The Korean War and Cold War in general had many on edge at times in our region. The moods swung from opportunity to what to do next.
On the opportunistic side, The Oneonta Star of Feb. 28 reported, “Oneonta’s opportunities for industrial expansion are enhanced by atomic bomb phobias.
“Henry Gallien Jr., chief of the industrial location unit of New York State Department of Commerce, said so last night at the Common Council chamber sponsored by the Industrial Committee of the Oneonta Chamber of Commerce.” City hall was then found at 242 Main St.
Gallien cited reasons for locating upstate. “A lot of people downstate are worrying about the atomic bomb, and there is a scramble to get out of New York City.
“He said that the ‘flow of defense contracts has just begun,’ and using Albany as just one example, he added, ‘We never saw anything like it…the demands for space and labor are terrific.’
“Mr. Gallien’s remarks were heard also by members of the city’s Industrial Expansion Committee, headed by Alderman Albert S. Nader, and by others interested in bringing new payrolls to the city.”
Perhaps the payrolls could grow, but jobs were an issue at the time, as Star readers of Jan. 19 learned, “Employers of Oneonta area, like those of New York City and elsewhere throughout the country, are discriminating against young men of draft age.
“Unwilling to inconvenience themselves, most employers refuse jobs to draft eligibles who are waiting the larger inconvenience of rugged military training and perhaps fighting and death.” The day before, Oneontan George A. (Jim) Kershaw spoke to The Star about his recent experience of job hunting in New York City.
“He can’t get a job, except ‘The One’ awaiting from Uncle Sam, in private industry he is an untouchable.
“Meanwhile, men up to 65 are in great demand in the Big City. Accent is not only youth, except in a negative way. Young men under 28 are being fired regularly to make way for the oldsters and women.”
In case there was an atom bomb attack, Oneonta was preparing. As The Star of Jan. 23 reported, “Oneonta’s civilian defense machine, described as the most smoothly running in central New York, was geared yesterday afternoon form quick reception of at least 2,200 evacuees from atom-bombed sectors, if that contingency ever arises.
“Ministers met with defense leaders in the Common Council chamber and enlarged upon a framework of 11 emergency centers. Ten church buildings and Chestnut Street School are the centers.”
Deputy director of civil defense in Oneonta, William W. Hughes, said in the meeting, “No one knows what’s in Stalin’s mind anymore than we knew what was in the Japanese mind. I think Oneonta need have no fear that an atomic bomb will be dropped here, but we must be prepared to receive evacuees.”
While war and tension were often the daily news makers, a different approach was thought about, as The Star of Feb. 3 told readers, “More than 50 educators, students and city residents have grouped together to study and discuss ways of solving international problems without resorting to war.
“Announcement was made last night after the group held its third weekly meeting in Huntington Library. Further meetings are schedule for each Friday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second floor of the library.
“E. Lewis B. Curtis and Dr. Robert W. Rounds said the movement was originated by Miss Genevieve K. Hamlin, and that she acted as chairman of the first two meetings.
“The membership list, as announced, bears names of educators of State Teachers College, Hartwick College and the public school system, along with students and others.”
This weekend, slow moving projects began around Oneonta in 1946.