Hometown History

February 6, 2025

135 YEARS AGO

In the United States, according to tables recently compiled, there were 50,025 persons killed and 53,427 seriously injured as a result of trespassing upon railways between the years 1901 and 1910. In Great Britain during the same period, there were 4,434 persons killed in like fashion and 1,315 injured. The difference, the startling difference even after taking into account the difference in population—seems to be that in Great Britain the laws against railway trespassing are strictly enforced, while in the United States they are not. In the United Kingdom persons other than passengers or employees found on railroad property are fined ten dollars for each offense. Who recalls arrest and fine for a similar offense in the United States or believes that the public mind has been educated to a point that conviction by a jury would be possible, if such arrest were made and a trial had?

February 1890

70 YEARS AGO

At the last Common Council meeting, the bills for the care of Smokey, the Oneonta Fire Department’s pet Dalmatian, were challenged and sent back to the Public Safety Board. They included $75.90 for food, $12 for veterinary fees, $2 for a dog basket and collar, and $15 for liability insurance. Last night, the revised bills came back to the council. Included were 50 items totaling $678.97, but no mention of Smokey, although here and there was found an item for food and supplies and one for liability insurance at $15. Alderman Albert S. Nader, who had challenged Smokey’s bills previously, seconded Alderman Perry Morehouse’s motion to okay them. Later he said he had been kidded a lot about the challenge. When Sam went to Scintilla the day after the first Smokey story appeared, he found three dog biscuits on his desk and a large sign saying “Aren’t You Ashamed?”

February 1955

50 YEARS AGO

The co-author of the first American book subject to pre-publication government censorship will speak at Oneonta State February 12. John Marks is co-author of the controversial “The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence,” which carries many pages with the line “material deleted.” He is the second controversial speaker that SUCO officials have brought to the campus in a week’s period. The other speaker is leading Watergate figure John Dean III, who is slated to be on campus February 16, but who now says he may cancel his lucrative speaking tour. During his talk, Marks is expected to comment on recent CIA investigations being conducted by the Rockefeller Panel and a Congressional Committee. Mr. Marks was a member of the Department of State’s Director of Intelligence and Research staff. He has also worked as a Foreign Service officer and as executive assistant to U.S. Senator Clifford Case (D-New Jersey). Prior to the book’s publication, the U.S. government went to court in order to have various sections of the book deleted. A legal fight to publish currently withheld sections of the work is still before the courts.

February 1975

20 YEARS AGO

A play about heroes, a memorial march and a discussion of hate speech are among Black History Month activities starting Tuesday at the State University College at Oneonta. The events will provide opportunities to gain insight into the history of black Americans and to enhance diversity and understanding of racial differences, says Stephanie Lafontant, a senior and vice-president of the Students of Color Coalition on campus. The activities are important because the population is growing more diverse. Lafontant believes that students, faculty and staff need opportunities to share different perspectives on the impact in the community and the world. A “Teach-In on Blackness” will be presented at the Center for Multi-Cultural Experiences in Lee Hall.

February 2005