April 8, 1941 Old Timers Dinner

“Fifty years is a long time. But not too long to live an honorable and useful life as a citizen of this community. So thought many of the members of the Chamber of Commerce last Monday evening, when they honored Interlaken’s oldest business men.” Thus begins the April 11, 1941, Interlaken Review article about the Old Timers dinner at the Goodman Hotel.

The idea behind the 1941 dinner was one held on February 23, 1916 when another group of old timers were honored.

 April 1941 Old Timers’ Honorees: Standing: C Fred Case, Charles V. Slaght, Dr. E. W. Thompson, Capt. James Quick, Charles Wiggins, Homer Case, Gilbert Townsend, Harlan Johnston, John Hunt, George Mundy, George Wixom, Frank Kennedy

Seated: Clinton Townsend, Byrd Townsend, Fred Usher, Clarence Miller, John Thompson, William Quinn, Dr. Daniel Kellogg, Frank Sniffin

The evening included many comments by the attendees, and the Interlaken Review, in its article noted, “it would not do to repeat here all the stories that were told at the meeting.” They also noted, “Few of our ‘old timers’ hardly looked their age and all agreed that life in Interlaken had been good to them.”

The article concluded, “Indeed, this was a memorable historical occasion and many thanks are due the Chamber of Commerce for continuing this custom.”

The article included a roll call of the honorees, most of whom were in attendance. Those unable to attend are marked with a ^

 Captain James V Quick, (Over 60 years’ service along Cayuga’s shores).

^Philip Vining (52) Builder and Mason.

George H. Mundy, (Over 65), Farming and Insurance.

Charles S. Wiggins, (50), Jewelry Merchant, Town Clerk.

Charles V. Slaght, (50), Merchant.

George S. Parish, (50), Telegraph operator and Station Agent.

William Quinn, (60) Associated with local Railroad and Telephone Companies and Egg and Poultry Merchant

John T. Hunt, (50), Farmer and contractor.

^Fred C. Medlock, (50) Auctioneer.

^William J. Riley, (57), Blacksmith.

Homer C. Case, (Over 50), Merchant

C. Fred Case (Over 50), Merchant.

Eugene Creque (50), Painter and Builder.

^Thomas B. Freestone, (55) Farmer.

Frank L. Sniffin, (50), Farmer.

^Herman T. Smith, (Over 50) Farmer.

^Wheeler A. Bassett, (Over 50), Farmer and historian.

^Winfield Austin, (Over 50), Farmer.

William Starrett, (56), Justice of the Peace.

Fred R. Usher, (Over 50), Contractor and Builder.

Frank W. Kennedy, (49), Carpenter and Builder.

George P. Wixom, (46), Carpenter and Builder.

Dr. Daniel M. Kellogg, (48), Veterinarian.

^A. D. Howell, (55), Farming, Insurance, Former Mayor.

Clarence F. Miller, (48), Farmer

Gilbert D. Townsend (Over 50) Farmer.

Byrd S. Townsend, (50), Farmer.

Edgar H. Covert, (50), Farmer

Fred Young, (Over 50), Farmer

John S. Thompson, (Over 50) Farming and Farm Produce.

G. Clinton Townsend, (50), Farmer.

B. R. Hewlett, (50), Farmer.

H. P. Minor, (46) Merchant.

L. A. Morgan, (50), Farmer.

Harlan S. Johnston, (50), Farming and Oil Business.

A. J. Rappleye, (50) Painter.

^Fay Strong, (58), Farmer, Merchant, Town Clerk, Postmaster at Covert.

John Matthews, (50), Manager of Athletics.

The list concludes “It is here specifically noted that this list is not complete, for there are many other outstanding records of service.”

In addition to all the stories and speeches given that evening, there were the picture displays. A total of 270 pictures were used, loaned by 43 community members. The pictures “ranged from the latest aerial survey…to faded and highly treasured pictures taken many, many years ago.” Of particular interest is the framed collection hanging from a light fixture. That collection is still in its frame at the Historical Society.

Views of Interlaken before the roads were paved.
Gift to the Interlaken Historical Society 1968
From Ruth Fulkerson Kelly

Dewitt Diary April 8, 1941—1944

Tuesday, April 8, 1941 Froze up, temperature 30. Much warmer in the afternoon. Made 4 gallons of syrup, but it does not run much. I guess the season is over with.

Wednesday, April 8, 1942 Husking out some corn this morning and afternoon.

Thursday, April 8, 1943 Temperature 32 this morning. Cloudy. A little snow on the ground.

April 8, 1944 Made 8 gallons of syrup today. Lem came down from Rochester today. He is helping me today. Temperature 60 at noon for the first warm day. A little freeze last night. Lem brought down a sink for the kitchen. Catherine got a letter from Leland. Temperature 40 tonight.