have been among the subjects discussed. The next meeting will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the residence of the Rev. L.E. Hawk.

March 1890

50 YEARS AGO

Nader Towers was a swinging place in town on St. Patrick’s Day as 150 senior citizens danced and clapped with the band. Green dresses, pant suits, ties, trousers and ribbons marked the day for the Irish. Corned beef and cabbage was served to 106 senior citizens at the site of the nutrition program for the aging. There were 35 patrons at the Elm Park site and most of them joined the fun at Nader Towers. Many others came from Schenevus and Worcester. Music was provided by John Curls of Schenevus on the drums and Russell and Ethel French. The dance and refreshments were planned by Lorraine DiGiorgi, site manager, Irene Simonds, cook, and Mary Roberts.

March 1975

40 YEARS AGO

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Monday will allow political action committees to spend any amount they wish on behalf of a presidential candidate. With seven of the nine justices voting as the majority, laws and regulations that limit such expenditures are now unconstitutional, dashing the hopes of many stemming from the Watergate scandal era that campaign spending laws would diminish the influence of money in national elections. Without rules, money becomes the ruler. Those with the most influence command the most money and use their money to influence voters. However, the court’s ruling makes it clear that without free spending, there is no free speech.

March 1985

30 YEARS AGO

She was a hit belting out the songs and playing the part of the feisty 1920s nightclub evangelist Reno Sweeney in the OHS stage production of “Anything Goes.” Now, high school junior Susannah “Sus” Stayter will be harmonizing with peers from around Otsego County as a soprano in the All-County Festival’s senior choir. Next month, Susannah will join 350 of the best vocalists in 11 northeastern states for the All-Eastern Music Festival. Miss Stayter has been singing for most of her 16 years, beginning with folk tunes in her family and training in classical music. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a singer,” she says.

March 1995

20 YEARS AGO

On Sunday, the service at First Presbyterian Church at 296 Main Street will begin at 10:45 a.m. This Sunday, Koinonia Campus Ministry will lead the service. Students from the State University College at Oneonta and Hartwick College will participate in the service, presenting a speak chorus titled “We Meet You O Christ” as the sermon. This week’s anthem is “Stand in Awe.”

March 2005