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

… there was an article in the Skaneateles Press that mentioned the downside of gardening and being outdoors in the summer: mosquitos.  Mosquitos thrive in areas with still or stagnant water which allows them to lay eggs and increase their existence. Today mosquitos are just as annoying and bothersome. Mosquitos aren’t just annoying but they can also carry illnesses at times. So it is important to prevent mosquito bites for a variety of reasons. There are many commercial bug sprays to prevent bites, but there are also natural repellents that might be safer alternatives. Eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lavender are popular repellents that can effectively keep mosquitos away. These natural ingredients can be friendlier to the environment and are a safer option to repel mosquitos from your body.

40 Years Ago

… an article was published in the Skaneateles Press announcing that the Town and Village of Skaneateles was in the process of acquiring cable television services. The Village Town Cable Commission announced that at least 60% of the franchise area would receive service during the first year with the remaining area receiving service within the following year. The system description included a minimum channel capacity of 20 stations, 10 of which would be available immediately upon installation. Additional requirements included that the system must be able to carry all local stations as well as permit the origination of programming from the Village Fire Hall, Town Hall, and the School District. Today, with greater access to technology and media than ever, it’s amazing to see all the technological changes our town has endured within just the past 40 years.

60 Years Ago

Day cruises are a popular tourist attraction in Skaneateles. Even 60 years ago, the mailboat was a popular summer activity and was frequently advertised in the local newspaper. The Skaneateles Press informed its readers about the scenic tour that Stinson Boat Line Inc. offered and its costs. For a day trip around the lake, visitors only had to pay $2 and were offered lunch and beverages. Although the original mailboat, Barbara S. Wiles, has retired, Mid Lakes Navigation still offers three hour cruises beginning in May and ending in September. However, the tour doesn’t offer a chance to swim in Skaneateles’ crystal clear waters. For those who would prefer to spend a day swimming or experiencing the lake on their own time, renting a pontoon boat or paddle board is a great option. The Skaneateles Marina offers half day, full day, or hourly rentals. Reservations are highly recommended and you can reach the marina at 315-685-5095.

80 Years Ago

… the Skaneateles Press published an article highlighting the dangers of driving in the dark. The article states that with only one third as much traffic on the streets and highways at night compared to during daylight hours, traffic fatalities are three times as great as they are during the day. Earl J. Reeder, who was the chief traffic engineer at the National Safety Council at the time the article was published, advises people to “slow down at sundown” to decrease the number of accidents at night. Though this article was published eight decades ago, the statistic is still the same in 2019. Driving in the dark poses many risks such as fatigue and compromised vision, which explains why the statistic has stayed relatively similar to eighty years ago. If you plan on driving at night, there are several precautions you can take to make your ride safer. These include maintaining clean headlights and windshield, dimming your dashboard, looking away from oncoming lights, wearing anti reflective glasses, and driving more slowly and cautiously. These small, simple changes you make can help to decrease the number of nighttime traffic fatalities and create a safer driving environment for all.

100 Years Ago

… The Democrat informed readers of an obese, exceptionally tall man, weighing 744 pounds who broke a wagon specially fitted for him. While the cause of his extreme weight was not known, it is known that an unhealthy diet and poor exercise can lead to extreme weight gain. Today, the ideal weight for a 6 foot 7 inch man (the exact height of the aforementioned man) is 198-242 pounds according to Bannerhealth.org. According to Columbus Bariatrics, an obese weight for a 6’ 7” man is 350 pounds. The 1919 article reflects America’s fascination with obesity as even 100 years ago, just a heavy man’s weight would be considered newsworthy.