Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

April 1978 April 1978 THE QUARTERLY

Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

VOL. XXIII APRIL 1978 NO. 2

CONTENTS

C. Richard K. Lunt 3 Inheritance and Future Shock or Politics in the Sugar Bush 7 Views and Reviews Architecture fiom the Adironduck Foot ha; Secret Island; Hopkinton Maple Festival Cookbook Marion Clark Baker 10 How Clara Washed 11 What If We Give a Party . . . and Everybody Comes? Photographs and commentary on the Gala Opening of the Silas Wright House and Museum Norman W. Pauling, Jr. 15 "In Anticipation of 'The Beans' " Carolyn Jenner Swqfford 17 A Musical Revue: The First Hundred Years of County Musical Entertainments

THE QUARTERLY is published in January, April. July and October each year by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association. As a courtesy to authors and the editor, the Association asks anyone wishing to reproduce all or part of material included in THE QUAR- TERLY to submit a specific request in writing at least 30 days in advance of its anticipated use.

Extra Copies may be obtained from the History Center, P.O. Box Cover: A pleasant early spring scene in 1978 on Boyd Pond Road in the Town of 8, Canton, N.Y. 13617. at $2.00 Russell, which could just have easily been photographed a hundred years plus S.25 postage and handling. before. Maple sugaring methods - traditional and contemporary - are examined herein, beginning on page 3. Photographed by Ronald Nolland for the Editor: Varick A. Chittenden Center for the Study of North Country Folklife. April 1978 3

Old and new methods, side by side, on the Allan Newman farm, Canton-Ogdensburg Road. (Photo courtesy Ogdensburg Journal) Inheritance and Future Shock or Politics in the Sugar Bush by C. Richard K. Lunt Folklorist Dr. Dick Lunt examines closely the various methods of maple sugaring stiU practiced actively in St. Lawrence County. Fw more than just an explanation of techniques and technology, the author considers the various "states of the art" against the context of the people who use them and their attitudes toward their annd rite of spring. His analysis was first presented as a paper to the fall meeting of the New York Folklore Society at Cooperstown in September, 1977.

Maple sugaring is an occupation that hood lugging slopping buckets and piling useful to a greater understanding of has always fascinated me. Perhaps many wood on fires under foaming washtubs, ourselves. of you also began life in a family where it with the eventual result of a few. was an annual practice to bleed all the meager, shared quarts of heavenly syrup, I shall describe some of the variation in neighbor's maple trees for the sweet sap which lasted about a week. sugaring techniques and then focus on with which you subsequently risked Now that I am grown, and a folklorist, some of the questions that arise because steaming all the wallpaper loose while I find considerable difference in my of it. I shall be concerned ultimately with you boiled it on the kitchen stove. One approach to the subject. I still love it, why we sugar at all, for instance, and year my mother and the lady next door both the occupation and the products, but what folklorists can learn from such talked their households into consolidating I find now a greater need to understand traditional behavior. I suspect that, their sap and boiling outdoors, probably maple sugaring and its people than indeed, "syruping" as a profession or as a thus threatening to steam God's wall- simply to enjoy them. I suppose this is pastime shares a great deal with many paper off. But if not the wallpaper, at the scholar's curse, but one which I hope other traditional occupations and that we least the cooperative effort stuck, and I will serve to illuminate some important may be able to show some perspective on can now remember all through my child- questions and provide some answers that fact. 4 April 1978 First, then, the matter of maple sugaring methods: Doubtless, most of you have observed or experienced as I have a great variety of techniques used to gather and boil maple sap into syrup. Many of you may have read such sources as Scott and Helen Nearing's The Maple Sugar Book, which presents a useful historical per- spective on the process from its aborig- inal origins to the state of Vermont practice in the 1930's. We all suspect that it is fundamentally a simple process which theoretically anybody can carry through successfully. Let us quickly note, however, that there are degrees of success possible in syrup making, and further that the history of experience in syruping presents some pretty strong traditions which the rank amateur would be well advised to study. There are, in any case, some durable time-tested meth- ods involved, and a good many highly SmaU lean-to sugar shanty from an early twentieth century post card view. variable ones. (Photo courtesy the History Center) As I present these methods I would trunk lines leading to roadside collecting by thermostat, and the finished syrup is like to urge two notions upon you which tanks. Everything is set up well in assessed on the basis of a celsius may enrich and clarify your understand- advance of that treasured first sap run thermometer and a hydrometer measur- ing of them. The first is the concept of which produces the highest percentage of ing specific gravity. Coth filtering of the "state of the art" as applied to any form sugar with the least mineral contamina- hot syrup immediately precedes the of technology. Engineers and historians of technology have evolved this term to tion. This yields the Grade A Fancy filling of containers, either tin or plastic. Syrup. When the sap runs it is trans- Some of the later syrup is diverted for refer to the most highly developed body the production of maple cream and hard of technique known in any technical ferred from collecting tank to the sugar process. There is a state of the art of house tanks by truck or tractor-drawn sugar. Often this operation takes place in maple sugaring which can be described trailer. Boiling begins quickly before the a kitchen within the same sugar house where electric beaters whip the sugar for any point in the historical develop- sap can begin to ferment. The boiling equipment in its most and rubber molds form the finished ment of sugaring. There is a state of the candies. It is interesting to note that art now which is remarkably efficient. recent form in St. Lawrence County Even though it is not much used, it is a usually consists of oil fired brick arches even in these modern operations the firing is still usually done by the men and matter of considerable interest to us. built in a cement floored sugar house. Perhaps we can explain that fact. The boiling equipment in its most the candy making is done by the women! This group of producers, which is very The second notion is really only an recent form in St. Lawrence County small, comes quite close to the present obsemation that sugaring behavior in St. usually consists of oil-fired brick arches built in a cement floored sugar house. state of the art. The only things they Lawrence County represents a living haven't tried which are used elsewhere history of several sequentially developed The evaporator pans are stainless steel are vacuum pumps on the collection hoses states of the art of sugaring technology. and may be covered with hoods which You see everything in techniques from conduct the steam directly outside. Firing and vacuum hoods over the evaporators. those of the 1870's to those of the 1970's. is a precisely regulated process controlled There are only a half dozen or so Most of the historical developments are still to be seen. practiced side by side. How's that for an instance of folklore as living history? I think we can explain that fact too. But first, let us take a look at the methods: The most advanced, biggest operations in the county correspond to this descrip- tion. As is customary in all but the most casual of operations. there is the formally defined "sugar bush or bushes" which is kept culled of underbrush, other species of trees and dead wood. The trees are tapped with gasoline power drills as much as two to four weeks in advance of the anticipated first sap run. Plastic spigots are installed in the tap holes after formaldehyde tablets are inserted to keep the holes from healing up and free from infection. Plastic tubing is run from tap Unloading the sap into the sugar house from the horse dmwn gathering tank to tap, forming a gravity-graded, on the John Swift farm, Colton, in the 1930's or 1940's. (Photo courtesy Marion branched network which consolidates in Swift Thomas) April 1978 burning the syrup in the pan. Boil overs are controlled by the quick application of a piece of bacon or salt pork to the hot sap. The readiness of the finished syrup is generally assessed by both the scien- tific measures of temperature and specific gravity and the traditional technique of aproning. Filtering and canning are practiced in the usual way, with cloth filters and metal or plastic jugs. The operators using this level of technique frequently use old equipment which they have gathered or inherited, and there is strong interest in economy of operation since the profit margin is small or practically non-existent. This group of operators is the largest, from 50-60 percent of the syrup producers in the county. They constitute an interesting group because they put in considerable effort, but profit little in the end from their sales of syrup and candy. I plan later to raise some of the more obvious questions generated by this group. A thud level of technique, though currently being practiced, takes us back to the state of the art before the turn of the century. It is practiced by very few operators who are usually elderly people, running only some one to two thousand taps. They drill taps by hand, eschew formaldehyde, collect by horse drawn tank sled and may even boil sap in the old fashioned flat boiling pan which must be hand dumped with each boiling. The flat pan is relatively rare, however. These third level operators invariably use ap- roning to judge the syrup's readiness and in general can be said to be highly traditional operators. They constitute at most some 10 percent of the producers in the county. Finally, I shall include a motley class of very small producers. This diverse group includes people who have recently bought a farm which happened to have an old sugar bush on it, or they are formerly class two operators functioning in re- Jimmy Webb tending the evaporator in his mid-sized sugaring operation on duced circumstances now that the child- the Boyd Road, Town of RusseL!, 1978. (Photo by Ronald Nolland, courtesy of ren have moved away, or finally they are the Center for the Study of North Country Folklife). veovle who share suburban or small town backgrounds and who have taken up sugaring just for the fun of it. It is hard operators in this category. They operate tractor-borne holding tank. This has to be to characterize these operations because upwards of 10,000 taps and produce some done daily during the heaviest sap flow there is so much diversity of technique two to three thousand gallons of syrup and requires considerable labor. and knowledge, but in general they apiece. The boiling of the sap by these operate with scavenged or jury rigged Far more common in the county is a operators is done in sugar houses, which equipment of doubtful pedigree. Those second level of technique which repre- usually date from the 1920's. in galvan- who have access through friends or sents the state of the art of the 1920's to ized evaporators set on cast iron or brick family to the traditions of proper wood the 1940's. Usually these operators run arches dating from the same period. firing or who own old sugar bushes or up to 5,000 taps and produce as much as Firing is with wood which has been cut sugar houses produce the most. I know 1000 gallons of syrup. the previous year and stored in a shed one family, formerly class two producers, They use power drills, but drive metal part of the sugar house. Such wood only who now produce fifty gallons a year and spigots from which they hang covered costs the operator his labor and still reserve aU of it for their own consump- metal buckets. Formaldehyde tablets are remains cheaper than oil, though less tion. Most, however, produce some two sometimes used, but only by those who convenient. Firing with wood requires far to twenty gallons of syrup of indifferent want the security of drilling early to more skill than oil firing. Experienced quality. This last may be the most make certain they will be ready for the persons, virtually always men, do this exuberant group, but they seldom mar- unpredictable first run. Collection is by boiling and exert great care to avoid ket their product and don't enter the April 1978 state's production statistics significantly. I dare say that these categories of maple sugar producers can be found substantially the same throughout the northeast, though with variations of proportion from region to region. More modern methods are used by some of the largest producers elsewhere, as in Ver- mont. but not in St. Lawrence County to my knowledge. Variation in technique is substantial throughout the northeast, but I feel the state of the art levels outlined in this paper can help us narrow down the most interesting producers from the folklorist's point of view, especially as it comes to directing the right questions to the right groups. To be more specific, our class one producers can be seen to be motivated by somewhat different motives than our class three or four producers, for instance. Different questions are A horse drawn gathering tank on the John Swift farm, Colton, in the 1940's. appropriate to each class. Accordingly, (Photo courtesy Marion Swift Thomas). let's see what there is to be learned. to maple syrup for their cooking that brush; grandfather built the sugar house; Level one operators, with all their they had to produce. That family I aproning as a finishing method evolved modern methods and huge production mentioned that consumes fifty gallons long ago. Today's syrupers simply inherit volume are successful businessmen, annually even boils hard boiled eggs in a whole body of technique and material working at a large enough volume to syrup as a regular treat. They call them ready made. In structural terms they make the profit worthwhile. To do this gopher eggs! have a template for present behavior they sacrifice many of the traditional These answers are familiar to those of which has been designed over consider- techniques which are prized by other us who study folklore. They speak for able time. It's an inheritance and a boon! groups. I think this is easy to understand very strong forces which keep alive a I've seen the same thing in boat- as the supremacy of the profit motive in great many rather marginal practices in building, ballad singing and tall-tale these operations. On balance in some the world. I would like to take a brief telling. You have seen it too. The force of people's minds. profit takes precedence look at what these factors might be and a gift from our past is hard to resist. over tradition. These people take greater examine how they bear relevance to risks in terms of their investment in new other folkloric behaviors. In addition I have been moved by the equipment, but they reap financial a- My students often suggest that nostal- concept of future shock to examine other wards. They seem also to earn other gia is a factor in keeping such things as attitudes manifested by sugaring people. rewards of the kind we might more easily sugaring alive. What do you think? I I find with striking consistency in all four groups a strong desire for competence associate with our class two producers. think they are partly right, especially for , They are, after all, sugaring. not raising those in our fourth group. and to some and control in their lives. Among the beef cattle or operating a lumbering degree in all the other groups. We all newcomers of group four, for example, operation. They share the pleasures of remember our childhoods, or to some there is considerable activism against sugar production with all the others. but degree wish we had lived in an earlier large, impersonal forces in the communi- they are also fortunate enough to earn time, but I don't think that entirely ty, such as the intrusion of the 765 K.V. more too. explains our sugaring. Indeed, our first power line which cuts through the The level two producers raise more group looks to me as though there is county. The only thing which explains to some attempt to escape the constraints of me the presence of social activism and difficult questions. In the end they maple sugaring in so many single heads is usually make very little money. One of the past in a flight into modern, avant garde technique. We need something the concept of the desire for control and my students figured out that the best competence. Many of these same group most in this group could expect for their more. The need for sugar is one. Perhaps simple satisfaction with the four people are back-to-the-land people time was on the order of 50 cents an who have a rather idealistic nostalgia hour. Invariably, however, these pro- way things have been done in the past is an element. What's good enough for operating in them too. Yet surprisingly, ducers spoke of other rewards when we groups one, two and three support these asked them why they continued to Grandma is good enough for us. Certainly ideas strongly also. produce in the face of such small profits. there is some of that, but I suspect These answers are not surprising to the something underlies this seeming conser- I guess finding politics in the sugar folklorist. They said they did it because vatism. bush has been a surprise, but I think I they enjoyed it, they had always done it, I have observed quietly to myself that must admit its presence, and explain it as would feel lost in the spring if they didn't much involved with sugaring as well as best I can. My bet is with future shock. do it. and generally felt that they gained other folk occupations depends upon There is more to do and more to tremendous intangible rewards from the developments from the past being handed discuss. I'm all ready set for next spring, whole procedure ranging from a feeling of down, that the present practitioners owe with more questions to ask than I had closeness to the land to a stronger sense great debts to earlier practitioners. before. I have been happy to share with of family or neighborhood community, Sugar bushes have been kept cleared of you some thoughts on maple sugaring. occasioned by the shared experiences and work load. One farmer asked, after all, **** **** **** how else could he enjoy himself on his About the Author own land after a hard winter and convert C. Richard K. Lunt is a professor of English and folklore at SUC Potsdam. He is labor into cash, however small? Others presently editory of New York FolJdore and a graduate of the Folklore Institute of pointed out how they were so accustomed Indiana University. April 1978 7 Views and Reviews

