Two weeks in, this college in Clinton welcomes its first president: Mohawk Valley history

1812, 211 years ago

Hamilton president

The Reverend Azel Backus arrives in the village of Clinton to begin his term as the first president of the two-week-old Hamilton College. The school first opened in 1794 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy. Earlier this year, the Board of Regents of the State of New York approved the academy's request for a college charter. Last week, Hamilton College opened. It was named for Alexander Hamilton, the country's first secretary of the treasury who helped to establish the academy and was a trustee.

The 47-year-old Backus, a native of Norwich, Connecticut, graduated from Yale College in 1787. He studied theology and became pastor of the Congregational Church in Bethlehem, Connecticut. In 1810, he earned a degree as a doctor of divinity from the College of New Jersey (today Princeton University).

1923, 100 years ago

Thanksgiving Day fête

Orphans in Utica and vicinity will enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings, thanks to the Oneida County Orphans' Holiday Dinner Club. The organization was formed two years ago and its membership continues to grow. Each member pays a $3 entrance fee and all money raised goes to buy Thanksgiving dinners at the House of Good Shepherd, St. Joseph's Infant Home, St. John's Orphan Asylum, the Children's Home of Utica and St. Vincent's Industrial School. About 1,000 dinners are expected to be served.

1948, 75 years ago

Publisher's mother dies

Elizabeth Root Luce dies and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica after services in New Hartford's First Presbyterian Church. Her son, Henry, founded Time Magazine in 1923 and Life Magazine in 1936 and continues to publish both. His mother was born in New Hartford in 1871 and lived there until 1897 when she married Henry Luce, then a missionary and educator.

More: Oneida County almost split in two 100 years ago: A look back at Mohawk Valley history

1973, 50 years ago

Oil shortage

The oil shortage continues to grow. New York Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller orders the speed limit on all state roads be reduced to 50 mph. Utica's schools have only a two-week supply of fuel left so Edward Perry, superintendent of schools, asks all principals to set thermostats at 68 degrees during school hours and at 60 degrees from 3:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Coach Don Alberico is preparing for the fast-approaching basketball season at John F. Kennedy High School in North Utica. His squad includes John McGee, Al Grimaldi, Kevin Kney, Brian Benoit, Bill Holtslag, Ron Christiansen, Mike Mirabella, Joe Kroll, David Pierce, Bob Zuccaro, Matt Blackshear and Kent Smith.

The Kiwanis Club of Utica installs officers. They include: William Howe, president; James Goddard, first vice president; Philip Lambert, second vice president, and Joseph R. Dowd, treasurer.

1988, 35 years ago

United Way goal

The United Way of Greater Utica reaches its fund-raising goal of $2.76 million, topping last year's take by 10%. At a Victory Dinner in Alfredo's Ristorante in New Hartford, Don Carbone, campaign chairman, thanks the fundraiser's hundreds of volunteers and representatives of the 42 agencies the United Way supports.

Nine area high school students receive "good citizens" awards from the Oneida Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They are: Heather Leininger, Stephanie Hahn, Aileen Arthur, Christine Walsh, Robert Maher, Amy Zielinski, Maria Massa, Christine Kaczor and David Forbes.

In high school football, undefeated Westmoreland defeats Onondaga Central, 21-0, to win a Section III, Class D semi-final game. Greg Williams — the school's all-time leading season and career rusher, scores three touchdowns and runs for 151 yards on 36 carries. The winners also are led by the play of Mike Waddell, David Piersall, Jim Mathewson and P.J. Talma.

2013, 10 years ago

Veterans honored

Military veterans in Whitesboro are honored by the Whitestown American Legion Post 1113 and the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department. Among those recognized at a village parade are Red Mullen, Erv Sobel, Wes Bateson and William Glen.

The Oneida-Lewis Chapter of Arc honors two at an Employee Recognition Dinner. Jeff Gilbert receives a President's Cup. He is director of the senior program. Kathy Zammiello is named "employee of the year." She is a project coordinator in a day service program.

Lexi Kavanaugh, a graduate of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High, is chosen as "rookie of the year" on Ball State University's field hockey team. She led the Division 1 school in scoring in the Mid-American Conference.

Trivia quiz

Four U.S. presidents have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Name them. (Answer will appear here next week.)

Answer to last week's question: The Republican Party was organized in 1854-56. The party's first candidate for president was John C. Fremont. In the Election of 1856, he lost to Democrat James Buchanan — 1,838,169 to 1,341,264. He lost the electoral vote — 174 to 114. Four years later — in 1860 — Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to be elected president.

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

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How Hamilton College got its name: Mohawk Valley history