Years Ago
By Nicole DeRosa and Kate Hardy
10 Years Ago
Ten years ago, then Skaneateles Press journalist, Lori Ruhlman, wrote about the first day of a new school year. The story acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty associated with sending children off to kindergarten for the first time, and highlighted a particularly nerve-racking first day for then kindergarten student, Isabella Kroon. In 2007 Kroon’s family moved from the Netherlands to Skaneateles where she began her career as an American student and English language learner. This past week Kroon began her sophomore year at Skaneateles Central School. Not only did she succeed in quickly learning English, but she will soon be contributing to this very column!
25 Years Ago
An informative article about the connection between backaches and bed types was published in the Skaneateles Press 25 years ago. In the article it states, “The MSU study, the first ever done on spinal muscle tension and beds by an independent agency, shows that a backache can be the direct result of misaligned muscles while sleeping on a too soft mattress or waterbed.” It’s amazing how only 25 years ago people were just starting to investigate the effect of your mattress on your health. Today, there is an abundance of specially designed mattresses to relieve any stress on one’s body. For example, iComfort from Serta is said to “cool, cradle, and support,” resulting in a pain free day. Do you know the science behind your mattress?
50 Years Ago
Half a century ago, The Skaneateles Press published an advertisement with a variety of foods including hen turkeys, cream corn, cake mix, coffee, and more! The prices on these items would be very pleasing today. For example, Rich’s 16 oz. coffee was being offered for 19 cents! Inflation over the years has lowered the value of money and, in turn, generally increased prices. Now the same amount of quality Starbuck’s grounds goes for $12.95. Think about that next time your sipping your favorite morning brew.
75 Years Ago
In 1942 the New York State Education Law provided a 30 day release period for pupils to assist in harvesting. The Skaneateles High School Principal at the time, Lyle E. Young, was tasked with developing a calendar that outlined the schedule for the release of students to help with harvesting on their parents’ farms. Each crop had its own set of legal release days and included corn, apples, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, and tobacco. According to the Press, 250 student days were missed in the the 1941-42 school year during the harvesting season!
100 Years Ago
One century ago, an article about an unusual strike was published in The Skaneateles Press. Workers of the New England Lime Company, a beer production company, were upset that they were not being supplied with beer for themselves and decided to quit, leaving the plant at a stand-still. Protests like this have been a trend in US history and continue even to this day. In fact, just last year there was a huge strike of Verizon workers. Their reasoning for protest was that the company failed to adjust according to the Communication Workers of America’s list of complaints. Whenever you feel something is unfair, don’t just stand idly by: speak up!