For the first time The Quarterly includes excerpts from and mcnticdreviews of recently published books of likely interest to our readers. In each case we attempt to present something of the original author's (s? intentions and a carefully thought out analysis of strong and weak points in each. The reviewer in each case has a special interest and background in the topic of the book reviewed. In any case, reviews reflect the opnim of the reviewer, and not necessarily that of the Association or of the Editor.

Architectme from the Adirondack Foot- In some cases I have mentioned the such a survey, the results of which have hills. Robert Harold McGowan. The names of past and present owners, and I been published by the Franklin County Franklin County Historical and Museum have occ-y tried to give an impres- Historical and Museum Society in a book Society. 1977. $13.84 cloth. $6.35 soft- sion of life and thought in Franklin entitled Architecture From The Adiron- bound. County's past. But this book is meant to duck FoothiUs. be a history of styles, not a coUection of The author, Robert Harold McGowan, anecdotes. summarizes his work by stating that it The idea for this book developed while **** ". . .traces Franklin County buidling I was a student at the FoUche Institute, Cities, towns, and regions across the styles from the folk traditions of early Indiana University. I had been interested United States are becoming more sensi- English and French settlers to Art Deco in Franklin County architecture before tive to their local architectural heritage. of the 1930s - focussing on the ways local stwlying there, but my interest multi- Mid-twentieth century tendencies toward carpenters combined architectural ideas plied when I saw that houses similar to destruction and rebuilding are being inherited from their ancestors with de- those in which my parents and grand- severely curbed by people who realize signs printed in manuals and planbooks." parents had lived were the subject of the advantages of retaining older struc- The important part of this statement is serious academic attention. I was es- tures whenever possible. Usually the that McGowan does not attempt solely to pedgfascinated by the fact that many first sign of local awareness comes in the document pure examples of architectural nineteenth-century Franklin County form of an area survey to catalog and style. Rather the majority of the book is buildings held clues to the colonial publicize significant structures. Our concerned with the local features that American and European origins of their neighbor, Franklin County. is fortunate make Franklin County buildings uniquely builders. Such knowledge helped me to to have recently been the subject of just interesting. begin reading my sur&ndings in a new way, helped me to see the past in the most commonplace things. Histwy took on a physical reality that textbooks never provided. The ordering of this book needs a fau comments. I have attempted to relate the style periods most commonly wed in discussing nineteenth-century architec- ture - Federal, Greek Reviva& Gothic, Italianate - to such categories of folk architeatre as I-house, lean-to, Georgian hwe type, and classic cottage. There- fore, chapters I, 11, and N discuss the interplay, blending, and fidy the re- placement of folk forms with changing architectud fashions. The chapters are anunged more or less chronologically. I have placed the section on barns at about mid-nineteenth cen- tury, when farming was stilt a growth induatry in the cmty. Within each chapter, buildings are .anunged to show changes and developments in fnm and style and facilitate comparison of simila7 structures. There is no attempt, there- fore, to place individwl houses in chron- ological order. In many cases it is impossible to determine precisely when a hwe was built. Architecture is not a percise tool for dating, and deeds record when a howre was sold, not when it was constructed. I have located each building in a viUage or township. NaturaUy, most of the buildings are in the northern half of Franklin County, where most of the people live. April 1978 The 112 page book begins with an toward preserving the architectural heri- rondack FoothiUs may be obtained from architectural glossary to acquaint the tage of Franklin County as well as the the Franklin County Historical and Mu- reader with specialized terms, but moves entire North Country. The Franklin seum Society, 51 Milwaukee Street, rapidly into the documentation of the County Historical and Museum Society Malone. N.Y. 12953. Hardbound editions various architectural styles extant in the and Mr. McGowan are to be commended are $13.84 including tax and postage, and area. Federal. Greek Revival, Victorian, for a job well done. soft cover copies are $6.35 including tax and Art Deco are all represented, and Copies of Architecture From The Adi- and postage. McGowan points out design features as well as related anecdotes about the individual structures. High quality pho- About the Reviewer tography and an easily readable layout John A. Baule, Director of SLCHA. is a specialist in architectural history and historic contribute greatly to the work. preservation. He is presently completing his MA in History Museum Studies with a thesis on late nineteenth century architectural changes in Gilbertsville. New York. However. Architecture From The Adi- nmdack Foothills is far more than simply a laundry list of interesting houses and barns. Rather local styles are related to the predominant national architectural trends of the period. The Greek Revival style did not enjoy as great a popularity in Franklin County as elsewhere in New York State, but the Federal tradition - with adaptations - was moderately strong. This is clarified by McGowan's study of the traditions of the incoming settlers and the existence of local condi- tions that influenced the adoption of nationally popular styles. A major migra- tion into the area occurred during the political and architectural period known as Federal. Thus. the first settlers drew ". . . on New England and Canadian architectural traditions" to erect numer- ous examples of the Federal style. Also, "the lack of a canal helped keep Franklin County small and poor, and it may have contributed to architectural conservatism by stemming the flow of new ideas." Such skillful interweaving of traditions and national trends with the local structural styles is done throughout the book. Many books of this type do not expand upon the architectural theme, but Mc- Gowan attempts to do so by commenting upon the contemporary social mnditions reflected by - or contrasted with - the local architecture. For example, the elegant Federal dwellings hid the reali- ties of a time when women spent year after year in drudgery and men and women faced bleak winters of darkness and cold. On the other hand, the large Italianate mansions with their spacious quarters for the owner and relatively cramped facilities for the servants, clear- ly proclaimed "that the hard work of a house, and perhaps the people who did it, were less estimable than the owners who Secret Islaad; S.E. Moore; Four Winds York City, doesn't relish the idea of lived in the front section and enjoyed that Press, 1977; $7.95, cloth. spending a few months in St. Lawrence work." Similarily, the austere prison-like County with relatives - thut is, not until lines of the County Poorhouse suggested **** Captain G-ray of the Umim Amy [and a that ". . . poverty had become less a "FOR GOD'S SAKE DON'T FISH IN close personal friend of the family] gives misfortune and more a criminal tendency THESE WATERS. . ."A stone wrapped him a very exciting assignment: special by 1870." Obviously, this book does not in this message was tossed through the agent on the lookout for escaped Rebel attempt to be a social history, but such mwzndowof my cowtit's home, a farmhouse prisoners and other criminal activities on comments do remind the reader that near the St. Lawrence River, on a night the St. Lawrence River. architecture is not a pure form aloof from at the end of June of this year, 1865. The '1could capture Mr. Lincoln's assassins the influences of the contemporary so- sentence, too urgent to be written in in mid-river," John imagines, "capture ciety. cipher, was deliberately obscure in case it bandits with stolen money still in their Professional scholarship and effort are was read by the wrong eyes, and the saddlebags, and maybe save Captain overwhelmingly apparent in this, and the signature was a code name. Gray fiom deadly danger. The North book makes a significant contribution John AUen, a young boy from New Country - muybe it won't be so bad April 1978 after aU. " The Captain, of course, intends John's assignment more as a way to lift his spirits than as an actual mission. But both get more than they bargained for when John and his cousin Sam stumble upon the robbers of the Union Army payroll - a ruthless group of Southern sympathizers who call themselves the Knights of the Golden Circle. Buried treasure . . . codes and ciphers . . . passwords . . . strange meetings . . . a secret island: you U find them all in this story fud of mystery and adventure! And, along with John Allen and his cousin, you can even try your hand at cracking the code which unlocks the secret of Secret Island. **** Although most of the action in Ms. Moore's book takes place in the North Country, the setting is incidental. North- ern New York readers may perk up a bit when young John Allen's train trip from New York City takes him through Sandy Creek, Adams, Waterville and Evans Mills, where he transfers to a stage coach to continue his journey toward the St. Lawrence River. At that point, however, Ms. Moore resorts to fictitious place Hopkintan Maple Festival Cookbook; Most of the recipes, however, are of a names as she ends by placing her young Hopkinton Bicentennial Committee, 1976, later vintage, and unless you are like the hero at his aunt's farm, a few miles from $2.25 plus .25 postage, from Mrs. Grace Indian sqwzw and forget to watch your Chippewa Bay, if we can trust the map of Powell, Nicholville, N.Y. cooking pot, we think you wiU be pleased the "Secret Island Area" at the front of with the results. the book. Ms. Moore provides adventures enough The American Indians were the first to for her young readers. The Civil War has discover the secret of the sugar maple So many communities across the land just ended. and John Allen, sent north to tree. According to legend, an Indian and over the years have seen the rebuild a sickly constitution, tangles with sqwzw was boiling venison in the "sweet publication of favorite family recipes in a band of die-hard Confederate sympa- water" from a' maple tree. She forgot to cookbooks for fund-raising by church thizers who seek to dispose of left-over watch her cooking pot and the "sweet groups or lodges or women's auxiliaries loot from bank robberies and payroll water" boiled down to a thick syrup. At that one more would hardly seem worth heists of baggage cars. There's a big any mte, the Indians were making maple reviewing. But the Hopkinton Maple shootout at the end, after the bad guys syrup and maple sugar before the first Festival Cookbook, despite motivations have hauled up most of their treasure white man arrived in Amenka. similar to others, is different and special. from a shoal in the St. Lawrence River, Maple sugaring has been a yearly For the avid cookbook-and-recipe collec- where it's been stashed. Older readers event in Hopkinton since the duys of the tor it is different, for it focuses on one may find all the doings a bit far fetched, first settlers. At one time most of the important ingredient and tells of its use especially the notion that a twelve-year- farmers had a sugar bush and a sugar in everything from "wax-on-snow" to old boy would be pressed into service so house somewhere back in the woods. salad dressing, from beverages to main readily by the U.S. Army agents on the Over the years many of these have dishes. It also includes important infor- trail of the outlaw band. disappeared. Some of the trees were cut mation about making and keeping maple John Allen, in the way of juvenile for lumber and many of the sugar houses syrup. maple cream, maple sugar and heroes sent to the country for their have f&n down from the effects of maple candies. One can find such temp- health, has recuperated amazingly and weather and neglect. There are still, ting possibilities as maple divinity fudge. thinks more highly of his rustic relatives however, a goodly number of folks in stacked pancakes with soft maple sugar, at the conclusion of his adventure. Hopkinton who take to the woods each maple custard, baked beans with maple Bibliophiles who collect any title with spring to labor long and hard to produce sweetening, and even maple eggnog. For North Country references may want to that delightful treat we kmw as maple the person interested in local history and buy Secret Island. Otherwise, it can be syrup. folk ways, this book is also special, left to children, who often find great In our Bicentennial year, it seemed because it contains some anecdotes about satisfaction in tales that test an adult's fitting to celebmte one of America's and certain recipes and occasional reminis- credulity. Hopkinton's earliest industries - maple cences of Hopkinton people. One such sugaring. This cookbook was published in example is Ira Miller's story about the **** conjunction with the Hopkinton Maple time he and his brothers had had wax on About the Reviewer Festival. Some of the recipes are from snow. They decided "that their dog Richard D. Kepes is a professor of old family cookbooks - fiom the days of should enjoy some wax too. They wadded English at St. Lawrence University. the wood cooking stove - and cooking a good sized chunk and then helped the specializing in American literature. He directions are not as explicit as in modern dog to eat it by squeezing his jaws. It frequently reviews fiction for other pub- recipes. If you feel up to trying some of caused much excitement and much frus- lications. these early recipes, we wish you luck. continued on page 16 How Clara Washed

