The Historians

...A 1932 City Directory listing reported that Collette’s made Mendets, paper clips, sporting goods and novelties.

...but first

Our mailbox has become a lonely place.  We need your help to reach our 2022 Historians Podcast fund drive goal of $6,000.  We got off to a good start thanks to our listeners but we haven’t had a new dona a month.  Please donate online here on GoFundMe. https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast-2022  Or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to the lonely mailbox at 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.  Keep history alive by donating to The Historians Podcast—where we are working on Episode 415-Violinist Ann-Marie Barker Schwarz explores the history of music in the early days of radio in the 1920s at WGY in Schenectady.  Barker Schwarz is founder of Musicians of Ma’alwyck. Thank you. 

Manufacturer improved paper clip

By Bob Cudmore

          Clarence C. Collette formed the Collette Manufacturing Company in 1907, taking over the abandoned Clizbe Avenue School in Amsterdam.  Collette’s is long gone and the building today has been renovated for offices and is also home to Physical Therapy Associates.

          Collette’s began by making “Mendets,” according to late Amsterdam historian Hugh Donlon.  These were bolt-like contraptions to plug holes in pots and pans.

          The Mendet illustrated the old Dutch and Yankee make-do philosophy, whose motto Donlon said could have been, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

          Noryne Dybas of Woodstock, Georgia, has asked for more information on the Collette family.  Dybas’s mother was a housekeeper for the Collettes.

          “I can recall her speaking of Edna, one of the Collette’s daughters and of their family parrot,” Dybas wrote.

          Recently appointed Amsterdam city historian James Marks has been researching the Collette name for Dybas and came up with a major product improvement credited to Clarence Collette.

New Focus on History Story this Weekend

Saturday, February 26, 2022-Focus on History in the Daily Gazette and Amsterdam Recorder

The winter of 1958

          The Modern Mechanix web site reported in an article on the history of the paper clip, “Then there was Clarence Collette of Amsterdam, New York, who got the idea of putting ridges or nicks in paper clips so that they would hold sheets more securely. He cleaned up in a big way because stenographers found his paper clips were better!”

          Collette’s later turned to making baseballs and other sports equipment. A 1932 City Directory listing reported that Collette’s made Mendets, paper clips, sporting goods and novelties.  Clarence Collette, who lived at 79 Locust Avenue, was company president.  His wife Edna was company treasurer.  Spencer Warnick was vice president and Josephine Antonucci was secretary.

According to a 1940s article by Earl O. Stowitts of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce, Collette’s was among the first manufacturers to come up with a way to sew baseballs by machine to keep the cost down.  Previously, baseballs were sewn by hand.

          “The balls which the company sews by machine are not flat-stitched, but have a slightly raised seam,” Stowitts wrote.  The balls were covered with inexpensive leather, Stowitts said, and the cores were made from cotton or felt scraps that were squeezed into a sphere.

          David Gordon, whose parents had operated the Toy Tent store on East Main Street, headed Collette’s in its final years in Amsterdam.

The Historians on Google https://podcasts.google.com/search/The%20Historians

Tomorrow  

Friday, February 25, 2022-Episode 411

Jim Coulthart is an aviation historian. He has a collection of WWII aircraft incidents, and accidents with ties to Central New York.

Saratoga National Historical Park will be a beehive of construction activity in 2022 as the primary visitor experience of the historic battlefield area will receive a major facelift for the first time in more than five decades! 

https://www.nps.gov/sara/learn/tour-road-improvement-project.htm

Mohawk Valley Weather, Thursday, February 24, 2022

Mohawk Valley News, Thursday, February 24, 2022

Daily Gazette

Mask-less Amsterdam doctor sues Wilton butcher for refusing to sell him a steak
ALBANY — An Amsterdam physician who refused to wear a mask in a Wilton butcher shop is suing the shop’s…

Schenectady County Historical Society hosts Black History Month celebration Thursday
“Memories of Black Schenectady,” a virtual celebration of Black History Month by the Schenectady County Historical Society, will be held…

https://dailygazette.com/

Glen may opt out of tax law that gives break to solar, wind developers

GLEN — The Glen Town Board will consider opting out of a real property tax exemption requiring the...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

City residents in Johnstown late on more than $2M in tax payments

by Andrew Waite

https://www.leaderherald.com/

...born 1834 in Fulton County

From the Archives-July 9, 2021-Episode 378-Ann Maria Bullock Schram of Amsterdam, was a volunteer nurse in the American Civil War.  Montgomery County NY historian Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar discusses her research on Schram’s life.

