1943 Seventh Publication

of the Oswego Historical Society

OSWEGO CITY LIBRARY

1943

I

Palladium-Times. Inc. PrinterB Oswego. K. Y. LIST OF OFFICERS

1943

President Edwin M. Waterbury

Ralph M. Faust Frederick W. Barnes Vice-Presidents Grove A. Gilbert Merritt A. Switzer Miss Ruth Thomas

Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Homan F. Hallock

Recording Secretary Thomas A. Cloutier

Treasurer Donald S. Gordon

Curator Elliott B. Mott

Mrs. James G. Riggs Dr. Lida S. Penfield Members of Board of Managers Mrs. Frank Elliott Miss Anna Post

t Daniel A. Williams

I All elective officers are ex-officio members of the Board of Man­ agers which funtcions as the Executive Committee of the Society.]

II CONTENTS

Page OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, 1943 II

CONTENTS III

WINTER PROGRAM, 1943-1944 IV

STANDING COMMITTEES, 1943 V

LEST WE FORGET VI-VII

SOCIETY MEMBERS IN ARMED FORCES OF UNITED STATES VII

A CONSTRUCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENT VIII

PAPERS GIVEN BEFORE SOCIETY IN 1943

THE OSWEGO STATE NORMAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL, An Interpretation (by Dr. Richard K. Piez, former head of the Department of Psychology, Oswego State Normal School) 1-10

OSWEGO COUNTY GLASS (by Miss Frances Eggleston of Oswego) 11-17

NED LEE—HIS LIFE AND TIMES (by Dr. Lida S. Penfleld, for­ mer head of the English Department of Oswego State Teachers' College), Third of a Series of Papers on Oswego County writers 18-26

OSWEGO COUNTY PAINTERS (by Mr. Daniel A. Williams, of Oswego) 27-39

FALLEY SEMINARY'S CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION IN OSWEGO COUNTY (by Dr. Henry P. de Forest of New York City, member of last class to be graduated from Falley) 40-51

MUSICAL LIFE IN OSWEGO COUNTY (by James Lally, organist and director Choir St. Mary's R. C. Church, Oswego), First Installment of a Series of Papers Upon This Theme 52-60

OSWEGO'S FIRST CITY HALL (by Miss Marion Mahar, of the History Department of Oswego State Teachers' College) 61-79

NECROLOGY 80

III

86293 WINTER PROGRAM

1943

October 19—"Musical Life in Oswego County," Mr. James Lally, Organ­ ist and Director of Choir of St. Mary's R. C. Church, Oswego, First of a Series of Papers to Be Given by Mr. Lally on This Theme.

November 16—"Oswego's First City Hall," Miss Marion Mahar of the History Department of the Oswego State Teachers College.

1944

January 11—"General Bradstreet's Expedition Through the Oswego River Valley in 1758 Against Fort Frontenac," Dr. W. Seward Salisbury of the Department of Social Studies of the Oswego State Teachers College.

February 15—"Life and Work of Henry Cuyler Bunner, Native of Oswego, Editor and Author," Dr. Lida S. Penfleld, former Head of the English Department of the English Department of the Oswego State Teachers College. (This will be the Fourth of a Series of Papers on Oswego County Writers Being Given by Dr. Penfleld.)

March 21—"Oswego County During the 'Patriot War,' " Edwin M. Waterbury of the "Oswego Palladium-Times."

April 18—"Amherst's Expedition from Oswego in 1760 to Terminate French Rule in North America." Dr. Harry W. Porter of the History Faculty of the Oswego State Teachers College.

May 16—Meeting at Fulton with Program to Be Announced.

IV STANDING COMMITTEES 1943 Membership Mrs. John S. Parsons, Chairman Mrs. Carolyn E. Whittaker Grove A. Gilbert Mrs. James G. Riggs Frederick W. Barnes Mrs. Frank Elliott James Gallagher Miss Elizabeth Simpson Merritt A. Switzer Ralph Watson Miss Juanita Kersey Dr. W. Seward Salisbury Donation and Collection of Articles of Historical Interest Daniel A. Williams, Chairman Mrs. Samuel M. F. Peters Ralph M. Faust Mrs. Ethel P. Dunham Elliott B. Mott Mrs. Rachel Pollard Frederick W. Barnes Miss Karl Kellogg George Chesbro Miss Anna Post Floyd S. Spangle Miss Frances J. Eggleston Harold A. Hubbard Miss Grace E. Lynch Dr. H. S. Albertson Miss Eugenia Hallock J. E. McChesney F. D. Odell Program Ralph M. Faust, Chairman Mrs. Frederick Leighton Dr. Harry W. Porter Mrs. Harold J. Dann Rev. Henry S. Sizer Mrs. Homan F. Hallock Dr. Richard K. Piez Mrs. Blanchard Shaver George M. Fannin Dr. Lida S. Penfield Merritt A. Switzer Miss Gertrude Schuelke Dr. Donald Snygg Miss Juanita Kersey George M. Penney Miss Elizabeth Simpson Miss Ruth Thomas Miss Elizabeth F. Culkin Miss Helen C. Quirk Miss M. Gertrude Johnstor Frederick W. Barnes Miss F. Consuelo Newton Herbert R. Lyons Dr. Ralph W. Swetman Collection, Arrangement and Caro Mrs. James G. Riggs, Chairman Mrs. Robert L. Allison Homan F. Hallock Mrs. Ralph K. Seymour Francis H. Robarge Mrs. Daniel A. Williams John Tiernan Miss Florence Distin Joseph T. McCaffrey Dr. Lida Penfield Dearborn V. Hardie Mrs. Isabelle K. Hart Fred P. Wright Leon N. Brown Expansion Grove A. Gilbert, Chairman Mrs. C. R. Baldwin Dr. B. T. Mason Mrs. Raymond C. Turner Donald S. Gordon Mrs. John M. Gill James F. Brannan, Jr. Mrs. E. M. Anderson J. H. Hourigan Miss Helen Mangeot Mrs. Percy Hubbard Miss Ruth Thomas Fred Scoville Mrs. Percy Klock James Gallagher Miss M. Winifred Turner Clark E. Jackson Mrs. Mary J. Dodd Ralph Watson Mrs. Gordon Ridgway Robert L. Allison Glenn J. Streeter John H. Hourigan Frank R. Crandell Auditing Alfred G. Tucker, Chairman Clarence T. LeightoFredericn k WReceptio. Barnesn , ChairmaMrs. Fredericn k P. Hickey "LEST WE FORGET"

RALPH MILLIGAN FAUST Coming- to Oswego in 1926 soon after earning his degree of Master of Arts at Syra­ cuse University, from which he had been graduated in 1925 as a Bachelor of Arts, Ralph Milligan Faust joined the faculty of the Oswego High School as instructor in Civics. As a youth in his native Camden, N. J., he had early manifested a keen interest in matters historical. He had not been long in Oswego when he acquired a deep and enduring interest in its rich historical background and began delving into many of its phases which had not previously received adequate treatment by local or visiting histor­ ians. Becoming a member ot the Oswego Historical Society, Mr. Faust was thrown into close association with Dr. James G. Riggs, then its president, and the spark of zeal for local history which he had earlier displayed was fanned into flame through the influence of the older histcrian. Thus it came about in 1934 when the late Dr. Alexander C. Flick, New York State Historian, invited Dr. Riggs to write a chapter for his "History of New York State," upon which Dr. Flick was then at work, that Dr. Riggs accepted on the condition that Mr. Faust should be associated with him in the preparation of the chapter, which was later published as a part of Volume VI devoted to "The Age of Reform," with Chapter 10, "New York Becomes the Empire State," accredited to the two Oswegonians. In the same year Mr. Faust's "Story of Oswego" was published in book form. So generally excellent was the work that it was immediately adopted as the standard text book on local history for the Oswego public schools. It developed such popular appeal that within a few months the edition was completely sold out, and there developed a strong demand, unfortunately not yet met, for a revised and enlarged edition of the work. VI OSWEGO CITY LIBRARY

In 1929 Mr. Faust "became the first principal of the newly created Kingsford Park Junior High School. The pageantry, soon introduced into the student entertainments at the schools, began to attract the attention of the parents of the students, was but another outcropping of the natural interest and genius of the principal in matters historical, which was to have a later further manifestation in 1938 in the pageant produced at Kingrsford Park School on the evenings of May 25-26 in connection with the Bi—Centennial of Sir William Johnson. The pageant, written by Mr. Faust, in asso­ ciation with Miss Ruth Raby, also of the school faculty, had been sponsored by Oswego Historical Society as Oswego's contribution to the Johnson observance. Its episodes dealt with phases of Oswego County history with which Johnson was identified. When the Oswego Historical Society was reorganized early in 1937 some months after the death of Dr. Riggs who had long headed the society, Mr. Faust was one of the group of members who took the initial steps that resulted in the reorganization. He was elected a vice-president of the Society at that time and immediately afterwards was appointed chairman of its program committee, a position he has since filled to the committees have on several occasions importuned him to accept its presidency he has to committee have on several occasions importuned him to accept its presidency he has to date declined to serve the society in that capacity for which he is so richly endowed by his talents. Besides serving our society as an officer, a member of its board and as chairman and member of some of its most important committees, Mr. Faust was honored in 1939 by election as vice-president of the Central New York Association of Local Historians. He is considered by our own society as the unofficial Historian of Oswego County. In Recognition of Mr. Faust's long and distinguished services to this society and to the cause of better local history, Oswego Historical Society, through formal action by its Board of Managers, appreciatively dedicates this volume to him.

OUR ROLL OF HONOR

Members of Oswego County Historical Society Now With Armed Forces of United States

Lieut. Lloyd L. Allen, Fulton, U.S. Navy.

Capt. Francis L. Carroll, Oswego, U. S. Army Medical.

Corp. Phelps Carter, Oswego, U. S. Army.

Capt. John M. Gill, Oswego, U. S. Navy.

Capt. S. S. Ingalls, Fulton, U. S. Army Medical.

Lieut. Benjamin J. Racusin, Oswego, U. S. Army.

Fred B. Scoville, Oswego, Special Service, U. S. Army.

John J. Waterbury, Oswego, U. S. Navy.

VII A CONSTRUCTIVE ACCOMPISHMENT As the Society's year closes, fruition has been brought to a project for the accomplishment of which its officers have been working for the past three years and in relation to which the Society itself took formal action at its October 1943 meeting in urging that the Mayor and Com­ mon Council of the City of Oswego consent that the bound files of the Oswego newspapers, lcng stored in an inaccessible location at the base of the clock tower in the City Hall, be transferred to the custody of the Oswego Public Library. This consent was formally given at a meet­ ing of the Common Council in November. With the full collaboration of the directing board of the Public Library, the Oswego Department of Education, the Department of Public Works, Mayor John J. Scanlon and the members of the Board of Aldermen with the Oswego Historical Society, the volumes have now been transferred to the Public Library, housed there in proper protective cabinets in a section of the second floor of the Library which has been set apart to receive them. The volumes are now being checked, cataloged and otherwise pre­ pared so that they may at an early date become available for consulta­ tion and use by city officers, historians and other adults having appro­ priate reasons for desiring to consult the priceless old volumes under the rules and safeguards the Library management will establish. Added to the volumes of the "Palladium," dating back to 1819, the "Oswego County Whig," dating from 1837, and the Whig's lineal successor, the "Oswego Daily Advertiser," established in 1845 and since uninterrupt­ edly published as an Oswego daily newspaper, although under a varia­ tion of names, for nearly 100 years down to the present period, the col­ lective group constitutes one of the most complete and venerable group­ ings of newspapers, published in a single city, to be found anywhere in up-state New York. (After June 1847 the name "Times" was usually a component part of the daily's name in varying styles and combina­ tions.) There are 280 volumes of bound files which composed the city's collection of the files of the Oswego newspapers which had been in process of being assembled since Oswego became a city in 1848. Besides the volumes of the "Palladium" and the "Times" newspapers, there are a few volumes of other Oswego newspapers, published after 1848, which had shorter lives. These include the "Press," published in the early 1870s and the "Morning Express," published in the 1880s. There is also included a complete file of the "Palladium-Times," dating from 1925 down to the present year. As a contribution to the preservation and extension of this valuable collection of newspaper files, Palladium-Times, Inc., of Oswego, has agreed to provide at its own expense future bound volumes of its files to be added to the collection of which the Public Library has now become the repository. With the exception of a few volumes missing from the preserved files of both the two old newspapers between 1845, when new manage­ ments and new ownerships assumed control of both old Oswego news­ papers, and 1850, there will be a file of at least one Oswego paper avail­ able in the collection for every year starting with 1819 and continuing down until the present period. (The "Times" file is complete from 1848 when Oswego became a city.) Excluding duplicated copies, there will be in the Library's enlarged collection about 325 volumes of files of old Oswego publications. The collection has been well described as "priceless." The fact that the several groupings of old Oswego newspapers have now, for the first time, been brought together under one roof, under proper conditions for their care and continued usefulness, to afford to students of history a continuous succession of Oswego newspapers cov­ ering a period of 125 years, may well give our Society basis for some slight pride and great satisfaction that it has assumed a position of leadership in the various moves which have brought about this desirable end. It is to be hoped that other collections of newspaper files from other localities in the county, where they may become available, may soon find their way into the possession of other public libraries in the county. The Oswego State Normal and Training School, An Interpretation (Paper Read Before Oswega County Historical Society at Oswego, January 12, 1943, by Dr. Richard K. Piez, Former Head of Department of Psychology, Oswego State Normal School.) Quoting the Hon. E. J. Har­ the school and the necessities of mon of Oswego: "In 1848 E. A. the poor, began to abate, and Sheldon, then a young man, general interest to cease. As found himself in Oswego, in one I saw these tendencies, I urged of those strange pauses in life upon the members of our com­ which, to the outer eye, seem ac­ mittee the importance of mak­ cidental, but are in reality the ing all the public schools of the sources and springs of life's city free." greatest work. At this time the schools had "He was induced to canvass been under the old district school the city, especially among the system. There were twelve school neglected poor, and found some districts in the city. Each dis­ 2500 young people and adults trict had its own local officers, who could not read." elected annually by the people of Result, the organization on the district. Each district was October 31, 1848, of the Orphan a separate establishment simi­ and' Free School Association lar to the present rural district whose object was the intellectu­ before the era of consolidation. al and moral improvement of The consolidation of the twelve such poor and orphan children school districts of the city units, in this city as were not other­ into one with a single governing wise provided for in these re­ board encountered much opposi­ spects. Against his own inclina­ tion, based on sectarian preju­ tions Sheldon was prevailed upon dices, greater expense and the to become the teacher of a reluctance of the districts to sur­ class of underprivileged chil­ render their autonomy. dren soon dubbed as the "Rag­ Enabling Legislation Passed ged School." For this work he In 1852-3, sponsored by the asked a salary of $275 for the Hon. D. C. Littlejohn of Oswego year but at the suggestion of the in the Assembly and the Hon. Hon. Judge Churchill it was Robert C. Piatt in the Senate, a made $300. bill for the consolidation of the twelve districts was passed. Moves To Make All Schools Free Under this act the new board of Quoting from Sheldon's auto­ education, consisting of Leander biography: "Opened the Orphan Babcock, A. C. Matteson, D. C. and Free School on the 14th Golden, Wm. H. Goit, Wra. F. of January 1849 with 70 schol­ Mason, A. B. Coe, John C. ars. Have now on my list Churchill and O. J. Harmon, be­ (Jan. 20) over 140' wild boys and gan to function May 11, 1853. girls who had never been inside The board elected E. A. Sheldon a 'school room and who knew no as its secretary and superinten­ bettei? how to behave as pupils dent of schools. He returned than I did as teacher. from Syracuse where during the "Like many philanthropic en­ previous two years he had been terprises an enthusiastic begin­ superintendent of schools and ning finds, after a time, a wan­ began the work of reorganizing, ing. The effort to raise money not only the public schools, but to meet the various expenses of public sentiment as well.

—1— After some months of careful progress with the regular class­ planning E. A. Sheldon proceed­ es and became increasingly un­ ed to redistrict the city dividing comfortable in classes with it into twelve primary districts younger children, more or less for children in the 1st, 2d and 3d listless and unresponsive. These grades; four junior districts for pupils, he grouped into an un­ 4th, 5th and 6th grade children classified school. Years later and two senior districts for 7th, when child-study, especially the 8th and 9th grade children. He researches of Binet , Goddard, also planned a four year high and others had established the school course. He mapped out a fact that most cases of retarda­ definite course of study for each tion are due to mental deficiency, year. the unclassified schools became Sheldon Reconstructs School the present day "Special Class­ Program es." The weeding out of incompe­ Teachers Met For Discussion tent teachers proved a delicate Regular teachers' meetings for task but was accomplished by the discussion of school problems, the inauguration of a carefully organization, classification, in­ guarded impartial system of ex­ struction and discipline, principles aminations. Selection of teach­ of education and methods of ers he based on evidence of teaching, were inaugurated. A knowledge and ability. rigid system of examinations was Buildings were renovated and put in operation. Quoting E. A. up to date furniture installed. Sheldon: "I carried a straight- The result as stated by E. A. jacket system of close classifica­ Sheldon himself "A more per­ tion to its highest point of perfec­ fect system of educational ma­ tion, accompanied by a course of chinery had never been con­ study as precise, definite, and ex­ structed." acting as it is possible to make, When, at the end of the first tested by complete and exhaustive year, he could show that not­ examinations which left us room withstanding extensive improve­ for doubt as to the thoroughness ments, the expenditures were only of the work done." $266 greater than during the pre­ ceding year, most of the active Promotions from grade to oppositions to the new order dis­ grade were based on these exam­ appeared. inations. The most serious embar­ Supported by a competent and rassment at this time was the friendly Board of Education, E. need of greater school accommo­ A. Sheldon entered upon the sec­ dations. The school population had ond year of administering the already doubled. The private Free Public Schools of Oswego. schools had vanished with the He started a number of classes presence of the new system. for pupils who worked during the Some 500 children away from summer but were idle in the win­ home in private schools were ter. Because they wanted partic­ brought back by the new system. ularly to know more arithmetic, During this year, new schools they were called "Arithmetic were added and needed facilities Schools." Instruction was also installed. given in reading, penmanship, If I seem to have dwelt at too spelling and geography. In addi­ great length upon the advent tion, he started evening classes and organization of the Oswego for boys employed during the day. Public Schools, it is because the A very significant innovation origin of the Oswego State Nor­ was the establishment of an "Un­ mal and Training School is root­ graded School", intended for the ed in Sheldon's work in the Pub­ retarded pupil who could not lic Schools. Viewed against the

—2— educational ideology of the per­ school teaching was only a pre­ iod, Sheldon could truthfully de­ lude to entry upon some profes­ clare that "A more perfect sys­ sion. tem of educational machinery Aimed to Make Pupils Think has never been constructed." And so E. A. Sheldon had or­ At the time of the beginning ganized what seemed the perfect of the Oswego Public Schools, public school system. But in his instruction aimed at rote learn­ own words, "Notwithstanding all ing; memorizing of words and perfection of organization there facts was identified with knowl­ was something wanting to give edge. Did not Sir Francis Bacon life, spirit, soul to the school sys­ affirm that "Knowledge is pow­ tem. As a machine it was perfect. er" ? The fact that knowledge But, it lacked vitality. This I is sterile unless inspired by intel­ felt strongly, but how to rem­ ligence was overlooked and the edy the defect, I did not know. knowledge thus acquired by mem- I realized that our work was too oriter learning was but remotely formal, too much of a memoriz­ related to the daily life of pupils ing process. We wanted some­ and thus school knowledge and thing that would wake up the life knowledge were more or less pupils, set them to thinking, ob­ separate identities. serving, reasoning. I decided Discipline Repressed Individual that our school work must be more objective. But there were Discipline aimed to repress. no facilities for carrying on ob­ "Children should be seen, not jective work. We wanted collec­ heard." The best disciplined group tions of objects of all sorts, illus­ of children was so quiet that one trations, more reading matter could hear a pin drop. Corporal suited to the ages of children, punishment was the order of the charts of color, and forms, ob­ day, in school and out. "Spare jects for teaching arithmetic, nat­ the rod and spoil the child." The ural history." harsh discipline was a natural concommittant of the unnat­ In September, 1859, he found ural memoriter learning. As for many of the facilities he had the facts taught, the less said been wishing for in Toronto. the better. A comparison of many These were collections of objects, elementary "Courses of Study" pictures, color charts, reading of the period leads one to believe charts, and books for teachers that many school superintendents prepared by the Home and Co­ who, by the way, were not ca­ lonial Training Institution, Lon­ reer educators, used the scissors don. He made out a new course and paste pot more frequently of study for the primary schools than the pen. employing the Toronto material. With the approval of the Board, A good teacher of this period it was put in operation the fol­ had of necessity to be a "born lowing year. A new era had be­ teacher" for the training of gun. "Important changes were teachers was decidedly sketchy. inaugurated that were to be des­ Specific training in the art of tined to revolutionize methods teaching was conspicuously ab­ of teaching, not only in Oswego, sent. He or she might be a high but in the whole country." This school graduate; very few had was the first effort to introduce the advantages of higher institu­ systematic objective work into tional training. Nor were teach­ all subjects and through all ers—career teachers. The young grades of the public schools. women might—and usually were rescued from pedagogical drudg­ Trained in Objective Teaching ery by young Lochinvar while The training of teachers for the occasional young man's this objective teaching was done

£ at Saturday meetings at which tation coming from distant parts E. A. Sheldon laid out work for of the state and from adjoining the following week, discussed states have sought its ad­ principles and methods with them vantages. Applications for teach­ and then saw that the work was ers trained, in this school have properly carried out in the class­ been beyond our ability • to sup­ room. As soon as some of the ply. Our own schools have been teachers were well trained, they supplied from the same source. left for more lucrative positions By an act of the legislature, the elsewhere. He proposed to the training school was , thereafter board that he should establish a placed under the control of the city training school for the train­ state superintendent, the state ing of primary teachers. The providing for its support. For the board assented and he outlined a instruction of each student to plan which admitted graduates the number of 50, the State al­ of high school or equivalent lows fifty dollars. scholastic training to a one-year course of strictly professional Normal School Incorporated training, one half the time to be in 1865 given to theory and the other From this point, the transition half to teaching under criticism. was easy to the filial act of in­ As teacher for conducting the corporation in 1865 of the Oswe­ training school, he was able to go State Normal and Training secure Miss Margaret E. M. School. The city agreed to fur­ Jones of the Home and Colonial nish the building and the state school in London who assumed provided the funds for mainten­ her duties in May, 1861. At the ance. The formeir United States end of the period for which Miss Hotel on West Seneca Street— Jones was employed, Mr. Sheldon acquired and remodelled by the was prevailed upon to become city—housed the 500 city chil­ principal of the training school. dren which made up the prac­ Prominent Educators Approved tice school and also the teach­ ers in training. Mr. Sheldon con­ February 11, 1862, a group of tinued as Secretary of the Board prominent educators met in Os­ of Education and principal of wego to examine the principles the Normal and Training School and practices of the new system until 1869 when he resigned the of primary instruction. After former position and devoted him­ careful examination and discus­ self entirely to the task of teach­ sion, they gave the new depart­ er training. After its incorpora­ ure their unqualified approval, tion by the state, the school was stating: "That its underlying placed in charge of a Local principles are sound; that the Board of Managers—originally methods of instruction merit and consisting of thirteen members receive our hearty approval and and later reduced to seven. The that they recommend the intro­ Local Board administered the fi­ duction of the system wherever nancial affairs, had the respon­ practicable." sibility for the building and The Board of Education in grounds. It also adopted courses 1864 reports as follows: of study and appointed teachers In the two years since its es­ to the faculty, subject to the ap­ tablishment, this training school proval of the Superintendent of has been of great value to us in Public Instruction. preparing teachers for our schools. It has done much to el­ School Buildings Enlarged evate standards of teaching and The school rapidly increased increase the efficiency of our in popularity and numbers and schools. Many teachers of ex­ soon outgrew the capacity of the perience and established reputa- building. In 1878, the state ap- propriated funds to enlarge. In tion is that teachers must be 1880, additional funds were trained to teach in accordance available until the original build­ with the natural laws of child ing had been much enlarged and development. Such is the key­ improved. This building contin­ note o the Normal School. This ued in use until a modern and is the creed consciously or un­ more commodious one was com­ consciously incorporated in the pleted in 1911. After that time, thoughts and activities of the the high school department was members of the Normal School. discontinued. Previously the de­ Both students and faculty, for partment was operated to enable these two supplemented each students not prepared in certain other as co-workers in a great subjects to make up their aca­ cause. This underlying creed may demic deficiencies. From 1894 not have been explicitly stated onward, the classical department by some but it was always pres­ was abolished, notwithstanding ent by implication in the course the disagreement of principals of study, in the attitude of the and other school officials. The faculty, and in the actual teach­ adoption by the State Education ing. Department of the minimum course for entrance to Normal Sheldon's Work Brought Educa­ Schools made the high school tional Renaissance department In the Normal School E. A. Sheldon's innovation in practically superfluous. Oswego was the beginning of a Up to this point, I have brief­ renaissance of elementary educa­ ly outlined the origin of the Os­ tion. Many school officers had wego Training School and its de­ been aware of the inadequacy of velopment into the Normal school. rote learning, but like Sheldon With the more important aspect did not know what to do about it. of the development, I have yet The success of objective teaching to deal. I am referring to what gave a new direction to educa­ Mr. Sheldon termed the life, the tional thought and gave impetus spirit, the soul of this institution to a new era of investigation, dis­ and its influence upon education­ cussion and changes of which the al thought and practice through­ end is not yet. Sheldon was out the country and far beyond familiar with all the new edu­ its boundaries. cational issues. While he was proud of being the founder of the Education Adapted to Child first teacher training school and Mr. Sheldon's contribution to of the reform in teaching through ehild education is not mereJy the objective methods, he was keenly introduction of object teaching alive to the new contributions to or objective methods of teaching education. He studied the new in the elementary school. These issues as they arose and develop­ new techniques attracted wide ed his educational policy accord­ attention and were widely adopt­ ingly. He was indefatigable in ed. Their introduction by Mr. keeping track of new contribu­ Sheldon was merely one evidence tions and determining their val­ of the basic motive that actuated idity. I have reason to know his entire educational career. that nearly at the end of his life This motive may thus be he spent a month in the hot sum­ stated: The educational ma­ mer season in Chicago studying chinery, courses of study, meth­ a new method of teaching arith­ ods of teaching should be adapt­ metic only to conclude that we ed, to the nature, needs and ca­ taught arithmetic better at pacities of children instead of home. trying to adapt children to the In the small town of Burgdorf, educational machinery. The ob­ Pestalozzi at the age of vious corollary to this proposi­ fifty-five had his first opportun- ity of teaching a class of boys and taught in school and the exigen­ putting into practice his intuitive cies of life. More accurate ob­ conceptions concerning the im­ servers, however, found that ob­ provement of the method of jective teaching in its broadest teaching the subjects of the sense was the germ from which curriculum. His basic innovation, better methods of reaching num­ named by him, "learning by look­ ber, language, geography, etc., ing at things," (Anschaungs- could be derived. Untericht) is learning through It was to be expected that the vision, or "looking at", as opposed name of Sheldon and the Oswego to the then practiced oral learn­ Normal school would be identi­ ing, (Learning by rote). Pestaloz- fied with object teaching because zi formulated a few principles of of the publication of Sheldon's instruction such as "ideas before "Lessons on Objects." (Scribner's words; things before ideas; from 1862) the concrete to the abstract". His Pestalozzi's Influence method was objective. It was not necessarily object teaching, it One should not associate Pest­ was a method especially apt in alozzi with the technique of ob­ the teaching of arithmetic, geo­ ject teaching. Objective teach­ graphy, nature study. He used ing and object teaching are not charts, diagrams and pictures. identical in aim or procedure. One Sheldon an Intuitionist aims at understanding; the other E. A. Sheldon, like Pestalozzi, aims at first-hand knowledge of was an intuitionist. He felt objects. Although inspired by that his first educational machine the teaching of Miss Jones of the did not get results in terms of Home and Colonial School, "Les­ understanding on the part of the sons on Objects" is exclusively a pupils. He saw the lack of spon­ Sheldonian creation and origin­ taneous response to the rote ated in the Oswego training learning of many things of which class. Because of their respec­ they did not know the meaning. tive emphasis upon the objective He also saw that an objective ap­ method of teaching and of object proach was needed. But he did teaching, the work of Krusi not definitely know what he could complemented the work of Shel­ do until he found this collection don with most happy and prof­ of aids to objective teaching pre­ itable results. pared by the Home and Colonial Krusi joined the teaching staff School of London. of the training class in 1867, at the end of Miss Jones' engage­ Quoting Hermen Krusi: ment. He was born in Yverdon "Miss M. E. M. Jones' teaching in Switzerland, where his father was essentially based on prin­ had been a member of the fac­ ciples, which owe their chief ulty of the teacher training sem­ advocacy and application to the inary directed by Pestalozzi. The educational reformer, Pestalozzi. senior Herman Krusi became The more exclusive attention to principal of Normal School in object lesson as a separate Gais, conducted on Pestalozzian branch of study was of English lines. The junior Krusi received origin and has since (1888) been his early education in his fath­ greatly modified. Yet it was this er's school. He was particularly new feature in particular, which fitted by birth and early environ­ struck casual observers as worthy ment for furthering the cause of of attention and unitation, and objective teaching and for the a practical way to change the important part he afterward usual word—or book-method—for took in the movement which led for one in which the real object to the reformation of methods be studied and thus establish of instruction in the United a connection between the subjects States. Herman Krusi had been a teacher in the Home and Co­ ed to the children. He had them lonial School in London and sing about, and imitate the ac­ after his emigration to the tions of the artisans of the com­ United States was a teacher in munity. He invented group a Normal School in Lancaster, games and plays. His occupa­ Massachusetts, and Institute lec­ tional activities he called "gifts". turer. Krusi was not a special­ (Gaben). They were not intend­ ist. His catholic tastes and his ed to be used in fruitless handl­ wide acquaintance with a wide1 ing. It is interesting to note that range of subjects made it pos­ the children acquired informa­ sible for him to teach many sub­ tion concerning color, size, form, jects which he did most effective­ number, etc., without formal in­ ly, always following the objec­ struction. The first gift consist­ tive treatment. One illustration: ed of three worsted balls, red, —In his class in geometry, he yellow, blue. They could be em­ used no texbook but required ployed in many ways and the original solutions or proofs of children learned physical facts propositions. His habitual ap­ about them without actually proach to the subject matter being taught these facts. The studied, encouraged observation second gift consisted of a cube, or determination of facts, inde­ a sphere, a cylinder. Another of pendent thinking, and reasoned- the cube bisected in three direc­ out conclusions. The habits of tions resulting in 8 smaller cubes, approach to and treatment had a providing a source of informa­ far-reaching influence upon the tion about form, counting, etc. men and women who went afield The lethargic group of small vic­ in the educational world and are tims condemned to the regular to be credited with many of the school of the period became a reforms made in the schools of group of happy, smiling, active the country. children. And this institution he named the Kindergarten. Froebel's Kindergartens One cannot proceed to the next Froebel's revolutionary doc­ outstanding addition to the Nor­ trine of education through activ­ mal School without examining ity found a wide acceptance in the work of Friedrich Froebel the United States. Kindergartens whose work and philosophy were gradually were added to many destined to have considerable in­ school systems. The Oswego fluence on child training pro­ Normal and Training School as cedures in the United States far back as 1882 established a rather than in his own country. Kindergarten and placed it un­ Circumstances combined to com­ der the able direction of Mrs. C. pel him to teach a group of A. Burr. Her successor, Miss young children. It was good for­ Amanda P. Funelle, who had tune for the children and him­ done remarkably effective work self. An intuitionist like Pesta- in disseminating the spirit and lozzi, seeing the utter futility of method of object teaching in the repressive control, he had an in­ Albany Normal School, the City spiration. "Why not let the chil­ Training School of Indianapolis, dren learn through their spon­ and the Detroit Normal and taneous activity? Why not di­ Training School. "The great idea rect this activity into productive of the Oswego Normal School is channels instead of inhibiting not Pestalozzianism, but freedom it?" And thus was born a new —rational freedom—the freedom procedure in education—educa­ of true selfactivity through self tion through the activity of the control." To one of this convic­ learner. The means he employed tion, Froebel's doctrine appealed were social plays and construc­ strongly. She devoted herself to tive plays. He wrote songs suit­ the study of Froebel's education-

