100 Years ago in The Saratogian
Saturday, March 2, 1918. The United States and Grand Union hotels are the finalists for conversion into a military convalescent hospital, should the military choose to locate such a facility in Saratoga County.
The Saratogian reports that the Spa City’s smaller hotels were effectively eliminated from competition by Dr. C. Burns Craig of the U.S. medical reserve corps, who toured the area last month. In a letter to Strong Spring Hotel proprietor John B. Yates, Craig writes that “in case a military hospital is located at Saratoga Springs it should contain at least 1,500 beds.”
Only the United States and the Grand Union meet Craig’s criterion, but the government may yet have use for the Strong Spring. “It became known today that Mr. Yates has received a letter from another branch of the government making inquiries regarding accommodations at the Strong Spring hotel,” a reporter notes, “This letter had no reference to invalids and concerned, it is understood, the housing of others.”
Whether the government will open a convalescent hospital here remains to be determined. “The advantages of the city have, it is said, strong support in influential quarters, and have been presented by men well qualified to know the wonderful opportunities the city offers to convalescents,” the report concludes.
Coal Restrictions Lifted
Saratoga County fuel administrator Clarence B. Kilmer has rescinded his order limiting the amount of coal dealers could deliver to customers, The Saratogian reports.
The restrictions were imposed at a time when extreme cold temperatures throughout the northeast exacerbated an already severe shortage of coal for civilian use. While the military still has first claim on coal during the world war, Kilmer says that “the anthracite situation insofar as it pertains to domestic use has been materially relieved.”
Kilmer tells reporters that “The question of conserving coal for domestic use, in my opinion, is now squarely up to the retail dealers.” He advises them, however, that under wartime conditions an even greater coal shortage is likely next winter.
High School Wins on Albany’s Court
The Saratoga Springs High School basketball team scores its first road win of the season by fighting off a secondhalf Albany Academy comeback at the Albany Racquet Club this afternoon.
While the Academy scores first, “during the first quarter it appeared there would be nothing to it but a one-sided victory for the Saratogians,” who lead 15-9 at halftime. They increase the lead to 19-9 before Albany storms back to tie the game, but Saratoga eventually pulls away for a 3124 victory.
The Saratogians will most likely face a tougher test from the Schuylerville High five, who destroy Greenwich High tonight, 68-23.
— Kevin Gilbert