COOPER BROTHERS

Photo copied from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland. Shop was rebuilt after Nov. 26, 1895 fire.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, July 25, 1890.

A LIVELY ESTABLISHMENT.

   In years gone by paper making was one of the active industries of this community in the building located near the junction of the east and west branches of the Tioughnioga river, to the eastward of the intersection of Clinton avenue and River St. In the seventies the plant was occupied for a time in the manufacture of linseed oil. On July 1st, 1881, Lester and George F. Cooper purchased the property of John B. Cottrell. of Scott, and began the business of manufacturing and repairing machinery on a small scale.

   Obstacles of every description springing up like mushrooms were met with energetic push, which to-day is a noted element recognised as an inherited trait of our business men, and gradually the name of Cooper Brothers became widespread as an upright, careful and practical mechanical firm. Increasing business demanded increased facilities, and a foundry was erected. While attending to the repairing of machinery in general some seven years ago they took the job of constructing the gearing for a mill upon the order of L. V. Rathbun, of Rochester. That gentleman was so well pleased with the work that during the succeeding years he has called upon this house to supply the furnishings for upward of 80 roller flouring mills. Besides that of our townsman, Mr. T. F. Brayton, there are scores of mills throughout the northern part of the state whose machinery—aside from the rollers—are the products of this firm.

   To-day the Cooper Brothers are enjoying an active trade, employing twenty mechanics busily engaged in manufacturing pulleys, shafting—of the latter for several years the output has been upward of 5000 feet per annum. Building several heavy pieces of machinery for the Cortland Forging Company; reconstructing several portable mills for sawing around the logs for the Cortland Lumber Company, invented by the late Charles W. Gage, of Homer; together with minor manufactures. An addition [of] 30x52 feet has just been completed to the east of the original building in which will soon be placed a new 32x32 inch 10-foot planer; this, in addition to the six lathes and planers of different dimensions, together with drill presses, upsetting machines, etc., gives the best of facilities for handling large and heavy orders.

   While the Messrs. Cooper give personal attention to the business they have a competent and valued assistant in their foreman, Mr. Charles Kingsley, a thorough machinist, who is not only popular with his men, but a careful and observant workman. That the present prosperity attending this member of our manufacturing industries may continue its pulsations as long as the waters of the stream from which it derives its motive power shall flow, is expressing the sentiments of this community and is another incentive to those prospecting for a manufacturing site to cast their lot in Cortland.

Cooper Bros., Grip's Historical Souvenir: http://tcpl.org/local-history/documents/county-history-CNY/Grips_of_Cortland/grips204to219.pdf

 

Enlarging the Desk Works.

   Wednesday a meeting of the stockholders of the Cortland Desk Company was held at the office of the works on Squires street. The object of the gathering was to devise means of easing the pressure now placed upon their manufacturing capacity. The demand during the past year for the products of this house, Economy Wall Desks and other styles of home and office furniture, is beyond all expectations and still increasing, which speaks most favorably of the management as well as the quality of their productions. As the proper remedy, it was decided to erect a new three-story building between the two present structures.

   Plans and specifications for the same will be made at once and another monument reared to the continuing healthy condition of Cortland as a manufacturing centre. Those in need of desks for business or private purposes should write the Cortland Desk Company for circulars.

A New Firm.

   The firm of Mager & Stoker, dealers in dry goods, has been dissolved by limitation, Charles W. Stoker retiring. Messrs. Charles Corcoran and Mr. Albert B. White are admitted to partnership with Mr. Mager and the business will hereafter be conducted under the firm name of G. J. Mager & Co.

   Mr. Corcoran commenced clerking for Sears & Baucus at Freeville about ten years ago and remained with them three years. For the past six years he has been with Mager & Walrad and their successors. Mr. White entered the service of E. M. Van Hoesen in Preble in 1879, where he remained four years when he engaged with Galpin, Clark & Hulbert of Tully for two years previous to entering the service of Messrs. Mager & Stoker, where he has been employed for the past five years. The new members are young men of good habits, honest, temperate and industrious and have a very large acquaintance and hosts of friends. Mr. Mager has had many applications from desirable parties to take an interest in the business, but recognizing and appreciating the long and faithful services of Messrs. Corcoran and White he very generously gave them the preference.

