Week of April 10, 2020
150 Years Ago: Rockland County Journal, April 9, 1870
RAMBLES ABOUT HOME — NUMBER ONE: HOOK MOUNTAIN
Up! up! up! This is a pull! who would have thought this miserable hill was so steep. We, who fondly deemed our wind equal to any ascent in Rockland county, actually panting; all the result of too great haste to be at the top of the ladder. Now we trust our judgment has increased in inverse ratio to our health and we will proceed more slowly.
Up again, leaping from rock to rock, climbing up a smooth bank, assisting our steps by opportune branches that stretch out helping twigs to our grasp, until we begin to perceive light, and still more fervently to be desired level ahead.
One more sturdy pull upward, we strike into the broad path leading to that despotic goddess of ice-men, Rockland Lake, then after a few rods turn abruptly to the right, dash up the easy slope, dive through sundry thickets and shut your eyes — that the full beauty of the scene may strike you at once — step out on a narrow ledge on the south-eastern face of Hook Mountain.
Now– feast yourself on the banquet our most prodigal mother, Nature, has spread out before you, then tell us, can you wish anything finer? Have your most vivid day or night dreams pictured a most beauteous scene? You, sir poet, grinding out your contribution for the first page of next week's JOURNAL, come up here and drink inspiration by the goblet full. This breeze will sweep all melancholy from your soul as with the besom of destruction, and bid it:
“Find some uncouth cell
Where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings,
And the night raven sings;
Here under ebon shades and low brow’d rocks,
As ragged as thy locks
In dark Cimmerian desert ever dwell.”
That place is not here, for all the glories of sky and earth conspire to drown us in effulgent radiance.
This must have been the “Happy Valley” that Johnson of old dreamed of, for surely nowhere else could he find a more fitting realization of his vision, save perhaps the trifling exception of its inhabitants.
How the blessed oxygen in this breeze sends the blood coursing pure and fresh through our veins till every inch of us tingles with overflowing life. Oh, ye dwellers in cities! ye who shut yourselves up in brick and mortar tombs — who dare not stir in the free, glorious air of Heaven without muffler on muffler, for fear of taking cold — what do ye know of the luxury of breathing ? Come here and sit beside us; let this cool, bracing wind lift your hair, blow cobwebs out of your eyes, and for once let your lungs rejoice in their natural food, that is unless long diet on furnace air and the like has destroyed their taste and made them dyspeptic. Drink in deep draughts of health at every breath; this breeze is better than the nectar of the gods, for it will wake great your sluggish brain and not benumb it. But we came up here to see the view, so let us look abroad.
It is a cool September afternoon. The sun is just sinking towards his evening rest, and his almost level beams glance over the hilltops and through the ravines, lighting up the scene with a golden radiance.
The river lies glassy at our feet: hardly a ripple crosses its calm bosom and we see a new heaven and a new earth in its clear depths.— Those soft, fleecy clouds — fit chariots of angels — floating lazily above our heads, are mirrored forth with added grace of contour in the firmament beneath; while every object on the distant shore basking in the full glory of the golden sunlight, glitters in the shimmering with waters till the splendor forces us to turn our of eyes to milder scenes.
Half a dozen sloops and schooners are slowly moving to and fro, their broad white sails gleaming like sheets of silver as they swing from side to tide to court the coy breeze. We, high above them, feel it in its fresh vigor; for it has not yet deigned to leave the free upper realms.
A swift steamer darts, arrow-like, down the river, bearing its throng of human freight, shooting by that laboring tug with its long train of attendant canal-boats as an antelope would pass a rhinoceros.
The villages on the opposite bank are drawn with sharp outlines against the emerald background, while the outlying mansions that so beautify the eastern shore glimmer through the trees in peaceful quiet.
The smoke here and there curls gracefully upward, dissolving gradually as it rises and resting in a thin wreath upon the hill tops. A long freight train thundering northward breaks in upon the stillness and we can see it winding along just above the water.
