December 25, 1869 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
Written for the Journal
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
BY C. GRACE QUICK
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas to all!
To the aged and the young the great and small
Unto our neighbors and the JOURNAL say,
Merry Christmas friends, we wish you today.
Holly and evergreens hang on the wall,
Twine garland of cedar through room and hall,
While standing so stately’s our Christmas tree,
Its branches borne down with fruit as you see.
All hanging so tempting, so sweet and fair,
There’s plenty for all to have a good share;
And friends don't forget mid your joy and mirth,
To thank God for sending Christmas on earth.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas to all!
In the parlor just list to the children call;
Their voices ring out with an innocent glee,
As they merrily dance round the Christmas tree.
What a scene as the elders look lovingly on:
While Florie and Susie, Charlie and Tom;
Are playing such pranks in their childish joys,
As they revel among the candies and toys.
To Florie and Susie came a doll all of wax,
While Charlie and Tom showed a horse on the track.
And Willie sat shaking he little fat fist,
With his blue eyes shining asking his mamma to list
To the merry notes of his silver rattle,
While his baby tongue tried hard to prattle;
And none felt happier or more gay
Than these dear children on Christmas day.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas to-day!
To the rich, the poor, the pious, and gay,
And as we sit to the bounties spread
Let us thank the Lord, our living Head,
And unto our father we'll meekly pray,
For His blessing on each, this Christmas day.
Our Father in heaven, unto Thee we call,
To e’er let thy blessing rest on all;
While we are listening to the Christmas chimes,
We thank thee for sending these holiday times.
While heaven's bright arches with music ring,
We too will worship our Savior and King.
Oh! who is so kind or loving as He
Who said, "let little ones come to me."
We ask through Him Thy blessings to fall –
Give for his sake Merry Christmas to all.
December 24, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
A TIME FOR HOPE … AND A TIME FOR HIP
[Image: Santa Claus, clipped from The Journal News, White Plains, New York, December 24, 1969, p. 14]
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the pad
Not a hippie was swinging, not even old Dad;
The chimney was draped in that stocking routine,
In hopes that "The Fat Man" would soon make the scene.
The wee cats were laid out all cool in their beds,
While sound of Led Zeppelin wailed through their heads.
And my chick in her Castro and me on the floor,
Had just conked out cold for a 40-wink snore.
When out of left field there came on such a ribble,
I broke from my pad to see what was this dribble!
To the glass pane I cut like a B-Western movie,
Turned in on the action and, man, was it groovy!
The moon and the snow were faking together
Which made the scene rock in plastic like wither,
When, what to these peepers should come on real queer,
But a real crazy sleigh and eight swinging reindeer,
With a souped-up old driver on some frontier kick,
I was hip in a flash that it must be St. Nick,
Much faster than speed, boy this group was no drag,
And he rocked and he rolled, and he pegged them by tag:
"Like, Dasher Like, Dancer! Like, Prancer and Vixen!
Go, Comet! Go, Cupid, Go Donder and Blitzen!
Fly over the shack! Make it over the pad!
Now cut out, man! Cut out, man cut out like mad!"
And then in a flash, I dug on the roof,
The jump and the beat of each swinging hoof.
As I pulled in my noggin and turned around fast,
Down the chimney came Nick like a hot trumpet blast.
He was wrapped up to mil, man a real far-out dresser.
And his threads were like way out. He was a gasser!
A sack full of goodies hung down to his tail,
And he looked like a postman with Beatles' fan mail.
The tip of a butt he had in his choppers,
And he took a few drags like smart-aleck teenyboppers.
He had a weird face and a solid middle,
That bounced when he cracked like a gut-bucket fiddle!
He was shaking with meat, meaning he was no square,
And I flipped out-of-sight, ‘cause he was "longhair"!
And the gleam in his eye and the beat in his touch
Soon gave me the message this cat was too much.
He blew not a sound, but slipped right to his gig
And stashed all the stockings, then came on real big.
And flashing a grin like that old "Schnozz-le" bit,
And playing it hip, up the chimney he split.
He flew to his skids, to his group blew a lick,
And they cut out real cool on a wild frenzied kick.
But Heard him sound off with a razz-a-ma-tazz .......
"A Cool Christmas to All, And, Like All of That Jazz!"
