Step back in time features news items from The Daily Star 25 and 50 years ago.
25 years ago
July 7, 1987
The traffic light at the corner of Chestnut and Church streets may be working by the end of the week, according to Oneonta's assistant city engineer.
A control box recently was installed and inspected at a cost of $4,300, said Bruno Bruni, assistant city engineer. The city now is waiting for the New York State Electric and Gas Corp. to turn on the power, which may take a few days.
Oneonta residents have been without a guiding light at the corner of Church and Chestnut streets since the 35-year-old traffic light went out of order in mid-May. The city had no extra lights to replace it so a stop sign was put up at the Church Street corner.
Initially, city police also directed traffic for two hours a day during rush hour, according to Police Chief John Donadio. But because there were no accidents or major traffic tie-ups, the service was discontinued, he said.
50 years ago
July 7, 1962
July 18 will be a big day for eight area girls _ they've been planning it for eight months.
The girls, including four from Oneonta, will join more than 10,000 girl scouts in an international Girl Scout Roundup at Button Bay State Park, Vermont. The Roundup runs from July 18 to 31.
From Oneonta are: Dianne Bellew, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Bellew, 43 Cedar St.; Marilyn Ashton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Ashton, 112 Spruce St.; Margaret Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Baker, South Side RD3; and Eileen Hubbard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hubbard, 12 Norton Ave.
Each council represented at the Roundup will display a project on the theme "The Home Frontier." Oneontans will display a multicolor rug which they have woven.
Also on the same theme, the girls have made small items to swap for others from representatives of other parts of the world.
Oneonta scouts have made aluminum keys, miniature replicas of SUCO and Hartwick banners, and needle cases which look like baseballs.
Area representatives at the Roundup are: Betty Ann Natoli and Debbie Thompson, Norwich; Jeanne D'Aprix, New Berlin; and Connie Canny, Sherburne.Betty Ann Natoli is Patrol Leader.
Assistant Patrol Leader is Eileen Hubbard, from Oneonta.