The gentle murmur of the tiny wavelets laving the rocks far beneath our feet, rises soothingly to our ears, while we lie watching the graceful motions of a gull that glides just above the water on his strong pinions, now lazily flapping upward, then swift as light darting down on some unwary fish.
The broad blue expanse of the Hudson stretches in an unbroken sheet southward, save where the long pier points its solitary finger to the east, and far below it the evening steamers come in sight urging their rapid course homeward.
The shoreline from Piermont to our feet is beautiful. It winds in and out in graceful curves, as though some skillful artist had traced the line of beauty for its course. Now look down the valley from the base of the hill to the village. Can you imagine finer contrasts of color? The declining sun throws dense masses of shade from scattered groves across the brilliant green of smooth lawns, while the tawny red of the roads winding serpentine through the whole gives a tone and richness that can hardly be surpassed. The houses embowered in foliage seem veritable “mansions of the blest,” so happy and peaceful do they look.
Just at our feet a gay party are frolicking on a croquet ground, and their joyous laughter mellowed by the distance, floats harmoniously up to us.
The sun sinks lower; the shadows deepen and lengthen; the breeze has sought the cool water, and the wavelets dance and sparkle brilliantly in the level sunbeams. The hills back of the village are putting on their purple evening robes, and the bell in the distant clock tower chimes the hour of six. Its melodious tones pulsate through the yielding air and vibrate musically around us. We must tear ourselves away from the beauties so grandly played before us and descend from our Parnassian height, if we would get home — alas, that we should say it — in time for supper. —How the bonds of mortality fetter us! Must we always be reminded that we are dust! One last lingering look, we resolutely turn away and plunge down the steep path.
Au revoir, for if another summer sees us hale and hearty, your heights shall be revisited, and we will again feast our eyes upon the beauties of our little valley. E. H. Cole
100 Years Ago: Nyack Evening Journal,April 7, 1920
WANTS MARRIAGE ANNULLED; HER HUSBAND TOO FAT – Mrs. Pauling Chavias of Suffern Seeks to be Released from Matrimonial Yoke — Spouse Weighed 300 Pounds at 24 and Shows no Decrease
Judge Tompkins has under advisement the petition of Pauline Chavias, twenty-four, of Suffern, for the annulment of her marriage to Pincus Chavias, of Manhattan. They were married in 1916 and separated last November.
The principal objection of the young wife, as brought out in the testimony, is her husband’s obesity. At twenty-four he weighed 300 pounds. There are no children.
On the stand in Supreme Court chambers the plaintiff declared that at the time of her engagement to her husband, her father made objection believing the young man to be unhealthy.
“Papa,” he said, at the time, according to her testimony. “I am a perfectly sound and well boy.”
Then, said the wife, he grasped a large vase and crashed it over his head.
“If I cannot have you,” he said, “I’ll do that,” the wife testified he remarked. She exhibited the mate to the broken vase to illustrate how Chavias had rendered it useless.
50 Years Ago: The Journal News, April 9, 1970
HOSPITALS SET FREE STREP THROAT TESTS
Tests for strep throat, free to the public on doctors' recommendations, will be made at the county's three major hospital laboratories under a health department preventive medicine program aimed against rheumatic fever.
“The department will pick up a $3 charge per test from the hospitals,” Dr. Boris A. Vanadzin, health commissioner, explained.
“The hospital lab culture tests will be made from swabs taken by physicians with a Culpak kit.”
“Originally, it was planned to use a fluorescent technique in making the diagnosis at county facilities. The method is not practicable immediately, Dr. Vanadzin said, but experiments with that method will continue and the fluorescent diagnostic equipment may be installed in new facilities now under construction at the county health complex.
“Strep throat often leads to rheumatic fever and heart damage,” Dr. Vanadzin explained.
