 |
| Grover Cleveland. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 27, 1900.
CORTLAND IN 1884.
INTERESTING LOCAL EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.
Several Large Fires—Losses Amounted to Many Thousands—Grover Cleveland Elected President—Barnum's Circus Meets a Cyclone in Cortland—Opera House Built.
Cortland suffered greater losses by fire in 1884 than in any other five years of its history, and nearly all the conflagrations are supposed to have been of incendiary origin. Early in February the people of the village had a foretaste of the destroying element when a building on the corner of North Main-st. and Lincoln-ave., occupied by L. Silverman, photographer, was burned. The loss in this case was small.
On the night of February 14 the O'Neil Wagon company's shops in Railroad-st., located where the Central school building now stands, were destroyed by fire, the loss being placed at $40,000.
About 1:30 o'clock on the morning of February 20 fire was discovered in the rear of H. M. Kellogg's hardware store, and this proved one of the most disastrous fires ever occurring in the village. This store was in the Wickwire block on Main-st. What was then known as the Union Hall block was located where the Burgess and Collins blocks now stand, just north of what is now Railroad-st. but which was not opened at that time. North of the Union Hall block was the Wickwire block, and adjoining this was the Garrison block, then the Keator dwelling house, which still stands, and north of this was a wooden building occupied by C. H. Price & Co., grocers, on the present site of the Beard & Peck furniture store.
The fire was a bad one to handle, as the wind was blowing a gale from the south, and it was with difficulty that the fire companies of Cortland and Homer confined the fire to the three blocks named. The Wickwire and Garrison blocks were practically destroyed, and the Union Hall block was damaged to such an extent that but little of the ruins were utilized. The extent of the disaster may be better understood by a perusal of the losses as carefully computed by the owners and insurance adjusters: Tanner Bros., dry goods, $28,000; L. D. Garrison & Co., grocers, $4,500; Chas. H. Garrison, block, $25,000; Wickwire Bros. block, $5,000; C. W. Collins, block and stock, $9,500; S. E. Welch, block and stock, $5,500; Mary Keator, furniture, $250, estate of Thomas Keator, dwelling, $1,200; L. T. White, dentist, $500; Mrs. Anna Wooding, stock, $500; T. P. Button, barber, $500; H. M. Kellogg, stock, $15.000; Mrs. C. H. Cooke, stock, $2,000; J. & T. E. Courtney, books, $100; I. H. Palmer, books, $300; Kirkland Bros., grocers, stock, $4,500.
The fire record did not end here, however, for at midnight of May 24 the business block on the corner of Main and Court-sts. was burned. The building was owned by D. F. Wallace, whose loss was $10,000. The Taylor hall building was damaged to the extent of $1,000.
The owners of the business blocks on Main-st. all proceeded at once to rebuild, and in a few months buildings of a more substantial nature were erected in the place of those destroyed.
CIRCUS TENT WRECKED.
Probably a large share of our readers well remember July 23, 1884, when Barnum's circus tent was struck by a cyclone in Cortland. The tent was erected on Dr. J. M. Milne's lot in Owego-st., and as usual with this show, people came from far and near to visit it. The tent was well filled, the estimate by the local newspapers being 10,000. During the performance a very severe storm of wind and rain struck the town, and the circus tent being directly in the track of the storm, suffered severely. The people in the tent became alarmed when the huge canvas began to sway and the guy ropes with heavy pins attached were thrown among the crowd, striking right and left. The rain came down in torrents, and the wild animals added to the excitement by bellowing furiously. As fast as possible the people left the tent, but not until twenty-nine people had been injured, some of them quite seriously. Cornelius Brown, proprietor of Brown's hotel, Marathon, was probably as badly hurt as any one, having some ribs broken and being injured internally. The managers of the circus made arrangements with Judge A. P. Smith and John Courtney, Jr., to settle all claims satisfactorily. Among the bills presented for payment was a demand made by a lady for the loss of two pair of silk gloves and one pair of kid gloves, of the value of $12, but the attorneys decided that three pairs of gloves were rather too many for one woman to have at a circus.
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT ELECTED.
