Being the nation’s centennial year, Oneonta celebrated accordingly, while seeing several visible changes in the village during 1876.
The calendar turned into the new year, and residents wondered how they’d celebrate later in the year.
As The Oneonta Herald reported on Jan. 7, 1876, “This county ought to do a pretty good thing for the Fourth of July. The twenty four towns should unite in a grand centennial celebration. There is, perhaps, some doubt whether any great number of us will live to see the second hundredth anniversary, and we had better strike while the iron is hot and still heating.
“It will generally be conceded that Oneonta’s the proper place for a celebration of the kind. This town, and no other, has enjoyed a growth and prosperity analogous to that of the entire country.”
This has a bit of a familiar ring to thoughts about Oneonta’s 250th celebration. A committee began planning for 2026 last September. No doubt a committee formed in 1876 to plan, and on Thursday, you’ll read about the outcome of the centennial’s festivities.
You could hardly recognize the way the area of Main Street, Ford Avenue and Elm Street looked in 1876, compared to today. Silver Creek wasn’t buried, and had a bridge crossing it. The Oneonta Star in 1948 compiled an “Oneonta Diary” from 1748 to 1948, and, according to the compilation from 1876, “About four feet has been filled in at the lower end of Ford avenue and graded through to the bridge. Main street through the hollow was also filled to correspond with the avenue, and a bridge built the full width of the street.”
There was a big step forward in firefighting in Oneonta that year. While Oneonta had various hose and engine companies, The Herald of Feb. 18 reported that a true fire department had been formed. A steamer had arrived, and they named it the “Col. W.W. Snow.” James M. Keyes was the first chief engineer of the department.
On March 3, The Herald reported, “The frame for an engine house is up and nearly enclosed. There will be two rooms below, one for the engine and hose and one for the hook and ladder truck. There will also be two rooms above, for the meetings of the companies.” The engine house was once found on today’s 242 Main St., the old Municipal Building.
With the engine house being readied, The Herald in the same edition reported, “Along the upper side of the engine house, Commissioner Bennett is grading a passage near to the reservoir, and there leveling for the engine to stand, when drawing water. The grade will not be very heavy, and it is undoubtedly the best thing to do.” Near the path of Silver Creek at one time there was a small reservoir, or pond, meant for fighting fires.
The new department was a proud one that year, as The Herald of Oct. 13 reported, “The first annual parade and Inspection of the Oneonta Fire Department occurred yesterday afternoon.
“The procession was headed by the Cornet Band, with Drum Major Cockett of Cooperstown. The department made a parade with a steamer, hose cart and truck, through many of the principal streets, back to the engine house.” In the evening a ball took place at the “Opera House,” likely the Stanton, where 125 Main St. now stands.
Other observations from the diary said, “The Catholics hold meetings about once a month in Blend’s hall,” where 148 Main St. is today. An Aug. 18 Herald article noted an effort was underway to purchase a suitable lot for erecting a church. It wasn’t until 1885 when the church was dedicated, on the eastern corner of Main and Grand Streets.
A notable first came with news in The Herald of May 12, as, “A foot-ball club has been organized in Oneonta. The first game was played Monday, on the Fair Grounds,” which is now the Belmont Circle neighborhood. “Will somebody start another organization. There’s lots of fun about the game, and it is a healthful pastime, accompanied by no danger.”
Lastly, from the 1876 diary, “Ranson Moller resigned as lamp lighter and Emory Murdock was appointed to the position by the trustees, at a salary of $10 a month.”
On Tuesday, water, water everywhere in late June 2001.