Years Ago in History

100 Years Ago – April 26, 1923

Complaints having been made regarding the playing of ball in our streets, we wish to call the attention of such players to the following Village Ordinance 10: “No person shall play ball, pitch quoits, or fly kites on the public square, or in any street of this village, or engage in any other game or amusement therein to the hinderance or disturbance of any person passing along or through the same, under a penalty of Two Dollars for each offense.” Signed, Cazenovia Village Board.

75 Years Ago – April 29, 1948

In the village of Cazenovia the public library has always been a place of unique importance, a source of special joy. For 28 years Miss Elizabeth Spencer Jackson had been its able and beloved librarian.

She has distributed its treasures among the entire community.

That is why the word of her sudden death on April 18 brought sadness to many hearts. Miss Jackson was devoted to the library and had built up its book collection and circulation to a high rating. On Miss Jackson’s desk there was always a bright bouquet of flowers, even in winter.

The whole village has enjoyed the Christmas season at the library, a time of spicy evergreens, a little manger, candlelight, a blue-gowned Madonna.

The New York State Library Department at Albany knows about Miss Jackson’s work in Cazenovia and on many occasions had given her words of highest commendation.

50 Years Ago – April 25, 1973

A proposal to lease a computer for the mathematics-science computer program was presented to the Cazenovia School Board by Barry Parker, who helped develop the computer course at the high school.

The computer presently used operates through a teletype connected with Griffiss Air Force Base. Only one student at a time can use it and therefore only 15 students per semester have access to it. Mr. Parker said that the present system cannot accommodate the great student interest in the program from seventh grade on up. He proposed the purchase of a small computer which would remain in operation 24 hours a day and allow eights students at a time to use it.

When asked about the advantages of a computer, Mr. Parker replied, “It has infinite patience.”

He explained any type of student can use it at any pace of learning. The cost was estimated at $11,000 over a five year period, with an additional $1,000 for each extra terminal which could be added at any time in the future.

25 Years Ago – April 29, 1998

Burton Street Elementary Third graders in Tammy Slocum’s class have found some new pen pals half way around the world.

The class has begun corresponding with Navy personnel aboard the USS Independence, which is currently stationed in the Persian Gulf.

The project was initiated by Tom Davies, who volunteers as a parent in Slocum’s class. He got the idea from a television talk show which was broadcasting from the ship.

About 14 students have sent letters to the service men and women on the ship. Davies said the project helps the students reinforce their reading and writing skills.

The students have already received responses from their first letters and are working on sending some more. Davies said they have also received patches, stickers and mugs from their new found pen pals.