Ilion High School - Class of 1945

Herkimer Evening Telegram - November 6, 1945

Grid Feudists Stage Battle in Ilion Street

Article 9

Grid Feudists Stage Battle in Ilion Street

Ilion - A group of Ilion-Herkimer football feudists will appear before Police Judge James E. Casey at 10 a. m. Saturday to explain the "near riot" waged in downtown streets here last night.

About 30 men and students from Herkimer arrived in Ilion around 8 p. m. last night in cars driven by older brothers and fans to revive the fight which started on the field here last Saturday when the Herkimer Red Magicians nipped Ilion by a 6-0 score. Not a Herkimer player was involved in this skirmish.

Trophies Bear Names

The feuding continued Saturday night when three Ilion boys were in Herkimer. One of the fans there expressed his desire to shake hands with the Ilion boys. The Herkimer youth had previously smeared ketchup on his hands and in shaking, the liquid naturally was transferred to the Ilion youth who in turn rubbed it over his opponent's shirt. The situation could not be remedied then because Ilion was outnumbered, so a date was made to "iron" things out in real fashion.

One Ilion youth, George Hendrick, 287 Otsego St., a discharged veteran, was seriously clubbed in the head. It was because of a previous head injury that he was released from service. He was treated by Dr. C. J. Diss. Other than that black eyes and bloody noses were the most prevelant casualties.

Police subsided the turmoil and about 20 youths were taken to headquarters where they remained until after 11 p. m. Acting Chief Frank Ford said today that "this time something drastic will be done because last night's outburst was carrying things too far."

It was also learned today that Michael Moschette, father of Dominick Moschette whose drives through the Ilion line gave Herkimer its victory, was injured in Ilion following the game when a rock was thrown through his car window.