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 written in the Skaneateles Press mentioning the frustration and annoyance of weeds growing in people’s lawns. Specifically, the ground ivy plant was discussed which thrives in moist areas and can spread very easily with just a part of its stem needing to touch the soil. Today, weeds are still a nuisance and can still be prevented to reduce their impact in your lawn and other areas. According to Scotts.com, if they’re in large areas it is a good idea to hand pick them and prevent their spread to other areas.  Even though it might be a hassle, cleaning the blades of a mower will prevent the stems and roots of the plant species from spreading. There are also steps you can take to make your lawn green and prosperous especially during the heat of the summer. It is a good idea to mow at least 3 inches above the ground so the grass isn’t too short. When the grass is cut too short it is susceptible to the intense heat. In order to keep your lawn green and healthy, watering it is also a good idea. However, in order to conserve the world’s water supply, we suggest you let Mother Nature water your lawn via rain shower.

40 Years Ago

… while restoring paintings for the John D. Barrow art collection, Susan Blakney discovered a hidden painting under another canvas she were working on. The painting presented a wood scene with a figure of a man holding a staff and a fern. It was found underneath the painting called “Rocks On Our Lake Shore”, one of his iconic landscapes, but the hidden painting was a portrait. Today, the Barrow collection is a non-profit organization that has more than 400 paintings in its collection. It contains dozens of landscapes of waterfalls and valleys to portraits of prestige. Barrow, who was a former resident of Skaneateles, painted many of his oil-on-canvas paintings of central New York from his memories of his early life. If you visit this collection in the Skaneateles Library, you can witness Barrow’s work with display and lighting that bring his paintings to life.

60 Years Ago

… on Aug. 9, 1959 a Clambake fundraiser for the American Legion was held. Tickets cost $5 and worked as a donation towards our local American Legion and the community of Skaneateles. Today, the American Legion here in Skaneateles still holds clambakes, due to increasing popularity of the event since the 50’s when it first started. This year’s clambake will be taking place on September 21st. Tickets are on sale now at $50/ticket. The cost of your ticket still functions as a fundraiser for our town’s people and events. Each year they limit the number of tickets available due to the popularity of the event, so make sure to head over to the American Legion to claim a spot and buy your tickets! They have a great variety of food and beverages for all clambake-goers to enjoy.

80 Years Ago

… the Press published an advertisement regarding boat rides offered in Skaneateles for the very low price of 50 cents. The boat made a 10 mile trip down the lake; however, private parties could arrange for around-the-lake trips as well as moonlit excursions. If you are interested in taking a scenic boat ride on Skaneateles Lake today, it is $42 for an adult and $37 for a child to cruise on the Judge Ben Wiles. If you want to include a meal there is an additional cost. If you’d rather go at your our pace or have the ability to swim, you should consider renting a boat from the Skaneateles Marina. You can rent a boat for a full day or half a day. Make sure to call 315-685-5095 in advance to book your day on the lake.

100 Years Ago

… In 1919, The Supreme Court ruled on its first federal drug policy, negating in-patient care as a legitimate form of treatment for drug addicts in the United States. Meanwhile, a New York State judge granted the New York City Board of Health the authority to establish a hospital in Warwick Farms for the treatment of drug addicts. This ruling was a direct contradiction to the Supreme Court and tried to recognize drug addiction as a disease that needed to be treated. Public opinion on drug addiction has changed over the years and has become more progressive. Today there are more hospitals and health care facilities that treat drug addiction than ever before. According to the American Addiction Center, about 38 percent of adults in 2017 have battled an illicit drug disorder. During that same year, 1 out of every 8 adults struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders. The federal and state governments often clash over public policy, and states have challenged Supreme Court rulings many times in the past. Take for example Governor Cuomo, who is currently fighting the federal government on a tax overhaul he says will hurt New York’s economy. Opinions vary greatly on sensitive matters like health and finance. Luckily, there are checks and balances between Federal and State laws.