—7— al philosophy and the conduct of core, others literature, still others the Kindergarten. She assumed insisted on geography. I can re­ charge of the Kindergarten de­ member but one voice crying in partment in the Oswego Normal the wilderness "Make the child's School retiring from this work life and mind—the core." in 1911. The primary and the Kindergarten Course, as well as Parker's Tribute To Straight a course for those wishing to Henry Straight took great in­ devote themselves exclusively to terest in this discussion and was Kindergarten work, was incor­ an active participant in the at­ porated in the curriculum during tempts to solve this problem. He her incumbency. It might be chose geography as the core be­ noted in passing, ours was the cause it dealt with every division first Normal School to include the of knowledge. Another exponent Kindergarten in its program. of the "geography core", was Col. Francis Parker, principal of the Henry Straight's Work In Oswego Cook County, 111. Normal School. Henry H. Straight began a While the disputations among the course in object lessons in science wise educators were still in full while principal of the public swing, Straight joined Col. Park­ schools at Galena, Ohio. In 1876 er in the Cook County School. Col. he joined the faculty of the Nor­ Parker some time later published mal School as teacher of the Na­ a book entitled "Geography" tural Sciences. Dissection in the which dealt with this problem of biological branches and experi­ correlating subjects of the cir- mental laboratory work in the riculum, with geography. physical sciences were notable in­ Col. Parker is quoted: "I pub­ novations at this period. In 1882, lished the book but Straight's philosophy of education was added name should be on the title page." to his courses. Mr. Straight made Of course these projected corre­ some important contributions to lations failed. They were destined the cause of elementary education to fail because they were concern­ of which at least one deserves ed with collections or groups of special mention. knowledge arranged in "air and In the twenty years after the water tight compartments." They introduction of objective teach­ took no cognizance of the child ing, interest in the improvement and that he had to develop his of teaching had swept the educa­ systems of kn_ .ledge from what tional circles. Scheme succeeded he learned through his own activ­ scheme, some ephemeral, others ity of the interrelation between holding the attention for longer himself and the things outside of periods of time. The course of himself. Psychology as an empiri­ study was enriched until there cal and scientific study apart were more subjects than the daily from philosophy of which it had session could accommodate. Think­ been a very small chapter had ing of the child, one wondered yet to be born. But I am antici­ "how one little head could hold it pating. The sterility of all propo­ all." In the catalogs, the enrich­ sals for correlating subjects of ed curriculum made a brave show. the curriculum eventually led to In the minds' of children it produc­ their abandonment and another ed ' chaos. How to get all the discussion entered the spotlight. subject matter "over to the child­ The evaluation of the subject of study was undertaken by the con­ ren" without sacrificing any of K it? The answer seemed to be servative exponents of formal found in what was known as the discipline and the progressive correlation of the subjects of the utilitarians. What knowledge is curriculum. Correlate a number most worth? Herbert Spencer of subjects by selecting a "core". (Education) answered the ques^ Some advocated history as the tion in terms of science rather than the ancient classics. I never ed to children. In 1894, he secured heard Mr. Sheldon express him­ the services of Charles B. Scott self on this subject. He to organize a course in Nature was more concerned with the Study in the elementary school child than with subjects. He and to teach methods. In his work wanted children to be happy in we notice a radical departure their school life. He wanted them from the preceding descriptive to learn about the things that lay procedure. Instead of the struc­ within the compass of their own tural, the functional aspect of or­ lives. From this as a nucleus ganism became the center of in­ they could branch out into various terest. What animals do and how fields of recorded knowledge ac­ they behave; how plants grow cording to their interests and in­ from the seed to the fruit. Here clinations. He found his program we have the sublimation of object reasonably successful. He was like teaching. Not a mere inventory William James and later John of attributes, but the grasp of Dewey, a pragmatist. His pro­ meaning of some of these. In gram worked—so it was right. passing, Cornell University car­ ried the implications of nature Dr. Mary Lee's Influence study to its highest degree. Dean Dr. Mary Lee was sent to the Bailey and Mrs. Comstock, Oswego Normal School by the through the Cornell leaflets, in­ Superintendent of Public Instruc­ troduced millions to the wonders tion of Connecticut in 1862 to of our natural environment. Af­ learn objective methods. After ter an all too brief period, Mr. being graduated from the Michi­ Scott left for Porto Rico. Nature gan University, Medical Depart­ Study after some years again ment, in 1872. She entered appeared as elementary science in the Oswego Normal School the curriculum. Here also we find to teach physiology, have a reaffirmation of Dr. Lee's phil­ general oversight over the osophy. "Not mere information, health of the pupils. After an ab­ but knowledge which influences sence of two years, she returned life—from nature to nature's to Oswego, in 1882, to teach the God." closely related subjects of biology, physiology, physical culture, and Manual Training Established methods of teaching. Dr. Lee sums Practically the last important up the underlying principle of act of*~ Mr. Sheldon was the es­ her work: "I worked, not so tablishment of the manual train­ much to give information, as to ing course. He had for some time influence life." She succeeded. It been interested in this new move­ should be noted here that she is ment, had written articles dealing one of the first to insist that with the educational value of knowledge in itself has no value manual training as a means of ed­ unless it functions in the life of ucating through activity. He was the pupil. That instruction alone concerned with its functional as­ is not education. Another concep­ pect rather than the technical. tion of the function of education Graduates of the school should be is taking shape and Dr. Lee is able to use the simple tools and one of its heralds. be able to construct for them­ Increasing interest in science selves some of the devices needed does not stop with the organiza­ in their school work. Manual train­ tion of science courses. Children ing courses in a few high schools have contacts with natural ob­ already interested him. He was jects and living beings. Science especially interested in the work in the elementary school finds of Dr. Woodard, the father of expression in "Nature Study". Mr. Manual Training in the United Sheldon had long considered how States. He had some acquaintance elementary science could be adapt­ with the Swedish system of Sloyd.

—9— Though he approved of its under­ doctrines at the fountain head in lying purpose*, he did not consider Jena, were the successive inter­ its procedure suitable for schools. preters of Herbart within the In instituting the manual train­ school and beyond its walls. Mr. ing course, he really laid the Sheldon did not live to see the foundation for the present indus­ culmination of this movement. He trial arts department with its reorganized the curriculum of the separate building and splendid elementary schools about two equipment. Drawing had already cores, nature study and language been taught by Krusi as far back literature. A noteworthy result as the sixties. The courses in of the latter grouping was the drawing, mechanical, pictorial, development of "story work" and decorative were closely co­ which attained a high degree of ordinated with the manual train­ effectiveness under the leadership ing—1893. of Lina L. Loveridge. The Herbartian Movement At this stage, we can well Sometime in the late eighties, close our review of the Oswego the Herbartian movement swept Normal and Training School. the educational world. Johann After the unification of the two Friedrich Herbart first explicitly educational authorities of the stated the principle that all edu­ state, the administration of Nor­ cational procedure should have a mal Schools through the Com­ psychological basis. The education missioner of Education, Andrew of the young cannot be achieved S. Draper, became more and by instruction aiming at informa­ more centralized. The school be­ tion only. It must shape the heart came the State Normal school as well as the mind. The former and recently the Oswego Teach­ was to be accomplished by ers' College. acquainting the pupils with bio­ graphies of noble lives, derived Sheldon Great But Modest from Biblical, ancient Greek and We have reviewed the history other historical sources. Instruc­ of our institution created and tion was to create manysided in­ guided in its progress by a per­ terests. In the process of learning, sonality energizing progress. Dr. he stressed the fact that percep­ E. A. Sheldon was a great man, tion must become apperception— withal modest and without arro­ the grasp of the meaning of the gance. He was singleminded in perceived. All learning involved purpose and persevering. The four formal steps, viz., clearness, graduates left the school not association, system, method. The merely to retail the technique subject matter must consist of of objective teaching but to fur­ "method wholes." (Note the sim­ ther the welfare and progress of ilarity to the present day "unit children. The achievements of activity.") the graduates would require a These are a few of the out­ large volume for their enumer­ standing principles as stated by ation. In the last analysis, they Herbart. The Herbartian Society were largely determined by the —to become later the National inspiration and example of a Society for the study of Educa­ great educator. I like to think of tion—was formed and included Dr. E. A. Sheldon as we think some of our foremost educators. of his contemporary, Abraham John Dewey was one of these. Lincoln, known in history as the The Oswego Normal School was great emancipator. Lincoln freed in the forefront of the Herbart­ the Negro from slavery, Sheldon ian Movement. Margaret K. Smith, emancipated childhood from the Grant Karr, and Mary E. Laing, thraldom of mechanized memori- who had studied the Herbartian tor learning.

—10— Oswego County Glass

(Paper Read Before Oswego County Historical Society at Oswego, February 16, 1943, By Miss Frances Eggleston of Oswego, Collector of Early American Glass)

In the abundance which has of historical importance the glass been provided for us for many commemorating it is a link with years and in the mammoth and the past and one finds a thread of mechanical production of our continuity of techniques and great industrial enterprises we are forms which stretches from anti­ likely to forget the beginnings of quity to the present. these industries, the potter's wheel and the glass blower's pipe. Fire Turns Sand Into Glass In the beginning these were arts, The making of glass consists of not industries and it is as arts the transmutation by fire, of that history regards the budding solid opaque grannules of sand and of these enterprises in our shores. alkali into a liquid state and back again into a brittle transparent Cleveland Glass Banks Well solid. Glass beads made about Within the boundaries of our 2000 B.C. were found at Thebes Oswego county there was estab­ and Egyptian glass may have ante­ lished and carried on at Cleveland dated that. By the second or third a glass house, the product of century glass household articles which ranks well with all other were in common use and houses industrial efforts both in interest had glass panes in their windows. and in individual artistic expres­ By the 15th century the Vene­ sion. Cleveland is suituated on the tians enjoyed a virtual monopoly north shore of Oneida Lake in the of the glass trade. So jealous were extreme southeastern corner of they of their formulas and tech­ Oswego county and its glass in­ niques that by the middle of the dustry is so closely connected with 15th century a statute was pass­ several houses in existence at the ed providing that any workman same time in Oneida county to the who carried his craft into a for­ east, that from the point of view eign country and refused to re­ of glass history it is inevitable, turn should be killed by an emis­ when one explores the history of sary appointed for that purpose. glass making in Oswego county, Artisans who tried to escape and to consider also the Oneida county sell the secrets of the Venetian factories. Indeed to arrive at a glass workers were stabbed by proper conception of the subject the medieval Gestapo. One blower we must consider the establish­ who had been offered a fabulous ment and progress of this art in bribe by the covetous Court of the entire country. This is the France was killed at the very pathway which leads up to our gates of Paris. door. As time passed other European For those who collect old glass, countries became proficient in there is in addition to the pride of glass making. In France, the Low­ possession the fascination of his­ lands and to some extent in Eng­ torical and social significance; for land glass workers from Italy each piece which has survived is taught their techniques to native tangible evidence of a way of life, artisans. When glass houses were of a stage in social and industrial established in America they were development and frequently of manned by workers who came stirring events. Whether the event from nearly all countries in which was only of passing interest or one glass making had been highly de-

—11— veloped. In making glass of any not because the settlers needed kind these glass workers quite glass but because England did. naturally followed the methods They set up a crude glass furnace and styles of their native lands. in the woods about a mile from So it is hardly surprising that the settlement. many years passed before all the Hildebrand says: "These pion­ influences blended into something eers made so many beads for approaching a native American trading with the Indians that the expression. glass currency became inflated About a year ago Mr. George and the colonists started ship­ V. McKearin and his daughter ping beads to England at less Helen published a book called than ceiling prices. Old records "American Glass". Mr. McKear­ fail to tell how long this first in is the outstanding authority commercial enterprise lasted, but on this subject and I quote from the pick and the shovel have de­ him rather extensively. As to livered to museums specimens of the early types of glass—he says: the beads and remnants of the "Prior to 1920 there were few furnace bricks and clay pots." students and collectors of Ameri­ Under the later English rule can glass, consequently research the colonists were not encourag­ was limited. The most ambitious ed to make any commodity such project was that of John B. Ker- as glass, as it was feared it would foot and Frederick William Hun­ interfere with the importation of ter who conducted extensive re­ the foi'eign product and before search into the life of William the Revolution glass was one of Henry Stiegel and his glass manu­ the articles taxed by England. facturing from 1763 to 1774 at Elizabeth Furnace and Manheim, Nearly all American glass fac­ Pa., and also of Casper Wistar and tories were established primarily the glass house he founded in for the manufacture of window 1739 and which he operated until glass. But these factories pro­ about 1780. The results of their vided receptacles where left over research and conclusions as to the portions of glass were thrown, nature and characteristics of the which the glass blowers had the Stiegel and Wistar products pub­ privilege of using for their own lished in 1914 marked these cen­ purposes. It is these pieces of so tres as the fountain heads of two called "off-hand" glass that col­ distinct streams of tradition in lectors prize. glass blowing and decorative tech­ Watson Friend Of George Scriba nique in America." Now to trace the history of America's First Factory Made glass manufacture which finally Glass led to the village of Cleveland. It is interesting to know that For much of the following in­ the first factory erected on formation I am indebted to United States soil made glass and Stephen VanRensselaer's book on glass was our country's first ex­ "American Bottles and Flasks." port of manufactured goods. To Mr. VanRensselaer, being a substantiate this we know that descendant of one of the early the first settlers in America glass men, has had unusual op­ landed at Jamestown in 1607. portunity to assemble these facts. This group did not meet with In 1786 or 1787 in Sandlake, success and in 1608 a second near Albany, a glass works was group was sent by the London established. About the year 1788 Company. This included eight Leonard de Neufville, Ian Heefke glass men, Dutch and Polish. The and Ferdinand Walfahert, the company hoped to establish a proprietors of the Dowesbourgh thriving glass industry nearby, glass works near Albany—which

—12— undoubtedly is the same as the ed an act to incorporate the Sandlake—appealed to the people stock holders of the Rensselaer of the state of New York to sus­ Glass Factory; as it was then call­ tain their manufacture of glass. ed. The incorporators were They set forth that the state was Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, John annually drained of 30,000 pounds Saunders, Elisha Jenkins, Elk­ Stirling for this necessary article anah Watson, George Pearson, which they could manufacture James Kane, Thomas Frothing- and which excelled in quality ham, Frederick Jenkins, Ren­ English glass. These works were sselaer Havens and Francis Blood- visited in 1788 by Elkanah Wat­ good. The capital stock was not son. Watson was a friend of to exceed 100 shares at $1,000 George Scriba and his name ap­ each. pears frequently in connection They had to import skilled em­ with Scriba's early activities. ployees. Mr. William Richmond, a Watson's acquaintance with the Scotchman, was superintendent of founder of this enterprise gave the works and he went abroad to him the following information procure workmen. Disguised as which his son published in the a mendicant with a patch over memoirs of his father: one eye, playing upon bag-pipes "Elkanah Watson proceeded he wandered through the glass eight miles from Albany to the district of Dunbarton in Scot­ new glass house erected by John land and engaged his blowers to de Neufville, a former correspond­ cross the sea. With great diffi­ ent of his, and once a resident of culty they hid their tools on ship­ Amsterdam. John de Neufville board, as it was a penal offense had been the negotiator of a for glass blowers to leave Scot­ treaty made by Holland with the land. In this Van Rensselaer fac­ American Congress, which pri­ tory the crown blowers were marily produced the war between Scotch but many cylinder blowers Holland and England in 1781. He were German. The latter were a commenced business with a poor set—intemperate and ex­ hereditary capital of a half mil­ travagant. . . lion, sterling, and lived in Am­ In 1816 a fire was started by sterdam at his country seat in sparks from the pipes of some of affluence and splendor. He sacri­ the blowers who were playing ficed his fortune to the cause of cards on a pile of straw in the American independence. The packing room and the cylinder fragments of his estate he in­ works were burned down. In 1818 vested in the enterprise of these were rebuilt and continued establishing this glass factory. functioning until 1853. Elkanah Watson found this gentleman, born to affluence, liv­ Cleveland's First Works Opened ing in a solitary place, occupying In 1840 a miserable log cabin, furnished However, the same company in with a single deal table and two 1845 had built a factory at Dur- common chairs, destitute of the hamville in Oneida county. This ordinary comforts of life." glass house was still doing busi­ ness in 1878 under the name of De Neufville's Influence Fox & Co. And about four miles This factory, which de Neufville below Durhamville, at Dunbarton, —an American patriot, had estab­ which was named from the Scotch lished as his last hope of success village where the blowers were in life was soon deserted for recruited, a factory was establish­ want of funds to carry it on. But ed in 1802 which remained in ex­ an effort was made to reopen it istence until 1890. In 1878 this in 1795 with more or less suc­ glass works was owned by Mon- cess. In 1806 the legislature pass­ roe-Cowarden & Co. George Co-

—13— warden was a son-in-law of An­ 1840, when the first factory was thony Landgraff, who with his built by Anthony Landgraff and father-in-law and his brothers-in- his sons and his son-in-law, George law came from the village of Ver­ Cowarden. The family came from non to Cleveland in 1840 to es­ the village of Vernon, Oneida tablish the Cleveland Glass county, where they had conducted Works. a window glass plant for several years; but the scarcity of hem­ Factory Built Upon Best Sands lock, the fuel used for melting the Although sand suitable for mak­ glass, compelled a removal of the ing glass was discovered as early factory and Cleveland was select­ as 1813 several miles west of ed as the new site. The tiny vil­ Cleveland, its existence in the lage of Cleveland was then sur­ neighborhood of that village was rounded on three sides, except unknown and for the first year along the lake road, by primeval after establishing his works there forests in which only here and Mr. Landgraff boated his sand there an opening had been made from Verona, upon the south by the axe of the pioneer. On the shore of Oneida Lake. He discov­ remaining side stretched the glis­ ered in 1841 that his works were tening waters and broad expanse located upon a bed of sand far of Oneida Lake rich in historic superior to that he had been association and Indian tradition. using. In consequence of this dis­ The whole region was a sports­ covery two other glass factories man's paradise. were established in the village and a large amount of sand was The village dates its develop­ exported annually to other works ment and growth from the build­ in New York state and Canada. ing of the old Eagle Tannery in In fact the quality of the Cleve­ 1834, so that when the glass fac­ land sand is so superior that the tory came six years afterward Corning Glass Works of Corning, there was a thriving little village N. Y., which made the giant re­ to greet it. Lake and Bridge flector for the Mt. Palomar Ob­ streets were built up almost as servatory in California has used compactly as they are now, but the product of the Cleveland sand on the north the forest encroach­ pits in recent years, especially for ed closely and the glass factory the making of fibre glass. was built almost, if not quite, in the woods. The fuel then used ex­ There is now living in the vil­ clusively for melting and flatten­ lage of Cleveland Mrs. Marion ing was hemlock wood, cut f4ne, Morenus whose husband was iden­ about three feet in length and tified with the glass works there dried in brick ovens; the first and whose brother-in-law, Eugene wood cut for this purpose was Morenus, was the manager of the piled against the drying house by factory in its last period. Mrs. the choppers, so nearby was the Morenus has sent me a pamphlet forest. which was published in 1903 upon the celebration of the burning of Early Works Had Small Capacity the mortgage which previously The new factory buildings were had been placed upon the Cleve­ large and substantial for the time, land glass house. I have selected but the melting furnace was only the outstanding and consecutive about six by eight feet on the in­ facts from the pamphlet and pre­ side and the melting pots little sent them to you. larger than good sized water buckets. A single blower could Hemlock, Not Sand, Invited New carry and place them in the tem­ Works pering ovens. Their capacity was The first period in the history about three hundred feet of glass, of the window glass industry in but as both double and single the village of Cleveland began in strength was then only half their

—14— present thickness, these ancient both until 1889 when he sold both pots held only about one hundred plants to the United Glass com­ and fifty feet. The cylinders were pany. This company conducted mere pygmies by the side of the them both until 1893 and the old huge rollers of today, but they factory a few weeks in 1894 and were opened offhand without the then owing to the hard times aid of pole or crane. Each closed them down, thus complet­ blower gathered, blew, flattened ing the first period in the history and sometimes cut his own glass of glass making in Cleveland. and the tending boys—now gath­ The second period was a short erers—were merely water boys one. In the spring of 1897 the and roller carriers. Those United Glass Co., at great expense, were days of long fires and many converted the old Cleveland fac­ weary working hours for the tory into a model and modern blower, but the wages were good tank with an electric plant at­ even in those days, averaging tached, and with every facility more than a dollar a box. The but cheapness for making window manner of selling the glass was in glass. But their two fires were keeping with the character and short and in the fall of 1899 they primitive ways of small, local, in­ sold the plant to the American dependent manufacturers. In the Window Glass Co. which promptly middle of the last century Oneida closed it for that blast and during Lake was connected with the Erie the next one operated it for little canal system by a side-cut, and more than three months and then it was customary during naviga­ closed it down apparently for tion to load a canal boat with good. This ended the second per­ glass and peddle it out in the iod. towns and villages along the can­ al from Troy and Albany to Lock- Cleveland Boomed In Glass Period port and Buffalo, often in the The forty years from 1834 to way of barter for store goods and 1874 covered the most prosperous other supplies. days of Cleveland. With its large The Landgraff family conducted tannery, two glass factories, nu­ this factory, the old Cleveland merous saw mills, its brickyards, Glass Works, for twenty years and chair factory, wagon shops, lake then after a brief period under and canal traffic, it was a busy William Sanders, it passed in 1863 and bustling place, full of pictur­ into the hands of J. Caswell and esque life and incident. The tan­ Crawford Getman. In 1877 Mr. nery and glass factories consumed Caswell retired and Mr. Getman great quantities of bark, lumber continued the business alone for and wood and mingling with the many years. residents of the village, with its business men, canal men, tan­ Second Works Established At nery and glass workers, were the Cleveland men of the farms and woods, In 1851 the Union Glass Fac­ lumbermen, bark peelers, wood tory was built by a stock com­ choppers and hunters, forming a pany composed mostly of Cleve­ motley population of various races land citizens, but after a year or and occupations. But one by one two it was reorganized and came these various industries dropped under the control of William Fos­ out or were abandoned and fi­ ter, Forris Farmer and Charles nally nothing remained but the Kathren who ran it with success glass industry. for more than twenty years. Then for several years this factory was Two Veterans Seek to Save idle and after several changes it Industry was sold in 1882 to Crawford Get­ The glass works, too. would man, the proprietor of the Cleve­ have gone but for the fact that land factory who conducted them Cleveland had among her resi-

—15— dents two veteran glass manu­ to fines from five to ten thou­ facturers and managers, Craw­ sand dollars and five to ten years ford Getman and Eugene More- imprisonment. They were afraid nus who were experts in the bus­ to proceed and after storing iness and who believed that un­ large quantities of window glass der proper conditions and good in their warehouses, they closed economical management it could down their factories which never still be made to pay in its old reopened. Shortly after the clos­ home. In the spring of 1901 had ing of the factories the Sherman come the wage settlement which act was interpreted to be applic­ struck out the differential of able only to large enterprises and ••even and a half per cent which their business could have been had heretofore prevailed in favor continued legally. The stores of of the Cleveland district, and glass were sold at a great sac­ the elimination of which made it rifice to what the Clevelande^s unsafe, if not unprofitable, for bitterly called "the Jews"—who the ordinary stock company or were supposed to have made corporation to make glass in large sums out of the transac­ Cleveland. Mr. Getman and Mr. tion. Morenus turned to the glass workers and urged them to form Bernhard's Bay, on the lake a a co-operative company, prom­ little to the west of Cleveland, ising that they and the citizens also had a glass factory estab­ cene-ally would aid in the un­ lished in 1847 by Ferris Powell dertaking. Attorney James Gal­ and Israel Titus. lagher formulated the plan of In 1863 after sixteen years of a worker's co-operative corpor­ successful operation, this factory ation which would enable the was sold to a group of investors workmen to be their own employ­ and carried on under the firm ers, and to a great extent regu­ name of Stephen & Crandell & late their wages and profits by Co. The incorporators of this or­ the conditions of the trade. Un­ ganization were Dewitt C. Steph­ der Mr. Gallagher's counsel and ens, K. Martin Crandell, Clinton aid the company was organized Stephens and Frank Willard Ben­ and incorporated as the Getman nett. Later Mr. Crandell was Window Glass Company. succeeded by his son, Elmore Rockwood, and Mr. Stephens by Sherman Act Closed Works his son, Albert, and Richard This last company continued in Douglas was admitted to the existence until about 1912. Some­ partnership. In 1873 the firm time before that Eugene More­ was doing business under the nus had withdrawn from his po­ name of Bennett & Beckley. sition and was succeeded by John Ten years later Clark Hurd & Kime. Mr. Morenus and his Co. succeeded them and in the brother, Granville Morenus, had middle eighties. Potter & Mars- established glass factories in den were the operators. But the Pennsylvania near supplies of business declined, laborers left cheaper fuel. This was natural their jobs to go elsewhere, and gas, which gave a steady heat on July 5, 1895 the factory burn­ and was less costly than wood. ed and was never rebuilt. Four or five glass houses Miss Sophiei Crandell, the grand­ had formed a combination daughter of Stephen, is liv­ to market their product. Then ing in Bernhard's Bay and has the Sherman act was passed and given me an interesting schedule to operate this group of factor­ of the working hours of the blow­ ies as they had been doing it ers for the pot furnaces. was feared would be held illegal. Tf the law was upheld the heads From midnight Sunday until of these houses would be subject 11 Monday; from 7 a. m. Tuesday until 6 p. m.; from 1 p. m. Wed-

—16— nesday until 12 p. m.; from 12 Cleveland Birthplace of First noon Thursday until 11 p. m.; American Labor Union from 7 a. m. Friday until 6 p. m; from 7 a. m. Saturday until Mr. William Gallagher — your 6 p. m. county attorney—is the son of With an hour out for lunch Mr. James Gallagher whose ad­ this made a sixty-hour week. vice and plans enabled this On Wednesday evening visitors Cleveland glass works to operate were admitted, and as a conces­ for its last period. sion to Victorian modesty, dur­ He recalls many interesting in­ ing that period the blowers were cidents of the glass days of requested not to remove their Cleveland. What seems of un­ shirts while working. usual interest is that Cleveland is the birthplace of unionism in Glass Blowers at Mexico the United States. In recent years there has been Frank P'.'tney, a veteran of the living in Mexico a family of glass Civil war was secretary of the blowers. These people are descen­ Cleveland Glass Company. He dants of Charles Marrithan, a evolved the scheme of a secret glass blower of Alsace, France organization of workers. where he was employed by the It was then against the law for Baccarat Glass Company in mak­ workers to organize but they ing flowers for paperweights. did at Cleveland, and seemed to He was the only member of his nave controlled firing and hiring family who knew the secret of and wages by secret methods. mixing colors and never was al­ They held their meetings out­ lowed to tell his son. His son doors in a nearby ravine, where Charles and his wife, both Alsace they were completely hidden born, came to New York after from observation. their marriage and worked in fac­ Mr. Samuel Gompers, who tories near Boston and New was then a young cigar worker, York. The third Charles was learned of the scheme and born in New York and due to ill spent some days visiting Frank health was sent to Colos-se to Putney in Cleveland and se­ live with an uncle. He, his wife cured complete information as and daughter worked together to the organization and methods for many years and travelled of the glass workers union. He through the country showing returned to New York and or­ their craft at country fairs and ganized the Cigar Workers Union expositions even as early as the —his first. Later Mr. Gompers centennial in 1876. His last years was head of the American Fed­ were spent in Mexico where he eration of Labor for many years. blew fragile bits of glass from This is Mr. Gallagher's story. material which he obtained at I am mentioning it briefly. I Corning. Members of his family hope that some day he himself are still carrying on with their will tell the members of the His­ work. torical Society about it.

