It often amazes me, with all the old newspapers I look at, why some news stories of yesteryear get little or no coverage or space on a page, while other news items get much more or better space.
Specifically, on Friday, May 22, 1908. The Oneonta Star reported that Gov. Charles Evans Hughes had signed the bill on Thursday to make Oneonta a city, the 46th in New York State.
One might think this would be a front-page headline with a lengthy story.
Think again. Turn to page five, the local news page. The first item under the "Local Mention" column reads, "Seats for Hadley's moving pictures go on sale today."
Another very lengthy story took about a column and a half of the page, telling how Joseph Moreno was attacked and robbed of $1,100 in the "Gypsy camp" found in a lot behind the former Elmore Milling Co., in an area we know today near Neahwa Park and Carbon Street, close to the railroad tracks. This camp had about 12 wagons, 30 horses and approximately 80 men, women and children.
"The Governor Signed the Bill" story is in the third column space, about a quarter of a page from the top.
"At 1:15 o'clock yesterday afternoon Governor Charles E. Hughes placed his signature to the bill making Oneonta a city. The news of the signing of the bill reached Oneonta soon after the act of the governor was known at the capitol in Albany, and there was much rejoicing in town. It was first contemplated to have a public celebration of the event last evening, but the time being short for preparation a suitable demonstration, it was decided, by those who discussed the matter, to wait until the first city officers were installed. The bill becomes effective on January 1st, 1909.
"A number of young men took it upon themselves last evening to make a demonstration in honor of the success of the charter bill and they serenaded a number of prominent residents with horns and drums."
Charter signings and centennial events are things that brought governors to Oneonta. In January, former Gov. Eliot Spitzer was here, and among other things signed a centennial charter bill. This was only a few weeks before his resigning in disgrace over a prostitution ring scandal.
Gov. Hughes came to Oneonta several times in 1908, but none were specifically mentioned as part of Oneonta becoming a city. It was a presidential election year, and Hughes was rallying support for William Howard Taft. Hughes was chosen by Taft to be the vice president, but declined the offer.
The Sept. 24 edition of the Oneonta Herald mentioned that Hughes was in town, to visit the Central New York Fair, on grounds known today as the Belmont Circle neighborhood.
"The governor arrived a little before 12 o'clock and was taken directly to the grounds, where he made a brief speech, stating that he had no remarks prepared and had not come to talk politics. His talk was mainly concerning agriculture, of which he has practical knowledge, since his earlier life was spent upon a farm. His remarks received close attention and were heartily applauded."
Hughes came back to Oneonta several times that autumn, including a political rally on Oct. 16 at the Oneonta Theater. This was one of several held that month, leading up to Election Day.
The moving pictures at Hadley's and the "Gypsy camp" have been long since forgotten. But Oneonta continues its Centennial celebration as a city throughout 2008. Visit www.oneonta100.com to find out about upcoming events, including an Ice Cream Social at Wilber Park on Saturday, June 14.
On Monday: A favorite park in Cooperstown got its start in 1937-38.
City Historian Mark Simonson's column appears twice weekly. On Saturdays, his column focuses on the area during the Depression and before. His Monday columns address local history after the Depression. If you have feedback or ideas about the column, write to him at The Daily Star, or e-mail him at simmark@stny.rr.com.
His website is
www.oneontahistorian.com.
Print this story
E-mail this story