by Marion Clark Baker Recalling from her childhood some of the difjblt, painstaking household chores of her relatives, the author carefuUy recreates an ordinary job that no one would have thought much about then but that helps us appreciate just a little better the "good old days'l?].

The year I shall take for this account looped a string by which it always hung "turned" or washed on the inside. will be 1898, although the method used in the woodshed. With this stick she Again the tub was emptied to be filled by Clara for doing the family laundry had would reach into the steaming boiler, lift with rinse water. This was cold, hard been the same for many years previous. an article, twist the stick until the sheet water from the well, whereas the wash there having been two sisters and a or garment was wound on it, then deposit water had been rain water from the brother older than I, an elderly uncle and it in the pan. The boiled clothes were cistern in the cellar. The well was beside aunt in the family besides Clara and her then dumped into the tub and others the kitchen porch. The water was husband. Theirs was the era of women's were put to scald in the boiler. pumped and brought in pail by pail. Some full flouncy, long skirts and petticoats, The clothes in the tub were then hot water from the simmering teakettle cotton drawers, all trimmed with lace or "sudsed." Nearly all of them were rubbed was added, also bluing. The rinsing done, Hamburg. and corset covers with much a little on the washboard, probably to the wash was hung on clotheslines behind insertion for ribbons. free them of soap and to make sure no the house, winter and summer. In This was a farm home. It was Monday stain remained. They were put through summer some things were spread on the morning and breakfast had been eaten. the wringer again to await the rinsing grass; in winter things froze at once. Clara brought in the copper boiler from while the above process was repeated Clara said that freezing bleached the the woodshed. The fire in the wood- until everything had been washed. The white clothes. (The woolens were hung burning iron cookstove was built up, the woolen garments, of course, were not on the clothesbars in the kitchen.) boiler placed on the two front griddles. It scalded, but rubbed on the board. The Needless to say there was never a stain had to be filled immediately. There was a long, black, handknitted, woolen stock- on anything, not even a gray place on the smallish zinc sink which had a pump on a ings of us children and the men's towels made of grainbags where the raised portion at one end. Clara set a pail handknitted, woolen socks were washed hired man had dried his half-washed in the sink under the spout and fiied it in the sudsing water. Each one had to be hands. from the hand pump. Pail after pail she Some garments had to be starched, filled and carried to the stove, lifting especially the cotton dresses and aprons. them to fill the boiler. The Deeplelnee I The starch was often made of bread flour. That done, Clara brought in a wooden Amerloan Waeher Clara would put the needed amount into a washtub and, setting two plank-bottomed No. 5. large tin milkpan to which she would NO. aSRlO4 Thb Sam- add a little cold water. I was often asked chairs opposite each other. she placed the chlne was otten up at the swclay request of to stir this until all the lumps were tub on the seats. Then she poured into it some of our customers. It IS of the snme make pressed out. Hot water was added to more water from the pump, warming it and tirllsh :rs our KO. 23 t'hlcnpo A rn e r I c a n. make the right consistency and "brought with water from the "tank." or reservoir, Staves and bottom are corrupatad: In fact It Is to a boil." in the rear part of the stove. Into this tub the no. 22 Clllea o American reversed. fn- Conservation of water was practiced went the linens first and then the white bldo dlmensions. 23x 11 Inrhos. IVeIght. 47 from necessity those days. Clara often cotton garments, each article being pounds. rubbed a little on the washboard and put I'rice, each...... 92.7S used the water from the boiler for through the hand turned wringer. Each scrubbing the porches and steps or the piece was rubbed with a cake of yellow bare part of the woodshed. The rinse Lennox Soap. and then put into the The Seare Waaher. water in summer was frequently carried boiler. to the garden. There were times in the winter when. While the boiler scalded the contents, the cistern "went dry." Then all hands Clara continued to repeat the soaking and were called upon to bring in snow. Pans scrubbing of the rest of the soiled clothes. and kettles of all sizes were filled and set ending with the denim overalls. The tub on the stove. It took hours to melt then had to be emptied. After the enough to do the week's laundry. The wringer was removed, the water was No. 23R110 Thlsmr- ohlne Is made on the well water was considered too hard; it dipped out with a large tin dipper into a rubber prlnrlple, the snme as used In the would not make a suds. pail and carried to the kitchen porch, Quick and Easy but has two cyllndvrs working Do you wonder, perhaps, how Clara where there was an opening of a drain. ln opposlte directlonb at the same rnotlon of the survived such labor week after week? The tub was rinsed and returned to the crank shaft. thus clean- Ing the clotil~squlcker Well, girls, Clara did many other things. chairs. More water was pumped and and moru thoroughly than tho former ma- Besides bringing up five children and poured into the tub. chine. It wlll not tear the clothes and on ac- caring for elderly relatives and keeping By now the clothes in the boiler were count of tho balance wheel the machlne wlll work so easy that a cllild can tpork It without beln her house clean and neat, she was active scalded. A large tin dishpan was placed fatigued. \Yehave found thattheyellow cottonwoo5 amwn In the low lands of Arkansas and Mlbslssiplll in the church and community and some- on the griddles behind the boiler and, Is the best lumber ior washlnp machlnes and we haro ado ted the same In all tho box Aachlnes. how she found time to do a lot of reading. having removed the cover of the boiler, IVoll ma&. wall painted and varnisiled, and a11 the Imn parts comlnp In contact with the water She lived to be 78. Clara began taking out the articles and are heavily tlnned or galvanized. Weight, 83pounrls. Price, each, wrlnger not included...... @6.60 placing them in the pan. This process alwayH held me spellbound. she- had a "Modern conveniences" by Clara's stand- About the Author stick about three feet long, stout, round ads, these two washing machines up- Marion Clark Baker is a retired teacher and smooth - "the clothes stick." It had peared in the 1902 Sears, Roebuck who has returned to her family home in a hole in one end and through it was catalogue. North Russell to live. April 1978 11

The oldest rooms of the house: the dining room with restored mantle and the study with Wright's oum desk and law books. What If We Give a Party and Everybody Comes? Photographs and Comments on the Gala Opening of the Silas Wright House and Museum

After five years of hard work, patience and deferred dreams, the Association played host to a large celebration of the opening of the Governor Silas Wright House and Museum on the weekend of March 10 through 12, 1978. Here we reproduce photographs of the interior - upstairs ezhibits and downstairs restoration - as it appeared just before the 750 plus visitors of the weekend began to come in, courtesy of John Baule; the article on the Saturday public opening and dedication service, courtesy of the Watertown Daily Times; and, SLCHA President AUen Splete's remarks made at the dedication service on Saturday.

The sanctuary of the Unitarian Univer- And so was the back of the church, the we may have to hold it up." salist Church did double duty this past standing-room only section. "Didn't think we'd draw this size weekend. There were high school history teach- crowd." Not only did it seat churchgoers on ers. housewives and professors. "We may have to wait a while." Sunday morning but, on Saturday after- There were sellers of antiques and He was right. noon, it played host to a crowd, old and retired farmers and a baby or two. When Master of Ceremonies Allen P. young alike, from all over St. Lawrence Most of them dressed in their Sunday Splete, president of the St. Lawrence County. best, on Saturday, came to witness, whit County Historical Association, gave his On Saturday afternoon, March 10, the dignitaries there called, "history in personal salute to St. Lawrence County's 1978. the Silas Wright House Museum, the making." new museum, he spoke to a packed after these nearly five years of restora- Canton author, retired newspaperman house. tion and only a bit before its freshly and chronicler of past events and per- Mr. Splete talked, by way of introduc- painted doors opened to the public for the sonages, Atwood Manley, greeted the tion, of "one of our nation's greatest first time, was officially dedicated, with public, with obvious enthusiasm, at the statesmen," Silas Wright, a man of the all the trimmings, in the sanctuary of the door. 19th century, an attorney, Canton's church next door. "The dedication was supposed to start postmaster, justice of the peace, inspec- All the seats were crowded full. at one-thirty," he said with a grin, "but tor of schools. roadmaster, politician and April 1978 governor of New York State. Mr. Splete described the opening of the Silas Wright House and Museum, a place where the Governor lived and where he died, as "living proof' of "volunteerism and the results it can bring." The once ramshackle house has been restored by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, through the help, financial and otherwise, of many local people. Mr. Splete explained that the day's dedication was the culmination "of five years of effort." John A. Baule, Director of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, told the assemblage of things perhaps more basic. "We are at a point where we finally do have a St. Lawrence County Museum," he said. "and a fine facility." "We owe a lot to the people who have torn the plaster off and done the work Wright study: portrait of the governor; stencilling hand applied by volunteer . . . taken the sixty truck loads to the Lynn Case and curtains made by Mary Ruth Beaman. dump." "Today, this is not a tribute to what has gone before," Mr. Baule said. "It is, in a real sense, a real dedication." "We must look to the future." "We have no intention to be a ware- house, a visible storage place. We want this house to live." Mr. Baule explained that the museum will serve students of history. It will stand as it is and as what it will become. It will be the showplace for historical exhibits which can be borrowed for display from the Smithsonian Institute, for instance. "We intend to use the house for a number of things," he said. "The museum is not done now," he added, "and I hope it will always be evolving. I hope it will never be done." St. Lawrence County Historian, Mary H. Smallman, the next official speaker, Dining room: punch bowls all set for the party; flower arrangements by summarized, "as one of the old timers in Marilyn Barlow; Wright sideboard from St. Lawrence University. the organization," the development of the county historical association, the begin- nings of a project culminating, in a sense, in the day and the dedication. Ruth Blankman, Canton's lady mayor, noted that while much mention was to be made of Silas Wright. it was only appro- priate to remember too the Governor's wife, Clarissa. "Just as she was involved in her husband's career," said Mrs. Blankman, "so are the women of this county involved in this most historic occasion." Bennett Abrams, chairman of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators. carried the good wishes of this colleagues on the board to museum officials and the public. In praising the former governor and resident of the house, he quoted from the Scotch essayist and historian, Thomas

