It has been a very long time since we’ve held a “Defense Day” in our region or heard a good “fish story.” But these and more news items were part of the life and times in Chenango County in September 1924.
Readers of the Norwich Sun on Sept. 10 saw a proclamation on the front page from Norwich Mayor Linn Babcock. “The president of the United States has designated September 12, 1924 as Defense Day. It is a test of our preparedness to prevent war, and our preparedness to preserve peace. The president, and the governor of New York have requested every community of the nation to assemble and observe this day in an appropriate manner. Chenango county is one unit in this activity, as it was in the late war.”
The Sun reported on Sept. 13, “Favored with fine weather for the occasion, the demonstration was both fitting and proper and was participated in by many people. It is estimated that more than 1,000 persons honored the occasion with their presence.”
A parade took place at 7:30 p.m. as, “Red, green and blue fire was burned in the line of the march and the parade was viewed by many interested citizens.” The parade proceeded to the Chenango County Courthouse.
Judge William H. Sullivan presided over the ceremonies. There was music and speeches. Sullivan told the crowd, “Upon this very spot sixty-two years ago last Saturday the gallant 114th regiment were mobilized, and 1,100 brave men up and down this valley marched away to embark for the Civil War under the command of Colonel Elisha B. Smith.
“While we all hope and pray that there will be no more wars, the primary purpose of this defense test is to enable our people to visualize the initial processes necessary to muster our forces for National Defense.
“May we never be called for this service, but if we are, the brave men and women of Chenango county will respond with every energy of their hearts and souls.”
While this brought people together in Norwich, residents of Greene were isolating themselves. As the Sun reported on Sept. 18, “Both the Greene high school and the village theatre have been ordered closed by Dr. C.W. Chapin, health officer, because of two cases of infantile paralysis. Drastic action was taken by the health officer in order to prevent a spread of the disease.”
Back in Norwich there were no such worries, and as the Sun of Sept. 20 told readers, “Fish, more fish and then some, featured the dinner of the Chenango County Gun Club held at the New National hotel Friday night, as a result of the fishing contest staged the day before between members of the organization.
“It was a case of the losing side in the contest paying the shot for the winners, the catch of both sides providing the main food at the dinner which was prepared and served in the usual fine manner by the hotel management.
“Everyone ate fish and so far, no one succeeded in getting a fish bone caught in his throat, although all did their best to devour all the bull heads and perch in sight.”
While the club ate well, after dinner it was time for a little business at hand. The Sun also said, “The club has planned to carry out its reforestation work Monday, when members are asked to meet on West Side park at 9 a.m. Six thousand white pine transplants, three years old, are to be set out on the Chenango Lake property of the club.”
When the work was complete, lunch was planned for noon. The club also was looking forward to more dining, as the annual clambake was being readied for Sept. 28 at the fairgrounds in Norwich.
Lastly, in a stern warning from the State Motor Vehicle Department, the Norwich police chief received an order banishing all “pasters” from windshields from automobiles.
According to the Sun of Sept. 25, “So it seems that the ‘bathing beauties’ that have had first position on the windshields of many cars are passe. Failure to follow the instructions of the state will result in the forfeiture of license to drive a car.”
Bah, humbug!
On Wednesday, a couple of legacies were made around Oneonta in 1999.