The program, budgeted for $19,000, is being operated in conjunction with the Rockland County Heart Association.
Week of April 17, 2020
125 Years Ago: Rockland County Journal, April 13, 1895
ARRESTED FOR TRUANCY — The First Case Under the New Compulsory Law
Arthur Schue, a lad about ten years of age, was arrested on Tuesday for truancy, being the first case in Nyack under the new Compulsory Education law. The boy was found wandering around the streets instead of attending school, and officer Lubbe arrested him and brought him before Justice Whyard. The trial will take place on Thursday of next week, as some time is found necessary to obtain witnesses. Lawyer W. H. Bannister appeared in behalf of the S. P. C. C., through whose instrumentality the boy was arrested, and Lawyer Benjamin Levison represented the lad's parents. The case will be watched with much interest.
DEGRAW STOLE EGGS — And Mr. Lediger Kicked Him Out of the Store
On Saturday evening last R. DeGraw came into L J. Lediger's store at Blauvelt and took a couple of eggs. He went outside and ate them, and then returned and took more. He was detected in the act by J. Etzel, who informed Mr. Lediger. The latter then walked up to DeGraw and told him to put back the eggs which he had stolen. DeGraw was very much surprised, and some words ensued. Mr. Lediger aimed a terrific blow at the man which smashed one of the eggs in his pocket and sprawled him on the floor. Mr. Lediger then picked DeGraw up and kicked him out of the store. A number of persons were present in the store and witnessed the occurrence. DeGraw thought his eggs were very costly as he limped away from the from the effect of the punishment which he had received.
DIED OF A CONGESTIVE CHILL — Mrs. Fesel Passed Away in a Strange Manner
A Mrs. John Fesel, wife of a florist living on the Nyack turnpike between Nanuet and Spring Valley, died suddenly on Saturday morning, and Coroner Demarest was summoned to hold an inquest on the afternoon of that day. The woman, who has always been considered extraordinarily healthy, complained of feeling slightly ill in the morning and did not get up as usual. Her husband prepared his own breakfast, and after seeing that she was comfortable, went to his work.
Mr. Fesel returned after a short time and found his wife still in bed. She told him she did not want anything, and he again went to hie work. A little later be sent his son to see how she was. The boy returned saying his mother would not answer him and that her head was lying on a chair alongside the bed. When the husband entered the room, he gently raised her head and laid it on the pillow, when she gasped and died.
Coroner Demarest arrived at the house at about .3:3o o'clock, and learning the circumstances, determined that an autopsy was necessary. This he held and found the woman died of a congestive chill.
75 Years Ago: The Journal News, April 13, 1945
ROCKLAND JOINS IN MOURNING SUDDEN DEATH OF PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT; PLANS ARE MADE FOR FUNERAL TOMORROW, HYDE PARK BURIAL SUNDAY – LEADERS ALL JOIN IN TRIBUTE – News of Tragedy Spread Rapidly After First Flash; Churches Plan Services as Memorial
News of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s death spread rapidly in Rockland County yesterday. First flashes over the radio were relayed by phone to neighbors and friends who might not have heard of the President’s passing and words of regret and sorrow were on everyone’s lips.
The President was known personally to many in Rockland County and he has spoken here a number of times during his many campaigns, the last time at the old Broadway Theater in Nyack. He has passed through the county regularly on the West Shore as his special train traveled between Washington and his home at Hyde Park.
Tributes Are Many
Civic leaders in the county joined in quick tribute to a great American and politics was forgotten in mourning for the late President. Comment was general that in his death the world has lost one of its great men.
Gatherings last night as full respect to his memory and plans have been fermented for observances throughout the county. Spring Valley churches are planning for union services to be held on Sunday afternoon, at the Reform Church[;] full details to be announced tomorrow. Nyack churches will remain open all day and tomorrow for prayer for the late President, for the country and for the world, each church to handle its own observance at service on Sunday. Other village churches in the county are expected to announce plans today and tomorrow. Congregation Kehilath Israel of Spring Valley will hold services at 8 pm.
