Bound Volumes, Hometown History
April 2, 2026
135 YEARS AGO
Perhaps the most serious and extensive wreck ever known on the Albany & Susquehanna railroad occurred Friday, March 27, when Train No. 4 eastbound and much behind time and running at the rate of 55 miles an hour, collided with the accommodation train for Binghamton, which leaves this station at 1:50 p.m. Train 17 was in charge of conductor Wm. Ferris, Wm. LaGrange being engineer. Frank Vincent was conductor of the express and Wm. White, familiarly known as “Reddy,” was engineer. The collision occurred at the big curve about one mile east of Wells Bridge and directly in front of the house of Casler Moak. Neither engineer was aware of the peril until the trains were within thirty rods of each other. LaGrange, who first saw the danger, whistled down brakes and with his fireman jumped in safety from the cab. On the express, engineer White reversed his engine and put on the air brakes, but not in time to escape collision. The two engines crashed together and fell over the bank toward the river. Three of the fifteen cars on the westbound train followed, the first car passing its engine and landing on its side near the highway. The second car fell into the river and the third was piled upon the wrecked engines. The express and baggage cars on No. 4 were also telescoped and demolished. Fireman Pierce was found dead at the scene and others suffered severe injuries. The freight car loaded with granulated sugar was thrown into the highway where it burned. Many spectators took advantage of the opportunity afforded by broken barrels to secure a supply of the sweetening gratis.
April 1891
70 YEARS AGO
A combination of history, art, research and reporting, along with cooperation and planning has resulted in learning some important scientific principles for sixth graders at Chestnut Street School. Teacher William Swain says the class was in the process of studying light as part of its science program when the Junior High School sent an invitation to participate in the annual Science Fair. Through class discussion, it was decided that an exhibit showing the progress man has made in developing and using light would be an interesting project. “It doesn’t matter whether a prize is won at the Fair,” said Mr. Swain. “The opportunity to explore what happens in the world around us, uncovering new information and putting efforts on display is rewarding enough.” The sixth graders won third prize in their division.
April 1956
40 YEARS AGO
James L. Seward of Milford, the chief legislative aide for State Senator L. Stephen Riford, is expected to announce today that he will run for his boss’s seat. Riford (R-Auburn) said last week that he will not seek a third term as Senator this November. Riford’s district, the 50th, covers Otsego, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland and Tompkins counties. Seward has also served as aide to Assemblyman Peter Dokuchitz and Senator Charles Cook before joining Riford’s staff in 1983. Seward is chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee and regional vice chairman of the New York State Republican Committee. Among other activities he is a member of the board of directors of Pathfinder Village, a school for “Down’s Syndrome” children.
April 1986
30 YEARS AGO
Angela Rab of Oneonta was crowned 1996 Miss Otsego County Teenager at a Pageant on Saturday night in Slade Auditorium at Hartwick College. Rab, age 14, took home top honors in a field of a dozen contestants vying for the crown and for the dozens of gifts donated by area businesses. “I loved it,” Rab said. “It feels good. I got a lot of support from everyone – from my friends and family.” Rab is a ninth-grader at Oneonta high school.
April 1996
