Years Ago
This column is a revitalized weekly addition to the paper. The following moments in history are selected, researched, and edited by Skaneateles High School students enrolled in Kate Hardy’s 10th grade Honors English class. For the next school year they hope to celebrate the past and remember the days from years ago. Thank you to the Skaneateles Library and the Historical Society for providing the Press archives.
20 Years Ago
… the Skaneateles school board passed a proposal to renovate and upgrade parts of the Skaneateles school buildings. The proposal was called Project 2000 and it was proposed to start the following year. The proposal was not yet fully approved which is why residents were going to be able to view a video about the renovation on TV. Today, Skaneateles School district is planning a 2021 project which will remodel the security system in Waterman and State Street buildings to make everyone feel safe. It will also make a pick up loop at State Street to make drop off and other transportation more efficient. Additionally, the project will replace some worn parts of various buildings and structures in need of repair. The renovations and repairs will allow everyone to feel safe and be in a great environment to learn.
40 Years Ago
… an article was published in the Skaneateles Press advertising the upcoming Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast. While this annual event began over 50 years ago in 1968, the pancake breakfast held 40 years ago can’t be considered anything other than unique and special. Held in Austin Park similar to today, the 1979 Hawaiian themed breakfast featured floral arrangements sent in directly from Hawaii, Hawaiian music, hula hoop contests, games, and more. These aspects all created a unique eating experience despite serving the traditional pancake breakfast. The Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast continues to serve as a vital community fundraiser to support the Rotary Club’s yearly operations. This year, the Skaneateles Rotary Club will hold its 51st breakfast on Sunday, June 16 from 7:30 to 1 p.m. While the event has changed much throughout the years, it continually provides the community with great family experiences.
60 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press published an article surrounding a 36 year old woman who successfully stayed under water in a backyard swimming pool for 50 hours, 2 minutes, and 43 seconds. The woman stated that she performed this stunt as a promotion for a swimming-pool contractor. But how was she able to accomplish such a feat? The woman had to be fed soup through squeeze bottles and used an underwater device to breathe! Although this personal challenge may seem peculiar, many other people have attempted similar goals. In 2014, Allen Sherrod set the record for the longest time underwater; he spent 51 hours, 4 minutes, and 28 seconds in a marine environment (Sunsentinel.com). An even more impressive accomplishment was Tom Sietas’ 22 minute and 22 second ability to hold his breath underwater, beating the previous world record by almost 30 seconds (Outsideonline.com). Evidently, these individuals have different goals and views on success than most people, but have you ever thought about how one of these bizarre endeavors could inspire you?
80 Years Ago
… the Skaneateles Press published an article highlighting two local boys that nearly drowned after their canoe capsized near the middle of the lake. The boys, both of whom were aged 17 at the time, clung to their canoe for about a half an hour before they were pulled out of the water by three rescuers. Both young men blamed their bulldog Cynthia for causing the boat to tip. These boys were lucky enough to be rescued, but others have been less fortunate. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in the United States, with about ten people dying due to unintentional drowning each day. Of these ten, two are children aged 14 and younger. That being said, remember to be safe around water as summer approaches and make sure your loved ones know how to swim!
100 Years Ago
… The Democrat published a shocking article about a cow sold at an auction for $26,000. This peaks interest because according to DollarTimes.com $26,000 in 1919 amounts to over $395,000 today. The reason for this extravagant price was due to extraordinary milk production. According to the University of Arkansas the average six-year old cow produces about sixty lbs. of milk a day which is approximately 451 lbs. a week; however, this six year-old cow sold produced 1,138 lbs. of milk in a week. That is over 2.5 times the average cow today. Had you owned this extraordinary dairy cow would you have sold her to make a fortune, or kept her for yourself?