—17— Ned Lee, His Life and Times

(Third in a Series of Papers on "Oswego County Authors" as Read Before Oswego County Historical Society at Oswego, March 16, 1943, by Dr. Lida S. Penfield, for­ mer Head of English Department of Oswego State Normal School). Nearly a hundred years ago action, in sympathy. Gifted with there was born in Oswego a boy a pleasant, resonant voice, he whose life was remarkable be­ lifted it in song and in exhorta­ cause of the contrast between the tion. He loved muiic. He loved early years—what he called "the flowers, but above all he loved wicked years"—and the later people, from little children to years when he became an evan­ old timers, and delighted to be gelist and missionary to the down- of service to anyone in trouble, and-out, whose hardships and need, or adversity. Nothing of a temptations he knew so well from writer himself, he was persuaded experience. He was a "living epis­ by his friends to tell the story tle, known and read of all men." of his life to Mr. Charles Dun­ A natural orator, he spoke his ning Clark who at that time was message in his daily life. connected with the "Oswego Pal­ The Hon. George B. Sloan of ladium," who edited the narrative Oswego once wrote of him: for publication. Here is the title "Mr. Lee is a notable example page of the book: of what a man can do for him­ self and for others, and how PRISON CAMP AND PULPIT surely he can lift himself in the The Life of a City Missionary in intellectual and social scale if he the Slums has the desire and the will to do Talks and Tramps Here and There so. From the most unpropitious conditions in early life Mr. Lee By Edward Lee has speedily builded up a good Of Oswego, N. Y. name until that name has come The Record of an Eventful Life to stand for a reputation most Edited by Charles Dunning Clark creditable and not a little re­ Oswego, N. Y. markable. R. J. Oliphant, Printer and Sta­ "As a result of this Mr. Lee can tioner count troops of friends in this 1889 community who thoroughly be­ The volume is dedicated to Mr. lieve in him and confide in him, and Mrs Charles E. Rancour of and are ready to stand by him. Albany, N. Y., of whom Mr. Lee They know him to be worthy of says: "They were friends when I their best support and confi­ needed friends." dence because they know of his The thirty-two chapters are usefulness in conserving the mor­ brief—usually some ten pages in ality of this city and the cause length. The effect is that of a of the religion he preaches and series of informal chats. consistently practices." How Biography Came To Be Lee Loved People Written How many of us remember Ned The book opens with Ned Lee's Lee? Straight, sinewy, well- own account of how the record built, keen blue eyes, brown of his life was written: curly hair with glints in it that "I have often been asked the often go with a lively, quick tem­ question by good friends—why per. Quick, that was the word for don't you write your life? My him; quick in temperament, in answer has generally been, that,

-18- while I had, perhaps, the gift of core Dr. Sunderman sung "Throw talking to a certain kind of au­ Out the Life Line." The songs dience with good effect and fair were those much used by Ned success, I am not an author, and Lee in his work as an evangelist have not the art -ufficient to and furnished a pleasing back­ write the story of my somewhat ground for the rest of the eve­ eventful life. ning's program.) "To this they always answer­ These robust and vigorous fig­ ed, that there was a lesson in my ures of the fighting man, on land life which might preach a sermon and on sea Ned Lee felt made to many, who, like myself, had more real the courage it takes been brought up amid surround­ to be the captain of one's own ings that almost certainly lead soul and follow the Commander to evil; and that the reformation through to victory. of such a man is something novel Neither Mr. Lee nor his edi­ in its way. More in deference to tor, Mr. Clark, pay much at­ the wishes of these dear friends tention to dates, but furnish us than from any desire of my own, enough to follow the time ele­ I have concluded to tell the story ment in the tale of events. of my life in my plain way, and if any good comes of it, I shall Ned Lee was born May 21, be thankful." 1846, in the First Ward of the City of Oswego, and lived as a This is the man and this is the boy in some of the tumble-down book we shall share this evening. rookeries that lined Water Street Long before there was any in those days. His father was radio Ned Lee chose for his Scotch and his mother of Irish theme song the rousing militant descent. His father died when the fjospel hymn: lad was five and shortly after­ Ho, my comrades! See the signal wards his mother also died. The Waving in the sky! orphan was taken into the fam­ Reinforcements now appearing! ily of Edward Degan and he Victory is nigh! took the latter's family name. Chorus Many believed that Degan was "Hold the fort, for I am coming," his real name, but he tells us Jesus signals still. that Lee is the only name to Wave the answer back to Heaven, which he has a legal right. "By thy grace, we will!" Life on Oswego's Flats Lee's Favorite Hymns Of "the Flats" of Oswego Another gospel hymn he liked where he lived as a boy as did was "Pull for the Shore, Sailor, many another sailor lad, he says: Pull for the Shore". This was a "There is no portion of the town favorite with the crowds at the which has sent out half so many City Mission. For our pleasure, toughs, or been the birthplace of and for the help these songs will so much riot, confusion, and be in bringing back the spirit of crime. People in other parts of Ned Lee, Dr. Lloyd Sunderman the town have fancifully named of the Teachers College, accom­ Seneca street, near which I was panied by Miss Marian Angel, born. 'The Dead Line', because also of the College faculty, will there was a time when no officer sing first, "Hold the Fort," and of the law, or respectable person then "Pull for the Shore". from another ward, dared to (At this point there was an in­ cross it after nightfall; and if termission while the hymns were he did, it was at his own peril.' sung by Dr. Lloyd Sunderman of The Degans gave Ned the only the State Teachers' College with home his boyhood knew. He Miss Marion Angel of the col­ speaks affectionately of the kind­ lege as accompanist. As an en­ ness Mrs. Degan showed him, and

—19— says that though there were —I was happier there in the midst many evil associations, not all of danger than I ever was in my who live in the poorest part of criminal life." a city are low and mean; for After his discharge from the there are among them many Navy, he re-enlisted in March, honest and good folk. Another 1864. This time he took service sign that his home meant a good in the Army and joined the 147th deal to him is the fact that Ned N. Y. Volunteers, under Captain Lee always came back to his na­ Joe Dempsey. He was among the tive city, and though he began forces engaged in the Battle of his new life in another city by the Wilderness, May 5th and was choice, as soon as he felt that taken prisoner. For 11 months he had succeeded in self-control and twelve days he was either and won a place for himself, it in a rebel prison or a fugitive was to his home town he came from captivity. to take the message of hope and courage to the needy and Delivered from bondage when despondent. he with a group of fellow pris­ oners, after terrible hardships, Frequently Chased By Police reached the camp of General The story of his youth is chief­ Sherman, he was sent north, ly, it would seem, like that game arriving by ship in New York the children play of chase and cap­ morning after President Lincoln ture called "Cops and Robbers", was shot. and it was not long befor he was Making his way west, he sent away to the House of Refuge , in Rochester. He was often on the reached Milwaukee, where for boats that sailed out of Oswego violently resisting an officer he harbor. Frequently he was a was sent to prison for several fugitive. The winter of 1862 he years. His determined efforts to spent in the town of St. Cath­ escape brought upon him the erine's in Canada. Of himself at added penalty of solitary con­ this time he says: finement and the ball and chain. When he was a free man he head­ "You may say that so far I had ed for Detroit, where for a time had a varied criminal experience he worked for a printer. But he for so young a lad. I was between got into trouble, this time because sixteen and seventeen years of age, a mere boy with fresh rosy he helped a slick trickster, who cheeks; but I was beginning to got away, leaving Lee to take feel like Ishmael — his hand the punishment. When he had against every man and every served his time, he set out for man's hand against him." Oswego. The police were on the lookout for him, but he evaded When spring came, he went to them and found for himself a Chicago, where he already was known to the police, and in no hide-out in a barn near "the forks time at all, there he was again in of the road." Feeling safe, and jail. This time he' thankfully ac­ being exhausted with his journey- cepted the offer of liberty, on ings, he fell asleep, so that when condition that he enlist in the the police came they caught him navy of the Union, then engaged easily. When he realized what in the war between the states. had happened, he cried like a child, he "was so mad at being Took Pride In Navy Record taken that way." Of his two years in the Navy, The "Great Change" Comes he calls it: "A part of my life at which I At last he was sent from Os­ can look with pride, because I wego for six months to the Onon­ did honest service to my country daga Penitentiary in Syracuse. and did my share, young as I The Great Change of his life came was, to put down the rebellion to him there:

—20— "It was a simple thing that could make a good battle before changed me—just the kind act of I gave up the fight." a noble woman—I don't know who she was—I never knew—but Lee Turns Evangelist she was a lady of culture and Lee triumphed. That was the came to the penitentiary and turning place. After that de­ brought me a bouquet of beauti­ cision, he became an evangelist ful flowers. Before she came I and a crusader for Temperance. was brooding over my wrongs, a He chose Albany for his new sullen, despeiate young man, start. Through the Y. M. C. A. thinking of nothing so much as he became associated with the revenge upon the men whom I leader of a City Mission. From then on he tolled cor the social thought were persecuting me betterment of the submerged without a cause. When the frag­ dwellers :n 'he poorest part of rance of those flowers filled my cities, or traveled tnrough village cell, it seemed to me that they after village holding evangelistic changed my nature in a moment. services with much success. My heart was softened, and I set to work and picked a piece of In 1876 Ned Lee came home to pine apart and made a sort of Oswego, lodging at the Mer­ frame which would hold the bou­ chant's Hotel, later known as the quet and set it up, and looked Ringland House, which stood at it and wondered what had put where the New York Telephone Company's building is now estab­ it into the heart of that lady to lished, at the Southeast corner of bring flowers to me. I felt ail West Second and Bridr. streets. the malice and hatred go out of He had come with a definite plan my heart at once, and I said to to reach with his message the as­ myself: 'That lady is what they sociates of his early days, so he call a Christian.' I would sit looked about for a place in which on my cot for fifteen minutes at to hold meetings: a time, with my arms folded, looking at that poor decoration First Oswego Mission On Water and with my heart full of wonder Street that this lady whom I did not "Down in Water street, near know, and whom I might never my old haunts, was a building at see again, should be kind to a that time little used, and I poor prisoner. Perhaps it was thought it would be good enough my bad fortune, but in my prison for me," he says in his book. "I life I had never before met with rented an organ and had it put in any such, and it was a surprise there, organized a Sunday school at once and held meetings on to me that anyone would think Sundays in the Methodist chapel, it worth while to be kind to a on the Orphan Asylum Hill. As I prisoner. I thought of my life expected, I had two or three in the Army, of the three years fights before things settled down, and five months I had served un­ but determination won the day der tiie Union banner, and it at last. In Water street I had seemed to me almost like deco­ crowded meetings of course. The rating a soldier's grave. She toughs of that locality came out made me three or four visits and of curiosity at first to see 'Ned before they ended I had made up Degan' who was born and reared my mind to quit drinking—to be among them, preaching and talk­ a man . I was deter­ ing temperance. I don't blame mined to fight the battle by my­ those who knew me in my early self, and when they opened the days if it was a marvel to them. door of the prison from the office "No matter how tough the into the main corridor and I step­ crowd, they always liked singing ped out into light and freedom, and it was an odd sight to see I felt strong in the hope that I them crowd the building, dock-

—21— wollopers and wharf rats, ringing a while he began to take a fancy out the stirring hymns 'Hold the to me and would talk about his Fort' and 'Pull for the Shore' life a little. I kept coming, and he with all the fervor of old Chris­ would at last allow me to talk tians." and pray with him, and in time became a religious man." Local Support For His Work Lee soon learned that his work Storms Baldwinsville Church was appreciated. A group of men From Mrs. Allen Butler, presi­ from the Oswego Y. M. C. A. dent of the state W. C. T. U., he sent word to him that they would received, about this time, an in­ be responsible for his room and vitation to work in Syracuse. The board as long as he remained in success of his campaign for temp­ the city. This was a surprise, for erance led to invitations from he was depending on his own re­ other towns nearby. When they sources and had not asked or ex­ "tackled" Baldwinsville, it was pected help. considered in those days, to quote Rev. W. F. Hemingway, pastor his phrase, a "tough town". He of the First Methodist church, on found himself not entirely wel­ come. The large church where May 22, 1876, wrote of Lee: (if possible) the meetings were "He is the very man that Os­ to be held, was refused to them wego needs. Not only the classes by its board of trustees. The to which he is carrying the minister gave the key to Ned Gospel needed him, but the Lee's party. Thereupon the churches needed him. Religion trustees cut off the gas. Ned Lee had put on so much of the borrowed lamps and lanterns and Laodicean type hert in this city hung them on the gas fixtures. that the advent of Brother Lee is When the building was lighted, like the coming of another Paul, Mr. Lee began to ring the chime and we have not a few Felixes of bells, raising such a din that who say that he is mad (not for the fire department turned out. his learning but yet insane) One of the irate trustees made Would that this land had a hun­ such a fuss that the firemen took dred thousand men insane after sides with the temperance people, the same way." left their apparatus outside, came In October of that year (1876) in and joined the meeting. "We Ned Lee returned to Albany and had a rousing time, and a large to his work with his friend, Mr. number signed the pledge," con­ Reynolds in the City Mission. cludes the record of that ses­ Illustrating his method with "a sion. wicked profane man" who was sick, whom he was asked to visit, Camillus, Auburn, Canastota, is the following: Rome, Weedsport, Port Byron, Savannah, South Butler, Silver "As I went in his first saluta­ Lake, Wolcott, Red Creek, North tion was: 'Who the blankety Wolcott, Rose Valley, Clyde, Pal­ blank are you? Are you a myra, Newark, Dunkirk, Fredonia preacher?' I said no, I am a mis­ Erie, Buffalo, Suspension Bridge, sionary; hold on while I whoop Alton, Big Sodus, all were includ­ you up a song, and commenced ed in the itinerary of this inde­ one of the Moody and Sankey fatigable missionary before he re­ hymns. He kicked and swore, but it was no use. I sang 'Sowing the turned to Oswego. Seed' all through. I used to drop Lee's good friend, Mr. Kings- in now and then and he would ford, gave him the use of the still grumble and growl and want chapel on West Bridge street, to know if I was going to try and where he was to carry out a plan run the house. He bluffed a little, for organizing a "Band of Hope." but I wouldn't pay any attention To that end he gathered together to his rough conduct, and after 400 hoodlums and organized a

—22— school. For three months all went was into Jefferson county, and well. Then a fellow he had help­ from there into Canada, on his ed came to tell him that the gang way to Oberlin, Ohio. At Oberlin was coming over to "bust" him. he thought he might study for a When the gang came he was ready year at the college. President for them. Fairchild received him cordiality Lee Wins With Poker Hand but advised him, after hearing his "I did not say a word to any­ story, not to waste a year in the body but got a big poker from the study of theology, because he was stove and set it up near the pul­ already fitted for special work pit. I opened the Bible and gave where he was doing much good. out my text, and then said: 'You Persuaded that after all college have come here to fight and you was not what he needed, he went have got just the right kind of back, encouraged, to his preach­ a preacher to handle you.' They ing. There were meetings in sev­ kept quiet for a while and then eral cities in Ohio, before he began to kick on the floor. I turned his steps eastward by way spoke to them twice, and the of Buffalo and villages along the third time I sung out to Will Cole old Ridge road to get back to Os­ to open the door, and I went for wego in June. the crowd with the poker and Probably before this stage in his banged them in a lively fashion career (dates are rarely mention­ and cleaned out the gang. It was ed) his fortunate and happy mar­ quite a while before they stopped riage took place. running, and they never made me "I was married to Miss Ella the least trouble after that. One Sever, at Wolcott, N. Y., Septem­ of the papers had an article head­ ber 5th, 1883" he tells us adding, ed, 'Ned Lee Has a Full Hand— "the people of Oswego would not the Only Time He Has Played have known it so soon, but some Poker in Years.' " one caught me buying white Another year found him again gloves at Massey and Deforest's."* in Albany. The following spring Lee Opens Oswego Soup Kitchen he undertook a speaking tour Another enthusiastic venture through the villages in the hop in his mission work in Oswego regions, and along the shores of was a soup kitchen. In two Oneida lake. At Bernhard's Bay months 900 persons were fed. he spoke in the meeting house of This center was set up in the the Society of Friends (Quakers) block on West Cayuga street, be­ and afterward in the hall. At this tween First and Second Streets. place a man named Cole raised The owner of the block was the a discussion over a point in the contractor, D. A. Earl, a stanch Scriptures. A debate was ar­ friend of Mr. Lee. On the top ranged. floor of the building, Mr. Earl had tables set up and provided Bible Debate Thrills Glass Blow­ the needed stoves. The patrons ers of the kitchen came from "The "The controversy got up a great Flats," bringing with them pails excitement, and I had told the to be filled and carried home. Mr. glass blowers to bring their Bi­ Earl helped both to make the bles. It was a sight to see them soup and then to serve the long sitting there, some with big fam­ line of hungry folk. ily Bibles on their knees, looking for the passages as they were Mrs. William Brown, a daugh­ pointed out, and at last Mr. Cole ter of Mr. Earl, gave me these had to give up." details. She remembers Mr. Lee, Back to Fulton came Lee. his lovely wife and his little Then to Oswego and the City daughter, Ella. Every Sunday Mission for ten months, where he * A well known Oswego department store of its day which was located in held 75 meetings. His next tour West First street, south of Bridge street.

—23— the three came to have dinner of the address, the fire bell rang, with the Earls and they were and as one man the audience rose always welcome guests. Mr. Lee and rushed from the hall to go to was full of fun and a most inter­ the fire, leaving an astonished esting talker. "He was the kind of orator with his message half de­ a man no one who met him could livered. The meeting came to an forget." Mrs. Brown also re­ end, then and there, for there members going to play the organ was no prospect that the "boys" for services Lee held at the old would come back until the appar­ .iail on the East side, and she re­ atus was safely reinstalled at the calls her dread of the place. fire house. In those days the hose wagons were horse-drawn and a Services At "Revolving Jail" thrilling spectacle as they dashed Another friend has passed on headlong through the streets, to me the experience of a girl bells clanging, and sparks flying from Hannibal. She was one of a from the horses' hoofs, to say party of young people from that nothing of the bulky, burnished village who came to attend the fire engine that snorted black service at the jail. The Oswego rmoke as it was towed along by County Jail of those days was of the galloping steeds. Who indeed a peculiar type. It was known to would wish to miss a sight so the initiated as the "Merry-Go rtirringly gallant? Not one of Round." The cells were built Ned Lee's boys, you may be sure into a central circular structure, of that! He knew they would al­ so constructed that the cells ways break loose at the tocsin of could be revolved by machinery. the •bell in the tower of the City I believe the purpose of this un­ Hall. usual arrangement was to pre­ vent the escape of prisoners. At Always Befriended Prisoners the hour of the service, the cage would be turned so that the door At the jail, Ned Lee also dis­ of each cell would be opposite, in tributed papers to the prisoners; turn, to the exit into the corridor helped those who were to go out where the meeting was to be to find employment, and was a held. Slowly, one by one, the in­ friendly visitor there often. mates emerged from the cage Every day he visited the lock-up and the wheels would clank at the City Hall to befriend the around for the next man to make men he found there. At the mis­ his entrance. The gloomy prelude sion he held meetings, gave an to the service made an indelible occasional party for children, impression on the young visitor sponsored by generous donors. from Hannibal, as one can well He distributed to the needy understand. clothing and money, as well as provisions. At Christmas there Fire Calls Audience Away were gifts for the little ones. Another friend recalls an even­ Thanksgiving Day, too, kept him ing when she was among a busy. Friends kept him supplied choir of young people invited to with magazines and papers to sing at the service held at the take to those who liked to read Mission then located on the West and lacked newspapers and side of West First, street between books. (The city library then en­ Cayuga and Seneca streets. The couraged no such army of readers audience was largely made up of as now flock to its hospitable railors and longshoremen, and en­ halls.) The Mission was open thusiastic singers. The speaker every evening from 7 to 9 o'clock of the evening was an important as a club house for those who citizen—somehow Ned Lee could wished to come. Sometimes he get the best speakers to come to furnished lodgings and break­ talk to his "boys." In the midst fast for wayfarers, and again

—24— and again he was called to be­ beat a mission out of a bowl of friend a child neglected or soup." abused. He was a busy man all He affords a glimpse of the the time. type of men he had sometimes to In 1887 there came a call to deal with: Lee to come to New York from "I used to work among the Dr. A. F. Schauffler, head of the "Whyho gang" and if there is City Mission work in New York any tougher class of men on city. It was a big field and too in­ earth, I never met them. teresting an opportunity to let Lee Always Well Treated slip so, to the regret of all Oswe­ go, Ned Lee gave up the mission "But, bad as they were, utterly on First Street and departed for without conscience or any idea the metropolis. of right or wrong, the fellows always treated me well. There Lee's Work Along the Bowery were many pickpockets among Mr. Lee was assigned to work on them and they used to work in the Bowery among the lodging front of 'The Great London houses which hung out the sign, Store,' corner of Bowery and "Clean beds 15 cents; rooms 25 Hester Streets. There was one cents a night." In the neighbor­ queer duck who used to beg there hood of Cooper Union there and one day he tackled me for were over 5,000 beds in these money. I wanted to catch him houses. The patrons came from and had more fun with him than every state in the Union and a little. He would rush up to from most of the countries of me and cry, "Say, mister, give the world. They were men for the me a cent," and then run for greater part. It was an admit­ his life, never waiting for the tedly dangerous field, but Mr. penny. I chased him, but he al­ Lee tackled it for all he was ways got away." worth. In the densely populated por­ tions of Manhattan Island below The chapters in the book that 14th street there was great tell of the work in New York squalor and poverty. city are filled with stories of "In an urban city like Oswego individual men, broken and dis­ we think that we know some­ couraged. Some of them found thing of poverty. But no; we themselves, with the help of the have not learned the alphabet. men who had learned the hard We think, sometimes, we know way to "Hold the Fort," and '.vhat degradation is, but the over such he rejoiced greatly. worst case I can show you in Apropos of turkey dinners, my daily walks would hardly com­ Mr. Lee wrote: pare with the common low life "I have often heard men sneer of the metropolis .... and yet, about feeding prisoners with strange as it may seem, these turkey, but I know that a kind­ people would not think for a ness done to a man who is in moment of living anywhere else. trouble, a kindness that fills an They love New York, and I some­ empty stomach, does more good times think they love it so well, than the presentation of a relig­ that they would sooner die than ious tract. "Some of them," he leave it." adds, "are frauds, of course, but In the great city Mr. Lee that is to be expected." learned many things about the Again concerning frauds: agencies organized for social bet­ terment, notably The Fresh Air "The Bowery is full of frauds Fund of the New York Tribune. in a small way. Actually there are men in these lodging houses Misfortune Forces Men Down who will travel long miles and Of the thousands who dwelt wear out good shoe leather to where he worked, Italians on

—25— Mulberry street, and Chinese on ing her death, July 2, 1932. Her Mott street, he has this to say: remains were placed in the grave alongside of that of her husband. "I hope that no one who reads Their daughter, Elma M., now the this book will imagine that all the wife of A. K. Reading, yet makes people who find refuge—for they her home in Davenport at 402 do not find homes—in the dismal East Rusholme street. places where my work was done are bad or evil. Many are driven Lee A Friend to All there by hard fortune, by failure to obtain work, by sickness, by All who remember him still say accidents, by any of the thousand of Ned Lee, "He was a good man, ills which beset the pathway of sincere and earnest in everything the poor of great cities. ... I he did. To many he was a help have seen there some heroic souls, To all he was a friend." who, living perforce in an at­ The story of his life, as told mosphere of vice and crime, were in "Prison, Camp and Pulpit" is pure men and women and good worth reading as a study in the Christians." development of an unusual char­ The strenuous program Mr. acter, a man twice born. It is Lee followed daily sapped his interesting for the sidelights it energy. His wife and child throws upon the conditions of missed the green trees and open social welfare in Albany, in Os­ spaces of the city by the lake, wego, and in New York. When so at last, in November of 1888 Ned Lee came to do mission the three rejoiced to leave the work here, the Y. M. C. A. had great city and return for a season begun its work. He acted as to Oswego, where Mr. Lee took superintendent for two societies up his old duties. But not for newly formed in Oswego in the long. There came a call for his years just preceding the call to services from Davenport, Iowa, Davenport. These were the and he resigned his work as city Society for the Prevention of missionary here April 10, 1893. Cruelty to Children and the Once more the deciding influence Society for the Prevention of was the welfare of his wife and Cruelty to Animals, marking the little daughter. To that western rise of the humanitarian move­ city they went not long after ment in social agencies. Empha­ the book we have been discussing sis began to be put upon pre­ was published. Again and again vention, rather upon than cure. he brought his family to call Ned Lee was one of our earliest upon old friends in Oswego, but agents of social welfare, effi­ he remained in Davenport and cient and kindly. As such he de­ made that city his home for the serves to be long remembered. rest of ois lif° He died there A veteran of three great August 30, 1927, at his home at struggles, the rebellion against 515 Kirkwood Boulevard. His law and order of his ill-disci­ body was buried in Oakdale cem­ plined, tempestuous youth, the etery in that city. At the head Civil War, and the crusade to of his grave there stands a bring men to the good life, he G. A. R. marker that flies the proved himself the good sailor American flag each Memorial who pulled for the shore and Day. His widow continued after reached the fair haven where he his death his settlement work in would be the brave soldier who Davenport until the June preced­ held the fort for his captain.

—26— Oswego County Painters

(Paper Read Before Oswego County Historical Society at Oswego, April 13, 1943, by Daniel A. Williams of Oswego, Collector, a Member of the Board of Managers of the Society).

Oswego County is the birth­ An item in the Palladium-Times place of many interesting and ex­ appearing a few months ago, pressive painters, both in oil and called attention to his having water color. Several names will opened a studio 50 years ago occur to you naturally. This even­ in the Guimaraes Building, on ing I am going to refer to three West First Street, Oswego. A Oswego artists who have gained few years later he was doing his national renown: painting in the same city, on West Bridge Street, between First and J. Francis Murphy Second streets. His studio was on James G. Tyler the second floor. I remember Charles Henry Grant. him as a very charming man. He One of them I knew person­ did not seem to discourage the ally and I shall speak of him calls of some of us fellows from first. Grant is represented in the nearby offices, although he Fielding's Dictionary of American must have known that there were Painting as follows: no prospective clients among us. "Marine painter. Born in Os­ It seems that M. F. H. De- wego, N. Y., 1866. Studied at Haas, a celebrated marine paint­ National Academy of Design, er, was spending a summer at New York, San Francisco Art Hamilton, N. Y. He learned that Institute. Exhibited in leading Charles Grant was a promising cities; also San Francisco Expo­ artist, and offered to give him sition, 1915. Principal works-: free lessons for a while. If he 'Will the Anchors Hold?', 'Ship were to take advantage of off the Starboard Bow', 'Near- this tempting opportunity, Grant ing Port', 'At the Mercy of would have to receive financial Neptune', 'Under Sealed Or­ assistance. At the time Grant ders', 'The Arrival of the At­ was a member of the old 38th lantic Battleship-Fleet at the Separate Company of the New Golden Gate—1908'. Address: York National Guard. A friend The Bohemian Club, San Fran­ of his who was also a member cisco, Calif." of that Company, offered to pay Grant's artistic ability must for the trip. The offer was ac­ have been well appreciated be­ cepted. The incident was related cause some years ago he was com­ to me something like this: missioned to paint the Pacific "Charlie always said: T am Fleet. going to pay you back'." Reminiscences of Grant * the house stands at 181 East Fourst Street. Grant's studio arrange­ Grant lived on East Fourth ments in the upper story of the house Street, Oswego, not far from the were still extant when the present owners purchased the property 20 site of the former Conway Knit­ years ago. At that time the etudio ting Mill.* He had a studio in was intact and there were a few the attic of his home, and there damaged paintings of Grant's remain­ ing in it. The studio was destroyed he gave lessons in painting. He when the house was remodeled into also made crayon portraits. I am a two_family apartment. The house, of which Grant was at one time the told that at one time he was lo­ owner, is etill owned and occupied cated in the Grant Block, Oswego. by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gregway.

