Page 16 - May 2025 FINAL

16 May 2025 B/W NHTownCrier.com

Dennis Webster

What the History (WTH)! Hometown Heros A Letter to NH Residents

Submitted by Dennis Webster, a New Hartford resident, and Banner Program submitted by Paul Miscione
author of regional books on true crime, ghosts, local history,
and asylums. submitted by Cheryl Jassak-Huther, Town Clerk, Town of Dear Residents of New Hartford,
New Hartford I am honored to address you as your Town Supervisor
ach year, it is my great honor to help bring one of and to reflect on the great progress we have made
The Creeping Death Ethe most heartfelt and patriotic traditions to life together over the past year. Our town continues to
Someone hands you a pint of a homemade whiskey here in New Hartford—the Hometown Heroes Banner grow, thrive, and improve, thanks to the dedication
produced in a tin clapt trap, backyard still. Would Program. of our residents, town employees, and community
you drink it? No? The answer was yes to many people Although the program is administered independently leaders. I want to take a moment to highlight our
who did drink it back during post- prohibition across by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), accomplishments and share exciting projects on the
the Mohawk Valley. They unknowingly delivered the I am incredibly proud to coordinate the Town of horizon.
Creeping Death to their alcohol-joyed body. Once they New Hartford’s participation, following the Town This past year, we have focused on infrastructure
poured the illegal whiskey down their gullets, the clock Board’s enthusiastic approval. Working closely with improvements, community development, and public
was ticking on their life libation to a sacrifice to the god our Highway Department, I help ensure that every safety. Our road paving and drainage projects have
of hedonism. There was no cure and only the slow and banner—each a tribute to a brave man or woman who significantly enhanced our streets, making them safer
painful demise would end the suffering. The poisoned has served our nation—is displayed with the dignity, and more efficient for all. We have invested in upgrading
alcohol was deemed, “The Creeping Death,” by local respect, and visibility that our heroes so deeply deserve. our parks and recreational facilities, providing families
law officials, and would kill 33 people in January of This program is very close to my heart. It’s not just and residents with improved spaces to gather, exercise,
1935 from Gloversville through to Utica. Although about banners; it’s about honoring the sacrifices, and enjoy the outdoors.
prohibition had ended in 1933, many illegal operations courage, and legacy of those who have served. Every Economic development has also been a priority. We
still existed throughout the United States as the detail matters because every veteran matters. It is my have worked closely with local businesses to foster
manufacture of alcohol in a backyard still was lucrative privilege to work alongside the families to make sure growth and bring new opportunities to our town. Our
and profitable outside the legalities of manufacturing of their loved ones are recognized, remembered, and commercial district efforts are making New Hartford a
spirits. Upon the deaths, Gloversville Detective Harry celebrated throughout our community. more vibrant place to live, shop, and work. With new
Hart would go to the hospital bed of Mrs. Lena Snyder, My commitment to our veterans extends beyond businesses opening and existing ones expanding, we
who only had moments to live, yet was lucid enough to this program. For many years, I have had the honor are seeing positive momentum that benefits our entire
speak to the lawman. Lena told the detective where she of organizing various initiatives in New Hartford that community.
purchased the deadly alcohol for $1 for a bottle from a support, uplift, and recognize the incredible men and Public safety remains at the forefront of our efforts.
Mary Derrico. Mrs. Derrico had purchased 5 gallons of women who wore the uniform. Serving our veteran We have strengthened our police and emergency
the Creeping Death from John DiPedro and Salvatore community is one of the most meaningful parts of my services, ensuring they have the resources needed to
DiDominick of Little Falls. The United States Treasury role, and I am truly blessed to do this work in a town keep our town safe. Additionally, we have enhanced
Department of Alcohol Tax Unit came to Utica, NY, and that shares this same deep respect and gratitude. community engagement programs, reinforcing the
assisted in the investigation. They were led to Salvatore Thank you to everyone who supports the Hometown strong relationship between law enforcement and our
DiBenedetto of Utica and when they raided his home Heroes Banner Program, to the DAR for their residents.
found alcohol-making accoutrements to include stills,
vats, and bottling items. The investigation found bottles partnership, to the Town Board for their steadfast Looking ahead to the coming year, we have several
support, and especially to the veterans and their major projects in the works. We will continue investing
of the death alcohol in 28 local stores. It was discovered families—your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
that the deadly recipe was a chemical creative mistake in infrastructure, including road improvements,
as Salvatore DiBenedetto had purchased a large drum It is my privilege to serve this community and to services, and the enhancement of public spaces. Plans
of antifreeze compound from a local garage and used help ensure that New Hartford remains a place where for new community events and recreational programs
it as the alcoholic base for his recipe. Unbeknownst, patriotism lives proudly, and heroes are always honored. are also underway, offering more opportunities for
the Creeping Death had been bottled and distributed God bless our veterans, and God bless America. residents of all ages to engage and connect.
waiting for victims to purchase the cheap grim reaper None of these achievements would be possible
pints. Most of the involved would get fines for selling without your support and involvement. I encourage
and distributing illegal alcohol; however, DiBenedetto everyone to stay engaged, attend town meetings, and
would be charged with 1st degree murder. He’d plead share your thoughts and ideas as we move forward.
guilty to 1st degree manslaughter and ended up doing Together, we will continue building a stronger, more
10 years hard labor in a NYS prison. Even though he prosperous New Hartford for future generations.
had innocently made the wrong batch of alcohol, Thank you for your trust, commitment, and dedication
DiBenedetto paid with a decade of his life behind to our town. I look forward to another year of progress
bars and 33 people died from drinking the Creeping and success.
Death. The coroner at that time referred to the result of
drinking the poison as “wet brain” because the victims
would be conscious, aware of their impending demise,
suffer terrible pain, and their brains would emit leaking
fluids. The law enforcement team at the time put forth a
warning as not all the bottles of the Creeping Death had
been found and destroyed. So, dear reader, be careful,
for your dusty root cellar may have nestled on a cob-
webbed musty shelf, a pint of liquid that if consumed,
will lead you to a quick meeting with our maker.