Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

January 1982 THE QUARTERLY Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

VOLUME XXVII JANUARY 1982 NO. 1

CONTENTS

Warren M. Dean 3 A Boyhood for All Seasons-Reminiscences of Growing Up in Knapps Station Robert B. Shaw and 7 Along the 'Lower Route': A History of the Northern Railroad-Part One Stephen G. Walsh Jonathm G. Rossiel 14 Book Reviews: Adironclack Voices: Woodsmen and Woods Lore / Before Us: Lawrence Baron Studies of Early Jewish Families in St. Lawrence County 1855-1920 Rosabel Parker Meashaw 17 'To Learn the English' 21 Annual Reports of the SLCHA

The Quarterly is published in January, April, July and October each year by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association. This publication is made possible in part with public funds from As a courtesy to authors and the editor, the Association asks any- the New York State Council on the Arts. one wishing to reproduce all or part of material included in The Quarterly to submit a specific re- quest in writing at least 30 days in advance of its anticipated use. Extra copies may be obtained from the History Center, P.O. Box 8, Canton, N.Y. 13617, at $2.00 plus 256 postage and handling. Cover: An 1850 poster announcing ticket fares on the Northern Railroad. See a comprehensive history of the railroad, beginning on page 7. Editor: Varick A. Chittenden (Courtesy of Rachael Dandy) January 1982 3

The ntcthor at right, with sisters arrd )leighhorhood children, cn. 19.50. (Photo courtesy of Eva S. Dean)

A Boyhood for All Seasons . . . Reminiscences of Growing Up in Knapps Station

by Warren M. Dean

The days of one's childhood often seem to be th,e happiest or at least the most carefree. This delightful account of one boy's early years in the hamlet of Knapps Station recalls the times-only a few years ago-when being young in a small town meant being creative and active in play, in all th.e seasom of the year.

