Political Memorabilia from the Collection of Shawn Gray an Exhibit Catalog

The St. Lawrence County Historical Association OUARTERLY Volume XLIII- Number I - Winter 1998 The St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright Museum

elect its officers and trustees.

President: Richard Foste Chris Angus, Canton Patricia Carson, Canton i Dennis Eickhoff, Colton : Shawn Gray, Massena 4 E. Jane Layo, Waddington Jane Subramanian, potsdam Joanne Swift, Potsdam i Sue Longshore Peter Van de Water, canton Robert Wells, Canton Cay Zabriskie, Ogdensbur

Our Mission ation is a not-for-profit membership organization and d benefit of the citizens of St. Lawrence County and others interested in the County's history and traditions. The ~sskationcollects and preserves archival material and artifacts pertinent to the County's history. In cooperation and collabbation with other local organizations, the Association promotes an understanding of and appreciation for the County's ncqistory through publications, exhibits, and programs. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association operates within~us~ds&stablisb&~ricanAssociation of Museums. SLCHA Membership Membership in the St. Lawrence County Historical Association is open to all interested parties. Annual membership dues are: Individual, $25; SeniorIStudent, $20; Family, $35; Contributor, $50; Supporter, $100; Patron, $250; Businesses, $50 to $1,000. Members receive the SLCHA Quarterly, the Historical Association's bi-monthly newsletter, and various discounts on publications, programs and events.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright Museum P. 0.Box 8,3 East Main Street Canton, New York 13617 (315) 386-8133 P'ublished sin The SLCHA &'uarterly is endowed The St. Lawrence County Historical Association in memory of Albert Prie :st Newell and Ella T+aierrnan,_.__--- Newell. Publication of The SLCl 5% Qwr- terljv is also m lade possit~le in part OUARTERLY wittI public f~lnds from the New . "&. rn .:. . ..L- *A- YO~Karare ~ounc~lon I Volume XLIII - Number 1 - Winter 1998 ISSN: 0558-1931 ling Edito J. Rebec ca Thompsul~ Tren~t Trulock . :tion Editoc SusaI Advis ri: Chris Angus,, Lantnn CONTENTS Arthur Johnson, Pc 3tsdam Herb Judd, Piemepont From the Editors Mary Ruth Judd, Pic errepont J - jeler, Ha nnawa Around the County: Political Memorabilia

Lopyngnr w IYYO civ the from the Collection of Shawn Gray -- An Exhibit st County Hristorical Catalog 3 As All rights reserved. Susanne Longshore Except ror onex excerpts, no pan or this publicahon may be copied or In Memoriam Elwood Simons reproduced without the express -- written permissionofthe author and Trent Trulock the Historical Association. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is not responsible for Conversations with Local Government Historians: the statements, interpretations, and o pi nions of contribute Terry Fischer, Town of Lisbon Historian 17 SLt 7HA Quariterly. The 3LLHA ulwnerly 1s puollsnea St. Lawrence County's Northern Light. Winter, Spring. Summer, and Fall -- each year by the St. Lawrence Albert P. Crary 23 County Historical Association for its members and friends J. Rebecca Thompson Ad ditional copies may tE obtainedI fro m the St. Lawrence C'ounty His- Cracker Box .. . .. --.. #, m. toncal Assoaanon, r.u.Box a, Lan- Town and Village Historians Remember ton. NY 13617 at %4.00e:ach ($2.OC1 for members), for postage. Elwood Simons 26 Conmbuaom-. The SLCHA Quarterly welcomes contributions . To subnlit a manu- Issue Editor: script, or for further. ..ir ~fomation, please contact the edlfor through J. Rebecca Thompson the St. Lawrence County Histori- cal Association. Please address communications to: Managing . . Cover Illustration: Ed itor, The SLCHA !Quarterly George Washington Memorial Pitchers P.( >. Box 8, Canton, NTY 13617. - Photo counuy of SLCHA Archivu From the Editors

The preparation of our last volume, the ten year retrospective, provided opportunity to survey The Quarterly over its publication history. While each issue has provided gems of historical information about the county, its history, and its historical connections to the rest of the world, The Quarterly as an on-going publication has changed with time--in format, presentation, and to some degree in content. These changes reflect changes in the world in which we live--such as access to computers which has made it relatively easy to have illustrations and variations in type styles and size. The changes also reflect changes in the Historical Association itself and in the interests of its members. In this issue of The Quarterly we are showcasing some new ideas that we expect to be regular features in subsequent issues.

Exhibits Our main article for this issue is an "exhibit catalog" developed from the research and materials that are part of a current exhibit at the Silas Wright House, the Association's museum. With this kind of feature we hope both to share exhibits with those who are unable to see them in person and to entice some of you to actually come and see the exhibit which is a much richer and more interesting presentation than any publication can portray. We expect to cover future exhibits in a similar manner in The Quarterly.

Conversations with Local Government Historians As our executive director and county historian makes his way around the county, he often engages in interesting and informative conversations with our local government historians. These provide a way to both introduce our readers to key resource people for our county's history and to provide some interesting pieces of information about particular locations.

Northern Lights While the primary focus of The Quarterly is on the people, events, and concerns of St. Lawrence County, there are many who got their start here, but moved on to make important contributions all over the world. "Northern Lights" will feature historical sketches of these individuals.

Cracker Box The earliest issue of The Quarterly had a regular feature "The Cracker Barrel" which was one or two sentences about each local government historian. Taking off on that, our "Cracker Box" will feature notes and short pieces of interesting historical information we receive from local historians and others.

We welcome submissions of feature articles that cover local history topics in depth. We work cooperatively with all authors to ensure that each article is given its best presentation for publication. Submissions should be sent to: The Quarterly, P.O. Box 8, Canton, NY 13617.

J. Rebecca Thompson Trent Trulock

2 Sr. Lawrence County Hisroricd Association Quarterly Around The County: Political Memorabilia From The Collection Of Shawn Gray An Exhibit Catalog

By Susanne Longshore

Introduction During the twentieth century, paigning. Fewer campaign items Americans have created and the trend in presidential cam- are being produced each election cherished political memorabilia paigns has moved away from the as larger percentages of campaign since the first days of the nation participatory politics prevalent in budgets are spent on television under the presidency of George earlier decades. The develop- and other media. As people are Washington. The earliest presi- ment of new media in the form increasingly able to stay at home dential items were produced to of radio, television, and, most re- and view electionsfrom afar, cam- commemorate special political cently, the Internet have, to a paigning has become for many events such as inaugurations, and large extent, eclipsed the use of Americans simply a spectator to pay tribute to beloved presi- more traditional means of cam- sport. dents. Political campaign memorabilia, those items created and used expressly for influencing voters to choose one candidate over another in an election, were first produced for the 1824 presidential election.

Throughout- the nineteenth century, as the number of eligible voters grew steadily, campaign efforts appealed to the masses of American citizens through parades, rallies, newspapers, and a ? wide variety of utilitarian andnov- elty items. Among the most popu- 2 lar items used by political cam- ; paigns to gain and maintain public support for candidates in the nineteenth century were campaign g biographies, buttons, banners, tickets, tokens, toys, ribbons, A glimpse of the exhibit "Political Memorabilia - From the Collection of Shawn Gray''. medalets, clothing, bandannas, pitchers and dishware.

