Step back in time features news items from The Daily Star 25 and 50 years ago.
25 years ago
July 11, 1987
LAURENS _ More than 50 years ago (1933-1941) the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp SP-11 at Gilbert Lake State Park near Oneonta was home for hundreds of young men assigned to Company 212, who built roads, constructed buildings and otherwise developed facilities, many of which are still present today.
To commemorate the accomplishments of the CCCers a reunion has been scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, 1987 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's group picnic shelter.
According to Bob Lawton, Park Manager at Gilbert Lake, the day-long event will provide an opportunity for former CCC members to renew old acquaintances and reminisce about camp life. A sugar maple tree and bronze plaque will be dedicated at 11 a.m. in memory of the camp's former superintendent, Howard Stowell.
50 years ago
July 11, 1962
ROXBURY _ Mrs. John M. Ford sent a clipping to her mother, Mrs. H. Van Smith of Roxbury, concerning her husband, Sp/4 John M. Ford in Germany.
He has made an unusual record both in target practice and with typing. The article written from Heilbronn says "Perhaps the best way to develop a sharp eye and a steady hand is by constant practice on the typewriter.
"Anyone who saw Sp/4 John M. Ford in action recently might draw this conclusion. After returning from the KD range with an expert's badge and a score of 243 out of a possible 250, the Medical Battalion clerk went out and scored 370 in qualifying with the caliber .45 service pistol.
"He was only continuing a habit started in Basic Training at Fort Dix where he won a battalion trophy for his efforts with the M-1.
"Ford's experience with firearms has not been limited to rapid fire work behind the typewriter. As a civilian he held memberships in numerous rod and gun clubs in the Catskill Mountain area of upper New York and was president of the Upper Escorpes (sic) Fish and Game Club."
