Bound Volumes, Hometown History
September 24, 2026
160 YEARS AGO
Why was it closed? We heard a great many ask the question, “Why was Messrs. Mendel Brothers Store closed on Wednesday? The reason was, we suppose, that it was the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Our Hebrew brethren observe this day most rigidly by extreme fasting—neither food nor drink being partaken of. Those who left town without finding out the reason why this store was closed will please take notice of the above. And, the next time they visit Oneonta, give them a call. They will be pleased to see you, and will faithfully attend to all your wants in their line of business—and they have heaps of new goods and are selling them at reasonable rates. (Ed. Note: Mendel Brothers was the largest general goods store of its generation in Oneonta)
September 1866
90 YEARS AGO
Oneonta high school’s Yellow and White tide was in high gear Saturday afternoon as it smashed through and around Little Falls for an overwhelming 31-0 victory in the opening game of the season. The locals, with a big weight advantage, toyed with the visitors as a cat might play with a mouse. Between 500 and 600 persons attended the first game played on the new gridiron east of Neahwa Park field. Many persons commented on the new athletic field and the excellent condition of the turf on the football field.
September 1936
50 YEARS AGO
October 29th will be Demolition-Day for the old Oneonta Junior High School building according to a school board release. On Saturday, October 23rd the district will sell at public auction all remaining items in the building, including doors, door knobs, windows, and even a kitchen sink, if there is one. James Lettis will be the auctioneer for the event. Ironically, Lettis, who doubles as Mayor of Oneonta, contends that the building is really city property. The city, apparently unable to prove that contention, has made no move to claim title to the property. The building was constructed when the school board was still an arm of the city government. The cafeteria addition to the building will be spared. The district plans to sell the land to a developer when demolition is complete in about four months.
September 1976
30 YEARS AGO
Births at A.O. Fox Hospital—August 27: Born to Anne and Scott Wolstholme of Oneonta, a son; August 28: Born to Heather River and Jimmy DeLeon of Oneonta, a daughter; September 4: Born to Melissa Wayman and Andrew Peat of Oneonta, a daughter; September 5: Born to Michele and Eric Youngs of Bainbridge a daughter; September 8: Born to Sandra Agnew-Olin of Oneonta, a son; September 9: Born to Heather Conlin of Harpersfield, a son; September 12: Born to Jodi-Ann and Robert Gurley of Prattsville, a daughter; Born to Laurie Morales of Oneonta, a daughter; Born to Janella and Richard Beers of Otego, a daughter.
September 1996
20 YEARS AGO
The first St. Mary’s School Family Fall Festival appears to have been a success. An estimated 1,500 people attended the festival held Saturday and Sunday at the school grounds on State Route 7. The festival featured musical arts, dancers and other performers and included autumn-themed food and amusements. School Principal John Burkhart could not say how much money was raised but indicated the proceeds would go toward the operating budget of the Roman Catholic School which has 146 students from age three to grade six. “We did very well,” Burkhart said. A similar event will be held next year.
September 2006