St Lawrence County Hislorical Association Quarterly 3 On Collecting and the Collector

Political campaign memorabilia collecting is a favorite activity for many individuals. For lots of political enthusiasts, collecting is a busi- ness. The emphasis is on the mon- g 2 etary value of pieces. Rare cam- 2 paign items are sought out and pur- 2 chased for the ultimate purpose of 2 reselling or trading the pieces for a 5 profit. Shawn Gray, the featured ? collector, however, has his own personal reasons for collecting campaign memorabilia. Shawn Gray - Collector and Exhibitor - on opening day at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association's Silas Wright The value which Shawn derives from his collection lies in the knowledge and understanding of the nation's history learned through How It All Got Started study of the candidates and issues. Shawn's self-proclaimed motto is I was probably ten or eleven and both of my brothers had collections. One "those who don't know history are collected coins and one collected stamps. So I said to my mother, "I want to condemned to repeat it." collect something". And she said to me, "Well, people are picking up presidential campaign buttons ... " And there was this little man who had an old junk shop down the street from Shawn Gray is a St. Lawrence where we lived and my mother used to buy things from him. Once he had this County legislator and a member of little box of buttons and that was the beginning. Thefirst one I saw was a Teddy the Massena Permanent Firefighters. Roosevelt jugate and his running mate Fairbanks and it had an eagle andflags At an early age he developed an and it was very colorful! Love atfirst sight! -- Shawn Gray interest in political memorabilia. His collection-beganwhen he first spot- ted a colorful campaign button in an antique dealer's box. The collection continues to influence Shawn's life, affecting his decision to pursue a major in political science in college, as well as his choice to serve in an elective political office. The knowledge of historical issues and prob- lems in politics which he has gained through researching his collection has developed in Shawn a strong belief in the value of non-partisan politics.

Teddy Roosevelt Jugate (ajugate is any button picturing two candidates)

St. Lmvrence County Historical Associarion Quarterly Early Memorabilia produced prior to the mid-1 820s for example. Also, mourning The elections of our first presi- were not designed to influence pieces were often issued upon the dents were very different from the elective process or to "sell" death of favored presidents. Af- the campaigning and politics we certain candidates or issues to the ter George Washington died in associate with elections today. In public. Instead, these items were 1799, his image decorated the early years of the American created to pay tribute to the early Liverpool pitchers and mugs as presidency little, if any, campaign- presidents. The first pieces known well as other types of housewares, ing took place prior to elections. to have been created in honor of a all issued as tributes to the great Between the signing of the United president were clothing buttons leader. States Constitution in 1787 and made to commemorate George the year 1820, the country had Washington's inauguration in From Tribute to seen five presidents take office. 1789. Various pieces were made Persuasion None of these first presidents ac- after the presidents were already The hotly contested presiden- tively sought the office through in office, to commemorate inau- tial race of 1824 between Andrew campaigning. It was actually con- gurations andother special events. Jackson, John Quincy Adarns, and sidered undignified for candidates Tokens and medalets were pro- Henry Clay marked the begin- to campaign. Instead, political duced with Thomas Jefferson's ning of political campaigning and allies of the potential candidates likeness on them as mementos of the earliest creation of political would work to drum up support, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, memorabiliadesigned to persuade while the candidates themselves remained uninvolved and often feigned disinterest in the whole electoral process.

The eligible voter population through the first half of the nineteenth century consisted pri- marily of land-owning, adult, white males. And there was no political party structure until the mid- 1820s,though the precursors to modem political parties began to take root during the early years t! of the nation in the form of the z Federalists, anti-Federalists, and 2 later Democratic-Republicans. L; Thus, due to the lack of major political party rivalries and the fairly limited voter base to be reached, campaigning was not a Memorial pitchers, issued upon the death of President George necessity in the early years of the Washington (opposite sides of pitchers shown on front cover). United States.

Because there was virtually no campaigning, the political items

St. Lmvrcncc County Historical Association Quarterly 5 voters rather than to pay tribute to presidents. The first campaign biography was published during this election entitled, "The Life of Andrew Jackson." And the fore- runners of modem campaign slogans appeared. Phrases, which decorated banners and were chanted by supporters, consisted of lines such as "Adams Forever" and "Victory for Adams". These earliest known slogans contrast HIJ significantly with the modem al- $ literative andoften slanderous slogans of the late 19th and 20th E centuries which commonly refer Twentieth century slogans have appeared on everything from buttons to bumper stickers to feathers. to the personalities and personal lives of candidates, as well as to Jackson pioneered the Winning With Words timely political issues. grassroots level campaign, involv- In the 1840 election between ing as many people in his election Whig candidate William Henry Most the as possible starting with the "com- Harrison and Democratic incum- venial1824 election set the stage man man." Jackson's campaign bent Martin Van Buren, the slo- for the massive campaigning ef- was the first to hold fund-raising gan achieved prominence with forts which in events such dinners to cover the still memorable phrase quent contests. the costs of the campaign. The "TippecanoeandTylerToo!"De- though Jackson led the race in first grassroots Party newspapers signed to emphasize Harrison's popular votes, none of the 1824 were printed to keep people ac- status as a military hero of the amajority of tive and informed about the can- Indian wars, the slogan refers to tors' votes' Thus' the decision didates and the issues. Jackson Harrison's defeat of the great was left up to the House of Repre- also appealed to potential voters Indian leader, Tecumseh, at the sentatives, where Henry Clay's by producing a large volume of Battle of Tippecanoe in 18 1 1. backers threw their to campaign items including cloth- Tyler was Harrison's vice-presi- John This gaveAdams a ing buttons, silk bandannas and dential mnning mate. This slo- majority of the House votes and ribbons, glass tumblers, plates, a gan, appearing on such items as catapulted him into the presi- dozen different flasks, and over banners, glassware, buttons, and dency' Andrew and his 24 different metal tokens. Cre- ribbons, was often accompanied s"ppo*ersfelt that he was cheated ated for distribution to the gen- by an image of William Harrison Out of the presidency in 824' So era1 public, Jackson pieces often in his military uniform with the when the next carried his likeness and a slogan caption ''Major General W.H. came in 1828, such "The Hm of New Or- ~~rri~~~.w launched a full-scale effort to win leans,, reflecting his status as a the presidency. military hero from the War of Sloganshave continued to play 1812. an important role in political campaigns through the present

