HOMETOWN HISTORY, November 15, 2013
125 Years Ago
Republican Post-Election Celebrations: The Republicans had a high old time last Thursday evening in celebration of the recent victory. Such a display of good-natured enthusiasm was never before witnessed in Oneonta. There was a parade, fireworks, and speeches by Congressman Wilber, Andrew Davidson, Hobart Krum, J. Lee Tucker, and Wm. H. Johnson. On Friday evening, Oneonta Republicans went to Cooperstown and helped in a celebration there. Three carloads of Oneonta Republicans, packed like sardines in a box, went to Unadilla Monday night and helped the enthusiastic Harrison and Morton men of that aristocratic village “paint” the town a vivid crimson. The visitors were superbly treated. An elegant supper was served free for all. The only unpleasant incident occurred while the procession was marching down one of the back streets, when some miscreants flung a quantity of rotten eggs into the ranks.
November 1888
100 Years Ago
The low bidding firm for the contract to build the Country Club is that of McFee & Borst. The contract calls for its completion by next June 1st. Orlo Epps is the architect. It will consist of two buildings – the main club rooms and an annex which will be connected by a port-cochere. The main building will contain two piazzas, 76 feet by 14 feet, which will face the north and south. From this, one enters the reception room, 14 feet by 15 feet. This contains a large fireplace and permanent seats around the walls. From this room entrance is had to the assembly hall which will be 28 by 36 feet and will also contain a large fireplace. From this room one enters the dining room on the opposite side through another large arch. The dining room will be 14 feet by 18 feet and will be connected to the kitchen, a room 14 feet by 15 feet. Stairways will lead from the front porch, the assembly hall and the kitchen to the second floor. The second floor will contain a ladies parlor, two coat rooms, two toilets, a shower, and three caretakers’ rooms.
November 1913
80 Years Ago
Six members of the Social Club of the Chapin Memorial Universalist Church were partially overcome by coal gas yesterday morning while working in the church kitchen. Mrs. Lee Hamm was said to be the most seriously affected falling in a semi-conscious condition at the door as she tried to get out. Others who suffered from the gas were Mrs. George Wood, Mrs. Mable Smith, Mrs. Fred Paine, Mrs. C.E. Utter, and Mrs. Joseph Hendy. All were reported last night to be recovering well. The group, under the direction of Mrs. Smith, was cleaning the kitchen and a fire had been started in the coal range. In order more quickly to heat the room, the gas water heater was lighted, and the rapid consumption of oxygen by the heater, in addition to the escaping coal gas, drove the women from the room. First aid was given by Mrs. Hugh Tigner, after which the group went to Mrs. Wood’s home at 305 Main Street, where they remained until they regained their strength.
November 1933
60 Years Ago
Oneonta’s State Armory for the next two weeks between the hours of 3:30 and 5 p.m. will be rife with the sounds of rebounding basketballs, running feet, and the voice of Hurley McLean, Oneonta High School’s basketball coach – as the Yellow Jackets shape up for the first game of the season on December 4 against Draper Central of Schenevus. Trying out for the varsity are Ken Chase, Dick Jester, Peter Axhoy, Dick Jacobs, Nick Lambros, Jim Anderson, Dick Vroman, Bill Slawson, Jerry Dirvin, Bob Grygiel, Bill Donnelly, John Skinner, Ken Turner, Pete Jacobs and Gene Clough. Trying out for the junior varsity squad are Frank Sturiale, Joe Corarro, Nat Rhodes, Gene Tompkins, Bob Lewis, Joe Pidgeon, Jim Thomas, Dave VanWoert and Joe Cooper. Don Miller and Morris Cleverley are the only returning varsity players.
November 1953
40 Years Ago
One of the first grade classes at Center Street School, under the direction of Mrs. Jane Sloan, has been working recently with students from the SUCO Home Economics Department. Mrs. Sloan’s first grade students have been studying basic nutrition and etiquette. Along with time spent in class on table settings and manners, the students planned their own breakfast menu and participated in a shopping trip to Loblaws. All of the class work has led up to a breakfast which they planned and put together themselves on Friday morning, November 2. The students enjoyed their breakfast with Richard Picolla, principal, Mrs. Margaret Decker, nurse and Miss Carolyn Edwards, student teacher. Among the students participating were Kelly Fleischer, Darlene Sasina, Cindy Marino, Jennifer Lindell, and Paul Monroe.
November 1973
20 Years Ago
The United States has an opportunity to right some historic wrongs – and reduce illegal immigration to its shores—by continuing to support democracy in Haiti, a Haitian exile told an Oneonta audience on Sunday. “A cultural oppression has existed for a long time,” said Pierre Leroy, who fled his native country 32 years ago and hopes to return when it becomes a democracy. “A small elite control the country culturally and also economically.” Leroy told about 25 people at the Universalist Unitarian Church that much of Haiti’s hope lies in exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The U.S. and the United Nations are pressuring Haiti to restore Aristide.
November 1993
10 Years Ago
While his drawings are nearly 500 years old, the ideas of Leonardo da Vinci can still impress children and adults. This was evident when the staff of the Yager Museum at Hartwick College welcomed 40 first-graders from Greater Plains Elementary School to an exhibit titled “The Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.” “The classes make an annual trip to the museum,” said teacher Corinne Hahn. “They always have an exhibit we can fit into our curriculum.”
November 2003