50 Years Ago: The Journal News, April 17, 1970
9W RECONSTRUCTION ON DRAWING BOARD
Reconstruction of Route 9W between Nyack and the New Jersey border is now on the drawing board, it was announced yesterday by Orangetown Supervisor John B. Lovett.
He said the information came in a letter from Nicholas Sinacori, regional director at Poughkeepsie for the state Department of Transportation. Sinacori said the project is “under preliminary design” and added that a public hearing may be held late this year or early in 1971. Work would start in 1972. Meanwhile, Sinacori told Lovett, the state will keep Route 9W open and in repair. Lovett noted he is disappointed the project will take another two years but said he is pleased by the promise to repair the highway
BUSING PLAN DOUBTED
Clarkstown school district officials say they are dubious about an announcement made by the South Orangetown district which claims the busing of its entire student body next year would be cheaper than under the present limited transportation formula.
In checking out the claim with the state education department, Clarkstown officials were advised not to make any changes in their new budget based on a possible state aid increase.
South Orangetown educators said they were interpreting the recently amended state transportation aid formula to mean the average cost per student would be reduced, and actually less expensive, if all students were bused.
The new formula, which considers only the cost per pupil, would be cheaper for a school district because each bus would make a shorter run carrying more pupils than under the present system.
Under the new figures, the state would contribute 90 per cent for the first $10 and a certain percentage of the next $10. However, no one seems sure when this plan would go into effect, or if it would actually be cheaper.
Dr. Stuart Binion, Clarkstown's administrative officer, said he was informed by the state officials that the new Joint Legislative Committee law has not even been fully interpreted by the committee.
Transportation aid for schools previously had been mandated only for kindergarten through sixth graders over one mile from school, and for 7th through 12th graders over a mile and a half from school.
Parents of children attending the Bardonia Elementary School and Clarkstown Junior High School flocked to a meeting of the school board Monday seeking busing for all the children walking to school along Route 304, after a fatal accident there earlier that day.
They claim repeated efforts to have the state install additional traffic lights or reduce the speed limits have gone unheeded.
Dr. Binion said the district would “thoroughly investigate the new formula” for any possibility of additional state aid permitting the busing of all students.
He added that Clarkstown's system of staggered bus runs was an attempt to hold down transportation costs by using the same buses at different school-opening times.
Week of April 24, 2020
150 Years Ago: Rockland County Messenger, April 21, 1870
SASH AND BLINDS
In our advertising columns this week will be found the Card of Charles H. Snedeker, highly recommended from Nyack as being a first-rate workman at his trade, in all its branches. He is to be found in the new building near the residence of Capt. Thos. Baldwin, formerly occupied by Mr. George W. Snedeker. Give him a call.
STEAMER ANTELOPE
This favorite steamer paid her annual visit last Thursday, under command of her polite and obliging captain, E. Van Wart, Jr. She leaves New-York every morning at 8 o’clock, for Peekskill. Returning, leave Peekskill 1.30 P. M.; calling in at Haverstraw, 2.10 P. M. She lands this season at DeNoyelles Dock, a decided improvement. Her advertisement will appear in our next issue.
QUITE A RUSH
It seems since Mr. Whitney opened new and cheap Grocery on Main-street that the rush is so great of a Saturday night, that quite a number of his would-be customers had to go away unserved. He requests us to say to them, that if they only come early, especially on Saturdays—say in the fore-noon or afternoon, instead of putting it off until the evening, they can get supplied with whatever they want—cheap.
BURGLARS
On Tuesday evening last, two burglars entered the sleeping room of John W. Hutton, at Nanuet, and taking the chair on which his pants and vest were thrown, conveyed them all to the kitchen, and when there struck a light and “went through” the garments. We do not know the amount taken from the pocketbook, but that and the clothes were found empty next morning.