In the early 1940s our family moved birth of the seventh and final son in and out of mischief was operating at to the hamlet of Knapps Station, a 1953. full blast at all times. We also had a thriving community of fifteen perma- Life in Knapps Station has always hell of a lot of fun, thank you. nent families. The move was only two moved at its own slow pace, and the In Knapps Station, spring was an- or three miles from our rented home in only thing that seems to change is the nounced by an overflowing brook, the a nearby village, but gave us more names on some of the mailboxes. Most smell of maple syrup being made, and "running space" and temporarily satis- of the men work in nearby towns or are the whine of the circular saw biting fied my father's need for a place of his retired; children are bussed to central- through pine logs at the local sawmill. own. A later move to a small farm ized schools, grow up, and leave, either The mill owner's high tolerance level apparently satisfied this need complete- for economic -reasons or from plain for small children made him the most ly. He has lived there for twenty-five boredom. I must admit, however, that popular grownup in town. The mill years. my folks could not have picked a more yard provided a complete playground When we first moved to Knapps Sta- fascinating, exciting and wonderful for the inventive child. Piled logs pro- tion, my folks had three children-me, place for children. vided mountains to climb, numerous and a younger sister and brother. Ap- I suppose we were culturally de- hideouts and forts; their cool shade was parently Dad thought the space needed prived to have to entertain ourselves irresistible to garter snakes, a popula- filling, because two more sisters and a without structured supervision, fancy tion we seriously tried to put on the brother arrived in a second wave of buildings, ornate toys, libraries, and endangered list. The trimming from Dean siblings after the move. This other absolute necessities for child the edges of boards (logically called urge to populate the county continued rearing. We were forced to improvise a edgings) was the perfect raw material when we moved to the farm, with the lot, and our ingenuity at getting into for swords, spears, javelins and any January 1982 other weapon we could design to jab. stick, and otherwise torture small animals and each other. Miraculously. no fatalities occurred, and minor injur- ies were never reported because of the danger of being banned from the mill yard. The small brook which ran through town was also a favorite playground. In the spring the melting snow raised its customary trickle to a torrent and the brook drew children like flies. A fav- orite diversion was damming the brook. and the best spot for this enterprise was directly in front of the bridge, where the supports provided a perfect start for our damming project. We usually found a large tree to span the bridge opening and start the dam. This was not as difficult as it sounds, since the brook at high water obligingly pro- vided us with an ample supply of debris. Once the key log was in place, we simply threw everything we could lift into the brook and the force of the water carried it to our dam. One par- ticularly memorable spring we man- aged to raise the water level behind the dam until we all were in danger of drowning. and were only stopped when a combination of long absences, wet clothes, and a noticeable increase in water level attracted our mother's attention. It was very satisfying to watch three men labor two full days Ma~rriceDecrn rllith p~tgocrt. (Photo courtesy of Eva S. Dean) removing our dam, particularly since we learned so many new words while escape and agitate him with a stick stick, resulting in a scream of outrage they were doing it. (length is critical) until he bites. If the and instant retaliation. It was steadily World War I1 was raging in those turtle is mad enough he will hang on downhill from there and the full scale days, and patriotism ran high. We while you yank the varmint out of the battle that ensued resulted in everyone often stood around the piano and sang water. The real work is getting him being plastered with tar. The only good songs such as Yotl're a Sap, Mister Jap home, dragging him by the stick on the way to remove the stuff was scrubbing while Mom provided the music. Every biting end; or by his tail on the safe with gasoline, a commodity none of us schoolchild knew who Hitler. Tojo, and end, depending upon his tenacity. had access to. Going home with a liberal Mussolini were, and produced ugly car- Someone told us that boiling water coating of tar was like walking the icatures of them by the ream. On one would bring a turtle out of its shell, an famous "last mile" and the reception at or two occasions we had "blackouts" irrestible temptation. There was a kero- the end was nearly the same. when every light in town was extin- sene cook stove in our woodshed, and The Rutland Railroad had a single guished to prevent detection by enemy my brother and I dropped a very track line through town and stopped at bombers. I remember peering through unhappy ten pound snapper into a pot the station to unload mail and an occa- our curtains and being very satisfied of boiling water. Since he obviously sional passenger. The railroad was by the complete darkness of every didn't vacate his shell, we decided that strictly forbidden to us, adding to its nearby house. Showing a light would it was simply a matter of time and left attraction. A friend and I discovered have been considered an outright act of him to cook. Our mother discovered that a common nail could be flattened sabotage. I often wonder what inept this little experiment some two hours into a miniature knife shape by the enemy pilot would have had the stupid- later and provided both of us with a train, and we spent many happy hours ity to bomb our