For the first time in the long period of twenty-eight years the Democrats in 1884 elected a president, Grover Cleveland defeating James G. Blaine, known as the "Plumed Knight." Mr. Cleveland was known only at the governor of New York, having no national reputation whatever, and on the other hand Mr. Blaine had been a prominent national figure for many years, having been speaker of the house of representatives, a senator for many years, and secretary of state under President Garfield. The result of the election depended upon New York state, the vote of which was so close that it was not known for a certainty for nearly a week which of the candidates had been elected. The official canvas gave Grover Cleveland about one thousand plurality.
COUNTY POLITICS.
At the annual February town meetings in Cortland county the Republicans elected ten supervisors and the Democrats five.
The two candidates for president of McGrawville, H. D. Corey and Randolph Rogers, each received 48 votes at the charter election held in March.
At the Republican county convention held September 11 there was considerable strife over the nomination of a county treasurer, the candidates being Chas. W. Stoker, Wm H. Morgan, A. C. Adams and J. B. Kellogg. Fifteen ballots were taken, Mr. Kellogg finally winning. The remainder of the ticket was as follows: Member of assembly, H. P Andrews; justice of sessions, Frank Price; coroner, Dr. Dewey H. Stone.
A Prohibition county convention was held September 17, over which A. E Seymour presided. The ticket placed in nomination was: Member of assembly, J. J. Woodruff; county treasurer, A. E. Seymour; coroner, Dr. H. A. Bolles.
The Democratic county convention, held October 6, nominated the following ticket: Member of assembly, Dr. J. C. Nelson; county treasurer, C. S. Bull; justice of sessions, S. A. Smith; coroner, Dr. Jerome Angell.
 |
| M. F. Cleary (1899 photo). |
FIREMANIC NEWS.
On the 19th of March the Cortland fire department presented the Homer department a handsome banner, in appreciation of the services rendered at several Cortland fires by the firemen of Homer. Several speeches were made and the affair was a very happy one for the firemen of both villages.
Hugh Duffey presented an elegant fireman's trumpet to M. F. Cleary on the 17th of May.
Emerald Hose company had a great celebration on the fair grounds July 4.
At the state firemen's convention held at Utica in September the Emerald Hose company of Cortland made a record for speed which we believe has not been broken since. The distance was 900 feet, 600 feet to hydrant, attach, and 300 feet farther, hose uncoupled and pipe screwed on, the Emeralds making it in 49 seconds. They secured the first prize of $150, and also a handsome cathedral clock valued at $40 for displaying the finest hose carriage. M. F. Cleary won a prize for a box of confectionery to the chief with the greatest number of children. When the Company returned to Cortland the citizens turned out in great numbers to meet the boys. They were escorted to Taylor hall, where a public meeting was held with Hugh Duffey as chairman. Congratulatory speeches were made by J. E. Eggleston. John Courtney, Jr., B. T. Wright and others.
MARRIAGES.
December 25, 1883, by Rev. B. F. McLoghlin, John T. Davern and Miss Josephine Fanning. January 16, by Rev. E. J. Rhodes, Aaron Sager of Cortland and Mrs. Julia G. Bridgeford of West Dryden. February 6, by Rev. W. H. Annable. Robert H. Beard and Miss Carrie M. Peck, both of Cortland. March 18, by Father McLoghlin, Geo. F. Beaudry and Miss Hattie A. Jones. March 19, by Rev. H. T. Sell, Edwin Robbins of Cortland and Miss Linnie A. Wood of McGrawville. February 20, by Rev. J. A. Pudney, Frank E. Jordan of Taylor and Miss Eva Mark of Cuyler. October 22, by Rev J. L. Robertson, Benj. L Webb and Miss Anna M. Robertson. November 26, by Rev. O. H. McAnulty, Wm. C. Crombie and Miss Jennie L. Shevalier.
TRAGEDY AT HOMER.
On the 5th of February a man named James E. Lines of Homer shot his wife and killed himself. He had been to Cortland during the day looking for work, and failing to find it he evidently became deranged and committed the deed while in this condition.
NEWSY PARAGRAPHS.
