Frank Miller’s memories paint pictures of our past

from Star Review digital edition - April 19, 2023

School shootings: taking aim at a national problem

Back around 1966, village resident Frank Miller jotted down a batch of colorful memories of Liverpool in years past. Many years past, probably 100 or more…

“On Oswego Street stood Willie Orth’s tin shop where everyone went to have their cooking wares mended for 10 cents.

“Where the IGA now stands was the famous ‘hang-out’ for the ‘old-timers,’ Russell’s Drug Store.

“The official photographer of the area was James T. Rogers, his place being on First Street over Lennie Sharrer’s grocery store. Beauty Williams ran a pool parlor underneath and later Lennie Sharrer ran his grocery and meat market there, also Lib Miller’s father, Fred, had run a grocery there before.

“Years ago, chestnutting was great fun. There were many trees around Liverpool and especially popular for nut-gathering were Long Branch, Pine Ridge and Chestnut Valley. Then the Japanese beetle came along, like a thief in the night,” and killed all the trees.

“The Town and Village Hall was located on First Street, across from the Cobblestone Hotel. A Mr. Cronkite used to make and store rough boxes upstairs. One time in the summer, it was so hot that the court adjourned across the street on the Cobblestone lawn. The lawyers were W.J. Barnum of Syracuse and ‘Silvertongue’

Is there a fire in you?

To the editor:

The above phrase is this year’s theme of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York 2023 recruitment campaign. The Baldwinsville Fire Company will be sponsoring an open house at North West Fire District Station 3, 122 Oswego St., Baldwinsville on Saturday, April 22. Even if you don’t think there is a “fire in you,” stop by from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.and meet pnagle@eaglenewsonline com

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“Another outstanding spot was Em Kelly’s store on First Street. It was especially popular on the Fourth of July with a table out in front displaying chunks of coconut at a penny a piece, all kinds of candy and cornucopias of popcorn a little American flags, but no fireworks…Early in the morning on the Fourth ‘ragamufffins’ would appear on horseback and ride around town.

“The place now occupied by Joe’s Barber Shop at First and Tulip was at one time the home of Myer Myer’s show repair shop, with Rebecca, his wife, assisting. Henry Boucher also had a blacksmith shop there in the early 1900s.

“The Cobblestone Hotel has been with us a good many years. Some of the proprietors were a Mr. Wands, Mike Gaffney, Al Green, Cluff Goddard, Del Lee, Bill Therre and many others. They held dances upstairs during the winter until the wee hours of the morning, with a lunch served in the dining room between midnight and 1 o’clock.

“‘Sure Billy’ Shafer ran a grocery and saloon for many years down on First Street at the corner of Vine. One character who worked there and who was loved by all was Emil Offenheimere.

“Another person who attracted considerable attention around 1870 was ‘Sheephead’ Gleason. He had studied law in his your firefighters. There will always be a need for people who care, who help, and who heal. As new tragedies shake us and new problems challenge us, we do more than fight fires. Volunteer firefighters are trained and equipped to fight for and protect their communities with pride. From the birth of a nation to modern days, the volunteer fire service of New York State has been at its best when times are at their worst.

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Village historian resigns

Liverpool Village Historian Dorianne Elitharp Gutierrez – who provided us with Frank Miller’s vivid recollections – has resigned after 31 years of service. In her resignation letter to the village trustees, Dorianne cited her failing health as her reason for stepping down.

Trustee Dennis Hebert suggested that the village prepare a proclamation thanking Dorianne for her decades of dedication to the community. The liaison to the village’s Gleason Mansion, Hebert pointed out that the historian’s office there maintains a fascinating display of historic artifacts as well as copious genealogical archives.

At their April 10 meeting, the trustees accepted the resignation. Dorianne’s longtime assistant, Joan Cregg, is expected to be appointed the new village historian; 315-451-7091; liverpoolhistorian@yahoo. com

Last word

“It was no idle saying when we referred to the ‘horse and buggy days.’ That’s just what they were. The only mode of transportation was via the horse and buggy. People then also did a lot of healthful walking, but now if only to on an errand for a block or two, into the auto we jump!”

–Liverpool resident Frank Miller, 1966.

We will have many activities and displays for you to peruse. There will be a “house of hazards” where firefighters will display the many tools of out trade. Children and adults will be able to spray a fire hose, crawl low in smoke, learn valuable fire prevention tips, and partake in some refreshments.

All are invited and all are welcome!

ToNy MCINTyRE, DISTRICT ChIEF north WeSt Fire diStriCt

Meet Bonnie and clyde

Schools

l From page 4 the bullied, psychotic, etc. to get the attention, the notoriety, the fame forever linking the shooter to the murdered children and teachers.

It is almost as if school shootings are becoming a cottage industry, complete with paraphernalia, personnel, web sites, social media platforms, publicity, heroes and anti-heroes. Did you read about the company that is making bullet-proof backpacks?

We have created our real-life version of the “Hunger Games” where politics, policy and a perverted subculture of vengeance for those who see schools as the object of their anger, fear, despair

By DoNNA NEWMAN

photo by donna neWman

Batman and Robin. Mario and Luigi. Peanut butter and jelly. Some things just belong together, like the delightful doggy duo of Bonnie and Clyde. This bonded canine couple came to the shelter when their family could no longer care for them. Bonnie is only a year old, and Clyde’s around five. They’re very sweet pups who would make loving companions for almost any family. They walk nicely on the leash and are very, come together to create the movie script. As one quote from the trilogy illuminates this theme, “Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do.”

Add to this gnawing frustration, the governor of Florida has recently signed a bill that will allow anyone who can legally own a gun in Florida to carry a concealed weapon in public without any training or background check.

As they say, “May the odds be ever in your favor.” very treat-motivated. We think they’d do well with respectful school-aged kids. Unlike their gun-toting namesakes, the only thing Bonnie and Clyde will steal is your love, and maybe part of your unattended lunch. If you have room in your heart and your home for 120 pounds of puppy love, come and meet Bonnie and Clyde today! For more information, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@ cnyspca.org or click cnyspca. org/adopt.

Ann Ferro is a mother, a grandmother and a retired social studies teacher. While still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, she lives in Marcellus with lots of books, a spouse and a large orange cat.

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