   The new firm possesses ample capital and the business will be greatly enlarged and a much larger stock of goods will be carried. They intend to sell more goods at a smaller profit and will adhere closer to the cash system. Mr. Mager has been in the business for 38 years and is a thorough merchant and business man and has always met with success in trade. The DEMOCRAT wishes the new firm abundant success.

   We understand Mr. Stoker has not yet formulated plans for the future, but it is to be hoped that he will decide to engage in active business in Cortland, where he has many friends who have become attached to him through many years of honorable dealing.

Activity of the Actives.

   Having organized with W. McAuliff, catcher; J. Southern, pitcher; G. Welch, first base; E. Sheldon, second base; R. Mills, third base; T. Hayes, short stop; D. McCarthy, left field; J. Dexter, center field, and T. Flood, right field, under the club name of "Actives," Saturday, a game was arranged with the Indian club of Onondaga Castle. When the visiting nine arrived at 8:18 A. M. and passed up to their hotel, members of the home team might he observed gently stroking the topmost lock on their heads, utterly discouraged by the gigantic make up of the Indian nine.

   On the diamond the activity of the Actives told to the score of 21 to 5, which the visitors conceded with a gentlemanly grace. That the home team were greatly as well as most agreeably surprised over the result, accounts for the audible smile that greets the ear of all who mention the game to an Active.

CHANLER VS. LEWIS.

Lewis Turns up Again and Causes the Old Man More Trouble.

   Readers of the DEMOCRAT well remember an account given in these columns of the date of June 6th, giving the full particulars of the elopement of Mrs. William C. Chanler of Jackson, Pa., with one Charles E. Lewis, her husband's hired man. The pair were found a day or two previous, living as man and wife in this place, and were arrested upon the complaint of Mr. Chanler, who had followed them to this place. The matter was finally settled, the woman going home with her husband and the following morning, as there was no one to appear against Lewis, he was discharged. The latter promised that he would keep away from Chanler in the future, but it seems that he did not keep his word.

   On the night of July 15th at about 8 o'clock he called at Chanler's house and asked to be again taken into his employ. A correspondent of the Binghamton Republican writing from Susquehanna, gives the following account of what transpired thereafter:

   "Upon seeing Lewis, Chanler became enraged and seizing an old army musket that had hung on the wall for years, blazed away at Lewis and the latter in return fired at Chanler.

   Luckily the shots harmed no one. The men then engaged in a tussle in which Chanler was overpowered and locked in a room, while Lewis and Mrs. Chanler went to the barn and taking one of Chanler's teams made off. Chanler managed to get out of the bedroom window and started for Lake View, where he obtained a warrant and accompanied by a constable started in pursuit of the runaway pair. They found them in Susquehanna the following morning, and immediately after their arrival Mrs. Chanler obtained a warrant for the arrest of her husband, charging him with attempting to commit murder.

   Police officer Pooler arrested Chanler, and he was brought before Justice Tiffany in the afternoon to answer the charge. After a hearing he was held to bail for his appearance at the coming term of court. The constable from Lake View arrested Lewis and Mrs. Chanler and brought them back with him. The outlook for Lewis does not seem very bright."

Parochial Residence Removed.

   Until further notice, the parishioners of St. Mary's Church will bear in mind that the residence and study of the Rev. Father John J. McLoghlin will be located at No. 45 Madison Avenue, the street leading directly west from the church. Workmen began the placing of timbers preparatory to the removing of the old building, yesterday, to the lots on Arthur avenue belonging to B. A. Benedict where it will be fitted up for future occupancy. Mr. Alonzo Miller has charge of the moving and says the beautiful shade trees will not be injured while moving the old house out to the street. The long needed parochial residence will soon be in course of erection.

Wagon Co. Mutual Aid.

   The Mutual Aid Association of the Cortland Wagon Company will hold their annual excursion and basket picnic to Pleasant Beach Saturday, August 2. Round trip tickets $1.00, children 90 cents. Train will leave D. L. & W. depot at 7:45 A. M. sharp, stopping at Syracuse going and coming. Star-Louisville ball game will be held on the same day.

Matrimonial.