—27— "That's all right, Charlie", and sale of Grant's pictures. Most came the friend's reply, "when of them did not seem to be rep­ you get in shape to do it and resentative of a man who had can spare the money I would be become so celebrated as an ar­ glad to have you do it, because tist. Mrs. Graves appeared to be it would show your apprecia­ much disappointed that there tion." were so few buyers. I trust there "I'll be glad to make a paint­ will be sufficient financial re­ ing for you now," concluded turns eventually from the sale' Grant. of the paintings to repay these The benefactor realizing that devoted friends for their long-con­ very likely he would get a more tinued kindness. desirable picture if he could de­ One of Grant's paintings, depict­ lay the work until the artist had ing the Evacuation of the British gained thorough experience, ma­ from Fort Ontario, hangs in the neuvered matters so that the time City Hall, Oswego. A large can­ of repayment was postponed vas, one of his best known, "At until about 1899 when the Amer­ the Mercy of Neptune", is famil­ ican yacht Columbia was to de­ iar to Oswegonians as for many fend the America's Cup. Then the years it was owned by the Judge long sparring ended, and it was L. C. Rowe family of Oswego. arranged that Grant should go to New York and make a picture of Tyler's First Work Sketching the race for the friend who had Ships backed him. A painting was made James G. Tyler was born in of the winning yacht Columbia Oswego in 1855 and died in 1931. running before the wind, with Tyler was a really good artist, spinnaker set. Later, this gentle­ but I do not think that he accom­ man said, he presented the paint­ plished as much in his field as he ing to the Oswego Yacht Club. could have done if he had been more conservative in his habits Grant] Removed to California and had not allowed pressure for Grant removed from Oswego funds to induce him to produce shortly after the turn of the many paintings that were far be­ century. Keeping him in mind, low his standard. I rarely could find any of his pic­ A prominent Oswegonian told tures for sale at the well known me only recently that Mr. Mor­ galleries in New York, which I gan M. Wheeler, who at one time occasionally visited. was the owner of a large fleet of Grant died a few years ago in vessels hailing from Oswego, gave California while yet a resident Tyler his modest start as an ar­ of San Francisco. tist. The story goes that the boy When I was in San Francisco was down on the dock sketch­ in the autumn of 1941, I learned ing a boat. Mr. Wheeler saw him at the very pretentious Bohemian and called him over. Young Ty­ Club that Mr. Shirrell Graves, ler said he loved to draw the of Graves Gallery, 1335 Sutter boats, so Mr. Wheeler took him Street, in that city would know uptown and bought for him pen­ about him. When I called Mrs. cils, crayons and other items Graves was in charge. The story that must have delighted and en­ she told was sad. Apparently Mr. couraged the talented young lad. Grant had been in poor health Tyler painted much in Oswego and straightened circumstances and many of his pictures are own­ for too long a while before his ed in Oswego County. Later he death. Fortunately, he had been located in New York City where befriended by Mr. Graves and his his marine paintings were in wife. When I arrived the lower good demand. His ships and yachts gallery was practically entirely are familiar sights in New York devoted to a special exhibition City galleries, and they are often

—28— on sale at the important auc­ I attended a sale at the rooms tion rooms. His reputation was of the American Art Association much enhanced by paintings of Anderson Art Galleries held many of the America's Cup races. March 19, 1936, at which three Large colored prints were made Tyler's were sold, one for $125, of some of his important pictures. another I think for $150, and the I ran across one a year or two third for $180. The last noted, ago in a New York art store. The "Fishing Boats", was beautiful. It print was excellent. It was priced is illustrated in the catalog. at $10.00. With the above as a background. Many of you have probably no­ I should like to have you hear ticed Tyler's large picture of the what an important critic thought Pilgrim ship "Mayflower" promi­ of Tyler's ability: nently hung in the Mayflower YEAR'S ART Hotel, Washington, D. C. James Gale Tyler A friend of mine has just told The Monthly Illustrator, New me that the large Tyler now hung York, 1894 in the Gerrit Smith Public Li­ A Painter of Marine Subjects brary was presented to the City of Oswego by the artist during by the administration of Mayor Dan­ Jno Gilmore Speed iel H. Conway. The letter of the When an artist has enthusiasms, donor was acknowledged by John and the courage of them, he is M. Gill, then Palladium-Times likely to get a good deal of hap­ managing editor, now serving in piness out of his art, "whatever the war as a captain of the woe betide". When these enthusi­ United States Navy. He made one asms, and the following of them, of his characteristically witty re­ lead to success, the artist thus sponses. You will recall the full possessed and thus guided is to rigged ship, favored by a fair be envied among men. This reflec­ wind, bounding along almost tion has been suggested by the towards you with its reddened work and the personality of James starboard hawse pipe glaring at G. Tyler, the well-known marine you like a fanciful eye. painter, for both the man and his pictures are alive with enthu- Tyler's Ships Found Beady Sale siasims which will not be denied. In the American Art Annual but, on the contrary, are apt to covering the season 1925-26 which become contagious. He paints in happens to be at hand I noticed just the way he thinks he ought that several of Tyler's pictures to paint, without reference to were sold in that period. They are what critics may say and other listed below: artists think, and he speaks out his mind with a manly freedom Silo. 11. 27. 25. Three Fishers which seems to count silence as 18x20 $ 80 cowardly. One of his friends, com­ Rains Galleries. Dec. 7-8, 1925. menting on this characteristic in Lighthouse and Rocky Coast reproving tones, said "Jim talks 20x30 . 100 too much!" Fortunately for those American Art Assn. Anderson who come within this circle, Mr. Art Galleries Jan. 28-29, Tyler does not agree with this 1926. Clipper Ship 30x25 350 friend, and therefore his acquaint­ ances are not denied the pleas­ Silo. Mar. 19-20, 1926: ure and the profit of the thoughts Daylight 85 of a mind all untrammeled. Such Homeward Bound 50 enthusiasm can only be accom- Marine Moonlight 68 ied with great sincerity. In Mr. American Art Assn. Anderson Tyler's case we have not only Art Gal. Mar. 31-Apr. 6, courageous enthusiasms and frank 1926. A Half Gale, 25x30 .. 200 sincerity, but genius as well, and

—29— therefore, both the man and his deserted the pictorial art to be a work are potent with charm. designer of yachts. This is the So much of the space allotted to only instruction Mr. Tyler has this article is wisely given up in ever had save that which he has reproduction of Mr. Tyler's pic­ given himself. And to himself he tures and the sketches that it is has been a hard and exacting mas­ not possible for me to enter into ter, for never yet has he pro­ any discussion of the merits of duced a work that was to himself his work. Through these repro­ entirely satisfactory. Recognizing, ductions, however, his pictures however, that what he did was speak with an eloquence that no as good as he at that time had writer could command. Therefore, power to make it, he has given I shall be content to say a few his works to the world with a words about the man himself and clear conscience. Mr. Tyler, like his career as an artist. Mr. Albert Ryder, for whom, by the way, he has a very warm ad­ Mr. Tyler began painting in miration, paints from his imagin­ 1870, when he was fifteen years ation, and his imagination should old. He was then living in his na­ be spelled with a big I. He, there­ tive Oswego. He gained some little fore, escapes the commonplace, local fame before he had been at and in this achieves no mean dis­ work a year, and when a member tinction. It must not be under­ of the National Academy visited stood by this that Mr. Tyler is a the town he was taken to see painter of the uncanny. It is true the youthful celebrity. The Acad­ that at an exhibition at the Acad­ emician, though a man of genuine emy a few years ago he had a well-earned fame, is not a hand­ picture of the "Flying Dutchman", some man in the eyes of stran­ and Mr. Ryder, by the way, gers, nor does he clothe himself treated the same subject for the with any degree of smartness. same exhibition. But even in put­ His fame had not yet reached ting on canvas such a beautiful young Tyler's studio, and the man subject as this, Mr. Tyler was himself did not look in the least equal to the occasion, and came as the boy artist thought an near to satisfying the very se­ Academician should look. The eld­ verest critics who were gifted with er somewhat shabby man look­ any imagination. It was most in­ ed at the lad's canvas through his teresting at this exhibition to con­ glasses and said kindly: "Your trast the conceptions of Ryder and boat moves, my boy, but your Tyler and their methods of treat­ clouds should move with it." The ment. The opinion of the connois­ young man thought that there was seurs was about equally divided, a deal of sense in the comment and critics as well. This was with­ but at the time he was suspi­ out doubt Ryder's masterpiece, cious that a joke was being play­ and Tyler had said with charac­ ed upon him, and that a casual teristic frankness that he greatly tramp had been pressed into preferred it to his own. Tyler's service to play the part of the was a study in gray, the phantom visiting Academician. At this day, ship half revealed in a bank of some twenty years later, Mr. fog; Ryder's phantom ship was Tyler is not sure that the shabby seen in a blaze of glorious color. gentleman who called on him in Oswego is not the ablest of all American landscape painters. The Both were poetical; both were writer is tolerably sure that he satisfying. is. At all events he has many Mr. Tyler's masterpiece, accord­ admirers. The next year Mr. Ty­ ing to his own judgment, is a ler painted about three months painting recently finished and call­ in the studio of A. Cary Smith, ed "The Dawn of the New then well known as a marine World". This picture is a result painter, though at present he has of much hard work and study. It is an effort to represent the little

—30— fleet of Columbus just as land is much of the money. Not that he discovered. Mr. Tyler made this despises money—not at all. Even picture before the Columbian car­ though gifted with an imagina­ avels had been built and he need­ tion that soars and soars in newer ed to find the models in the old atmospheres and sails and sails records. He had succeeded most on undiscovered seas, he is too admirably, and in this picture human to despise money, though there seems to be a happy combin­ he confesses freely that he has ation of the real and the ideal. hated to have to make many of Without this combination probably the pot-boilers to which he has no picture is quite worth while to signed his name. Fortunately for be made. It would be a pity for him and his art the pot-boiler era such a picture as this to be bur­ has been passed. ied in some private collection, and it is to be hoped that the Murphy's Fame Widespread movement to secure it for the Capitol at Washington will be J. Francis Murphy is a name successfully pushed. There is room not very familiar in the city of in that great pile for many pic­ his birth, but it is my impres­ tures, but there are unfortunately sion that his fame has traveled not many now there worthy of farther than that of any other national ownership. person born in Oswego. Our John S. Parsons had a Mr. Tyler is an impressionist, retentive memory. From him I and sacrifices nothing whatever learned a few years ago that to the finicky detail upon which Murphy's father's name was John. many artists waste all their time He was a sailor, and at one time and power. Painting from within he lived on "the Flats" of Os­ himself, instead of copying merely that which he sees, it is only nat­ wego. Later, I understand, he ural that he should frequently made his home on West Seneca produce results incomprehensible Street, near Eighth Street. to those who have no head above The son, J. Francis, was at one their eyes. But this lack of appre­ time a printer's devil. Early in ciation, manifested now and again life he left Oswego for Chicago, by hanging committees, bothers and there he was employed as a Mr. Tyler not in the least, for sign painter. From Chicago he he feels that it is his mission in went to New York City, where, life to paint his own pictures in self-taught, he fought on and his own way; to please himself earned his way to an enviable and satisfy his own sense of position as a landscape artist. beauty and what Carlyle called His paintings had a poetic, at­ the "eternal verities", without ref­ mospheric feeling, and they were erence to a few busy nobodies much in demand. At an auction of who have elbowed themselves into fine paintings at the American places and authority for the sake Art Association, Anderson Art of the cheap fame which passes almost as soon as it has come. Galleries, on December 14, 1933, When Mr. Tyler sees his own pic­ when the bidding on a beautiful ture rejected, and the half finish­ Murphy was lagging in the hun­ ed offerings of his pupil hanging dreds of dollars, Mr. Bernet, the upon the line, he merely laughs auctioneer, called attention to the and sells his own canvas for five prices Murphy's paintings used hundred dollars or so. He has his to bring in earliar and more money, and his sustaining enthus­ prosperous years, and said that iasms remain with him always. the record price for a Murphy These enthusiasms would go far was $15,600. towards making Mr. Tyler happy More or less detailed articles with his lot, even though he about Murphy appear in our would have to do without very United States encyclopaedias of art, and he is mentioned in the

—31— comprehensive German work of landscapes show a calm uncon­ Theime-Becker. Indeed, much has cern for the complexities of na­ been written in relation to Mur­ ture. They are the stronger for phy. being so simple. He toned his Feeling that you would be in­ canvas with a matter-of-fact terested in hearing what some treatment of the traditional of the critics have said in this "poetic atmosphere" and was un­ regard, I have included as a part aware of any of the varioiv. of this paper several items and ar­ problems of color relationship ticles more or less extended. which are troubling modern ar­ Some of them are practically ex­ tists. In another painter this cerpts and one or two are con­ homely acceptance of a tradition­ densations, with a little para­ al treatment of landscape, both phrasing. They follow in the or­ in its light and in its composi­ der in which they appeared: tion, might be a weakness, but in Murphy it takes on the Story of American Painting straightforwardness of his own (Oswego Library) character. Undoubtedly the popu­ Charles H. Caffin, ' 1907 larity of Corot's later work, Page 342 Illustration "The Road which emphasized a mood simi­ to the Old Farm", by J. Fran­ lar to Murphy's, gives additional cis Murphy. reason for the success which Mur­ Impelled perhaps by popular phy had during the last fifteen demand for his "characteristic" years of his life. This success, work, this artist has confined however, was earned through his observation to a limited phase sound technique acquired by of nature. The present example many years of steady work. with its stretch of meadow, sprinkling of delicate tree forms An Appreciation of John Francis and distant hillside enveloped in Murphy a smoky haze of atmosphere, well represents him. Within this 1853-1921 restricted range of expression, he Salamagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave­ is a master. nue, New York City, November 12th to November 26th, 1921, inclusive. John Francis Murphy There could be no more fitting by place for an exhibition of the Alan Burroughs work of John Francis Murphy The Arts February-March, 1921 than the gallery of the Salma­ Although neither a great nor gundi Club that he loved so well an inspiring American painter, and with which he had been as­ the late J. Francis Murphy has sociated for so many years. surely built for himself a posi­ Coming to New York in 1875 he tion in the art world that is the soon found in this club friendly envy of many an artist of greater associates, and in 1878 he him­ individuality. self became one of its active Born in Oswego in 1853, he members. He was an exhibitor at taught himself to paint, using his its member shows, especially of native New York countryside for notable sketches in black and subject matter. From 1885 on he white, and his work was early won medals in many important recognized as that of a thorough exhibitions with his quiet land­ artist and a patient and very scapes. sincere student of natural forms. Murphy was a sincere painter From the first, his homely sim­ somewhat in the tradition of Wy- plicity and his fine capacity for ant and Inness, though he con­ friendship were manifest and sciously followed no master. His with these qualities went an al-

—32— ways generous appreciation of the They revealed Murphy's heart, his work of others. His early days ever fine poetic response to the in art followed no primrose path quieter aspects of nature that but the narrow ways of discour­ he loved to paint and upon which agement and very limited means, his reputation was established. and he knew well the hardships How few have ever enveloped a that have beset the beginnings landscape with a finer truth of of so many great names in art. atmosphere, painted lovelier or Murphy was not the sort to pose more expressive skies or brought as the neglected genius, however. to view a more convincing feel­ He met hard conditions with a ing of the particular scene and determination to find himself in time. his work, and no one worked with more earnestness to lay a Murphy a Nature Lover foundation of real accomplish­ Murphy was a lover of nature ment. It is impossible for anyone as few painters have been. He to study his early drawings with­ loved not only the picture as­ out realizing that in them he was pects but, with a true nature laying the foundation of the very lover's sincerity, the ways of real knowledge of nature that trees, of birds, of the little ani­ later was to give his paintings mals that found him a friend in the element of intrinsic truth his home among the hills at Ark- based • on a complete and sympa­ ville. If he painted in his stu­ thetic understanding. Like Inness and Wyant, he was self-taught, dio, he carried there with him and like them he has left behind the visions that the only one him a sense of great loss and who sees and knows is he who has great achievement. How fine it gone direct to the sources of in­ was that Murphy's fame should spiration. have met him more than half He was never the facile worker way; that honor in his own coun­ and as the years went on he try was not denied him while he painted fewer pictures, ever lived; that he should have had striving with all the means in the satisfaction of seeing his his power and with an increasing pictures sold to famous collectors command of his medium and his at prices that would have seemed own special technique to say the a princely fortune to him in his things he felt, to declare in his early days. In the maturity of beautiful pattern of pigment the his life and art he came into thing that was in his soul. his own, and the pictures of no American painter have been more He first exhibited at the Na­ widely sought or more highly tional Academy in 1876, the year valued, not alone for the mere after his coming to New York, money they represent, but for and in 1885 he won the Second their beauty, their lovely color­ Hallgarten" Prize for a character­ ing, their poetic and serene rev­ istic picture called "Tints of a elation of the moods of nature Vanished Past". Two years he loved so well, in the early later he received the Webb Prize. spring or late fall. In 1885 he was made an Associate of the National Academy and Murphy loved to paint in the two years later a National Aca­ spring, and in the fall when the demician. old brown earth and the silhouet­ It was well said of him recent­ ted trees stood out and the colors ly by a fellow painter that he of the autumn were golden. was a worker of infinite pains His lovely transcripts of those and was never afraid of his work. particular seasons were expres­ To an artist who was much both­ sions of the man's own sensitive ered over the rendering of fol­ response to the seasons' moods. iage in a landscape in which he

86293 took much pride Murphy advis­ That he lived to be recognized ed: "Make a number of draw­ as a leader in American land­ ing from nature with a sharp scape, to find both the satisfac­ pencil." This was his own prac­ tion and the ease of mind that tice, and no one can look at his come with an adequate financial trees simplified and softened as return for all his labor was some­ they may be with the mist of thing that every one who knew spring or the haze of autumn him rejoiced in. without a consciousness of the His was the fine gift of seeing fact that beneath the sensitive nature and of making her beauty handling exists a positive know­ known to others through his own ledge of their anatomy and real sympathetic vision, and his was aspects. even the greater gift of the gen­ Murphy was never led away erous appreciation of the work from his own sincerity and pur­ of others, of inspiring affection pose by the vagaries of the Im­ and love in those whose privilege pressionists or by any of the it was to call him a friend. Modernists that have proved so He has taken a place, and a destructive to many of the notable one, among our old mast­ young men of today. He knew ers in the category that includes the thing he loved and painted it Inness, Wyant, Martin and Ho­ with the inspiration and regard mer, and his message will go on for truth that belong with rare as theirs goes on, the message of exceptions only to men of great inspiration and truth. His pic­ talent and individuality combin­ tures, the treasured possessions ed with great simplicity of char­ of thousands who have them, acter. will be even more appreciated Murphy Never Grew Bumptious with the passing years. Murphy's popularity and keen Murphy was ever jealous of his competition for his late pictures own reputation and sincerity and that might have excused a cer­ was never content with any work tain degree of pose and bump­ that did not represent his best tiousness, made no difference in endeavor. His was indeed an ar­ him. He was as ready to greet tistic conscience that never yield­ an old friend whose ways had ed to the too-eager demands of gone hard, to say a kind and en­ the moment. The world could couraging word to the young wait while he was doing the one painter, in the days of his great thing that he loved best to do success, as he was when he won­ in his own way in his own time. dered where he could sell a few His record stands on solid ac­ sketches to pay his studio rent. complishment. It grew slowly His influence on American art with the years, and late in life he was a wholesome one, and in his could look back when at the achievement in the lovely things height of his fame and talk and that he cared most to paint he smile over early hardships with has given great pleasure to thou­ the old spirit of youth and the sands and made thousands realize seriousness that come from hav­ that with him as with Inness, ing passed through the trials that Wyant, Martin and Homer, the test men's souls and prove them. American landscape came into JAMES B. CARRINGTON ite own as the best in the world. Murphy went forth with a Contributors kindling sense of the magic in Mrs. J. Francis Murphy, Dr. the woods and skies and he car­ Thomas L. Bennett, Joseph S. ried that magic with such feeling Isidor, Alexander M. Hudnut, into his work that we owe him a Mrs. E. Milch, James G. Shep­ heavy debt. herd, Macbeth Galleries, Milch

—34^- Galleries, Salmagundi Club, Mr. Was First a Sign Painter Bruce Crane and some others. Born in Oswego, New York, J. Francis Murphy by Eliot April 11, 1853, Murphy's boyhood Candee Clark. Privately printed days were passed during the agi­ in 1926. 63 pages. The American tation and strife of the Civil War Artists Series. Contains a picture and he therefore arrived at ma­ by Irving S. Wiles, The National turity in the happier days of the Academy of Design, New York. Reconstruction Period. From one (Condensed and slightly para­ who was associated with a Chica­ phrased). go concern where Murphy was Murphy Not Given to Form employed as a sign painter about To his friends he was simply 1870, we learn that although Murphy; to his intimates, in­ reasonably efficient, he was no­ cluding his wife, he was "Murph" ticeably lazy, and in consequence —a term of affection. He com­ was discharged. He moved to bined a simple, unaffected, easy­ New York in 1875. The compar­ going nature with a shrewd and atively few studios centered calculating comprehension. He was about the old Tenth Street Stu­ not intellectual. He ran around dio building. His pictures sold the corner from what might be for small prices, but fortunately termed culture. Though he seem­ rent and living were low. At the ed lethargic, indolent, almost age of 35 Murphy arrived at the lazy, informal, plain and out­ culmination of the first period of spoken, his artistic expression his work and likewise the most was, nevertheless, highly sophis­ constructive period of his career. ticated. He was fond of calling The studio at Arkville was his associates by their first completed in 1887. names; his greeting was always Murphy had an intuitive ap­ intimate and hearty, but his con­ proach to nature. He was not versation was not either spirited learned or scientifically schooled, or comprehensive. In expressive but he created a natural affinity language, he had an uncommon between himself and the animate vocabulary not found in the dis- world. Squirrels were easily tionary and, when animated, a tamed and would come to him keen Irish wit. Murphy disliked unafraid. In the winter at his anything that made him self-con­ studio in the "Chelsea" his fin­ scious. He did not care for pol­ ished painting was accomplished. ished manners and dispensed en­ Murphy relied on a certain tex­ tirely with form. Murphy's phy­ ture produced by the gradual siognomy was distinct, not for scraping of hard pigment, which any picturesque or striking pecu­ necessitated the ground being liarity but rather because his prepared many months before head was particularly well form­ the final painting. It came in a ed. It is difficult to associate this sense to be personal mannerism. plain, simple and rather coarse Started with a vigorous and nature with the delicate and free brush work, the paint lost highly sensitive artist; yet no something of its initial vigor but artist was more truly one than gained in that atmospheric and Murphy. tonal quality so characteristic of Murphy's art. His pictures were Apart from his art, Murphy's in consequence started well in life was singularly devoid of any advance without a definite or great interests. For nearly forty final idea. years of his life he spent the greater part of the year at Ark- Career Had Three Periods ville, his summer home in the Murphy's artistic career em­ Catskill Mountains, but in his braced three periods. The first work we have hardly a sugges­ is associated with the so-called tion of his environment. Hudson River school; the second

—35— shows the influence of the French value, but he had a very subtle school of 1830 and its American appreciation of the intrinsic re­ exponents, Inness and Wyant, lation of a given color to its while the final period belongs to value and did not over-darken or the mature and ultimate style lighten it to reduce its nature, of the master. Each change marks a decided sacrifice but al­ American Painting by Samuel so brings him him nearer to him­ Isham self. New edition with Supplemen­ From the scenic landscape to tary Chapter by Royal Cortissoz, the chioroscure of autumnal sun­ member of American Academy of sets, he gradually develops a sim­ Arts and Letters. 1936. Vol. ple theme of earth and sky, of XXIII. air and expanse, — the serenity Recent Landscape Painting in and beauty of nature's unaffect­ America ed harmony. From the convention­ After referring at length to al attributes of the picturesque such representative decorative he seeks more and more the hum­ landscape painters as Ryder, Ful­ ble unadorned simplicity of the ler, Bogert, Ranger, and Carleton fields and the ever-changing hues Wiggins, the author says, "Allied of heaven. to these by their sense of tone Reflection on Murphy's work and tint but more delicate, less reveals the skilled picture maker robust, delighting in broad finally discovered that in land­ stretches of finely modulated col­ scape man sees but the reflection or rather than in vigorous pat­ of himself. terning, is another group equally A study of the palette shows dissimilar among themselves but the fact that the relation of the whose tendencies may be sug­ natural pigments of the warm gested by the names of W. Ged- scale forms a sequence both of ney Bunce, J. Francis Murphy, value and hue but of similar de­ Bruce Crane, Birge Harrison, gree of intensity. We note the Henry B. Snell and W. A. Cof­ harmonic relation of the earth fin. It is this preponderance of and mineral colors, from yellow the decorative element that al­ ochre, gold ochre, raw sienna to lies Bunce to men like Ranger or burnt sienna, and from the warm Dearth, but in the simplicity of light red through Venetian to In­ his composition as also in his lack dian red. Whereas if we turn to of heavy impasto, he resembles the cool side of the palette we rather Murphy and Crane, but see immediately that the colors these latter men however much are of a deep value and of a lim­ they seek to make beautiful pic­ ited number. Murphy was con­ tures, are not content to venture scious of the fact as the setting far beyond effects and tones for of his palette indicates, and his which nature gives them warrant. color scheme is based on the nat­ The hillsides of Murphy per­ ural attributes of the earth pig­ haps have a tinge of brown, ments. We do not recollect a pleasing rather than exact, but positive blue, purple or green in that is his single weakness. any of his pictures. The cool note was attained primarily by In the same volume, after its relation to the predominant speaking of such prominent warm hue and hardly ever tran­ f American artists as Inness, Och- scended a gray. The admixture of tman, Tryon and J. Appleton white imparted a cool hue to the color and likewise rendered the Brown, Isham says: "And here more opaque atmospheric quality should come in the works of of the sky. Murphy did not ex­ many other men, for the group periment with the full gamut of I represents the general tendency the palette, either in hue or I of our art to copy American , J landscape according to methods —36— assimilated from foreign (main­ Annual, one giving information on ly French) practice. Even men sales in 1925-26 (which probably like Murphy and Crane might be was a period of high prices) and included. A distinction has been the other giving sales in 1936-37 made in their case on the ground (which was a time of low prices). that the obtaining of a decora­ The following sales of Murphy's tive quality in the canvas seems with a few comparisons with by them to be held more import­ other artists, principally George ant than the rendering of the Inness, may help in understand­ spirit of nature, but the distinc­ ing Murphy's place in art when tion is obscure and no fixed line buyers are parting with their can be drawn. own money.* The latest edition of the Ency­ Silo's. Nov. 27-28, 1925. clopaedia Britannica divides the Landscape. Sundown development of water color paint­ ing into three stages, the first 12x19 $1,225 resulting in a meticulous sort of Rains Galleries. Dec. 7 and workmanship. 8, 1925. Sundown. 10x14 $1,500 The second stage ushered in Landscape 9x12 825 free water-color style and extend­ Same sale. Geo. Inness ed from about 1850 to 1890. It One 9x12 $ 225 saw the rise of many great water- One 15x21 1,500 colourists, and although much American Art Association less space is given to Murphy Anderson Galleries, Inc. than to LaFarge, W i n s 1 o w Dec. 9, 1925. Early Oc­ Homer, John Singer Sargent, tober 24x33 . - $5,000 Childe Hassam and a few others, the article says that J. Francis Sunset Landscape 1,200 Murphy painted beautiful water- American Art Association colours, mostly landscapes, subtle Anderson Galleries, Inc. and atmospheric. Dec. 10, 1925. Sale mostly of eminent American Ar­ The third and latest stage tists. Murphy. Morning shows its indebtedness to the 14x19 $3,600 painters of the preceding schools and to its own analysis of what Landscape 12x16 2,750 water-color can do for the stu­ A small Geo. Inness sold for dent. Quoting from the ar­ $320. Next highest price ticle: "Over-modeled forms are at sale $ 625 being eliminated and design is On Dec. 14 and 15, 1925 at valued at its proper worth. Color a sale of "Paintings by takes a great place in rhythmic Great Masters" at the masses and naturalistic interpre­ Freeman Galleries, Phil­ tation of meticulous workmanship adelphia a Murphy 8%xll is giving place to a finer concep­ sold for $ 140 tion of emotional feeling, and and an Inness sold for $ 650 painters are becoming sensitized At a sale of "Paintings by to the horrors of unintelligent Masters of European imitation." and American Schools" at It was in this third period the Freeman Galleries (1894) that Murphy was awarded later (Mar. 8 and 9, 1926) the Evans Prize by the American an Inness 30x25 sold for $4,600 Water Color Society. I am sorry and one 20x30 sold for $4,000 I have no example of Murphy's •The "New York Times" of May water color paintings to exhibit. 23, 1943 announced that pictures by Auction Sales of Murphy Murphy were to be included in a public sale in New York, May 26, Paintings with a group collected by the late Harold Somers which included paint­ Recently I have had access to ings by Sargent, Hassam and In­ two volumes of the American Art ness.