...a better paper clip, someone had to do it

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 24, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette—Collette manufacturing

The Modern Mechanix web site reported in an article on the history of the paper clip, “Then there was Clarence Collette of Amsterdam, New York, who got the idea of putting ridges or nicks in paper clips so that they would hold sheets more securely.

Jim Coulthart

Friday, February 25, 2022-Episode 411-Jim Coulthart is an aviation historian. He has a collection of WWII aircraft incidents, and accidents with ties to Central New York.

The Historians Podcast is now heard on WCSS in Amsterdam, 106.9FM and 1490AM, following the Noon news this Saturday, February 26, 2022  Historians Podcast is also carried on RISE, WMHT 89.1FM radio service for the blind, Monday at 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.  And listen to The Historians 5:30 p.m. Sunday on WBDY 99.5 FM in Binghamton. If your local station would like to air The Historians, drop a line or two. [email protected]

Mohawk Valley Weather, Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Mohawk Valley News, Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Daily Gazette

Niskayuna looks to create historic preservation code
NISKAYUNA — Town officials say that the creation of a historic preservation code would not only help identify historic sites,…

https://dailygazette.com/

Troopers: Gloversville man charged in Broadalbin restaurant parking lot knife assault; Arrested in Amsterdam

BROADALBIN – A Gloversville man has been arrested in connection with a knife assault at a...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Johnstown native Harry Wilson enters Republican race for governor

by Andrew Waite

https://www.leaderherald.com/

...from 50 to 75 houses were constructed on land that once was part of the old Vedder farm.

Little Hollywood in Amsterdam

By Bob Cudmore

   Paul Russo, who now lives in Johnstown, grew up in Hollywood, sometimes called Little Hollywood.  That was the name for a residential neighborhood in Amsterdam apparently built primarily for middle managers employed at Bigelow Sanford Carpets.

   Little Hollywood is off Locust Avenue and connected to Forest Avenue by Second Avenue, which bridges the North Chuctanunda Creek.

   Russo wrote, “Many of my neighbors were employees of Bigelow Sanford; however that was probably true of any neighborhood in Amsterdam.” 

   The streets are not named for movie stars but for American presidents: McKinley, Harrison, Garfield, Taft, Roosevelt and Hayes.  Interestingly, there is a Hollywood Road in the vicinity but not in Little Hollywood.  Hollywood Road is near Amsterdam High School off Miami Avenue in the town of Amsterdam.

   John C. Gilston, a descendant of the family that owned the John J. Turner & Sons construction company, said that the Turner firm built Hollywood.  From 50 to 75 houses were constructed on land that once was part of the old Vedder farm. 

   Gilston said the project is mentioned in journals kept by one of John J. Turner’s sons, Richard E. Turner.  John J. Turner died in 1924. Richard took over the construction business following the death of his older brother John P. Turner in 1927 and kept a detailed journal for many years.

   Richard E. Turner, who was deaf, headed the firm until his death in 1940 at age 56.  He was owner of the Amsterdam Rugmakers baseball team and an accomplished photographer.  Richard and his brother Thomas A. Turner are credited with building Wilbur H. Lynch school, the Century Club and other Amsterdam landmarks plus the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.  

   In earlier years, skilled workers from the Turner firm spent four years renovating the mansion owned by the carpet-making John Sanford family on Church Street, now Amsterdam City Hall.  Turner construction crews also built Bigelow Sanford’s Clock Building, the trolley car power station in Tribes Hill and a number of buildings for General Electric in Schenectady and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

STONE QUARRY

   Russo said, “I'd also like to find out a bit of the history of the abandoned stone quarry (where I played as a kid) off of what is now Second Avenue Extension.  That area was just a cinder path when I was young.  I remember being quite upset with my mother when I found out that she had signed a petition requesting that the path be paved to provide access to Forest Avenue.”

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Long and short of it and podcast "39 Minutes"

From the Archives-July 9, 2021-Episode 378-Ann Maria Bullock Schram of Amsterdam, was a volunteer nurse in the American Civil War.  Montgomery County NY historian Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar discusses her research on Schram’s life.

