Years Ago

This column, contributed by Skaneateles Honors English students from the class of 2022, is written to connect the past to the present by revisiting articles from years ago. The students would like to thank the Skaneateles Historical Society for providing the archives and Eagle Newspapers for publishing their words.

20 Years Ago

… the Skaneateles Press printed an article about how getting the influenza vaccine can help protect you from catching the flu. People of the age 65 and older are at the highest risk of getting the flu, along with people who have a weakened immune system and very young children. Children 6 months or older are able to get the vaccine. Although the vaccine for influenza has been controversial on how effective it is, it is still helpful to receive the vaccine to reduce the risk of getting the flu and reduce the severity of the symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, manufacturers have estimated that they will provide as many as 162 million to 169 million doses of the flu vaccine for the 2019-2020 season. If you are looking to receive the flu vaccine there are many places that offer low cost shots such as your local pharmacies. In the United States today 5% to 20% of people get the flu. The CDC estimates that as many as 56,000 people die from the flu or flu-like illnesses each year. Protecting yourself from the flu is just as important as it was 20 years ago.

40 Years Ago

… a Marcellus high school student won the best delegate award out of more than 400 other competitors at a Model United Nations conference. Model UN is a school club in which students compete at conferences where they are assigned a country and an issue for that country that they then have to debate about through one of six different categories; political, legal, economic, trade and development, social-humanitarian, and colonial and trust. Model UN today has become more popular since 40 years ago, growing internationally through countries like the USA, Canada, and many areas in Europe and Asia. At the modern conferences students will be given a country and topic to research and debate, then come up with resolutions for the topic, very similarly to 40 years ago. Model UN has grown so popular partially due to the benefits it has for students. It teaches problem solving, cooperation, debating, and overall increases youth awareness of current events. At Skaneateles High School, this year’s club consists of over 25 students. Club delegate Trevor Knupp is excited for the first conference taking place on Dec. 14 at Utica Polytechnic Institute.

60 Years Ago

…an advertisement was printed in the Skaneateles Press for the 1960 Rambler American car models. The least expensive model, the 2-Door Deluxe Sedan, was listed at $1,795. With today’s inflation, this car would cost $15,837.88, so this was definitely an economy car. The ad also mentioned the 4-Door Deluxe Sedan for $1844 and the Deluxe Station Wagon for $2020. According to autotrader.com, today you can buy a used 2016 Honda Civic EX Sedan or a used 2016 Jeep Compass 4WD Sport for around $15,000. Amazingly, the Rambler American models were new cars. There are no new vehicles listed for this price range today. According to an article on howstuffworks.com, Rambler American manufactured 23,960 of the 2-Door Deluxe Sedans over a period of three years, from 1958 to 1960. In 1960, this car was the single most popular model in America, likely due to the low price point. At the time of this advertisement, Skaneateles citizens could buy Rambler American cars at a dealership located at 77 W. Genesee St. The Skaneateles Fire Department is now located there.

80 Years Ago

…In a notice published by The Skaneateles Press, the results of a vote were announced. Positions such as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, Sherriff, and School Director were included in the results. About 1,750 people voted, the majority voting in favor of the Republican Party for every position. Candidates could represent more than one political party, for example Sadler was sponsored by both the Republican and Democratic Party for Surrogate Court. By a vote of 1,471 to 284, the Republican Party won even though Sadler would be elected either way. Two weeks ago Onondaga County held this year’s elections. In the town of Camillus, Paul Legnetto (R) beat out Daren Forbes (D) for the position of highway superintendent by a count of 4,163 to 2,507. Eighty years ago Miller (R) beat Clapp (D) in the running for town superintendent of highways by a count of 1,481 to 314. Although the position for superintendent of highways was won by a Republican, there were many Democratic candidates for other positions that were elected this year creating a more equal balance of officials from both major political parties. To find out more about the recent county elections go to Syracuse.com.

100 Years Ago

… The Skaneateles Press published a weekly column called “OF LOCAL INTEREST” on the front page. One of the topics addressed in the Nov. 13 edition was about the arrival of  Mrs. George W. Saum and her daughter, Miss Naidine A. Saum. Mrs. George W. Saum was a former resident of Skaneateles before moving to Juneau, Alaska twenty years prior to this visit. While in town visiting relatives, the Milford family, Mrs. Saum desired to enter her daughter as a student in one of the business schools of Central New York. Another topic mentioned in this article was a dance hosted by the Robert J. Hydon Post. The hall was decorated with American, French and British colors. About 70 couples attended and the event lasted until 2:00 in the morning; it was noted to be “the most successful affair given this season”. The article also mentioned that several men of the village had been hunting down a man who followed girls around the streets at night. It was said that whoever this man was, should be warned that an “artistic beating” would be in store for him when found.Of local interest today students are participating in various activities over the Veterans’ Day Weekend: Lily Winkleman shared that she will be attending sectionals with her swim team at our local YMCA, Marcus McClanahan said that he is excited to attend Young Life Camp during Fall Weekend at Lake Saranac, and Kelsey Rutledge said she will be going to New Jersey for a lacrosse tournament called Lax for the Cure. This concludes November’s selection “OF LOCAL INTEREST”.