While current economic news is generally grim, every now and then there is a hint of hope at a recovery not being far away. Additionally, news of the war shifting from Iraq to Afghanistan is slowly surfacing.
News was fairly similar in 1939, as the U.S. was coming out of the Great Depression. Sights were set on Europe as well, as news of German aggression and possible war made it to the newspapers and radio, although the U.S. wouldn't be involved until 1941.
"Silver lining to the war clouds of Europe may be found right here in Oneonta, where a decided boom' on the Delaware and Hudson railroad, occasioned in a measure by the submarine warfare on the seas and general upturn in business conditions due to the European conflict has called men back to work on the road who had not seen service in 10 and 15 years," reported The Oneonta Herald in early October 1939.
Notices went out to the D&H employees in early September, as the railroad had begun to gradually see an increase in business. The D&H had traditionally been a coal-carrying line, but lost heavily in the 1930s because of importation of Welsh coal into Canada. There was no duty on the coal from the mines of Wales, and although U.S. coal was superior in quality, we couldn't compete because of the Canadian tariff.
This situation started changing when German U-boats began an unceasing warfare against British and Canadian merchantmen, making it necessary for Canada to begin importing anthracite from Pennsylvanian coal mines. If one stood on Oneonta's Main Street viaduct around this time, they likely noticed the northbound trains getting longer, with full coal cars.
"With the upturn in business," the Herald reported, "the Delaware & Hudson, joining other railroads throughout the country in modernizing passenger equipment, has purchased five new streamlined passenger coaches, the last word in railroad travel.
"One went through here recently en route to the New York World fair where it has been placed on exhibition, but Oneontans and others residing along the D. & H. lines will be given an opportunity to inspect the new coaches later as one will be spotted' at every town of importance along the route."
Things were definitely improving on the D&H in 1939. In January, workmen began raising the roof of the freight house. We know that building today as the student apartment building on Market Street at the foot of South Main Street.
The new addition put on the freight house provided division offices for the D&H, which had previously been found on the top floor of the Oneonta Hotel, today's 189 Main St. Offices opened around April 1, with an open house to the public.
Those not busy on the railroad in 1939 had another opportunity to gain employment. In its Oct. 26 edition, The Oneonta Herald reported, "The Army is hiring men these days and Oneonta and the surrounding communities are contributing a goodly share of the workers.'"
The local recruiting office, then located in the "federal building," today's city hall at 258 Main St., was the scene of a lot of activity since the opening of a nationwide enlistment drive in September. Oneonta's office had opened on Aug. 1, and to date 40 youths had enlisted, and according to Sgt. John Temple, 81 percent of the applicants were high school graduates.
"Contrary to general belief," the Herald reported, "Sgt. Temple mentioned that the European war was not the impetus that seems to urge the young men to apply for enlistment."
"They are not dreaming of battlefield honors," Temple said. "They are looking for a job, a chance to learn a trade, attend one of the many army schools or perhaps travel."
Travel they did, especially a bit over two years later. Many left or passed through Oneonta on the D&H en route to Europe and later the Far East.
This weekend: New residents in South Pasadena, Cal. wondered about the pronunciation of Oneonta.
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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.
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