Ilion High School - Class of 1974

Source pdf file is here Herkimer NY Evening Telegram 1973 02515.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Hundreds Due To Visit Ilion For Anniversary

By BOB KELDER

ILION - Hundreds of local and distant visitors are expected to visit Ilion today for the day-long gala celebration aimed at observing the 100th anniversary of typewriter manufacturing at the local Remington Arms Co. plant.

A wide variety of events will get underway at 12 noon with the Ilion High School Homecoming Parade and concluding at 10 p.m with a big fireworks display at UNIVAC Field.

Mrs. Jane Spellman, chairman reported that midway in the program, at 4 p.m . special ceremonies with special speakers, are slated on the bandstand near the Post Office.

Other highlights will include a 15-minute movie called "The Story of the Typewriter" to be shown every half hour in the Remington Room in the Ilion Library.

Amusement rides will be available in the Central Plaza throughout the day.

Among guest speakers will be Mrs Thomas Gallagher, the former Gamble Benedict, granddaughter of Henry Harper Benedict who was successful in getting Remington to manufacture the first typewriter in 1873.

Mrs Gallagher's topic during the 4 p m ceremonies will be "My Grandfather, H. H. Benedict." Mayor James F. Garnsey will welcome the special guests, and Jack Manley will be master of ceremonies.

Another special speaker at that time will be William M. Hiller, of McGowan Road, now retired from the local Remington plant. His topic will be "Memorabilia of the Old Plant."

"The Typewriter Today" will be the subject of Edson Mosher, of the Smith-Corona Typewriter Co., Cortland, along with Brookins, of Sperry UNIVAC, Bluebell, Pa.; and K. L. Dillingham, of International Business Machines, Poughkeepsie.

Mrs. Spellman will speak on the topic "It Began Here." The typewriter was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes, Carolos Glidden and Samuel Soules of Milwaukee, with Sholes the principal inventor.

Herkimer County Legislature Chairman Victor Norman of Ilion, will conclude the 4 p.m. ceremonies with announcement of the speed contest winner of the typewriting events held recently at all schools.

Meanwhile, music throughout the day will be by several groups, including Norm Wilson and the Western Gentlemen, Bob Perry and Bluegrass Boy, and the Ilion Volunteer Firemen's Band.

Displays of old and new typewirters and old photographs have been arranged in the municipal building auditorium and in various store windows throughout the downtown area.

The celebration not only observes the 100th anniversary of the first practical typewriter in Ilion, but it also notes the 112th anniversary of the village.

Mrs. Spellman said the event has generated interest in far places, with one of her many letters coming from England. Others have come from Rochester. Gloversville. Old Forge, Holland Patent, Utica, Syracuse and valley towns.

Besides the Ilion High School Homecoming Parade that will lauch the long program at 12 noon, the special events will include the football game slated for 1:30 p.m., when the Ilion High School Golden Bombers will host Little Falls.

The music from bandstand will follow this schedule: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Norm Wilson and the Western Gentlemen; 2 p.m to 2:30 p.m., entertainment; 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ilion Volunteer Firemen's Band.

Also, 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m., entertainment. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Bob Perry and Bluegrass Boy; 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m , entertainment; 8 p.m to 9:30 p.m., Ilion Volunteer Friemen's Band.

The special 4 p.m. speaking ceremonies will be opened by Manley, followed by the invocation by Rev Maurice Mitchell. Rev. Gregory Mulhall will give the benediction after the several speakers conclude.