Thursday, February 24, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette—Collette manufacturing

Recently appointed Amsterdam city historian James Marks has been researching the Collette name for Dybas and came up with a major product improvement credited to Clarence Collette.

“An Evening with Solomon Northup”

Featuring living history re-enactor and photographer Clifford Oliver Mealy

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

This Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7PM

Born a free man in 1808, Solomon Northup was an African American abolitionist and musician who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841, while living with his family in Saratoga Springs. With the help of friends, Northup was rescued in 1853 and his story and experiences were the subject of his book, 12 Years a Slave, which was made into a movie in 2013.

 www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.

This virtual program will take place through Zoom and Facebook Live for a suggested donation of $10 or more and half of all proceeds will be donated to Cliff for his recovery efforts.

Down the Page

February 24, 2016

Bob Cudmore and David Fisk

Episode 99-David Fiske is author of “Solomon Northup’s Kindred: The Kidnapping of Free Citizens before the Civil War.”

Friday, February 25, 2022-Episode 411-Jim Coulthart is an aviation historian. He has a collection of WWII aircraft incidents, and accidents with ties to Central New York.  

Mohawk Valley Weather, Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Mohawk Valley News, Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Daily Gazette

FMCC’s Family Empowerment program removes barriers for single parents
As a single parent, studying at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College full-time is a sacrifice for Amsterdam resident Jessica Bortell. It…

https://dailygazette.com/

Amsterdam eyeing elementary after school programs for fall

AMSTERDAM — Elementary schools in the Greater Amsterdam School District are expected to begin...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Northville selects new superintendent

https://www.leaderherald.com/

...on a public street, more than one

Story Behind the Story podcast is an audio version of Saturday’s column on bobsled coasting events in hilly Amsterdam. Gazette Story "Down the Page"

Tuesday, February 22, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette—Amsterdam’s Hollywood neighborhood

Paul Russo, who now lives in Johnstown, grew up in Hollywood, sometimes called Little Hollywood.  That was the name for a residential neighborhood...

Wednesday, February 23, 2022-From the Archives-July 9, 2021-Episode 378-Ann Maria Bullock Schram of Amsterdam, was a volunteer nurse in the American Civil War.  Montgomery County NY historian Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar discusses her research on Schram’s life.

Thursday, February 24, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette—Collette manufacturing

Clarence C. Collette formed the Collette Manufacturing Company in 1907, taking over the abandoned Clizbe Avenue School in Amsterdam. 

This Thursday, February 24, 2022

7 to 9 pm at the Carbone Auditorium, ECJS Building, located at 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, or virtually via Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/chr.uc/

The Utica College Center for Historical Research will host “The Real Abolition and Underground Railroad History Behind the Novel The Third Mrs. Galway,” a free talk by author Deirdre Sinnott

The Third Mrs. Galway is set in Utica in 1835. Newlywed Helen Galway discovers a secret: two runaway slaves are hiding in the shack behind her husband’s house. Suddenly, she is at the center of not only the era’s greatest moral dilemma, but her own as well.

Bob Cudmore and Deirdre Sinnott Interview

The Third Mrs. Galway

Friday, February 25, 2022-Episode 411-Jim Coulthart is an aviation historian. He has a collection of WWII aircraft incidents, and accidents with ties to Central New York.  

Bobsledding on Amsterdam city streets

By Bob Cudmore

   Coasting carnivals for bobsled teams were popular winter sporting events in the late 1800s in Amsterdam and other area cities with steep hills.

   The bobsleds had front and rear steering, clanging bells and brake systems, according to “Annals of a Milltown” by Hugh Donlon, “Much depended on the steersmen and brakeman of the teams that ranged from 10 to 20 men, all colorfully uniformed. The Joker Club, for instance, wore red St. Nicholas caps, red coats, blue cuffs and collars, blue knee breeches, red stockings and low shoes.”

   The Amsterdam Daily Democrat gave an account of a coasting carnival on Valentine’s night 1887 on Northampton Road. 

   The weather was not ideal.  Amsterdam had thaw and slush, not the clear, bracing weather that was desired.  Nonetheless the evening was “fairly successful” according to the newspaper.