—37— American Art Association "Midsummer" for $675 and the Anderson Galleries Jan. other "A Hot Afternoon, Septem­ 11 and 12, 1926 Murphy's ber" for $425. Each was 24 by On the Lowlands sold for $1,075 36 inches. and an Autumn Land­ American Art Annual Vol.. 34 scape 16x26, by Inness Oct. 9 and 10, 1936, Mur­ brought ...... $ 675 phy. Autumn Field 12x16 $275 American Art Association A Hillside Farm 16x22 . 325 Anderson Galleries at Grove and Field 24x36 . 650 the sale of the Collection At the same sale four paintings of Samuel T. Shaw Jan. by Inness brought $230, $400, 21-22, 1926, three Mur­ $950 and $625. phy's sold as follows: Au­ Amer. Art Assn. Anderson tumn 10x15 $1,400 Galleries Inc., Dec. 3,1936, Group of Sycamores 16x22 2,300 Murphy's October After­ Autumn Days 24%x36 4,000 noon 14x19 . $ 235 At the same sale a Henry A Cloudy Afternoon 16x22 1,250 Ranger 16x26 sold for $450, a Amer. Art. Assn. Anderson John H. Twachtman 20x25 for Galleries, Inc., Mar. 4, $1,050, and an Alexander Wyant 1937 Murphy. Autumn 16x12 for $400. Six Leonard Ocht- Fields, panel, 9x12 - •. $ 220 man's sold for a total of about October Afternoon 24 %x $800 and 16 Bruce Crane's were 36% 1,600 disposed of at an average of about Where the Sunlight $265. Lingers 27x41 450 American Art Association Amer. Art Assn. Anderson Anderson Galleries, Jan. Galleries, Inc., Oct. 21, 25, 1926, Tints of a Van­ 1937. Murphy. Saplings in ished Past 33x24 $1,500 the Wind 14%xl9 ... $ 300 Sunset after a Rain 10x14 900 Geo. Inness. The Brook, At the American Art Associa­ Montclair 20%x30 . - $ 500 tion sale of April 22, 1926, six A Glimpse at the Lake, Murphy's sold at the following Albano, Italy 18V2x26 $ 350 sums: Medals and Honors Showers 16x22 $3,100 In 1885 Murphy was awarded the Second Hallgarten Prize, Morning 14x19 .. 2,400 and in 1910 the Inness Gold Med­ Approach to an Old Farm al by the National Academy of 22x16 - - 3,600 Design. In 1902 he received the Upland Pastures, Morn­ Carnegie Prize from the Society ing 24x36 • 3,000 of American Artists. A Hillside Farm 24x36 3,100 1899, Gold Medal Pennsylvania Rain 14x19 .. . - . 1,400 Academy, Philadelphia. At this sale of American Paint­ 1887, Webb Prize, Society of ings the highest price paid for American Artists. a painting by any other painter 1894, Evans Prize, American than Murphy was $1,150 and a Water Color Society. George Inness 12x16 sold for 1901, Silver Medal, Pan Amer­ $675. ican Exposition. American Art Association Ander­ 1902, Gold Medal, Charleston son Galleries, Dec. 14, 1933. Exposition. At a sale of American and Eu­ 1904, Silver Medal, St. Louis ropean Oil Paintings, including Exposition. fine examples by Inness, Mur­ 1911, Evans Prize, Salmagun­ phy, Moran, Sargent, Peale, Law­ di Club. rence, and other artists, two 1915, Silver Medal, Pan-Pacific beautiful Murphy's were sold, one Exposition, San Francisco.

—38— Murphy was a member of the the top of a steep hill, thickly National Academy of Design, So­ wooded. I explained my intru­ ciety of American Artists, New sion. She was very gracious. We York Water Color Club, American looked through Murphy's quite Water Color Society, Salmagundi plain studio, and she showed us Club, Lotus Club, and the Century her own more comfortable one. Club of New York. Mrs. Adah Clifford Murphy In the American Artist Series, autographed for us an excellent the Murphy book was printed in reproduction of her painting "El­ 1926. Volumes honoring George eanor." It is part of The Cen­ Inness, Homer Martin, Alexander tury's American Artists series. Wyant, Ralph Blakelock, Wins- I did not see what appeared to low Homer, Albert Pinkham Ry­ be a characteristic Murphy. der, John Twachtman had al­ Most likely Mrs. Murphy had ready appeared in that order. her own good reasons, but she did Murphy must have had a lit­ not seem responsive to a mild sug­ tle warm spot for Oswego and gestion that the Oswego County Oswegonians. He used to invite Historical Society would be glad Mr. and Mrs. John Parsons to to receive one of her husband's visit him in New York. Once paintings to be hung in his native when calling on John in Oswego city in memory of his proud posi­ he asked how he could get in tion in the artistic world. touch with friends of his father Exhibitions: Memorial Exhibition, and mother. Mr. Parsons told The Lotus Club, New York, 1921; him that the only ones of whom Loan Exhibition, the Macbeth Gal­ lery, New York, 1921; Memorial Ex­ he could think were Mr. and hibition, Salmagundi Club. New York. Mrs. Alec or Alexander Stewart, 1921; Loan Exhibition, The Vose very kindly people living on Lib­ Gallery, Boston, 1922. Bibliography: J. Francis Murphy, erty Street, not far from the by Elliott Daingerfield. Scribner's Lake. I knew them well. Magazine, Jan. 1917; J. Francis Mur­ phy, by R. G. Mclntyre. The Mis­ On our way home from New cellany, Vol. 5, No. 1; J. Francis Murphy, A Master of American Land­ York in the fall of 1940, Mrs. scape, by Charles L. Buchanan, In­ Williams and I visited Murphy's ternational Studio, July. 1914; Notes on the Art of J. Francis Murphy, by grave in a well kept cemetery at Eliot Clark. Art in America. April, Margaretville, in the lovely Cat- 1918; Miniature Landscapes by J. skills.* Only a mile or so away Francis Murphy, by Frederic Fair- child Sherman, Illustrated, N. Y., is Arkville. We called on Mrs. 1918; Catalog of Memorial Exhibition, Murphy at her home (Weedwild) The Salmagundi Club, Nov. 1921, Ap­ preciation by James B. Carrington; perched almost precariously near Handbook of Loan Exhibition. The Macbeth Gallery, 1921, Foreword by Charles L. Buchanan; Justice for J. •Murphy died in New York City, Francis Murphy, by Charles L. Bu­ Jan. 30, 1921. His funeral was held chanan. American Art Notes. Dec. in the National Academy of Design 1921; Murphy. The Traits of a Man in New York City, Murphy being the Lately Lost to Our School, by Royal first and, to date, the only artist to Cortissoz. New York Herald Tribune have his memory so honored by hav­ February 6, 1921. ing his funeral held at this academy.

—39— Reminiscences of Falley Seminary and Its Contribution to Oswego County Education (Paper Read Before Oswego County Historical Society at Fulton, June 15, 1943, by Dr. Henry P. de Forest of New York City, a Distinguished Alumnus of Falley).

Mr. President, members of the John Buell Stephens, a brother Oswego Historical Society and of these two girls, graduated at fellow Fultonians: Cornell in 1894 and while there "You'd scarce expect one of my was a member of the University age Glee club. There were a number To speak in public on the stage of college men in Brooklyn who And if by chance I fall below had been members of their own Desmosthenes or Cicero college glee clubs and this group Don't view me with a critic's eye of men, largely under the leader­ But pass my imperfections by." ship of Jack Stephens, as he was At the beginning of the current commonly called, made and year I was in a predicamentary formed the Brooklyn University condition, the reasons for this Glee club, an institution which unusual situation were twofold. still exists. In 1892 after my return from A number of us who did not Vienna in the fall, I had a term sing officially but who enjoyed of service in the Sloan Maternity college songs were made con­ Hospital in New York and in the tributing members and thus were spring of 1893 I opened my office privileged to attend the informal in Brooklyn. My service in the meetings after the formal rehear­ Methodist Episcopal hospital in sals of the Glee Club proper were Brooklyn in 1890 and 1891 had at an end. At one of these meet­ brought me in contact with a con­ ings I was moved to suggest that siderable number of residents so the University Glee Club be the that when I opened my office I starting point of the Brooklyn had a number of friends in that University Club similar to the city. In this group were a number club of like name in Manhattan. of former Fultonians. Delbert This casual remark led to the for­ Harvey Decker, one of these, had mation of the University Club of lived with his parents at Oswego Brooklyn, of which I am the His­ Falls on the west bank of the torian. At the beginning of the river a short distance from my World War our club had more home. We had been schoolmates than 2,000 members. More than in the little red schoolhouse just half the number entered the serv­ over the back fence from the ice and their dues were remitted. home where I lived with my moth­ The club steadily went into the er and grandparents on Hannibal red because of the fact that the street. This school has now be­ expenses of maintaining a club come the Walradt school of the house remained the same but the City of Fulton. income had been cut in half. Then Another neighbor was my cou­ by good fortune a subway was sin, Alice Elizabeth Stephens, later built passing in front of the club Mrs. David Macowan Sinclair, house on Oxford street. The house who with her sister, later Mrs. was sold to make way for a large William C. Breeds, were pupils at apartment house. All the club Falley Seminary prior to 1880 and debts were paid and we had a had lived within a block of the surplus of more than $20,000 in Seminary corner. Their father, the bank. With no dues, no club William Crombie Stephens, was house and no assessment, but an my mother's brother. annual income sufficient to pay

—40— all of the expenses for as many on October 18, 1922 and in it meetings in the year as we chose a similar incident was described. to hold. At the meeting held in As related by Mr. Griffin the December, I, as Historian, was story reads as follows: Our mu­ asked to prepare a paper telling tually, greatly loved and honored of this remarkable development friend, Miss Helen Potter, was and ultimate creation of a club mentioned and the enviable part fund which enabled us to buy she played as a popular enter­ $15,000 worth of government tainer after leaving Falley, and I bonds at the December meeting. told of my curious experience that The preparation of this paper, as day riding from Syracuse to Buf­ you will see, definitely involved falo. At Rochester a newsboy came the History of Falley Seminary. through the train calling "New York Morning Paper." I thought I had the good fortune more to buy my old favorite "The Tri­ than 30 years ago to discover bune" but when the boy reached what has proved to be, in my me to my surprise asked for a personal experience, the cause "Herald" and then to my greater of diabetes and in any event it has surprise the first headline that enabled me to cure a number of caught my eye as I glanced over pjatients including two prominent the page announced the death Fultonians of this disease without the day before at Flushing of any medical or any particular at­ Miss Helen L. D. Potter. The text tention paid to diet. I was prepar­ following gave quite a full account ing an article on this subject to of her real eventful life. It was, be read at the 500th regular meet­ no doubt, a coincidence that I ing of our Hospital Alumni So­ should learn of her death in the ciety formed in my room in 1890 way I did and on my way to see with three men sitting on the him we could not but agree that bed and two in assorted chairs. I the word "coincidence" sometimes was using a test tube holder which covers a great deal of unexplored I had made when a pupil of Falley territory. Seminary with Professor Asa Boothby in 1876 and a test tube I finally decided to accept your rack, holding 12 test tubes and president's request and to write made of black walnut which had a history of Falley Seminary. been in the Seminary laboratory When I came to the actual writing after the closing of the school. of this history I found that the In the midst of these two tasks, task was a truly stupendous one each tracing its origin in great and in the address I shall give you measure to Falley Seminary, I re­ this evening I shall touch of ne­ ceived a letter from your presi­ cessity upon but a few of the dent, Mr. Waterbury, asking me leading features of the history of to prepare an article on the his­ this remarkable institution in the tory of this institution. hope that when my remarks are ultimately published many details This seemed a strange coinci­ will be included on the printed dence that I should be working on page which it would be quite im­ two papers relating to Falley possible for me to include in the Seminary and then receive an in­ short time allowed for the ad­ vitation from a total stranger to dress of this evening. write a history of my own Alma Entered Falley In 1876 Mater. It was my fortune to have had I was reminded of a similar in­ much of my early education at cident which took place in 1922. my grandmother's knee and the At that time Charles H. Griffin, verse which I have quoted at the an old Fulton student, visited beginning of my remarks was Professor and Mrs. C. M. Under­ taken from the New England bill at Buffalo. This letter was Primer from which my grand­ published in the Fulton Patriot mother and my mother taught

—41— me to read and to write. When I in his lectures to select individ­ was 12 years old I had finished uals as the focus around which my school work in the little red other individuals living at the ap­ school house over the back fence proximate same time were more of my grandfather's home and or less related. This has always had become a pupil in Falley seemed to me to be an excellent Seminary in the fall of 1876. I had method of historical study and never met Professor Gilmour, then this evening I am going to follow directing head of the Seminary, in the same method on the principle person before but I still remember that "All roads lead to Rome" the fact that he gave me from his but conversely "All roads lead book room a copy of Harkness from Rome." As a matter of fact Latin Grammar and he told me I from my earliest childhood I have might learn, during the summer, heard stories relative to the ori­ the declination of the Latin word gin and the early development of "mensa." When I entered in the Falley Seminary and inasmuch as fall of that year Falley Seminary was still a thriving institution but my grandparents took definite Mr. Gilmour's health was steadily part and gave a helping hand to failing and when I entered Cornell the actual origin of this institu­ University in the fall of 1880 I tion I will begin the history of was the only person theoretical­ Falley Seminary by telling some ly in the class at Falley Semin­ of these facts which, I hope, will ary so I returned to Fulton at be of interest. My grandfather's the end of my Freshman year and forebearers came from Cornwall was formally given a diploma with in England and strangely enough the members of the last class to some years ago on a motor trip be graduated in June 1881. through England I found that the keeper of the Famous Light On the program dated Friday House at Lands End in the ex­ evening, June 24, 1881, I find that treme southwest corner of Eng­ the graduating class in the Col­ lege Preparatory course were: land bore the name of John D. Anna C. Gilmour, Minnie L. Gold­ Stephens. Ultimately his fore- en and Delbert H. Decker; and in bearers came to Virginia, as the the Scientific Course the names entire western coast of North are recorded of Maria Clutter- America and South America was buck, Frankie A. Conner, S. Lizzie then called, came up the Hudson Lee, Clara M. Whitaker, Nellie to the Mohawk Valley where his E. Wise, Harry P. DeForest. grandfather took part in the Bat­ Grandparents Aided Falley tle of the Oriskany in 1776. My Of this group of classmates I grandmother's family was origin­ shall have something to say later ally the Beauchamp family. They on. It was my good fortune, when came from France at the time of I entered Cornell University, to the Norman Conquest in England have as my teachers in History in 1066. Her name was put into a very remarkable group of men, English in the form of Fairfield Moses Coit Tyler was the Profes­ and my grandmother's middle sor of American History; Gold- name was Abigail Fairfield Crom- win Smith the professor of Eng­ bie. The Crombies were originally lish History, and Andrew D. Scotch and later settled in the White, the president of the Uni­ North of Ireland and were there versity, taught us French History at the time of the seige of Lon­ one year and German History the donderry. I have a book telling of next. All of these men were na­ the seige of Londonderry and tionally known and are still re­ among other items the following membered as members of the un­ list of market prices of some of usual group of men who founded the principal articles of food Cornell University in the late 60's. which the inhabitants of that be- It was President White's custom seiged city were glad to get:

—42— A quarter of a dog, 5 shillings Early Schools in Fulton and sixpence. My grandfather who had then Horse flesh per pound, 1 shil­ married, followed the trail of his ling and eightpence. friend Cooper, came north from A cat, 4 shillings and sixpence. Otsego Lake to Oneida Lake and A rat, 1 shilling. down the Oneida river past Three A mouse, sixpence. River Point and finally reached A pound of tallow, 4 shilling. the Upper Landing, at the falls of the Oswego river. There he Grandfather Playmate Of Cooper found a little village of some 200 Tallow by the way which they people which is now developed erroneously called French But­ into the City of Fulton. They ter, was mixed with meal, ginger, continued with their four children pepper and anise seed and in this to Black Creek and there settled way, what they considered excel­ on a farm which they always re­ lent pan cakes, were made. Aft­ ferred to as Glen Murder. They er the seige of Londonderry the stayed there but a short time and Crombie family came to "Virginia" then moved to the Village of Ful­ and settled in what is now the ton and built a home on Cayuga State of New Hampshire where street at the present site of the they founded the Towns of Derry, Morrill Press. There were at that New Londonderry and New Bos­ time no schools, except a few scat­ ton. My grandmother was born tered schools where only the com­ in New Boston. My grandfather's mon branches of reading, writing parents eventually moved south and arithmetic were taught. The from the Iroquois Trail to Otsego, need of a school for more ad­ as that little village on that lake vanced studies was apparent and was then called and there my so an effort was made by the vil­ grandfather was born. A few lages to combine their forces and years before his birth there came build a school which would be to the Village of Cooperstown, known as the Fulton Female Sem­ James Fenimore Cooper, after inary. Many of the villagers con­ whose father the present City of tributed $25, many others con­ Cooperstown was named. The two tributed their work and ultimate­ boys were playmates in their ly this school, which is described early childhood but Cooper at an by the Rev. W. Dempster Chase early age enlisted in the United in his interesting book, "The His­ States Navy and ultimately went tory and Reunion of Falley Sem­ down the Oswego River in a inary." as follows: "Sometimes it canoe to construct a sloop of war happens that the coming of a then building at Oswego in connec­ single individual in to a town tion with Fort Ontario, an Indian forms the beginning of a new name by the way which means epoch in the life of that town.' "I look but see nothing." Such was the coming to Fulton Mr. Cooper has told in the about the year 1833 or 1834 of the Leather Stocking tales many of Rev. John Eastman as pastor of the incidents based upon actual the Presbyterian church. Casting observation of the condition of his eyes about the place, he dis­ this part of the State of New covered the need of better educa­ York when the six nations had tional advantages for the young practical control of the area from ladies and girls of the village. Schenectady to Lake Erie. He, With his accomplished New Eng­ himself, related that he had gone land bride for one of the first down over the Oswego Falls in a teachers, he established a select canoe and that a 32 pound can­ school for girls in the session non had been carried over the room of his own church. This Falls in the same way that is so select school was the germ of the vividly described in the Path­ later institution, the seed corn finder. from which sprang the useful

—43— Fulton Female Seminary and the The rate of tuition was at first sturdy school for ladies and gen­ $3.50 a term for the common tlemen afterwards known as Fal- branches; $4 for tuition in higher ley Seminary. studies; $2 in the Primary depart­ ment and no bill for contingencies. Early Days of Seminary With terms thus low and with­ The modest building in which out endowment for the institution, the first school was held was in it is scarcely strange that the the rear of the church. At that highest salary paid any instructor time the Presbyterian church of was $350, while other teachers Fulton was a small, plain white were paid from $150 to $250 a edifice on the corner of what is year. Money was a secondary con­ now Oneida and Second streets. sideration, "the welfare of the The church fronted on Oneida school stood first," is the commen­ street. The session room was on tary of one who gave to the the south end of the church. It seminary nearly four years of fronted on Second street and was constant and exhausting service. separated from the church by an alley three or four feet wide. Opportunities in Self Help South of the session room and Arrangements were made in the separated from it by a still nar­ seminary for the accommodation rower space, was a long low build­ of students who wished to board ing used for a tenement and pop­ themselves and six rooms on the ularly known as the "Poor House." first floor of the building were set In this little building, built be­ apart for this purpose, each room tween the church and the Poor being occupied by six persons. House, a new select school was The price of board was thus re­ opened under the charge of Mrs. duced U 75 cents a week for each Eastman. The school prospered student, while board in the village and outgrew its accommodations could not be obtained for less than and in the same year through the the extravagant sum of $1.25 and efforts of Mr. Eastman, the build­ $1.50 per week. My mother, who ing of the seminary was project­ was a pupil in this school at that ed. There are many interesting time, lived at home with her par­ features connected with the old ents so that I have no definite regime. The school year began record of the price it cost her for the second Wednesday in May food and board. Fulton at that and consisted of four terms of 11 time had a population of about weeks each, each term followed 600 inhabitants. It had been a by a vacation of two weeks. This post office station for but eight was afterwards changed to three years and was not yet incorporat­ terms of 15 weeks each with va­ ed. cations of one, two or four weeks. During the following years it The school week was five and became evident that a larger one-half days. The list of studies school was needed and practically at first included the common all the inhabitants contributed a English branches, mathematics bit to the fund necessary for the through geometry, the elements of new seminary building. Four several sciences, mental physi­ thousand dollars was collected and ology, natural theology, calisthen­ was soon expended. On May 25, ics and vocal music. Afterwards 1836, the institution was incorpor­ Latin, French, Political Economy, ated under the laws of New York Higher English and other higher and in November, 1836, the school scientific languages were added. was opened with 78 pupils in the In the list of studies of the Pri­ new seminary building on the mary department we find a Par­ corner of Third and Rochester ley's Tales about the Sun, Moon streets. The corporation was or­ and Stars. ganized as a stock company. It was empowered by its charter to

44- issue stock not exceeding the sum The former appeared August 27, of $12,000 divided into shares of 1837 under the motto "They gath­ $25 and the annual income was er, we glean," while the latter be­ not to exceed $4,000. The cor­ gan November 29, 1837. Each poration was not out of debt until was issued semi-monthly and was after a change in its organization to be free to all who contributed in 1842. There could have been to its pages; an occasional picture no possible expectation of realiz­ of Fulton is given in these old ing on the investment in a pe­ pages. cuniary way. Under the wise di­ The seminary is described as rection of Miss Maynard, the situated "on a small hill at a school grew and prospered in spite short distance from the village," of the great financial burdens that while one student writes home in threatened ruin to the entire a letter given in the first number country. During the first half of the "Depository" that from the year the list of students included seminary there was a fair pros­ 102 names and it is a curious and pect of the village, of the Oswego significant fact that the residence river and of the canal, and adds of only one third of these is given with more enthusiasm than com­ as Fulton; 19 different towns in mand of her native tongue, "it New York sent their daughters, presemts a most beautiful scenery while Michigan and Massachusetts as I ever beheld." The walk over each had representatives. By 1842, the bridge was a favorite one and when its charter was changed, the beauty of the surrounding students came from 82 different country a frequent theme with all. places in New York as well as The village bell was rung at nine from towns in Massachusetts, Ver­ each night, while the seminary mont, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, bell had a welcome sound when­ Upper Canada and Canada West. ever it announced the opening of The New York towns ranged from a new year. New York City on the south to Plattsburg on the north and Roch­ Miss Maynard finally married ester on the west. The aggregate Mr. George Salmon. After her attendance during this time was marriage came changes. The nearly 800, with more than 400 seminary was turned into a school different names enrolled. for both ladies and gentlemen and men and women of more than or­ The seminary grew and pros­ dinary ability stood at the head pered and in 1839 it was placed of the departments. under the supervision of the Re­ gents of the University. It was Co-Education Introduced provided that all academies hop­ To promote the education of ing to receive a part of the litera­ both sexes its corporate title was ture fund of the state must be in changed April 11, 1842, to the possession of a library. Fulton Academy, and to extend A Devoted Faculty still further usefulness, it was al­ What Fulton seminary subse­ tered April 11, 1848, to the Falleiy quently became we may well be­ Seminary of the Black River Con­ lieve was due in no small degree ference. As the Hon. George F. to the devotion of the little band Falley, who died in June, 1847, of earnest men and women who as had been its munificent patron trustees, teachers and students from its incorporation, and as his consecrated some of the best years widow, Mrs. Mehetable E. Falley, of their lives to the building up of had donated $4,000 toward the the Fulton Female Seminary. The erection of its' large brick edifice best index of seminary life is in 1849-50, the trustees desired to found in the manuscript files of perpetuate the name of these two papers written by the stu­ donors. The lot upon which the dents themselves and called "The building was erected was the gift Gleaner" and "The Depository." of Col. James L. Voorhees. At

-45— the time the name was finally promised and expected from other changed to Falley Seminary the sources did not come. Professor school had definitely come under Griffin met the crisis bravely and the management of the Black for the most part hopefully, al­ River Conference of the Methodist though there were painful states church, and while it accomplished and dark tomorrows which the good work, its financial affairs students did not then know, but were usually in a state of chronic of which they learned in moments depression, and every member of of reminiscence after some of that honored body came up to the them had come to man's and wom­ annual session dreading a ques­ an's estate. For me to describe tion he knew must be asked and in detail the progress of Falley the usual spasmodic method must seminary during the years from be made to effect the answer: 1856 to 1869 when he was prin­ What must be done for Falley cipal of the school, would be a Seminary ? needless task for this period has been fully written in the book Seminary Passes to Private published by the Morrill Press in Control 1890 telling of the "History and In the spring of 1857 the Black Reunion of Falley Seminary." River Conference, the members, This was edited by the Rev. W. at their wits end as to the finan­ Dempster Chase, M. A., who was cial affairs of its literary protege, at that time living in Fulton and magnanimously resolved to hand who had been a pupil in the sem­ over Falley Seminary bag and inary during his earlier years. In baggage and all right and title to brief Professor Griffin seemed to the same with all present and have been successful in his double prospective patron.age and good capacity of owner and principal will to any proper man who would of Falley Seminary. His school assume its debt and operate it prospered and grew. Men and in the interest of the people, women from all parts of the which in conjunction with the ex- country came to Fulton to be en­ istance of Fulton, had erected and rolled as pupils in this institution thus far maintained it, a most which by that time had a far judicious scheme on the part of reaching influence. The members said conference and measured by of the faculty were extremely ef­ results most fortunate for the in­ ficient. At one time the enthusi­ stitution. After some prospecting, astic Asa Boothby was my a man was found in the person of own instructor in chemistry and John P. Griffn, A. M. The prop­ physics. I remember him as one erty having been sold on a mort­ of the best teachers that I have gage and bid in by the holder of ever known in the many institu­ the same, Professor Griffin bought tions which I have had the for­ it from him in the spring of 1857. tune to attend. Whatever might havei been said of Enrollment Normally 300 his business astuteness in the ven­ From 200 to 300 students were ture of 1857, if any man in his in attendance each term, while the plans for his future success built aggregate of different students for it wiser than he knew, it was the year would sometimes reach John P. Griffin as he took his po­ nearly twice that number. Men sition as financial and teaching and women by the hundreds and head of Falley Seminary. even thousands in the course of At first everything seemed un­ these years who were trained favorable to his enterprise, for the there were later to be found in memorable financial panic and de­ every rank of successful life in pression of 1857-58 came very every state of the Union. near closing the doors of the sem­ The history of Falley Seminary inary. People who wanted higher from 1869 to 1883 has for me a education had no money and help more personal interest for during

—46— that period the Rev. James Gil­ ence up to the spring of 1862, mour, A. M., was the principal. barely fulfilling the purpose of The outline of Professor Gilmour's such an organization. Professor life as written by my brother-in- Griffin had urged upon the stu­ law, Frederick D. VanWagenen, dents the formation of two gentle­ whom many of you knew per­ men's societies and promised, if his sonally, tells the story of the advice was taken, to provide dur­ seminary during his period of ac­ ing the summer vacation, perman­ tivity. Mr. Gilmour's daughter ent rooms in the building for the eventually became my wife. two. On Monday, April 7, 1862, Literary Societies Organized it is recorded in a diary kept by During the years of Falley's ex­ Mr. Weston that the Academic So­ istence several societies were or­ ciety met after chapel and elect­ ganized by both men and women ed officers. Four days later an­ to afford an opportunity for dis­ other entry is recorded—debate cussion in their various rooms. in the evening. The Academic So­ The first of these societies was ciety adopted the name Aletheon known as the Kalamatheon. This or "Lovers of Truth," session held society was organized in 1862 and late. A room was set apart for its first meeting was held on May the use of their meetings and reg­ 16 in that year. The question de­ ular meetings were held, two each bated on that momentous May week, the business meeting be­ evening was worthy of the occa­ tween four and five o'clock on sion: Resolved, that a thorough Monday and literary meeting on course of study is necessary to the Friday evening. The expenses of enjoyment of life and the per­ the society were small,there being formance of its duties. The offi­ no rent to pay, and were largely cers were elected by ballot and in met by initiation fees. Later the August of 1862 this society as­ society published "The Monitor." sembled for the first time in the Usually at the meetings there was room affectionately named Kala­ an introductory subject the speak­ matheon Hall. Each member bore er might choose. Sometimes there to it a chair from some other was a declamation and once at room. The tremendous question least a program. The first public before the house was "how to meeting occurred May 2, 1862, make these four bare walls a and the last of the series was held home." Little by little this socie­ Friday evening, June 23, 1871. ty made the bare walls a home. A Aletheons Disbanded in 1871 festival provided for a carpet and In the years 1870-1871 the the first meeting held upon that membership of this society fell off carpet was duly recorded. A largely. The once crowded hall stove, oak colored shades on was poorly filled. When the de­ which glittered the name of Kal­ bates occurred, where a dozen or amatheon, the president's chair, more had spoken on each side, the book to record the society's often only four or five appeared. proceedings were purchased and At the meeting on June 28, 1871, the walls were papered. The rec­ the subject of the future of the ords of this society, until its close society was seriously debated and June 4, 1874, have also been given it was unanimously decided that in detail in the book which I have the society be disbanded as soon as mentioned. a committee elected to dispose of Not to be beaten in the organi­ its property shall have completed zation of society, the young men its labors. All the property in the also organized a society known as hall was left to the Rev. James the Aletheon. This society always Gilmour. The residue, consisting claimed to have been the true suc­ of a marble top table, library cessor of the Academic Society, a books, photograph album and pic­ loosely organized body which led tures was left to Prof. A. J. Grif­ a sort of go as you please exist­ fin.