6 St. Lmurence County Historical Association Quarterly day. One of the most successful country. burned by the hot, dripping kero- slogans in United States history sene of the torches. For two or was the 1950s favorite "I Like Public participation in national three hours, the participants Ike!" This phrase, first uttered in politics continued to increase dur- marched military-style up and support of Republican candidate ing the 1850s and 1860s. In re- down the streets of the cornrnu- Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower in sponse to the formation of the nity. Military bands played grand 1952, decorated everything from Republican Party in the early marches composed especially for nylon stockings to bumper 1850s, "Wide Awake" Clubs de- the candidate. Marchers shouted stickers to jewelry. There were veloped in the eastern part of the political slogans, cheered, and numerous spin-off slogans such country and "Bear" Clubs were sang campaign songs. The pa- as "I Still Like Ike" (1956), "I formed in California. The 'Wide rades culminated with public ral- Like Ike and Dick" (Nixon), "I Awakes," were so-called because lies, ox-roasts, and speeches Like Ike Even Better," and "I they were supposedly alert or given by candidates or their rep- Like Mamie" (Mrs. Eisenhower). "awake" to the impending dan- resentatives. The Republican party also created gers to the Union. The wide open buttons featuring foreign eye became a symbol of the group. The earliest torchlight parade language translations including Many "Wide Awakes" first held marchers were generally men "Yo Quiero Ike" and "J' Aime torchlight parades in support of from fire companies and local Ike," as well as Morse Code, sign the second Republican presiden- businessmen who dressed in cos- language, and Braille versions. tial candidate, Abraham Lincoln, tumes denoting their trades. "I Like Ike" was so popular that, during the 1860campaign. Torch- Sometimes professional parade through the mid- 1950s, light parades became one of the marchers were hired for events Democrats tried repeatedly and most prevalent forms of popular even though they did not neces- unsuccessfully to copy it with campaigning in the United States sarily have any preference for the slogans such as "I Like Adlai" through the end of the nineteenth candidate in whose parade they and "Madly For Adlai." century. participated. After the Civil War, "The Boys in Blue" (war veter- Bandwagon Beginnings Torchlight parades served the ans) tended to fill the parade ranks The most significant aspect of dual purposes of campaign pub- and wave the proverbial "bloody William Harrison's 1840 cam- licity and community entertain- shirt," a reminder of the war and paign was the appeal to the com- ment. Thousands of individuals the soldiers who fought and died. mon man which resulted in the would march in the parades car- beginnings of participatory poli- rying flags, banners, lanterns, and The Genesis of Image tics. Early political sheet music transparencies bearing the Making appeared as slogans were turned candidate's likeness, name, or By the mid-19th century, the into songs and marches to be sung slogan. Others carried lighted invention of photography im- at large rallies and parades at- torches of various shapes and pacted the evolution of campaign tended by hundreds or even thou- sizes. The parade participants memorabilia. Instead of line sands of citizens. National poli- wore patriotically colored cloth- drawings or silhouettes, actual tics were brought tothe local level ing and sported lapel devices such photographs of the candidates with numerous campaign activi- as ribbons to indicate their politi- could now be used to adorn lapel ties, such as mass drills, marches, cal preferences. Parade uniforms pins, advertising cards, ribbons, ox-roasts and barbecues serving were usually topped off by oil- and many other campaign items. as important social events for cloth capes which served to pro- The earliest use of photographs in small communities around the tect the marchers from being a presidential campaign occurred

St. Lmvrenee County Historical Association Quarterly , . . ,-.*- r-.m...c- .r:- T 0 uNloN MEN OFTHE U s-

Sung For the First time at the Creat Republilean Con vention in Chicago May1868 Composed t' Y

NORTH KANSAS

New York VFA,Inndb.C

Cover of sheet music created for the 1868 Republican presidential candidate.

8 St. hwrence County Historical Associarion Quanerly during the 1860 election of Gender Politics race along with her running mate, Abraham Lincoln. Framed metal- Another distinctive aspect of Frederick Douglass, the first black plate photographs, or "ferro- campaigns during the second part candidate for vice-president. The types," were issued for all four of the 19th century is the repre- relatively new Equal Rights Party candidates. For the first time in sentation of women and women's backed feminist presidential can- the nation's history, the majority interests. Republican candidate didate Belva Ann Lockwood in of Americans could finally put a John C. Fremont's 1856carnpaign both the 1884 and 1888elections. candidate's name together with was the first to employ the image And in the 1888 campaign, his face. of a woman in publicly distrib- Francis Folsom, Grover uted materials. Fremont was Cleveland's wife, became known By 1864, cardboard photo- married to Jessie Benton, beauti- as "The Nation's Favorite Belle." graphs were introduced to replace ful daughter of the renowned Her image was widely used on ferrotypes. In particular, idyllic senator from Missouri, Thomas objects ranging from plates to cardboard pictures of the presi- Hart Benton. Perhaps it is this handkerchiefs advertising her dential family became popular, political connection which re- husband's candidacy. In addi- featuring the candidate sur- sulted in one of the earliest refer- tion, many utilitarian and house- rounded by his wife and children. ences to a candidate's wife: a hold items with a main appeal to Common\y foundf amily pictures metal token identifying Fremont women were used to convey cam- include those of Abraham and as "Jessie's Choice." paign themes including handker- Mary Todd Lincoln and their sons chiefs,jewelry, dishes, glassware, in the parlor, andulysses S. Grant Victoria Woodhull, the first and advertisements for food and with his family on the porch of a female candidate for President, fabric. summer home near Saratoga, New appeared in the 1872 presidential York. Common Threads To a certain extent, late nineteenth century campaigns employed the same themes and images as in earlier years. The rags to riches theme is exemplified by James Garfield, whose poverty- stricken youth as a canal boy is referred to on medalets with in- scriptions like "From the Tow Path to the White House." Ban- dannas, tokens, andlapel pins with military images were produced for several candidates of the era to reflect their status as Civil War veterans, including all three candidates of 1880--James Garfield, 3 Winfield Scott Hancock, andU.S.

0 1 - Grant. k ;I The feminine appeal of early campaigns. The most obvious recycling of campaign images was done by

St. knvrcncc County Historical Association Quarterly 9 Benjamin Harrison in his cam- paper with the sheet of celluloid, ing of photographs, slogans, sym- paigns of 1888 and 1892. Harrison wrapping both around a metal bols, and political issues on but- borrowed his grandfather Will- disk and then securing them all tons for mass production and dis- iam Henry's 1840carnpaignsym- together with a metal ring. Pat- tribution. The period from 1896 bols, the log cabin and hard cider, ented just in time for the 1896 to 1916 is known as the "golden as well as a slightly modified slo- election, celluloid buttons proved age" of campaign buttons because gan, "Tippecanoe and Tariff to be far superior to earlier forms of the beautiful and highly de- Too!" A new image, the top hat, of lapel badges, and soon replaced tailed images which appear. emerged from Benjamin Hamson's campaign in the form of lapel pins, candles, ribbons, songs and other items as a refer- ence to the fact that he was wearing his grandfather's hat,"The Same Old Hat."

The Beginnings of Modern Campaigns By 1896, the whole face of political campaigns was changing. Local political clubs declined as campaigns evolved into highly centralized organizations with massive fund-raising compo- nents. The ever-popular political parades and rallies, which were Slogans and designs on early celluloid buttons reflect the hot debate over traditionally run by local political currency during the 1896/1900 campaigns. William McKinley supported "sound money" based on a gold standard, while William Jennings Bryan was a groups, became practically non- proponent of "jree silver" coinage at a value of 1/16th that of gold. existent by 1912. And the material culture associated with these events, including lanterns, canes, them altogether. The Effects of torches, and uniforms, all but dis- Modernization "Cellos", at around a cent appeared. The production of ban- The decades between 1916 and apiece, were less expensive and dannas and ceramic and glass 1948 were characterized by the more durable than their predeces- decorative objects also greatly de- substantial changes that occurred sors. Thus, celluloid buttons could creased by the turn of the century. in the lifestyles of the American be produced in greater quantities people. These changes were due to reach an ever-increasing popu- Campaign Buttons in part to modernization brought lace. And as virtually any color Perhaps the biggest influence on by the two World Wars fought or image, including photographs, in the changing face of presiden- during this era. The decades also could be transferred to paper, cel- tial campaigns was the invention gave rise to changes in the nature luloid buttons allowed for more of the celluloid button. The basic of political campaigns used to imaginative and detailed designs construction of celluloids con- choose our national leaders. than ever before. The 1896 cam- sisted of covering a piece of Radio, motion pictures, and paign first witnessed the combin-