tiny village, with no localized version of applied heat that laying assorted junk on the track to industry, few people, and a brook. At took us out of the turtle cooking achieve different effects. During one the time we did what Roosevelt decided business forever. summer we decided to de-rail the was good for us-no questions asked. An annual summer event was the train, and placed several large rocks on The brook dried up in the summer- arrival of the road crew, which patched the track to achieve this result. As the time, leaving a variety of pools where and resurfaced the holes in the macad- train approached our trap, our nerve pickerel and sun turtles were trapped am caused by the weather. The hot vanished and we fled in terror. Hap- to be enjoyed at our leisure. The occa- asphalt was impossible to ignore, and pily, the cowcatcher simply swept the sional snapping turtle added spice to the crew's departure was the signal for track clean and no damage was done. these expeditions, and our healthy every small child in town to show up We spent a lot of time speculating on respect for this evil-natured reptile with a stick to dip into the soft tar. The our punishment if we had succeeded, only heightened our determination to initial "dipping" was innocent, but the and decided we were much too upstand- torment them. The accepted technique natural progression to other things was ing citizens to attempt that particular for capturing a "snapper" is to maneu- not. Someone would begin by "touch- trick again. ver him into a spot where he cannot ing" someone else with the tar-coated We always had a large garden, and January 1982 from late summer until harvest the of us had been over twenty miles from second punishment for playing in the battle of the potato bug was fought by home. The visiting children would brook, an obviously polluted and down- children too small for heavier work. start every summer by describing their right nasty spot. Armed with a partially filled can of trip north, together with any embellish- The "only child" summer resident kerosene, many an unhappy child spent ments they felt like throwing in. We was the offspring of elderly and wealthy endless afternoons murdering potato were in no position to dispute any parents. He was an inoffensive child. bugs. The hard shelled adult bugs were claim, and were an awestruck and gul- whose customary punishment for mis- not too bad, but their soft red larvae lible audience. Like children anywhere, deameanors was several days confine- were disgusting to touch, ugly to look however, we had limits, and it was a ment to quarters. We usually led him at, and impossible to eradicate. The job part of the democratic process to even astray only once a summer, since we was never done to my father's satisfac- things up. The only really satisfactory missed his company while he was tion, and went on endlessly. One of the way to get revenge was a county-style being punished. We were slightly in few chores we looked forward to in the joke designed to teach the victim some awe of him anyway because he had his fall was harvesting the spuds, which manners. One favorite was to share our own room, unshared by any brothers finally put an end to this awful chore. favorite swimming hole with our guests and sisters. His greatest attraction was Small as it was, our town boasted of and then point out the inevitable a slide trombone, which could be two summer families who came up leeches clinging to their bodies. It was coaxed into some really mind shatter- from Florida during the school vaca- a short step to the "bloodsucker in the ing noises in the hands of an enthusi- tion. One family had numerous children bloodstream" story, which never failed astic delinquent. One music session and the other an "only child." We were to send hysterical victims screaming usually resulted in the disappearance fascinated by these visitors, since none for their mothers. They usually got a of the magnificent noisemaker, and our guest was forced to entertain himself the same as the rest of us the remainder of the summer. Autumn brought bonuses in the form of apples, a crop carefully watched all year. There were no commercial or- chards in town, but we knew the location of every decent back yard apple tree. Since we did not own the trees, and had no money to buy apples, we were forced to help ourselves to someone else's, a risky but exciting pastime. When someone had a tree full of ripe apples, you could see the appre- hension in their faces when a herd of children strolled by-each small bandit studiously ignoring the apple tree. Arrangements would be made as usual: "Mom, can I spend the night with Dickie? I have his mother's permis- sion," Bob would ask. At the same moment, in Dickie's house-"Mom, can I spend the night with Bob?" . . . Repeat this several times with several trusting mothers and you have a band of outlaws who have evaded bed times and are ready to prowl. We waited for the lights to go out in the target house, and then crept to the tree. Pockets and shirts were filled and then we inten- tionally made enough noise to wake the owner. Running down the road in the dark, with the threats of the outraged victim ringing in your ears seemed to make the apples taste better. The next day (after sneaking into our homes) we often heard our Mother hotly protesting our innocence to irate neighbors. There was a blacksmith named Frank Deroshia in the town in those days, and his shop was one of our favorite spots. Although horses were getting scarce, there were still a few around and if we were lucky we could watch the artist at work. He formed shoes on an anvil after heating them in an old bellows forge, and pumping the bellows was a hotly contested privilege. The ultimate reward was a horseshoe The Deal1 sisters and a brother in winter. (Photo courtesy of Eva S. Dean) nail ring, a valuable and treasured January 1982