100 Years Ago: Rockland News, April 23, 1920
ROCKLAND COUNTY WOMEN JOIN WITH WESTCHESTER
The Republican women of Rockland county decided Wednesday that they would join the women of Westchester in the “campaign school” to be held at Republican Headquarters in White Plains in May. The schools are to be held throughout the State and to save time, two or more counties will join in the session.
Mrs. Ruth List of New York, a member of the Women’s Republican State Executive Committee which has charge of the movement, will be one of the instructors.
Mrs. Arthur L. Livermore and Mrs. William Ives of Yonkers, Mrs. Litt and Mrs. Rosalie Loew Whitney of Brooklyn will be the teachers. Miss Natalie Couch of Nyack urges all Republican women workers to attend.
HAD 1919 LICENSE PLATE
It cost Miss Freda Dickson of Grand View, $10 to drive in Nyack with a 1919 license plate on her car. She was summoned to appear in court by Officer Taylor and Justice Haas imposed a $10 fine. Miss Dickson said she had a 1920 license plate at home but had neglected to put it on her car.
VILLAGE HISTORIANS
The board of trustees of Nyack has named Mrs. E. H. Maynard official historian of the village. The Grand View board has named Miss Sophia K. Seabury to a similar position in that village.
50 Years Ago: The Journal News,April 22–24, 1970<
COUNTY DRUG REPORT — IT’S A SHOCKER
“Drug abuse and even heroin addiction could certainly be described as being epidemic among adolescent and young adult males in the county, and a substantial number of girls are also involved.”
There may now be 815 heroin addicts today in Rockland. One out of every 28 males between the ages of 15 to 24 is using heroin. The figures for non-narcotic drug-abuse would be even greater.
These shocking statistics were released in a report by officials of the Rockland County Mental Health Center based on the cumulative experience of a 15-month period during which drug abuse programs have been conducted.
The center reports that 224 individuals have been treated for problems involving drug abuse and of these, 163 were heroin users; 130 required detoxification by methadone substitution, while 58 had used hallucinogens, primarily LSD.
Revealing statistics compiled from January 1, 1969, to April 1, 1970, the center officials said they had good reason to believe that the actual incidence of heroin addiction is at least five times more than the number treated at the center.
“Drug abuse and even heroin addiction could certainly be described as being epidemic among adolescent and young adult males in the county, and a substantial number of girls are also involved,” they said.
Seventy-five per cent of the heroin addicts on whom laboratory tests have been done have had evidence of liver damage.
Several cases of hepatitis, which has a high incidence among heroin addicts or “mainliners,” have also been reported. Several LSD users have been committed to Rockland State Hospital for psychotic reactions which have persisted after the cessation of any known drug use, they said.
The treatment approaches for drug abuse currently available at the complex in Pomona include:
– Detoxification from physically addictive drugs such as heroin and barbiturates in a hospital or as an outpatient.
– Individual, group or family psychotherapy conducted by professional staff.
– Group and individual encounter therapy work conducted by ex-addicts together with professionals.
– Counseling through supervised non-professionals.
– Counseling for involved family members individually or in groups by professional, non-professional or ex-addict staff members.
Anyone may call the center (352-0100) for help or information about drug abuse between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week.
Psychiatrists are available on the premises from 9 to 5 p.m. weekdays and on call for emergencies at all other times. From 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., they may be reached through the answering service of the health office examination service (352-3773).
Center officials said plans to eliminate the answering service “in the near future” and to consolidate the emergency coverage within its own staff were being implemented.
E-DAY FINALE
Rockland swings its gaze to the earth and the sky and the waters today as thousands participate in E-Day (Earth Day) with observances and programs in every corner and nook of the county.
Students will learn about polluters and talk about conservation; politicians will speak; experts will lecture; rallies will be held and everyone in the Valley will think for at least a minute about how nice it would be to live in a cleaner, fresher world.