   A dozen coasting clubs arrived from Albany on the 6:16 p.m. train, which included a special car for their handsome bobsleds or bobs.  The Thirteenth Brigade Band of the National Guard played to greet them.  The “hungry bobbers” did “ample justice” to food provided at the Y.M.C.A. and the Hotel Warner. 

   There was a parade before the coasting began.  Red flares and Japanese lanterns lighted the course.

   Albany’s clubs included several named Yum.  Other names were Beverwyck, Monitor and a team named for Tammany Hall, the New York City Democratic Party political machine. 

   The Beverwycks were in dark blue and white, Yum Yums in orange, Monitors in gray, and Tammany Hall men wore plaid suits.

   Clubs from Fort Plain and other points west arrived on the 8:43 p.m. train. 

   During the pre-coasting parade crowds of people lined the sidewalks and covered the snowbanks.  The handsome bobs of the Albany clubs attracted much attention.

   At the foot of the hill a string of Japanese lanterns was suspended across the street.  There was a fireworks display.  The Thirteenth Brigade band escorted the bobsled procession to the top of the hill. 

   Coasting began at 9 p.m.  There were no actual races as it was too dark.

   The Democrat wrote, “The bob Beverwyck made the first trip down the slide.  As it was turning the corner at the foot of the hill it went over the bank.  The bobs Niagara, Bob Moore and Nonpareil, which were close behind, ran into the Beverwyck. The crews of the bobs were thrown into a confused mass. Several persons received injuries.”

   Teams of horses hauled the bobsleds up Northampton Road for the next event.  Yum ’88 tipped over.  Yum ’87 collided with Yum ‘86.  

   The wounded were taken to the home of Dr. Timmerman.  Amsterdam’s first hospital, Amsterdam City Hospital, would not open for another year.  One injured man spent the night at the Hotel Warner.

   Despite the accidents, the Amsterdam Coasting Association entertained at a party at the Y.M.C.A. after the event.  The out of town teams left on midnight trains.  Some Albanians stayed overnight and enjoyed a barouche ride the next day.  A barouche is a stylish horse drawn carriage.

   The 1888 Coasting Carnival moved the bobsled run from Northampton Road to Market Street. 

   Harley Plantz, 18, was the “youngest member of the Reindeer sled team,” according to Jerry Snyder of Historic Amsterdam League.

   Snyder wrote, “With the racing concluded and the winners announced, (Plantz’s) team decided to make one last run just to see if they could beat the night’s winning time.” 

   Their bobsled hit a lamp post.  Harley Plantz died from his injuries during the night and was buried at Green Hill Cemetery.

   With increasing automobile traffic, bobsled racing on city streets was finally banned in Amsterdam in the 1920s.

Mohawk Valley Weather, Monday, February 21, 2022

Mohawk Valley News, Monday, February 21, 2022

Daily Gazette

Tragic shooting death of Schenectady’s Eddie Stanley being made into film; Filming to begin this week
Many Schenectady residents remember the name Eddie Stanley. The 15-year-old Schenectady High School sophomore was a promising basketball player on…

https://dailygazette.com/

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Mother Teresa’s Closet has reopened its doors

https://www.leaderherald.com/

From the Archives-Historians Podcast Episode 408-WGY radio’s 100th anniversary-featuring the voices of Kolin Hager, Martha Brooks, Howard Tupper, Earl Pudney, Don Tuttle, Elle Pankin and Diane Ward. 

Sunday, February 20, 2022

WGY’s Mike Patrick describes podcasts he has recorded for wgy.com with many WGY veterans. The station airs special anniversary programs today from 1-5 pm and 7:30-8 pm the date of WGY’s first broadcast in 1922.

...this was on a public street

Tomorrow, it's a podcast Bob calls The Story Behind the Story an audio version of Saturday’s column on bobsled coasting events in hilly Amsterdam. "Seven Minutes"

Thanks to donors who have contributed $1,000 so far toward our $6,000 yearly goal on Go Fund Me.   https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast-2022

Or send a check in The Overland Stagecoach

Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.

Bobsledding on Amsterdam city streets

By Bob Cudmore

   Coasting carnivals for bobsled teams were popular winter sporting events in the late 1800s in Amsterdam and other area cities with steep hills.

