Bound Volumes, Hometown History

October 23, 2025

90 YEARS AGO

October 1935

50 YEARS AGO

A hoax by two young brothers had about 40 fire emergency and police volunteers searching for a body in the West Branch of the Delaware River for about three hours Saturday morning. The search ended when the two youngsters, ages six and seven, confessed that they had made up the story of a young fisherman falling off a dam abutment into the rain-swollen waters. The youngsters’ names were withheld because of their ages. As the story was told, firemen were presented with a vivid image of a person falling, then struggling to escape the current and scratching desperately at a slick concrete wall before being washed downstream. Authorities became suspicious because no one was reported missing after each family in the area was contacted. However, there was a second actual disappearance when fireman William Coleman missed a ride back to Hobart from a downstream search area. He reappeared eventually, thoroughly soaked. The boys admitted their lie to their father. Sheriff Levon A. Telian declined to bring charges and later remarked, “At least we had a good drill.”

October 1975

40 YEARS AGO

St. Mary’s School has decided not to participate in the Oneonta City School District’s remedial instruction program because it could not reach an agreement on how to provide the instruction. A recent Supreme Court ban on public school teachers providing remedial instruction in parochial classrooms was the cause of the problem. Several options suggested by the state were discussed, but none proved acceptable. St. Mary’s principal, Sister Maureen Foy, said the school cannot provide Title I remedial instruction because it does not have the staff. Efforts continue to work out a plan for remedial instruction within the St. Mary’s building.

October 1985

20 YEARS AGO

This Sunday’s worship service at the First Presbyterian Church will be led by members of the Sunday school. They will present an interpretation of “Jesus Walks on Water” and act out the song “You Raise Me Up.” Bob Harder will direct the church choir Sunday. The choir will sing “Promised Land” for the anthem. Tim Lutner will provide organ music. There will be no adult class. The preschool through seventh-grade students will meet to practice for the worship service during the Sunday school hour.

October 2005