HISTORY COLUMN
By Tom Heitz |
35 Years Ago – September 1971 Dr. S.R. Sen, a leading agricultural expert from India, told a Cornell University audience recently that the widening gap between the affluent people of the world and the poor is growing so fast that they may eventually become members of two different species, as it were, unless effective steps are taken to reverse the trend. “The problem today is not merely to make the poor nations rich, but also to alleviate poverty and reduce disparity within each nation,” he said. 40 Years Ago – September 1966 Speaking on the subject “Mankind’s Greatest Need,” Louis R. Beda, district minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses said, “Man cannot solve his problems. World conditions are going from bad to worse. Man needs something new – an entirely new system of things to really care for his needs.” This statement was heard by more than 45 persons from the Richfield Springs area at the climax of a three-day circuit assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 4 at which 965 people were in attendance. Franklin Merrifield, Presiding Minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Schuyler Lake, said that the assembly was unique, being held out-of-doors at the fairgrounds with many facilities improvised by the Witnesses themselves. A baptism by water immersion was conducted Saturday afternoon for nine persons who had undergone a prescribed course of Bible study.
50 Years Ago – September 1956 An interview with local National Guard leaders brought out some important facts. Many local people have formed ideas concerning the National Guard that may need revision. Several young men who planned to enlist in Battery “A” were then unable to obtain parental consent for various reasons. One young man failed to obtain parental consent because he plans to enter college and R.O.T.C. next year. This deprives him of several advantages, notably seniority, leadership training, pay for one year, preparation in a combat arm, a year’s experience with weapons and equipment, a year completed on reserve obligation and a year of credit toward retirement.
60 Years Ago – September 1946 By a vote of 48-18, the taxpayers of the Village of Richfield Springs voted last week to convey to Hugick-Purcell-Shepard Post, American Legion the bathing establishment in Spring Park belonging to the village. It is to be a living memorial to all those, living or dead, who participated in the country’s wars. It is stipulated and agreed that the building shall be kept free from encumbrance and that, if used for any other purpose than specified in the transfer agreement, the property shall revert to the village. Four bowling alleys, already owned by the post, will be installed as soon as practicable. The swimming pool, once in extensive use by guests and residents alike, will be restored for public use. The bathing establishment has been closed since the end of the 1940 season.
75 Years Ago – September 1931 Frequent rumors that “there’s gold in them thar hills” overlooking the Cherry Valley section have been discounted by the state geologist, David H. Newland, at Albany. In his report, Newland stated: As a check upon the validity of reported assay returns, a sample of the sands and clays was taken from the place noted as the source of the original samples. The report on the metal contents was: ‘Gold trace, no value.’ Another sample was submitted to an assaying firm who gave the following report – ‘Gold 0.005 ounces; silver nothing. The gold return in this assay corresponds roundly to 10 cents a ton.’” Newland also said: “No veins or lodes of precious metals are known to occur anywhere in the state.”
100 Years Ago – September 1906 Town Topics – One of the highest compliments ever paid Richfield Springs as a health and pleasure resort is the fact that Admiral and Mrs. George Dewey came here early in July for a stay of a month and were so well pleased with the place that they have remained here at the Berkeley-Waiontha and are to remain until the house closes. They have also engaged their rooms for next season. The town feels highly honored by their presence and takes justifiable pride in the fact that the place has proved itself congenial. The baseball team that played a few games here this summer is still in the field. When they win they are called the Nationals of Herkimer and when they lose they give the name as the Richfields.
Resources for this column have been provided courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library.
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