For the most part, Sidney area residents were merely reading about the Great Depression around the nation.
They didn’t feel the brunt of the economic impact like most other areas. One good reason for it, and in one word — Scintilla.
According to The Sidney Record of April 2, 1936, “Those of our Sidney offices and residents who were fortunate enough, The Record being one, to receive a copy of the annual report of the Bendix Aviation Corporation, presented by its president, Vincent Bendix, as of March 23, 1935, read with interest details insofar as the Scintilla Magneto Corporation of Sidney was concerned, past and future, a subsidiary of that corporation.
“Mr. Bendix reports an income for 1935 counting to $3,163,920.99, an increase of 66 per cent over net income for 1934. This report covers all corporation units and at the same time reveals its healthy condition and encouraging future.”
This positive news spurned more positive news, as The Record of May 21, 1936 reported, “Vice-President Herman Hanni has released complete details in regards to the further building expansion of the Scintilla Magneto Company.” The bold front page headline read, “1,000 Workers is Scintilla’s Goal.”
“On or before June 1st, a contract will be awarded for the construction of two more units to be added to the main factory building, paralleling Sherman Avenue.
“Machinery to be placed in the new sections is arriving daily and with. The completion of the new additions, the plant will have an additional floor space of 35,000 square feet; needed even at this moment, said Mr. Hanni.
“When the Brown Boveri Company, a leading European electrical manufacturing company, with head offices in Switzerland, decided to come to the United States with its patents, Sidney was selected as the site for the manufacture of the Scintilla magneto, famous abroad, little known in the States, fortunate Sidney.
“Operations first opened locally in 1925, in the buildings formerly used by the Hatfield Motor Company, the output increasing yearly. In 1928, developments called for additional floor space, and a 90×400 ft. steel and concrete building was constructed paralleling Sherman Avenue.” Solar panels now cover most of this area today.
“Then followed Lindbergh’s famous flight and the States began to take more than average interest in aviation and with every step the local magneto sales advanced until now the output is used exclusively by the Army and Navy and practically every magneto used by aircraft in the United States comes from the Sidney factory.”
While Scintilla was doing well in the private sector, work was also increasing in the public sector. As The Record reported on April 6, “Eighteen Sidney women who otherwise would not be employed, are busily engaged on a sewing project, a fact that one and all appreciate, sponsored by the Federal Works Progress Administration.
“Operations on this project opened last February 3rd, and continue in the municipal building, Grand Street entrance, four days weekly. Each operator is paid $12.10 weekly for their labor.
“Their work will be to turn cotton materials into women’s and children’s dresses, sheets, pillow cases, towels, mens’ and boys’ shirts, and overalls for children. Mrs. Hazel Ireland, forelady, reports 800 pieces in all, turned out since the project was launched.”
It wasn’t all work, all the time in Sidney. Record readers of April 16 found out, “Preliminary steps were taken to operate a Sidney ball club at a meeting held last Monday night, attracting a good representation of local fans.” The team played in what was called the Southern Tier Baseball League, and clubs in 1935 came from Sherburne, Oxford, Harpursville, Sidney, Norwich, Whiteny Point, Bainbridge, Afton, Greene and Hillcrest.” Play began in May.
A new convenience for Sidney residents was also introduced. On March 19, The Record had reported, “Gas service is to be made immediately available to residents of Sidney, nearby towns and on farms who have heretofore been compelled to forego the use of gas as a fuel due to the lack of nearby gas lines.”
Atlantic States Gas Co. provided gas service using underground tanks, that could be refilled.
On Tuesday, the local April 1966 business beat.