Looking Backward

The north

10 years ago

March 4, 2000:Watertown's two commercial television stations will keep airing an ad attacking U.S. Sen. John McCain's environmental record despite McCain campaign claims that the ad skirts campaign finance restrictions. Republicans for Clean Air, which is credited for underwriting the 30-second commercial, doesn't exist, McCain spokesman Daniel McLagan said.

25 years ago

March 4, 1985:How to deal with a market changed by the expansion of Fort Drum and the construction of suburban malls will be discussed at a meeting called by city merchants. Arthur S. Alpert, chairman of the chamber's retail committee, said the topic will be what local businesses can do to compete with the large malls that are expected to be built.

50 years ago

March 4, 1960:The Watertown City Council has been asked by City Manager Ronald G. Forbes to buy two private properties for a total of $33,400. One is to permit widening of the third block of Sherman Street and the other, the New York Central property now leased for parking at the rear of the City Hall.

75 years ago

March 4, 1935:It took the Scarlet Stars seven overtime periods, or about 32 minutes, to quell the Adolph's Ramblers in a City Hockey league game on the Winter Sports Club rink, Massena. The final score was 2-1. The game was by far the best witnessed in Massena in many years.

100 years ago

March 4, 1910:Still considerably below the high water mark and as yet the source of no flood damage of consequence, the Black River has nevertheless reached the point where mills are being forced to idleness on account of high water.

125 years ago

March 4, 1885:At a meeting of the board of managers of the Carthage Union Agricultural Society, it was decided to join the National Trotting Association. It also was decided to offer the same amount in purses for trotting as was given in 1884 ($1,500).

The world

Today is Thursday,March 4, the 63rd day of 2010. There are 302 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.)

Thought for Today:"Beauty is whatever gives joy." — Edna St. Vincent Millay, American author and poet (1892-1950).