Carlyle: "The history of the world is but - the biography of great men." Parlors, with center table said to be in house when the Wrights lived there. April 1978 13 State Assemblyman, David 0%. Mar- tin, told his listeners that, on the evening before. he had had the opportunity to tour the museum itself. In the process he had come across a communication which unwittingly epito- mizes, he thought, the spirit of Silas Wright. "It was signed," said Mr. Martin, "I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant, Silas Wright, Jr." H. Douglas Barclay. State Senator from Pulaski, told the people, "Being very frank with you . . . several years ago I didn't know about Silas Wright." Mr. Barclay said he was introduced to the historical figure by a local man, influential in seeing the museum project to fruition, Varick Chittenden. "I'd like to say to all involved," said Mr. Barclay, "congratulations for all that you've done." Upstairs hall gallery with opening exhibit of items "From the Collection;" here The last speaker. Congressman Robert childhood memorabilia. C. McEwen, chided Senator Barclay, suggesting, with a grin, that if the Ir+P -- -?a! Senator had grown up in eastern St. Lawrence County he might have earlier been aware that Canton could boast a governor of New York State. Speaking of the gathering, the cere- mony of the day, Congressman McEwen further suggested that "Sil" Wright--~-. would be pleased."

As President of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association and on behalf of its Board of Trustees and Association members, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the formal dedication of the Governor Silas Wright House and Museum in Canton, New York. This project has had, from the beginning, a dual purpose. First, it represents a 19th century house restoration which was well described in the St. Lawrence Plain- Parlor items from the late nineteenth century dealer of March 1, 1978. The house is a form of Greek revival architecture of the period and we have used as many original Silas Wright artifacts as possible to recreate his life in Canton from 1820- 1847. Second, the residence contains museum space to preserve and exhibit material of significance related to St. Lawrence County history. I am tempted on such a grand occasion to reminisce about all the days leading up to this historic moment. Let me instead, before commenting on the man we honor, try to express what this achievement means to the Association and the many wonderful people who made this day possible. The Silas Wright House, as you see it today, is the culmination of five years of effort by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association and its special committees, including a Board of Overseers, who were designated to help with this effort. The initial fund-raising campaign, Kitchen and household items owned by SLCHA. which began in 1973, and subsequent April 1978 planning were characterized by dedica- everyone in perpetuity. tion of purpose and the desire to preserve John Garraty, author of a biography on an important part of St. Lawrence Silas Wright in 1949, makes us mindful of County history ,for North Country resi- the Canton ties of this great gentleman. dents. If ever one needed to be reminded Garraty's first chapter begins: of the importance of the volunteer There was a man named Silas Wright, concept in our modern society. this and he was a histonk sight. He was a accomplishment underscores that fact. good man, and he had a Simitary and a Volunteerism and the results it can bring Grange named after him, an& when he are the reason we are here today. was here he lived at the Tea Cozy. Personal sacrifice of time and resources To the child in the grade school at makes projects of this nature a reality. Canton, New York, who wrote this Completion of such endeavors seems to be simple biography, the name of Silas extra-satisfying. Why? Simply because Wright is probably as weU known as that the people involved care enough about of George Washington or Abmham Lin- something to bring it to pass. Such coln, for in that North Country communi- individuals sense historical value and ty where he lived and died, his fame has believe that the results are worth the not been forgotten as it has been else- labor expended, not necessarily for them- where. Today, while the names of Van selves but for those who follow. The Buren and Benton, of Webster and Clay, opening of the Silas Wright home also of Buchanan, Calhoun, and James K. Polk serves as living proof that persons stiU ring with some signifiance to the interested in county. town, and village average American, Wright's is virtdy history can work together to preserve a unknown. It was not always so. chapter of our common past. Those closely related to the project Let us hope that one of the outcomes of from the beginning had the vision of today's events is a rediscovery of Silas recreating the environment in which Silas Chair, coverlet and clock in study. Wright's contributions in shaping the Wright lived and worked. It is hoped that destiny of our land. the house and its contents will allow County wife, or his multitude of local, Marnie Crowell in her 1975 book, many to experience anew that part of the state and nationalfiiends. In the memory North to the St. Lawrence, refers to the history of our nation. The Wright muse- of these friends he remazmaznedthe 'Great Wright project in her Epilogue: Notes of um will provide the students and citizens Commoner' and 'Farmer Statesman,' who a North Country Traveller. She stated: of St. Lawrence County, as well as by 'candor clear as spring water' had led We pass the primly handsome Silas travellers to the region, the opportunity men away from old prejudices to 'new Wright House, once the home of one of to learn more about the life of one of our convictions steeped in moral thought.' the North Country's outstanding states- nation's great statesmen. An October 1973, Qwrterly article, men. Its pink Potsdam sandstone founda- It seems only fitting and proper now entitled "Silas Wright of St. Lawrence tion is swathed in plastic at the moment. that we take time to remember Silas County" by the same Mr. Blankman The local citizen's group that is restwing Wright and some of his major achieve- provides ample background to embellish the Wright House as a history center for ments. Why was this man so important to the essentials. Here one has to be the county is hornpd at the amount of us in Northern New York? To answer money that has gone into repairing the this question. I'll borrow first from Ed selective, but a bit more about Wright's stature and character should be said. foundation - but someday many wiU Blankman, who seems to be our resident Wright was called "Jackson of the East," thank them for doing it. expert on Mr. Wright. My initial source and "a preliminary sketch for Abraham I think Marnie is right. is a sketch of Wright's life compiled by Lincoln." Poets such as Walt Whitman Ed for the August 1973 bluebook which In closing, this dedication represents and John Greenleaf Whittier mourned his an opportunity for the St. Lawrence announced the Governor Wright Histori- passing and spoke in eloquent verse cal Center Campaign. It reads: County Historical Association. Our about his importance to Americans. Wright House and Museum is now ready Born in Massachusetts and reared in Wright remains now a symbol of transi- for use and we can start to offer the Vermont, Silas Wright, Jr. came to tion from the Federalist Age to that of educational benefits this form of preser- Canton as a young lawyer. He rose Jackson. vation represents - a journey into and rapidly in county and state political In a series done by the Watertown through our past. How meaningful this circles, moving from postmaster to surro- Daily 27imes on State Governors, Lewis work of the Association will become will gate to senator, and then state comp- Blanche aptly said of him and his region: depend largely on its ability to obtain and troller. "He was an authentic Northern New sustain further membership, government, National senrice came soon, first as Yorker, blending in his person the foundation, and individual support. We Congressman, then from 1833 to 1864 as straightforward honesty. the simplicity, must find a way to have an operating Senator. Elected New York Govern in the disinterestedness, and the individual- budget that enables us to respond to the 1864, he helped carry Polk into the ism that are the best marks of the challenges of potential use by citizens of Presidency. He had refused nomination northern New York character." Bligh St. Lawrence County, New York State for the Vice Presidency, as weU as Dodds, then Collector of the Port in and our nation. Your support and interest appointment as either Secretary of the Ogdensburg, said of Wright in the 1958 will continue to be needed if the Associ- Treasury or Jwtice of the Supreme dedication of the plaque on the front of ation is to achieve its goal. Court. By 1847, because of his anti- the Canton house. "His life was a I will not attempt to single out slavery, free-soil. views, he was shaping complete devotion to public service." individuals for special thanks but rather up as a prime candidate for the Presi- Even what is perhaps Canton's greatest wish to thank everyone who has con- dency. His death on August 27 of that glory of beauty and common-folks recrea- tributed in any way in support of this year removed this possibility. tion, the park (our Village Green), was a undertaking. The special feeling of pride But it did not remove him fknn the g& by Wright for ownership by the and fulfillment which this day brings is affection of Clarissq his St. Lawrence Presbyterian church and for use by just reward for all of us. April 1978 15 "In Anticipation of *@& 'The Beans' "

by Norman W. Pauling, Jr.

Like many traditions of one's youth, the preparing and serving of Saturday night baked beans and brown bread - with Mngs - took on a ritualistic nature. Here the author explains this New England tradition - in his case, Maine, his wife's, New Hampshire - but surely weU remembered with slight variations by many other North Country families of New England origins. The recipes are the Paulings'; the iUustrations are by Doris Hadlock, reproduced from Take the Gray Basin . . ., the family cookbook compiled by Mary Smallman.

The baked bean and brown bread wife, Jan, makes it occasionally, and we too big a helping, fork mashing of the supper on Saturday night was a tradition use it as bread without the accompanying beans, taking some of everything, not on both sides of my family for at least beans. taking too big a mouthful, not drinking two and one-half generations. As a The various relish and pickle recipes more than two glasses of milk, not matter of fad, it was traditional to the are examples of the many types that talking at mealtime, and eating rhubarb point of being quasi-ceremonial. On any garnished the meal. They were the end and pineapple first - before cookies. given Saturday afternoon, after the products of the seed, manure, lime, feeling of fullness from the sumptuous fertilizer, water and labor of which our Saturday night was physic night and noon dinner had worn off, comments and large productive garden was made. what a variety to choose from! Rhubarb conversation would turn to anticipation of The dessert was usually rhubarb and and soda! Nana made it most of the time; the "beans." And the harder the task at pineapple sauce and sugar cookies (eaten however, my Uncle Fred made it fre- hand, or the more foul the weather, the in that order, sour to sweet, so we could quently. It was administered by Nana or stronger would be the anticipation. consume more.) My mother's side of the my mother at the rate of one tablespoon Saturday night bean suppers were family preferred the rice and raisin for adults (over twelve) and one tea- associated with the semi-weekly baking pudding; however, my brother and sister spoonful for children. In retmpect the by the women and girls, and the big job found it "too heavy" to handle. Saturday night physic was ludicrous in that was saved to be attacked by all of The meal was set on a large oil cloth light of the cathartic nature of brown the boys home from school for the day. covered table in the dining mom. My bread plus the propellant contained in the The thoughts and comments about the father's place was at the end of the table beans, to say nothing of the bulk last meal of the week also served as nearest the kitchen door. Nana (my provided in the pickles, relishes, and impetus to exert that extra charge of paternal grandmother) sat at the opposite rhubarb and pineapple dessert. Truly energy needed to finish the job started so end of the table and supervised the Saturday night beans and brown-bread many hours earlier. children's eating operation. My mother was the highlight of the week. It's a pity Beans of the kidney type were culti- sat quietly and ate her portion. The that my system can no longer stand it, vated as a staple food by native Ameri- children's eating rules included not taking but what lovely memories. cans and were quickly adopted by Euro- pean colonists. Beans could be baked using residual oven heat from bread baking, initially in brick dutch ovens and later in wood range ovens and finally in gas or electric ovens. Left over baked beans would keep for several days without refrigeration; hence they pro- vided a source of protein as well as energy for as long as they lasted. Our families grew their own dry beans and preferred the Old Fashioned Yellow Eye variety. Incidentally this variety is still grown commercially and marketed through First National Stores, in New England. The bean crop was pulled, stacked to dry. packed in burlap feed bags, threshed with a hand flail, winnowed in the neighbor's fanning mill, picked over, at long last prepared for baking, and finally baked. The brown bread was made to a reeipe handed down from Great-great-grand- mother Griffi and was characterized by excellent flavor and solid substance (real bread, if you know what I mean). My Bean pot dmwn 16 April 1978

