After a few years of war and a return to peace, life at home was returning to normal, for the most part locally, in June 1946.
Two names of note had arrived home or were on their way. As The Oneonta Herald of June 27 reported, “T-5 Albert S. Nader, son of Elias Nader, 107 River St., is now on his way home following discharge from the Second (Indianhead) division of Fort Lewis, Washington.
“Corporal Nader, former employee of Bendix Aviation, gained fame throughout the division for his promotion and publicity work, receiving an Army Commendation ribbon. He was also sports editor of the public relations office.
“A combat veteran of the 28th (Bloody Bucket) division, Nader wears the Combat Infantryman’s badge. The European Theater ribbon with three bronze battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal. The Army Occupation ribbon, the Allied Colors, the Presidential Unit citation, the French Fourragers, and the Commendation ribbon.”
Nader returned to work at Bendix and settled in Oneonta. Being city mayor was one of many accomplishments in years ahead.
In that same edition of The Herald came news, “Dr. Reade S. Sisson of Country Club Rd., who served as a major in World War Two, has resumed his medical practice in the offices of Dr. F. H. Marx, 35 Elm St.
“Dr. Sisson was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Medical corps in August, 1942, and was discharged as a major in February 1946. He was with the 11th Armored division and the 6th Infantry division in New Guinea, Philippines and Korea.”
Life was anything but normal for grocery shoppers, as Herald readers on June 27 were told, “The most critical shortage of fresh meat in history has hit Oneonta and area this week — with no hope of shipments in sight — a Star survey of city butcher shops and grocery stores revealed last night.
“The Office of Price administration and the black market were blamed for the shortage by dealers in almost the same breath.”
Things were getting back to normal for the Oneonta Post 259, American Legion, as The Herald of June 20 reported, “Purchase of a three-story brick structure at 365 Main St. for $13,500 was announced last night.
“Post will begin reconstruction of the building into a private club as soon as occupancy is established, Legion spokesmen said.
“The Legion, which has been homeless since the $55,000 blaze at 175 Main St. wiped out its club rooms April 6, was organized in Oneonta in 1919. Since the conclusion of World War Two, membership has more than doubled, and plans for purchase of a permanent home had already been made before the fire, the spokesmen pointed out.”
Call it déjà vu with more contemporary news, but Herald readers of July 4 learned, “The city’s Bus Terminal committee recommended to the Common Council last night that the McFee property, 47 Market St., be selected as the new site for a bus terminal which will serve all of the bus lines operating in Oneonta.” It was among three other sites proposed, all in the downtown area. Recently home to a parking ramp and since demolished, this is the site of the present Oneonta transit hub.
With no more gasoline rationing, baseball fans could at last return to Cooperstown’s annual festivities — and they did.
The Herald of June 20 reported, “Capt. Herschel Gay and Lt. J.A. Murphy of Troop C, Sidney Barracks State police, headed a group of 22 troopers who handled the traffic situation for the Shrine ball game in Cooperstown Thursday with clock-work precision.”
An estimated 10,000 people crowded into the downtown area. Eight thousand saw the New York baseball Giants beat the world champion Detroit Tigers, 9-5. Preceding the game at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Gov. Thomas Dewey was among baseball officials for the dedication of a plaque to honor the late Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis.
On Tuesday, “Good News” has a day in court, in 2001.