Left to right: Jon tr Mrr rra~E~rrto, La rrlretrre Dvcl tr, Jr., trn idetrtified ne iyhbo~(in front) Maurice Dean. (Photo courtesy of Eva S. Dean) possession. Mr. Deroshia was ancient, must be close to that when an artist the landings were rough. The jumping quiet, and nice to kids, and his shop signs a painting. jack acquired a life of its own in mid was conceded as exempt from our cus- As winter deepened, the heavy snows air, with the express intention of tomary mischief. ended skating and furnished other pos- beating you to death upon return to We never understood why the first sibilities for entertainment. Ten and earth. snowfall brought such moans and twelve foot drifts provided natural raw In the late 1940s, we moved even groans from adults. The fall snows materials for snow houses and a laby- farther into the wilderness, to a small were generally wet, and the snowball is rinth of connecting tunnels. We often farm about two miles away. We lament- the perfect weapon for a child-cheap, labored all winter on these projects. ed this banishment to the "country" abundant, and relatively safe. Large Everyone dragged his friends over to after living in a one-store metropolis. gang fights were scheduled with appro- admire his particular creation, which Actually, the only change in our lives priate strategy and logistics. The day meant a return visit to repay the cour- was an increased supply of work for before the battle we packed a few tesy. After these social calls, the the older children, and the final satis- million snowballs, let them set over- owners would return to their castles faction of my father's need for some night, and the drop in temperature and furiously work to outdo their neigh- land of his own. The major part of our changed their consistency to approxi- bors, obviously the apprentice stage of growing up was done on the farm, but mately that of concrete. One of these "keeping up with the Joneses." our life in Knapps Station is far from missiles would raise a welt on an ele- We did some skiing, but our favorite forgotten, a fact well proven during phant. Our snowball fights gradually snow transportation was a jumping family reunion "bull-sessions." My moved farther and farther away from jack. This vehicle consisted of a seat on mother's favorite comment is, "You all buildings, in direct proportion to the a single support about two feet above a remember Knapps so well-you even number of broken windows. It must narrow runner. The rider sat down, remember some things that didn't have been frustrating for a homeowner grasped both sides of the seat, and happen." to hear the crash of broken glass, dash balanced with his feet. These machines My family isn't famous for having a outside, and find not a living soul could attain surprising speeds on a story lose anything in the telling. visible in any direction. hard packed surface, and this, coupled As winter settled in, we found more with an almost complete lack of control, things to do. Ice skating was a popular made for some thrilling rides. We pastime and children who could barely picked the steepest hill we could find talk were put on skates. The fall rains and added a few "jumps" to make the raised the water in the local swamps ride more interesting. The occasional About the Author and it was not unusual to be able to smash-ups were spectacular and the Warren Dean has recently retired from skate several miles when they froze sensation of being airborne while a career in military service and re- over. One of the greatest joys was clutching ten or fifteen pounds of turned to Norfolk to live. He recently making the first skate marks on an uncontrollable hardwood was frighten- contributed his recollections of a one untouched expanse of ice, a feeling that ing. The flight itself was not bad, but room school education to The Quarterly. phlet (The Northern Railroad in New Chandler, Boston; Benjamin T. Reed, and the Boston group. York with Remarks on the Western Boston; Samuel S. Lewis, Boston. Stock subscriptions were now invited Trade, by J.G. Hopkins, published in George Parish was designated as the and, partly due to Hopkin's good work, Boston, in behalf of the Ogdensburgh first president, Samuel H. Walley of obtained without too much difficulty, Rail Road Committee), from which a Boston as treasurer, and James G. both in Boston and in northern New few excerpts may be quoted: Hopkins of Ogdensburg-the author of York. Terms were $5 down on each "It will now be attempted to be the pamphlet-as secretary and solici- share, with the balance to be paid in shown that Boston has it in her power, tor. Other influential Boston directors installments, upon later assessment. by securing the construction of the within a few years included Robert However, when stock assessments were proposed railroad to Ogdensburgh, and Gould Shaw, prominent merchant, and initiated at approximately quarterly by that only, to secure to herself the Abbot Lawrence, banker, philanthro- intervals, in January 1848, it proved advantages of a large share of that pist and one of the chief founders of the much harder to collect the actual cash trade, as well as that of the rich min- New England textile industry. Josiah than it had been to obtain the original eral and agricultural region of nor- Quincy, Jr., mayor of Boston in 1845-49 subscriptions. thern New York, and at the same time, and an early promoter of the Western Following the formal organization of secure direct communication with both Railroad and other public projects, and the corporation, the most urgent task the Canadas, and draw to herself the also an active supporter of the Nor- was to lay out the precise route. In St. best part of the trade of those provinces thern, although he did not accept a Lawrence County many of the most that will be likely to paw through Ameri- directorship. Paine, a manufacturer ardent enthusiasts for the railroad had can ports. And further, that it affords and former governor of Vermont, was taken it for granted from the beginning an opportunity for profitable invest- the most active figure in the promotion that it would run through both Canton ment of capital, equal if not superior to of the Vermont Central-this connec- and Potsdam; in a burst of local pride any other railroad property in the tion was not later to prevent recurrent the principal Potsdam newspaper, the United States.. . friction between the Northern and the "Northern Cabinet and Literary Reposi- "Are the inhabitants of Boston and V.C. on several