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

… The Skaneateles Press published an article about a group of local people who went on a walk to raise money in an effort to abolish hunger overseas. This walk, known as the CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Program) walk, is organized through various churches and occurs around the country, attracting over 100,000 participants in 900 walks across America. In 1998, the Skaneateles CROP walk attracted 300 people who walked from Skan-Ellus all the way to the Ultimate Goal in Marcellus. The event was a major success, raising over $17,000 for their cause, and the CROP walkers got to celebrate with a big party, which included an appearance from the local musical group, the Soul Mates. CROP walks are still going on today, and Skaneateles hosted one this past weekend on Oct. 21, featuring three different routes for participants to choose from, and raising thousands of dollars for the end of world hunger. You can donate to the CROP organization at crophungerwalk.org, and although this event has already come and gone, there are still many ways to donate or participate in charities helping this cause and many others around the world.

40 Years

… in Marcellus, Driver Middle school students raised over $14,000 and donated a portion of their money to the Driver Middle School fund, designating the money for field trips. Similarly, the Honors English 10 students at Skaneateles High School dedicated their first unit of the year to applying for a grant from the Skaneateles Education Foundation. For the first time ever, Skaneateles students were given the opportunity to create and plan a field trip with the goal of providing out of school experiential education. After reading about the importance and effectiveness of hands-on immersive learning, the students presented their ideas to a panel from SEF. The top ideas involved nature related trips to the Adirondacks, as well as overnight stays at major cities with museum visits and theatrical performances. While we may not know what the students in 1978 used their field trip money on, the Honors English class will soon find out where their field trip will take them.

60 Years

…. On the week of Oct. 24, 1958, the Skaneateles Newspaper printed an announcement for the upcoming 100th anniversary of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birth. The announcement praises his ‘unsurpassed qualities of leadership, integrity and foresight’. Roosevelt’s military, economic, and conservationist leadership was invaluable to America’s future and left a lasting effect on our country. Today, Americans still hold events to celebrate the birth of Theodore Roosevelt, such as a celebration of his birth open to the public. At the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historical Site, the National Park Service is holding a birthday bash this Saturday, the 27th. The party will include a living reenactor available for free speeches and photos! If you can’t make the bash, there is a free virtual tour that takes participants through a tour of Roosevelt’s house and gives facts about his life.

80 Years

… the Skaneateles Press published an ad promoting a deal. For $2, one could receive a year’s worth of the Skaneateles Press, and for $3.25, one could receive both a year’s worth of the Skaneateles Press and Popular Mechanics Magazine (valued at $4.50). Although the Skaneateles Press is free today, the price of another local paper, the Auburn Citizen, is $11.88 a year ($0.99 a month), while the price for a yearly subscription to Popular Mechanics is now $12 a year! If only prices were how they used to be!

100 Years

… Wallace-Hahn Pharmacy, a Rexall Drug store, advertised many remedies for stomach issues, liver problems, and colds. For stomach and liver issues, Rexall prescribed liver salts which are used as a laxative and an antacid for mild stomach complaints. Today Rexall does not sell liver salts but Andrews liver salts are on the market if you feel you need to purchase some. Rexall also advertised cold tablets in 1918. Users were directed to take one every half hour for two hours and then one every two hours thereafter. Your cold was supposed to be broken up on the first days’ treatment. Wallace-Hahn Pharmacy sold them to Skaneateles customers for 25 cents ($4.50 today) for a box of 30 tablets. Cold tablets today are easier to manage given that you only have to take two tablets every four hours; however the price has increased to $8 for a box of 24 tablets. Over the counter medicines have changed a bit in the past 100 years but not as much as one would expect.