J Bontmn Baked Beans Bred lad Butter Pickles Rice and Wein Pudding 1 lb. Old Fashioned yellow eye beans Take smaller or medium cucumbers. % cup rice (sm. chit) Wash and slice without peeling. Soak in 2 qt. milk 314 lb. salt pork salt water to cover overnight with 1 tsp. 1 cup sugar 1 large onion (diced) alum and 1cup salt to 1 gal. water. Drain '12 tsp. salt 1 tsp. salt in morning and rinse slightly. Put in jars % tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. dry mustard packing tightly. 1 cup raisins '12 cup molasses (Gray's Market bulk Add syrup made of vinegar and white Mix all ingredients; place in baking preferred)* sugar allowing 2 c. sugar to 1qt. vinegar. pan. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven Soak beans overnight in a kettle. Add Put mixed spices in a bag (pickling for 2 hours, stirring three or four times. onion; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; spices) 2 tbsp. Add '12 tsp. celery salt to simmer until beans are soft. Add remain- vinegar. Bring all to a boil. Let cool a Rhubarb lad Soda (A Physic) ing ingredients; mix well. Bake in pre- little so as not to break jars. Pour over One part dried rhubarb leaves heated 250-degree oven for 12 hours. pickles and seal. One part bicarbonate of soda Check frequently during the day; add Add enough water to make a very thin water as necessary. pasty solution. Simmer for 15 min. *Gray's Market was in the market stirring frequently. Cool and store in section of Boston and was razed to make glass. room for the Government Center Urban Renewal Project in the 1960's. **b* For Further Reading Brown Bred 1 cup graham flour Better Homes and Gardens Helitage 1 cup white flour Cook Book, 1975. Mary H. Biondi's Take 1 cup corn meal the Gray Basin . . ., 1976. Jean Hewitt's The New York Times Heritage Cook 1 cup molasses (Gray's Market bulk) Book, 1972. 2 cups sour milk 1 tsp. soda 1tsp. baking powder About the Author Norman W. (Bill) Pauling. Jr. is a native 1 cup raisins Down Easter (Maine) who now teaches in Sift dry ingredients together, saving a the Agriculture Department at Canton little white flour to mix with raisins. Add ATC and supervises the college's farm milk, then molasses, blending well, and operations. raisins. Steam for 3 hours. continued from page 9 +@@ tration to the pet dog." Pet lovers may not be overjoyed by the story's inclusion, but it is a good example of a traditional Corn Relish Kitchen lange drawn by Doris 1 doz. medium ears of sweet corn child's prank, good folklore. If I have one 2 cups chopped onions Rhubarb and Pineapple Sauce disappointment in the book, it is that 2 green peppers chopped cutrhubarb into short pieces. stewin more local contributors of recipes did not 1 red pepper chopped a kettle until soft (mushy). Add crushed also relate incidents of the sugar woods 1 cup chopped cabbage pineapple and white sugar to taste. or about certain recipes and meals in 1 tbsp. salt proportions of rhubarb and pineapple their families, past and present. That tsp. pepper would vary depending on individual context for each contribution - whose 11/2 tbsp. dry mustard taste* and supply. recipe, when used, local stories, etc. - 1 cup sugar *The person who made it. would make this an important historical 2 cups vinegar 0.5Oh acidity document as well as a handy collection of good recipes. Cut corn from cob. Combine with This year, 1978, was the third year for onions, peppers, and cabbage in kettle. -6 the Hopkinton Maple Festival. That day Add remaining ingredients; bring to Sugar Coakiee is a good one each year for North boiling point. Reduce heat; simmer for 1 1cup sugar Country people to watch for - sugar hour, stirring occasionally. Pour into hot, cup oleo bush tours, pancakes and sausage and sterilized jars; seal. Process in boiling 1egg syrup, wax-on-snow, exhibits of antique water bath for 10 min. 1 tsp. vanilla or lemon rind sugaring equipment, and more. And the % cup sour cream maple cookbook, now in its third year and Pepper Relish 2 cups flour second printing, is a good buy, for those 2 doz. sweet peppers (some red) l/s tsp. soda of us who like history and for those of us 7 med. onions % tsp. salt who like to eat. Grind and save juice of the above 1tsp. baking powder O**O 2 tbsp. salt Blend sugar, oleo, egg, vanilla, and 2 tbsp. mustard seed sour cream till creamy. Gradually add About the Reviewer 3 cups vinegar sifted flour, soda, salt, and baking Varick Chittenden is The &rurrterly 3 cups sugar powder, and mix well. Chill 12 hours. editor, a native of Hopkinton, and a Boil 30 min. and pack in sterile jars and Roll very thin and cut. Bake in 350 folklorist who teaches in the English seal. degree oven for 10 min. Department at Canton ATC. He some- times tries to cook, too. April 1978 17

The Ladies'Mandolin Club of Gouverneur High School in the early twentieth century, subtitled "an organization of promising musicians made up of many popular young ladies." Upper row: Jean HaU, Cassy Saulsbury, Hazel Clifton, Vwla Hull, Hazel Smith, Ruth KeUar. Second row: Susie Jones, Grace Randall, Vera Hurlbu~t,Hazel Jenne, Helen KeUey, Ethel Able, Lower row: Florence Earle and Neva Beach. (Photo courtesy History Center). A Musical Revue: The First Hundred Years of County Musical Entertainments

by Carolyn Jenner Swafford

Music has had an important role in the lives of County people since its settlement. Espedy interesting was the era of this discussion, when every little community had some kind of public hall and at least one or two musical groups: cornet bands, choruses, mandolin groups, kitchen hop bands, orchestras, what have you.

