Years Ago
These moments in history are selected and edited by Anna Kissel, Emma Hall, and Minne Carroll who are enrolled in Mrs. Hardy’s tenth grade Honors English class. Thank you to the Skaneateles Library and the Historical Society for providing the Press Archives.
10 Years Ago
In 2007, Skaneateles High School Interact club members, two Rotary exchange students, and Rotary club members helped with the Fall cleanup of Highway 20. The students trudged through soggy ditches around the highway to fill several huge bags with trash. The effort was part of Make a Difference Day – a national day for helping others that was created by USA WEEKEND magazine. It is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. The Make a Difference day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October; this year, it will be celebrated on October 28th. The High School’s Interact club is still up and running, and are behind many community works, such as: Haunted Hallways, The Giving Tree, and the canned food drive, to name a few. Consider doing your part to make a difference this Make a Difference Day!
25 Years Ago
Twenty five years ago, Baltimore Woods posted in the newspaper an invitation to join them for a Star Party on Nov. 4, 8-10 pm. A star party is a gathering for amateurs and professional sky-watchers alike to come together and observe the night sky. The notice was titled, “Meteor Watch”, as it was held in time for the South Taurid meteor shower. Appearing at the beginning of November every year, the Taurids produce around seven meteors per hour. Although this may be a small number compared to others, this meteor shower is special in that is produces a high percentage of fireballs, which are exceptionally bright meteors. Meteor size depends on which direction and place they’re coming from, in this case from the constellation Taurus the Bull. In order to get the best viewing, make sure you’re watching from an area with little light pollution, as well as watching before moonrise in your area. If you wish to join those at Baltimore Woods this year to experience these beautiful showers, a Star Party is being held on November 17, 7-9pm for the North Taurid Meteor Shower. Dressing in warm clothes is ideal. For more information, go to baltamorewoods.org, or call 315-673-1350.
50 Years Ago
Fifty years ago an article in the Skaneateles Press shared that the organization UNICEF- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund- was coming upon its 17th anniversary. The article discussed how on Halloween, children go around and ask for a donation to go towards UNICEF while they are trick-or-treating. In the previous year, 1966, they raised about 2.6 million dollars, which went to helping kids around the globe. Over 13,000 communities were involved, including 3.5 million youth, who worked together to improve the lives of many. Today, kids in Skaneateles Elementary School still take part in this fundraiser, making a difference for the UNICEF organization one door at a time. The money these kids raised helped contribute to the $568 million acquired in 2016 alone, helping the 53.6 million people in need. We will be eagerly waiting to see the worldwide changes made with the funds brought in this Halloween.
75 Years Ago
The 1942 Skaneateles Press published a brief article on the Boy Scout Troops. Troop 61 hosted an annual circus to bring the community together, making $12 ($186.92 today). The Boy Scouts of America played a significant role in collecting scrap and other unused materials that could be used by the US Military in World War II. They also supported our military by putting up posters that urged citizens to join or help the war effort. On Oct. 12, 2017, the Chief Scout Executive issued a statement in which he said females will now be accepted into the boy scout ranks. Females can now be in the same troop as males and also achieve the Eagle Scout rank.
100 Years Ago
A century ago, an article in The Press informed readers about a devastating flood that severely impacted the Chinese Provinces of Shantung, Honan, and Chihil. This flood had destroyed over 25,000 square miles of territory, and displaced over 1 million people. During this flood, many crops had been destroyed and the people of these provinces were left hungry, cold, and homeless for weeks. 100 years later, a similar problem has developed in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. According to Business Insider, heavy precipitation due to Hurricane Maria has flooded the entire island and left nearly 3.4 million people without power, running water, or health services. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the island’s crops were lost. These problems still plague the island of Puerto Rico; however, many relief programs have been set up to aid the people affected by these natural disasters. To learn more about how you can help these people in need, visit the UNICEF USA support page.