December 21, 1889 – 130 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
SPRING VALLEY Persons who stood in the vicinity of the railroad station at Spring Valley on Monday morning were greatly frightened by what narrowly escaped being a dreadful casualty. Just about the time the express train on the New Jersey and New York Railroad was approaching the station, Abram Henry Vreeland, a man well known in the Valley, started to drive over the track. The train was not far away, and when crossing the rails Mr. Vreeland’s horse fell down. The man was terribly scared, as he believed the iron horse was upon him, and bystanders believed so too. To the relief of everyone, however, the engine was stopped in time to save the man’s life, but he will not soon forget his narrow escape.
December 20, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
TUGBOAT SUNK OFF TOMKINS COVE; STRUCK ICE FLOE The tugboat Osceola, one of the largest towing craft on the Hudson, sunk about fifty feet offshore at Tomkins Cove, on Thursday, when she ran into a heavy ice floe.
The crew of thirteen took to the boats before the tug went down, after meeting an ineffectual attempt to beach the steamer.
The Osceola is the property of the Cornell Towing Company of Kingston and is well known as an ice breaker.
The upper part of the hull is still out of the water, and officials of the company say that the boat can be raised with little difficulty.
MAKE READY FOR ICE HARVEST ON THE HUDSON For the first time in two years, activities marking the beginning of the ice harvesting were begun Friday on the upper Hudson. Ice, five and six inches thick, is reported along shore from Hudson north, while in the channel, where the swifter current is, the field is reputed three and four inches thick.
Gangs of men were, Saturday, employed in staking out fields and in-shore the ice was being plowed. Not a pound of ice was harvested last winter.
[Image: Men sending ice blocks to the icehouses at Rockland Lake. From the collection of Robert Maher Jr.]
December 20, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
The Milkman Goeth–With $ Squeeze The clink of dawn—the sound of bottle-rattling milkmen on their morning rounds—is fast going sour in Rockland County.
Area milkmen have diminished rapidly in number during recent years. Remaining route operators say a profit squeeze is pushing the milkman toward total extinction.
Local distributors say rising labor costs and competition from large stores which use milk prices as a "leader" to draw customers are forcing delivery sales out of the market.
"In 1943 you had so many dairies in this county you couldn't count them," one distributor said. "Today you can count them on one hand."
Patrick Bergin, owner of Bergin Distributors, said he has been lobbying recently for government regulation of milk prices.
'They say it (regulation) can't be done state-wide, but if it can't be done state-wide, we can do it on a county level," he said.
Reactions of wholesalers and other distributors to the proposal ranges from mild approval to "it stinks."
Critics appear to react more to the idea of government intervention than to possible changes in sales or profits.
However, the president of one large dairy with wholesale outlets in the county said he has no objection, provided prices set were like those on utilities "reasonable, based on your investments."
Bergin said a delivery-men wage increase and subsequent hike in milk prices last month pushed home delivery prices farther out of competition with wholesalers' rates than they've ever been.
He said a large wholesaler can pare milk prices to $1.07 a gallon, 57 cents a half-gallon and 29 cents a quart.
To permit a profit, he said, home-delivery prices must be $1.18 per gallon, 62 cents a half-gallon and 32 cents a quart.
Richard Kolka of the Strawtown Dairy Farm said a "fair" price for home-delivered milk would be 35 cents a quart.
"The only way we stay in business now is by working 14 hours a day," he said.
Government fixed prices would reduce the gap between wholesalers' and deliverymen’s rates by raising minimum store prices to within a few cents of delivery prices.
Bergin claimed such regulation would "in the long run . . . prove a great savings to the homeowner who uses a lot of milk."
John Murray, branch manager for the Dairylea Milk Company in Nanuet, said the average milk buyer could save about $16 a year by paying for home delivery.
That estimation of savings, he said, is based on the cost of an average housewife's automobile trips to a local store for milk.
Murray said Dairylea wants to keep home delivery service alive to protect deliverymen’s jobs.
In an attempt to keep milkmen on their routes, most distributors are adding a variety of products to their wares.
Area route operators are no longer simply "milkmen." They are also eggmen, soapmen, tableclothmen and fruit-cakemen.
Diversification, however, has not been able to save the milk industry in other areas.