The whole thing winds up with a bang tonight with a countywide rally and Earth Roundup at Orange and Rockland auditorium, Route 59, Spring Valley: all the big guns will be there to tell what happened on E-Day 1970.
TV COMMERCIAL FILMED IN NEW CITY RESTAURANT
The Olde Inn at New City was jammed with television equipment yesterday while local folk gathered excitedly to watch the on-location filming of a television commercial.
Heading the camera crew was a Valley Cottage Grammar School and Nyack High School alumnus, George Gage of Suffern.
Gage, who said he is “always seeking realism” while filming commercials, remembered the restaurant and its heavy-beamed, turn-of-the-century atmosphere. He decided to use the inn for a commercial spot on “First Tuesday,” a documentary show.
Week of May 1, 2020
150 Years Ago: Rockland County Messenger, April 28, 1870
How to Act in Event of Burglary
1. Lie very still and draw the bedclothes over your head.
2. Sit up and listen.
3. Pinch your wife and tell her she ought to be ashamed of herself.
4. Tell her to go down-stairs and see what’s the matter.
5. Call out for the servants to order the robbers off the premises.
6. If the burglars still persist in their nefarious occupation, go on the landing, and ask them if they know what they’re about.
7. If they don’t desist now, make your wife tell them that in your opinion they are wicked men, and that you have a great mind to be very angry.
8. Say you are very dangerous when you are once roused.
9. Beg them to leave quietly, and so obviate the necessity of a disturbance in the house.
10. Ask them if they wouldn’t like some cold meat and pickles, and a glass of beer and a pipe.
11. Let them have what they like, do what they like, and give them a dollar each besides. When they’ve gone, bring out your pistols and send for a policeman.
12. Go to bed again, and say that the a only reason why you didn’t go downstairs at first and punch all their heads, shoot them, and take them prisoner, was that you didn’t want to disturb the neighbors.
125 Years Ago: Rockland County Journal, April 27, 1895
JUMPER FROM A WINDOW – Burial of a Resident of Garnerville Tuesday
Edward Brooks, a well-known resident of Garnerville and at one time President of that village, was buried Tuesday in the presence of a large number of friends.
Mr. Brooks went to a hospital in New York about four weeks ago to be operated on for a cancer on the tongue which, it is thought, was produced by excessive smoking. The cancer was removed, and one day last week, while, doubtless, out of his mind, he jumped from a third story window and broke his leg, besides receiving other injuries.
On Friday Mr. Brooks died and his body was brought up that night and placed in the charge of Undertaker McGowan, of Haverstraw, under whose direction the funeral was held today.
Mr. Brooks was well known and much respected in the community where he lived. During the late war he was a drummer boy in the Union army, and it was a proud boast of his that he was the youngest drummer that went out that year from New York State. He belonged to a number of organizations in Haverstraw. For about ten years he kept a grocery store in Garnerville, in which business he was engaged up to the time of his death.
50 Years Ago: The Journal News, April 25–May 2, 1970
AN INDIAN GAME RETURNS TO ROCKLAND
America's oldest sport is Rockland County's newest. Lacrosse is the name of the game and the sport, originated by the American Indian, has started to generate interest in the County.
Clarkstown was the first in the County to field a lacrosse team four years ago and since that time Nyack and Suffern have followed suit. The varsity teams compete in the tough Hudson Valley Lacrosse League with New York Military Academy, Storm King, and several Westchester teams, including powerful Yorktown High School.
There are ten players on a lacrosse team (three defensive men, three midfielders, three attackman and a goalie) and the ball is advanced primarily by the use of the netted sticks each player has. The game combines many of the elements of basketball and soccer (e.g. man-to-man and zone defense, give-and-go) and the toughness of football..
