The Past---A Great Christmas Present

At Christmas time we all seem to be looking for the ultimate and most meaningful gifts for our loved ones not realizing one of the best gifts we can give is a gift from the past. A gift that is a part of our local and American history is one that keeps on giving to generations to come. Learning about ones past history can open doors that will lead us on a journey to discover how we can begin to build lasting relationships, as well as secure a strong foundation for America's future. We as her building blocks with the wisdom we will discover from the past can achieve the hope to create the path that our great nation must go down. Discovering our past will lead us to a stronger present and a better future.

I grew up in a wonderful time in American history in a small historical village I remember lovingly as Dolgeville New York. The celebrated and recognized history of Dolgeville can show us how an immigrant from Germany made enormous contributions to this peaceful village and to the America we love today.

Alfred Dolge was originally an importer and manufacturer of piano materials and later became a manufacturer of felt products. This great man instituted a program of Earning-Sharing whereby an employee received a portion of the earnings according to his contributions in brains or the value of his work.This was not to be turned over until retirement, but was to be reinvested. The pension plan was non-contributory by the employee. The employer paid all.

Because of Dolge, Dolgeville had these:
First Social Security, 1876
First felt slipper and shoes made in America, 1881
Second electric dynamo run by water power, 1879 (Edison's was the first dynamo)
First public kindergarten in New York State, 1889
First park system in the Dolgeville area, 1876
First upstate village lighted by electricity, Dolgeville 1891

Need I say more?

Now get into that history book or better yet get into that search engine supported by 4 tires and get going. History waits for no one. There's a little Alfred Dolge in all of us,we just need to find it. Let's make our present a great past for others who will follow.