December 16, 1869 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Messenger
FOR THE HOLIDAYS It will be seen that several of our Advertisers are informing their friends that they have laid in a general assortment of Presents for this Holiday. We paid a visit to the store of Mr. Otto Speck, on Tuesday evening last, and he has certainly the greatest variety of Toys we saw in Haverstraw. His Advertisements in another column don’t begin to enumerate all that he has got in his store. He wishes his patrons to call in and see for themselves. Mr. John Gankel, has also a large assortment on hand, and invites his friends to give him a call. Mr. S. G. Newman has something more substantial than Toys for his patrons. He has, what should be in every household, Sewing Machines by several makers. He solicits his friends to pay him a visit and select one of these indispensable articles.
December 15, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
DRIVER GOES ON AFTER HITTING BOY ON STREET CORNER — Efforts Being Made Monday to Locate Owner of Dodge Touring Car Who Injured Charles Rodriquez, 11 Years Old, Saturday Afternoon An effort is being made today to locate the owner of a Dodge touring automobile who last Saturday afternoon ran down and injured 11-year-old Charles Rodriquez. After knocking the boy down the driver of the car slowed up, looked back and then disappeared into High Avenue at a fast rate of speed.
Young Rodriquez was crossing Main Street at Broadway when the automobile, proceeded north, crashed into him. The boy was sent spinning for a distance of 10 feet and his cries attracted a number of people. Benjamin Hans picked the lad up and carried him into the office of the Rockland Light and Power Company and later he was taken to the office of a physician.
In the heavy fog that had settled over the village it was difficult to recognize the driver of the Dodge who quickly disappeared, but one man managed to make out the license number in the car and it is expected that he will soon be arraigned in court and punished.
“It is bad enough,” said the man, “to run into a person and cause injury but when after the damage is done one deliberately runs away and leaves one’s victim lying in the street it is time that the authorities take steps to inflict punishment.”
December 9, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
STUDENTS SIT AT TOWN’S CONTROLS Orangetown's supervisor admitted last night that he won his election by “wheeling and dealing,” by stealing votes from other parties in exchange for a variety of promises and by many “less than ethical” means.
The supervisor in question, however, is not John B. Lovett, but rather Kimball Parker, who occupied that seat for eight hours yesterday.
Parker, a 17-year-old senior at Tappan Zee High School, participated in the first annual “town government day,” when 48 students in the two classes of practical politics took over the various functions of administrating a township for an entire day.
The instructor for the senior classes is William Lufenberg, who called the program a success. When asked if the students had to miss an entire day of school to participate, he quickly replied “of school, yes, but of education, no.”
To get the students in the proper spirit, Lufenberg warmed them up through an election campaign conducted in school.
Nominations were made for students to run for the same positions that voters get to fill for real in November. After the nominations were in, the students campaigned in two parties, the supervisor candidates heading each ticket.
Then, according to Lufenberg and Parker, the “wheeling and dealing” began, with each side making preposterous claims and charges to gather enough of the total of 48 votes to win the election.
An early straw poll showed that a petition candidate for supervisor, and the only girl running, was way out in the lead. Parker said he didn't think she had a chance and so he didn't campaign against her.
After he saw the poll results, however, he began talking to her supporters, promising them appointments if they would vote for him. He did the same with supporters of his rival candidate and he credited this with his victory on election day. Parker failed to carry his whole slate into office, however, getting two of the four councilmen posts. Once the elections were over, the victorious party began doling out the jobs.
The coordinator of the program yesterday for the town was Barry Conroy, Lovett's administrative assistant. Parker stayed with Conroy throughout the day, listening in on his telephone conversations and observing him handle complaints and issue orders.
November 27, 1869 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
THANKSGIVING The day was appropriately celebrated in this vicinity by the closing of stores and the suspension of business generally. An excellent sermon was preached by Rev. U. Marvin in the Reformed Church, and short addresses were delivered by Rev. Mr. Opdyke and C. Rutherford in the M. E. Church during the morning, while in the evening the latter church was crowded almost to bursting by an audience which assembled to witness the anniversary exercises of the Sabbath school.
The usual number of turkies [sic], pumpkin pies, &c. were consumed, and we presume due thankfulness was evinced by all who sat around the domestic board. We regretted to see that one young man whose name we shall not mention, so far forgot himself as to imagine that the only way to be thankful was by becoming intoxicated. We would deeply regret to be related to that young man unless he takes a new departure.
