100 years ago

Keeping the streets ‘clean’

Three patrolman of Albany’s Second police precinct arrested 21 men in one hour for intoxication during the middle of the afternoon. The arrests were made in the vicinity of Madison Avenue and Hamilton, Dallius, Division and Green streets, ordered by Captain Samuel Keith.

“The streets must be kept clean,” Keith told reporters after Patrolmen Schindler, Grigg and Straney came in with their haul. “The assault of Patrolman Vadney a short time ago has made it plain that these men are a public menace when filled with the poison booze they drink.” Vadney had been assaulted by six men on Hamilton Street and beaten nearly unconscious with his own nightstick before he drew his gun and drove off the assailants. The latest men arrested were arraigned before Judge John J. Brady in police court, with most of them fined $5, one fined $10, one sentenced to 90 days in jail, another sentenced to 30 days and the rest pleading not guilty.

— Times Union, Dec. 23, 1923

Hundreds of holiday travelers were stranded at Albany County Airport as all flights were canceled despite clear and sunny skies in the area. An American Airlines spokesman said its decision to cancel was based on strong crosswinds and heavy icing conditions on the runways. Winds were gusting at 30 mph much of the day, a National Weather Service spokesman said. Disappointed area residents, who planned holiday weekend flights to visit family, milled about and grumbled in the big airport waiting room. Many said they had no hopes of making family Christmas reunions by alternate methods of travel, since railroads were already operating at capacity and the closing of service stations on Sunday would prevent long trips on highways. — Times Union, Dec. 23, 1973

• Looking Back is compiled by C.J. Lais and Azra Haqqie. For questions or to submit information about historic events, contact Tim Blydenburgh, 518-4545421 or tblydenburgh@ timesunion.com