Step back in time features news items from The Daily Star 25 and 50 years ago.
25 years ago
Aug. 13, 1987
Public officials and private contractors agree _ Oneonta is in a building boom.
In the city, money collected in building permit fees is running about 25 percent ahead of last year, said Peter Friedman, the city's code enforcement officer. Through Aug. 11, the city had collected $7,711, as opposed to $9,927 in all of 1986, he said. And although the construction season is now at a peak, people are still coming in to apply for permits, said Friedman.
John Sabotka of the Sabotka Co., general contractors, said 1987 has already been a good year for the firm. Last year was very good; this year is about 10 percent better, he said. Bob Loitsch of Loitsch Bros. Co. agreed with Sabotka. So far, 1987 has been better than 1986, which was quite good, he said.
George Gollin, who operates a residential construction firm, was even more optimistic.
"Business is almost too good," said Gollin. "We have a hard time keeping up with it."
For the last two years, construction activity in the town of Oneonta has been increasing, said Bill Place, the town's code enforcement officer.
Low interest rates in the first half of 1987 probably generated much of the building activity, said Place. An influx of people from downstate also has encouraged developers to build, he said.
50 years ago
Aug. 13, 1962
RICHFIELD SPRINGS _ Nancy Payne and Bruce Matthews won the twist contest at the evening record hop held on the Central School tennis courts this week. Carol Morrisey and partner Charles Johnson, the latter of Coral Gables, Fla., placed second and Thomas Maxson and his sister, Marilyn, came in third.
The non-profit dances sponsored by various local organizations have provided the highlights of the summer for the teen-agers and have attracted a number of adults as well, reaching a mounting attendance of over 300.
Disc jockey Pat Starr of Radio Station WALY, in Herkimer, was master of ceremonies and presented records to each of the winners.