   On Wednesday afternoon, June 23, Mr. David W. Van Hoesen, of the legal firm of Kellogg & Van Hoesen of this place, and Miss Libbie V., daughter of V. B. Gross, of McLean, were joined together in the holy bonds of wedlock, Rev. E. A. McMaster of Baldwinsville, N. Y., a former classmate of the groom, officiating. Mr. Van Hoesen is one of Cortland's most promising young lawyers and is held in high esteem by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a graduate of Hamilton College of the class of 80, and has been practicing his profession in this place for the past two years with marked success. Miss Gross is a lovely young lady and has hosts of friends in Cortland who will wish her a long and happy wedded life. She graduated from the Normal in the class of January '90 and read the first essay at the commencement exercises. The newly married couple will make Cortland their future home, and their prospects for a successful and pleasant future are exceedingly flattering. Kind wishes for their future are expressed on all sides and the DEMOCRAT begs leave to add its heartiest congratulations.

King’s Daughters.

   At a meeting of Loyal Circle of Kings Daughters held July 19, the following officers were elected to all vacancies:

President—Mrs. Lyman Jones.

1st Vice Pres.—Mrs. A. H. Watkins.

Treas.—Mrs. O. D. Raymond.

Supt. Flowers and Card Mission—Mrs. Horace Hall.

Personals.

   Mr. Jas. S. Squires is with his family at Thousand Island Park.

   Dr. and Mrs. D. E. Smith are rusticating at the Thousand Islands.

   Mr. H. G. Joy, of the Standard office, is spending his vacation at Glen Haven.

   Mrs. A. Mahan and daughter Mamie, and son Alexis, are visiting friends in Jamesville.

   Rev. A. P. Palmer and family of Willimantic, Conn., are visiting his parents on Greenbush-st.

   Mr. Melvin A. Rice is assisting Engineer Rickey in surveying the Camden & Ogdensburg railroad.

   Ex-Judge A. P. Smith returned on Monday from Bainbridge, where he has been rusticating on his farm.

   Miss Edith Didama, of Medina, is visiting her brother, Dr. E. A. Didama, and other friends in this place.

   Mr. John E. Foster, superintendent of the San Rafael Mining and Milling Company of Honduras, C. A., who has been spending some weeks in London, is visiting friends in this place. He expects to sail for Honduras about the 10th of next month.

St. Lawrence

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   Moravia is to have macadamized streets.

   Kerosene lamp explosions are becoming of daily occurrence.

   Cases of poisoning from eating canned meat are being frequently reported.

   A large vineyard has been planted by the Cayuga Lake Niagara Grape Co., at East Varick.

   The two-dollar bill counterfeiting gang were surprised and two of the party arrested in New York Thursday night.

   The Binghamton Gas and Electric Light company will light less than one hundred gas lamps for 7 1/2 cents per lamp per night.

   The Odd Fellows celebration will occur in Chicago August 3 to 10. An amphitheater capable of seating 35,000 people is being erected.

   Thursday afternoon a break occurred in the new [Croton] aqueduct just above Harlem river letting out 250,000 gallons daily. Caused by bad construction of the interior.

   Supt. Parsons has issued an order to the effect that no Erie employe shall be sold liquor or other intoxicants at the Starrucca House, which is situated in the Erie depot building at Susquehanna.

   A laundry conducted by an almond-eyed celestial in Chicago was discovered to be but a blind to an opium joint. The police very properly "gathered in" the entire establishment Saturday morning.

   The weather reports show that in the middle Atlantic states, from Washington north to Rochester and Albany, and in portions of New England, Sunday and Monday morning were the coldest on record for the month of July.

   Friday the steamer St. Lawrence collided with a pleasure yacht near Alexandria Bay, resulting in the drowning of Edward Pemberton and wife, Mrs. W. D. Hart and Miss Margaret Henry, prominent society people of Bradford, Pa.

   According to the Times an attraction of Tully lake is a mud-turtle ferry boat; that is a member of the reptile family which carries from 100 to 150 frogs upon his carapax—deck passengers, so to speak. Shall we hear of a sea-sarpint next?

 

PATRONAGE "TO BRING GRISTS TO ITS MILL"

William H. Clark, editor and publisher of the Cortland Standard.