A branch of the Empire Order of Mutual Aid was organized in Cortland early in January with the following officers: President, J. D. Schermerhorn; secretary, E. F. Jennings; treasurer, A Sager; treasurer, F. D. Smith.
The Congregational society received the gift of two steam heating boilers for the church of the value of $650.
Wesley Hooker was first elected president of the National bank in January of that year.
January 19 a man named George Pennoyer of South Cortland, who was an inmate of the county insane asylum, committed suicide.
One of the largest parties ever held in Cortland was the Knights Templar ball, held in Taylor hall on the night of January 18, 1884. The music was furnished by Prof, J. Riano's orchestra of Syracuse, and the attendance was great.
Some time in January a little girl named Alice King, seven years old, was abducted at Blodgett Mills, and the affair created considerable excitement for a time. The girl's father lived in Cayuga county, and she was stopping with an uncle named Reuben Reynolds at the Mills. She was called out of school by a gentleman and lady and carried away. William Swartz of Cortland was arrested for the abduction and he admitted that he and his wife took the child, but refused to tell who employed him or where the child was.
On the night of February 14 Mr. and Mrs. C. Fred Thompson were given a surprise at their new residence in Clayton-ave., about one hundred of their friends being present, who left as a token of their esteem a black-walnut sideboard. The party was broken up late in the evening by the burning of O'Neil's wagon shops, the particulars of which are given in this article.
Mrs. Roswell S. Randall was severely burned on the 4th of March. The back of her dress caught fire from a sheet-iron stove, and her screams attracted the attention of A. B. Nelson, who was passing, who ran into the house, wrapped a coat about her, carried her out and deposited her in the snow. She was severely burned, and died from their effects.
The Cortland Water company was organized in 1884, and the mains were all laid in that year.
Otis C. Smith was in a railroad wreck on the E., C. & N. R. R. at Chittenango Falls in March. The coach in which he was riding was turned over two or three times, and Mr. Smith was inured slightly about the head.
The opening of Railroad-st from Church to Main was agitated in 1884. Previous to that time Railroad-st terminated at Church-st., and through the efforts of the Wickwire Bros. and a few others the project of continuing the street up to Main was later carried through.
Jerome F. Wheeler resigned the position of superintendent of the county almshouse April 1, and he was succeeded by R. M. Hilsinger.
The lot for the site of the present Pomeroy-st. school was bought in that year for $800.
On the first of March Joseph Kent, a colored man, was found dead near the school building in Cortland. He was the father of Lemuel Kent, until a year or two ago a barber in this place. His death was due to heart trouble.
A stock company was formed in the spring of 1884 for the erection of an Opera house in Cortland, the capital stock being placed at $35,000. The original trustees were Chas. W. Collins, T. H. Wickwire, Geo. J. Mager, L. J. Fitzgerald, C. P. Walrad, D. Saunders, Madison Woodruff, F. Cyrus Straat and Dr. H. A. Bolles. The contractor building the opera house, which is the one now located in Groton-ave., was let to Messrs. Keeler & Hopkins.
Thomas Howard, of baseball fame, bought a small house just west of H. F. Benton's office in Railroad-st., in March, and immediately caused the erection of what is now known as the St. Charles hotel. It was opened to the public July 1, and managed by Mr. Howard about a year.
An organization known as the Knights of Labor, which at one time was strong all over the United States, was formed in Cortland April 21, with M. F. Cleary as master workman.
In April the contract to rebuild the Cortland House, which was burned in 1883, was let to Zelora Hoag of Homer, who was to complete it by October 16. Messrs. Mager & Walrad furnished 3,000 yards of carpet for the new hotel.
Henry Ward Beecher lectured in Cortland on the evening of June 3.
In May J. L. Watrous and H. M. Kingman opened a livery stable in Groton-ave.
On the 26th of May the business men of the village met in Firemen's hall and formed an organization similar to what is now known as a board of trade. C. W. Collins was chosen president, F. D. Smith secretary, and H. M. Kellogg treasurer. The village had no policemen at that time, and the business men voted to employ Peter Van Bergen and Maurice Barry as night policemen, at $2 a day, to be paid from funds raised by private subscription.
