100 years ago in The Record
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1919
Nearly two months after the end of the world war, one Troy family is just learning that a loved one was killed in action nearly three months ago. A telegram from the adjutant general’s office informs Fannie Holohan Whalen of 22 Cypress Street that her husband, Private Michael F. Whelan, was killed somewhere in France on October 14, 1918. The war ended when Germany signed an armistice agreement on November 11. A draftee, the 26 year old Whalen was sent to Camp Wadsworth SC for basic training last May. After spending July 4 in Troy furlough, he crossed the Atlantic with the 336th Casual company. “With the exception of the card announcing his safe arrival overseas, nothing was heard of him from the time he left this country,” The Record reports, “Where he was and what he did on the other side is unknown.” The official telegram provides no details on Whalen’s death. He’s survived by his wife and infant son, his parents and five siblings, including Private John Whalen of Company C, 105th U.S. Infantry.
Sentiment in Lansingburgh Opposed to School Merger
As part of his effort to reduce the city’s debt, Troy mayor Cornelius F. Burns proposed yesterday that the Troy and Lansingburgh school districts be merged into one. The Record reports today that “the prevailing sentiment in Lansingburgh … is against the plan.” While the mayor and proponents of the merger see the maintenance of separate school districts following Troy’s annexation of Lansingburgh at the turn of the century as a “black eye” to the city, our reporter notes that in the North End “it is held that the Lansingburgh system is entirely satisfactory.” The Lansingburgh district’s autonomy was guaranteed when the state legislature authorized the annexation in 1900. A merger of the school systems will require legislative approval. Lansingburgh households pay a higher school tax, but the district provides children with free text books and stationery. Lansingburgh teachers are underpaid compared to their Troy counterparts, however, with a top salary of $775 per year compared to $920 in Troy. “It is held that the Lansingburgh schools are operated upon a higher plane of efficiency than the Troy schools,” the reporter adds, “and it is pointed out that Lansingburgh stands second in an efficiency list at the state department of education, while Troy is listed fifth. The mayor takes a cautious tone today, telling reporters that no legislation has been drafted yet. While he reiterates that “we believe the move a proper one,” he adds that “We shall not force the issue if the people do not want it.”