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 marriage of Meredith A. Sholly and Paul F. Torrisi Jr. was announced in the Dec. 1, 1999 edition of the Skaneateles Press. The announcement informs the reader that Meredith held a job as a fourth grade teacher while Paul was a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. They had both graduated from Providence College, and had been together for some time. The wedding took place the following August. Where is the Torrisi couple now? Over the past 20 years they have maintained their jobs in teaching and finance along with adding four children to their family. For their 20th wedding anniversary the two intend to go on a trip to celebrate. We feel it is important to commemorate marriage and family in our community: congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Torrisi!

40 Years Ago

… An ad was printed in The Skaneateles Press for holiday season flights available through the Auburn Travel Bureau. It advertised flights at a 35-50% discount to several U.S destinations, including Orlando for $186 and San Francisco for $369. The ad also mentioned that the bureau offers free ticket delivery to the customer’s home and a 24 hour airport limousine service. Today, flights are similar to these prices during most times of the year (even with inflation) but are much more expensive during the holiday season. This shows how air travel has become more affordable for the average family through new budget airlines. According to Google Flights, holiday flights to Orlando from Syracuse on budget airlines like Frontier cost $428, while JetBlue flights cost $628. If you are interested in working with the Auburn Travel Bureau today, they still book flights, in addition to train travel, cruises, and car rentals. It is located at 144 Genesee St. in Auburn.

60 Years Ago

… …An article published by The Skaneateles Press informs readers about cancer inducing cranberries. All cranberries grown in Washington and Oregon had been contaminated with a weed-killer that induced a cancerous growth in the thyroid. The weed-killer infected cranberries were given to lab rats where the cancerous effects were demonstrated. It having been the holiday season, this cranberry crisis was detrimental to families celebrating throughout the United States. Fortunately, soon after the discovery of this problem, scientists were able to resolve the problem and cranberry growers were back in business. Similarly, today there are regular outbreaks of E.Coli in romaine lettuce. Before enjoying your fresh salad be sure that you are aware of the source of your lettuce. Romaine lettuce, part of the November 2019 lettuce recall, is dangerous to consumer’s health and should not be consumed. To learn about food recalls visit fsis.usda.gov

80 Years Ago

… Stores around town were having sales. Citizens could buy an assortment of goods for under $1 at most produce selling stores. Sales included items such as a pint of ice cream for 1 cent at Davey’s Drug Store, 2 pounds of coffee for 19 cents at Harse Market, or six grapefruits for 25 cents at American Store Co. Inc. Historically fruits like oranges and grapefruits have been associated with the celebration of Christmas because December is the beginning of the citrus season. Although local stores selling produce are sure to have deals like the American Store Co, you may want to consider ordering your citrus through the mail instead. Florida Fruit Shippers provide a way to order these fresh fruits directly and have them delivered to your home or to a friend or family member as a holiday gift. To learn more about mail order citrus fruits go to orangesonline.com.

100 Years Ago

……The Skaneateles Press  wrote about the ban on women working the night shift. At the time this ban seemed unfair to women working in mines, quarries and manufacturing industries. However, this ban could have promoted and helped people be healthier in the long run. Though the Labor Bureau may have been unaware at the time, working the night shift can lead to increased risk of health problems for both men and women. Night shifts can vastly affect your physical health. For example, working the night shift for a long period of time has been associated with an increased risk of multiple cancers, metabolic problems, heart disease, ulcers, obesity, and gastrointestinal problems. A person’s mental health can also be affected by working the night shift, as it can result in depression and stress. Despite these health risks, there has been a 12% increase of women working at night in the past twelve years. Night shift workers, such as doctors and police officers, are a crucial part of today’s society. If you work night shifts it is important that you make healthy choices in other facets of your life to counter the negative effects of your work hours.