St. Lawrence County remained unin- Rossie. The English scattered around the states that, when time permitted, set- habited until approximately 1793, when remainder of the county, along with the tlers gathered in each other's homes to the first settlers came up the Hudson French Canadians who settled in small sing hymns or songs from "Guid Auld River from New York to Rome and then communities near sawmills. When the Scotland or "Bonny England." 1 either by way of Oswego and the St. Irish arrived around 1850. they settled in Lawrence River or overland through the areas near the present Brasher Falls, Dances of French origin were also Carthage to this area. Others came from DeKalb, and Colton. brought to St. Lawrence County before Canada across the St. Lawrence, and During the first part of the century, 1865. A brief description of the main ones New Englanders ferried across Lake life in this area was hard. The people follows. The quadrille was originally a Champlain to Port Kent or North West worked from the time they arose until stately dance performed by the French Bay and traveled the roads leading to they went to bed at night. Roads were nobility on smooth floors amid pomp and Hopkinton in St. Lawrence County. poor, houses were small, and floors were glitter. The common people discarded the Europeans also settled in the growing rough-hewn planks. But these handicaps intricate steps for more simple, natural towns of our county, thus making it a and hardships couldn't hold back the steps which could be danced in crowded miniature melting pot within the larger development of music in St. Lawrence kitchens, in the fields, and on cobblestone container of the existing colonies. People County. pavements. This is the dance that was of Scottish descent settled in the areas Very little is really known about the brought by the Puritans to New England around the present Madrid, Lisbon, exact musical pleasures enjoyed by the and then to St. Lawrence County by the Waddington, Gouverneur. Hammond, and early settlers in this county, but tradition early settlers. 18 April 1978 Like the quadrilles, the contra dances first came into New England and from there into St. Lawrence County. These 1. Wand March. dances fitted well into the social life along 1. Quadrille. the frontier. Only about five of the many 3. Saratogn hnbercr. contra dances which -were danced before 4. 3111ncy Musk. 1850 have survived, and they are: Money .i.I'ortlnnd Fancy. Musk. Fisher's Hornpipe, College Horn- 1;. Swiety (derrep). pipe, Soldier's Joy, and Sir Roger de i. Qundrill~. Coverley (also called the Virginia Reel). 4Bonday evening, :@ug. llth, 1892. v. ~~!III~II!.~. !I. Scl~ot,tiwhr. The contras have changed little from The company of 10. College L:lnrrrs their original form. "The basic steps were 11. OIW~ILRrrl. and are: forward and back, cast off, right Yourself and Lady is Respectfully Solicited. 12. \Vnltx. and left, ladies chain, right hand star, left ROOM MANAGEllY: -eA~,,~fir,,,;;.:.d,,,.>.,# hand star, down the center and back, I:#. 1'atl.tlnnrl F~IIII'~. . I. W. MORSE. Rmrher P~lls. circle four to the right or left, promenade JollN RURKE, Helct~:t. 14. Qosdrillr. and reel."2 JAMES IoiHD. Mxaxenn. 1.5. Gi~v~tttc~. 11:. I,vtt**rs. The Lancers, invented in Paris by + MUSIC + 17. I'ulki~. Laborde in 1835, came to the United IS. Sicillinn ('i~vir. States in about 1857. It is a very grace- 19. Waltz. ful, dignified quadrille with music which TICKETS, $1.60 20. Q~~~rlrilIr. 21. Scl~ottischr. gives the dancers an opportunity to Ii~clrtdii~gSiilpr nt tk Rlweraide Horurc,. display the individual style, grace, and 12. 'I'ernpest. F. F. STEVENS. - - Treasurer. 23. Waltz. skill which is so important to a dance of ...... this type. In the early years, the dance Spectntom nnt d~*Iringto dxvlce, as cents. 14. Gip~ey. was prompted by a member of each set. A typical dunce progmm. ((>ourtesy the History Center) In the 1890's. the figure "grand square" was added. Around 1900, the Lancers, along with the quadrilles and contras, coats buttoned at the waist, similar to young folks held dances at the homes of lost its popularity (The Potsdam Polka but lighter than the present dress suits. their friends, and it didn't take long for Dots have danced the Lancers since 1950 The square-toed shoes with the large the people to find out about a dance. All and at one time were the only club in the buckles were replaced by a lighter that was needed was to find the fiddler; USA dancing it). slipper. Knee britches and stockings then the dance began. In the town of The waltz, supposedly originating from became lighter and more slender."3 And Edwards, the man to contact in case of a the LaVolta danced in Provence, France, thus as the dances became more comfort- dance was Jimmy McFerran or Jay beginning about 1400, became one of the able and not so stately, so did the Dewey. "No matter what tune Mr. most popular dances in the county. It clothing of the early settlers of St. Dewey was asked to play, it always gave a gentleman and a lady a chance to Lawrence County. turned out to be Bird in a Gilded Cage."5 dance together, something that was There is a dance that has come to be Another important element of the barn missing in the quadrilles and contras. called the St. Lawrence Gavotte, because dance was the caller, and in Edwards, the The two-step has a very interesting instructions for its performance have people to contact were the VanZandt history, originating from several dances. become known only from a visit to an boys - Billy and his four sons. "Billy, a It may be descended from a Hungarian elderly resident of the county. "The steps Civil War veteran, also made and played dance, the galop, or from the redowa. are simple, the dance is slow and violins." 6 When the people gathered at which is danced in two forms: in waltz graceful. Some years ago this dance was the Rushton Hotel for dances, music was time in France and in 2/4 tempo in shown to me by Martin Manley of supplied by McFerran's Orchestra, Cali- Poland. The need for the two-step arose Hannawa Falls who at that time was over pario's, Martin's, and others. when couples dancing the waltz got dizzy 80 years old. He told me that his father Parishville old timers recall the many from the constant turning, a feature of taught the dance to him when he was a gay times had at the Silver Grey Balls, the waltz! It appeared in Paris in 1830 in small boy and that his grandfather had the Masquerades, New Year's Balls, its present form and crossed the Atlantic taught it to his father. So it is to be Military Balls, as well as at the kitchen to our shores shortly thereafter. concluded that this dance was danced in and barn dances. Among the earliest Even more interesting to read about is St. Lawrence County for well over a recalled were the dances held in the the history of the polka. "The polka was hundred years."4 The St. Lawrence famous Parish Inn, a large building built the chief of the Bohemian dances . . . and Gavotte was danced between the quad- in 1815 and well-adapted to take care of was introduced in Paris in 1840, and rilles and contra dances, because it gave those who came long distances to dance. arrived in the USA in the 1850s. The the dancers a chance to rest between the Sometimes over two hundred people from polka with its simple steps and melodious strenuous breakdowns. all over the county attended these tunes swept the ballrooms of the world Perhaps one of the most important dances. by storm and not only created a freer people in the many small towns of the The kitchen and barn dances in Parish- style of couple dancing, but also caused a county was the fiddler. With his fiddle, ville were quite similar to those held in revolution in clothing. The high coiffures he unloosed willing feet as well as gay the surrounding county towns. The fid- were replaced with ringlets and curls, the tongues, and country dances were en- dlers did their own calling with the added heavy loops and flounces that weighted joyed by the hard-working farm folk. In help of a drummer and sometimes an down the colonial dresses were replaced the fall, barn dances were the scenes of organist who played chords. Square with simple frocks, high waisted and with laughter and fun, and the air was filled dances were the typical dances, because light puffs of sleeves. Light dainty with such tunes as "Turkey in the no one knew how to dance anything else! slippers replaced the heavier shoes. The Straw," "Money Musk," "Girl I Left When the rare dancer who knew how to men's long square tailed coats of the Behind Me," and "Bird in a Gilded Cage." waltz requested one, the tune was colonial period with the gilt braid and The winter offered more time for danc- usually "Rye Waltz." Soon such dances as lace cuffs were replaced by slender-tailed ing, which took on a new zest. Groups of "Money Musk, Letter S, Lancers, Quad- April 1978 19 rilles, and the Irish Trot became pop- A Thanksgiving Ball was held in people, an incident is cited of an inn- ular." 7 Eagle Hall in 1905. People from Potsdam, keeper who was forced to "stand up in a Some of the many places available for Hopkinton, Winthrop, Buckton, Hanna- church meeting. ask forgiveness and dancing in Parishville included the West wa. Colton, Fort Jackson, Nicholville, submit himself to discipline for permit- Parishville Grange Hall, where fiddlers' Pierrepont, Madrid, North Lawrence, ting a ball to be held in his tavern." 13 contests were also held. The town South Colton, Converse. North Bangor, Chorus music found expression in the historian recalls a blind fiddler, name Lawrenceville, Beechertown, and Parish- singing schools, which came into vogue unknown, who played there and "who ville attended! Eighty-one couples at- after the Civil War. For miles around, could instantly sense when the dancers tended and music was furnished by the people would gather to sing tunes "soun- were making mistakes and correct Odd Fellows orchestra. ded off' on a tuning fork. Thus many them."s A 1906 program of a New Year's Ball tunes of the old home land were revived Lewis and Bertha Crump of South that was held at Eagle Hall on Monday or kept alive. Occasionally, singing con- Colton both played violin and traveled all evening says: "Yourself and Lady are tests were held. particularly among the over the county playing for dances. Their cordially invited. Music by the 'Odd males. When the reed organ made its sons - Moses, Glenn. Guy, and Ezra - Fellows' orchestra. Tickets $1.50. Specta- appearance, musicales were greatly en- were also quite musical 'and were quite tors, 15 cents." The program of dances: hanced by its accompaniment, but it took well-known as callers. Many other names Grade March at 8:30. 1. Sicilian Circle 2. some time for the organ to be accepted. were cited as callers, thus showing that Waltz 3. Quadrille 4. Two Step 5. College For many years, it, along with the violin, many people were available and interest Lancers 6. Gavotte 7. Portland Fancy 8. was regarded as "an instrument of the was high in music and dancing. Trilby Two Step 9. Cotillion 10. Three devil." 14 Many dances were held in the Town Step 11. Lancers 12. Waltz Refreshments In the Gouverneur records, note is Hall after shows and entertainment. The 13. Quadrille 14. Five Step 15. 20th made of a James L. Thompson who led Cake Walk, which became popular about Century Waltz 16. College Lancers 17. the choir in the old Baptist Church in the sixty years ago, soon became an integral Two Step 18. Virginia Reel 19. Columbian 1820's. He sang tenor while his daughter, part of an evening of dancing. "Mr. A.H. Schottishe 20. Waltz 21. Portland Fancy Sophrina, led the soprano with her small Bresee and his daughter, Mildred, be- 22. Three Step 23. Sixteen to One 24. brother, Oscar, on one side and Harvey came quite proficient in this dance and New Orleans 25. Gavotte 26. Waltz. on the other. "The voices of the entire often danced it as a specialty for the Balance of evening at your pleasure." choir rang out with clarion distinctness crowd."g WOW! 12 guided only by the key-note from Mr. Several old newspaper articles and On February 22, 1909, there was a Thompson's pitch-pipe." 15 dance programs are in the possession of Masquerade Ball in Eagle Hall. The order Early in the 1830's. David Wilcox, the the Parishville historian. One program of dances was similar to that of the itinerant singing-school master, intro- tells of a "Social Dance at the Commercial Thanksgiving Ball with the substitution duced the fiddle to the area. Other House, Parishville, N.Y., August 27, of barn dances here and there. instruments presented at the same time 1886. Tickets: 50 cents. Good music in Because the early settlers of Northern were the flute, introduced by Isaac King, attendance.'loAnother program tells of a New York were largely Congregation%l- and the bass viol, used by Deacon Willard Thanksgiving Ball held in 1889 at Shat- ists, the only amusements tolerated were Guernsey. "Brother Wilder Guernsey tuck's Hotel, "on Thursday evening, prayer meetings and singing schools. To sang a good bass and was at one time the November 28. Music furnished by Randall illustrate the strength of the influence organizer and leader of a singing- and Harts full orchestra. Tickets: $1.50."11 that the religious sect had over the school." 16 A Choral Union was organized in Gouverneur, which had as its able conductor for over ten years Professor W.F. Sudds. He gave his first concert on April 23. 1878; several of the numbers performed included "Festival Hymn" by D. Buck; "He Watcheth over Israel" from "Elijah"; "Hallelujah Chorus" from the "Messiah." 17 Soloists from away were several times secured for the Choral Union and other concerts of this period; "Miss J. Etta Crane, Miss Howe, and Miss Lillian Bacon will be most pleasantly remembered on these occasions."ls Sev- eral numbers presented at one of these concerts included: "Song - 'Thou Art Not Near Me' ...... W.F. Sudds Mrs. Henry Sudds Recitative and Bass Solo - 'The Heathen Ragged' . . . .Reineckle Prof. Donaldson Bodine" 19 On record also is the establishment of a music department in 1869 in the Gouver- neur Wesleyan Seminary, under the prin- cipalship of Professor Dains, by Mrs. Jessie E. Paul. One of the students was "Miss Harriet B. Dutting. She studied in Hyde's Orchestm Alger Hyde, violin; Ct!au.de Hyde, piano; Helen Hyde Loue, New York under Hoffman and Dr. drum; Vernon Gardmr, clarinet; Edwin Harland, trumpet. (Photo courtesy Mason, followed by a two year course in the History Center) Berlin under Dr. Raif." 20 April 1978 In the earlier history of Parishville, teachers had extra time to teach and performing at political campaigns held in music was emphasized largely in the prepare. Nevertheless, many of the the Music Hall. This building was built by church life with pageants, cantatas. grade school teachers put on some very the village of Norwood and the town of choirs. Special singing classes were held, good concerts, which were open to the Potsdam in 1889 and was located until both in the church groups and in general public and held in the Town Hall. just recently on land given by Mr. town groups. Musicians would come to A different type of concert also held in Benjamin Baldwin. 25 Parishville from other towns to teach the Parishville Town Hall was put on by "Who doesn't love a band? It is part of singing; the town's trained musicians had the Mandolin Group of Mrs. George our American heritage."26The people of classes. and others taught instrumental Kennehan of Winthrop. The number of St. Lawrence County certainly have done music. These teachers had much to do members was approximately twenty and their part in building up this part of our with preparing the future church or- consisted of two pianists, a drummer. heritage. It all began in our county in ganists. banjos, guitars, tenor banjos, and some- Canton, and after the first brass band In the minutes of the First Congrega- times a special solo pianist for added was organized there, just about every tional Church of 1880. there is mention of attraction. town around soon had a band of its own. Miss Nellie Young, who was a paid Articles from an old Parishville news- These bands were seen and heard at all organist. Miss Young was an accom- paper, The Advertiser, published in the important occasions - the county fair, plished musician, teaching both vocal and 1880's. gives the following interesting the political rally. local celebrations. lawn instrumental music. She probably re- information: socials, harvest dinners, and other affairs. ceived her music education in Potsdam. "January 27, 1880: Mr. Blod- When the Methodist and Congregational gett, the blind singer, had a 1841 marks the beginning of band Churches united. Miss Young continued crowded house Wednesday eve- development in the county, particularly as organist, although it is not known for ning. The magic word 'FREE', in Canton. Its members were young how long. A long list of people followed probably brought in a large Canton men who were excellent musi- her as organist and had must to do with crowd. His forte is in singing cians, and they played in surrounding excellent musical programs in the church. comic and sentimental songs, all towns, because there were no bands in The Baptist Church also had many of which were sung well. His Potsdam, Gouverneur, Ogdensburg, Ma- musical people in its flock, among them fiddle solo was artistic, but the lone, or Plattsburgh. Among the men the Mitchell family. Luther was leader of 'Fiddle' was a 'Little' out of tune. instrumental in its formation were Levi the choir for many years and also sang a B. Storrs, H.A. Poste, Erastus Hale, "June 15.1880: Professor Baker, Amasa 0. Brown, William Young. and good bass; his son sang tenor in his a blind singer, gave a concert church choir. Delos A. Baxter. Mr. Medad Moody, here last Thursday eveining, to brother-in-law of Silas Wright, a United These two churches held unison ser- a fair audience. vices, and the union of the two choirs States Senator, gave Mr. Storrs a free often resulted in splendid concerts, pag- "September 7, 1880: The elocu- hand to order what was necessary in the eants, and cantatas. Many of the fine tionary and whistling prodigies, way of instruments, music, and other musicians were graduates of Crane Insti- G. Paul Smith and Miss Jennie equipment for the band. But he stipu- tute in Potsdam. Two of the girls who Armstrong, are to give an enter- lated that each individual was to be made good use of their training by tainment on Thursday eveining, "responsible for the music, instruments helping hometown groups were Lottie September 9. Attraction extra- and any other material he secures."27 Clark and Gratia Bowers. Miss Bowers ordinary ."23 There were seventeen pieces in the worked with a group of girls from the Two articles from old Courier-Freeman Canton Brass Band, including "five bu- Baptist Choir. "imparting to them the tell us of the following concerts: gles, two coronets, trumpet, two French knowledge she was acquiring at Pots- "A program for Children's Day horns, two tenor trombones, ophicleide, dam." 21 Miss Julia Bailey, a Crane of unusual merit was rendered bass horn, bass trombone, bass drum, graduate from Canton, had a vocal class at the Baptist Church last Sun- and snare drum." 28 in Parishville to which she traveled day evening, and the crowded At the time the band was organized. regularly to teach. Helen Riggs taught house showed the appreciation there lived in Canton a German, Lieuten- instrumental classes, which gave public of, and interest in the efforts of ant Henry Young, who was a musician of recitals at the close of the term. Marie the children. The floral decora- "remarkable ski11."29 He was a former Bouck Newton drove a horse all over the tions and arrangements were instructor at West Point Military Acad- area to give organ and piano lessons profuse and beautiful. The musi- emy and could play every known instru- around 1897. Minnie Robson Mitchell was cal numbers were of group- ment in Canton at that time. an organ and piano teacher in Parishville singing of children's songs, num- This organization gradually died out as for many years, and the Parishville bers by the choir, the "Hallelu- members died, moved away. or were historian received training as church jah Chorus" by Mrs. E.P. attracted by the Mexican War. It finally organist from Mrs. Mitchell. "Mr. and Mitchell, anthems and hymns by went out of existence in the late 1840's or Mrs. Mitchell gave the young people in the choir. early 1850's. Spasmodic efforts to revive the Baptist Church a very fine start in "September 21, 1901: Musical, the group failed. But it wasn't long before music." 