10 St. Lmvrence County Historical Association Quarterly spectator sports were all develop- Introduced for the 1924 campaign, ing into major industries during Also, the increasingly popular license attachments of all shapes the 1920s. These new forms of celluloid lapel buttons were re- and sizes quickly became popu- competition for public attention placed by lithograph buttons, or lar. resulted in declining American "lithos." First used for the 1920 enthusiasm for political rituals and election,these buttons were made In the 1950s and 1960s, activities. Americans began to by printing the design directly on bumper stickers emerged as a see themselves as spectators in to the metal, thus eliminating the major influence in presidential the political realm, rather than as need for paper and celluloid. elections. Bumper stickers were the active participants which ear- Lithos manufacturers were able first employed as campaign de- lier generations had been. Also, to produce buttons much faster vices in 1956 when more than 50 there was a diminishing interest and less expensively than cellu- different varieties were produced. in the bric-a-brac and decorative loids. Mass production allowed Inexpensive, highly visible to a pieces popular during the Victo- campaigns to distribute the lithos large audience, and providing a rian period. Correspondingly, at a national level. However, less degree of anonymity not afforded fewer and less imaginative cam- detailed designs were possible on by T-shirts or lapel buttons, paign items were created for the lithos and quality took a back seat bumper stickers became a pri- 1920, 1924, and 1928 elections. to quantity beginning in the 1920s. mary avenue of personal political expression. During the 1970s, The political material created Campaigning in Motion new vinyl stickers, which were during the 1920s and early 1930s The rising automobile indus- more easily removed from cars declined not so much in amount try of the 1920s also had a mod- after elections, replaced the old as in quality and significance. ernizing impact on political ma- paper ones. Other automotive During this period, a greater quan- terial culture. As increasing num- campaign items, such as cloth tity of political paper items were bers of Americans owned cars, antenna flags and plastic antenna being produced than in previous political campaigners realized a devices, never attained the popu- years, although with less creative new tool for attracting the atten- larity or effectiveness of bumper designs. The primary use of post- tion of potential voters. In 1920, stickers. ers, stickers, and other relatively political decals were available for inexpensive paper materials, as placing in car windows. The first opposed to more costly glass and truly automotive political objects metal objects, clearly reflects the were license plate attachments. impact of the Great Depression.

License plate attachment from 1928 presidential race against Herbert Hoover.

St. Lmvrence Counry Historical Association Quarterly I1 cifically for TV.

The Television Revolution Throughout the 1950s and 1n The Aftermath Of Probably the biggest political 1960s, party loyalties had dimin- Watergate ished among the general public to campaign innovation of the twen- During the 1972 campaign, the extent that by 1968, most in- tieth century appeared during the members of Nixon's reelection dividuals were unlikely to flaunt 1950s with the advent of televi- committee broke into the Demo- their beliefs through personal sion. Televisions, which were in cratic Party's national committee campaign devices like lapel but- most homes by the mid-1950s, offices at Washington's Watergate tons or ribbons. Instead, cam- began to play a prominent role in office building. The subsequent paign items were increasingly cre- campaigns. The Republican and "Watergate Affair" included ques- ated only for committed political Democratic National Conven- tionable activities of the Presi- activists and campaign workers, tions were both televised for the dent and other members of his rather than being produced as in- first time in 1952. Dwight administration in procuring cam- fluential giveaways at the local Eisenhower's campaign of 1952 paign funds and the "dirty" uses level. For example, larger but- was the first individual campaign to which these finances were put. tons were produced with im- to fully employ the new media This led President Ford to sign proved graphics since they were available, launching "The Great into law an amendment to the mainly worn during the televised Crusade" of radio and TV spots Federal Election Campaign Act conventions. And from the 1964 and telephone campaigning to of 1971 (FECA). The 1972 campaign, T-shirts emerged as blitz the public in the last weeks amendment set a ceiling on al- the most popular textile item cre- before the election. lowable campaign expenditures ated, largely because campaign at ten million dollars per candi- workers could wear them during During the 1960election,tele- date for primaries and twenty mil- televised events such as the na- vision became a truly significant lion dollars per candidate for gen- tional conventions. political media with the first tele- eral elections. The amendment vised presidential campaign de- also set the maximum allowable Television saw a revival in bates, "The Great Debates" be- campaign contribution at $1000 1976 when the first televised de- tween Richard Nixon and John F. for individuals and $5000 for Po- bates since 1960 were aired. The Kennedy. More than anything, litical Action Committees Republican Party successfully this series of four debates served (PAC's) and state party organiza- used TV campaigning to their to bring politics into nearly every tions. An additional amendment advantage in 1980 and again in family's living room and to create to FECA in 1976 allowed local 1984 with the charismatic and visual images of the candidates. party groups to spend up to $1000 telegenic former movie actor can- While Nixon's image probably each to promote their candidates. suffered as a result of his ex- didate, Ronald Reagan. Because of the increasing use of television hausted appearance during the Undoubtedly as a result of the starting in 1950, national conven- debates, Kennedy's debate ap- FECA legislation, there were no- tions and campaigns in general pearances served to enhance his ticeably fewer giveaway cam- went from being the "heart and image as a telegenic and charis- paign items created and supplied soul" of participatory politics to matic young senator from Massa- by the national campaign head- becoming staged media events chusetts. By 1964, television quarters for the 1976 and 1980 for viewing by individuals in their achieved its central place in cam- campaigns. That is not to say that own homes--political campaign- paigning as candidatesbegan cre- few campaign items were cre- ating political advertisementsspe- ing had become a spectator sport.

St. Luwrence County Hisrorical Association Quarterly campaigning has remained largely a spectator sport with little participation by the vast masses of the American population. In the 1996election,only approximately 40% of registered voters actually went to the polls. Notably, the 1992 campaign with incumbent George Bush running against Democrat Bill Clinton and Inde- pendent Ross Perot, saw an un- usually high level of grassroots activity. Clinton and his campaign went on the road across the country on a bus tour reminiscent of the whistle-stop campaigns of earlier years. And Perot, one of the greatest third party challeng- ers of this century, had a large network of grassroots supporters working on his campaign.

