January 30, 1909 - Chamber Dinner

100 Years Ago Today: From The Rensselaer Eagle [NY 41 Rensselaer 93-32173].

Chamber of Commerce Dinner Most Successful

Fifth Annual Affair Was Brilliant; Speeches Were Excellent--Prosperity of This City Was The Main Theme
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During the five years our city has shown a steady and substantial growth. New industries have been established and additions to plants constructed; better car service has been inaugurated, larger and better cars placed on the lines, and transfers to all points in Albany obtained; the two railroad bridges have been virtually made free bridges; the fire department has been equipped with modern apparatus, and a post office has been established, thus placing Rensselaer upon the map.

A few years ago when an order was issued making West Albany the terminus of the Boston and Albany R. R., and the local round house and shops were closed, many persons believed we had sustained a blow from which we would not recover in many years. However, during the past year a new round house and shops have been erected, and Rensselaer was again made the eastern terminus of the road. In addition to this the New York Central round house has been enlarged by the addition of twenty stalls, a handsome new church was dedicated and many other buildings constructed; in fact, the building operations during the past year, notwithstanding the panic, exceeded those of any two previous years, in the history of our city. Many handsome residences have been constructed and many more will be constructed during the year 1909.
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I believe there is a bright future in store for Rensselaer. Let each man do his duty toward the upbuilding of a better and greater city. Let us set aside our personal dislikes and the remembrance of hostility in business, political and social life and look for the good in our fellow townsman.
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"All for Rensselaer and Rensselaer for All."

See the January 30, 1909 Front Page for more speeches from guys with elegant mustaches, and an article about the "Terrible Death of George C. Redden".