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
… at the beginning of June, the Skaneateles Press published a section dedicated wholly to student poetry. I am very much a literature enthusiast, and dedicate much of my time to creative writing. It makes sense, then, that I absolutely love the idea of the Press publishing student poetry. I am of the belief that poetry has become more vital than ever. In the era of mass-information and media oversaturation, I think it becomes increasingly important that Young Adults are challenged by not just the act of reading itself, but wrestling with the questions good literature poses to the reader. Poetry, too, offers an equally challenging medium of expression. A good poem requires the writer to sit down and think about it for a while, and in the age where it seems as though the answers are a few clicks or swipes away, time is needed to slow down and take an inward look. Creative writing, I have found, forces us to do this very effectively, and with no rubrics to follow, it can be very enjoyable.
To honor this publication of student poetry, and hopefully raise the idea of bringing it back into the Skaneateles Press, I’ve written a poem.
Enjoy.
Central New York Weather
Joseph J. Norris
Central New York weather
is a cold,
dead hand,
wrapped in an iron grip
around the sky—and us
—that cries rainstorms
as it mourns for May,
the sweet memory,
warm-breeze melodies,
the ghost.
This is not May.
What we live in is the ghost of May—
or so I’ve been told.
You see, I—I’m sixteen,
young,
and I know no ghosts,—
except for that gray thing
standing under my willow tree—
only the Central New York weather.
40 Years Ago
… the Skaneateles Press released an article announcing the Ride-For-Astride: a horseback ride to benefit the Astride Riding Program, a charity enabling children with disabilities to experience horseback riding. There were actually two Rides for Astride events in 1979, with one taking place along the Erie Canal and the other at Highland Forest. The full length of the riding course was 20 miles, but participants could determine the distance of that course they would ride. Prizes were awarded to those with the most sponsors and the highest financial backing. The previous year’s ride had seen 79 participants, an enormous success which allowed the Astride program to continue offering its services to kids with disabilities. Today, organizations still exist to allow children with disabilities to ride on horses, as riding helps such children with their physical, cognitive and emotional development, according to sasinc.org. Check with a stable near you to see if they offer such programs
60 Years Ago
… An advertisement published in The Skaneateles Press promotes the selling of shoes, specifically heels for women. The shoes that were being sold at Bennet & Tracy Shoe and Luggage Shop were discounted during the National Red Cross Shoe Week. The National Red Cross Shoe Week showcased the new arrivals of different styles of shoes for the season. The ad shows a pair of white heels with tan trim being sold at a low price of $13.98. Shoes could be purchased with a low or hi heel. A modern online store, Unique-Vintage.com, is selling a similar style heel for $82 today. The historic Shoe Week helped to raise money for the National Red Cross organization. You can contribute by making a donation to their website at redcross.org.
80 Years Ago
… the Skaneateles Press published an advertisement paid for by The New York Telephone Company regarding the importance of telephones specifically for farmers. The article wrote “There’s no wondering what to do when a valuable cow or horse is hurt or taken suddenly ill- if there’s a telephone handy. In almost no time you can call the veterinarian, get first aid advice until he arrives. Your Investment in livestock needs the protection of a telephone.” Today, very few people need to be convinced of the value a telephone can offer in a time of need; however, cellphone companies still spend billions of dollars on advertising each year.
100 Years Ago
… the Democrat released an article notifying the community about the shortage of milk they were experiencing. Apparently, due to unfortunate circumstances, there was a large shortage of ice during the hot summer months and therefore farmers and other producers were unable to keep their milk from spoiling. The conveniences of the modern era have made concerns like these much less prevalent in our community, but many others are still affected by similar issues. Inadequate nutrition kills over three million children under age five every year (knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu). Organizations including Bread for the World, The Food Research and Action Center, and RESULTS work to combat hunger in communities all around the world by influencing legislation, generating political interest, and improving public policies.
