BOUND VOLUMES

Aug. 8, 2019

200 YEARS AGO

The Progress of the Russian Empire in America – Looking to the east for everything, the people of the United States have contemplated with astonishment the progress of the Russian Empire in Europe and Asia. They have not thought of looking to the west to see this giant power already mounting upon their own backs. Except Mr. Walsh, we do not know an American who has even spoken of the Russian establishments on our continent. He has mentioned them in his “Sketch of the military and political power of Russia,” where he says: “Their establishments extend from Kamschatka to the N.W. coast of America – that they have a fort mounting 100 pieces of artillery at Norfolk Sound, Lat. North 59 degrees; that since 1813 they have descended the coast, passed the mouth of the Columbia 500 miles, and established themselves at Bogada in 38 degrees, 30 minutes, and only 30 miles from the Spanish settlements in California, where they are not only trading with great advantage, but are profiting by a fine climate and fruitful soil, to feed their more northern possessions.”

August 9, 1819

175 YEARS AGO

The Re-Annexation of Texas and its Influence on the Duration of Slavery. One of the arguments in favor of re-annexing Texas seems to have been overlooked in recent discussions. Even Mr. Calhoun seems to suppose that the “peculiar institutions” of the South as it is the fashion to call slavery, are to be rendered more durable by the annexation; and the Abolitionists, as well as some of the more rational opponents of these institutions, object to the annexation on the same ground. Both are wrong, absolutely wrong, and a little attention to facts will prove the error. So far from perpetuating slavery in the United States, the annexation of Texas, or the slave-holding portion of it at least, gives the only well-grounded hope for its ultimate extinction. This may appear to be a paradox. But, it is sober truth, and fully susceptible of demonstration. (Ed. Note: The writer argues that an independent Texas would become a bastion of slavery even more so if slavery was abolished in the United States).

August 12, 1844

150 YEARS AGO

Richfield Springs – It is our regular summer program to drive up with a friend or two to “The Springs” for a day at the American during the height of “the season” – and Tuesday last was one of the most enjoyable days of the whole year – not uncomfortably warm along either of the two Lakes, not too cool on the mountain tops. The hotels and boarding houses in the village are filled with summer boarders most of whom come to stay for weeks or months. There were never as many strangers domiciled in Richfield Springs as now. There is to be a Grand Ball at the American Hotel this Thursday evening. We noticed a number of handsome private equipages driving about after dinner. There is not as much style and display seen at Richfield as at Saratoga. That may be one good reason why it is more popular with a large class of quiet and genteel people.

Several dwellings near Richfield Springs were entered and robbed on Saturday and Monday evenings last by experienced burglars. A hotel keeper had his pants taken from beneath his pillow and robbed of about $60. His revolver was also stolen.

August 13, 1869

125 YEARS AGO

Henry C. Hinds, a well-known resident and former businessman of this village, aged about 50 years, was accidentally shot near the “Dugway” on the east side of Otsego Lake between 11 and 12 o’clock Friday morning last. Mr. Hinds, Fred House, and Michael Little were fishing with a seine at the Dugway. Mr. Hinds stepped up the bank a short distance to pick some berries. In the woods above him was a young son of C.J. Rumsey of Ithaca, not yet 12 years old, whose family were encamped nearby. He was out of sight and had in his hands a small rifle, which he discharged at a bird. Mr. Hinds was struck on the right side of the head, the bullet lodging in his brain. He ran toward the lake and fell as he nearly reached it. Hinds was carried on board the Mabel Coburn and attended by Dr. Bassett, but shortly died. Mr. Hinds leaves a wife and child, a boy of ten years. His sudden taking is another protest against allowing children to have firearms for amusement.

August 9, 1894

100 YEARS AGO

The Glimmerglass, Cooperstown’s bright and breezy summer daily, has been sold by the Freeman’s Journal Company, its parent and sponsor for eleven years, to the John Wilcox Publishing Co. of Cooperstown, composed of former associates of the Freeman’s Journal. The Freeman’s Journal Company bids The Glimmerglass goodbye much as the fond parent sends its child away to boarding school, knowing however that it will receive kind treatment and good food, and will prosper as it has with its previous owners. The John Wilcox Co. does an extensive business in mail order novelties and school supplies.

August 13, 1919

75 YEARS AGO

The Honorable Frank J. Loesch, Cooperstown’s distinguished and beloved summer resident, who won national fame as a militant foe of crime in his home city of Chicago, died Monday night, shortly after 7 p.m. in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital where he had been a patient since July 18. He was in his ninety-third year. A heart ailment caused his death. Mr. Loesch is credited with having coined the phrase “public enemy,” now so frequently used to designate some of the world’s greatest criminals. Mr. Loesch served ten years as President of the Chicago Crime Commission and earned national repute as an effective fighter of crime in that city.

August 2, 1944

25 YEARS AGO

Fly Creek by Lidie Mackie – Steve Shauger and Karl Dystra enjoyed a quick fishing trip in the Atlantic Ocean at Brielle, New Jersey where Karl’s brother keeps a Florida-built fiberglass boat with twin diesel engines. They used outriggers and fished the Hudson Canyon. They fished for Yellow Fin Tuna and Mahi Mahi. Steve brought home both.

August 10, 1994