100 Years Ago
In 1912, enlisted men of the National Guard who did good work with the rifle on the outdoor range in the summer would be rewarded by increased pay at the next tour of field service. Those who succeeded in qualifying as sharpshooters or as expert riflemen under the new regulations, which made it more difficult than ever before to secure these qualifications, would receive the increases. All who qualified as sharpshooters would receive an increase of 20 cents a day in their pay at the next camp and all who secured the distinguished rifleman qualifications would receive an increase of 35 cents.
The residents of Shinglehouse, Pa., were greatly mystified over the strange disappearance of Harry Kelly, a resident of that place and former resident of Olean. Mr. Kelly, it seemed, had started for his work at the Flint Glass plant on June 25, accompanied by his brother-in-law who also worked at the glass plant. Kelly complained of not feeling well and said he thought he would not work that forenoon. He was seen on the streets as late as 10:30 a.m., walking on the railroad tracks towards home. But he did not go home and was last seen by a boy, lying under a trestle of the railroad, asleep.
75 Years Ago
In 1937, Mrs. Flora Tripp was hit and knocked down Sunday afternoon in Panama by an automobile, the driver of which did not stop. Mr. and Mrs. S. Miles Bouton had stopped to inquire of Mrs. Tripp the way to the CCC camp. Seeing another car coming, Mrs. Tripp stepped off the highway but the driver of the car managed to strike her. Mr. Bouton took Mrs. Tripp in his car to the local physician. One leg was injured at the knee and she suffered a nervous shock.
The Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club was opening the 1937 season with a three-day series of yacht races off its newly remodeled club house in Lakewood, extending an invitation to all craft on the lake to participate in the open events arranged for the holidays. Sailors were invited by Commodore Jasper M. Rowland to make the club their headquarters during the races. Following the afternoon's races, there would be a dinner and dance at the club. Sensational among the new ships on the lake was a seventeen-foot, two-masted sailing canoe owned by Bob Howard of Buffalo. This boat was reputed to be exceptionally speedy and tricky. It promised to provide thrills aplenty and possibly a few surprises.
50 Years Ago
In 1962, a 13-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the right leg at 5:39 p.m. Monday in an unusual accident. The victim, Robert Gordon of Hunt Road, was resting comfortably in WCA Hospital. He and his brother, William Gordon Jr., 15, both riding bicycles, were en route to spend the night with friends in the Baker Street Extension area. William had a .22 caliber rifle across the handlebars of his bicycle. They were riding side by side. The boys were traveling on Shadyside, north of Baker Street Ext., when the trigger of the gun accidentally discharged the gun and the right calf of Robert's leg was pierced. The Lakewood Ambulance took the wounded boy to the hospital.
Discovery of a case of rabies and the potential spread of the disease had caused the Chautauqua County Health Officers Association to urge all dog owners in the county area to have their dogs vaccinated immediately against rabies. Dr. Arthur Lindblom Jr., Ashville veterinarian, said that as far as he knew, the rabid fox he sent to the New York Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University was the only one found so far but that because there was no compulsory rabies vaccination in New York State, he was pleased to have the county health department issue such a statement.
25 Years Ago
In 1987, non-credit computer courses would be offered at Jamestown Community College as part of its Computer Application Institute in July. "Lotus 1-2-3," covering the basics of electronic worksheet programs and exploring features like mathematical operations, sorting data, graphics and setting up worksheets would be offered at different times beginning July 14. "Music through Computers" would be a course for those interested in learning to use a microcomputer for musical composition and basic musicianship. Previous knowledge in music or computers was not necessary.
There wouldn't be any rain on this day - if the people had their way. The weather had the power to delay fireworks, cancel parties and lose people lots of money. But if the wills of modern-day Americans were as strong as their forefathers, the skies would be blue and crystal clear. "There is a rain date of Sunday but it's not going to rain," the head of Mayville's Fourth of July celebration said. Cheryl Hall admitted that rain would reduce the celebrations Mayville had planned, which called for all-day festivities in the Mayville Park. If things were moved to Sunday, many acts would have to cancel and the concession stands probably wouldn't be there either.