There are some 153 players from these schools competing from the eighth-grade level up and, if coaching enthusiasm end dedication are criteria for growth, this number should swell in the next several years. Coaches Mike Goetz (Clarkstown), John Whisker (Nyack), and John Orlando (Suffern) are all vigorous exponents of the game..
“Lacrosse is one of the few sports which combines speed, strength, and finesse and where the big man is not necessarily dominant,” Goetz said. “There is team play but on offense, it's primarily a free-lance type game.”
Whisker points out that lacrosse is like any good sport in that “it requires a skill (stick-handling), good condition and toughness.”.
Orlando, who had a major role in developing West Point's great lacrosse program as Plebe coach for five years, puts it this way. “I think lacrosse is the best sport in the world. It has everything,” he said. “It's action filled and has team and individual play as well. It's dynamic and fast moving and the player has to think for himself.”.
O.K., so lacrosse is Canada's national sport along with hockey. It's “the fastest sport on two feet”; it's action packed and enjoyable for the spectator, the next question is, if lacrosse is such a great sport why are there only 300 high schools playing the sport?
Part of the problem is in finding qualified personnel willing to coach lacrosse.
“Many coaches don't feel they can teach things like stickhandling, but most of the principles are the same as basketball. We need coaches, and how quickly lacrosse develops will be due in part to how many coaches we can get,” Orlando said. A second factor is cost. The initial cost of lacrosse is somewhat restrictive, although it's probably a good buy in the long run.
“The actual cost may be overstated” Goetz said. “There are loans available to help defray the expense and we started off using some equipment from other sports. Our kids buy their own sticks, and this cuts down on the cost considerably. Cost really shouldn't be that much of a factor.'”.
Although the game is relatively simple (score more goals that your opponent), it isn't the easiest game to follow. The ball moves around so quickly lacrosse could probably never be successful on television. Other than Long Island and Maryland, the two hotbeds of lacrosse, the game just hasn't had the exposure of many other sports..
In spite of these handicaps, all three coaches predict a decided lacrosse growth in the area.
“I think the future of lacrosse is bright,” Orlando predicted. “Once you start playing lacrosse you don't want to give it up. There are so many kids doing nothing in the spring and a full lacrosse program could involve at least 90 kids.”
Goetz plans to organize a Hudson Valley Lacrosse Club team this summer. “Lacrosse has been growing. Our kids really love the sport and there are tremendous opportunities to win a college scholarship in lacrosse,” he stated. “If people are looking for excitement in the Spring, this is it.”
Whisker says, “I understand both Spring Valley and Ramapo have club teams this season and eventually we're hoping each school in the county will adopt a lacrosse program. There is potential for growth and I think once people see lacrosse it will catch on.”
Lacrosse is not a sport for the meek. There is rough checking and plenty of contact. “The people that were afraid are no longer with us” is the way Orlando put it.
The sport of lacrosse has a way to go before it can be considered a major Rockland sport, but it's come a long way in a short period already. The fans that see the game keep coming back and some of its early detractors are now its biggest boosters.
Week of May 15, 2020
150 Years Ago: Rockland County Messenger, May 14, 1870
A WORD TO OUR COLORED CITIZENS
The Fifteenth Amendment having become a law throughout the entire extent of our country, and our late Legislature having hastened to recognize the fact by placing colored citizens on the same political plane as white, we take this opportunity to announce to them that at the Judicial election, to be held on Tuesday, the 17th inst., all colored men, whether they do or do not own property, are entitled to vote on the same conditions prescribed for their hitherto more favored brethren.
Except in the city and county of New York, the Registry Law is repealed, and hence, there need be no fears that any barrier will be placed in the way of ALL who are legally entitled to the right of suffrage.
Were we blinded by partisan feelings and predilections, as are some of our Democratic cotemporaries, we would urge upon our newly created citizens the propriety and necessity of voting only for Republicans, on the hypothesis that, as a general rule, they are the safest, and best men; but such is not our style, especially in an election like that approaching. We want to see pure and good, and entirely upright judges on the bench, and whether they belong to one party or the other, we think they should receive the support of every man who wishes to see justice administered even-handedly, impartially, and with the fear of God before the eyes of him who sits to administer it.
