35 Years Ago – August 1972 Town Topics – Don Casey, longtime friend of Mrs. Rena Murdock, gave her a ride in his 1931 Model “A” Roadster on the occasion of her eighty-third birthday on Sunday, August 4. The ride ended at the camp of her grandson, Ward Goodale, Jr., on the east Canadarago Lake road where 50 relatives and friends were assembled for a party cook-out. A mile-long section of the Cherry Valley Turnpike through the village of Richfield Springs is being re-surfaced by the NYS Dept. of Transportation. A four-inch layer of water-bound macadam, from curb to curb, now covers Richfield’s Main Street. The new topping is a great improvement to the appearance of Richfield’s Main Street and for the traveling public.
40 Years Ago – August 1967
Backshop Chatter: Our Town Supervisor is a “dowser.” Ed Bernhardt wanted to drill a well on his place, but the question was “Where?” So, Mr. House took a branch from an apple tree, and in no time at all, pointed out the place to dig. A generous supply of water was found. When Mr. House retires, he can take his divining rod and have an interesting and useful vocation to follow. Douglas Bernhardt left this past week for California and Washington State to report for duty on the USS Vancouver after spending a 30-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bernhardt on Route 28.
50 Years Ago – August 1957
Razing of the Kendallwood Brings to Close Chapter in the History of Richfield Springs – The raucous sound of hammers, axes and wrecking bars wreak the placid summer air as Richfield’s last big summer boarding house is being scrapped. It is with a deep feeling of nostalgia that older residents witness the destruction of the Kendallwood as they recall the era of gracious living and elegance of its heyday. This fine old building, built in 1872, was first named “The Derthick House” after its builder John Derthick, father of the late Edmund Derthick of this village. It stood on a plot of land cornering Main and Manley Streets, part of a tract originally granted by King George III and known as Lot 85 of the Schuyler Patent. It was constructed at a cost of $50,000. 60 Years Ago – August 1947
Nine domes to be placed atop the Russian Orthodox Church at Jordanville arrived on a flat car at the D. L. & W. station in Richfield Springs. They were taken to the monastery Wednesday. They will be placed in position after the gold leaf covering is laid. The domes are covered with two layers of copper. The Lane Construction Co. of Connecticut has been awarded the contract for the reconstruction of U.S. Route 20 from Sharon Springs east to the Cobleskill turn at the cost of $1,961,223. Work will be started immediately. Traffic will be maintained during the construction.
75 Years Ago – August 1932
Richard Purcell, former resident of this village, and for about 20 years the chief of the Richfield Springs Fire Department, died at his home in Kingston, New York on Tuesday, August 16, after an illness of more than a year. Richard Purcell was born in Herkimer on December 27, 1856. He married Alice Walsh in Herkimer on April 30, 1884. Mr. Purcell was a blacksmith by trade. As chief of the Richfield Springs Fire Department he was known throughout the state and even over a more extended area as an outstanding fire fighter. More than one building now remains standing in this community because of his judgment and leadership. His wife and five children survive; also his brother, John Purcell of Richfield Springs, and three sisters. 100 Years Ago – August 1907
Canadarago Lake is never more beautiful than in the early evening just as the sun is setting, and a ride over its waters at the twilight hour is a pleasure which should be enjoyed by all. The western sky with its myriad tints is mirrored in the lake, which is usually without a ripple at that time, and its exquisite delicacy should be seen to be appreciated. Don and Mae Gordon, who perform difficult and original feats on bicycles, will give exhibitions every afternoon and evening this week at Canadarago Park. They are well worth seeing.
Resources for this column have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
|