HISTORY COLUMN
By Tom Heitz |
35 Years Ago – June 1973 (Editor’s Note: A detailed history of The Richfield Springs Mercury, penned LeRoy E. Palmer, is found in The Freeman’s Journal edition of June 17, 1973. First published in 1867, the Richfield Springs Mercury merged with The Freeman’s Journal in July 1972 when the Palmer family sold their publication to the Lee Publishing Co. of Palatine Bridge, owner at that time of The Freeman’s Journal and several other newspapers. News from Richfield Springs and its environs continued to appear in special sections of The Freeman’s Journal, sometimes sporadically, and largely without the touch and insight of a hometown editor and publisher. With that in mind, items appearing in this column from July 1972 forward are selected from the Richfield Springs sections of The Freeman’s Journal. Then, in 2003, Jay Bernhardt, a native of Richfield Springs, brought the Mercury back to life returning the publication to local ownership. Beginning in 2009, this column will feature items from five years ago as they appeared in the new Richfield Springs Mercury.) 40 Years Ago – June 1968 “Is Our Nation Sick?” was the topic discussed by Father Hicks, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church at the meeting at the Richfield Grange on Monday evening. The Rev. Mr. Hicks talked about various phases of the troubles that have caused leading figures to call our nation “sick.” Included were “hippies,” demonstrations and riots in their various forms. In making his points, Rev. Hicks said that the basic trouble was in the home where parents did not exercise corrective discipline and permitted the children to grow up believing they could have anything they wanted at any time. Father Hicks stated that he believed that our country was basically sound because as yet, the troublemakers represented only a small percentage of the population. However, he advised, these untoward events must be met with firmness, or in time we might be obliged to turn to a dictator to bring about quiet. He also said that Christianity had not failed – only certain individuals had failed Christianity.
50 Years Ago – June 1958 Advertisement – New York Telephone Company – A new electronic age was born when Bell telephone scientists invented the transistor. Ten years ago this month, Bell Telephone Laboratories announced the invention of the transistor. Tiny, simple, rugged, able to do the work of many vacuum tubes at a fraction of the power, the transistor has brought improvements in telephone services that were impractical a few decades ago. Today, the transistor plays a key role in Direct Distance Dialing, the service that allows your calls to be dialed direct clear across the country. It is the secret of pocket-size radios and tiny invisible hearing aids. It made possible the compact transmitters in America’s space satellites that send back to Earth important data sought by scientists.
60 Years Ago – June 1948 No doubt about it – the Herkimer volunteer firemen’s convention on Saturday last brought the largest crowd and the longest and best parade ever seen in Richfield Springs. It exceeded the previous high spot, “Old Home Week,” in bringing over 6,000 persons to the community, conservatively estimated, and providing a parade of 2,500 participants that was an hour and 50 minutes passing the reviewing stand. The Richfield Springs Fire Department as host had a big job in organization and execution to do, and it was done magnificently.
The Richfield Saddle Pals Motorcycle Club held its reliability trial run Sunday, June 13. The 80-mile run over dirt and abandoned roads began up the John D. Cary Park driveway in a grey, misty rain, and ended in clear weather about 3:30 p.m. at the Fireplace Restaurant. Those starting the race were Charles Moore, Ilion; Fred Grubbins, Clinton; Carl Gaylord, Richfield; Frank Collison, Richfield; George B. Clouter, Franklin Spa.; A.G. Steele, Ilion; John Deering, Utica; Loran McCumber, Utica; and Everett Weaver, Whitesboro. The winner was Frank Collison, Richfield, Harley Davidson, first prize $10.
75 Years Ago – June 1933 Van Hornesville – Objecting to a government which controls people and society by force as promoted by the Soviets and the Technocrats, Dean William Fletcher Russell, Teachers College, Columbia University, speaking at the third annual graduation exercises at Van Hornesville Central School Monday, described the ideal government as one which controls through the education of its people. The ceremonies were attended by 1,000 persons. The Hon. Owen D. Young, patron of the school, presented eight high school diplomas. The eight graduates are Stanley Ostrander, Blanche Fikes, Agnes Hanlon, Dorothy Ostrander, Bertha DeLaney, Frances Shwaykowski, Genevieve Johnson, and Mabel Marriott.
100 Years Ago – June 1908 The officers and members of the graduating class at the Richfield High School, whose commencement exercises took place this week, include G. Farnham Caney, president; Ruby E. Bell, vice-president; Muriel Ward, secretary; Glenn Mercer, treasurer; Greta Gyer, Katherine Shrubshell, Eleanor Elsie Taylor, Zula Mack and Thomas Seaton. The Baccalaureate sermon was preached at the Universalist Church on Sunday evening by the Rev. Frank O. Hokerk.
Resources for this column have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
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