22 Town Hall, Parishville, N.Y. by the dwindling number of Canton musi- Special programs were prepared for Nona A. Burke and Edna L. cians tried again. In 1859, nine men Christmas, Easter, and Children's Day. It Crane, Readers, and Daniel L. formed the Second Brass Band. Their was a special time, and the church would Burke, Tenor. Saturday eve- leader, Fred Boynton, had the distinction always be packed with parents, relatives, ning. 8:OO. Hear piano duets. of being a bugler with General Zachary and friends. solos of Gavottes, Waltzes, Noc- Taylor in the Seminole War.30 His band As people died or moved away, the turnes, besides the readings and was prominent in the recruiting days of church musicals began to die out. and the the tenor solos." 24 the Civil War. This band dropped out of people of Parishville began to depend on No information has been compiled on existence when J.B. Livingston's Orches- the school for choral concerts. Because musical events in Norwood. but the tra formed in 1868. The orchestra was there were no special music teachers in writer did learn of a barbershop quartet termed "a high class musical organization those days, the music programs in the formed in Norwood that became quite in Canton"31 and it played at every ball schools depended on what the classroom popular in the area. Its specialty was and dance in that town. April 1978 A Fireman's Band was formed in 1875 down the street. Their presence added musical programs in the Madrid band- by L.H. Whitney. Professor W.H. Easton much to the festivities of the day."35 stand. The band was financed by the of Madrid instructed the band for two A closer look behind the uniforms of women of Madrid, who earned the money years and then J.B. Livingston took over. the Mechanics Band of Heuvelton serves by giving socials. Members furnished their own instru- as an example of the typical "musician-on- A most interesting event occurred ments with the aid of $100 raised by the occasion": Foster Johnson, leader of the when three of the local band members citizens. "Uniforms were made by L.B. band, ran the first ice cream parlor in were selected to play in the band at Storrs & Sons, and when attired in them, Heuvelton; Fred Lanning was a tinsmith President Lincoln's funeral. They were it was one of the finest appearing musical and played coronet in the band; Charles Henry Eastman, J.F. Crowder, and S.A. organizations in the county ."32 Flack was a farmer; Will Popple was a Greene. 37 About 1875, an Edwards Citizen Band tinsmith. Even after a hard day's work in A few brief notes were found on the was organized, and on July 3, 1879, one their various regular occupations, nothing band and orchestra development in Brier of the first outdoor band concerts was but sickness could keep the men from Hill. In 1894, Bert McLear formed a held in the new bandstand. In 1892, the their instruments when a practice was band. They played every Saturday night band appeared in new uniforms of dark called in the evening. for home-made ice cream socials held on blue rimmed with gold. The earliest record of a band or Strough Lawn in the summer and in the In 1908, another band was organized orchestra in the Town of Macomb was the Centennial Hall in the winter. An orches- with Mr. Eddie Brayton as leader and Bellinger Band. This seems to have been tra was organized in 1896 by Leslie coronet player. Most of the members a family organization since most of the Klock. Instruments included violin, piano, were self-taught and Henry Grant could members were named Bellinger. This clarinet, trumpet, cello, and drums. This play any instrument in the band. At one band was in existence for some time orchestra played all over the north time the band played a concert in Canton previous to the Civil War, and two of its country, at firemen's balls, and at the and won its transportation home by members served in the war. Opera House in Ogdensburg. (The Opera betting that Grant could play any instru- ment the Cantonians had; Henry won! The first band in Hermon was or- ganized originally by Civil War veterans who brought back from the war many instruments. They played at Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations, Saturday nights downtown, at Russell and Trout Lake. Joseph Frisson, leader of the band, came to this country from Germany, and the band broke up when Mr. Frisson moved west. Hermon also had an orchestra, which played in the late 1890's and early 1900's. Under the leadership of Lou McKee, it received a set price for playing at dances sponsored by the firemen, Masons, Stars, and other town organizations. An orchestra under the direction of John Lechich, a violinist, seems to have been the best known one of its kind. The Mechanics Band of Heuvelton around 1886: left to right, O.C. Perhaps the biography of its leader was Goodenough, Robert Johnson, Lewis Simmons, James BeU, Homer Furness, the reason. Mr. Lechich was born in Frank Johnson, Walter MiUard, Ad Anderson, John Baker, Homer Johnson, Trieste, Austria, in 1880 and came to George McFadden, WiUiam Popple, Charles Flack, Fred Lanning, and Foster America in 1893. While living in Utica, he Johnson. (Photo courtesy the History Center) studied violin at the Utica Conservatory of Music and also graduated from Lam- About 1890. Roy P. Bellinger organized House was built in the fall of 1879 on the bert's Dancing Academy in Detroit, an orchestra and shortly after 1900, he corner of Caroline and Ford Streets. The Michigan, in 1905.33 The instruments in had two daughters and a son playing in stage of the opera house was on the the orchestra included piano. cornet, what was called "Bellinger's full orches- opposite end from the entrance, and the saxophone, clarinet, and drum. tra."BMr. Bellinger played violin, Geor- seats were on a circle in amphitheatre Gates Curtis. in his history of St. gia played piano, Elinor played the form descending to the stage, with boxed Lawrence County, relates the following drums, and Bruce played saxophone. seats on either side.)38 story: "In the summer of 1817 President A man named George Reynolds came The Russell Cornet Band was the fist James Madison made a trip through the to the town about 1890, and according to all-brass band in the Town of Russell. It northern part of New York. He was met records found by the town historian, he was formed in 1908 and had thirteen by a party of men from Ogdensburg on was probably the best fiddler around the members who played such instruments as August 1, 1817 where he was received by for the thirty years he lived in Brasie alto horn, bass drum, tenor horn, bari- a BAND OF MUSIC . . ."34 This was Corners. He did find a little competition, tone, and, of course, coronet. All decked probably the Ed Olds band, which has though, in a man named Hiram Puffer, out in their dark green uniforms with been mentioned in old newspapers. who lived in Pope Mills. gold trimming and with Charles Hep- An interesting item in an old scrapbook Madrid's band history starts before the burn, Sr. conducting, they would play dated November 23, 1887, relates the Civil War with a band called Hough's every Saturday evening from the town occasion of the marriage of a band Band with H.S. Wright as bandmaster. bandstand to a crowd of several hundred member. George McFadden, to Miss Although most of its members went off to people. The band also played for gradu- Eliza Anderson. It was a home wedding war when duty called, the organization ations, church socials, picnics, minstrel and, shortly before the ceremony, "the didn't die out. Instead, after the war, the shows, box socials. Fourth of July, Labor band, in full uniform came marching returning members began to give weekly Day, and field days. "When a concert was April 1978 held on a Saturday night, Harley Perry the band's capable and willing instructor. miles to practice after his day's work. would pass the hat to collect funds for A brief biography of Mr. Wilson proves Sudds enlisted as a private in the Civil expenses; everyone gave generously ."39 to be an interesting story. He was a War, and when he joined his regiment, There is mention of a home dance quiet. reticent man with no apparent he had a much battered comet! His orchestra in Parishville which played for family connections who said little about performance on the instrument never- many of the dances. One such orctiestra his past life. It was known that he was theless resulted in the order to report as was the "Odd Fellows Orchestra." It born in England, where he received his a musician. While connected with the war received this name because its members musical education. When he came to band, he composed and arranged many belonged to the Odd Fellows, although North America, he settled in Canada for pieces for it. After the war, he became a the orchestra itseIf had nothing to do a while and was organist in a large pupil in the Boston Conservatory, with the organization. Instruments in- Montreal church. Wilson arrived in Par- studying organ under Eugene Thayer and cluded coronet, violins, drums, and pi- ishville with a traveling show, which violin and composition under Julius Eich- anos. The orchestra usually played at disbanded there. He seemed to like the berg. His compositions for orchestra Eagle Hall, in Hastings Hotel, and for town and stayed, becoming an engineer include four overtures: "From Ocean to special affairs at the Grange and the at the Clark upper sawmill. That he was Ocean," "A Night.in June," "The Merry Maccabier Hall. They also traveled to a highly trained musician, could read and Chanter," "The Viking's Daughter" and other towns - Fort Jackson and Crary interpret classical music and could play many marches. waltzes, gavottes. Among Mills - and usually gave free concerts. every band instrument, is vouched for. the choicest of his works are "Five Tone Bera Hart was the official caller, and the Under his leadership, the band, composed Pictures" for violin and piano, a song, group alternated round and square of unskilled amateurs, became a credit to "Whatever Is The Best," a trio, "Fairy dances. the small community and was invited to Song," and a Christmas Cantata, "The Other orchestras which performed sim- play in many places, including the Star of Bethlehem." Since 1899 many of ilar services were those organized by Mr. Potsdam fair. The townspeople would his works have been published; the music Vernon G. McNassar and Mr. and Mrs. watch with pride when the band, dressed publishers, Oliver Ditson and Co., were Otis McIntyre. in the new uniforms and preceded by the first to recognize the merits of his Parishville's band history begins a- Bert Tupper, the drum major, marched compositions as is evidenced by the round 1879 or 1880 with a band called across the fairgrounds.41 following: "The St. Regis Coronet Band." In the old Norwood was not to be left out in the "Boston February 22.1881 newspaper. The Advertiser, the following development of bands in the county, and articles appeared: with Fred Worden as leader, played at Friend Sudds: "May 11. 1880: Everybody and any and all public gatherings. This band . Any piano pieces of yours will always be acceptable, for you have shown more and their relation was in town gained much acclaim in the county, and Mr. Worden was considered one of the ability in this line of composition than nay Saturday evening, but all missed man in America, except Gottschalk. the music of the St. Regis- best leaders in the country. Why are there only a few small town Yours very Truly, Cornet Band. Wake up boys and Oliver Ditson"43 give us a tune. bands still playing today after such a "September 7. 1880: The band- wide, wonderful history? One writer And so music developed in St. Law- stand has been removed from its expresses the tragedy of the lack of small rence County. This is by no means a site. and is to be made over into town bands today when he says: "The complete report, but it does serve to a 'house or barn.' The appear- conditions that made the old bands show that the county, through bands. ance of Main St. is greatly - possible will probably never recur. No dances, choral groups. and even our own improved by its removal. industry is apt to develop . . . to bring famous composer, added its fair-sized together so many prospective players and portion to the large kettle of American "September 7, 1880: The band no capable leader will again drop from Music. boys are now playing weekly. the skies to reside with us. The genera- and are doing good work. They tion they represented has well nigh think seriously of a thorough disappeared, but we elderly feel like the FOOTNOTES re-organization, adopting a new old fellow in James Whitcomb Riley's name, etc. We are pleased to poem: l~eahM. Noble, "Musical Edwards," Donees. hear of this move, and wish "I make no doubt yer new band Bands, and Choml Groups. (An unpublished their efforts much success, as collection of articles compiled by the St. Lawrence now's a competenter band County Historians), 1963. the place has really been lone- And plays their music more by some with the 'St. Regis.' note than what they play by hand, 2~owardM. Smith. "Dances of St. Lawrence Co.." The Quarterly. Gouverneur. New York. "December 23, 1879: The band And stylisher and grander tune; SLCHA. January, 1963. p. 6. concert on Friday evening was a but somehow, anyway, first class entertainment in ev- I want to hear the old band a~mith,op. cit.. p. 15. ery respect. The St. Regis Cor- play ."42 bmith, op cit., pp. 15-16. onet Band sustained their excel- lent and growing reputation. St. Lawrence County was not without The visitors. the St. Lawrence its famous composer: William F. Sudds Coronet Band of Colton. N.Y. filled this bill. He was born in London, '~lsie Bresee. "Parishville Dances." Drmccr, discoursed some very fine music. England. on March 5, 1843 and came to &mds, and Choml Groupa, op. eit. The solos and songs by the America at the age of seven, where his family settled in Gouverneur. His musical singers were well rendered, and %resee, op. pleasing to all."40 inclination was manifested at an early age and at fifteen. he was a self-taught player 10~ A second Parishville Band, formed in of the violin, guitar, cornet, and violin- ll~ the 1890's, was made possible by two cello - quite a variety of instruments! A fortunate events. First. Simeon L. Clark year or two later, he was permitted by a generously paid for the uniforms and the friend to practice on her piano and ls~ates,Curtis, ed.. St. Lourrence Counw, New Yosk,Syracuse. 1894, p. 130. instruments; second, a stranger named eagerly took advantage of the oppor- Dave Wilson arrived in town and became tunity, although he had to walk three (continued on page 23) April 1978 23 From the Editor's Notebook . . . I shall use the editor's prerogative of content and the appearance of the reviews of various books that should occasionally speaking out from this back journal, saying many nice things. Such interest our readers. We shall try to corner of our journal and shall cover a praise is welcome, for one in this position invite members to prepare reviews who variety of topics that have been collecting often wonders, "Is anybody even reading? have special background in the subjects on my desk over the last few months. In this case you must be, and I thank of the books being reviewed in order to First, despite the efforts made to you. But, we must continue to have new bring more analytical observations to our minimize errors in The Quurterly there contributors and new manuscripts to readers. If you would like to review a always seems to be a few - of omission keep the publication lively. And we also new or old book for our use, please feel or commission - and for those I am welcome constructive criticism to help free to make a submission. sorry. I am especially sorry for the make good changes in the future. By now I feel that I have a litt1e.better inexcusable mistake about the childhood While I am on the subject of praise for idea of what an editor should be doing. home of one of our contributors to the One thing I hope to be able to do is keep January 1978 issue, Mrs. Flora Brewer recent issues, no small amount must be shared with our new printers, Ryan manuscripts and article ideas coming in, Garner, now of Springfield, New Jersey. so we can plan ahead. Right now we have Mrs. Garner, who wrote the popular Press of Ogdensburg. They provide me with considerable help in making deci- excellent issues planned for July and article about itinerant traders. was born October and encourage anyone who and grew up on the Brewer farm at sions about printing, layout, special features, etc. Especially crucial in this wishes to send material in for other Beech Plains, near West Pierrepont, upcoming issues. Look for such topics as where her brother Horace and nephew business in the quality reproduction of photographs, and the clean new look of folk artist Eddie Perry, the stone houses Bill Brewer still live. My sincere apol- of Waddington, cedar oil making, Fourth ogies to you, Mrs. Garner. the typesetting and of page layouts. Second, even with such errors, our Their good advice and experience makes of July celebrations of the past and an recent issues have been receivers of considerable difference in the present exciting theme issue for October. considerable kind praise, public and final product. I want to single out Finally, speaking for the Publication private. I have had nice compliments on brothers Larry and Terry Ryan, their Committee, we welcome your ideas for the street and through the mail and am graphics specialist Mary Rutherford, special new publications under the aus- grateful for them. Ms. Aileen Vincent- typesetter Lynn Schmidt, cameraperson pices of the Association, both that can Barwood, editor of the book the St. Joanne Thornhill, and pressmen Freeman provide new information and new interest Lawrence Plaindealer and the Rud Deloney and Reynold Hubbard. and that perhaps can generate much- News. devoted long editorial columns in With this issue we begin a new feature needed income for Association opera- each paper in mid-February to the for The Quarterly, the inclusion of tions. Please let us know. continued from page 22, Musicb b 14~raceH. Corbin. "Musical Reminiscences," 30~ The cost of publications and Centennial Htktmy of Gouverneur. Watertown. 31~ other operating expenses of 1905. p. 146. the St. Lawrence County His- 15~ 32~. torical Association are partial- 16~ 33~ebecca C. Brunet. Dancer. Bad, and ly subsidized by this advertis- Choral Croupr, op. cit. 17~orbin.op. cit.. p. 147. ing support. 34curtis. op. cit. 18~ 35curtis. op. cit. 19lbid.. p. 148. millis E. Kittle, Dancer. Bad, and Choral 20~ Gnmps, op. cit. 21~lsieBresee, "Parishville Concerts." Dances 37~rs.Arthur Thompson, Dancer, Bad, and The Bads, and Choml Groups, op. cit. Choral Gnmpr, op. cit. 22M 38~urtis,op. cit.. p. 358. St. Lawrence 23~resee,op. cit. %TeanetteD. Barnes. "Russell's Coronet Band." National Bank 24~ The ~erly.Gouverneur. April, 1964, p. 5. 40~lsieF. Bresee. 'The Old ParishviLle Bands," 25~13.Royal Lyman. Our Town, Norwood, New The Quarterly, Gouverneur. October. 1963. pp. and other York, compiled for the Norwood Historical 10-11. Association. 1963. 41~arren0. Daniels. 'The Second Parishville Friends of z6~inaW. Smithers. Dancer, Ekmds, and Choml Band," The Quurterly. Gouverneur. Oetober. hp8,op. tit. 1963. p. 11. the Association n~.~.Heim. Dancer, Bad, and Choral 42~aniels.op. cit. Gnmpr, op. cit. a~orbin,op. cit., pp. 357-358. ~~M meim. op. cit. If your corporation or institu- tion would like to support About the Author Association work, a represent- Carolyn Jenner Swafford is a native of the County who graduated from SUC ative will gladly discuss details Potsdam in 1968 and now lives in Liverpool. New York. This article was fist with you. prepared as a research paper from local source materials while Ms. Swafford was a student. Addrew Correction Reqperbd Forwuding and Return Poiatage BULK RATE Guumnteed U.S. POSTAGE Box 8 Canton, N.Y. 13617 PERMIT NO. 21 Canton, New York

