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
A segments in the 2000 edition of the Press featured interesting events that occurred this week in history. Their featured events included: Michael Jackson’s first ever number one hit, “Billie Jean” in 1983, as well as the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. Since 2000, this week continues to produce events of historical interest including the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in 2010 which grounded most planes in and out of Europe as well as the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2012. Let’s hope for more positive events for this week in 2020 and beyond.
40 Years Ago
The Fresh Air Fund Program, started in 1877 by Reverend William Parsons, was seeking host families. The article stated that the Marcellus-Skaneateles area typically hosted 30-35 children between the ages of 5 and 12 for two weeks in July. The Fund is still active in our area today. The kids who travel upstate as part of this program say their favorite part is learning to swim, riding bikes, catching fireflies and star gazing. If you’re willing to play host visit freshair.org to learn more.
60 Years Ago
Delavan’s Tastee Freez on Cherry Valley Road announced that their 1960 season would begin on Easter Sunday at noon. They would stay open seven days a week throughout the spring and summer until 10 p.m. Although the Tastee Freez closed down several decades ago, some residents may recall the Dance Tent, constructed each season, where bands would entertain customers. The Ridgewoods, comprised of Joe Whiting and some of the Dean Brothers, was one such band.
80 Years Ago
The Press took pride in helping secure sales for a local business by running their advertisement throughout the spring of 1940. Mickey Fisher, proprietor of Sunny Acres Hatchery, had 103 customers patron his business in one week with a single day amounting to the sale of 2600 chicks! With the recent shortage of eggs and chicken in the local supermarkets, perhaps residents should consider returning to the art of poultry raising.
