Years Ago

20 Years Ago

… the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department was advertising an upcoming Chicken BBQ/Band Showcase in an effort to make up for lost funds. 1998 was the famous Labor Day storm which had interrupted the department’s annual fair. In addition to losing out on a day of the fair, the fire department had donated nearly $20,000 worth of food, fuel, and equipment toward the storm clean-up. The fire department is often developing clever ways to increase donations which they then use to assist the town, such as last month’s successful Casino Night. Keep your eye out for future fundraisers and join in the fun!

40 Years Ago

… Hahn’s Pharmacy, previously located on E. Genesee Street in the village beginning in 1870, advertised a Dollarama Sale. Customers could fill all their medicine cabinet needs – sleep capsules, nasal mist, antacids, multivitamins, eye drops, and hairspray to name a few – for just a buck a piece! Customers at the pharmacies located in the village today will be hard-pressed to find any one of those items for sale at the price of all six in 1978.

60 Years Ago

… a high school committee consisting of students and faculty selected Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice as the senior play of 1958. The committee was advertising upcoming tryouts for all interested students. This fall the High School Drama Department will be putting on Peter and the Star Catcher, a prequel to Peter Pan. The show, written by Rick Ellis, will be performed in the High School auditorium the first weekend of November.

80 Years Ago

… cartoons seemed to be a popular mode of advertising, venting, and general communication. There were no less than five cartoons covering various topics from frustration with increased taxes to promoting power supply companies. Speaking of taxes, the school tax rate listed in the 1918 Press (100 years ago) was 1%. Can you image complaining about such a rate!?!

100 Years Ago

… The United States Conservation Commission issued a poster urging people living in country districts to “Cut wood – burn wood” in order to save coal for the war effort. Local coal dealers were advised to supply their customers with two-thirds of the quantity delivered the previous year.  It wasn’t surprising to find a hot water bottle advertisement next to this notice.  Residents would need it with a lack of heating material.