—47— Peithologian Society pointed critic. Motion made and The opening of the spring term carried that we waive the ques­ of 1862 at Falley found the Sem­ tion for debate and choose the inary lacking the usual necessary following for tonight: Resolved, safety valve for student eloquence that the rules of the school be and wisdom, a debating society. maintained. A debate was de­ To meet this manifest need a cided in favor of the affirma­ call to form such an organiza­ tive. Motion carried that the tion was issued, a meeting held next question be resolved that the and a committee appointed to Indians have suffered more at the draft a constitution and by laws. hands of the white man then the negro. House adjourned until By a strange chance and since Thursday next. N. M. Stranahan, I began the work on the history President. Sumner McDonough, of Falley Seminary there was sent Secretary." to me by one of my classmates, Miss Clara Whitaker, now Mrs. Final Graduation Exercises Charles E. Parker living at 57 My personal association with Bellevue Street in Newton, Mas­ Falley Seminary as a student sachusetts, the original copy of ended in June 1880. At that time the record of the Peithologian So­ I then went to Ithaca, passed my ciety of Falley Seminary. The entrance examination to Cornell constitution and by laws were University successfully. My moth­ written literally in a copper plate er died September 30. 1880 and hand. I found on consulting the it was not until the middle of complete record of this society October that I was able to begin that the constitution and by laws my University work. The year is followed by a complete was a hard one for me but I final­ list of honorary members and list ly finished my work. At the end of active members and there were of the spring term I returned to 318 names in the list of regular Fulton to participate in what members, the first 100 or 200 are proved to be the commencement beautiful examples of the old and graduation of the last class to Spencerian script which some of be given a diploma at Falley us endeavored to learn in our stu­ Seminary. The members of that dent days. This part of the list class as will appear from the with the constitution and by laws program which I have brought was written by some one with ex­ with me show the following ceptional ability as a writer. The names: In the college prepara­ remaining names for the most tory course: Anna C. Gilmour, part are the signatures of per­ Minnie L. Golden and Delbert H. sons admitted to membership. Decker; in the scientific course: The first name to appear on the Maria Clutterbuck, Frankie A. list of regular members is F. P. Conner, S. Lizzie Lee, Clara M. Lantry who joined April 11, 1862 Whitaker, Nellie E. Wise and and resided in Fulton. The next Harry P. Deforest. to the last name in the list is that of Harry P. DeForest, who This graduation, however, did .ioined January 29, 1880 and also not end my personal interest in lived in Fulton; the last name Falley Seminary and through the recorded is that of J. D. Fish who years it has been my good for­ was admitted to membership on tune to keep in touch with my the same date and who lived in classmates of 1881. I have already Phoenix. Of still further personal referred to the cooperation of interest in the record of this so­ Clara Whitaker in the prepara­ ciety I found the final entry: tion of this paper. Minnie Golden "Peithologian Hall February 26, died many years ago; Maria 1880. House called to order by Clutterbuck and Frankie Conner the president. Mr. DeForest ap­ have died recently. Nellie Wise, who married John Edward Alport

—48— in the horse and buggy days on It was after this that he foot April 12, 1887, died in December, entered a boarding school as 1942, three days after her 80th principal at Princeton, N. Y. birthday. Her husband had died From there he moved to Ballston 17 years earlier in the City of Spa where he conducted a large Hollywood where they had made and important boarding school. their home and after their sons Twice his schools were burned to had set up their own career. I the ground by the carelessness of am glad to say, however, that students smoking in their rooms. four of the class are still living. From Ballston Spa he removed to Mr. Decker, a lawyer of distinc­ Brooklyn, N. Y., and became en­ tion formerly living in Washing­ gaged in the lumber business in ton and now living in Ithaca, is order to be in the open air. The here with us this evening. I am next change was to come to Ful­ glad to say that for the last ton in 1869 and become the head three days I have been the guest of Falley Seminary. He remained of another classmate, Miss S. Eliz­ principal of this institution until abeth Lee, in whose father's office the insidious disease from which during my summer vacation many he suffered compelled him to years ago, also in the horse and ease his labors. Then the school buggy days, I learned something was closed.. His death occurred of the rudiments of medicine. December 18, 1885, at his home in Falley Seminary on his 63d Falley's Last Directing Head birthday. To revert for the moment to Falley Seminary as I have stated Mr. Gilmour was a man the Rev. James Gilmour was of high attainments and a born in Paisley, Scotland, Decem­ fine linguist. It was in France and ber 18, 1822. He came to the Unit­ Italy that he learned the French ed States when about 19 years of and Italian languages; besides age and went to Ogdensburg via these he was fairly conversant the Oswego Canal passing through with the German and Spanish Fulton and Oswego while en- languages and during his several route. For a few years he worked trips abroad made it his business on farms, studied when he could to study the people, their institu­ and taught country schools. He tion, the customs and languages then prepared himself for and en­ of these countries. My personal tered Union College at Schenect­ memory of my friend and teach­ ady with only his splendid abil­ er besides from the fact that he ities as capital to carry him frequently assured me that I was through. After a regular four one of the worst boys he ever had year course in the presidency of in his school, was the fact that Dr. Knott, he was graduated with he had a Bible printed in four honor, being one of the few who columns, English, Latin, Greek received a Phi Beta Kappa key, a and Hebrew. He read with facility distinction of high scholarship. By any one of the columns which reason of his great industry and pleased his fancy at the moment. determination to succeed he ac­ His life was one of great in­ complished what few had done. fluence and one devoted to doing He entered college with very good. His character, firmness it­ little money and when he gradu­ self. For 15 years he saw his life ated had saved nearly $500. From blood ebbing away, but his mind college he went to a theological never lost its vigor or faltered seminary at Princeton, N. J., and during the last years of his life. was licensed as a minister of the Although his pupils were not Gospel by the Presbyterian aware of the fact, at the end of Church. He then commenced each recitation he would return preaching but was obliged to give to his room and lie down until it up owing to a lung difficulty. his next task was to be perform-

—19— ed. The man was the same in all on the 10 o'clock train. My wife his varied positions from the stayed up all night to prepare for cradle to the grave, a life of a year's absence in Europe, while broad experience, broad culture, I went on to make arrangements liberal views and one that loved for her trip on the Trinacria. to see the whole human family When I reached New York my grow better. two friends, who met me did not A Honeymoon Predicament believe that I was married until My personal interest in Falley I showed them a woman's coat Seminary did not end with the which I was carrying on my arm. closing of the school. There were We then went to the steamer two daughters in the family, Ella office of the Anchor Line and I Veeder Gilmour, who at one time was told that it was a rule of taught music in the seminary. the company that no ship officer The other daughter, Anna Cath­ could be accompanied by his wife. erine Gilmour, was a person in This was an unpleasant surprise whom I became greatly inter­ and I canvassed the possibility ested during our school days. As of the recently acquired Mrs. the years went by I became more DeForest sailing for Europe on and more interested. Finally it another vessel and by another was decided that we would ulti­ route. There were 400 Italian mately marry. I finished my term passengers already on board the of service in the New York Trinacria and a surgeon was a Methodist Hospital; on the necessity. A telegram to Glas­ morning of Saturday, Decem­ gow gave the necessary authority ber 5, 1891, took the train for the ship surgeon in this in­ for Fulton which I reached stance to take his wife with him at six o'clock in the evening. I and so we sailed on Tuesday went to the home of my uncle, morning according to the plan. Melvin Fayette Stephens on Ro­ chester Street. About 15 minutes Fulton Purchases Seminary after I had arrived I received a Building telegjam from New York asking For some years after my re­ if I would sail on Tuesday morn­ turn to Brooklyn, where I opened ing as Ship Surgeon on the S. S. my office in 1893, my wife made Trinacria for Gibraltar, Naples frequent visits to her home and and Genoa with a round trip the Seminary and I came to Ful­ ticket and a bonus of $50. This ton as often as circumstances offer was entirely unexpected. I would permit. The school building replied at once that I would ac­ cept the position. Later in the itself was finally sold to the City evening I called at the Seminary of Fulton, was torn down and the to see Mrs. Gilmour and her present Fulton High School was daughter Anna. It was decided erected in its place. The reunion in the course of the conversation of former students of Falley Sem­ that it would be a good plan for inary to which I have referred Anna and myself to be married was held in Fulton on Thurs­ at once and that instead of the day, June 1, 1922, and on the return trip I should take her with evening of that day a farewell me to Genoa and then go on to reunion banquet was held which Vienna for a year of graduate was attended by a large number study. This decision was definite­ of former students. Mr. Giles S. ly reached at that moment. On Piper presided as toastmaster. the following Sunday I invited Judge Charles N. Bulger of Os­ personally a few of my friends wego, N. Y. was one of the few and relatives. We were married after dinner speakers. A good in the Seminary parlor at 8 time was had by all but Falley o'clock and I left for New York Seminary as a building ceased to exist.

—50— I began my remarks by telling ing in the preserved stream in you two stories which I had re­ England, "Can't fish here"? And cently told at the 169th com­ the man replied, "Well, sonny, mencement exercises of Columbia some say they do and some say University. The audience on both they don't". Said my secretary of these occasions did not laugh. when I admitted my inability to It may be that some of the pres­ see the point, well, Dr. if you will ent audience has still refused to spell here "hear" you may see laugh because they like the Ger­ what the man had in mind. mans did not see the point of the But to revert to another verse joke until a long time afterward. from the New England Primer I have no doubt that many of which I learned at my grand­ you remember that Jonah had mother's knee more than 75 years spent some time in the stomach ago: of the whale and so when he had been vomited, as the story goes, "I am not here to play the fool he was quite accurate in telling But to tell you what I learned his friend, the whale, that he did at school. not think it wise to take another I learned to read and write and trip as passenger since for obvi­ spell ous reasons he did not agree with Don't you think that is pretty the whale. It took me two days well? to see the point of the next story For such a little boy as I which I told in which the small But I must leave you, so Good boy had called to the man fish- By".

—51— Sketches of Musical Life in Oswego (Paper Bead Before Oswego Historical Society by James Lally, October 19, 1943 as First of a Series of Papers on "Oswego County Music") In presenting this paper, I must permit me to present, that Os­ begin by saying that it is incom­ wego has a history which refutes plete. I feel that any attempt any such accusation. I hope to to set down the story of things show you that Oswego has pos­ musical in Oswego must, of neces­ sessed a colorful history of men sity, be done in installments. The and women who have contributed epochs, early and late nineteenth to her musical and cultural century, and early and present growth, and that she has number­ twentieth century, as well as the ed among her citizens outstanding many phases, such as amateur musicians whose talents have choral and instrumental, church brought them recognition far and choirs, school music, require in wide. I have in mind, out of the themselves considerable research. earlier period, Canon Charles Added to this, the persons of Winfred Douglas, Charles Freder­ note who gave of their talents, ick Dennee, Oscar Coons, Jaro- and the persons made prominent slaw de Zielinski. by their musical activities in the Music Instruction In 1833 community, make an imposing In the early Oswego newspa­ and lengthy record. pers, beginning with 1819, there I believe that in the early is little or no mention of any nineteenth century, what the peo­ musical activity in the village. ple heard in the churches in the However, periodically there ap­ line of choral and instrumental pears an article copied from some music was one of the chief large city newspaper referring to sources of their musical know­ music in some of the larger ledge and education, and a pow­ cities in the United States and erful means of shaping tastes in European centers. To indicate and ideals. It was principally in that Oswego people early were the churches that music was lis­ musical we take this notice from tened to by the people as a whole. the "Oswego Palladium" of Feb­ Probably only there were they ruary 13, 1833: conscious of the classics. In con­ "The subscriber has taken trast to our present day, when a room lately occupied as music is accessible by radio, the Bethel Room in the up­ phonograph, and in the movies, per story of the Buck build­ the people of the early 1800s ing occupied by G. H. Wood­ had to find their own music, and ruff & Co., in West Oswego, perform it for themselves. To­ where he intends to give in­ day we have so many group struction in the Science of activities—school, civic, and Music. The school will com­ fraternal—that time is lacking to mence as soon as a sufficient share in all of them- In the number of pupils shall be ob­ period I am discussing, leisure tained. For further particu­ time abounded by comparison, lars inquire at the shop of and amateur musical effort was Mr- Jordan in West Oswego a welcome and popular form of or at the office of the Nation­ entertainment. al Republican"* Oswego has sometimes been ac­ T. T. EVANS cused of being cold to music. I hope to demonstrate and prove In the "Oswego Palladium" of in this paper, and in future in­ June 24, 1834 we find the follow­ stallments which I hope you will ing:

—52— "Vocal and Instrumental Music" Fortes of Superior tone for O. H. Parker respectfully sale. Enquire of Holden & tenders his services to the in­ Vincent." habitants of Oswego as In­ It is obvious that there were structor of Vocal and Instru­ people to teach music and to sell mental Music, and would be copies and supplies. Such adver­ happy to wait on those who tisements appear constantly and may favor him with their in increasing numbers as the patronage. Lessons on the years go on, proving that interest Piano Forte and in singing in music must have developed given at his home near the rapidly in Oswego during the corner of Taurus and Sixth 1830s. Street. Public Concerts in 1850s "Piano Fortes tuned on While records of the Village short notice. Board indicate that there was a "As soon as a suitable room village band** holding rehearsals is obtained he will commence in Market Hall during the 1840s his juvenile class in the ele­ sharing quarters with the "Oswe­ ments of musical elocution go Guards," public notices through of which notice will be given." the newspapers of local musical In the "Oswego Palladium" of activities are notably barren until June 22, 1836: the 1850s. Beginning with this period, space is given by "Mrs. J. C. Emerson, organ­ the newspapers to concerts ist and pianist would respect­ by visiting artists, notices of the fully inform the Ladies and Oswego Band, musical instruc­ Gentlemen of Oswego and its tion by various individuals. It is vicinity that he holds himself apparent that some one connect­ in readiness to instruct upon ed with the newspapers had a the Organ and Piano. Ten decided interest in music, whether dollars per quarter. on the staff of the paper, or "Refer to Rev- Mr. Mc- some person employed by the pa­ Carty, Dr. Samuel Hart, per to give notice of these af­ Lieut. Snead, L. S. Lockwood. fairs. Possibly some of the work "Piano supplies to order." of the teachers of the 1830s was bearing fruit.*** In the "Palladium" of July 27, There is no question but that 1836 we find: one man who participated active­ Piano Music ly, and quietly, in Oswego mus­ "A large and extensive as­ ical circles was John A. Barry. sortment of music for the He came to Oswego in the early piano has just been received 1850s. He was born in Utica, consisting of songs, duets, New York, in 1827. At the age marches, quadrilles, etc. The ** From action of the Village ladies are particularly invited Board taken March 26, 1838 it is clear to call at No. 3 Phoenix that there was a band in Oswego as early as 1835 and that the village had Building. purchased part of the instruments. B. D. and A. Lane." John Edwards submitted a bill for repairing the instruments in 1835. *** Editor's Note: John A. Barry, And in the Palladium of Janu­ who became an editor of the "Pal­ ary 24, 1838: ladium" in 1867, had arrived in Oswe­ go in 1852 and opened a music store. "Piano Fortes.—Four Piano He soon began writing for the * The "National Republican" was a "Palladium" and the "Times" weekly newspaper published at that concerning events in local musical time in Oswego. It was owned by circles. It is probable that it was Mr. John Quincy Adams who had changed Barry's work in this connection which its name from that of the Oswego Mr. I>a;lly observed in the old news­ Democratic Gazette by which it had papers which occasioned his re­ been earlier known. Adams withdrew mark as to evident new source of his support after one year and the musical lore which he discovers to paper was suspended. have become noticeable at this time.

—53— of seventeen he was organist of an entertainment of the char­ St. John's Church in Utica. When acter to be given by that tal­ he came to Oswego he opened ented and accomplished lady, a music store, retailing all kinds Miss Richings, next Thurs­ of musical merchandise. He was day, July 21, on which occas­ for a time, organist at St. Paul's ion she will be assisted by Church and later organist at her father, Mr. Richings and various othei local churches. He Prof. Charles Jarvis. In addi­ served as musical director and tion to the gems of Italian, accompanist for performances of French, English, Scotch, and Oswego talent for many years- Irish composers, Miss Rich­ Evidence of another develop­ ings will sing La Marseillaise, ment is contained in the follow­ Angels Bright and Ever Fair, ing article taken from the "Os­ and recite Longfellow's Hia­ wego Palladium" on January 1, watha. 1859: "We can but believe Doo- "Band From Oswego to Give little Hall will be thronged Promenade Concert Ball in by her friends and lovers of Pulaski During Second artistically rendered music, Week in January" believing as we do that the "Editorial Comment—Ex­ concert will be the best, most actly so, Stephen! Let all the refined, and unexceptionable youth of ye Ancient Town musical entertainment which come forth and proclaim ye Oswego has had in many Glad Tidings! Our Band num­ years, if indeed, ever. Those bers fourteen instruments and who heard her in 'The Daugh­ discourses the best and latest ter of the Regiment' during music. They propose to take her recent visit here, will a pleasure trip about the time hear her again, and we doubt mentioned and also intend to not her reputation will give give an entertainment at her a large audience."* Mannsville, Jefferson County. "We hope the Pulaskians "Concert will give them a good recep­ "Advertisement tion, and we should like to "Miss Richings announces join in the festivities of the that induced by her former occasion itself." brilliant and enthusiastic re­ Traveling Artists Give Concert ception in this city she will give one concer* only. During the same month Miss "Doolittle Hall Juvinelia Oliva, a soprano gave a "Cards of Admission 50 cents concert here to a large audience. It was "superior to any heard in each" a long time." The comment was: Oswego Harmonic Association "She possesses a pleasing figure, In 1859 there appears an ac­ winning smile and pretty face, a count of an interesting amateur full, strong, and musical voice, organization called "The Oswego and executes her pieces, chosen Harmonic Association." I quote with exceeding good taste, with from the "Palladium" concerning ease, grace, and talent. The ac­ a concert given in Doolittle Hall companiments were skillfully by Miss Weber, Miss Sarah done, with excellent taste, and Grant, Miss Eliza Smith, assisted in perfect time." by Messrs. Bond, Beardsley, Baker, Potter, and S. Lee Conde The "Oswego Commercial * Miss Richings was born in Eng­ Times" of July 14, 1859 proclaim­ land, but came to America in early ed: life. Her appearance here on the con. "Grand Concert by Miss cert stage was followed later by a stage career. She sang in operas in Caroline Bichings the 1840s and 1850s at Philadelphia "We are happy to announce and in other cities.

—54— (then organist at the Congrega­ Peccatis from Rossini's Stabat tional Church.) The concert was Mater by John M. Baker. The given for the benefit of the Or­ accomponist was John A. Barry, phan Asylum: and the admission was twelve and "The concert was received a half cents. The "Oswego Com­ by a large and discriminating mercial Times" reviews the af­ audience. It was a brilliant fair as follows: "A large and performance punctuated by respectable audience assembled spirited and rapturous ap­ and were thrilled with the concert plause. Every part of the pro­ and have high hopes of many to gram was exquisitely render­ come. The bass solo by John M. ed. It would be difficult to Baker was an excellent rendi­ single out any one artist for tion of this splendid piece of mus­ special mention. However, we ic. It is amazing to conceive wish to say that the solos and that Mons. Mayot has accomplish­ duets by the ladies displayed ed so much with his pupils in so peculiar beauty, sweetness, short a time- The singing of the and compass of voice. The children was something long to quartets by the gentlemen be remembered." were exceptionally fine, and the orchestral performances Virgil Became Internationally would be hard to excel, here Known or elsewhere." Notice is given in the "Oswego Commercial Times" of another In August 1859 a Monsieur teacher of this period who later Mayot came to this city to form became an internationally known a class for musical instruction. figure, namely Prof. A. K. Vir­ I quote: "Mons. Mayot comes gil, who was at one time organ­ highly recommended by some of ist of the First Presbyterian the finest musical talent in the Church. After leaving Oswego, he country. Private lessons will be invented the instrument known offered in cultivation of the as "the Virgil Clavier," which is voice, instrumentation, singing widely used in the leading music sacred, operatic, and secular mus­ schools and conservatories of the ic of all styles" Two classes, world.* junior and senior, were formed. Another outstanding concert of In the junior class for pupils un­ this period was one given by Miss der fifteen years it is interesting Maria Brainerd, prima donna, at to note that eighty pupils ap­ Doolittle Hall, in September, peared for the first lesson of the 1859. She was known to the course. The newspaper mentions musical world as "the Jenny Lind that "Although he is not yet of America," and "is undoubtedly attached to the schools, patrons one of the finest vocalists known and teachers encourage the un­ to the musical public." The ac­ dertaking." "At Monthly Musical companist for the concert was Soirees Chantantes, assisted by Mr. Clare W. Beames. talent from the city, the public will be given an opportunity to The following editorial appear­ judge the proficiency of the ed in the "Oswego Commercial classes." Times" on September 28, 1859: "To a lover of music, it is Soiree Introduces 150 Singers a little surprising that, The first Monthly Soiree of the abounding as this city does in Oswego Harmonic School was good vocal musicians, no ef­ held in Doolittle Hall on October fort has been made to organ­ 7, 1859, in which one hundred ize a society for the study fifty singers participated. Solos, * The device is a key board, similar duets, quartets, and choruses were to that of a piano, which gives forth performed. A feature of the eve­ no sound when the keys are touched It is still used for practice purposes in ning was the singing of the Pro connection with the piano.

—55— of high class Sacred Music. The Institute had rooms in the Each of our churches is sup­ third story of the building occu­ plied with able singers, male pied by John Ould & Co., at the and female, and it would northeast corner of West First seem the most natural tend­ and Bridge streets. It had a ency imaginable for a few of membership at one time of the most energetic to ar­ about one hundred men and wo­ range for the Choirs to be men from the various church brought together for the choirs of the city and an or­ study of the Oratorio, Sacred chestra of some fifteen. It gave Cantata, etc. several concerts to good au­ "To the praise of God has diences. Its programs were com­ been devoted the best tal­ posed of choruses and other se­ ents of the greatest compos­ lections from the oratorios, The ers and we have every rea­ Creation, The Messiah, Judas son to believe that the public Maccabaeus, and Glee and part sentiment would cordially songs of some of the best com­ welcome an association which posers. One of its greatest suc­ would bring forward a ser­ cesses was won at a concert ies of concerts through the which ended with Handel's Halle­ winter from Sacred Composi­ lujah Chorus, with over one hun­ tions of Mozart, Beethoven, dred voices and an orchestra of Mendelssohn, Rossini, and twenty-three, led by J. Adams others. Capable leaders, it is Smith, one of the finest violinists believed, reside in the city, we had in Oswego. During the qualified to conduct both the lifetime of this organization Os­ vocal and instrumental parts, wego made quite an advance in in the most effective manner, musical culture, and the choirs and while such concerts of the various churches were would elevate and refine pub­ witnesses of the fact. lic taste, it would prove of lasting benefit to the per­ Barry's Reminiscences sons engaged in it. The I have already mentioned the surrounding cities have near­ name of John A. Barry. I wish ly all such associations, and to incorporate in this article ex­ it would be extremely desir­ cerpts from a paper read by him able that such a source of before the Fortnightly Club in pure and elevating pleasure April, 1897, entitled "Oswego's should be granted to the citi­ Early Amateur Entertainments— zens of Oswego. It would A Reminiscence." agreeably diversify the lec­ "In the year of grace, 1853, tures to which the people are when the narrator first came to treated during the winter, Oswego, it was a town of some and without doubt would be 12.000 inhabitants, with a fine found self-sustaining in a pe­ lake and canal commerce, ship­ cuniary point of view." yards, a starch factory, and a number of large flour mills. In Oswego Philharmonic Institute the summer the town was busy, The foregoing editorial bore especially about the wharves, fruit in subsequent activities of docks, and shipyards. The harbor the Oswego Philharmonic Insti­ was full of vessels and canal tute which was organized in 1857. craft, and the elevators were run In 1858 it was incorporated. to their full capacity. In the win Thomas Kingsford, founder of ter the grain and commission the Oswego Starch Factory, was men, the forwarders and ship­ its first president. John B. Ed­ owners, had little to do but en­ wards was vice-president, Joseph joy themselves socially, and balls B. Hubbard, secretary-treasurer, and parties were the chief amuse­ John A. Barry, musical director. ments of as happy a community

—56— of young middle-aged men and The decadence of the latter left women, married and single, as us in a barren waste, until the one could find on a long journey. opening of the Richardson The­ "But, like all cities of its size ater, one of the most beautiful in those days, it was almost and best appointed structures of wholly dependent for its amuse­ its kind in the country. ment upon itself. And, as I have "The way it began: said, they consisted chiefly of Home Talent Opera Era social gatherings, dancing and "Among the amateur musical sleighing parties, and suppers at people in Oswego in 1854, were Adam Oot's at Minetto, a hostel­ Levi Beardsley, John Bond, ry for many years famous for its George Weeks, and Henry cuisine. The shipmasters' balls of Thornton. They formed a quartet those days were high grade af­ club, and after some time gave a fairs, scarcely a winter passing concert in Doolittle Hall for the without one such, which was pa­ benefit of the Oswego Orphan tronized by Oswego society. The Asylum. The first part of the 'Old Guards,' also gave famous concert was given to solos, duets, balls, to the delight of the youth, ballads, and quartets, the sec­ beauty, and life of the city. So ond, to original burlesques and notable did those functions be­ extravaganzas, the inventions of come, that they were often at­ Beardsley and Bond, principally tended by guests from Syracuse, the former. He had a genius for Auburn, Watertown and Utica. that sort of thing, which at that Early Amusement Centers time developed marvellously. "Sometimes a whole winter What Bill Nye was to literature, would pass without bringing to Beardsley was to burlesque. He Oswego a professional show or was an incarnation of the spirit concert. The Christie's Minstrels of the ridiculous and absurd, and were among the first that found to him was mainly due the pop­ their way here. Then intermit­ ularity that afterwards came to tently Buckely's Minstrels, Bry­ the various amateur organiza­ ant's, the Hutchinson and Baker tions for public amusement, with families, and other wandering which he was connected. troubadors. Some of these con­ "At this first concert the quar­ certs were given at the old 'Ta­ tet (which, by the way was ex­ bernacle.' a 'little church cellent in all its parts, and would around the corner' of West Sec­ be so rated today) sang princi­ ond and Bridge Streets, on the pally the compositions of Stephen Ground where the Wright and Foster, which were at the time Hunt Mill now stands.* It was first favorites. They were sim­ afterwards called 'Franklin ple, tuneful, and harmonious, Hall.' The upper story of the and were sung with good taste 'Old Academy on West Third and expression. The program Street, now the High school, was contained such quartets as "Come sometimes used for public as­ Where My Love Lies Dream­ semblages. These, with Market ing," "Hard Times Come Again Hall, now the D. L. & W. Hall, No More," "Twinkling Stars are for many years did all the Laughing, Love," with others of amusement business of the city. the like; operatic selections by Then came Doolittle Hall, Musle Weeks, ballads by Henry Thorn­ Hall, Mansard Hall, and after­ ton, (his Comin' Through the wards the Academy of Music, a Rye" was a great hit), "Meet Me transformation of Doolittle Hall. by Moonlight Alone," a travesty on that then popular duet, by * This building stood on the site Beardsley and Bond; and the Ty­ today occupied by the new Oswego rolean Warblers by the quartet, Theatre. Horace Greeley gave a lec­ ture there when he first visited Os­ in which Beardsley did the yode- wego in the early 1850s. ling to a queen's taste.

