Years Ago
This week’s column was researched and written by Matheu Campbell, Alex Goethe, and Ryan Willard.
10 Years Ago
In 2008, Watkins Glen Racetrack signed a contract with an energy company based in New York in an effort to take steps towards achieving sustainability while powering the track. The company was exploring new and more effective ways of supplying affordable renewable energy to clients. Reduction of carbon emissions and, more generally, improvement of ecological conditions on Earth continues to be an important global issue. As more world leaders, powerful nations, and large conglomerate companies modify their practices to consider their effects on the planet, it’s important to remember the lasting impact that even small actions can have. Complacency and apathy of many can slow or halt progress as a whole, and Watkins Glen’s effort represents potential for change.
26 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press published an article about a boating accident that occurred on the Fourth of July at 11:15 p.m. The accident involved a motorboat with three thirteen year olds on board and a motorized sailboat. Both boats had their lights on, yet as the motorboat was driving around Three Mile Point to view a bonfire the two vessels collide immediately sinking the sailboat. The drivers of the sailboat were not injured; however, all three occupants of the motorboat were. They were admitted to various hospitals to be treated for their injuries. This past summer there were several boating accidents on and around Skaneateles Lake. Be aware and observant of others while enjoying the lake this summer.
50 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press published an article about the band concerts in the park. The concerts were held on Thursday evenings in the summer at Clift Park and the Skaneateles Central School Symphonic Band provided the music. The band played a variety of music genres like tangos, boleros, marches, blues, novelty numbers and selections from Broadway shows. Like the concerts from years ago, today in Skaneateles we have band concerts on Friday evenings at the gazebo at Clift Park. The Skaneateles Community Band performs songs from pop to marches to show tunes to classical music. You need to get there early and set up your lawn chair or blanket if you want to see the show, these concerts are the place to be on Friday nights in the summer in Skaneateles.
75 Years Ago
Seventy-five years ago The Skaneateles Press wrote about the Skaneateles School District board election and budget. The budget for that year was $88,935 with an estimated tax rate of $10.84 per thousand. The budget for the 2018-19 school year is $34,009,732, quite a difference. However, at the time of the article, 1943, the town would have still been recovering from the Great Depression as well as contributing to the War effort. Thankfully, tax payers today have great pride in our students and teachers, and historically approve of the board’s budget.
100 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press wrote an article about the Marcellus County Circus. The Circus was a community fundraising event to raise money for men in war service. It was filled with all kinds of activities: balloon ascensions, a baseball game, parade and baby show to bring the community together to support a good cause and to have some fun. Today, in Skaneateles we have the Fireman’s Field Days every Labor Day weekend which is a community fundraising event and brings together the whole town. The Field Days has a parade, a road race, carnival rides and music. It is a great place to have fun with family and friends while supporting your local firemen!