Probably the most influential new media of recent campaigns has been the Internet. The Internet provides users with instantaneous access to information around the Examples of the rich variety of Presidential items created in the 1970s world. The Internet also has the and 1980s. potential to reach a larger audience even faster than television. ated. Rather, the majority of items bumper stickers, T-shirts, and Most national committees and that were distributed were pro- pencils to pocket knives, belt candidates had their own duced by PAC's and local party buckles, and plastic whistles. The homepages in the last election, as groups instead of by the national 1980s also experienced an in- well as independent pages de- political committees. creased use of lapel pins and tie signed by interested individuals tacks. And the introduction of as a forum for campaign issues. This decentralization of the button machines in 1976 encour- Conventional campaign objects material culture of presidential aged a widening variety of button such as buttons, bumper stickers, campaigns actually gave rise to designs, as well as leading to the and T-shirts could also be or- the employment of an extremely diminished design and construc- dered via the Internet, as well as wide variety of issues, slogans, tion quality of some buttons pro- computer-age items like the and designs in campaign items. duced by local groups. ClintonIGoreI96 diskettes, screen The 1976 election in particular savers, and interactive computer spawned an especially large num- The Internet and Beyond games. ber of campaign objects from In the most recent elections,

St. Lmvrence County Historical Association Quarterly 13 Campaigners' reliance in the 1980s and 1990s on television and computer technology has af- fected the value of other more Melder, Keith. Hail to the traditional, three-dimensional Candidate: Presidential Campaigns campaign materials. While but- From Banners to Broadcasts. Wash- ington: Smithsonian Institution tons, bumper stickers, pencils, Press, 1992. hats, T-shirts, and other items are Norton, Mary Beth, et al, eds. A still produced in significant People and a Nation: A History of amounts for campaigns, they do the United States, Vol. I: To 1877. not play as vital a part as they 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990. once did in influencing voters. Post, Robert C., et al, eds. Every Rather "campaign items have en- Four Years. New York: Smithsonian joyed a renaissance in creativity Exposition Books. 1980. while their functional role in the Sigoloff, Marc. Collecting Politi- process of persuading the elec- cal Buttons. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 1988. torate has grown increasingly Sullivan, Edmund B. Collecting ephemeral." (Fischer, 279) Political Americana Hanover, MA: Christopher Publishing House, 199 1. Bibliography Wagner, Dale E. A Concise History ofAmerican CampaignGraphics. 1789- Fems, Robert G., series ed. The 1972. Washington, D.C.: Public Policy Presidents: From the Inauguration of Research Associates, 1972. George Washington to the lnaug- Warda, Mark. 100 Years of Politi- uration of Jimmy Carter. Washing- cal Campaign Collectibles. Clearwater, ton, D.C.: United States Department FL: Galt Press, 1996. of the Interior National Park Service, Wearing, Otha D. Political Cam- 1977. paign Buttons in Color With Prices. Fischer, Roger A. Tippecanoe Des Moines, IA: Wallace-Homestead and Trinkets Too: the Material Culture of American Presidential Book Co., 1969. Campaigns, 1828-1984. Urbana : University of Illinois Press, 1988. Gores, Stan. Presidential and Campaign Memorabilia With Prices. Greensboro, NC: Wallace-Home- stead Book Co., 1988. Hake, Ted. Hake's Guide to Presidential Campaign Collecting: An Illustrated Price Guide to Artifacts

From 1789-1988. Radnor, PA: ' Wallace-Homestead Book Co., 1992. Hell-Bent for the White House: Se- lectionsfrom the Museum of American Political Life, Universi~of Hartford. West Hartford, CT. Hartford: Cham- pion International, 1988. Litwack, Leon, et al, eds. The United States Becoming a World Power, Volume II. 6th ed., Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1987.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly In Memoriam Elwood Simons Town of Rossie Historian January 27,1930-March 19,1998 By Trent Trulock

On March 19, 1998 a dedi- cated historian, educator and great friend to local history, Elwood Simons, passed away. Elwood spent his life involved with education. He received his bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in 1952, where he majored in English and minored in religion. He earned his master of education degree from St. Lawrence University with a certification in English education in 1965 and he also did graduate work at Os- wego State University College.

Elwood taught at Massena Central School from 1960to 1966 and Watertown High School from 1966 to 1968. He then became the chair of the English Depart- ment at Pulaski Academy and Central school until he retired in Simons. His interest in history, roots extended throughout his 1986. especially local history, spanned community. his entire life. He was very proud I met Elwood in 1996 when I Elwood became the Town of of the fact that he was the 5th interviewed for my present posi- Rossie Historian in the early generation to live in his home tion as St. Lawrence County His- 1960s, a post he took over from since 1830, and he tookgreat com- torian and Executive Director of his mother Virgie Bogardus fort in the knowledge that his

St. Lmvrcnec CowHistorical Association Quarterly 15 the SLCHA. He was one of the the people who saw a need for people on the committee that rec- local historians to meet, learn from ommended hiring me. I remem- each other, and exchange ideas. ber talking to him right before my interview. He struck me as an Known far and wide for his "interesting character," which is public speaking, whether he was also how someone described him talking to agroup of St. Lawrence at his funeral. Soon after I began University students, or a gather- work in January of 1997, Elwood ing of historians, Elwood always called me to meet with him for used his humor and intelligence lunch with some of his friends. to make the presentation memo- He instantly made me feel wel- rable. comed in the North Country. I will miss Elwood, as will On the historian's report many others around the county. Elwood filed with New York It was both an honor and a privi- State each year he listed his of- lege to work along side him, and fice hours as "24 hours a day--I'm to be able to experience firsthand always on call." He lived his his contagious passion for local work as a historian. Those fortu- history. nate enough to be invited to his home know that he was sur- rounded by photographs, por- traits, and objects from his family' s history. His home was like a museum, and he took well deserved pride in showing around his numerous visitors.

An avid genealogical re- searcher, Elwood helped people around the country in tracing their family history. In addition to researching and writing gene- alogies, Elwood wrote a weekly newspaper column that was published in the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Elwood was the co-founder and co-chair of the St. Lawrence County Historians Group, an in- formal organization for local government historians which meets twice a year. Elwood was one of

St. Lmvrence County Historical Association Qua~edy Conversations With Local Government Historians

Terry Fischer Town of Lisbon Historian

County Historian Trent Tru- Trent: So do you buy old very much working with the kids lock spoke with Teny Fischer, furniture and refinish it then? in school. My daughters say, the Town of Lisbon Historian, on "You've got SO many interests, a sunny February day at her home Terry: Yes, any size. I just Mom, we can't keep up with on State Highway 37 in Lisbon. love woodworking and I'm an you." avid photographer. Trent: Where did you grow Trent: You have how many up? Trent: What got you inter- daughters? ested in photography? Terry: I grew up in Ogdens- Terry: Two. Karin; she is in burg and moved to Lisbon in 1963. Terry: Trent, I can't answer Vermont. And Debra; she's in I was and still am a very outdoorsy that, because I don't remember a Virginia. person. I don't mean particu- day in my life when I wasn't. My larly, Trent, hiking and all that greatest joy as a child was for Trent: You mentioned you stuff. I love nature and I like to be someone to hand me film and a liked working with school kids. out in it. And I found that very camera. And I'm very amazed at much as achild. My sisters would all the pictures I took, and basi- Terry: Yes I do. say "Let's go in and play dollies", cally how well I marked them for how young I was. Trent: What does this stem (and Terry would say) "No, let's from, I mean your enjoyment of stay outdoors." Trent: So you don't have that? Trent: Were you one of those have boxes of unmarked photographs lying around? Terry: I just basically have children that your parents had to always liked children. Um, and I drag inside? Terry: No, there's very few. never go to them. I just sit back Terry: Just about! It's only Though I realize now, in one pic- and let them come to me and we been dark for 2 hours I don't have ture, there are cousins from 2 dif- get along famously. I never pinch to go in yet! I do enjoy and ferent families, and I just put their a kid's cheek or grab them. I just always enjoyed camping, swim- first names. So if you give me a like sharing my knowledge with ming, there again in the outdoors. camera, put me outdoors, and let them and I love sharing their enthusiasm, their questions. The Since I've been out here[ 1, me cook I'm thrilled. not too many years ago, I took up elementary kids' [enthusiasm] woodworking. Refinishing more Trent: So you enjoy cooking over this history stuff isjust unbe- than anything, though I can use a too? lievable. If I haven't [at least] an saw. hour over there with them it's a Terry: Oh yes. And I enjoy waste of time to go.

