100 years ago in The Record
Wednesday, January 1, 1919
“Happy New Year! This salutation is on every lip today and every one expresses the assurance that the coming months will bring better things to the whole world,” The Record reports. The national mood is optimistic now that the world war is over and President Woodrow Wilson is in Europe to negotiate a sweeping peace treaty. Wilson, a Democrat, is the first sitting president to visit Europe. In Troy, the Red Cross canteen at Union Station holds an open house today. Soldiers traveling the rails during the holiday are treated to “a luncheon of sandwiches, coffee, pies, cakes, sweetmeats and fruit” while they stop in the Collar City, while soldiers stationed at the Watervliet Arsenal are invited to take part as well. The children of the Troy Orphan Asylum get another round of gifts as the Sir Knights of the Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar make their annual pilgrimage to the orphanage. The event had been postponed while the asylum mourned the death in December of local philanthropist Mrs. George B. Cluett. The program consists of “songs and witty stories” presented by William J. Mattice, along with a special screening of movies donated by the management of Proctor’s Theatre. Along with giving the children toys and candy, the Sir Knights make their annual donation of $100 to the institution. The annual visitation is at- tended with great pomp and ceremony. “The Sir Knights went to the institution in chartered cars,” the Troy Times reports, “and after first visiting the Commandery dormitory, where a prayer was said by Rev. Theodore House, marched into the main hall to the tune of ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers,’ sung by the children and played by Doring’s Orchestra.”
For many Trojans the highlight of the day is the second annual New Year’s two-mile “modified marathon.”
“The first surprise of the new year in sport” is provided by Watervliet High School student Robert Lalor, who upsets favorite E. Kirkland Crandall of the All-Troy Athletic Association and sets a new record, besting 1918 winner William O’ Connell’s time by eighteen seconds. Crandall, winner of the city’s Thanksgiving 1918 race, finishes third.
The modified marathon is held in conjunction with an indoor athletic meet at the Y.M.C.A. Hall. The events include the shot put, a rope climb, a “potato race” and a free throw shooting competition.
Assemblyman’s Narrow Escape
Troy state assemblyman Arthur Cowee “narrowly escaped being seriously injured” when he’s clipped by an automobile on his way from an Albany restaurant to an evening session at the Capitol. Despite a hip injury and a bruised head Cowee continues to represent his city.