Too often, of late years, has the sacredness of the office been prostituted to the lowest depths of party chicanery, and men holding high positions have groveled in the mud and slime of corruption in obedience to the behests of party dictation.
Let our colored citizens, who, for the first time will cast their vote on the 17th, see to it that they will help no man, whatever may be his politics, to position, unless they are equally as sure of his moral qualifications as they are of his legal.
Finally, let no man of color fail to vote, his right to do so is as much beyond question or cavil as that the sun is shining in the heavens, or that the earth revolves on its axis.
100 Years Ago: Rockland News, May 14, 1920
ROCKLAND COUNTY WOMEN ATTEND CAMPAIGN SCHOOL
Mrs. Haryet Holt Day, Mrs. Alice S. DeHaven, Miss Katherine Nicholson, Mrs. Howard Starett, Mrs. Ella Straut, Mrs. A.H. Merritt, Mrs. R. T. Hough, Mrs. William U. Grimshaw, Miss Sophia K. Seabury and Miss N. F. Couch represented Rockland County at the Republican campaign school held by the Women’s State Executive Committee as White Plains yesterday.
Mrs. Henrietta W. Livermore, Mrs. Ruth Litt, Mrs. William H. Ives and Mrs. Rowitte Loew Whitney were the speakers.
TO UNVEIL MEMORIAL
The memorial erected in Depot Square Sparkill in honor of the soldiers and sailors who served in the world war is to be unveiled Monday, May 31. Justice Arthur S. Tompkins is to make the principal address.
STEAM ROLLER IN DITCH
One of the steam rollers used in the work of repairing the Nyack turnpike went into the ditch opposite the Spring Valley Wood Products Corporation Monday. The roller did not upset but rested against the bank. It was not out yet Thursday but was being jacked up and planking was being placed under it so that it could be moved.
50 Years Ago:The Journal News, May 14, 1970
STUDENTS PROTEST DEATHS
About 50 students of the Dominican College at Blauvelt marched in front of the county courthouse at New City Monday to protest the deaths of Kent State students and the war in Indochina.
Miss Mary Dean, president of the student body said Dominican College students were divided on the issues that swept the nation's campuses last week.
She said three propositions were offered in a student referendum.
The first called for Dominican College students to ‘raise our voices” with other students throughout the nation to protest “Nixon's decision to send troops into Cambodia.” The students approved it, 107-90, with 11 abstentions.
The second proposition called for support of the demonstration at the courthouse and was approved 103-96, with 9 abstentions, Miss Dean said.
The third proposition called for suspending classes Wednesday &;dquo;to provide adequate time for a teach-in and general discussions, pro and con, centering around the national crisis.” The proposal was approved, 147-51, with 10 abstaining.
Sister Anne Corrigan, one of five faculty members marching against the war, said she supported the teach-in as a way to educate our students as to what the issues are so they can be “informed rather than emotional.”
Robert Ferrari, a Dominican College sophomore, said a petition campaign is under way on the campus calling for withdrawal of U.S. troops in Cambodia and decrying the Kent State shootings. The petitions will be sent to Rep. Martin B. McKneally.
William Brennan, also a sophomore, was one of the students watching the demonstration. He said he supported the teach-in and wanted the war to end but that he felt President Nixon is doing the best he can to resolve the conflict.
Mrs. Betty Kurtzman, a student at the college who has a daughter in college and a son in high school, also joined the courthouse demonstration.
“Our kids are in college and doing their things there,” she said. “Age shouldn't be a dividing line.”
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This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan on behalf of the Historical Society of Rockland County. To learn about the HSRC's mission, upcoming events or programs, visit www.RocklandHistory.org or call (845) 634-9629.