i "There arose a heavy anxiety clines toward the Corporal, whose for another of those concerts, martial bearing and ravishing and it was given with decided ac­ tenor have quite captivated the ceptance and a change of pro­ susceptible maiden. gram to an audience that pack­ "Blobski is consumed with ed Doolittle Hall from the plat­ jealousy, and in impassioned form to the doors. It would be songs and frenzied recitatives hard to decide which was the warns the Duke of his daughter's more surprised and pleased by infatuation; urges his own devo­ the success of those concerts, the tion, descants upon his wealth, audience or the singers. It was his illustrious lineage, the grand­ the beginning of a series of en­ eur and power of the House of tertainments at considerable in­ Blobski, one of the most ancient tervals by the quartet, the avails in the dominion of the Czar, and of which were given to the Or­ compares himself—the flower of phan Asylum, then in its early his race—with the measley sol­ days and urgent needs. dier who has dared to lift his A Twenty-Four Hour Opera eyes to the peerless Influenza. "The success of the quartet The Duke's scene with Influenza club led to the creation of one after his discovery of a "clan- of the most absurdly extravagant decent" meeting between her burlesques of which there is a and the Corporal, was the piece record. The scheme was Beards- de resistance of the opera. The ley's and it was his masterpiece. grand bearing of the lordly and (Note: It came about as the re­ dominant father, the blushings, sult of a wager between Beards- the coaxings of the fair damsel, ley and Bond that an opera could her coy but artful efforts to in­ be composed in twenty-four duce the author of her being to hours. The terms of the wager give her time to search her heart were that the arranger should so that she may know whether be given a room containing a it mav be possible to kindle and piano, a cooler of ice water, sand­ keep a flame for Blobski, were wiches, foolscap paper, a gross all quite affecting. Finally the of full-sharpened pencils, and Duke, in a magnificent basso then let alone for twenty-four profundo recitative, breaks forth hours. As a result came the op­ with: era "Influenza de la Blatt") The "O Influenza, ungrateful music was taken from the operas daughter, is it thus you re­ Norma, Lucretia Borgia, La Son- quite me love? Me Cheild, nambule, Semeradime, Martha me Influenza, image of thy and The Bronze Horse, with orig­ sainted mother, tell, O tell inal connecting gems by a local di­ me, Dost thou love the sol­ rector* whose name out of con­ dier?" sideration for a modestv which Influenza—"Pa, O Pa, I is his race characteristic, I for­ dust. Slay me if thou wilt, bear to mention. The result of but I love the military!" this collaboration was the pro­ Dukg—"O madness, O des­ duction of the opera of La Blatt, pair, O golly!" with John Bond as the Duke de la Blatt, Levi Beardsley as In­ "The end is peace. Influenza fluenza de la Blatt, daughter of marries Tommy Columnibus, who the Duke, George Weeks as turns out to be the Duke of Min- Count Blobski, a Russian noble­ etto, traveling incog., while the man, and Henry Thornton as Cor­ rejected Blobski unmasks as a poral Columnibus, U.S.A., in the Weehawken barber, with three leading parts. The Duke natur­ wives extant. ally favors the Count,- while, as Plot Not Wholly Original naturally the Lady Influenza in- "The plot of the opera was not * Barry. quite original—no more the

—58— music, but the acting, especially and turned to Mrs. Bond with that of Beardsley and Bond, was "Well, Betsey, are you trying to the very ecstacy of farcical com­ make a damnder fool of that boy edy. There may be some in this than God Almighty has already city now, and mayhap some who made him?" read these lines, who saw and How A Faked Subpoena Helped heard the first performance of LaBlatt, and who retain remem­ "At this time John Bond was brance of the fun of it. a lieutenant in the Revenue Mar­ ine Service, and the hailing port "The most striking feature of of the revenue cutter—I think the affair was the dressing of it was the Howell Cobb—was the Duke of Influenza. Bond was Oswego. Soon afterward the cut­ a fine specimen of physical man­ ter was ordered to Boston Har­ hood. In getting up his dress, his bor, and the opera company lost mother studied pictures of the its left bower, so to speak. Bond court costumes of Louis XVI, came here some time afterward and she and her interested friends on a short leave. There was an in society, succeeded in robing urgent request for a reproduction the Duke gorgeously. For Levi of La Blatt. Bond's leave expired they were lavish. Influenza fair­ and he had to go. Beardsley was ly blazed in brocade silk, Spanish nonplussed. He was dead set for lace, powdered hair, a tiara and another night of the opera. He necklace of diamonds and other must get Bond back. Lieut. Bond jewels. She walked, talked, acted was regularly served with an ir­ and sang the part admirably. regular subpoena, purporting to Bond's pomposity was phenom­ have been issued out of the Su­ enal. He was gorgeous and im­ preme Court of the State of New mense. York, which commanded John John Bond's "Tom Foolery" Bond to be and appear on a day "The Hon. Thomas H. Bond. and hour specified, in the Court John's father, was a man of House of the City of Oswego, to mark in his day, and one of Os­ give evidence in the case of wego's prominent citizens. He Somebody vs. Somebody, and to was stubbornly opposed to his fail not at his peril. Bond came, son's appearance on the stage in the opera was given with increas­ any capacity, and he never could ed success." be induced to see what he called "John's tomfoolery." Mrs. Bond, An off-shoot of the La Blatt on the contrary, was quite proud Opera Company was the Tim- of her son's performances, and buctoo Nightingales, an amateur she devoted a month of active minstrel organization after the work to her costuming of John manner of the Christie's. It gave and Levi. The Bonds lived at the several entertainments for var< Munger House, on the site of the ious charities and for a time had present Second National Bank.* some vogue. Bearsdley was the The morning before the date set master spirit of the Company. It for the nresentation of La Blatt, had a membership of fifteen or Mr. Bond pere had gone to his of­ twenty singers, dancers, players, fice. As soon as he was out of and farcical actors, and it gave sight, Mrs. Bond called John to some quite fancy performances. her room and had just arrayed "The Timbuctoos" came to an un­ him in his ducal robes, when her timely end, however. They had husband returned for a paper such faith in themselves and the which he had forgotten. When he excellence of their show, that entered the room he stopped they determined to try it on Wa- short, threw himself into a chair, tertown. They tried it. They * Today the location of the East played to a beggarly account of side branch of the First and Second empty benches, and walked home. National Bank and Trust Company of This closed out the "Timbuc- Oswego.

—59— toos," and ended the days of Co., Theodore Presser Co. of the amateur negro minstrelsy for Philadelphia, and was an accom­ that period. plished pianist. He composed ef­ Two Famous Names of Early fectively for the piano and wrota numerous articles on Russian and Period Polish music. While in this paper, I intended Oscar Coons Born Here to end with I860, and deal solely Another name that has carried with music within the city, I Oswego to all parts of the music should like to mention certain world is Oscar Coons. Born in persons who were in Oswego dur­ Oswego in 1833, and spending his ing this period and left for wider entire life in music, Coons was fields. Their subsequent achieve­ an editor, compiler and author. ments may be said to have grown out of the formative period under He wrote and published a splen­ discussion. They gained fame did book on Harmony and In­ in other centers, but their pres­ strumentation, compiled a Pocket ence here is of historic interest Standard Dictionary of Musical to us. Terms, edited a Catechism of Music on the plan of J. C. Lobe. Jaroslaw de Zielinski was born Deems Taylor, internationally in Galicia in 1847, was graduated known composer, editor, and from Warsaw Conservatory with critic, was a pupil of Oscar degree of Bachelor of Music. He Coons and in his book "Of Men came to America in 1864, and and Music" devotes an entire served in the Civil War. After chapter entitled "Guide and Phil­ his discharge from the service osopher" to the memory of this he came to Oswego where he was Oswego musician. Oscar Coon organist of St. Mary's Church played second trumpet in the fa­ during 1866-67. There are several mous Patrick Gilmour Band, people still living today who later with Cappas Seventh Regi­ were members of a Young Ladies ment Band, and also played trom­ Choir at St. Mary's organized by bone in the Metropolitan Opera de Zielinski. In the next few years he went to New York City House Orchestra. where he was very successful as In conclusion, I wish to say a teacher and concert pianist. In that this paper, though but an later years his work took him to inadequate glimpse into the past, Grand Rapids, Michigan, to De­ will serve as a stepping-stone to troit, and to Buffalo. In 1910 he further research, and as a basis founded in Los Angeles a Music for an account of subsequent School and Trio Club. He was an editor for the Hatch Music growth and development in the decades which followed.

—60— Old "Market House," Oswego's First City Hall

(Paper Read Before Oswego County Historical Society at Oswego, November 16, 1943, by Miss Marion Mahar of the Faculty of the Oswego State Teachers College.)

The building of the Market Oswego Boom of Early 1830's House, the first municipal build­ The years 1831 to 1836 had ing to be constructed in the vil­ been prosperous for Oswego. Tolls lage of Oswego, can not be prop­ collected on the Oswego canal erly understood unless viewed had increased from $16,271 in against the rapid growth of the 1831 to $30,436. The population community in the third decade of had risen from 2,117 to 7,000. the nineteenth century; a growth The East Village could boast of which was part of a general the Oswego Hotel, a large four trend throughout the Republic story brick edifice standing on since it resulted from the west­ the southeast corner of East ward movement, the rapid devel­ Bridge and First Streets and the opment of internal improvements West village of the Welland and easy credit. For this reason House located on the southwest a brief review of the develop­ corner of Cayuga and West First ment of the village from 1828 to streets, and the American Hotel,* 1835 is necessary. site not located, all doing a thriv­ ing business; two banks, the Oswego which in 1829 was a Oswego and the Commercial were small frontier village raising in existence and a railroad com­ yearly by general tax, a sum not pany had been formed to con­ exceeding 300 dollars for general struct a line from Oswego to village expenses, experienced be­ Utica. tween the opening of 1833 and the close of 1836, a sudden and Gerrit Smith had begun in 1830 terrific land boom. This was due the development of the Cove chiefly to the opening of the property in East Oswego. In 1834 West to settlement which sent the West village extended First thousands of prospective settlers street from Schuyler street to and their freight moving west­ the outer harbor, built there a ward through the Erie canal and public wharf, opened Second and Oswego. The Oswego-Syracuse Third, Fourth and Fifth streets canal had been completed in north of Seneca to the lake and 1828 and the Welland Canal was constructed public wharves at the opened for traffic in 1830. This foot of Seneca and Cayuga led to a demand for an "all-Amer­ streets. The next year a section ican" canal around Niagara Falls of land lying partly on the river and for the enlargement of the and partly on the outer harbor canal within the State. One pro­ which had been reserved by the posal was the construction of a state at the time of the original "steam-boat" canal from Oswego survey for "fortifications," was to Utica, by way of Oneida Lake. sold at public auction at pheno­ This followed the old colonial menal prices. One portion which route to the frontier and found support against an "enlarged * This may have stood on West Sen­ eca street between First and Second Erie" canal not only within the streets, as old residents recall that state but in Chicago and De­ the crumbling; remains of an old hotel troit as well. were observable there many years ago.

—61— OLD MARKET HOUSE Erected in 1836, It Became Oswego's First City Hall in 1848 had been divided into 12 lots Street and half fronting on West brought $47,842 and the second First street. portion, about 3 acres lying be­ The 16 lots in the north por­ tween First Street and the River tion were offered for sale by the and Schuyler and the Harbor, Trustees July 1, 1829. Lot No. 1 was struck off at $108,850. These brought $870 and No. 9 $700. The were great prices but such was section north of Market and east the confidence in the future of of Water street was divided into the village that the editor of "Os­ two lots of 66 feet each but not wego Palladium" could write leased at public auction until with confidence: "No landed in­ 1833. The north lot went to terest which the state has re­ Christian J. Burckle at $1,650, served in our western towns the lot adjoining to the south bears any comparison in value to to Francis Rood for $1,025, that of Oswego. There is not a the remaining 44 feet was re­ foot of it which can not be resold tained by the village. All lands at great advance." sold were in reality leased for Additional proof of the growth a 999 year period and paid an of the village was the erection annual rent, the smaller lots of in 1837 of the United States $30, the larger of $90. No Hotel at West Seneca and Sev­ slaughter house, tannery or fur­ enth streets, and the founding of nace was to be erected on the the "Oswego Commercial Herald" premises leased. and the "Oswego County Whig," both in 1837, the year of the Lot Sales Provided Building Fund completion of the Market Build­ The third sale, that of the ing. The little village appeared sixteen market lots from No. 17 to be making rapid strides to 32 inclusive did not take towards substantial greatness. It place until 1835 in the midst of was in this atmosphere that the the land boom. The same village Market Hall, later to be known meeting, that of April 21, 1835, as the "First City Hall," was which authorized the construc­ planned and begun. tion of the Market House, gave its approval to this sale by pub­ Determine Site For Market lic auction June 10, 1935 at the The building which stands to­ Welland House in West Oswego. day on the east side of West The sum realized was to be de­ Water Street between Market voted to the improvement of and Bridge streets was erected the streets and erection of the on what was then known as Market Hall. As reported in the "Market Block 26", a section of Village records, the sale of lots a piece of land lying on the in the South section of the west bank of the River between Market lots, June 10, 1835 re­ Bridge (Cancer) and Cayuga sulted as follows*: (Gemini) streets and the River and First Street. The improve­ No. Lot Purchaser Rent Price ment of this area had been be­ 17 Moses P. Hatch $30 $1,010 gun in 1829. A public dock ad­ 18 Ulysses G. White 30 685 jacent to Market Block 26 and 19 Eli Stevengos 30 600 extending to the south line of 20 Abraham T. Evertson Bridge street was constructed at 30 575 a cost of $1,367.88. The two por­ 21 David Harmon 30 555 tions west of Water Street, one 22 F. T. Carrington 30 540 to the north and the other to 23 Daniel Griffin 30 810 the south of Market Street (then 24 Daniel Griffin 30 1,610 known as Market Avenue and 25 Moses P. Hatch 30 670 44 feet wide) were divided each 26 Wm. H. VanHorne 30 470 into 16 Market lots all 22 by 27 Erie Poor 30 435 50 feet, half fronting on Water 28 A. T. Evertson 30 415

—63— 29 Wm. Lewis, Jr. 30 405 of the funds if they deemed it 30 F. T. Carrington 30 450 expedient. Two days later at a 31 Bronson & Crocker 30 595 meeting of the Board, the Pres­ 32 Bronson & Crocker 30 595 ident appointed a committee con­ sisting of the President and Total $480 $10,920 Messrs. Rood and Steele to pro­ *—(Village Records 1828-1848 p. cure plans for the building and 180). to estimate the expense entailed. Vote To Erect Market On June 4, this Committee sub­ In 1865 when the Common mitted the plan of the Albany Council was considering a pos­ Market Building situated on sible site for a new City Hall, South Pearl Street, and recom­ a member reminded the Council mended its adoption, with some that the first City Hall, the Mar­ slight alterations in the internal ket House, had been built ex­ arrangements, as the plan of the clusively from funds furnished Oswego Market House. The plan by West Oswego and argued that was adopted and the President any new building should there^ appointed a new committee con­ fore, by right, be located on the sisting of the President and west side of the River. This Messrs. Rood and White with claim was based on the fact power to choose the location, ad­ that the construction of the Mar­ vertise for bids for erection and ket House was largely financed make the necessary arrangements by the income derived from the for the building's immediate erec­ leases and rents of the Market tion. Block lots. The decision to erect a Mar­ Bonesteel Given Contract ket Hall was made at a meet­ On June "22, 1835, the Presi­ ing of the freeholders and inhab­ dent was authorized to negotiate itants held April 21, 1835 at 2 with Jacob N. Bonesteel for con­ P. M. at the American Hotel. structing the building. The build­ The date of this meeting had been ing was to cost $7,965,* to be set two weeks previous at the enclosed by December 1, and annual meeting for the election fully completed by May 1, 1836. of village officers. The Village The contract made with Mr. J. President, Daniel W. Cole, pre­ N. Bonesteel, with Messrs. Luther sided and Messrs. Joseph Grant, Wright and Samuel Hawley as Orlo Steele, Ulysses G. White, security, was accepted by the Francis Rood and Moses P. Board July 9. Hatch, five of the seven Trust­ ees were present. Judge Turrill The site chosen was Block 26, offered two resolutions: That the south-east portion of the the President and Trustees be Market Block. Since the build­ authorized to lease the whole or ing of the wharf in 1829, the any portion of the Market Corporation had spent jointly Ground west of Water Street with the Bridge Corporation $1,- which had not already been 100 in removing the toll house on leased by the corporation; That the bridge, filling in land at the the President and Trustees be west end of the bridge and con­ authorized to construct and build structing a wall upon which the a Market House out of the new toll house was to rest. Con­ moneys derived from the Market sequently no extensive work, Ground. preparatory to the erection of the building was necessary. Built on Plan of Albany Building These two resolutions were ac­ * This sum seems very small even cepted and the trustees, were for the two-etory building at first contemplated. However at that time given the power to call another a day's wage was but 75 cents and meeting to report on the state other costs were low in proportion.

—64— The work was begun. The orig­ The wood and stone used in inal plan called for a two story the work of constructing the building but under the infuence Market were secured locally, the of rising land values and the con­ stone being furnished by Moses viction that the vilage stood upon P. Hatch who had quarries on the threshold of a great des­ the public land lying west of tiny, the Board voted March 10, Second and north of Schuyler 1836 that the contractor be in­ streets and who furnished 212 structed to add a third story. cords of stone for the foundation The faith and enthusiasm of the at $4.50 a cord for which he was Board was shared by the inhab­ assigned two market leases of itants. On April 27, a commit­ $1,829 at their par value, rent tee representing the Mechanics not included. Of the source of Association requested that they the brick I have found no rec­ might be permitted to place a ord.* The policy of assigning bell in the cupola on condition market leases as part payment that they be permitted to ring was also pursued with Mr. Bone- it when they chose. steel who accepted two in par­ Cupola And Clock Provided tial payment for extra construc­ This proposal does not appear tion work done and with U. G. to have been accepted, for the White who was given one market purchase price of $600 for a bell lease in part payment for paint­ was included in the cost of the ing the Market. building, but the proposal appar­ ently moved the committee on "Second Only To Faneuil Hall" construction to instruct the con­ The building was nearing com­ tractor, "so to modify the con­ pletion at the close of January tract that the cupola it shall be 1837. The committee, employ­ made sufficiently capacious and ing the services of several com­ strong for the purpose of hang­ petent builders, found the work ing a bell therein." with some trifling exceptions, The idea of a village bell was, executed according to the con­ however, not new. Since May tract and April 26, 1837 the re­ 1829 the corporation had paid tiring President, Mr. George H. to have a bell in one of the McWhorter, who had served in city churches* rung three that capacity during the entire times each day, at 9 o'clock period of the market's construc­ A. M., at noon and at 9 P. M., tion since he was chosen by the Sundays excepted, and also in Board October 17, 1835 to fill case of fire. the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of President Cole and It may be that the cupola as was elected President at the an­ originally designed was to house nual meeting April 5, 1836, gave a bell only since there is no a report on the condition and record of a new proposal rela­ cost of the building. It was near­ tive to installing a clock. A con­ ly completed, sufficiently so for tract for a clock was negotiated occupation, the stone steps and for with Jekiel Clarke in which lamp for the main entrance, the he agreed to accept in payment bell and clock were yet to be $450, one third down and the bal­ installed. The cost of the third ance in two equal annual pay­ story had been double that orig­ ments with interest, October 9, inally estimated but the addition 1837, one month after he and had been undertaken at the de­ his son had installed it in the sire of the public and the edifice cupola. was an ornament to the village •Old First Presbyterian which at "surpassing any similar public this time possessed the only church bell in Oswego. The bell ringer was paid $13 a quarter tor performing *The brick probably came from this service. Daniel Thompson was local kilns of which there were a the first bell ringer. number in the vicinity.

—65— building in our country save only liable to be adverse to the inter­ Faneuil Hall at Boston". ests of the village and should The total cost of the Market never be allowed. Moses P. Hatch Building was $17,777.09. The re­ a trustee in 1834, '35 and '37 had ceipts from the sale of the Mar­ furnished the stone for the foun­ ket ground were $13,082.24, its dation at a cost of $954 and unused assets $2,830.25, the debt Ulysses G. White, trustee in '35 was therefore, $1,864.90, but since and '36 had the contract for the building would prove imme­ painting the Market, total ac­ diately a source of revenue, the count $579.01; but the criticism rents of the ensuing year yield­ appears to have been directed ing probably $1,100, in a brief against John W. Turner, trustee period, the president predicted, in 1836, arising out of litigation it would be contributing to the concerning the grading of First annual resources of West Oswego. street in East Oswego for which Panic Makes Mortgage he had been awarded a contract Necessary November 28, 1836 while serving The building embodying the as trustee and by a committee of pride and faith of the commun­ which he was a member. ity and determined upon at the Description Of Market House heighth of the boom in 1835 was The three story building des­ completed in the midst of the ignated as "the Market House" Panic of 1837 and President Mc- Whorter gave as his parting rec­ in the Village Ordinances of 1837 ommendation to the Village Board has all the characteristics of that no future public works be good architecture, unity, sim­ undertaken either by contract or plicity of design, good propor­ otherwise without a previous es­ tions and structural features suit­ timate, assessment and collection ed to its functions and since few of the expenses incident there­ of us have probably ever exam­ to. His successor President David ined it with care, it mei-its a de­ P. Brewster secured June 16, scription. The ground floor is a 1837 authority from the Board series of arches, five on either to borrow $6,000 at a rate of in­ side of the main entrance arch terest not exceeding 7 per cent, both on the Water street and payable semi-annually for a per­ River sides and three on the iod of not less than five or more north and south faces. These all than 20 years with which to meet served as entrances to the mar­ the unpaid costs of constructing ket "stalls" north of the main the market building. The loan entrance and to offices south of was made by Isaac Bronson of it, from a porch surrounding the New York City and he took as entire ground floor, interrupted part of his security a mortgage only on the Water street side by on the Barket Building and mar­ a flight of stone .steps leading to ket lot. the main entrance. The second For the next nine months the and third stories have both a row minutes of the Board meetings of large windows one over each were crowded with expenditures arch and three over the east aid amounting to over $1,000 inci­ west main entrance arches, ex­ dental to fitting the building for tending around all four sides. use. There is no hint that the The center entrance sections, trustees considered the basic twenty-six feet in width and com­ costs of erection excessive, but prising about one-fifth of both at the annual meeting of April 3, the west and east facades, project 1838 a resolution was carried about one foot beyond the main stating that the practice of the walls thus breaking what would Board in letting contracts to otherwise have been a monoton­ members of their own body was ous series of arches. The roof of

—66— this section is slightly higher ter was 13% feet high. The edi­ than the main portion and ter­ tor of the "Oswego Commercial minates in rather a flat gable. Herald" described its acoustic properties May 31, 1837 in the Building Fronted On River following terms: "Such is the The main entrance door, destinctness of sound that the which is exactly the same on ordinary noise made by a pen in both the east and west facades, is writing on . paper at one end of truly beautiful. The glass in the the room is heard with perfect arch above it is cut and leaded clearness at the other, and a together to represent the mer­ whisper is entirely audible." idians intersecting the globe. This design was carried out also Wharf Users Occupied Basement over the main doors of the in­ On the river side the basement terior. The side towards the was above the ground; the thres­ River was considered the front of holds of the thirteen cellar the building, whereas in modern doors, one under each of the ten times the Water street entranc­ arches and three in the central es have been principally used in entrance section, were flush with entrance and egress. the market or public dock which ran along the river opposite the The first floor was originally Market. On the north side, and divided into three main sections, no doubt on the south also, are the entrance hall on each side of two full basement doors under which a circular staircase located the two arches nearest the river close to the Water Street wall, as­ since the land sloped abruptly to cended to the second and third the dock. Under the arch ad­ stories; this hall opened directly jacent to Water street is a half into a large almost square room size window. An income was, of facing the river called after 1848 course, anticipated by the village "the Library"; the sections to the fathers from this part of the north and south of this central building since the lesee of any portion are of equal size. In section of the market wharf both were eight wooden pillars, leased also a section of the base­ four to a row and resting in the ment in the Market House. basement on stone piers support­ ing an arched ceiling. An open area lay to the north and to the south of the building The second story has two main since the south forty-four feet of rooms extending from East to Market Block beyond Market West the full width of the street was not leased until De­ building to the South the cember 1847 and immediately larger room, the South Hall or upon the completion of the Mar­ "the Hall" and to the north a ket Ulysses G. White secured a somewhat smaller room. The lease of the open area south of two were connected by a corridor the market for the term of one of considerable length. On the year at $15. east side a long narrow room* fills in the remaining space be­ Fire House Addition Built In 1844 tween the two halls, and on the The present building which ad­ west a smaller room the space joins the Market Building on the between the staircase and the south, part of which is now oc­ North Hall. cupied by the Montcalm Dock The third floor was a single Company as an office, was not room thirty-three feet in width built until 1844. It was erected and one hundred and twenty-four as a double fire engine house in length. The ceiling of this two stories high above the base­ room was arched and in the cen- ment and, as can be clearly seen or observed from the bridge, was * This room in later years was partitioned into three smaller rooms. one half the depth of the present

—67— structure. The addition now fills or to thwart these contemplated the open space which gave free acts against a country with which access to the wharf from Water the United States was at peace. and Bridge streets in early days. In its original setting the build­ "Patriot" Sympathy Forced ing did not appear, as it does to­ Retirement day, as having been jammed into This sensational episode may a narrow alley. Water street was have created a belief that the 38 feet wide. Post Office should be moved to other quarters since at the an­ Post Office More Than 20 Years nual meeting of the Village It was anticipated that the Board in April 1842 a resolution Market building would be a source was adopted stating that the of revenue to West Oswego. The Post Office and Custom House first lessee to take possession ought to be located in the Mar­ May 1, 1837 was Samuel Haw- ket Building, because it was con­ ley, the village postmaster, who venient for all having business had applied for a two year lease at either office and that the of the South end of the Market postmaster of the village and the October 17, 1836. In fading let­ United States Collector of Cus­ tering the words Post Office can toms at this port be requested be seen today over the arch on to rent their offices in said build­ the south west corner of the ing. Three weeks later the newly building and the stone door-sill elected Board designated the below it, is much worn. At the ex­ Clerk a committee of one to wait piration of the two years Haw- upon these gentlemen. The post­ ley renewed the lease and then, master was persuaded and the after citizens had petitioned two south sections continued to Washington for his removal, re­ be used as Oswego Post Office signed as Postmaster as a result until 1859 when the Post Office of the "Caroline affair." John was moved to the new Federal H. Lord, founder of the "Pallad­ Building then just completed. ium" thereupon was appointed postmaster. When the Market building was nearing completion J. N. Bone- Hawley, long prominent in lo­ steel* who had held the contract cal politics and later elected to for its construction, applied for a the State Assembly, was accused two year lease of a part of the of being an ardent and active sym­ Market wharf, a section of the pathizer with the Canadian Pa­ basement and one section of the triots then in rebellion against ground floor. This he secured at the British crown and deeply a rent of $700 for the first and involved in an American "pa­ $900 for the second year. triot" expedition fitted out at Oswego in direct contra­ Market Clerk and Prison Keeper vention of the national gov- The north portion of the ground erment's Neutrality Law and floor was designed as a market policy. It was asserted that arms similar to that which existed at to be sent on the expedition were Faneuil Hall in Boston in pre- stored in a section of the base­ Revolutionary days and yet flour­ ment beneath the Post Office ishes there today. The five stalls and that Hawley witnessed the were leased at auction for one loading of the two schooners, the year at a minimum price of $50 "Charlottee of Oswego" and April 20, 1837 and were designed "Charlotte of Toronto," which for the sale of fish, meats and took place at the Market Dock vegetables. Webster S. Steele in plain view of the Post Office windows. As a high ranking, local * The later day representatives Federal officer, Hawley was criti­ of this family use the spelling "Bon- steel," but in the old village records it cized for not acting in an endeav­ appeared as "Bonesteel."