points. Belknap was a tory," even changed its name to "Nor- New England willing any longer to pay prominent railroad contractor who had thern Cabinet and Railroad Advocate."3 tribute to New York on all the bread already helped to build the Fitchburg, David L. Clarkson of Potsdam gener- stuffs and produce which they receive the Vermont Central and other roads, ously offered to donate to the railroad a through her canals? . . . Are they but his connection with the Northern three quarter mile strip of land four willing any longer to submit to similar was later to prove an embarrassment rods wide through his property, passing tolls upon the manufactures which they to them. Isaac Spalding was president within a few rods of his splendid man- send to the western market? of the Concord, one of the connecting sion. At the eastern end of the logical "And are the businessmen and prop- lower roads. Weld, a Boston merchant, terminal, in the opinion of many inter- erty owners of Boston willing longer to later became best known as a promi- ested parties, was Plattsburgh, then a let New York continue to take so large a nent shipowner, but was also interested prominent lake port but inconvenient share of the benefits of the trade of the in many railroads. Benjamin T. Reed for a direct rail connection to Boston. great west? was also a director of the Eastern As survey engineer the directors ap- The report also referred in glowing Railroad. Lawrence Myers, a promi- pointed out of a host of applicants, terms to the active iron business in St. nent Plattsburgh merchant, dropped James Hayward of Boston, who had Lawrence, Franklin. Clinton and Essex out of the company after it became already carried out a preliminary counties, mentioning specifically the clear that Plattsburgh would not be the survey as long ago as 1831. In his mineral works at Rossie, Fullerville eastern terminus. report to the directors, dated April 9, and Edwards, together with the new Another influential supporter of the 1847, Hayward discussed two possible state prison at Dannemora, "where 500 railroad, although only serving briefly routes in the western section: convicts are to be employed in the (1853-54) as director, was Benjamin G. (a) the southern or "upper" route, mining and manufacture of iron." It Baldwin, a large landowner in the com- through Canton and Potsdam, and pointed out that the extensive iron munity successively designated as (b) the northern, or "lower" route, works at Brasher, recently destroyed Racketville, North Potsdam, Potsdam virtually a straight line between Og- by fire, were to be immediately rebuilt, Junction and, finally, Norwood. Bald- densburg and Moira, crossing the on a much improved and extended win donated 15 acres of land for right- Grass River at Madrid Springs, eleven style. The large sandstone quarries in of-way and station buildings to the rail- miles north of Canton. Potsdam were expected to provide still road, which he also served for one year The two routes would converge at another source of traffic. (1850-51) as station manager. Before Moira and thence continue on an identi- Accordingly, the Northern Rail Road the arrival of the railroad Racketville cal alignment to Malone. The northern was organized essentially as a joint was an insignificant hamlet of about route was said to be four miles shorter project between northern New York 100 persons; it was later to develop into than the Canton route, and to involve a interests and Boston capitalists, the a thriving small railroad center. 100-foot lower summit. East of Malone latter group obviously providing the The designation of Parish as the three lines to Lake Champlain received larger part of the funds and owning initial president was undoubtedly some- consideration, viz., (a) to Plattsburgh, most of the stock. As stated, the what political in nature. Parish was so (b) to Cumberland Head, near Platts- venture was formally incorporated, prominent in the North Country, con- burgh but out on a peninsula, and (c) to with a capital of two million dollars to trolled potential sources of traffic, and Rouses Point, at the northern outlet of be issued in $50 par value shares, on owned extensive land in Ogdensburg the lake, where a bridge would be May 14, 1845. The initial board of where the terminal and wharves would feasible. At both ends, Hayward recom- directors included: George Parish, Og- have to be built? that his participation mended the northern route, meaning densburg; Anthony Brown, Ogdens- was almost essential. It is clear from that the eastern terminal would be burg; John L. Russell, Canton; Hiram the record that Parish played an active established at Rouses Point, and his Horton, Malone; Lawrence Myers, role during his four-year teniire as position was formally adopted by the Plattsburgh; Charles Paine, Northfield, president and was no mere figurehead; directors, at their October 26, 1847, Vt.; Sewell F. Belknap, Windsor, Vt.; nevertheless, basic control of the enter- meeting. Isaac Spalding, Nashua, N.H.; T.P. prise obviously rested with Chandler The designation of the northern January 1982 route, passing only through small sylvania, in 1839, and subsequently he political means at this time-the local hamlets and avoiding the thriving had had extensive experience in copper elections two weeks earlier having villages of Canton and Potsdam by and lead mining. But perhaps his most turned largely on this issue-not very eleven miles and five miles respec- important qualification was being mar- much was done at this time. The real tively, not merely cancelled out most of ried to Chandler's sister, Fanny. beginning was in March 1848, when the support which had previously been Schlatter was always spoken of as construction was initiated simultane- enjoyed in these communities, but in "Colonel," although when or where he ously at both ends of the line. The many cases created a positive opposi- ever rendered military service is not of western division, Malone to Ogdens- tion. Hayward, the surveyor, suddenly record. Schlatter first arrived in St. burg, 61 miles, was contracted out to became so unpopular that many of the Lawrence County in June 1847, not in Chamberlain, Worall & Co.. and the people almost wanted to lynch him. connection with the railroad, but as eastern division, Malone to Rouses "These Potsdam folks are crazy- superintendent of the St. Lawrence Point, 57 miles, to S.F. Belknap & Co. literally mad," Schlatter, later to be Copper Co., one of Chandler's numerous Many