St. lnwrence County Historical Association Quarterly Trent: What grades do you work with?

Terry: I would work with any grade, but 3rd and 4th over here are very heavy into asking for the history stuff. I have worked in the past at Lisbon School as a substitute aide. And of course I worked for the Journal for 15 years so I worked a lot with the kids,taking pictures for whatever reason.

Trent: What did you do at the -- Journalr? Lisbon Historian Terly Fischer and County Historian Trent Trulock Terry: Actually, Trent, it started out I was the Lisbon correspondent. Which meant I wrote a Terry: It's a two way learn- Terry: The teacher says, little column. Well Ijust tookoff! ing experience, Trent, it really is "Okay now everybody, Mrs. Out came the camera and I was all ... And as I tell them, I can't Fischer has to go and we have to over. Basically I [was the] Lisbon know everything. If I don't go to music", and there's just half correspondent and photographer. know, 1'11 look it up for you. I a dozen of them that just [don't There again I was involved in the just feel great when I walk home want to leave] and it's great be- school system. from that. And sometime I'd cause it is the history that they're like you to come over and talk to loving. Trent: Do you still work as a a class with me. substitute aide? Trent: So they hug you be- Trent: Sure, that would be fore you leave? Terry: No I don't. But my great. kids were always welcome to Terry: Yes, and it's just the bring friends here. I've been a Terry: There is a little boy, questions. They're supposed to Girl Scout leader; I've taught re- I'm hoping he is in 4th grade this be down singing, and they are lease time at church. I've just year. He has been on that phone still clinging, asking questions, alwaysenjoyed working withchil- about the islands, about the one and telling me stories. dren. Their little, fertile minds room school houses. And1don't Trent: When you started going. want him ever to get to an age working for the Journal, did you It is unbelievable all the enthu- where he says that's not very do that on a fluke, or had you siasm over history. boyish or mannish to do that. And if I can say here's our county always been interested in jour- Trent: So when you work historian. It's okay to be into it, nalism? with the kids, would you say you it's okay. Terry: When I actually saw get more from them or they get the ad in the paper for the Lisbon more from you? Trent: Give me a call and I'm sure we can set up some- correspondent, it was my love of thing. Lisbon that took me to it. It was

18 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly more I could do for Lisbon. But Terry: I have always been an houses." But all of a sudden I then the writing just kept growing American history buff; and just thought I'd love pictures of them. ... and growing ... and growing. my endless love for Lisbon. And I can gather them. Whatever I can And of course the camera was I'm sure some of the old timers still dig up about them. just ... Well, first of all, people were still considering me an out- I guess you get your confi- are much more picture conscious sider, but I just dove in. And you dence after acouple of years. And for the paper. So it made them just keep learning, and learning, you say, "that is a good idea." happy, plus the camerajustjumps and learning. And I think it is very important to into my hand. I'm sure my first couple of get out to the public and espe- years I was a little quiet and just cially the children. Trent: So it wouldbe unusual muddling through, but all of a to see you without your camera? sudden you take off. Trent: You mentioned you were interested in American his- Terry: Right. Trent: Did you talk to the tory. former town historian to see what Trent: Terry, when did you to do? Terry: Just a fanatic, espe- first become the Lisbon Town cially when I was in high school. Historian? Terry: Yes, yes, just to get a If I could take American History rough idea. Of course she was I was guaranteed straight A's. Terry: In 1983 (December), I only historian for a couple of And that's not a pat on the back, went over to the town meeting as years. She talked about saving that's just because I loved it so. a newspaper gal to cover some things out of the newspapers and stuff. And I heard them read a this and that. So I couldn't see Trent: Do you have any spe- letter of resignation from the pre- any reason in the world why I cific interests in history? Are vious historian. Well, off I went, didn't want it. But Trent, I think there any topics that really catch there again it was Lisbon, what over the years you make the job you on fire? could I [do]. Dave Reynolds had your own. You just do. And you just been appointed supervisor, have these endless history buffs Terry: The Revolutionary so I went to him and he told me that are there and so supportive. War does, just because America what to do. So in January I was came into its own, I guess. And appointed historian. Trent: So by making the job I'm just as mushy over America your own, well, what do you as I am over Lisbon. Trent: In January of '84? mean by that? I don't always want to make it a wartime; you can't help but be Terry: Yes. And there again Terry: Well, the individual interested in the Civil War, mainly I go off, emotional, half-cocked. comes up with their own ideas; because so many people around And I thought "you better talk to well, that would work so let's try you are. It was aunique situation the previous historian and see another idea. One thing is the that a country split apart and then what you are getting yourself school kids. You know I just went back together so solid. into." So I just started my 15th walked in and said I'm the histo- year. rian, may I do this with the kids? Trent: Can you describe what some of your typical activities are Trent: Congratulations! ... Well, now of course I don't have as a town historian? I know there Why did you want to become the to go to them, they are asking me. are a lot of people who have no town historian when you heard It is like, nobody said, "Teny, idea the variety of things town about the opening? catalog the one room school historians do.

St. Lmvrenee County Historical Association Quarterly Terry: Yes, that'sright. Well, there with them. And you learn We used to have this govern- of course, there are endless ge- when to say, "That's all I can do, ment day up until a year or so ago, nealogical searches ... keeping dear." and a lot of the kids would say, the newspaper clippings ... pro- And Trent, before I forget, or "Well, you were my favorite part." grams ... collecting pictures. Be- fail to say it, I can't say enough I have the pictures, the things cause, I very much feel, yester- for the Town officials over these they can relate to, much more day is so important to preserve, 15 years. They are so supportive. than a form. But they still start but we've got to save today too wavering at [Junior High] age. for them, the future generations. I And all I can think of, Trent, is to have three great big photo albums Trent: That's good to hear. get them involved. full of pictures. And all modem When I did the re-dedication ones. Terry: I never write an ar- of our (World War II) monument Of course, working with the ticle, or anybody write one for [I said], "Gee, can't the bandmem- kids in school is a big thing. And me, or anything, that I don't say bers come?' which they did, and putting up a display as I did last "Be sure and thank the town." "Would you like to hand out pro- summer. It gets the job out to the They hold the purse strings (laugh- grams?'Whether they were grit- public. ter), but there again I'm easy on ting their teeth or not, they were I've done articles for the pa- the taxpayers. It pleases me when still involved in it. per, whether it's publicity, you one of them calls me up and asks know, or an article over our me to do something, it really does. Trent: What would you say library's anniversary. I'm very are the most interesting or impor- interested now in getting our Trent: What are your favorite tant parts of your town's history? parts of the historian's job, if there Hepburn Library on the National Does anything spring to mind? If can be such a thing as your favor- Register. It is 75 years old, it someone was to call you up from ite? should be on the National Regis- out of the area and say, "Can you tell me something important about ter. I'm just doing what I love. If Terry: I love when I'm out Lisbon ... ?" anybody mentions anything about with the public, it's sharing my the history of this area tome, I just enthusiasm with them or enjoy- Terry: Well, our train service go right off into outer space to dig ing their enthusiasm. down and get to the bottom of it. here was extremely important.

Trent: Do you get many re- quests for genealogy by mail from around the country?

