Automobile Club of Utica formed, local gifts Truman a fishing rod: Mohawk Valley history

1901, 122 years ago

Motor car club

Dozens of gasoline-powered horseless carriages are sputtering and putt-putting throughout the Upper Mohawk Valley, so it is not surprising that motoring enthusiasts in the area this week organize an Automobile Club of Utica. It is one of the first such clubs in the country.

Charles S. Mott is elected president and other officers include A.L Seaton, vice president; Samuel R. Campbell II, treasurer; James S. Holmes Jr., secretary, and W. H. Birdsall, captain. Mott's company on Burrstone Road -- just west of Faxton Hospital -- manufactures axles and wheels for bicycles and automobiles. Birdsall is an engineer who designed the Buckmobile, a two-cylinder car manufactured in a factory near Sunset Avenue and Shepherd Place.

(NOTE: In 1902, the Automobile Club of Utica sent Mott to Chicago where he, and representatives of eight other automobile clubs in the country, formed the American Automobile Association (AAA). The other eight clubs were from Philadelphia, Chicago, Long Island, Rhode Island, New York City, New Jersey and two from the Midwest.

In 1905, Mott, at the urging of William C. Durant, moved his company in Utica to Flint, Michigan. He later became a board member of Durant's fast-growing company called General Motors. Mott eventually became its largest stockholder, owning millions of shares worth about one-half billion dollars.

1923, 100 years ago

We love a parade

Utica Mayor Fred J. Douglas says he will permit a parade along Genesee Street on Halloween night. Many Uticans asked for permission to march and reminded the mayor that the last Halloween parade three years ago was a huge success and had contributed to a decrease in vandalism. Dozens of bands, businesses and organizations say they will participate in this year's parade.

1948, 75 years ago

A gift for Harry

Utica's Joseph Davoli, of the Textile Workers Union of America (CIO), last week presented President Harry Truman with a fishing rod made at the Horrocks-Ibbotson plant on Whitesboro Street. Truman was in Utica during his whistle-stop tour seeking re-election. He waved the rod to the large crowd at Union Station and said: "While I was raised on a fishing pole, I'll try to use this rod."

In other news, Dr. Paul H. Girard is elected president of the medical staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

1973, 50 years ago

Cash traded

Dave Cash, former star athlete at Thomas R. Proctor High School, is traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies in a one-for-one swap for pitcher Ken Brett. Cash, a second baseman, batted .271 for the Pirates. (NOTE: The Phillies made a great trade for in 1974, Cash played every game (162 of them), hit .300, and got 206 hits including 26 doubles and 11 triples. He also made the National League All-Star team.)

The Pentagon puts the military on alert -- including Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome -- amid reports that the Soviet Union threatens to get involved in peace-keeping activities in the Middle East. Benny Niles, Oneida County's civil defense director, says that in the event of a nuclear emergency, county residents can go to the basement of the County Office Building in Utica. It has a large supply of food, clothing, cots, medicine and communication equipment.

Area politicians say they are shocked to learn of Republican Vice President Spiro Agnew's resignation because of tax evasion charges. Republican State Sen. James H. Donovan says: "He's a big boy and knew what he was doing. We've seen similar accounts of malfeasance at the state and local level, but when it reaches the White House, the public has reason for alarm." Rome City Democratic Chairman William Gannon says: "I am sad for the country. He was trapped by his own weakness."

1998, 25 years ago

Making music

Two former area bands reunite to benefit the United Way of Greater Utica. A concert in the "It's Showtime" nightclub in New Hartford (the former Paris Theater) will feature "Preacher" and "Fuel." Preacher, with Tom Acey, was an up-tempo house band at Four Acres for more than 20 years. Fuel -- a pop jazz group from the 1970s -- features Carmen Caramanica and Rick Montalbano. Vinnie Esposito will be the vocalist for both bands.

The Westmoreland Grange 1433 honors its 50-year members, including Jane and Robert Wilmot and Fern Welch. Eve Kelly receives a 60-year award.

In high school football, Waterville defeated Port Byron, 24-0. Jeremiah Johnson rushes for 183 yards and scores on runs of six and fifty-eight yards. Daryl Graham kicks a 29-yard field goal.

2013, 10 years ago

Chamber music

The Chamber Music Society of Utica begins its 73rd year. It is one of the oldest such music societies in the country. Its first president was Dr. A. P. Saunders and its first concerts were held in private homes.

Performances later were held in Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute (today Munson) and the the Grace Episcoplal Church auditorium. It also received much support from Hamilton College. This week, Dotty Deimel, publicity chairwomen, says: "Music is something that makes life a little bit richer and it adds to the fiber of the community."

In high school football, Notre Dame defeats Mt. Markham, 34-7, behind the play of quarterback Kevin Warmack, Vinnie LoConti, Nick Abraham and Jerome Brabhan. Mt. Markham scores on a pass from Adam Westbrook to Brenton Bond.

Marcia Knapp is named "Kiwanian of the Year" by the Clinton Kiwanis Club. Donna Yando receives a "Blue Chip" award as incoming president and Karen Ostinett is given a "Blue Pen" award for her work as secretary.

Trivia quiz

Ony one president of the United States was born in Central New York. Name him. (Answer will appear here next week.)

Answer to last week's question: Nine presidents did not graduate from a college: Washington, Jackson, Van Buren, Taylor, Fillmore, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Cleveland and Truman.

This Week in History is researched and written by Frank Tomaino. E-mail him at ftomaino221@gmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Mohawk Valley history this week: Former Utica MLB player traded