Culled by Judy Garrison From October 1909 issues of
The Andes Recorder 100 Years Ago
With commentary by Jim Andrews
Week In and About ANDES
___________
Events of a Week as Chronicled by
the Man on the Street
__________________________________
Affirmative Receives Unanimous
Decision in Debate
Wednesday the exercises at the high school, commemorative of the Hudson Fulton events, passed off nicely…The debate on the question, “Resolved that the Hudson river was more important in history of America than the Mississippi” was won by the affirmative. [Ed.: The other part of the program included a drill, a prize essay, piano and vocal solos, an instrumental trio and recitations, including “Hudson’s Quest” by Elizabeth Bruce. Those kids knew how to provide entertainment!]
————————————————-———
All children over 8 years must be in school by next Monday.
————————————————-———
Marvin Miner, on the Tremperskill, is improving his barn by tearing out the old wooden floors in his cow stables and replacing them with concrete. [Ed.: This was apparently the latest new thing in barn modernization in 1909.] [Jim Andrews: I believe this was the Spic Tuttle farm.]
———————————————-———
A new holiday has been created in this state, known as Columbus day, October 12. Schools, banks, postoffices, etc., will observe the day. [Ed.: Store sales and controversy over Columbus were a long way in the future.]
————————————————-———
E. J. Turnbull the Andes hardware merchant, who at present leases the Nichols building, known to older readers as the Colonel Shaffer store, has purchased the old Union Hotel lot of Henry Mayham. Mr. Turnbull purchased the lot for the purpose of erecting thereon a modern building for the accommodation of his large hardware and plumbing business. The hotel barn will be fitted for storing lumber and heavy building material. This lot has been an eye-sore to the village since the Union Hotel was destroyed by fire August 5, 1896, and the people of Andes will rejoice in the fact that this blot on the beauty of our village is to be removed. [JA: This store occupied the vacant lot next to Blink where the old bank building used to be. The store burned in the 1920’s and was replaced by an identical building that housed the bank (moved from the Ballantine building on upper Main Street) and the hardware store.]
————————————————-———
Robert R. Gladstone has in his possession a small bible with the psalms, which was printed by Adrian Watkins at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1753. The book was the property of Violet Scott, Mr. Gladstone’s great grandmother, and has been handed down to each succeeding generation [Ed.: Any member of the Gladstone family who knows if this family relic is still around, Gazette readers would be interested to hear.]
————————————————-———
Alex and A. B. Liddle started Tuesday with a drove of cows which they expect to dispose of in the vicinity of Kingston. [Ed.: My speculation is that it was a 3 day walk , that they stayed overnight along the way, and then caught a train back to town or thumbed a ride on a horse and buggy. Would like to hear from someone who knows about Andes drovers!]
————————————————-———
Colonel B. Shafer died suddenly at his home on Albany avenue, Kingston… Mr. Shafer was born in 1827 in Andes a son of Philip Shafer, and he obtained his education at the Andes Academy. In 1849 he embarked in the hardware business in Andes and continued until 1855….Mr. Shafer was for eight years adjutant of the 27th regiment and in this connection was active in securing good treatment for Delaware county troops at the beginning of the war, going to Washington and protesting successfully to President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton against sending troops to the front until properly drilled and equipped. [Ed.: I include this because of his important Civil War role.]
————————————————-———
James E. Harper, of Delhi, was here this week demonstrating his vacuum cleaner. The amount of dirt that he secured was astonishing and some of the model house-wives are wondering how it escaped their eagle eyes.~