Well, the economy has changed a little in the last 104 years, especially when we look at the Saranac Lake Central School District. The budget for 2025 is $38.1 million and the tax rate is $7.93 per thousand. The 1921 budget total of $106,687.12 has been reduced by about $23,000 “from the state in public monies.”

“The budget for the Saranac Lake public schools for the coming year has been announced. It totals $106,687.12, and to raise this amount the tax rate for the coming year is estimated at $1.90 per $100. Of the total amount, between $22,000 and $23,000 will be deducted, that amount being received from the state in public monies. The tax rate for the coming year is larger than last year, when it was $1.50 per $100. Despite the increase this year, the rate is lower than in former years, due to the increase in the assessed valuation made last year. [‘Assessed Valuation’ is the amount that assessors estimate your property is worth although it is usually assessed much lower than its true value.] The appropriations made for the general control of the local school system total $7,890. For salaries for the Board of Education and secretary’s office, $1,100 will be needed, and for supplies $200. Salaries in the superintendent’s office call for $5,420; $70 for supplies; $500 for salaries of compulsory education and $500 for other expenses under that division.

“The instruction service, supervision and teaching, will cost $68,921.62. The various items in this work and the amounts are: expenses for supervisors, $50; supplies for principal’s office, $50; other expenses of supervision, $150. Salaries of teachers, $65,191.62; commencement exercises and exhibits, $70; other expenses of instruction, $200.

“For the operation of the school plant $10,425 will be used. Of this amount the wages of the janitor and other employees total $5,715; for fuel, $4,000, water $210, light and power $700; janitor’s supplies, $700; general care of grounds, $50; other expenses of operation, $50. The maintenance and upkeep of the school plant will cost $3,440.”

[The story also carried a long list of expenses such as health care, school lunches and bond payments.]

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Arrested and fined

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Page One story under the following headlines and sub-head. “Mayor of Lake Placid and Party Fined on Game Law Charges — Four Men Fined Fifty Dollars for Hunting Deer with Spotlight — Arrest Is Resisted — Captured by State Troopers After Car Is Riddled with Bullets in Chase.”

“Patrick Hennessy, President (nee Mayor) of the Village of Lake Placid, appeared before Justice of the Peace Seaver A. Miller in Saranac Lake yesterday morning and paid a fifty dollar [Google claims the 1921 $50 equals $904 in 2025 spending power] fine for illegally hunting deer with a spotlight. With Hennessy were Sewell Bruce and William Benham of Lake Placid, and John J. Greene of New York. Each of the men were fined a similar amount for the same offense and Benham paid an additional amount for resisting an officer.

“According to Earl A. Vosburgh of Tupper Lake, game protector, the men were in a car on the Ampersand Pond Road near Harrietstown engaged in hunting with a spotlight. Vosburgh immediately notified state troopers and Troopers James G. Walsh and Edward R. Cronk hastened to the scene.

“Walsh testified that he called upon the men to stop and they refused to do so. The troopers then jumped into their car and gave chase. According to Walsh, a man on the rear seat of the front car jumped up with rifle in his hand. The trooper fired wild and called upon them to stop.

“After a thrilling chase, the leading car going at a speed of over forty miles per hour, the troopers pulled alongside. Walsh climbed out on the fender of his car and leaped into the other machine. He again ordered Benham to stop and met with another refusal.

“Walsh alleges that he then grabbed Benham by the throat with both hands and churned him up and down in the seat until the car was brought to a standstill.

“The party, with their car riddled with bullets and the back tires shot away and the gasoline tank punctured, was drawn up in front of the office of Judge Miller this morning when the hearing was held.

“The fines were paid and the men departed.”

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Saranac lake beats Tupper 4 to 0

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“Wednesday afternoon the Saranac Lake baseball team continued its winning streak by defeating Tupper Lake in a closely-contested game, winning with a 4 to 0 score in favor of Saranac Lake.

“Pollie pitched for the locals and was the complete master of the situation, particularly when the Tupper Lake managed to get on the bases. Crippen, the Tupper Lake pitcher, suffered occasional lapses and in that way the local boys were able to score.

“The game scheduled for Thursday with Port Henry at Port Henry was postponed because of rain. This afternoon the local team will meet Port Henry on the Public Playground in Saranac Lake. Sunday the fast St. Hubert’s Inn will play here and next Tuesday afternoon Plattsburgh will be seen on the local diamond.

“Saranac Lake will suffer a temporary loss, as Surka, one of the star twirlers, has returned to his home for a short stay. Manager Sullivan said this morning that the left hander will be back in uniform shortly and that the rumor he was through for the season was unfounded. With a man who can pitch the brand of ball that Polli has been showing recently, Saranac Lake fans should feel no uneasiness regarding the pitching staff.

“Frank Smith, who has been playing a spectacular game at third base, also will leave Sunday. Smith has been recalled to Dartmouth. He will be replaced by Maloney, a Georgetown University star.”