THE SWINDLER’S GAME Our old friend, William Devoe, of Tappantown, who, by the way, has been established in that historical village for over thirty years, and whose two stores are furnished with nearly every article needed by his customers, has been written to by a swindling firm. Noyes & Co., of 65 Wall Street, NY, in reference to his acceptance of an agency for the sale of "perfect facsimiles of the genuine United States Treasury notes, generally called Greenbacks." In other words, this firm desires to sell him these spurious bills, in packages representing $200, for $15, and so on in proportion for larger amounts, so that he can circulate and pass them upon unsuspecting parties as the genuine article. To a dishonest man the temptation might be strong; but Noyes & Co., or Gumbridge & Co., as the firm sometimes signs itself, has picked up the wrong customer in the person of our friend who, in the last part at his note to us says:
“They must have mistaken the man when they sent this communication to me, for I have read the good book too often to seek any other way than that it points out by which to get an honest living. Denounce the rascals with all your might.”
As others of our readers may be favored, by similar notes from time to time, we earnestly beg of them to either burn them at once, or else send them to us for publication, and we will do all in our power to protect our people from the schemes of swindlers, thieves or blackguards in the guise of respectable business men.
November 28, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
NYACK CHOSEN AS SETTING FOR ALICE JOYCE FILM Today Alice Joyce will be featured at the Broadway Theater in “The Winchester Woman,” a picture made in the surrounds of Nyack. Many of the scenes were made at Richard Post’s hotel and the Sparkill station. Miss Joyce plays the role of Agatha Winchester, a woman who has just been tried and acquitted of a murder charge in Nashville, Tenn. She changes her name to Anne Wharton and goes to the distant town of Northville, Long Island to start life anew.
Here she is traced by Alan Woodward, a rascally reporter who knows her past. He threatens and hounds her. The woman, in the end, defeats the evil intentions of the scoundrel, shields an innocent girl from him and when for herself a bright romance of true love. [Image: Still from the American film The Winchester Woman (1919) with Alice Joyce, courtesy of Motion Picture Magazine, February 1920, 77. To learn more about The Winchester Woman, visit IMDB at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010898/]
November 28, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
CLARKSTOWN – THE AIRPORT WILL STAY Rockland County will not lose its only operating airport.
In a surprise announcement Wednesday morning, Clarkstown Supervisor Paul F. Mundt said the town board has unanimously agreed that the Ramapo Valley Airport is essential to the economic well-being of the county.
Therefore, he continued, the board will not adopt the contemplated resolution that would have phased out the airport over a 10-year period.
But as preface to the statement, Mundt said the phase-out was only one of two "airport" zoning amendments being considered by the board.
The second would affirm that an airport is not allowed by right in an industrial-office zone (IO) and, therefore, the airport, which is zoned IO, would be a "non-conforming use" and as such could continue to exist only by passage of a variance.
According to Mundt, the board decided to take the latter action.
This means that the planned expansion of the facility including constructional improvements cannot take place without approval by the town's zoning board of appeals.
Also, the amendment stipulates that the facility must move its helicopter pad from the northern to the southern side of the field by Jan. 10.
After hearing of the decision William Beard, owner of the airport, said he was obviously pleased by the positive aspect of the decision. He noted, however, that if the growth of the field is restricted, he would fight the ruling.
Beard contends that although the airstrip belongs to him, it is, in effect, the property of county residents.
"You can't have a 1970 Rockland County with a 1945 airport," he remarked, alluding to the pending expansion ban.
Beard said he had long maintained that the airport should be taken over by the county, particularly considering the anticipated continued growth-trend of general aviation
He added that the airport must keep pace with county growth.
November 23, 1889 - 130 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
A THIEF DETECTED
We were told on Tuesday night a good story of the detection of a chicken thief near Rockland Lake. A man living in that vicinity kept about fifty chickens for use in his own family, and several times lately he has missed some of his fowls, so that the number was reduced to thirty-five, about fifteen having been abstracted from his premises. The man, being considerably aggravated by the occurrence, concluded to watch for the guilty party.
On Saturday night last the owner of the chickens decided to stay up late, all night if necessary, to guard his poultry, as the next day would be Sunday and he could sleep late enough to make up for it. So, wrapping himself up well to guard against cold, he stationed himself on guard in the chicken house. By midnight he grew so cold that his teeth chattered, and he had just concluded to go into the house and retire, when he heard approaching footsteps. In a few seconds the door of the chicken house opened—it is a good-sized building—and a man attempted to step inside when the proprietor of the premises grabbed him by the collar. A struggle ensued resulting in both parties going out of doors. Then the owner of the chickens was surprised to find the visitor was one of his most intimate acquaintances. The situation was a very peculiar and unpleasant one, and resulted in the visitor departing unmolested, but with tears in his eyes, promising to never repeat the act. The utmost secrecy prevails as to the names of the persons concerned.
