HISTORY IS COOL: 80 years ago
July 31, 1942
No on more gas
–
There is no provision in the regulations for rationing gasoline that provides for transportation to recreational areas; that was the answer received by Lake Placid and Saranac Lake officials to a petition for gas exemption in this area.
The petition was drawn up at a meeting of mayors and community representatives from the Adirondack region and was written by Luke Perkins, Lake Placid mayor. It was forwarded to Sen. James Mead, Sen. Robert Wagner and Rep. Clarence Kilburn in Washington.
“The problem of gasoline supply for people taking advantage of the Adirondack Park preserve is a difficult one,” replied Leon Henderson, director of the Office of Price Administration. “There is no provision in the regulations for rationing gasoline that provides for transportation to recreational areas. Such trips must be made out of the regular allowance of gasoline. This will not make such recreational journeys impossible, but they will be necessarily limited.
“All this, in spite of the fact that the value of recreation to the morale and health of the people is well recognized. … It is hoped that this consideration of gasoline may contribute to a war effort whose success may be not too long delayed.”
The petition requested exemption on gas rationing during the period of July 1 to Sept. 30, during which time the tourist trade in the Adirondacks is greatest and when incomes of the communities are dependent on this trade.
Signers of the request were the mayors of Bloomingdale, Elizabethtown, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.
–
Summer frostbite
–
Craig Garren has made up his mind that he must have “tender tootsies” even if he does wear a size 13-C shoe. For he got those petite feet frostbitten at the arena Sunday and is now under the doctor’s care.
Garren, son of H. L. Garren, executive secretary of the North Elba Park District, was scraping the ice at the arena from 8 to 12, using skates as a means of locomotion. He complained of his cold feet and was told to go and warm them, but he continued his work. When he finally took off his skating shoes, he found his great toes about four times their natural size.
Up until this time, they had completely satisfied their owner as far as sturdiness is concerned. Unable to get his street shoes on, he had to be taken home by car. Then after seeing Dr. S. A. Volpert, he had both feet snuggly wrapped in swaddling clothes dipped in a medicated solution to steal away the ache of toes frostbitten as the mercury outside stood at 85 degrees.
–
New bathhouse
–
Children of this village now have a bathhouse all their own at the municipal beach and no fee is charged for its use.
The village board has had carpenters at the beach this summer constructing an addition to the former beach house for the benefit of young bathers who cannot pay for bathhouse privileges. There is a section for girls and one for boys with running water.