   The bobsleds had front and rear steering, clanging bells and brake systems, according to “Annals of a Milltown” by Hugh Donlon, “Much depended on the steersmen and brakeman of the teams that ranged from 10 to 20 men, all colorfully uniformed. The Joker Club, for instance, wore red St. Nicholas caps, red coats, blue cuffs and collars, blue knee breeches, red stockings and low shoes.”

   The Amsterdam Daily Democrat gave an account of a coasting carnival on Valentine’s night 1887 on Northampton Road. 

   The weather was not ideal.  Amsterdam had thaw and slush, not the clear, bracing weather that was desired.  Nonetheless the evening was “fairly successful” according to the newspaper.

   A dozen coasting clubs arrived from Albany on the 6:16 p.m. train, which included a special car for their handsome bobsleds or bobs.  The Thirteenth Brigade Band of the National Guard played to greet them.  The “hungry bobbers” did “ample justice” to food provided at the Y.M.C.A. and the Hotel Warner. 

   There was a parade before the coasting began.  Red flares and Japanese lanterns lighted the course.

   Albany’s clubs included several named Yum.  Other names were Beverwyck, Monitor and a team named for Tammany Hall, the New York City Democratic Party political machine. 

   The Beverwycks were in dark blue and white, Yum Yums in orange, Monitors in gray, and Tammany Hall men wore plaid suits.

   Clubs from Fort Plain and other points west arrived on the 8:43 p.m. train. 

   During the pre-coasting parade crowds of people lined the sidewalks and covered the snowbanks.  The handsome bobs of the Albany clubs attracted much attention.

   At the foot of the hill a string of Japanese lanterns was suspended across the street.  There was a fireworks display.  The Thirteenth Brigade band escorted the bobsled procession to the top of the hill. 

   Coasting began at 9 p.m.  There were no actual races as it was too dark.

   The Democrat wrote, “The bob Beverwyck made the first trip down the slide.  As it was turning the corner at the foot of the hill it went over the bank.  The bobs Niagara, Bob Moore and Nonpareil, which were close behind, ran into the Beverwyck. The crews of the bobs were thrown into a confused mass. Several persons received injuries.”

   Teams of horses hauled the bobsleds up Northampton Road for the next event.  Yum ’88 tipped over.  Yum ’87 collided with Yum ‘86.  

   The wounded were taken to the home of Dr. Timmerman.  Amsterdam’s first hospital, Amsterdam City Hospital, would not open for another year.  One injured man spent the night at the Hotel Warner.

   Despite the accidents, the Amsterdam Coasting Association entertained at a party at the Y.M.C.A. after the event.  The out of town teams left on midnight trains.  Some Albanians stayed overnight and enjoyed a barouche ride the next day.  A barouche is a stylish horse drawn carriage.

   The 1888 Coasting Carnival moved the bobsled run from Northampton Road to Market Street. 

   Harley Plantz, 18, was the “youngest member of the Reindeer sled team,” according to Jerry Snyder of Historic Amsterdam League.

   Snyder wrote, “With the racing concluded and the winners announced, (Plantz’s) team decided to make one last run just to see if they could beat the night’s winning time.” 

   Their bobsled hit a lamp post.  Harley Plantz died from his injuries during the night and was buried at Green Hill Cemetery.

   With increasing automobile traffic, bobsled racing on city streets was finally banned in Amsterdam in the 1920s.

Historians Radio Schedule

Today at 4:30PM WBDY Binghamton N.Y.

99.5FM

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has released the 2021 Erie Canalway Annual Report.

You may have spent somtime there, great place to be.

Picture worth a thousand...

https://eriecanalway.org/application/files/2416/4495

/1996/ECNHC_AR_2021_Final_spreads.pdf

Amsterdam and Mohawk Valley Weather, Sunday, February 20, 2022 

Mohawk Valley Sunday News Headlines, February 20, 2022

Daily Gazette

DRI renovation brewing at future Happy Mug site
When Tanyalynnette Grimes bought 13 North Main Street in January of 2020, she said the building was in such disarray…

https://dailygazette.com/

Scout honors late teacher with project to help fifth graders entering Lynch

AMSTERDAM — When Parker McHeard began mulling ideas for his Eagle Scout service project, he knew...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Outdoor spaces central to revitalizing downtown Gloversville
In revitalizing a downtown, the outdoor elements are just as important as shops and restaurants, says Gloversville Mayor Vince DeSantis….

https://www.leaderherald.com/

...Yum ’88 tipped over.  Yum ’87 collided with Yum ‘86.

