Step Back in Time

July 21, 2008 07:28 am

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Step Back in Time features community news from The Daily Star 25 and/or 50 years ago.

25 years ago

July 21, 1983

GILBERTSVILLE _ Among central New York's wealth of attractions is the Village Farms Polo Club in Gilbertsville.

For a $2 ticket, Village Farms offers an afternoon of sporting entertainment with a country backdrop of plush hills and meadows. While relaxing in the comfort of one's own car or possibly laid back on a comfortable picnic blanket, a visitor may while away the hours of an Sunday afternoon about 10 feet from a hoof-pounding sport that is uncommon to the common man.

Area residents should consider themselves lucky. Few communities have the opportunity to witness good polo _ or any polo for that matter. According to the United States Polo Association, there are 180 polo clubs around the U.S., Canada and Mexico, but there are just three major polo centers, two in Florida and one in Texas.

Polo in Gilbertsville began with G. H. Pete Bostwick. In 1974, the late father of Village Farms President Bostwick and Vice President Charles Bostwick directed grounds manager John Baker to level a cornfield and make a polo field.

50 years ago

July 21, 1958

FRANKLIN _ The Pre-Grange children of Franklin Grange presented a special program.

The children entertained with a music trio, duets, games, magic tricks, a demonstration and a skit.

Those taking part were Jane Ingalls, Donna Clinton, Roy and Anne Geertgens, David and Paul Downs, Larry and Kenneth Taylor, James and Donald Smith, Barbara Geertgens and Warren Herklotz.

Benjamin Geertgens, master, presided at the meeting.