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 1999 Farmer’s Market was set to begin on June 17.  It was going to be held every Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Many of the items available are similar to today’s Farmer’s Market which include vegetables, fruits, flowers and home-made crafts. In 1999 all products had to be made or produced in Skaneateles or the surrounding area.  Also, at least half of what the vendors sold had to be produced by them. For the 2019 season the Farmer’s Market is expected to start this month and continue through October or November.  Unlike 20 years ago, the current Farmer’s Market is also on Saturday mornings.  As the good weather comes to Skaneateles, the Farmer’s Market will be available for all to enjoy.

40 Years Ago

… the Skaneateles Press published an article announcing that the town would begin to charge out of town residents to swim in Clift Park. Their reason for doing so was to make it fairer for taxpaying Skaneateles residents. By charging non-residents, it helped to alleviate the cost of lifeguards who were paid with town taxes. For employment opportunities as a lifeguard this upcoming summer in Clift Park, applications are available at the Skaneateles Town Hall. This summer, swimming in Clift Park will begin at the end of June and Skaneateles residents may still swim for free, although proof of residency is required. For non-residents, the cost is $5 per day, $25 for an individual season pass, or $50 for a family season pass. 40 years later, the Clift Park swimming area continues to serve as a great public amenity that can be enjoyed by all.

60 Years Ago

In 1959 The Skaneateles Press featured an advertisement posting the Krebs’ new landline. This historic fine dining restaurant in the town of Skaneateles was founded in 1899 and has hosted numerous presidents of the United States and celebrities throughout the years. Despite the change of ownership, its presence in the community has remained important to our small town and to the local charities it donates to. Hoping to restore The Krebs former glory, the Weitsman family has continued to run this popular Finger Lakes destination and has attempted to begin a new legacy with the opening of Elephant and the Dove. This new restaurant features modern casual Mexican cuisine and hopes to create a fresh and friendly environment for anyone who visits. Although it’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can visit any other day of the week for lunch or dinner.

80 Years Ago

… the Skaneateles Press published an article titled “Poppies: the Month of Memories.” It describes the making of crepe paper poppies by veterans at the American Legion to remember fallen soldiers during World War I. The article also encourages the citizens of Skaneateles to wear poppies on May 27, which was set to be the town’s “Poppy Day” in honor of World War I veterans. Poppies have continued to be used as a symbol for the remembrance of veterans, mainly on Memorial Day, which falls on May 27 this year, and Veterans Day, Nov. 11.  At first, they were worn to honor veterans that fought during the First World War, but since then they have become a symbol for all those who have served our country. Crepe paper poppies are still made and sold by the legion, and can be purchased on their website. Make sure to purchase a poppy this coming Memorial Day to support and honor fallen soldiers in our community as well as our country.

100 Years Ago

An article published in The Democrat detailed how women can be involved in the business world, contrary to what was accepted at the time. As a result of absence of men during the war, it gave women an opportunity to become employed instead of just staying in the home. Recently, a small group of female high school students, some of who represented Skaneateles, attended a women in leadership seminar, “First Amendment First Vote.” Secretary General of New York, Kathy Hochul, attended the event and spoke about equality in governmental roles. Today’s readers should be proud that our town supervisor is a woman, Janet L Aaron. It’s evident that progress has taken place in our town since 1919 and hopefully continues on in the future.