Benton B. Jones, editor and publisher of the Cortland Democrat.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, July 18, 1890.

PAGE FOUR/EDITORIALS.

   The editor of the Standard does not deny that he procured the passage of the amendment to the Penal Code, allowing school trustees to become interested in contracts for the purchase and sale of school buildings and sites and the furnishing of supplies for the same. He did not dare deny it. The evidence was too strong to permit of a denial.

   An honest man would not accept the position of auditor of his own bills for work done for the state much less take the trouble to "sneak" a bill through the legislature constituting himself the auditor of his own bills.

   If the legislature should pass a bill next winter appropriating $30,000 for building an addition to the Cortland Normal School to be used for an academic department, the people of this village would be pleased, but if the editor of the Standard should become directly or indirectly interested in the contract for its erection, the taxpayers might and probably would be sorry that the appropriation had been made. Owing to the wise forethought of our neighbor, there is now no law on the statute books to prevent him from becoming interested in the contract or from taking the contract himself. Possibly he had the taking of the contract in view when he procured the amendment to the Penal Code last winter which permits school trustees to become interested in contracts which they are to audit. Now if the next legislature will pass an act constituting canal contractors a board of audit, giving them power to audit their own bills for repairs done on the canals, everything will be lovely and the goose will hang altitudinum. Why shouldn't the canal contractors have as good a chance at the public treasury as school trustees? We submit that all should be served alike and brother Clark ought not to have privileges granted him that are denied to brother Belden and his friends.

   The editor of the Standard undertakes to reply to the charge made by the

DEMOCRAT "that he procured the enactment of an amendment to the Penal Code last winter, which allows trustees of schools to purchase sites, erect buildings and furnish supplies for schools, and allows such trustees to audit bills for the same," and undoubtedly succeeded to his entire satisfaction if not to the satisfaction of his readers. He charges that he has not received in eight years until this amendment was passed one penny of patronage from the Normal School and that the DEMOCRAT was "the chief recipient of such favors to repay it for licking the feet of those in power." He also says that "the provision of the penal code which was amended last spring was enacted only two years before, and had it remained on the statute book a considerable number of members of Local Boards of Normal Schools would have been compelled to resign or run the risk of indictment."

   The facts are as follows: The DEMOCRAT office did not receive a penny for printing from the Normal school from Sept. 4, 1884, to June 2, 1887. After that date the DEMOCRAT had some of the patronage which has never been solicited. We too, "swallowed our medicine with a straight face. and never went about whimpering and complaining." Some of the work began to come to us in June 1887, because the office that had enjoyed the patronage was discontinued [Cortland News—CC editor] and because it was not deemed best to patronize the Standard after it had done its level best to ruin the school on account of "an imaginary petty grievance." We did not ask for it, nor did we refuse it when it came.

   If our neighbor had been much of a lawyer he would have known that the provision of the code that he caused to be amended was enacted before he was born. and was simply re-enacted and made a part of the penal code two years ago, because it was manifestly a judicious and necessary provision of law and would have a tendency to prevent fraud and corruption on the part of school trustees and municipal officers.

   It would not be very difficult to select nine good citizens in this place to act as trustees of the Local Board who could accept the position and who are not interested in any business that would require the furnishing of supplies for the school. All of the best men in Cortland are not interested in printing offices, water, gas, stove or other companies. The citizens of this place never asked nor did they desire to have the editor of the Standard appointed a member of the Local Board. The appointment was "sneaked" through and was very unsatisfactory to a very large majority of the people of this place. If the editor of the Standard doubts the statement let him take the nomination for Member of Assembly this fall and test his strength with the people in this village in that manner. The DEMOCRAT is satisfied with the patronage that comes to it without solicitation, and has never been obliged to ask the Assembly to pass laws to compel unwilling customers "to bring grists to its mill."

   Mr. John Hackett, of this place, has been appointed to a clerkship in the Internal Revenue office at Syracuse. Mr. Clifton W. Wiles, of this place, an old soldier and a member of the G. A. R., was an applicant for a place in the office and was backed by a strong petition signed by the leading republicans of the county. He also had the solid indorsement [sic] of the G. A. R. not only of this county but his appointment was strongly urged by leading members of the organization in Onondaga county. The soldier element of the party and many leading republicans of this vicinity who never smelled powder, are justly indignant because the claims of an old veteran have been entirely ignored to give a place to a ward politician. The Clark-Peck combine have thus scored another victory. How long will this thing last?

