Chuck D’Imperio, left, author of seven books on Upstate history and WDOS-AM host, receives the 20th Albert E. Morris Award for contributions to local history from Bob Brzozowski, executive director Greater Oneonta Historical Society, at a reception at the Oneonta History Center this afternoon. In his remarks, D’Imperio recounted the close race in 1908 between the Republican Morris, the city’s first mayor, and Democrat George Gibbs. After a campaign that featured huge rallies and torch-light parades, Morris eked out a two-vote victory, “or I would be receiving the George Gibbs Award,” the honoree said. Other recipients over the years include Norma Hutman, longtime historical society president; Swart-Wilcox House mainstay Helen Reese, former Mayor “Big Jim” Lettis, Railroad Historian Jim Loudon, longtime GOHS Board Member Angie Neilsen, former Mayor Sam Nader and railroad buff Tony Mongillo, whose railroad lithographs will be features in a show that will open Feb. 1. (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)
