The baseball camps have re-opened for the season across our region, bringing us a lot of new and old visitors.
The same was true in June 1955 — long before the baseball camps — and the reasons for all the gatherings were numerous.
As readers of The Oneonta Star of June 3 learned, “Convention committee of the Oneonta Chamber of Commerce is assisting in the arrangement for three conventions scheduled in the city.
“Among the three conventions are the 62nd annual session of the Department Council of New York Patriarchs Militant, IOOF, and the 39th annual meeting of Department Association, Ladies Auxiliary to Patriarch Militants. The conventions are June 23-25.” Three hundred attended.
“On June 26, about 300 members of Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc., will arrive between 2 and 2:30 p.m. via the Catskill Division of the New York Central.” Buses brought the visitors from the depot on Railroad Avenue to downtown, while others went sightseeing around the city.
“From July 1-4, some 400 members of the Synodical Luther League of New York and New England are expected to attend the 62nd annual convention at Hartwick College.”
Additionally, as The Star of June 7 reported, “Between 150 and 200 young program leaders from some 70 associations are expected to participate in a state YMCA conference to be held next weekend at Oneonta State Teachers College, Morris Hall.
“In addition, a state conference of Student Christian Association collegiate leaders will be held from this Saturday through June 20, at Pathfinder Lodge, Cooperstown.”
It wasn’t only conventions bringing people to the region, as for others it was related to work. The Star of June 18 reported with a dateline of Delhi, “Construction of the 17-mile long reservoir on the West Branch of the Delaware River, and the half mile wide Cannonsville dam, some two miles north of Stilesville on Route 10 will start soon.
“Richard Burke, New York City, secretary of the board of Water Supply, said that the project, which will take about ten years, nearly 400 pieces of property will be taken by the city, either entirely or in part, to provide acreage to complete the operation.
“Included in these properties will be upwards of 140 dairy farms, skirting both sides of the Delaware River and its tributaries, brooks and creeks.”
Along with the estimated 10 years of work came a lot of workers to live locally, some temporarily.
While water would eventually flow to New York City for its water supply, another flow of visitors came to our region from New York City.
The Star of June 11 reported, “Eleven more children will not be forced to spend a steamy summer in New York City because of understanding and generous Oneonta and area folks who have informed the Friendly Town Committee of the Fresh Airs of their desire to take in a child.
“This brings the total to 63, but Jack Bresee, committee chairman, is looking for a record high this year.”
The wish came true, as The Star of June 30 followed up, “A little tired, but eager to find new faces or old friends, 122 New York City Fresh Air children arrive in Oneonta tonight to spend summer vacations of two weeks or more in the city and its rural areas.” Their time of arrival from Albany, via the D.& H. Railroad, was around 6:30 p.m.
Of course, there were the usual tourists coming to Cooperstown to visit the museums or take in the beauty of the Glimmerglass. They needed places to stay, and there was a new option available.
Star readers of June 10 found out, “(A) New $50,000 motel on Otsego Lake front on lower Fair Street here, resplendent in varying pastel shades will be open to the public June 18, according to its owner and operator, Alfred B. Engellman and William H. Zoeller.
“The hostelry, called the Lake Front Motel, consists of 17 units which will accommodate from 50 to 60 persons nightly.
“Adjoining the motel is the new Cooperstown Marine Center owned and operated by the motel owners. At the center, boats and boating equipment are on sale. Docking and launching facilities also will be provided.”
This weekend, entertainment was plentiful and varied locally in June 1925.