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Flashback Friday Archive 2019-20: Flashback Friday: Week of December 18

Sgt. David and Karen D'Auria

December 17, 1870 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal

A RARE ENTERTAINMENT PROMISED
       We learn that negotiations are now going on between parties in Nyack, and to New York, which, if concluded affirmatively will enable our citizens to listen to one of the greatest prodigies of the times. Oliver Goldsmith Jr. is a boy, about six years of age is unable to read or write and yet, has such a wonderful memory that he can repeat, with fluency and taste, the longest of Shakespeare’s plays and several of them. Those who have heard him were astounded at his powers of memory and know not what to make of it.
       Should his father consent to have him exhibit his talent in Nyack, an opportunity will be afforded our citizens to listen to him on Thursday evening, 29th inst., at Christie’s Hall. In our next issue we will give more extended notice

A GREAT DEPRIVATION
       Last Wednesday being the shortest day we have had this year, we are sorry to think that so many of our ladies had to curtail their conversations in consequence. The days are longer now.

December 17, 1920 – 100 YEARS AGO
Rockland News

NYACK BARBER KILLED
       Samuel Steigman, 35, years old, a barber employed by Ernest Peters in Nyack was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident near Newburgh Sunday. He was riding from Nyack to Newburgh, and at about 5 p.m. as he was nearing that city was forced to apply the brake to his motor suddenly, to avoid striking a horse. The motor stopped so suddenly that he was thrown over the handlebars and fractured his skull. A witness of the accident took Steigman in his automobile to the Newburgh hospital where he died at 11:45 o’clock.

NEW PASTOR AT TAPPAN
       Reverend Marion T. Conklin of Middletown, New Jersey, has been installed as Pastor of the Reformed Church at Tappan. This church was erected in 1716, was used as a military hospital, and also as a military prison during the Revolutionary war. It was the scene of the court martial of major John Andre, the British spy who was executed nearby. The church has been without a pastor for more than a year.

BUILDING CLUBHOUSE
       The Union Republican Club of Orangetown has commenced the erection of a clubhouse in Sparkill. The building is to be 40 feet wide and 108 feet deep, one story high. The building is to include a hall to seat 350, a meeting room for the club, a billiard and pool room and bowling alleys. There will also be a kitchen and every modern convenience.

December 17, 1970 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News

PEARL RIVER GI RETURNS TO WAR — NICEST CHRISTMAS I EVER HAD
[Image: Sgt. David D'Auria of Pearl River clutched his wife, Karen, as they said goodbye at New York's Kennedy airport before he returned to duty in South Vietnam.]
       Kissing tearful wives and families goodbye, 28 servicemen flew back to Vietnam yesterday after 10 days rest and rehabilitation leaves at home. “It’s going to be easier these next 5 1/2 months,” said Sgt. David D’Auria of Pearl River. “When I went away, I had no idea of taking time off for rest and rehabilitation and this all came as a big surprise. Now I split my time right in half.” He said he expected to fly 90 more missions during the months left of his year’s scheduled service in Vietnam.
       Forcing a smile, his wife, Karen, said: “I had hoped he wouldn’t have to go back, but I did enjoy the 10 days he was home. It was the nicest Christmas I ever had. We opened presents, gave our 14-month-old baby Dawn Marie her presents and took pictures.
       The trip on a chartered jetliner was sponsored by the United Service Club. The first “operation reunion” flight, bringing 198 servicemen home from Vietnam, arrived at Oakland International Airport in California Dec. 5. The reunion plan, as approved by the military, calls for an airlift home of 10 per cent of the 316,000 U.S. servicemen stationed in Vietnam for a reunion with their families.
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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.

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