Messrs. Chas. H. Stevens and Chas. H. Danes bought the Homer Republican in June, and have conducted it very successfully ever since that time.
Roller skating was at its height in 1884, the first rink being opened in Orchard-st. in June. During the summer A. M. Schermerhorn, John Wilson and B. E. Miller built the old rink now occupied by Peck Bros. [on South Main Street], and the two were run in full blast through the following winter.
Two postmasters in Cortland county received very small salaries in those days. John Lewis, postmaster at East Virgil, earned the munificent sum of [$600] for a year's work and Royal Johnson, who served in a similar capacity at Lapeer, revived [$461].
During the latter part of 1884 Randolph Beard erected the block now occupied by Beard & Peck. On the site was a wooden building in which was a grocery conducted by C. H Price & Co., who leased a lot on the corner of Main-st. and Lincoln-ave. and moved the building to its present location.
During the summer Geo. J. Mager bought of L. J. Fitzgerald the house on Lincoln-ave. now occupied by the former.
D. F. Wallace let the contract for building his new block to Keeler & Hopkins of Cortland.
Lewis V. Smith purchased of Mr. Kinney his interest in the firm of Howard & Kinney, doing business near the Lackawanna depot in August.
August 21, Dr. L. T. White broke a leg while learning to skate on rollers at a rink.
During the fall strong efforts were made to secure the laying of rails from Cortland to McGrawville, over the surveyed route of the Cincinnatus road. Supt. McLeod of the E., C. & N., consented to do the work, but the holders of judgments refused to release them and the project was abandoned.
Timothy Carr of Truxton was run over September 1 by a train on the E., C. & N. road, between Truxton and East Homer and instantly killed.
In September John O. Reid sold his interest in the Central market to his partner G. W. Lansing.
Electric lights were first used in September, 1884, three being located in the streets, and several in the stores.
F. W. Collins and F. Daehler formed a partnership for the sale or clothing in September.
John Ryan, s well-known citizen, was found dead on the sidewalk on the east side of the court house October 10, early in the morning, his death being caused by a fit. He had $147 in money on his person.
In the fall of 1884 L. J. Fitzgerald was nominated for member of congress by the Democrats of this district, but declined to allow the use of his name.
On the 23d of October a man named Carlton Mulinex came to Cortland and sold to Harrison Wells a lot of butter amounting to $310, for which Mr. Wells gave his check. That evening one of the bank officials jocularly remarked to Mr. Wells that he must have had a big day for butter, and incidentally spoke of the amount of checks cashed. Mr. Wells began to figure up and found that the bank had paid out $1,000 more than he had given checks for. Upon investigation it was found that Mulinex had changed his check from $310 to $1,310. He was arrested north of Homer, and gave bail to await the action of the grand jury.
Henry A. Dickinson, of the firm of Dickinson & Duffey, was admitted to practice law at Binghamton about the middle of October.
 |
| Sig. Sautelle's circus on parade. |
SIG. SAUTELLE.
An Essay on His Circus. Which Will Exhibit in Cortland May 11.
Ask the small boy and he promptly replies "Spring is here," for does he not know that the great Sig Sautelle's world's largest and grandest 25 cent circus will exhibit May 11 in Cortland? Indeed he does, and his older brother, his father, and in fact all of his relatives are possessed of the same information.
The well-known proprietor of this show is now a resident of the county, being owner and occupant of valuable property in the neighboring town of Homer. It is there Mr. Sautelle and his army of employees will begin the season Thursday, May 10. The following day the show will come to this city for two performances, afternoon and evening. Each succeeding season has found Sig. with a circus larger, better and in every way superior to that of the previous years, and for 1900, more than ever before, he has added so materially to all departments that there is no longer a doubt of his vast amusement enterprise being thrice larger than any other wagon circus in existence.
There are nearly 175 head of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, about 60 wagons, over 100 men employed as grooms, drivers and canvasmen, and nearly as many more persons are on the pay roll as performers and musicians, while there are corps of candy butchers, and waiters to say nothing of the score of agents, bill posters and lithographers ahead of the show.
