Bound Volume, Hometown History

May 23, 2024

70 YEARS AGO

The Oneonta Dairy Company observed the 50th anniversary of its founding last night with a dinner at the Rex Restaurant, attended by employees, competitors and representatives of organized farmers and organized labor. Robert F. Robischon from the NYS Department of Commerce was the major speaker. He reviewed the history of the firm which was founded by the late Earl Hall. “Through fat years and lean,” he said, “the Oneonta Dairy Company succeeded in rendering a vital service to this community and made a reasonable profit for its owners. This, too, is the story of what we sometimes too glibly refer to as the American enterprise system. The company’s record for good human relationships is illustrated by the fact that Henry Francis has been with the concern for 35 years; Louis Baker, 30 years; Joseph Orlando, 32 years, and others for 28, 27, and 25 years.

May 1954

50 YEARS AGO

The Oneonta Common Council has again tabled a motion by Alderman George Waddington to open all meetings to the press and general public. Alderman Helen Baldo is still examining the resolution. According to Mayor James Lettis, Waddington’s motion is unnecessary. “I feel that all scheduled meetings should be opened to the press. This includes workshop sessions,” said Lettis. Waddington noted that the city spends large sums of taxpayers’ money and they should be informed about all areas of expense. Lettis explained that he can issue an executive order to open all meetings but has chosen not to do so. “The only time we need closed meetings is when we are discussing personnel problems, or a person’s financial situation,” the mayor explained.

May 1974

40 YEARS AGO

Tenants are still being sought for a single room housing project for people living on a limited income managed by the Otsego Urban Rural Association (OURS), the project’s sponsor. So far, three tenants have moved into the house at 3 Grand Street which eventually will become home for 11 single adults who do not wish to live alone. The project was financed with a $67,185 state grant to purchase and remodel the building up to state specifications.

May 1984

30 YEARS AGO

Police in Denver, Colorado, Sunday night arrested a Morris man suspected of gunning down state police invesitigator Ricky J. Parisian, who was trying to foil a supermarket robbery at Oneonta’s south side shopping mall. The suspect was identified as Colin Hyde, 23, a construction worker whose father lives on Harris Hill Road. Parisian, 34, was unarmed and off-duty when he died of a shotgun blast to the chest.

May 1994

20 YEARS AGO

May 2004