1901, 122 years ago
car club
With dozens of gas-powered horse-drawn carriages zipping around and puttingt-putt all over the Upper Mohawk Valley, it’s no surprise that area car enthusiasts are organizing the Utica Automobile Club this week. This is one of the first such clubs in the country.
Charles S. Mott was elected president, and other officers include A.L. Seaton, vice president. Samuel R. Campbell II, Treasurer; James S. Holmes, Jr., secretary, W. H. Barthole, captain. Mott’s company, located on Birstone Road just west of Faxton Hospital, manufactures axles and wheels for bicycles and cars. Birdsall was the engineer who designed the Buckmobile, his two-cylinder automobile manufactured at a factory near Sunset Avenue and Sheppard Place.
(Note: In 1902, the Utica Automobile Club sent Mott to Chicago, where he and representatives from eight other automobile clubs in the country founded the American Automobile Association (AAA). (They were from Delphia, Chicago, Long Island), Rhode Island, New York City, New Jersey, and two from the Midwest.
In 1905, at the urging of William C. Durant, Mott moved his Utica company to Flint, Michigan. He later became a director of Durant’s rapidly growing company, General Motors. Mr. Mott eventually became the company’s largest shareholder, owning millions of shares worth about $500 million.
100 years ago in 1923
we love parades
Utica Mayor Fred J. Douglas announced that a parade would be allowed on Genesee Street on Halloween night. Many Utican residents asked for permission to march, reminding the mayor that the previous Halloween parade three years ago was a huge success and helped reduce vandalism. Dozens of bands, businesses and organizations have announced they will participate in this year’s parade.
1948, 75 years ago
present for harry
Last week, Joseph Davoli of Utica, United Textile Workers of America, presented President Harry Truman with a fishing rod made at the Horrocks-Ibbotson factory on Whitesboro Street. Truman was visiting Utica during a whistle-stop tour seeking his re-election. He waved his rod to a large crowd at Union Station and said, “I was raised on fishing rods, so I’m going to give this rod a try.”
In other news, Dr. Paul H. Girard has been elected chief of medical staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
1973, 50 years ago
cash transaction
Former Thomas R. Proctor High School star Dave Cash has been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies in a one-for-one exchange for pitcher Ken Brett. Cash, a second baseman, hit .271 with the Pirates. (Note: In 1974, the Phillies made a great trade, and Cash played in every game (162), hitting .300 with 206 hits, including 26 doubles and 11 triples. He was a National League All-Star. (He was also selected for the team.)
The Pentagon has put its military, including those at Rome’s Griffith Air Force Base, on high alert following reports that the Soviet Union may become involved in peacekeeping operations in the Middle East. Oneida County Civil Defense Director Benny Niles said in the event of a nuclear emergency, county residents could go to the basement of the courthouse in Utica. Food, clothing, cribs, medicine, and communication equipment are plentiful.
Local politicians say they are shocked to learn that Republican Vice President Spiro Agnew has resigned over tax evasion charges. “He was a big man and knew what he was doing,” said Republican state Sen. James H. Donovan. “We’ve seen similar reports of wrongdoing at the state and local level; “The people have a reason for this when it reaches the White House.” alarm. “It’s sad for the country. He was caught up in his own weakness,” said William Gannon, chairman of the Rome Democratic Party.
1998, 25 years ago
compose
Two former area bands are reuniting to benefit the United Way of Greater Utica. “Preacher” and “Fuel” will be performed at a concert at the New Hartford nightclub “It’s Showtime” (formerly known as the Paris Theater). Preacher, along with Tom Acey, formed Four Acres, where he was the up-tempo house band for over 20 years. Fuel — a 1970s pop-jazz group — features Carmen Caramanica and Rick Montalbano. Vinnie Esposito will be the vocalist for both bands.
Westmoreland Grange 1433 celebrates 50 years of membership including Jane and Robert Wilmot and Fern Welch. Eve Kelly receives the 60 Year Award.
In high school football, Waterville defeated Port Byron 24-0. Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 183 yards and scored on runs of 6 and 58 yards. Darryl Graham kicks a 29-yard field goal.
2013, 10 years ago
chamber music
The Utica Chamber Music Society is in its 73rd year. This is one of the oldest musical associations in the country. The first president was Dr. A.P. Sanders, and the first concert was held at his private residence.
Performances followed at the Munson Williams Proctor Institute (now Munson) and the Grace Episcopal Church auditorium. We also received a lot of support from Hamilton University. This week, Public Affairs Chair Dottie Deimel says: “Music is something that makes life a little richer and adds to the fiber of community.”
In high school football, Notre Dame defeated Mount Markham 34-7, led by quarterbacks Kevin Womack, Vinny Loconti, Nick Abraham and Jerome Braban. Mount Markham scores on a pass from Adam Westbrook to Brenton Bonds.
Marcia Knapp has been named “Kiwanian of the Year” by the Clinton Kiwanis Club. Donna Yand received the “Blue Chip” award as president-elect, and Karen Ostinet received the “Blue Pen” award for her work as secretary.
trivia quiz
Only one U.S. president was born in Central New York. Please name him. (The answer will be posted here next week.)
Answers to last week’s questions: Nine presidents did not graduate from college: Washington, Jackson, Van Buren, Taylor, Fillmore, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Cleveland, and Truman.
This Week in History is researched and written by Frank Tomaino. Please send an email to ftomaino221@gmail.com.