Terry: Yes, they come from .I all over. Just an example, some- $ one wrote from California for the 2 history of Lisbon, New York. 2 s And [there] was a Spanish speaking [teacher] andshe wanted X to compare Lisbon, New York to Z! g her Lisbon. [Spain?] -U 2 People doing- the searches get- carried away, but you just hang in Turkey Days in Lisbon (circa 1893-1920)

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly One thing that is mentioned more Trent: That's too bad. Unfor- write up for her [about] when I than anything else ... is our turkey tunately that happens a lot. became historian and my accom- days... plishments. I'm sure she had to Terry: And I can understand shorten it some, you know, I just Trent: Can you tell me a little that this guy did not want these babbled. Well anyway, she sub- about turkey days? papers, but I would also think he mitted it to the Association of would think to give them to some- Municipal Historians of New Terry: They were in Novem- body else. York State. I [got] a letter [ofJ ber, and endless people here ap- congratulations[saying] the award parently raised turkeys. And in Trent: Can you tell me a little would be presented in Ithaca. November they cut their little about the award that you got last And once again I have to say heads off and shipped them out year? that Lisbon was most supportive, on the train. I've got pictures of Terry: Yes. It all started with and said you are going to go get the village just loaded with horses your award ... and wagons, men with big fur Persis (Persis Boyesen, historian, City of Ogdensburg, Town of I told one of the board mem- coats on. bers, and I mean it, I share that Elderly people here have said Oswegatchie and Village of Heuvelton). She had me do a award, in my heart, with every- they would write notes and put body in Lisbon. But, I said, "I them in their turkeys, and then they would get cards and sometimes even presents from who- ever bought their turkey. There used to be postcards here in Lisbon of turkey days.

Trent: You keep your files and everything at home?

Terry: Yes, everything is here except for the actual records, like the birth certificates. One thing that helps the job immensely are all the donations you get, and I don't mean money, I mean memorabilia, pictures. In fact, I'm getting quite afew things right now from a woman who is cleaning under her bed or something. Some man just walked into the town hall a few years ago and told the clerk that he had just burned a whole stack of 1800 newspapers. She said,"If you think I'm crying, Award night in Ithaca -- Ogdensburg Historian Persis Boyesen and wait till I tell the historian." I Lisbon Historian Terry Fischer, Sept. 18, 1997. couldn't believe [it].

St. Lawrence County Historical Associarion Quarterly 21 want you to know that it is going Trent: What made you do Terry also wanted to be sure to to stay on my wall." that farm display initially? thank all the history buffs in Lisbon who are so interested, en- Trent: Now do they give one Terry: I found this pattern couraging, and supportive. of these out a year, or do they give and I was making a little thing to one out for each region? have on my coffee table, like a She wrote, "I will never forget barn and a couple of animals. Persis for the nomination, but I Terry: There were four Well, I just kept going and going also feel honored and very proud awards given. and finally I said I've got to share that such an association selected it, especially [with] the students me for the award." Trent: That's great. It's a in Lisbon. very nice award. I gave eleven talks at school over it. And it was at the Hepburn Terry also noted that herjob at Terry: Isn't that beautiful. It Library just under a year. And the Journal had really is just gorgeous. So I will never, never once did they lose interest complimented her job as histo- never forget Persis for anything ... in it. rian. Often she felt as if she was "writing future history and cer- Trent: How did you feel I can only thank the Lisbon farmers for letting me trot through tainly research was involved in standing up there receiving an each." award? the fields and take pictures. They would get a piece of equipment In addition to Terry's work as Terry: I think it's the first I out for me and explain it to me. I the Town of Lisbon historian, she ever got, Trent, and I was just had never seen a corn crib. Well is serving on a committee to form absolutely awed. The pictures there's that little farm down the a museum in Lisbon. If her past show that I wept from shock. road here from me, and I've just enthusiasm and dedication are any fallen in love with farming. indication, her work on this com- Trent: Well, it was definitely Well, I'm going to tell you, mittee is bound to meet with suc- well deserved ... and it's not because I'm talking to cess. you, but I want it in the article that Terry: Thank you. the St. Lawrence County Histori- cal Society is nothing but first Trent: Are there any projects rate, and helpful and just out- or research that you are most proud standing. of, or that stick out in your mind. Terry: My farm display was Note a very big project to me. I did the A few days after the interview history of the Lisbon Volunteer Terry Fischer sent a note with a Fire Department. few thoughts she wanted included And of course, right at the top in the article. She wrote that, "I of the list, is that re-dedication of really appreciate how closely the World War 11 monument. County Historian Trent Trulock works with the municipal histori- Trent: That's in front of the ans, whether in a group or indi- town hall? vidually. Such support certainly encourages one to go the extra Terry: Yes. mile."

Sf. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly St. Lawrence County's Northern Lights Albert P. Crary 1911-1987

Crary Mills is a familiar name tomany St. Lawrence County residents. A small community in the town of Potsdam almost at the point where the towns of Pots- dam, Canton, and Pierrepont come together, it derives its name from Edward Crary who built a gristmill there in the 19th century. The Crary Mountains and Crary Ice Rise of Antarctica are little known. Yet they, too, have a St. Lawrence County connection since they were named after geophysicist and polar explorer, Albert P. Crary, who grew He was one of ten in the class of read to her children and books up on a Pierrepont farm. 1931 who graduated Phi Beta and reading were always part of Kappa. After his graduation, family life. Albert Paddock Crary was Albert went on to Lehigh Univer- born in 191 1, the oldest of the sity for a masters degree in phys- seven children of Frank J. and Like his parents, Albert too ics. From this point on, his world Ella Paddock Crary. Frank and went to St. Lawrence University. expanded. Early in his career as Ella had met when both were stu- At St. Lawrence he excelled in aprospector for oil companies, he dents at St. Lawrence University both athletics and academics. He traveled near and far: to Texas, in Canton. Frank majored in playedfootball, baseball, lacrosse, Louisiana, England, Venezuela, mathematics and Ella majored in track, and wrestling, lettering in Colombia, and the Persian Gulf. English. After graduation from wrestling, footbal1,and track and college, Frank, whose father had serving as captain of the wres- died before he was born, took tling team his junior year. He was But where Albert really made over his grandparents' Pierrepont a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, a his mark was in polar explora- farm. Ella taught school for sev- national honorary physics soci- tion. His work took him to both eral years before marrying Frank ety and president of the society the Arctic and Antarctica, mak- and moving to Pierrepont. his senior year; a member of ing him the first man to stand at Alpha Mu Gamma, an honorary both the north and south poles. Frank and Ella were firm be- mathematics club; and a member His geophysical research focused lievers in the value of education of the Curie Club, founded at St. on the study of ice and measuring and they instilled that value in all Lawrence in 1930, following Ma- ice thickness by sonic means. In of their children. Ella frequently dame Curie's visit to the campus.

