100 years ago in The Saratogian
Thursday, Jan. 24, 1918
The mother of a Saratoga hotel proprietor is contesting a will that leaves his estate to a wife he supposedly never married, The Saratogian reports.
At stake is the $2,500 estate -- equivalent in value to approximately $44,000 in 2018 – of Charles E. “Chubby” Smith, who ran the Globe, a saloon and hotel located “out” Lake Avenue. Shortly before succumbing to complications from diabetes, Smith drew up a will leaving the estate to “my wife Gertrude.”
Mrs. Emily Smith, Chubby’s mother, challenges the will on three points. The first is that Gertrude Collins isn’t Chubby’s wife, but “merely lived with him and helped him in the conduct of his business.” The second is that Chubby was not of sound mind on the day he drafted the will. Smith claims to have visited him that day, when “his condition was such that he did not recognize her.” Finally, “She also alleges that undue influence was exerted.”
Will W. Smith (any relation?) represents Mrs. Smith, while the firm of Leary & Fullerton represents Gertrude. Surrogate William S. Ostrander appoints Harry P. Pendrick temporary administrator of the estate during the litigation.
Real power
Leman A. Grippin of the Saratoga Ice Company, a former bookkeeper in the county treasurer’s office, has been appointed deputy food controller for Saratoga County.
“It is the opinion of those who are familiar with his record that no person better qualified for the position can be found in the county, both by experience and natural ability,” The Saratogian comments.
Grippin will have an important wartime responsibility, but as an editorial notes today, the national food administration under Herbert Hoover has lacked the power to enforce effective food conservation.
“The food problem is serious and cannot be taken care of by voluntary efforts alone, even when backed up by patriotism. Direct authority must be given to the food administration to control the situation effectively.
“Our allies are on rations. We have not come to that yet, but we may have to soon if the food problem be not adjusted promptly in some other way.”
Congress is considering legislation to increase the food administration’s power. It’s unclear how Grippin’s authority would expand if the legislation passes, but “If the people be wise as well as patriotic they will not resent such granting of authority.” Draftee dies A correspondent from Day reports that town’s first fatality of the World War. Isaac Paul, aged 26, was the first man drafted from Day last July. He died on January 20 of pneumonia as a complication of measles at Camp Gordon, Georgia.