—68— began his services as clerk of the raised and fatted on his own market and keeper of the village farm, by the quarter or greater prison,* located in the central quantity." portion of the basement May 1, 1837, but the market did not open Market Ordinances Modified until later in the month. In the spring of the following Its opening intensified the ex­ year a meeting was held in East isting rivalry between the resi­ Oswego to petition for the re­ dents of the East and West sec­ peal of the foregoing ordinance tions of the village and this rival­ insofar as it related to East Os­ ry appears to have contributed wego and on June 11, 1838 the to the financial failure of the ordinance was amended to per­ building in the period 1837-1848. mit persons not licensed butch­ The final work of the Village ers to sell meat from wagons Board of 1837 had been the pub­ during market hours on Wednes­ lication of the Village Ordinanc­ days and Saturdays in East Os­ es. Sections 51-72, inclusive, re­ wego in First street south of the lated to the Market. Section 51 south line of Bridge street and read as follows: "The Market between the eastern curb stone House erected on Water street and the center of the street and in West Oswego shall be called in West Oswego in front of the the Market House of the Village Market between the eastern and the butchers and victuallers curb stone and the center of Wa­ thereof shall be subject to the ter street and between the cen­ following regulations—no person ter and south curb stone of Mar­ shall sell or offer for sale at any ket street. This amendment was place in said village, except at directed to be published in hand the aforesaid Market House, and bill form. The next year the or­ at such stalls or stands as may dinances were amended to per­ hereafter be licensed or estab­ mit the selling of fresh meat in lished by the Board of Trustees, East Oswego at all hours, in all any fresh meat, except the off­ places and in any quantity, on als of hogs sold by persons being everyday except Sunday. packers of pork, and except fish, The Trustees who passed these venison and wild game, under ordinances represented the resi­ the penalty for each offense of dents of both sections of the vil­ $10 and excepting a farmer who lage and it would appear that may sell at any place fresh meats these provisions were designed to promote the convenience of * This arrangement did not con­ the villagers rather than to tinue long, however, the position be­ create a West village monopoly. ing separated into two jobs, one as the clerk of the market to which Early Town Meetings in Hotels Charles C. Rumrill was appointed August 6, 1838, as successor to Rob­ Before the building of the ert N. Barber, the position paying a Market, the annual meetings of salary of $80 a year, and the other as the village were held at one of keeper of the prison, which W. S. Steele continued to fill. April 12, 1838, the three hotels. The first to be the Board had added to the duties held in the new building assem­ hitherto performed by the market bled there in January 29, 1838 clerk and keeper of the prison the duties of the caring for and winding at 7 p. m., in the room designated of the town clock and keeping "the as the "public room," probably passages, public rooms and unoccu­ the South Hall on the second floor pied stalls in the market building swept and clean." For all these serv­ since the Board granted a certain ices he was to be allowed 75 cents Mr. Barrett later in the year a day. For feeding prisoners 18% permission to use the South Hall cents a meal was allowed the jailer. The jailer also occupied living quar­ for the purpose of delivering a ters in the jail. Oct. 23, 1838, the course of "grammatical lectures" jail and its living quarters were leas­ at times not interfering with ed to Oswego County for one year at $300. public meetings. The north room

—69— on the second story had been in the building. This was granted leased as a library and lecture and then countermanded and fin­ room rent free shortly after the ally the old engine house south building was opened to the Me­ of the market was assigned as a chanics Association of the Vil­ "gun house." When this was sold lage. The two smaller rooms on to make way for the new two- the second floor may have serv­ story engine house, twenty feet ed as the Police Office and office of the south end of the third story of the Clerk of the market, al­ of the Market House was par­ though both were later in the titioned off for their use and south unleased section of the shortly afterwards in answer market, and the room back of the to a petition from a large number ground floor entrance hall serv­ of inhabitants, the Oswego Brass ed as the "Corporation Room." Band was also granted the use of Before the building was com­ this section of the hall. Not until pleted Messers. Russell and Lyne 1852* was the third floor granted requested from the Board a one the Guards as a drill room for one year lease to the upper story for evening of each week and this use as a theater. A remonstrance was rescinded in the next year. against this and a petition in op­ "The Black Hole" position to the remonstrance were immediately made to the The central section of the base­ Board. Messrs. Russell and ment was, as previously stated, Lyne were finally authorized to fitted up as a village jail or lock­ produce their theatrical enter­ up known locally as "the Black tainments but I have not yet Hole."** A year after the com­ found the date on which the first pletion of the building the Coun­ was presented. ty Board of Supervisors upon the receipt of permission from the Drill Hall for Oswego Guards State Legislature, leased from the The name of the Oswego Village the right to use this jail Guards organized July 19, 1838, as the county was at the time is often associated with the without a jail of its own, paying building since the third floor did $300 annual rent in 1838 and $150 later serve both as drill hall and from 1839 to a date not determin­ as the scene of their annual balls ed. During 1838, 19 soldiers com­ but the trustees very reluctantly mitted to this jail by Lieut. Tem­ permitted them the use of the ple their commanding officer, for building for the latter purpose.* desertion and disorderly conduct In 1848 the Village Corpora­ were received and discharged. tion secured for the Guards Two prisoners of international 60 stands of arms, tents and fame were later lodged there camp equipment from the temporarily. Bill Johnson, the State Commissary General on "Canadian pirate" on the St. condition that they be kept in the Lawrence and an outlaw after Market Building subject at all the Patriot war, was lodged times if not in actual use to in­ there overnight by the Fed­ spection. Shortly afterwards the eral authorities while en route Guards tried to secure a gun room to Auburn, for arraignment in Federal Court after his arrest at •The Guards had used the third floor as a drill hall, however, in the * * By the provisions of section 108 early days following their organiza­ of the village ordinances the room in tion. They gave their annual hall the south end of the market basement there in January 1844. There had had been set aside as the prison. been a band in Oswego earlier than J'une 16, 1837, the Board amended the 1835, the village having purchased section so as to declare that *'the some of the instruments. These were apartment in the basement beneath loaned to the Oswego Guards, evident­ the centre of the building which ly then intent upon organizing a band, has been fitted up for a prison, be through a petition addressed to the and the same hereby is declared to Village Board September 2, 1838. be the fillage prison."

—70— Ogdensburg as he was fleeing for abhorrence to war with Great safety following the Battle of Britain and denying the claim Wind Mill Point. Benjamin Lett, made in several American and whose arrest at one time led to Canadian papers that the expedi­ diplomatic correspondence be­ tion against Prescott was public­ tween the United States, Great ly fitted out at the Port of Os­ Britain and Canada was confined wego. David P. Brewster, pres­ there awaiting trial after his at­ ident of the village in the pre­ tempt to blow up the Steamboat ceding year from April, 1837, to Great Britain at her Oswego April, 1838, during which time Dock in 1840. the Market Building was com­ There was no county jail in pleted, spoke eloquently in favor Oswego until 1853. The occas­ of the resolutions which were ional prisoners were kept in signed by 115 citizens and for­ the Market prison and the more warded to the United States Con­ permanent ones sent to Pulaski gress. to be held there. The following Saturday after­ noon Patriot sympathizers met in Mass Meetings at Time of Patriot the same hall* and drew up reso­ War lutions affirming their allegiance During the latter part of the to the principles of the Declara­ year in which the Market House tion of Independence, condemning was completed and in the ear­ search and seizure of persons and ly months of 1838, the inhab­ property on suspicion, denounc­ itants of Oswego were pas­ ing American officers who fired sionately aroused over the "Pa­ upon American citizens "both in triot War" and the Neutrality Canadian and American waters Act passed by Congress at the and assisted a blood-thirsty, suggestion of President Van Bu- cruel and tyrannical government ren. Following receipt of news in the capture of an American in Oswego of the destruction in schooner" and secured a long list the Niagara River of the United of signatures for a petition to States-owned Steamboat "Caro­ Congress begging the repeal or line" by British officials, a large modification of the Neutrality number of citizens actively symp­ Law. athized with the Canadian rebels, engaged in running arms across Monroe's Reception Planned the lake and catually courted war A meeting of a more peaceful with Great Britain. Two schoon­ nature took place in the Market ers, both known as "Charlotte,'' engaged in running arms, had *PuMie meetings in Market hall were becoming so numerous ae to been loaded at the Market wharf create a real problem for George in November, 1838, and following Skinner who had been appointed the news of their seizure near Og­ October 15, 1838, to have charge of the Market building, .\mong Skin­ densburg by United States au­ ner's duties fixed by the Village thorities, excitement ran very Board were ''to keep the unoccupied high in Oswego. stalls, the passages and public rooms swept and clean, that he have the Following the abortive expedi­ key of the South hall and furnish the same with light and fuel at his own tion against Prescott in Novem­ expense and that he open the same ber, 1838, a group of citizens in for public meetings when requested sympathy with the government's by the citizens . . and that he be permitted to demand and receive neutrality policy met in the South from persons "wishing to occupy said Hall of the Market House and room the sum of $2 for each time it may be so occupied as remunera­ drew up resolutions approving tion for lighting the room and en­ President Van Buren's neutrality trance. It shall also be hie duty to proclamation, condemning all see that the fire and lights are care­ fully extinguished and the room movements and secret associa­ closed after every meeting." For all tions which disturbed the tran­ this work he was to (be paid $25.00 quility of the frontier, voicing a year.

—71— /

the following summer. On Au­ of the mortgage upon the gust 29 a large and respectable building.** The corporation paid public meeting of the citizens was about $420 yearly in interest. held in the South Hall to plan In 1846 the President was obliged for the reception of Ex-president to borrow the interest money and Monroe who was then at Sac- make a note payable to S. H. kett's Harbor and who was ex­ Lathrop at Luther Wright's pected to arrive at Oswego on the bank. At the expiration of the following day aboard the govern­ ten year period January 1, 1848, ment S. S. Oneida. He landed at the Board authorized the Presi­ the outer harbor but was not en­ dent, D. C. Littlejohn, to renew tertained at the Market House.* until January 1, 1853, the origin­ Water Street Activity Center al loan, that is $5,000 of the or­ Water street was at that time iginal $6,000, made by Isaac the center of the business life of Bronson of New York City. West Oswego. Public wharves Market Becomes City Hall extended along both east and The name of the building was west sides of the inner harbor and changed in 1848 upon the char­ merchandize unloaded for trans­ tering of the city government shipment on lake boats included from "Market House" to "City flour, pork, lard, butter, cheese, Hall." The first action taken by grain, salt, wood, brick, stone, the Common Council was to pro­ sand, planks, boards, scantlings, cure rooms for the Common Coun­ sawn or hewn timber, shingles cil, Recorders Court and Supreme and fence posts. Steamboats and Court, when in session in the other craft landed passengers at city. The South Hall of the for­ the foot of Cayuga street and mer Market Building was fitted omnibuses and carriages awaited up for the Supreme Court, the the passengers "west of the plank room to the east of the corridor walk in Water street." The less was prepared for the use of the fortunate arrivals, immigrants Recorder while holding police often sick and destitute en route court, the room to the west, to the West, were frequently a across the corridor, became the burden to the Village. Danger City Collector's (chamberlain's) of Are along the water front was office and the room on the north very great and the amounts ex­ end occupied since 1837 by the pended in fitting out the fire com­ Mechanics and Merchants Associ­ panies and upon the improve­ ation was converted into the ment of the streets far exceeded Common Council Chamber. These that spent upon the Market rooms comprised the entire sec­ Building. ond story. The members called the Chamber the Common Coun­ It had been hoped that the cil "Hall." A portrait of the first Market rents would afford an ad­ mayor, James Piatt, was hung in ditional village income but ihey it and the dignity which attended did not yield enough to cancel its proceedings is affirmed in the any but a very small portion recording of the Mayor's "Inaug­ * President Van Buren, while still ural" and "Valedictory" adresses in office, visited Oswego on August from 1848 until this paper ends 30th, 1839, A citizen's meeting was held at Market Hall to make plans with the installation of the city for his reception. A large reception offices in the new City Hall. committee of citizens was named at the meeting. A reception for the President was given at the Welland * * Considerable portions of the House after the President had spoken money received from the sale or rent to the citizenry from the balcony. of the Market lots were used for street The President was entertained over improvements and not to defray the night by George H. McWhorter, Col­ cost of constructing the Market. The lector of the Port of Oswego and $5,000 balance yet due on the Mar­ ranking Federal officer in Oswego at ket debt when the village govern­ the time. The McWhorter home still ment ceased to exist finally was stands at 69 East Mohawk street. paid off by the city government.

—72— The room to the east had been Oliver Last Of Market Men divided to provide a City Clerk's The Common Council Proceed­ office. The expense entailed was ings give yearly a detailed state­ $439.98. A room on the third ment of the city's income and ex­ floor was later provided for the penditures; therefore it is much library, furniture and general easier to determine what the use of the Mechanics' Associa­ Market yielded. The income from tion. The same year Water the building did increase but rare­ street between Bridge and Mar­ ly exceeded expenditures. The ket streets was paved and stalls three tenants occupying the for the sale of fish erected at the ground floor for the longest per­ north end of the City Hall. iods were the postmaster, Robert Oliver and J. B. C. Morris. The Many Uses For Court Room post office took over stalls three, four and five and the postmaster The Supreme Court room was leased in addition a private of­ much used. Shortly after it was fice for which the United States fitted up for the Court, the Uni; government paid for a period of versalist Society was given per­ years an annual rent of $350- mission to use it on alternate $360. The five original meat Sundays. (The Bethel Mission stalls appear to have been all had used the room regularly Sun­ occupied only for a very short days since 1846 and had been period after 1837; by 1848 all but granted a room on the third floor No. 1 and No. 2 occupied by when the second floor was being Robert Oliver, had been convert­ renovated but when another relig­ ed into offices. Mr. Oliver had ious society petitioned to use the been among the first to secure hall, the Council was of the opin­ a lease in April of 1837 but sur­ ion that the room should be used rendered it in July. When he exclusively by the Court and returned to the market is a ordered the Clerk of the Market question but from 1851 to '55 he to forbid its use for any other paid $150 annual rent. The fol­ purpose.) The next year the city lowing year he withdrew and leased it to the county for use with him ended one of the by the County Courts for $250 an­ phases of the building's history. nual rent. That lease was re­ Thereafter there were to be no newed yearly until 1857. further food dealers doing busi­ ness in the Market.*J. B. C. Mor­ The Board of Supervisors were ris was in the insurance business offered the room in 1853 for their and paid annual rent varying sessions and by that time the from $110 to $150 in the period 1852-1861 for the use of one of Council appears to have abandon­ the former Market stalls as an of­ ed the idea that the room should fice. be used only for governmental purposes. On October 27, 1852 the Reverend J. S. Davenport It is interesting to note that secured it for his course of lec­ the Oswego Board of Education tures, the next spring the West leased for $100 the library quar­ Baptist Society was permitted ters in the City Hall for two to use it for Sunday worship, in years from April 1, 1854 to 1856 1854 the Oswego Tract Society but it appears after that not to was occupying it each Thursday have paid rent, although con­ evening and after 1860 the Sea­ tinuing to occupy the room for men's Temperance »Society held school library purposes. its meetings there. No doubt * Oliver had been appointed in July the Council had decided that 1839 clerk of the Market "with the exception of the duty of collecting these activities supplemented rents." He was to receive a salary of the efforts of the Court. $40 a year.

—73— How Building Was Utilized In ———- "Second Story. 1859 "North end is the Common Fortunately a detailed account Council room; next is the City of the use and condition of the Clerk's office; next the City Col­ building was made at the request lector's office; next the Court of an insurance company and was room—all in order and rent .free. included in the Common Council "Third Story. Proceedings for the year 1859. It "Used principally by the Mili­ is as follows: tary, (Oswego Guards, "Rifle "Basement Company" and Cadet Corps), in "North end fitted up in a cheap fair order, rent free. The Dome is manner to lodge persons who tight and in fair order, it is oc­ may make application to the po­ cupied by the City Clock, rent lice or vagrants. free. "Next room south leased to "Engine House. Northwestern Insurance Com­ "The South end is leased to pany for storage of coal, the priv­ Ely and Treadway for $125 per ilege of keeping their steam tug year. The North end is used by at the wharf and an opening of 6 the Harbor Master and the Board feet from the dock to the door of of Trade*** rent free." their store room, rent $35. Rapid Changes In Life's Way "Lockup, the Black Hole. "Ling for storage of ale, li­ Dramatic changes in the Ameri­ quors, etc., rent $50. can way of life are illustrated "Hubbard,* space in connection through the activities carried on with store on main floor. within the building in the 1850s. The O'Reilley Telegraph Company "Principal Story. leased an office on the ground "North end — Recorder and floor from May 15, 1851 and left Chief of Police, in first rate or­ for a situation near the west end der, rent free. of the Bridge sometime during "Next south—Suite of offices J. that year. The Committee on B. C. Morris, rent $150. Markets was authorized to con­ "Next south—Rooms occupied tract for gas fittings for light­ by Board of Education.** In ing the City Hall with gas Sep­ good order, rent free. tember 1, 1852. Lightning rods "Next south—Office L. L. Ken- were attached to the building yon (Express Office?), rent $75. July 18, 1855 and upon Septem­ "Next south—S. R. Beardsley, ber 7, 1858, Chief Engineer Wil­ postmaster, rent $75. liam E. Everett, a citizen of Os­ * This entry reveals that Hubbard, wego who had assisted in the lay­ an early tanner and shoe dealer, was ing of the Atlantic Cable was re­ an early tenant in the City Hall. ceived upon his return home at Later the business was to become known as that of Hubbard & North. a special session of the Common It eventually engaged in the whole­ Council. sale and retail shoe and rubber busi­ ness being finally conducted by the late Albert F. McCarthy of Oswego. Old Clock Went To St. Mary's This business was conducted in that portion of the building which was The question as to what be­ later occupied by the John S. Par­ came of the first clock installed son's Shipchandlery. Mr. Parsons suc­ in the cupola of the Market ceeded Hubbard & North in the oc­ cupancy of the quarters about 1904. House has interested many citi­ zens. On May 19, 1857 the com­ * * Dr. B. A. Sheldon, founder of mittee on the City Hall was di­ the Oswego State Normal and Train­ rected to purchase from Messrs. ing School, who previously was Os­ wego's first superintendent of city *** The Board of Trade later occu­ schools, maintained his office in this pied quarters in the main building. building where the scrupulously kept In all its occupancy of the building records of the Department of Educa­ continued over 50 years. Its name ap­ tion "were recorded in his own hand­ pears today at a conspicuous location writing. in the building.

—74— Wendell and Brother's, Oswego Agitation Started For New jewelers, a new clock for the City City Hall Hall. Upon June 23, of that year, Mayor Lucius B. Crocker was the prayer of the Reverend Mr. much in favor of a new City Hall. Guerdet that the old town clock He appointed a committee to in­ be installed in the tower of quire into the expediency of pur­ St. Mary's Church was granted. chasing a suitable lot for a new The new clock, however was not building and of selling the old moved from the First City Hall Market building and its grounds. to the new City Hall for in 1872 This committee reported Novem­ a third clock was purchased for ber 14, 1856. General conditions the latter from Messrs. Howard in the Community resembled Brothers of Boston at the cost those which obtained preceding, of $1,100.* the erection of the first building "Fremont Guards" Drill Hall —prosperous times on the thres­ hold of a general business de­ It may be that the Mexican pression, therefore the argu­ War and the tension preceeding ments presented in favor of the Civil War led to the organi­ the proposal are of such in­ zation of additional companies of terest that I quote a part of militia since two new organiza­ the report verbatim: tions, the "Rifle Company" and "To the Common Council of the the Cadet Corps were in exist- City of Oswego ance in '58 and the "Fremont Guards" were drilling on the "The committee to whom was third floor of the City Hall in referred the question of the pro­ 1861. priety and expediency of pur­ Firemen's Balls At Old Hall chasing a suitable lot for the erection of a new City Hall, and The use of the rooms in the the sale of the present Hall and City Hall for the holding of pub­ grounds on which it is situated, lic dances had evidently become respectfully report— common by 1854 for it would "That the present Town Hall appear that an abuse of the on Water street, between that privilege led the Common Coun­ narrow street and the River, is cil in June of that year to forbid an unpleasant and disagreeable the further use of any room in the location for a building devoted to City Hall for such purposes; but the general business of the city. this ban was of short duration for It is situated on the bank of the the petition of Peck and Fair- river and has connected with it. tile for leave to hold a dancing as­ a large wharf and Store Rooms, sembly was granted November 15, intended and used for storage and the holiday season was en­ and commercial purposes, about livened by public balls sponsor­ which are crowded steam and ed by the Ontario and the Res­ canal boats and sailing vessels, cue Engine Companies. all engaged in the busy and noisy operations of commercial pur­ * What became of the second clock installed in the building today re­ suits which are so entirely in­ mains a mystery. Old photographs compatible with the comfort and show it in place as late as the 1880s. It was probably finally removed with quiet of the City Council and the cupola that housed it when the Courts in their deliberations, and cupola fell in to such a state of de­ of all the business offices of city cay that the Lackawanna Railroad Company the then owners of the officers, which are of necessity building, did not elect to attempt re­ within the building. pairs. In the early days of the Mar­ ket Building the village experienced "The present edifice was erect­ much difficulty in retaining the serv­ ices of a jeweler to wind the clock ed by the Village of Oswego in and keep it in repair for the $25.00 a about the year 1836, when the year paid for the service. river was never crowded with

—75— commerce, or the streets with street, including wharf in front of men of business, and when few each, the use of the half north of of the citizens were so sanguine Bridge street for ten years with as to contemplate the business the privilege of renewal and the crowds we now witness on land occupation of the land south of or water. But even then the loca­ the City Hall indefinitely after tion of the building was selected the termination of the lease with rather as a necessity, than as a such buildings as the Company choice, the city being the owner may erect at an annual rent of of the ground which was not $200. valuable or occupied for other The second proposal of the rail­ purposes. road president asked for permis­ "The space of twenty years sion to lay tracks in Water street. has now immensely increased its (After crossing Bridge street at value for commercial and mer­ grade with the tracks already laid cantile purposes, while it has to the beginning of Water street greatly reduced its value for city at the south end.) The lat­ use. ter request was granted with "It is, in the opinion of your the express understanding that committee, easy to foresee, that "in case the grade on any within a few years at farthest, part of the street be altered, the the city must be driven from its Common Council shall have the occupation as a public building, right to require the company to by the encroachments of the com­ remove the tracks and appurten­ mercial and mercantile interests ances wholly from that part of which surround it, and believing the street extending from the this, they would earnestly recom­ south line of Water street to the mend as a measure of wisdom Harbor." and economy that a suitable lot The foregoing resolution was be purchased for the erection of passed October 12, 1854 and a new Town Hall, and that the formed the legal basis for the present building and lot be sold later forcible removal of the as soon as a fair and reasonable tracks of the Lackawanna Rail­ price can be obtained, with a road Company, then the lessee of view to the erection of a new the Oswego and Syracuse Rail­ building. Your committee are of road, from Bridge street by the opinion, that the present Hall Oswego Commissioner of Public will readily sell for as much, or Works under the order of the more than the cost of another Common Council April 6, 1904 lot and a new building." during Mayor James Mansfield's Railroad Interested In Property administration. The reason why the Commit­ The old City Hall property was tee felt that a profitable sale of finally sold to the Railroad Com­ the old building and grounds pany July 5, 1864 but before that could be made was that upon date the Civil War had intervened May 11, 1853 Mr. H. Hutchinson, and the events which transpired in President of the Oswego and the City Hall during that period Syracuse railroad had made a further illustrate the diverse proposal relative to the pur­ uses made of the old building by chase of the City Hall premises the citizens. to be used by the Company as a Use Of Market Building In depot. Since the Council did not Civil War take any definite action upon this When the City was incorpor­ first proposal he later made ated in 1848, the annual meetings two new proposals: For a 10 year of the village inhabitants and lease of the property, that is the taxpayers ceased. From then on City Hall basement and city-own­ only voters who lived in the ed land on south side of Bridge First ward voted at the City Hall

—76— except in case of special elec­ purpose of bringing the matter tions when all who cast votes, of the desirability of the con­ voted there. One such was held struction of such a canal before May 14, 1861 on the proposal to the Congress. The appropriations raise $10,000 for the relief of the were approved by the taxpayers families of the Civil War volun­ in both instances. teers from Oswego. There were 250 Qualified voters and the pro­ Railroad Buys City Hall posal received no dissenting The Oswego-Syracuse Railroad vote. The next year another such Company acquired by purchase election was held, this time to from the city Market Block 26 raise $5,000 for the same purpose; and both buildings standing upon the results were 86 for, 41 it because it planned to make against. The need for second sum Oswego the main depot for ship­ was due in part to the delay of ments of coal to Canada and the the government in paying the western states and needed a troops. freight depot below the iron bridge for the accommodation of A special public meeting was vessels and steamers with cargo called at the City Hall by Mayor consigned to the Company. To L.A.G.B. Grant upon receipt of the arguments advanced in 1856 the news of the final day of the this proposal added that of in­ Battle of Gettysburg to consider creased prosperity for the City ways and means for aiding in care since the improver.:ents contem­ of Oswego wounded in that bat­ plated by the Company would tle in which the 147th regiment link the Oswego-Syracuse line from Oswego County took an ac­ to New York through establish­ tive part with heavy losses in ment of a working arrangement killed and wounded. Funds were with the Syracuse and Bingham- pledged for the relief of wounded ton road thus affording a wider officers and privates and their de­ market for Oswego malt, starch, pendents. barley, flour, feed and grain to­ On Tuesday evening, February gether with manufactured ar­ 23, 1864 the war torn flags pre­ ticles. Oswego sold to the railroad sented two years earlier by the the entire Market Block, that is Common Council in the presence the area from Bridge to Market of an admiring and applaud­ street and from Water street east ing populace to the Eighty- to the river, the wharves opposite First New York Volunteers the Market and extending be­ which had seen service at neath the bridge to a point south Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair of the bridge* and the two build- Oaks, White Oak Swan, Charles Cross Roads and Malvern Hills * It was through this purchase that were returned to the Common the railroad acquired titles and rights of way which years later enabled it Council. On Auril 18, 1864, fol­ to relay its tracks under the Bridge lowing the death of President street bridge and thence continue on Lincoln, the Common Council to Cayuga and Water streets over a new private right of way after an Chamber was ordered draped in enraged Mayor and Board of Alder­ mourning for a period of 30 days. men had torn up the company's In 1867 a flag pole was ordered tracks from their former location at tracks in Bridge street near the west­ set up somewhere on the Market ern end of the bridge. The tracks ground. ran from their former location at ter street, north and south of Bridge The Niagara Ship Canal was street, for the entire length of the street. The> company offered to make the subject of the last two spe­ this change in regard to its tracks cial elections to be held in the before the tracks were torn up if the Market Hall. In December 1863 fore the tracks were torn up if the city would pay for relocating the and again in January 1866 pro­ tracks. The city refused to pay and posals were submitted to raise the cost and elected to proceed along $4,000 and later. $2,000 for the its own lines.

—77— ings upon the Block for $20,000. An eree, to whom was referred the act from the Legislature was ne­ matter for hearing, J. N. Car­ cessary authorizing the Common lisle of Watertown, found the Council to make the sale. This Common Council right and the was secured February 3, 1864. Company a trespasser. The Appel­ The deed of sale from the City late Division to which the Com­ was dated July 9, 1864. Ten pany appealed sustained the ref­ thousand dollars of the purchase eree's finding by a unanimous money was used to acquire the vote. These two victories for the site of the present City Hall. City rested upon the resolution City Discontinued Market Use In passed October 12, 1854 in the 1871 Council Chamber of the old Mar­ While plans for a new City ket Hall as previously mentioned. Hall were being made, advanced In spite of the decisions the Com­ and financed from May 23, 1865 pany had failed to negotiate suc­ to February 20, 1872 the City of cessfully with the city officials Oswego leased from the railroad for the removal and relocation oi company the second and third the tracks. floors of the Market Hall and Mayor Mansfield was authorized that section of the first floor oc­ by the Council on the evening of cupied by the Police Department April 6 at a surprise session, and and the Board of Education to in executive session, to have the house the city government. In tracks removed and by 10:30 1866 the annual rent was $900 o'clock that same night a gang for these rooms and $150 for the of 20 men under the direction City Jail. The rent for the fiscal of the Superintendent of the De­ year ending in 1872 was one partment of Works had accom­ third of this previous amount as plished the task despite protest some of the offices had by that by the railroad company's rep­ time been moved to the new resentatives and while several building. The Market Building hundred citizens stood about as ceased to be a public building spectators.* The work had started about December 1, 1871 when the at 8:30 o'clock in the evening im­ last of the city offices was trans­ mediately after the Council's ferred from the old to the new special session had adjourned. In City Hall. an apparent desire to escape ob­ Incident Of The Track Removal servation as long as possible, city The only dramatic incident as­ workmen with picks, bars and sociated with the old building in shovels who were in waiting with this century is the removal of lanterns moved from City Hall the D. L. & W. Company rail­ through Oneida street to Water, road tracks in Bridge street, which they then crossed at grade * The Mayor had a line of hose to reach Water street on the attached to a hydrant at Market and west side of the old Market Water streets with city firemen in charge who were instructed to play House, on the night of April 6, the hose upon any persons who 1904. The occasion for this act should attempt to interfere with the work of tearing- up the was that the railroad company tracks, but the water was not used. had been requested by the Com­ Subsequently the railroad company mon Council more than three offered to relocate the tracks at its own expense under the bridge, to years before to take up these buy and raze the Doolittle Block tracks from the south line of housing the Academy of Music, to provide a new and private right of Bridge street to a point near way to Cayuga and Water streets, Cayuga street. This the com­ provided the City Council would vote pany had declined to do and it a perpetual franchise to occupy Water street north to Lake Ontario secured an injunction restrain­ from the street intersection named. ing the city from interfer­ This offer became the basis of the ing with its tracks. The ref­ compromise finally made effective.

—78— and thence north to Bridge street Mr. Parsons had caused portions to start their work. of the_ south circular stair­ way in the Water street entrance Building Tenants in Modern to be removed in order to have an Times elevator installed. The portion During the past half century the of the main floor to the north Market Hall property has not was tenanted for a long period been used for railroad purposes, by the Oswego Door, Sash except as to the right of way and Glass Company when that along the location of the old company was under the owner­ dock. It has been occupied ship of Charles J. Wiley. Later by a number of tenants in­ this company passed to the con­ cluding The City Club which trol of Joseph R. Dion. The same removed to the Pontiac Ho­ company, now owned by Peter tel in 1912 when the hotel was Raby, Jr., still continues as first opened and by the Ontario tenant. In the former Par­ Telephone Company whose office sons' location John T. Donovan can easily be located by the let­ now operates the former Parsons tering on a second story door. ship chandlery under the name of For half a century the Oswego the Oswego Marine Supply; he Board of Trade had its offices in was a clerk in the Parsons busi­ the building. The short hand ness. symbols taught in the Chaffee Business College still stand on a The old Market Building is third floor blackboard as a re­ truly a beautiful building. Aside minder that the famous old busi­ from some of our churches there ness college was once a tenant is nothing locally to compare there. Mr. John S. Parsons occu­ with it from an architectural pied for about 36 years with his standpoint, and it is, I believe, ship chandlery the first floor area more closely associated than any south of the main Water street building now standing, with a entrance previously occupied by long and interesting period of Hubbard and North, Wholesale the city's history. It would in­ Shoe and Leather dealers in Os­ deed be a tragedy if the fate wego. Hubbard had been a tenant which has now befallen the build­ when the building was the City ing which until recently housed Hall, and occupied a portion of in part the Salvation Army, the second and third stories and should overtake this historic land of the basement for many years. mark.

—79- PSWEGO CITY LI3RAFQ. OSWEGO CITY LIBRARY

i^ecrologp

MISS HARRIETT E. McKAY April 15, 1943 BYRON E. FAILING April 29, 1943 MRS. RALPH B. WATSON May 3, 1943 DR. R. C. TURNER July 11, 1943 HON. FRANCIS D. CULKIN August 4, 1943 MRS. FREDERICK P. HICKEY September 13, 1943 MRS. JAMES G. MERRIMAN October 24, 1943