November 20, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
KORSCH ARRESTED FOR INTOXICATION – Piermont Man First to Be Arraigned in Local Court for Being Drunk since Prohibition Became Effective Chief of Police Furey could hardly believe his eyes as he saw a man walking in a zigzag course on Main Street Wednesday night
There hasn’t been an arrest made in the village for intoxication since the advent of near beer and the chief didn’t give a thought to the beverage that sheers. “Must be sick,” he muttered as he started for the stranger.
When he overtook the man, the chief gave him the once over. “Hello, offisher,” said the fellow, with a laugh. “Prishy col’ night, ain’t it?”
“Sure,” replied the bluecoat. “But you’re going where it’s warm.” And with that, the man was escorted to the village lock-up.
Thursday morning the man was arraigned before Justice Bugbee. He gave his name as John Korsch and said he worked at the Piermont paper mill. Asked where he accumulated his jag the night before, Korsch stated he had taken a day off and visited Tarrytown, where he had no difficulty purchasing liquid refreshments.
Korsch declared that he had never been drunk and pleaded to be allowed to go home. Judge Bugbee suspended sentence and told him to start for Piermont at once.
Korsch boarded the first bus for home.
November 17-23, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
THREE YOUTHS STUDY NURSING – BOCES PROGRAM "At first my friends thought it was funny and my teachers were surprised. Then everyone thought it was a good idea."
The smiling explanation came from Dennis Beckel, a senior at North Rockland High School who is one of three males enrolled in the BOCES practical nursing program.
He and fellow nursing students Michael McArdle and William Brady, senior and junior students, respectively, at Clarkstown High School, look more like young interns in the white uniforms they wear for the occupational education course.
All three have thoughtful, mature attitudes about their career choices and the rewards of the calling.
"For one thing, there is such a great demand for nurses," said Dennis, who also finds time to be sports correspondent for The Journal-News and the Record.
"You have to be motivated towards a career to succeed. This course has been very fulfilling after all, you get out of it what you are willing to contribute and more. You have to really apply yourself here," Beckel added.
Beckel's brother enrolled in the BOCES occupational education program and this helped him decide to continue in his field for as long as possible. Although undecided on a college, he is keeping up on many medical career possibilities and may enter the U.S. Navy after graduation.
Brady gained his motivation for the nursing course from his sister, who attends the Rockland State Hospital School of Nursing. He saw the many male nurses in the RSH program as a further incentive.
Brady works at the Rockland County Infirmary, a job he got through McArdle. Although he found several "counseling delays" in gaining a recommendation for the career choice, Brady's final enrollment seems to be paying off to his personal satisfaction.
McArdle also worked first at the Rockland County Infirmary before entering the BOCES nursing course.
"I like helping people," he declares. "Working in hospitals lets you understand people better and you grow up a lot faster, too."
McArdle even met his fiancé through the BOCES course. She is also a practical nursing student.
McArdle will be able to continue working at the infirmary after he graduates, receiving study funds to go on for his RN degree.
November 16, 1889 - 130 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
AN OLD RELIC ABUSED
In 1834 the little hand engine of Number One Company was brought to Nyack, and for many years it did good work in the way of extinguishing fires. As time sped by, however, and improvements came with the advance of years, larger and more efficient machines superseded the little engine. This, of course, was right, but the treatment of the old engine has since been somewhat unkind. Instead of being carefully housed in some place as a relic, she has had a varied and sad experience, and now, like an old horse turned out to die, the little engine lies in the bushes in the rear of DePew Place, friendless and homeless. Ruthless storms beat upon her, cruel and cutting winds blow over her, and if she is not removed to shelter a mantle of snow will in a few weeks hide her from view.
Won't someone have pity on the little abandoned machine and put her away in a place of shelter? Do this, friends, out of respect for the good work she has done in years past.