The ten or a dozen tents to be erected here will cover an area of five acres of ground and, when up in position, will present the appearance of a city of white tents. The main tent has a seating capacity of fully 4,000 persons, and a thousand others can be accommodated whenever the regular seats are filled, a common happening at many of the performances during a season. As in the past, the gorgeous processional street pageant this year will be second in importance only to the ring performance. There will be three big brass bands in line, the first seated in a magnificently carved wagon drawn by eight handsome and perfectly matched horses. Then will come the riders and performers on horseback, the people richly costumed and their prancing steeds in costly trappings, next will be seen beautifully carved floats, cages, vans, ponies, and hosts of features, all making a glistening, glittering line of grace, beauty and wealth a full mile in length.
With the parade's return to the show grounds a novel free outdoor exhibition will be given and this will be followed by the big show performance. It is here Mr. Sautelle's natural abilities a thorough wide-awake, progressive showman will be evidenced. The world's best feature acts have been engaged regardless of expense, and notwithstanding the low price of admission (25 cents) the program will be found one not to be excelled by any high price three ring affair on the road. There will be fearless equestrians, danger courting aerialists, death inviting tumblers, highly educated horses, ponies and donkeys, the funniest clowns, and not a few unique and original features.
The coming of this big circus promises a pleasant holiday for all of Cortland and the surrounding towns, and we would advise all our readers to come early, view the parade at noon, see the outside exhibition and then attend the big show. It will be a gala occasion, in fact a rare treat and no person should miss it.
GRANGE JOLLIFICATION.
Members of Cortlandville Grange Enjoy an Evening with Mr. and Mrs. Manley Kinney.
As a sort of farewell preparation for the opening of spring work on the farm, the members of Cortlandville grange met by invitation with Mr. and Mrs. Manley Kinney last Friday evening to discuss ways and means for disposing of a tab load of choice viands, a portion of which was furnished by the visitors and another portion prepared by Eph. Price, the genial caterer of Cortland. Several village members were conveyed to the scene by Brooks' fast pony express, the manager of which never fails to get in on the first floor when a tempting supper is in prospect, even though it be miles away. But to his credit be it said that he is ready at all times to let his friends share in the good things in store for him, even to the extent of furnishing free transportation.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Manley Kinney is located three or four miles west of Cortland on the Groton road, and is well adapted for social gatherings by reason of its many rooms on the ground floor. It is also in the midst of a community of grangers, Patrons of Husbandry being so numerous in the vicinity that a gun fired in any direction from Mr. Manly's long verandah would bring down four or five pretty fine looking specimens.
Besides many members of Cortlandville grange, several visitors were present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, Mr. and Mrs. Kinney being here, there and everywhere to see that no one failed to get full enjoyment from the occasion. In the kitchen Ephraim E. Price was busily preparing for the elegant supper served at about 11 o'clock, and there was no failure in any detail. The large crowd was bountifully supplied, and there were many baskets full of fragments left.
The company broke up shortly after midnight, having once more furnished proof of what has heretofore been stated in the DEMOCRAT, that farmers get as much enjoyment from social intercourse as any class of beings in the world.
TO BE ENFORCED.
City Authorities to Enforce Bicycle Ordinance on and after May 1.
The ordinance passed by the trustees of Cortland village July 17 of last year, and which continue in force by a provision of the city charter, relating to the riding of bicycles, will be rigidly enforced on and after May 1.
These ordinances are in brief s follows:
No person shall ride any bicycle, tricycle or velocipede upon any sidewalk of any street of the city of Cortland opposite any part thereof which is paved, or shall hereafter be paved, or upon any sidewalk of any unpaved street when the adjacent road surface is in a rideable condition.
No person shall ride a bicycle, tricycle or other similar vehicle upon any public street, avenue, lane or other place within the village of Cortland at any time from one hour after sundown until one hour before sunrise, without carrying attached thereto a light of sufficient illuminating power as to be plainly seen 100 feet ahead. But this section shall not apply to any rider whose light has become extinguished, who is necessarily absent from his or her home without a light going at a pace not exceeding six miles an hour when an audible signal is given as provided in Section 2 of this ordinance as often as 30 feet is passed over.