of the bridges were contracted appointed chief engineer, wrote in mining properties. Quite naturally, separately. Already before the end of September 1847. "Some of my good Chandler was also interested in the 1848 Schlatter had recurring problems friends in Canton are little better . . . railroad, and had frequent meetings with Belknap (considered that his work They mean to break it (the railroad) if with Parish (who was also involved in was being done in very sloppy fashion) they cannot bend it south. In Potsdam mining ventures) and with the other and on December 1 cancelled his con- Sewell Raymond was the most active railroad promoters. Affairs at the mine tract. Belknap had almost certainly leader in the revolt against the rail- apparently went poorly and prospects been spreading himself too thin, as he road. The editor of the "Northern of permenant employment in that was simultaneously carrying on several Cabinet and Railroad Advocate" dis- venture were discouraging, so that projects in Vermont, but since he was gustedly dropped the latter phrase Schlatter, with some show of reluc- also a director of the road his abrupt from the title. Many persons in Canton tance, finally accepted appointment as dismissal was embarrassing and gave and Potsdam, as also in Plattsburgh, chief engineer of the Northern Rail rise to litigation that was not to be defaulted upon their stock subscriptions Road, effective as of March 6,1848. concluded for a number of years. Belk- upon the grounds that the track reloca- Another pair of distinguished engi- nap sued the Northern for $300,000, tion constituted a breach of contract. In neers were also associated with the and later assigned his claim to the Canton John Russell found himself in a Northern Railroad at an early stage in Vermont Central, where he had de- particularly embarrassing position. He their careers-these were the Shanly faulted upon his commitment to buy had been one of the earliest supporters brothers, Walter and Francis. The two 5000 shares of stock. Thus, the V.C. of the railroad and had also, by had already had brief experience sur- was later to acquire the habit of seizing example and persuasion, induced many veying for canals and railroads in.their Northern cars crossing Vermont as of his neighbors and associates to native Canada, but chagrinned by the security for this debt, thereby inter- pledge stock subscriptions. Now he long delay in initiating construction of fering with through traffic to Boston. barely dared to be seen upon the the Great Western Railway, Francis This claim was not finally settled until streets of Canton. As a director he had went to Boston, then the acknowledged 1854. voted against the lower route, bypass- railroad center of North America, and For the most part, construction of ing Canton-but in the end he had from there was dispatched to Ogdens- the Northern Rail Road was not diffi- stuck with the company. Many persons burg, in October 1848, and put to work cult. West from Malone the terrain, believed that the company had deliber- in the drafting office. Walter arrived a forming part of the St. Lawrence plain, ately deceived them from the beginning month later, when Schlatter gave him was very nearly level, allowing almost in order to obtain support and stock a position in Malone, where his earliest an air-line route. Eastward from Ma- subscriptions in the communities that task was designing the proposed Lake lone the ground was somewhat more were eventually to be bypassed. For Champlain bridge. Later, both of the irregular. From Lake Champlain, 93 example, we may read in Lewis's brothers were promoted te more res- feet above sea level, the road had to ,History of Clinton and Franklin Coun- ponsible positions, in charge of work climb 1053 feet to the summit (Cheru- ty (page 56) that "This belief had been forces in the field. The real claim to busco), 1146 feet, within 37 miles. cunningly fostered by the Eastern capi- fame of the Shanlys was their taking Thence, the road dropped 443 feet to talists, who were the prime movers in over and completion of the frustrating Malone, 20 miles beyond the summit. the enterprise from the first, but they Hoosac Tunnel project in Massachu- The railroad had to cross a fair took care that, in the railroad bill as setts, 20 years later. However, their number of medium-size streams, prin- passed, no point was designated for the brief association with the Northern cipally the Grass, Raquette, St. Regis, eastern terminus on Lake Champlain." Rail Road was also significant, because Salmon, Deer and Chateaugay, flowing Upon completion of the survey and their letters to family members in north into the St. Lawrence. Undoubt- adoption of the route, a renewed compe- Canada were collected and preserved, edly, the most formidable engineering tition arose as to the appointment of an eventually to be published a century project on the road was the Chateaugay engineer-in-chief, to be in charge of later. Thus, many details of construc- embankment. Here, just west of the vil- construction. Hayward, who already tion and insights respecting the pro- lage of the same name, it was necessary held the title of engineer, had taken it moters of the Northern Rail Road to build an 800-foot viaduct, 160 feet for granted that the position would which otherwise would have been lost above the bed of the river. The engi- automatically devolve upon him. Others have passed into recorded history. neers skillfully turned the stream into connected with earlier surveys or pro- Following his designation as chief a tunnel excavated through the natural motion of the road also popped up as engineer, Schlatter set up his head- rock, and filled the rest of the ravine candidates. The appointment went, quarters at Malone, approximately at with a solid embankment. This feature however, to an outsider, Charles L. the center of the proposed railroad. A alone cost the company $100,000. Schlatter. Schlatter was undoubtedly very modest ground-breaking ceremony The railroad was built primarily by well qualified for the position, having had already been held, on November local labor, including men brought in previously served as one of the princi- 21,1847, at Columbia (Madrid Springs) from Vermont, but without any sub- pal engineers in the construction of the but since opponents of the northern stantial importation of Irish or other old Portage Railway, in western Penn- route were still seeking to block it by immigrant forces. The work was done January 1982 11