Bobsledding on Amsterdam city streets

By Bob Cudmore, Focus on History, Daily Gazette and Amsterdam Recorder

   Coasting carnivals for bobsled teams were popular winter sporting events in the late 1800s in Amsterdam and other area cities with steep hills.

Vrooman Ave, looking south, slip and slide in winter

   The bobsleds had front and rear steering, clanging bells and brake systems, according to “Annals of a Milltown” by Hugh Donlon, “Much depended on the steersmen and brakeman of the teams that ranged from 10 to 20 men, all colorfully uniformed. The Joker Club, for instance, wore red St. Nicholas caps, red coats, blue cuffs and collars, blue knee breeches, red stockings and low shoes.”

   The Amsterdam Daily Democrat gave an account of a coasting carnival on Valentine’s night 1887 on Northampton Road. 

   The weather was not ideal.  Amsterdam had thaw and slush, not the clear, bracing weather that was desired.  Nonetheless the evening was “fairly successful” according to the newspaper.

   A dozen coasting clubs arrived from Albany on the 6:16 p.m. train, which included a special car for their handsome bobsleds or bobs.  The Thirteenth Brigade Band of the National Guard played to greet them.  The “hungry bobbers” did “ample justice” to food provided at the Y.M.C.A. and the Hotel Warner. 

   There was a parade before the coasting began.  Red flares and Japanese lanterns lighted the course.

   Albany’s clubs included several named Yum.  Other names were Beverwyck, Monitor and a team named for Tammany Hall, the New York City Democratic Party political machine. 

   The Beverwycks were in dark blue and white, Yum Yums in orange, Monitors in gray, and Tammany Hall men wore plaid suits.

Monday, February 21, 2022- Story Behind the Story podcast is an audio version of Saturday’s column on bobsled coasting events in hilly Amsterdam.

   Clubs from Fort Plain and other points west arrived on the 8:43 p.m. train. 

   During the pre-coasting parade crowds of people lined the sidewalks and covered the snowbanks.  The handsome bobs of the Albany clubs attracted much attention.

   At the foot of the hill a string of Japanese lanterns was suspended across the street.  There was a fireworks display.  The Thirteenth Brigade band escorted the bobsled procession to the top of the hill. 

   Coasting began at 9 p.m.  There were no actual races as it was too dark.

   The Democrat wrote, “The bob Beverwyck made the first trip down the slide.  As it was turning the corner at the foot of the hill it went over the bank.  The bobs Niagara, Bob Moore and Nonpareil, which were close behind, ran into the Beverwyck. The crews of the bobs were thrown into a confused mass. Several persons received injuries.”

   Teams of horses hauled the bobsleds up Northampton Road for the next event.  Yum ’88 tipped over.  Yum ’87 collided with Yum ‘86.

The Historians Podcast fund drive needs your help!  Thanks to donors who have contributed $1,000 so far toward our $6,000 yearly goal.  For more information or to donate online click here, https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-historians-podcast-2022  Or send a check made out to Bob Cudmore to 125 Horstman Drive, Scotia, NY 12302. 

   The wounded were taken to the home of Dr. Timmerman.  Amsterdam’s first hospital, Amsterdam City Hospital, would not open for another year.  One injured man spent the night at the Hotel Warner.

   Despite the accidents, the Amsterdam Coasting Association entertained at a party at the Y.M.C.A. after the event.  The out of town teams left on midnight trains.  Some Albanians stayed overnight and enjoyed a barouche ride the next day.  A barouche is a stylish horse drawn carriage.

   The 1888 Coasting Carnival moved the bobsled run from Northampton Road to Market Street. 

   Harley Plantz, 18, was the “youngest member of the Reindeer sled team,” according to Jerry Snyder of Historic Amsterdam League.

   Snyder wrote, “With the racing concluded and the winners announced, (Plantz’s) team decided to make one last run just to see if they could beat the night’s winning time.” 

   Their bobsled hit a lamp post.  Harley Plantz died from his injuries during the night and was buried at Green Hill Cemetery.

   With increasing automobile traffic, bobsled racing on city streets was finally banned in Amsterdam in the 1920s.