Send Back the Bottles.

   The bottlers of beer, mineral waters and other beverages got a law through the State Legislature recently making it illegal for any other than themselves or their agents to have in his possession any empty bottles with the name of the original dealer blown in the glass. As a result there is a small mountain of trouble piled on the bottle dealers and many other people.

   Suppose you buy bottled beer. You drink the beer and have the bottles left. They are in your cellar, and the beer bottler may, if he desires, get a search warrant, hunt for the bottles and have you hauled into court. When there you have no defence to offer; the law says it is illegal for you to have those bottles and you must pay a fine of 50 cents for each bottle found. Should you sell the bottles, or give them away, or throw them into the ash barrel and smash them, it would be all the same a violation of the law.

HERE AND THERE.

   The interior of the Congregational church was thoroughly renovated and

[nosed] out during the fore part of the week.

   A movement is on foot for the early closing of the several stores during the sultry July and August evenings. Six P. M. is the hour.

   Bear in mind the picnic of the Epworth League of the Methodist church, which will be held at Floral Park this (Friday) afternoon.

   The Actives, of Cortland, will play the Indian club, of Onondaga Castle, on the fair grounds, Wednesday afternoon. Game [starts] at 3 o'clock. Admission 25 cents. Ladies and carriages free.

   A feast of lanterns will be held on the lawn of Mr. W. S. Copeland, Friday evening from 7 until 10 o'clock. Ice cream and strawberries will he served. The street car will run until 10 o'clock.

   Attorney James Dougherty has presented a [liberally] signed petition of Argyle Place property owners for the continuing of their street westward through to Reynolds avenue, to the village Board of Trustees.

   Messrs. Dowd Brothers are to occupy the store just east of their present location on Port Watson street. This change will materially add to their convenience, and indicates a healthy business growth of their grocery trade.

   Messrs. Webster & Corning have just placed the natty delivery wagon of the town upon the street, and attract much attention as they flit around taking and delivering orders for choice meats for the city market, 31 Clinton avenue.

   W. S. Freer gives a harvest party Friday evening, August 1st, at his hall in Higginsville. Music by Happy Bill Daniels orchestra. Full bill, $1.25. The popularity of Mr. Freer's socials simply require the mention of date to insure attendance. [Mr. Freer's hotel had an oak springboard dance floor—CC editor.]

   The Rev. Dr. Taylor being absent upon his vacation, the desk of the Congregational church will be supplied at the morning service, Sundays, by the Rev. Dr. Edward W. Hitchcock, former pastor of the American chapel in Paris, France. There will be no service in the evening.

   Mrs. Jerusha M. Gates, wife of A. W. Gates, died last Saturday, after a lingering attack of paralysis, at the age of 58 years. The funeral was largely attended Monday afternoon. Deceased was one of Cortland's most prominent and active Christian workers, and for sixteen years was matron at the alms house.

   During the past few days a number of citizens have drove to Glen Haven in good hours of early morning and enjoyed the pleasure afforded at this popular sanitarium and summer resort. The verdict is that Messrs. Thomas & Mourin are attentive hosts, and the guest list is yearly increasing. The fishing is fine.

   The dance party held at the Central Hotel hall, Friday evening, was a very enjoyable event. There were upwards of forty numbers sold, and the terpsichorean devotees enjoyed themselves until an early hour. The hall was neatly decorated, and the floor is the height of perfection for ball parties. Proprietor May is entitled to credit for the successful management, the best of order being maintained and an excellent spread provided.

   The Hitchcock hand, of Cortland, will give an open-air concert in this place, next week, Thursday evening.—McGrawville Sentinel.

   An Italian band of eight pieces were doing the town yesterday. How would it do to drop nickles in a lock box for our home band hereafter?

   South Hill farmers report the cherry crop of the present year a total failure, and they must be right, for none of the tempting pails of fruit have been noticed upon the streets as yet, and the season is nearly gone.