NON-PROFIT - ORGANIZATION Official Historians for 1978 Towns Piercefield: Beaulah B. Dorothy, Childwold 12922 Brasher: Grace O'Brien, Brasher Falls, N.Y. 13613 Pierrepont: Jane McEwen, RFD 4, Canton 13617 Canton: Harriett Armstrong, Municipal Bldg., Canton 13617 Pitcairn: awaiting appointment Clare: Claudia Giffen, Rt.,l. Russell 13684 Potsdam: Susan Lyman, Norwood 13668 Clifton: Jeanne Reynolds. Cranberry Lake 12927 Rossie: Jessie O'Hara, RFD 1, Antwerp 13608 Colton: Lillian Cassel. Colton 13625 Russell: Eugene Hatch, RFD 2, Hermon 13652 DeKalb: Virginia Fischer, DeKalb Junction 13630 Stockholm: Mildred Jenkins. Rt. 2. Potsdam 13676 DePeyster: Adelaide H. Steele, RFD. Heuvelton a654 Waddington: Miss Pauline Tedford, Waddington 13694 Edwards: Miss Leah M. Noble. Edwards 13635 Villyes Fine: Bessie DeCosse. Star Lake. 13690 Gouverneur: Nelson B. Winters, Gouverneur 13642 Fowler: Mildred Walrath, Box 150, RFD 3, Gouverneur 13642 Heuvelton: Persis Y. &yesen Gouverneur: Eugenia Huntress, 24 John St., Gouverneur Norwood: Susan Lyman 13642 Potsdam: Kay Wyant, Potsdam Civil Center Museum. Hammond: Maxine B. Rutherford, Hammond 13646 Potsdam 13676 Hermon: Walter Gunnison, Hermon 13652 Rensselaer Falls: Dorothy Crane, Rensselaer Falls 13880 Hopkinton: Sarah Powers, Hopkinton 12940 Richville: Georgianna Wranesh. Richville 13681 Lawrence: Miss Elizabeth Winn, No. Lawrence 12927 Morristown and Waddington are also same as town historian. Lisbon: Doreen Martin. Lisbon 13658 No appointments in Canton, Hermon, Massena or Louisville: Helen Paige, Star Route, Massena 13662 Hammond. Macomb: Julia Barlow, RFD 2, Heuvelton 13654 Madrid: Lourene Pierce, RFD Chase Mills Rd., Madrid 13660 c@ Massena: Margaret Ringwall, Town Hall. Massena 13662 Miss Elizabeth Baxter. 814 Jay St.. Ogdensburg 13669 Morristown: Lorraine Bogardus. RD 2, Ogdensburg 13669 Frederick Erwin, 732 Morris St.. Ogdensburg 13669 (deputy) Norfolk: Ivan Wing, RFD. Norfolk 13667 Oswegatchie: Persis Y. Boyesen, RFD 3, Ogdensburg 13669 Mary H. Smallman, P.O. Box 506, Canton 13617 Parishville: Emma Remington, Parishville 13672 Van C. Hoyt, 56 E. Main St., Madrid 13660 (deputy) C Please ask $Lib4: a friend to join today: Regular Annual Membership $10.00 Sustaining Annual Membership $25.00 Patron Annual Membership $100.00 Life Membership $250.00 Regular and Sustaining Corporate hmual Memberships

Contact: SLCHA, P.O. Box 8, Canton, N.Y. 13617 (315) 386-2780