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
… today, an article was published about the building of a new local resort in the village of Skaneateles. The construction of the well-known Mirbeau was underway and was expected to be completed by May of 2000. Mirbeau Inn and Spa is an establishment where residents and tourists alike can go to let off steam and relax. Mirbeau offers a variety of treatments including massages and facials. Spa and hotel guests have access to saunas, steam rooms, workout equipment, wellness classes, and two dining options. Giftcards to the Spa can make a great gift for anyone in need of some relaxation. With Mother’s Day coming up, a Mirbeau gift card or any of their numerous self-care products is a great way to show your mother how much you appreciate her on her special day.
40 Years Ago
… an article titled “Princess Contest Slated” was published. It encouraged dairy farm girls from Onondaga County to enter in the 1979 Dairy Princess Contest. The article notifies readers that an information meeting will be held for prospective candidates, at which said candidates are urged to bring their mothers and prepare a 2-4 minute speech on the “Carefree days – the dairy way”. The article left unmentioned exactly why someone might be interested in being crowned the County Princess, but further research made this quite clear. Once the County Princesses have been crowned, they compete against each other to be the New York State Dairy Princess. Finalists were judged on speeches, exams, writing skills, personality, communication skills, poise, as well as impromptu questions on their knowledge of dairy production. In this year’s competition, scholarships were awarded to the top performers. The 2018-19 NYS Dairy Princess was Hailey Pipher; she received a $1,200 scholarship. This competition is helpful for promoting the dairy industry and the college dreams of farming girls.
60 Years Ago
… the city of Syracuse held a parade on Armed Forces Day to honor all branches of our military. Timed during the middle of the Vietnam War and “Anti-war” movement, Syracuse decided to theme their 1959 parade, “Power of Peace.” Many other festivities took place in addition to the parade, including a mock battle and a graduation ceremony to congratulate the new graduates of the Empire State Military Academy. This spring, Syracuse will follow tradition and hold their annual Armed Forces Day Parade on May 18th at 1:05 pm at the Syracuse Mets stadium. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Day pennant, and all military members will be able to receive free tickets to the event. For more information regarding this event, head to evensi.us/armed-forces-day/299877805. As always, make sure to thank our heroic veterans on Armed Forces Day and every day.
80 Years Ago
… the Skaneateles Press published an article stating that an assembly had been held in the Skaneateles High School observing Arbor Day. According to the article, the assembly discussed the origin, history and purpose of Arbor Day. Now, the national celebration is annually held on the fourth Friday of April. This date can differ from state to state however. For some states, they recognize Arbor Day earlier or later than the fourth Friday depending on which days are better for planting trees and vegetation. As for New York, the fourth week works perfectly. The purpose and “roots” of Arbor Day are to help the planet by planting trees and also to encourage people to live greener, more eco-friendly lives. The recognition of this day is a more than a century old tradition, its origin dating back to 1872 in the state of Nebraska. All in all, every person shares this Earth and all have the responsibility to keep her healthy and besides, who doesn’t love a beautiful, natural sight?
100 Years Ago
Many people have vacationed in Skaneateles over the years looking to rent a home on the lake during the summer. The cost of lake rentals are rather expensive today. However, 100 years ago the cost to rent a home in Skaneateles was starting at about $50 per month according to an ad by Shotwell & McGinn Real Estate in The Democrat. A family could rent a fine home on Leitch Ave for $300 a year! When comparing these costs to today, you’ll wish you could go back in time to get those deals! Today, small homes and cottages on the lake can be rented for about $350 per day. This is about $2,450 per week. The cost of rental properties are much higher during the summer months due to increased tourism. This means property owners should be happy to be year-round residents of Skaneateles.