The Saturday Historians Podcast includes the information with the expanation of todays print story and Episode #410 Peter Betz with Stories from The Mohawk Valley "38 Minutes"..does this make sense.

Betz also discusses a program on Fulton County immigrants taking place at the museum in Gloversville. 

The Historians on the radio today at 12:07PM

WCSS Amsterdam 106.9FM and 1490AM

Tomorrow, Sunday, February 20, 2022--From the Archives-Historians Podcast Episode 408-WGY radio’s 100th anniversary-featuring the voices of Kolin Hager, Martha Brooks, Howard Tupper, Earl Pudney, Don Tuttle, Elle Pankin and Diane Ward.  WGY’s Mike Patrick describes podcasts he has recorded for wgy.com with many WGY veterans.  The station airs special anniversary programs from 1-5 pm and 7:30-8 pm, the date of WGY’s first broadcast in 1922.

 Mohawk Valley Weekend Weather, Saturday, February 19, 2022

Mohawk Valley News Headlines, Saturday, February 19, 2022

Daily Gazette

High schools: Amsterdam girls’ basketball shoots way to Class A first-round win
Sydney Hoefs drove, the Mohonasen defense collapsed toward her, and the Amsterdam senior point guard dished it out to her…

https://dailygazette.com/

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

https://www.leaderherald.com/

...When Veal died, the Recorder wrote, “Few people- in Amsterdam were better known than he, and for years he had been considered the leader of his race in this section, being prominent in the affairs of St. Paul's A. M. E. Zion church, a liberal contributor to its welfare and people, and a leader in all colored social events.”

Thursday, February 17, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette

The life and times of “Dixie” Veal

By Bob Cudmore

An African-American slave who joined up with New York State troops marching through Georgia in the Civil War was eulogized when he died for having become one of the best-known citizens of Amsterdam.

When General William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union army was in Georgia, young Anthony “Dixie” Veal fled the plantation where his family lived at Spring Mountain near Atlanta and joined the 134th New York Volunteers.  Veal’s last name was that of the owners of the plantation where he was born.  Veal became a servant for Captain Perry McMaster of Middleburgh.

When the war ended, Veal went to Middleburgh with McMaster.  Veal started working in Central Bridge and for nine years was a porter, handling baggage at a Central Bridge hotel.  He then moved to the Hotel St. Augustan in Cobleskill owned by Morgan D. Lewis and worked as a porter at that hotel for nine years.

When the Warner Hotel was built at East Main and Walnut Streets in Amsterdam in 1881, Lewis became the proprietor and Veal began a 20-year career as porter there.  In later years the hotel became the smaller Amsterdam Hotel and also included Lurie’s Department Store.

In 1882 Veal married Lavina Hunter of Central Bridge.  They had one daughter and lived near the Warner Hotel at 15 Walnut Street.

A formidable man, Veal once was reported to have convinced the owners of the city’s Opera House housed in the Warner not to go on stage with an insulting black face impersonation of Veal as a porter.

When Veal died, the Recorder wrote, “Few people- in Amsterdam were better known than he, and for years he had been considered the leader of his race in this section, being prominent in the affairs of St. Paul's A. M. E. Zion church, a liberal contributor to its welfare and people, and a leader in all colored social events.”

His mental and physical health began to decline in the spring of 1903.  November 3 of that year he was forced to give up his job because of his apparent mental illness.  On January 23, 1904 he was sent away to the state mental hospital in Utica, where he died that April 6.  He was buried in Central Bridge.

MONEY MYSTERY

The Recorder reported that Veal was presumed to have laid away a great deal of money during his many years at the Warner.  He sometimes earned as much as $10 per day and lived modestly.  When Veal died, his wife did not know what had become of her husband’s savings or money realized from the sale of farm land Veal owned then sold in Central Bridge.

The Recorder wrote, “Now It seems as if "Dixie's" mystery of a secret hiding place has died with him.”

LETTER FROM GEORGIA

Veal had showed the newspaper a letter received in 1903 from the current proprietor of the former plantation where he was born.  The letter had an update on Veal’s brothers and sisters and said descendants of the original plantation owner were involved in several pursuits including a granite quarry.  Veal reportedly wanted to go back to Georgia for a visit and “grasp the hands of the family members whose name he bore” and inform them of the prosperous life he was living in Amsterdam.