All persons riding upon a cycle, tricycle or other similar vehicle within the village of Cortland shall provide and carry upon all occasions a bell, whistle or other instrument which may be sounded, and when about to meet or pass pedestrians or other vehicles shall sound an alarm thereon which may be heard 100 feet distant.
Section 5 prohibits coasting and riding with the feet off the pedals, fancy or trick riding, or with both hands off the handle bars; riders shall also keep to the right of the center of the street.
Section 6 provides a fine of not to exceed $5 for a violation of the ordinance of any part therof.
HERE AND THERE.
The pickerel season will open next Tuesday.
That Sunday night rain was something of an April shower.
The farmers in the vicinity of Cortland have done considerable plowing the past week.
Suckers, the fishy sort, are quite numerous in the river this year. The land variety are not reported very plentiful.
The Loyal Circle of Kings' Daughters will meet with Mrs. Homer Smith, 22 Hubbard-st., this afternoon at three o'clock.
A sidepath bicycle badge in this county costs at present only fifty cents. It is dirt cheap, considering the privilege it conveys.
Henry Colligan, who works at the Wickwire shops, was burned quite seriously Saturday afternoon by sulphuric acid.
Trackmen on the D., L. &. W. road are removing the winter crop of coal ashes from the dumping ground south of the depot.
Elder J. N. Jacobs will preach in the church at Babcock Hollow on Sunday, May 6, at 11 o'clock. All are invited to hear him.
The floral decorations used at the recent Knights Templar ball in Cortland were yesterday sent to Utica to be used at a similar social event.
The Patrons of Industry of Cortland county will hold a business meeting in Good Templar hall in this village tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock sharp.
Wm. and Mary Bays of Virgil were both adjudged insane by sheriff's juries last week. They are the parties who were mixed up in the Christman shooting affray.
The Cortland Water company has begun the laying of larger mains in Groton-ave., a large piece of the asphalt paving being taken up at Main-st. to make proper connections.
Mr. Samuel Parsons is now canvassing for the new directory which will include all of Cortland county. It will this year take in the farmers in every town besides the field formerly covered.
Roger O'Donnell of Truxton was brought to the county jail Wednesday evening by Officer J. P. Dwyer. He is unbalanced mentally and made considerable noise on the train and while being taken to the jail.
The savings bank expect to move into its new quarters in the Keator building tomorrow or Monday. Their three safes were moved Wednesday. It will be a model banking house and very conveniently arranged.
The Pomeroy-st. frog pond is well stocked this spring and good catches are reported. One gentleman caught twenty-two last Thursday night and he says he enjoyed a most delicious breakfast the following morning.
Miss Maud Crofoot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Crofoot, Railroad-st., met with a serious accident Saturday evening while walking in Crandall-st. Several planks in the walk were loose and she was thrown down with such force that three ribs were broken and she was otherwise injured.
Jesse Ames, father of Geo. H. Ames of Cortland, passed his eightieth birthday April 14. Mr. Ames lives at Whitney Point, and is apparently still strong and healthy and puts in many a good hard day's work yet, and drives his team back and forth to his farm near Upper Lisle through any and all kinds of weather.
Storm houses and storm windows are coming down and awnings are going up. It looks now as though the backbone of winter was broken beyond repair.
The wheel lost last fall by J. R. Birdlebough came to light last week, when it was taken to Kennedy's shop to be pumped full of air for riding. The bicycle was found one night last fall by Mr. Warren of the Dexter House, in the rear of the hotel, and was carried into the barn, where it has remained ever since. It need not be asked if Mr. Birdlebough was pleased over the finding of his wheel.
 |
| U. S. flag with 45 stars, representing 45 states. |
Patriotic Exercises.
The intermediate department of the Normal school will hold patriotic exercises in the hall this evening at 8 o'clock, the pupils of the entire department taking part. The exercises will consist of singing, recitations, flag exercise, quotations on Liberty, Freedom and Patriotism, representation of the Continental Congress, exercise on Benjamin Franklin, history of the American flag, dialogue, compositions and declamations These will be exceedingly interesting, and are designed to inspire the young pupils with patriotic impulses.
No comments:
Post a Comment