Step back in time features news items from The Daily Star 25 and 50 years ago.
25 years ago
Aug. 7, 1987
FRANKLIN _ Otsego and Delaware counties met on the borderline Thursday for the grand opening of an information booth, which officials of both counties hope will encourage tourists to spend more time in the counties.
The new booth, located at a rest area off the eastbound lane of Interstate 88 just before the Franklin exit and the only information center along the route, offers brochures from the two counties as well as from several individual towns, campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and other tourist spots.
The idea for putting a booth along I-88 started with Otsego County Rep. Deane Winsor of Milford and then-Otsego County Tourism Bureau President Wayne Miller. As the two were driving down I-88 about three years ago and came to the rest stop, "we both had the same thought at about the same time _ it's ideal," Winsor said Thursday at the grand opening.
"I think it's a good idea. We probably ought to be doing more of this in the area," said Perry Shelton, Tompkins supervisor and chairman of the county finance committee.
50 years ago
Aug. 7, 1962
S. Lawrence Baldwin, newly appointed city engineer, began his official duties in Oneonta Monday.
Mr. Baldwin began by taking a day-long tour of the city with Mayor Albert (Sam) Nader and C.M. Taylor, Director of Public Service.
Mr. Nader pointed out the two "top priority" jobs he wants the new engineer to undertake _ Bugbee Road and the corner of West and Center streets.
Bugbee Road, one of the city's most heavily trafficked streets, is scheduled for repair as soon as possible.
City officials also want the corner of Center and West streets to be widened. This is the site of the new Lutheran Atonement Church now under construction.
The mayor declared, "If Mr. Baldwin gets nothing else done but these two projects this year, he will have more than earned his salary."
The new engineer's salary is $9,000 a year.
As engineer, Mr. Baldwin will direct the operations of the Department of Public Works. In the past, this department came under the jurisdiction of Mr. Taylor.
For transportation the city has provided Mr. Baldwin with a pick-up truck.
Once the car _ now used by Parks Patrolmen _ is returned to City Hall, Mr. Baldwin will use the 1959 Plymouth.