A NEW RAILROAD
A company has just been incorporated to build a new railroad in the upper part of Rockland County, to run to the top of the Dunderberg Mountain, at the mouth of the Hudson Highlands. The certificate of the "Dunderberg Special Railway Company" Secretary of State. A dispatch from Albany says: The company intends constructing a circuitous railroad fifteen miles long from a point one mile south-west of Jones's Point, near the Hudson River, in Rockland County, in a northwesterly direction to the summit of Dunderberg Mountain. The descent will be by a more direct route. The cars will be run by cable. The road will be of 3 ½ feet gauge and not less than 39 inches within the rails. The principal stockholders and first-year Directors of the company, which has a capital of $750,000, are James Morgan, John S. Morgan, and Jackson A. Nichol of South Brooklyn, David A. Proudfit and Henry B. Tremain of New York City, George Bradford Kelly of Boston, and Henry J. Mumford of Mauch Chunk, Penn.
AROUND HOME [NYACK]
The great snowstorm in the Southwest last week turned into a prolonged rain here in the East, with dark, unpleasant days, damaging to many kinds of business and depressing in effect all around.
A union service will be held in the Baptist Church of Nyack on Thanksgiving Day, at 10:45 o’clock. Rev. J. C. VanDeventer, pastor of the Reformed Church, will preach the sermon. A collection for charitable purposes will be taken.
We understand the Morrow Shoe Manufacturing Company, of this place, expect to supply the local trade more in the future than in the past, and the shoes which they sent to the Old Fellows' fair this week are the best recommendation they could possibly have for their work.
November 11, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
ELECTRIC SPANKER FOR UNRULY CHILDREN
Children beware! Science has contributed the electric spanker for unruly children, doing away with the cat o’nine tails. Operated by ordinary electric current, such as is found in most homes today, the machine works silently and effectively.
November 10-16, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
COUNTY SOLDIER’S VIET ACCOUNT DRAWS ATTENTION OF PRESIDENT
The story written from a hospital bed in Vietnam by Cpl. Joseph M. Carroll, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Carroll of 27 Briarwood Drive, New City, which was published in the last October 13 issue of The Journal-News, under the headline, "What of the Men in the Rice Paddies?" has drawn national attention, including comment by President Nixon.
Cpl. Carroll reviewed what is happening on the home front, the expedients and a possible end. He concluded, "The man in the rice paddies wonder why his country has forsaken him."
The corporal's father has received letters from strangers, friends and relatives as well as from high government officials. President Nixon wrote personally: "I appreciate your son's very thoughtful remarks and I want you to know I share your deep pride in him and his fellow servicemen. While we may seem to be engaged in debate today, it is particularly heartening that we are not discussing our basic goal, but rather the best means of achieving the honorable and lasting peace we desire.
"All of us can be profoundly grateful for the sacrifices Joseph Carroll and other members of our Armed Forces are making to bring peace closer," concluded the president.
Representative Martin McKneally read part of Cpl. Carroll's Journal-News article into the Congressional Record on October 21 under the heading "A Soldier Speaks from Vietnam."
Senator Richard B. Russell, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, wrote to Rep. McKneally, "I was so impressed by your statement in the Record of October 21 'A Soldier Speaks From Vietnam' that I was moved to write a brief note of congratulations to Cpl. Carroll."
Through Joseph's sister, Maura, a sophomore at St. Mary's College, South Bend, Ind., the Journal-News article was published in its entirety in "The Observer," the publication serving the Notre Dame University and St. Mary's College community.
Cpl. Carroll returned last week to his unit, Combat Engineers, 595 Signal Co., 36th Signal Batt., at Di Au, about 15 miles northwest of Saigon. He had undergone surgery after being wounded near the Cambodian border at Song Be.
He is the wearer of the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart.
November 9, 1889 – 130 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
SLOATSBURGH
It is reported that a new silk mill will be erected upon the ground where the old one burned a few years ago. The people here hope it is true.
The bridge near Dater's store needs repairing badly.
A new shoddy mill has been put up near this place.
Samuel Rose has been appointed station agent at Sterlington.
A large number of people who live here are working at Tuxedo Park.
MONSEY
The family of the late Flag-Lieutenant Edmund A. Ketchum, of the Haytian [sic] Navy, have received from Hayti [sic], the sword, and belt of the dead Lieutenant; and the four laurel wreaths carried in the funeral procession. Also, a crayon portrait by a native artist, and a photograph of Lieut. Ketchum's grave at Port au Prince. The engrossed resolutions ordered by the Third Battery, N.G., S.N.Y., have also been received, suitably framed; and these memorials can be seen by friends of the deceased at t the family residence, 566 La Fayette Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
THIELLS
There is great need of a bridge of some kind over the Minisceongo creek at John Weyant's pond, as a convenience for persons who have to go a long way around.