   There is an exceedingly dangerous place in the west driveway of the main road to Homer, close to the curve of north rail, on the north bound switch in front of the street car stables, which, if attended to, may save many wrecked wagons and possibly personal injury.

   Remember the picnic to be given by Canton Cortland, at Floral Trout Park, Saturday afternoon and evening. Hitchcock Hose company will give a parade in the streets in the early part of the evening, headed by the band, and an exhibition drill at the Park immediately afterwards.

   Messrs. L. D. C. Hopkins & Son have another orchid in full bloom. They are very rare and beautiful, and large numbers of our citizens are availing themselves of the opportunity of seeing this rare plant in flower. Ladies and all others interested are invited to call at their greenhouse, No. 144 Groton avenue, and see the same.

   Little York is the refuge to which scores of Cortlandites flee every afternoon. It being a pleasant drive over a fine road and the accommodations are exceptionally fine. Raymond's pleasure grounds are attractive and well kept, and the attendance of guests and visitors is large. The Little York hotel also furnishes excellent accommodations, and is being liberally patronized in consequence.

   At a regular meeting of Grover Post, G. A. R., held at the rooms, Wednesday evening, C. W. Wiles was elected Commander to fill vacancy made by the death of Norman Harmon, Geo. Hunt promoted from Junior to Senior Vice, and J. W. Strowbridge elected Junior Vice. A committee was appointed to confer with the members of the 45th Separate company regarding an excursion to Sylvan Beach during the encampment of the Central N. Y. Veterans' Association in August.

   Few private residences are surrounded with spacious grounds amply supplied with foliage and walks making an inviting place for festival gatherings. Mr. William S. Copeland is the possessor of such a coveted lawn and this evening a "feast of lanterns" will be held thereon from 7 until 10 o'clock. Light refreshments will be served to the guests who will be able to reach the grounds by a special street car which will run to and fro from the Messenger House at intervals between 7:30 and 8:30; also from the festival at 10 and 10:15.

   Our sister village of Marathon in 1880 had a population of 1,006, the town was reported at 694. In 1890, the census gives the village at 1,194; town, 615. Commenting upon the healthy growth the Independent says: "This is good enough. For a finished, dead, dull village, an increase of 20 per cent in ten years will answer very well, particularly when it is considered that the tendency of the rural population has been to flock to the cities, and the further fact that Cortland, 14 miles to the north and Binghamton, 30 miles to the south, have doubled in size in ten years."

New Lodges Organized.

   As recently announced in the DEMOCRAT a new order was being organized on a revised plan of benefit insurance in some respects similar to the workings of the Iron Hall order. Twenty-seven charter members met last Thursday evening in the Iron Hall rooms and elected the following officers:

   Past President—G. L. Warren.

   President—J. E. Briggs.

   Vice-President—D. E. Stanford.

   Secretary—A. M. Robinson.

   Treasurer—A. H. Watkins.

   Chaplain—George W. Edgcomb.

   Marshal—J. G. Jarvis.

   Guard—A. B. White.

   Sentinel—Fred Parker.

   Trustees—J. B. Kellogg, O. C. Smith, G. E. Ashby.

   Eight new members were added at the meeting held Wednesday evening of this week. The name of the society is Fidelity Lodge, No. 90, order of St. Aegis," a branch of the strong home lodge which has been in successful operation in Massachusetts for several years.

   Cortland Lodge, No. 115, order of Fraternal Guardians is the name of another benefit insurance just organized in town. Policies to the amount of $5,000 are written payable in eight installments. Information may be obtained of the following officers:

   C. G.—H. L. Gleason.

   V. G.—M. H. Foley.

   P. C. G.—Prof. S. J. Sornberger.

   R. S.—A. B. Winter.

   F. S.—G. W. Schermerhorn.

   T.—L. H. Corning.

   C.—S. W. Baldwin.

   G.— S. I. Horton.

   I. S.—D. McAuliff.

   O. S.—J. Quigley.

   Trustees—N. Cone, N. H. Winter, J. Quigley.

   M. E.— J. H. Spalding.

Phenyo-Caffein

[Paid Advertisement]

   Sure cure for all kinds of headache and neuralgia. For sale at the City Drug Store, Fitz Boynton & Co., Pharmacists, Cortland, N. Y. (16m3.)