The Recorder wrote, “Throughout the state no hotel attaché was better known, and even now inquiries are daily made at the Warner and the (New York) Central passenger station as to the welfare of the veteran porter who so long and so carefully looked after the baggage of the Warner's patrons until he seemingly became as much a fixture as any department of the hotel.”

Tomorrow, Good Deeds and how to forcast the Weather

Friday, February 18, 2022

Episode 410-Historian Peter Betz explains how he was able to help a Perth NY family acquire a gravestone at no cost for a deceased family member, Howard Forgette, who was a US Army veteran.  Betz also discusses a program on Fulton County immigrants taking place at the museum in Gloversville.  And he has the story of a bear who did groundhog weather forecasting work in Sacandaga Park.

Into the Weekend

If you were injured, they sent you to the doctors house and no need for your medical ID card

Saturday, February 19, 2022-Focus on History in the Daily Gazette and Amsterdam Recorder-Bobsled coasting events in hilly Amsterdam.

The Saratoga County History Center will host “In Memoriam: Casualties of the Battles of Saratoga,” a virtual presentation using genealogy to examine the American casualties during the Battles of Saratoga tomorrow, Friday, February 18, 2022

This program will be led by Eric Schnitzer, Interpretive Ranger and Military Historian, with the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater. 

Friday, 1 pm via Zoom. Information (518) 885-9309.

Rain and Wind in The Mohawk Valley, we have it all for the next 24 Hours  

 Mohawk Valley Weather, Thursday, February 17, 2022

Mohawk Valley News, Thursday, February 17, 2022

Daily Gazette

Dale Smith named baseball coach at Fort Plain, replacing legendary coach Craig Phillips
FORT PLAIN — For the first time since 1975, there’s a new varsity baseball coach at Fort Plain. During Wednesday’s…

https://dailygazette.com/

Village of St. Johnsville discovers it has more than twice the number of dogs previously known

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Since taking over dog control duties from the town in June, the village of...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Always a games guy: Shop owner provides more than business experience

by LH Staff

https://www.leaderherald.com/

Jim Kaplan

History updates from New York City

Wednesday, February 16, 2022-From the Archives-Episode 376-Jim Kaplan considers the impact of black separatist leader Marcus Garvey on African independence.

March 4-Episode 412-New York City correspondent Jim Kaplan discusses the life of Revolutionary war officer and New York City mayor Marinus Willett.

Tomorrow a story about Dixie Veal  a prominent Amsterdam porter

Thursday, February 17, 2022-From the Archives of the Daily Gazette

Friday, February 18, 2022-Episode 410-Historian Peter Betz explains how he was able to help a Perth NY family acquire a gravestone at no cost for a deceased family member, Howard Forgette, who was a US Army veteran.  Betz also discusses a program on Fulton County immigrants taking place at the museum in Gloversville.  And he has the story of a bear who did groundhog weather forecasting work in Sacandaga Park.

The Schohaire County Historical Society will continue their “Rediscovering the Forgotten History of Blacks in Schoharie County” educational series tomorrow, Thursday, February 17, 2022 with a presentation led by Schoharie County Historical Society Genealogist Catherine Adams. This program will begin at 6:30 pm at the Community Library, 110 Union Street, Cobleskill, NY.

https://theoldstonefort.org/

 Mohawk Valley Weather, Wednesday, February 16, 2022

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and/or snowmelt and/or ice jams is
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of New York and southern Vermont, including the
following areas, in New York, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady,
Hamilton, Montgomery, Fulton, Herkimer, Saratoga, Warren,
Washington, Schoharie and Warren. In southern Vermont, Bennington
and Windham.

* WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- The combination of snowmelt, frozen ground and rainfall will
lead to runoff into rivers and streams Thursday into Friday.
This runoff may allow for river ice to break up in some
areas, which could cause ice jams and lead to localized
flooding Thursday afternoon into Friday. In addition, a few
rivers may reach minor flood stage by Friday. Flooding of
poor drainage areas is also possible, especially where snow
or ice clogs storm drains.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared
to take action should flooding develop.

Mohawk Valley News, Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Daily Gazette

https://dailygazette.com/

Fort Plain looks to demolish two structures

The village of Fort Plain is entering into a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Mohawk...

https://www.recordernews.com/

Leader Herald

Make Us Part of Your Day

https://www.leaderherald.com/