100 years ago in The Record

Wednesday, May 15, 1918

“Troy was given a severe jolt to- day by the Fire Underwriters’ association of the state of New York,” The Record reports as the city sees a drastic increase in fire insurance rates. No explanation is offered beyond “the general statement that conditions in the city have not been satisfactory,” though some local insurance agents speculate that “the fire alarm system has something to do with it.” Fire chief Cornelius Casey, who just took office yesterday, tells reporters that the rate hikes are “unwarranted by any existing conditions.” The underwriters have divided Troy into two districts, reserving the highest rates for a “congested district” extending from the river to Sixth Avenue between Adams and Hoosick streets. Property owners in the congested district will see their insurance rates go up by 30%, while the rest of the city will see a 20% increase. The rate hikes follow a 10% citywide increase that took effect last November. “The present drastic order has aroused a storm of protest and will, no doubt, lead to action by the owners of property,” our reporter writes.

School Suitable For Government

Troy school superintendent Arvie Eldred announces today that the federal government has “virtually accepted the use of the Seventh avenue high school building for vocational training of soldiers during the summer vacation months.”

Eldred’s announcement follows an inspection of the building yesterday by representatives of the federal government and the state education department. H. B. Mathewson of Washington D.C. told reporters that the high school is “an excellent one and well fitted for the work designed.”

The school board envisions a 62- day program beginning July 1 with courses in woodworking, machinery, electrical work, auto repair and rock drilling. Up to 200 soldiers will participate in the program. The city will provide room and board for them while the federal government pays instructors and covers overhead expenses.

Mercy Mad

The next wartime Red Cross membership drive begins this weekend with a women’s parade on Saturday and special sermons in city churches on Sunday. Organizers hope to raise $175,000 during the campaign.

Before the campaign starts, “the first Red Cross meeting of its kind in this city” takes place tonight. Rev. Joseph H. Odell calls on local clergy to “pray earnestly” for guidance and support between now and Sunday.

“I don’t know whether you know it, but for some years the United States had the name of being a selfish country,” Odell says, “We were all thought of as being money mad … and that belief was right. That has changed, however. It will be said of us that we went mercy mad.”