The healthfulness of this region is remarkably good at present.
Squire Wood has a vast amount of uncut wood on his property among the mountains.
THE WALL FELL IN
On Tuesday morning the rumor reached us that a portion of the Garnerville Print Works had blown up or fallen in, and many persons had been injured and some killed. In fact, the incident, while serious enough, was not quite as bad as had been reported.
On the property of the Print Works is an old building which a few years ago was used as a barn and stable, and at the present time it contains a large quantity of oats. On Tuesday morning two Hungarians were at work in the building. About the middle of the forenoon, through some cause not known, the north wall of the house suddenly broke loose and fell out with a crash. The men, being near that part of the building, were in some way caught in the wreck and badly crushed. One of them suffered a concussion of the spine, causing paralysis of the body, while the other was not so badly hurt. Word of the accident was sent to Haverstraw, and Dr. Bailey and a priest were summoned. The doctor found the one man's condition very serious, and it was reported at a late hour that he was dead. We learn later that the man died at eleven o'clock Tuesday night, after considerable suffering. The other one, we hear, is not in danger.
November 7, 1919 – 100 YEARS AGO
The Nyack Evening Journal
SHE WOULDN'T VOTE IN BARBER SHOP, SO THERE
"Voting is alluring" and just too thrilling for words in some respects, but there are lengths to which one cannot go, even to vote. For instance: A feminine voter in the Franklin Street district was escorted to the polling place in Frank Motto’s barber shop, so goes the story. She looked in and balked. "You cannot expect a lady to go into a place where men are being shaved," she said indignantly. And she couldn’t be coaxed into the place.
November 3-9, 1969 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
THAT AIN'T HAY
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dexter of Pearl River, bought Froelich Hanover, a standardized [sic] yearling, yesterday for a record $125,000 at an auction in Harrisburg, Pa. The previous world record price for a standardbred yearling was set last year when Romunda Hanover, brother of Froelich Hanover was sold for $115,000. Dexter is president of Dexter Press in West Nyack.
DRUG DRAMA SLATED AT DEN
A play, "Chained," the story of drug addiction, will be presented Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Tiger's Den in Spring Valley by 50 black young people from Harlem.
The cast includes members of the New York Christian Drama Guild and a musical group, "Soul Liberation," directed by Henry Greenidge, music teacher at Kakiat Junior High School.
Both groups will be featured in the production, which has appeared in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. There will be no admission change.
REPUBLICANS TAKE CONTROL
Conservatism Sweeps County – GOP Takes 13 of 18 County Legislature Seats – Vines Whips Mundt in Coalition Landslide – Grune, Lovett, Lindemann Win – Kelly, Stolarik Take Judgeships
Conservatism swept Rockland Tuesday to change the complexion of almost all governing units, including county government. Leader after leader of all parties attributed the move to the right to a tax revolt, with the voters turning to those promising a halt to mounting realty taxes by restricting new construction and attracting new industry.
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COUNTY VIRTUALLY DRY AS BARS CLOSE DOORS
Became Alc[o]holic Desert Under Terms of Volstead Act--Many
Saloonkeepers Will Not Sell One-Half Per Cent Beverage
To Be Substituted For Beer
excerpted from the Nyack Evening Journal, October 27-November 2, 1919
When the nation went dry Rockland County became an alcoholic desert under the terms of the Volstead act. Complete prohibition is now, under the law, a reality. For the first time since the early Dutch settlers reached here carrying a few bottles of 'fire water' to trade with the Indians the trafficking in any brand of brew of intoxicating beverages is forbidden.
Many saloonkeepers locked their doors. They have refused to handle the one-half per cent beverage which is to be substituted for beer, and which cannot be called beer under the new enforcement act. Others will sell the soft drinks. None has given up his license. All are prepared to sit it out in the hope that something may happen. A few said they would continue selling 2.75 per cent beer until closed by federal agents.
Brewers and liquor dealers still are confident that there is to be an interim between wartime prohibition and the operation of the constitutional amendment on January 16.
They pin their faith to their hope that one of these things will happen:
The normal declaration of peace will nullify war-prohibition and the Volstead act and permit the open and free sale of liquor for a few weeks at least. The dealers are willing to take a chance, believing they can make big money if they can open full blast for two weeks during the holiday period
The Volstead act and the war-time prohibition may be reversed by the courts and a few weeks open trade permitted.