most invariably lauded Parish. On one occasion (March 4, 1849), for example, he wrote to his brother-in-law in Boston: "I think you people in Boston do not appreciate the labours of Parish for the Rail Road. He is in my opinion the model of a President and a capital financier for the Company. He makes himself unpopular with those whom he forces to pay up their stock, but he is straight forward and has done wonders. Don't believe one word you hear from Ogdensburgh." At another time (Sep- tember 20, 1848), Schlatter wrote, "Parish sometimes differs from me in opinion, but he always gives way when good reasons are shown him. We have a great many arguments, but all friend- ly." Nevertheless, it is clear that many of the Boston stockholders viewed Parish with some misgivings. Perhaps his position was made more delicate by virtue of the fact that he sold the company the land for its terminal and wharves at Ogdensburg and was also one of the chief suppliers of chairs (tie plates) for the track. (However, other directors of the road, including Chand- ler, also were involved in selling real estate to the company or otherwise acting as suppliers.) Parish had also forfeited much of his local support, as many of the North Country people held him responsible for the diversion of the railroad away from Canton and Pots- dam. Whatever the motives may have been, a campaign was initiated to ease Parish, as gracefully as possible, out of the presidency. This culminated in the following letter, of May 28, 1849, from Chandler to Parish: Plan for Racquetteville, including designated depot and railroad bridge for Boston, May 28,1849 Northern Railroad, Hough's History, 1853. (Courtesy of History Center Archives) Geo Parish Esq. My Dear Sir It has been intimated from various almost exclusively by hand tools and prison) for several years instead of quarters, that the money which our horse-drawn wagons, although we do digging on Rail Roads." Nevertheless, company propose to borrow to complete read in one of the engineer's letters of the company was almost constantly the road might be more easily obtained the arrival of a steam excavator from embarrassed by a lack of ready cash. It if you should withdraw from its direc- Vermont. Standard wages were 606 a made every effort to induce the con- tion. And I have been requested by a day. Unfortunately, the company was tractors, and suppliers of rail and friend of yours, in whom you have not able to pay even this modest sum accessories, rolling stock and other much confidence, and who takes no regularly, and several strikes, or even equipment to accept partial payment part in this matter, to communicate armed riots, ensued. In January 1850 in bonds or, still better, in stock, but this part to you before the annual the force at Chateaugay embankment most of them refused. On April 15, meeting. It has been said that the not merely refused to work, but sent 1850 Treasurer William Eustis wrote business of the company is passing too armed parties up and down the line to to Chandler that "it does make a great much out of control of the eastern stock- stop work at other points as well. But difference whether we are to pay in holders, and the late explosion of a rail- the sheriff was called out, the principal Bonds which we have, or in Money road company in this neighborhood has rioters arrested and lodged in jail, and which we have not." made the public mind quite sensitive the affair settled favorably from the George Parish's role as president of on the subject. I trust you will receive company's point of view. Parker, the the railroad could not have been an this note in a kind spirit, for it is cer- local superintendent, wrote to Chandler easy one. Although effective control tainly written in no other, and when in Boston, "They are the most humble rested with the Boston group, Parish, you arrive at Champlain I cannot and obedient set of Gentlemen you ever on the spot in Ogdensburg, labored. doubt that you will unite with the saw . . . we have some 22 of the rioters hard and made many important deci- Eastern stockholders in any plan that in Gaol and think some of them will be sions relating to construction. Schlatter, may be agreed upon by them as best obliged to dig Iron ore (at Dannemora reporting constantly to Chandler, al- for the interests of the company and January 1982 that harmony may prevail at the meeting. Chandler Parish apparently made no effort to contest this movement-it would cer- tainly have been quite futile for him to have done so-and at the June 4 meeting even declined re-election to the board. According to Walter Shanly, Parish was greatly disappointed at his "demotion," although he refrained from any open show of resentment. (Subse- quently, however, he brought several lawsuits against the railroad, as a One of the first ztiood6urning locomoti~asoumed by the Northern Railroad, creditor.) Quite obviously, Parish was which later became the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain No. 5, knoz~was not admired by everyone, and Shanly. "The Deer". It uras built by Kirk of Cambridgeport, Massachusetts in 1850. in his private correspondence, often (Courtesy of the History Center Archives) spoke of him as "the Kaiser." Shanly seems to have gotten along well with date. The meeting was addressed by were purchased chiefly in the Boston him, however, and also on several occa- Mayor Josiah Quincy4 and Abbot Law- area, again with a decided preference sions had the pleasure of meeting rence, among other prominent citizens. for suppliers who would accept partial Parish's attractive companion, Madame The upshot was that the stockholders payment in stock or bonds. In a letter Vespucci. present at the meeting pledged to pur- of November 25, 1851, from Charles The new board elected at this time chase $100,000 in bonds, contingent Davenport to Chandler we find that the consisted of: T.P. Chandler, Boston; upon total subscriptions of $750,000 by car builder offered to supply rolling Benjamin T. Reed, Boston; J. Wiley other parties-and due to strenuous stock under several options, viz., box- Edmands, Boston; Robert G. Shaw, efforts the entire $1,000,000 was cars at $625 and platform cars at $525, Boston; Isaac Spalding, Nashua, N.H.; pledged by early October. This not only in stock at par value, provided that the Charles Paine, Northfield, Vt.; George allowed a resumption of the work, but company guarantee the same to be V. Hoyle, Champlain, N.Y.; Hiram contributed to a sharp recovery in the worth at least 90%of par in the Boston Horton, Malone; George Reddington, value of the company's stock. market; or $600 for boxcars and $500 Waddington, N.Y.; John L. Russell, Effort was now concentrated upon for platform cars, in interest-bearing Canton; Henry Van Rensselaer, Canton; the completion of the line, and particu- notes with four-month maturity; or in Anthony C. Brown, Ogdensburg; George larly upon the opening of the eastern cash at $562.50 and $450 respectively- N. Seymour, Ogdensburg. section, to allow some earnings from representing a 10% discount from the James G. Hopkins of Ogdensburg traffic. But despite the successful sale price in stock. Actually, the company was continued in office as secretary, of the bonds shortages of rail and track had very little choice, since it had no and a new treasurer, William R. Eustis equipment persisted. On August 29, cash and the stock was selling at this of Boston, had recently been appointed 1850, Walter Shanly wrote to Chandler time at about $30-a 40% discount to succeed Walley. Chandler was, of that "we are laying 3200 feet of iron from par. Thus, it "elected" the second course, appointed president. In conse- every day." However, the tracklayers option. quence of his new office he immediately were running out of spikes, and unless Prior to the opening of the Lake moved to Malone-responding to previ- more arrived the work would soon Champlain bridge, in December 1851, ous advice from Schlatter that no come to a halt. A week later, on Sep- the cars and engines had to be freighted absentee president could do the job and tember 8, he advised that "we are out by lake vessel from Burlington, or in that he must expect his duties to take of Iron-having no more on hand than some cases even from Whitehall, to up his full time. we can lay tomorrow." Most rail and Rouses Point. These arrangements were The most urgent task of the new track fixtures apparently came from made by Director George Hoyle, in administration was simply to obtain Boston, being shipped simultaneously charge of the Rouses Point terminal. new financing. The company's funds to both ends of the road. Materials for (Hoyle, a prominent citizen of Cham- were exhausted. The work east of the eastern division were carried by plain and closely connected with lake Malone had been suspended, except for rail to Burlington, and thence on ves- shipping, was a director of the railroad the Chateaugay embankment, and all sels owned or chartered by the com- from 1848 to 1853, and was later to work concentrated on the western divi- pany to Rouses Point. Materials for the serve as superintendent of the road). sion. But even there, at times, the work western end, however, pursued a much Most of the locomotives were purchased was reduced to little more than a show, longer and more circuitous route, to from Hinkley & Drury (incorporated in to conceal the company's precarious Albany by rail, to Oswego by canal, 1848 as the Boston Locomotive Works). financial condition. and thence by lake vessel to Ogdens- A published report of July 30, 1851, Management was still unable, at this burg. In the surviving correspondence showed 20 locomotives then on hand. time, to collect many of the original we read of many frustrating delays in Fourteen of them were Hinkley prod- stock subscriptions. Without the lubri- this traffic and agents were often being ucts. All but four of them were cation of substantial additional funds, sent to Oswego to expedite transship- standard American locomotives (4-4- the whole project might easily collapse. ment at that point. Chairs (tie plates) 0's). The first two had been purchased In this juncture, a special meeting was were manufactured locally by Parish's second hand. and all of the rest new. held in Boston, on August 14, where Rossie Iron Works, but the railroad Average cost per locomotive was about

