Looking Backward

The north

10 years ago

Nov. 21, 1999:A 105-year era ended quietly at Genesis HealthCare of New York when Sister C. Rose Curtin began her retirement. For the past several years she had been the last nun from the Sisters of Mercy still working at the former Mercy Hospital. For the first time the 218 Stone St. facility is not staffed by any of the order of sisters who opened it in 1894.

25 years ago

Nov. 21, 1984:Army officials have reinstated plans to build two elementary schools on Fort Drum in wake of widespread concern that local schools will lack sufficient space.

50 years ago

Nov. 21, 1959:The village of Sackets Harbor is awaiting a report on zoning recommendations by the Sackets Harbor Planning Commission. To many residents the new law will mean a continuation or an end to what they consider the placid atmosphere of the community. To businessmen and industry it will mean easy development or expansion, or legal battles to get variances to go ahead with plans.

75 years ago

Nov. 21, 1934:With favorable weather facilitating rapid construction, work on the old and new wings of Bellevile Union Academy has shown considerable progress. Alterations on all floors of the old wing are virtually completed.

100 years ago

Nov. 21, 1909:The new buildings under construction at Carthage by the New York Central are nearing completion. Roberts & Shaffer, Chicago, have a contract for installing a patent electric coaling station. When completed, one man will do all the loading. The dippers are automatically loaded by pressing a button, and by the same means carried over the tender and dumped.

125 years ago

Nov. 21, 1884:William Mothersell agreed to propel a wheelbarrow containing J.T. Raplee, in the event of Cleveland's election, from Chittenden's Arcade ticket office around the Square. The excursion will take place this evening, and Mr. Mothersell, as he feels extremely muscular, is confident of being able to keep his portion of the bargain.

The world

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is Saturday, Nov. 21,the 325th day of 2009. There are 40 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Nov. 21, 1934, the Cole Porter musical "Anything Goes," starring Ethel Merman as Reno Sweeney, opened on Broadway.

Thought for Today:"We are always doing, says he, something for posterity, but I would fain see posterity do something for us." — Joseph Addison, English essayist and poet (1672-1719).