Sr. Lowrenee County Historical Association Quarterly 23 1951 he became the chief scien- rhythm. The ice was constantly tioned at Fletcher's Island, Albert tist for an Air Force mission to moving, first clockwise, then was in the first airplane to land at examine conditions on an ice floe counterclockwise with the cur- the North Pole. One of the early near the North Pole. For almost a rents. In the summer months research projects of this mission year, he and a team ranging from daylight hours were continuous; was to fly to the North Pole just eight to twelve men lived in a in the winter months non-exis- 135 miles from Fletcher's Island camp on the ice floe, named T-3 tent. Clocks were irrelevant. The to measure the depth of the ocean or Fletcher's Island, which was 9 men ate when hungry, worked and the gravity pull of the earth at miles long and 4.5 miles wide. until exhausted, and then slept. the pole. Detailed accounts of this expedi- Albert studied the nature and tion can be found in "Life Near In 1957,the International Geo- depth of the ice both to determine the Pole," Life, May 5, 1952 and physical Year, Albert began his where large arctic ice floes origi- "Ice Islands in the Arctic" by work in Antarctica as the deputy nated and how long they lasted. Kaare Rodahl, Scientific Ameri- chief scientist for the United Life on the ice floe had its own can, December 1954. While sta- States' Antarctic Program and the

5 P 6

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Crary personally led three major snow traverses in Antarctica totalling 3400 miles; across the Ross Ice SheK from McMurdo Sound to the South Pole, and across Mane Byrd Land.

St. Lmvrcncc County Historical Association Quarterly scientific leader at Little America, Defense Department's Distinguished dock Crary; The Gridiron, St. a base for Antarctic exploration. Civilian ServiceAward. The Univer- Lawrence University's yearbook; 'His research work took Albert to sity of Wisconsin established the files in the St. LawrenceUniversity archives; and Geographical Re- the Antarctic several times be- Albert P. Crary Professorship of Geo- view, April 1960 containing the tween 1957 and the mid 1960s. physics in recognition of his leader- announcement of the Cullum Geo- His longest single stay was for 26 ship of the University sponsored sci- graphical Medal awarded by the months. In the course of his work entific traverse from McMurdo Sound American Geographical Society. he led three overland snow expe- to the South Pole. Herb and Mary Ruth Judd, ditions in the Antarctic interior, Pierrepont, Charles McEwen, the longest being 63 days in dura- How did a young boy from Pierrepont, and Dorothy Wurzel, tion and about 1500 miles in Pierrepont become such an accom- Wilmington, North Carolina also length. plished explorer, scientist and leader generously contributed their recol- of men? First, Albert, from an early lections of Albert P. Crary and On one of his trips, the ice he age, knew how to work hard. Even as materials from personal files. was standing on broke off and he a child, he was up every morning at fell into the icy waters of Kainan 4 A.M., working on the farm; work that Bay. He was able to climb on to developed discipline, strength, and a piece of floating ice which stamina. According to his younger drifted more than a mile out to sister, Dorothy, Albert was not the sea before he was rescued two smartest of her siblings, but he took hours later, probably in a most his studies seriously and was, there- frigid condition. A detailed de- fore, an excellent student. And he scription of this incident in the loved sports. A childhood friend, October 1959 issue of National Charles McEwen of Pierrepont, re- Geographic is headlined "Coura- members that Albert always was play- geous Scientist Cheats Death." ing some kind of game. At St. Lawrence he had the opportunity to According to his sister, Albert's test his leadership skills as captain of family joked that he had been the wrestling team and president of well prepared for this particular the physics honorary society. adventure because when he was a young boy on the family fam, a Albert was quiet, but according to cousin had come to visit when the his sister, he had a wonderful sense of family was sugaring, and fell into humor. These qualities: his willing- an icy brook. It was Albert who ness to work hard, physical stamina, jumped in, rescued him, and took quiet nature, humility, sense of hu- him to the house to warm up. mor, and intelligence prepared him to be a respected leader of men in re- Despite the isolation in which mote and rugged places. he worked, Albert's accomplish- ments did not go unrecognized. --by J. Rebecca Thompson He received numerous honors including the Cullum Geographi- Sources In addition to the two articles cal Medal from the American cited in the text, the author consulted obitu- Geographical Society and the aries of both Albert P. Crary and Ella Pad-

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly Cracker Box Town and Village Historians Remember Elwood Simons

At the request of County His- have been the recipients of his enjoyed the pleasure of his com- torian Trent Trulock, several of rare generosity of time and tal- pany at social gatherings at our Elwood Simons' fellow histori- ents of many kinds. We'll miss home where he would regale us ans wrote about his contributions his deep stentorian voice and me- with his wit and humor. to local history and to the county. lodious hymns. Mary Smallman, It seems providential that These writings are excerpted here; Village of Hermon Historian. Elwood and I would be working the full documents are on file in together on historical projects the Association's archives. Elwood Simons had a great because his mother, Virgie mind--actually very conservative, Bogardus Simons, was Rossie Elwood Simons was a Repub- but quite typical of our Yankee Town Historian during the 1960s lican committeeman for the Town backgrounds of this area. When I when my aunt, Doris Brown of Rossie, first chairman of the first met him years ago, I thought Planty, was Morristown Town Town of Rossie Cemetery Asso- of him as "a stuffed shirt," in love Historian. They both shared the ciation, former member of Rossie with himself and Rossie. That joy of working together, as Town Board, amember of Rossie changed radically when I discov- "Cousin" Elwood and I have over Presbyterian Church, choir direc- ered he had a great mind, and had the years. Lorraine B. Bogardus, tor, soloist, town justice perform- his reasons for thinking as he did. Town of Morristown Historian. ing more than 100 weddings, and He was foresighted to see that a member of the New York State much of the history and struggles Elwood was one of the most Magistrates Association. of our forefathers was becoming outgoing persons I have ever Elwood Simons will be greatly lost and the area was changing; known. No matter where he was missed by all who knew him as he especially since the Seaway and he always found someone he touched the lives of a great num- Power forces have changed the knew. One might say he loved ber of persons. It truly showed geography. Adelaide Steele, Town people. His life touched the lives the high esteem of people who of Depeyster Historian. of many. If he missed an occa- filled the church to capacity at his sion in person he would send a funeral and the great array of flow- He will be sorely missed, and note. As a public speaker he was ers in his memory. Mildred he was very persuasive in getting one of the best, not only being Jenkins, Town of Stockholm His- people to help out. Elizabeth knowledgable about the subject torian. Winn, Town of Lawrence Histo- but peppering it with wit and hu- rian, Secretary of the St. Luwrence mor. Valera Bickelhaupt, Town Elwood truly learned the fine County Historians Group. and Village of Hammond Histo- art of GOOD research and value rian. of family heirlooms at "his Elwood was more than a his- mother's knee". (Virgie Simons, torical colleague; he was our Historian for the Town of Rossie, cousin on the Bogardus side of ca1956- 1965) Scores of residents the family. Many times we have

St. Lmvrence County Historical Association Quarterly Just a few days before his un- Note: Donations to Elwood timely death, Elwood called me M. Simons Memorial Scholarship to discuss our April 24 "Group" Fund may be made by making meeting. He said that since the check out to the fund and mailing State History Department has cut to: back sofar, the "Group" was even Lorraine Bogardus more important to the Municipal Town & Village of Moms- Historians. town Historian Elwood was apeople's person. 5 18 River Road East His humor, good advice, and Ogdensburg NY 13669 willingness to help historians made him a favorite with us all. Thank you, Elwood, for living in a house by the side of the road and being our friend and mentor. Susan Lyman. Town of Potsdam/ Norwood Historian; Co-Chair,St. LQwrence County Historians' Group.

I shall always remember Elwood for his great interest in and extensive knowledge of local history. This made it a pleasure for many to visit with him and he will be greatly missed. George Brooks, President, R.P. Elethorp Historical Society, Hammond.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 31 5-386-4595

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