Bound Volumes, Hometown History

September 19, 2024

110 YEARS AGO

Formal notice was given to the world today by President Wilson that the United States at this time cannot pass judgment upon or take any part in controversies between the warring European nations over alleged violations of the rules of civilian warfare and humanity. He said settlement of these questions would have to wait until the end of the war, which he prayed might be very soon. A resume of the findings of the Belgian Commission of Inquiry into alleged atrocities committed by German troops has been presented to President Wilson. German cavalry occupying the Village of Linsmeau were attacked by some Belgian troops and two gendarmes. A German officer was killed by the Belgian soldiers during the fight and was buried. None of the civilians had taken part in the fight; nevertheless, the village was invaded at dusk on August 10, by a strong force of German cavalry, artillery, and machine guns. In spite of the formal assurances given by the Burgomaster that none of the civilians had taken part in the fight, two farms and six outlying homes were destroyed by gun fire and reduced to ashes. All the male population was then compelled to come forward and hand over what arms they possessed. No recently discharged firearms were found. The invaders divided these peasants into three groups. Those in one group were bound and 11 of them placed in a ditch, where they were afterwards found dead, their skulls fractured by the butts of rifles.

September 1914

50 Years Ago

The Upstate Home for Children is in the process of purchasing the Wesley House at the corner of Ford and Dietz Streets. The house, which is owned by the Methodist church, currently serves as the residence and offices of the Rev. J. Edwin (Ned) Lintern, Methodist Chaplain for Oneonta State and Hartwick College. It will be converted into a hostel for retarded adults, according to Dr. H. Glen Martin, president of the Upstate Home board of directors. Dr. Martin said eight or nine retarded adults would live in the house, “in a family type atmosphere.” The residents of the house would be able to work in stores and other places in the community. The residents would be supervised by house parents. The Upstate Home’s facilities at Milford care for retarded youth. However, the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene insists that retarded persons over the age of 18 should be housed in separate facilities.

September 1974

30 Years Ago

From classic literature to basic canoeing, Oneonta’s Center for Continuing Adult Learning has something to offer just about everyone. An affiliate of The Elderhostel Institute Network in association with Hartwick College and the State University College at Oneonta, the center plans to offer a wide range of courses in this its second year. A new series of lectures on national issues will start Tuesday. The courses are not linked to academic degrees or college credits.

September 1994

20 Years Ago

A center for people recovering from addictions to drugs and alcohol will be established in Oneonta, said Elizabeth Currier, executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions. At Wednesday’s meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, Currier said, “We need a place where people in recovery can gather – not a professional organization, but somewhere where peers can gather. Currier, herself a recovering alcoholic, was a guest speaker at the board meeting. She introduced former New York State Assemblyman Peter Dokuchitz of Oneonta, who also has battled the disease. Both said that alcoholism strikes far more people than the public perceives.

September 2004