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

… on June 30, an article was published in the Skaneateles Press to promote yoga. The classes at this time were held at the Methodist Church. By 1999, yoga had already become popular in America. The trend of yoga in the U.S. was first popularized in the 1950’s by a man named Richard Hittleman, who brought the idea of non-religious yoga to the U.S. He became a pioneer for yoga by creating one of the first yoga television shows called “Yoga for Health”. Today, the popularity of yoga has increased and it is currently offered at multiple locations in and around Skaneateles. Classes are offered at the Skaneateles YMCA, Sky Yoga, and the Ultimate Goal. We suggest you try a yoga class whether it be to relieve stress or just try something new, classes are held every day at Sky Yoga and on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Ultimate Goal. No membership necessary.

40 Years Ago

In 1979, the annual Antique Show in Skaneateles celebrated its 20th anniversary at the United Methodist Church. Twenty-three local Central New York dealers were present with specialty items for sale such as an antique doll, a PeriWinkle Dolls of Marcellus toy display, handcrafted items in Grandma’s Cupboard. The antique show is a tradition that has stood the test of time and forty years later still occurs. This year, the Antique show will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. It will be taking place at the Austin Park Pavilion. Over 70 antique dealers will be located inside the pavilion, displaying furniture, rugs, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, and much more. The admission donation is $7 for one day or $8 for both. The show this year will be July 14th and 15th, complete with free parking and available food from Doug’s Fish Fry as well as homemade baked goods for sale. If you have never attended, consider stopping by this year and supporting our wonderful community. Perhaps you’ll even find something you love.

60 Years Ago

… the United States of America was preparing to celebrate its 183rd birthday. Year by year, July 4th serves as a reminder of our great nation and all the sweat and blood put in by our ancestors to guarantee our freedom.  According to History.com, colonial troops held out and defeated more than 34,000 British troops in Saratoga, New York in 1777 and later officially defeated the “Red Coats” at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. This victory set our nation up for freedom and success today. Continuing national tradition, proud citizens of Skaneateles celebrate our liberty with fireworks on the lake, barbeques, or just time with family and friends. Stunning, patriotic fireworks can be seen from various locations such as the Country Club, the American Legion and Welch Allyn. This year, have fun celebrating America’s 243rd birthday, however you may do so.

80 Years Ago

… an ad in the Skaneateles Press was published promoting the town’s Mandana Inn. The Mandana Inn is still standing and functioning on West Lake Road (RT 41A). The restaurant sits in the hamlet of Mandana and features a variety of water inspired dishes. The old time ad included lobster, clam, frog legs and seafood. The menu has modernized over the years, but not dramatically. A lot has changed, but the Mandana Inn tries to maintain their long time heritage. Now, the Inn still offers many different seafoods with an elegant yet homey feel. Their menu ranges from Italian food to steaks. Due to their location, Mandana Inn incorporates both the lake and their country roots in the setting and dishes. As well as dining, the locally owned business also offers other services such as catering and party reservations. Additional information can be found at mandanainnskaneateles.com.

100 Years Ago

In the early 1900s, people did not have the advanced technology for keeping produce cold. This made the storing process more complicated for individual households. Farmers used lots of ice to keep the milk supply fresh which limited the amount of growing bacteria. However, 100 years ago the New York State College of Agriculture gave locals alternatives to ice for the prevention of spoiled milk during warm summer months. This included cold spring water and making sure the cows and production equipment were kept sanitary. As summer approaches today, it is smart to be prepared for the many thunderstorms and power outages that may come with the season. Fivestarfoods.com has some great tips for what to do in preparation of a power outage and what to do during the storm as well! According to their website, grouped food stays colder in the freezer when packed together. It is suggested to move food to the bottom of the freezer due to rising heat and to freeze refrigerated goods that aren’t going to be used soon. Finally, it was mentioned to invest in a back-up generator and to avoid opening appliances as much as possible during an outage. Hopefully these tips help your food last longer in case of an emergency.