Bound Volumes, Hometown History

May 29, 2025

70 YEARS AGO

Oneonta faces a spiritless, humdrum Memorial Day on Monday. In fact, disinterest may make this the last organized Memorial Day for Oneontans, unless they can do something about it. Robert Kearney, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is particularly worried. Few veterans have indicated that they will participate in the parade or services. None of the Gold Star Mothers plan to take part. Mr. Kearney is further disturbed that organized celebrations of our major holidays have become routine. “We’re getting in a rut,” he told a VFW meeting. “We need something to bring back the old spirit of remembrance. I don’t know whether the people are losing interest in these holidays, and I don’t know why. “But,” he said, “I don’t think they should.”

May 1955

50 YEARS AGO

May 1975

30 YEARS AGO

The Colin M. Hyde murder trial, perhaps the highest profile case in Otsego County’s history, is set to begin with jury selection today. The state hopes to prove to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that it was Hyde who killed Ricky J. Parisian, an off-duty state police investigator, during an armed robbery at a local supermarket last May. Hyde is charged with eight felony counts including second-degree murder. If convicted, Hyde faces 25 years to life in prison.

May 1995

20 YEARS AGO

Jason West, the New Paltz Village Mayor who challenged New York law by attempting to marry gay couples will face trial, New York State’s highest court has ruled. Mayor West will face 24 misdemeanor counts of violating the state’s domestic relations law by marrying couples without marriage licenses. West’s defiance of a law that state officials say forbids gay marriage has made New Paltz a flashpoint in the national debate. The New York State Court of Appeals refused West’s request to hear the case first, avoiding the usual process of hearing cases in town, county and state appellate courts before they are considered by the state’s highest court. West had sought a “leave application” because he argued the case was unique, novel and critical to the state. The Appellate Court issued its ruling following a teleconference.

May 2005