100 years ago in The Saratogian

Tuesday, May 15, 1917

Ruth E. Barrett is the third sibling in her family to become valedictorian of a graduating class at Saratoga Springs High School, The Saratogian reports.

“The Barrett family of nine children is one of the largest in the city,” a reporter writes, “and in securing the highest honors in this manner has achieved a record not hitherto made.

Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Barrett of 215 Grand Avenue, six have been either valedictorian or salutatorian, with one more yet to graduate. Thomas J. and Evelyn M. Barret were valedictorians in consecutive years, 1908 and 1909. Sampson Barrett was salutatorian in 1905, Irene took that honor in 1907, and Ethel did so last year.

Other honors for Ruth Barrett include a prize for the best essay on last fall’s art exhibit at the school auditorium and a YMCA award for the best essay on thrift.

George W. Carpenter is this year’s salutatorian.

Look out for the trusts!

High food prices have been a major concern for local consumers recently, and the situation is unlikely to improve as the U.S. war effort increased military demand for produce and basic foodstuffs.

Speculation in produce markets is widely blamed for high prices.

An editorial writer today calls for the Chicago Board of Trade, which sets wheat prices for the nation, to suspend operations for the duration of the war in order to prevent “gambling” on wheat.

In today’s “People’s Forum” column, James W. Flansburgh of Greenfield Center warns readers not to trust reports of food shortages. He blames such reports on speculators and hoarders trying to drive up prices when “I don’t see where we are short.

“You can get a carload of flour if you have the money; it has not all been unloaded from the cars they have had sidetracked all winter.

“You can get seed potatoes they bought of the farmers last fall at $1.25 a bushel, for $3.50 now.

They ran them South, sidetracked them all winter. Look at the color of the potatoes; if they are black, they have been in the South all winter – the hot climate turns them black.”

Flansburgh doesn’t seem to trust anyone in the food business. “Look to your Granges,” he writes, “See who the head officers are. Look out that the enemy has not crept in. Look out for the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“My advice is: get what you need; the government will help you if you don’t ruin yourselves and everybody else. Watch your step.”

A farmer himself, Flansburgh urges readers not to boycott farms but “give an encouraging word” instead.