the unpleasant facts were stated bluntly was already so delinquent to him that $8000.,~ ~~ and the choice presented to the stock- he refused to make further deliveries The correspondence indicates that holders between raising an additional except for cash, and meanwhile the the company had many problems with $1,000,000 immediately or facing the chairs remained uselessly at Chippewa their engines; Schlatter and other offi- loss of all that had been invested to Bay. Locomotives and rolling stock cials were frequently writing Chandler January 1982 about failures and break-downs. The company might have preferred more To the Editor . The cost of publications and other Taunton locomotives, but on a locomo- operating expenses of the St. Law- tive-buying trip to Boston, in Septem- The photograph on page 10 of the rence County Historical Associa- ber 1850, Schlatter advised Chandler: October 1981 Quarterly should be cap- tion are partially subsidized by "The Taunton men were here and offer tioned as Lantha J. Van Duzee and her this advertising support. a first class machine for $7500. Eustis sister Nancy Van Duzee Hogeboom of v offered him '/, in stock, % cash, but he Gouverneur. Lantha, born in 1824, nev- will take nothing but cash or notes." er married; Nancy, born in 1824, was a 4 Rolling stock and equipment (and pre- widow when this picture was taken. zmtkm sumably some of the earliest locomo- They were both very proud of their tives) were delivered via canal to spinning and other home crafts. They Mayhews Oswego and thence via lake vessel to lived on Babcock Street in Gouverneur Ogdensburg. One locomotive was al- and were between 70 and 80 years of I ready at hand, in the summer of 1849, age at this time. Wholesale nc. and used for a special excursion-the Mary H. Smallman first railroad ride ever known in Hermon The Ogdensburg-over the first nine miles of rail, on July 1. Cars were delivered Reactions came from readers about Barnhart Trust in Ogdensburg separately from their the story and pictures of the Heaton wheels and trucks, the platform cars farm. Mrs. Livea Langdon Aldrich, being at times "piled up like cord faithful member of the Association and and other wood," awaiting the arrival of wheels native of the Pierrepont area, identified and axles. the man in the reaping-machine picture Friends of The same report listing the locomo- as having been her husband Glenn. tives went on to list every employee of From Bethesda, Maryland came this: the Association the road, by name (with the exception "I did so enjoy the last issue of the only of 46 laborers engaged in loading Quarterly and the pictures of the old If your corporation or institution cars and vessels at Ogdensburg), and to Heaton place. The one of Heaton Hill, would like to support Association give his rate of pay. Some typical daily especially-the bane of road commis- work, a representative will gladly rates were: sioners-150 years of battle between discuss details with you. Engineers $2.36 the road and the meanderings of the Firemen 1.15 river." Maryland as I gave mine (sixty years Passenger conductors 1.37 This came from Albert Crary, who ago)." Albert is now working on a book Freight conductors 1.32 has traveled far (both the North and about Antarctic scientists of 1954-79. Brakemen 1.00 South Poles for instance), since he was Albert's father, Frank Crary, will be Just after the railroad was completed, a lad in our region. Last summer he remembered as an early supporter of as of October 24, 1850, Royal Vilas of bought an old "Flexible Flyer" in Can- the Historical Association. Ogdensburg had written Chandler, ton for his young son Frank, who, he Edward J. Blankman asking him if he could find some job says, "may not give it so much use in Canton for his son, "in his 18th year, rather small in size, well educated and as I think active in whatever he under- takes." The record shows that the young man, R.A. Vilas, was taken on as an office and errand boy, at 46t a day. Rollins Ashley who succeeded Baldwin as station master at Potsdam Junction Please ask in October 1851 received $450 a year. Chandler's annual salary as present was $5000. a friend to join today: FOOTNOTES 'Both Horton and Russell were members of the legislature, and perhaps even took their seats there in order to be able to lobby more effectively Regular Annual Membership $10.00 in favor of the railroad. ZManyresidents of Ogdensburg expected the Nor- Sustaining Annual Membership $25 .OO them Rail Road to start from the old harbor. closer to the center of the village, and about one Patron Annual Membership $100.00 mile west of Mile Point. where its terminus was actually established. It was hinted that the selec- Life Membership $250.00 tion of this site was related to its previous owner- ship by Parish and its purchase from him for $10.000. This paper was a predecessor, through several Regular and Sustaining Corporate Annual Memberships changes of name and ownership. of the still extant Potsdam Courier and Freeman. I I 'Quincy, although never a director of the Northern. Contact: SLCHA,P.O. Box 8, Canton, N.Y. 3617 was treasurer of the affiliated Vermont Central- and so heavily committed to it that he slipped into (315) 386-2780 I 1851. I bankruptcy. in

(to be continued in April issue) 14 January 1982 Book Reviews Upon the occasion of the publication of books which are devoted to topics of local historical interest in St. Lawrence County and the North Country, The Quarterly is pleased to include reviews and comments by people especially suited to the task. Within the past year Adirondack Voices and Before Us have appeared and are here discussed.

Robert D. Bethke, Adirondack Voices: Woodsmen and Woods Lore (University of Illinois Press, Chicago, 1981) 142 pp. Adirondack Voices brings to life an important part of the heritage of the North Country. The "Voices" recorded by Robert Bethke between 1970 and 1977 are those of retired woodsmen, lumbermen, and "woods singers" who worked in the western Adirondacks during the first half of this century. The author, an associate professor of English and director of the Folklore and Ethnic Art Center at the University of Delaware, was struck by the fact that while there were many collections containing folklore and folksongs of American lumbermen, none dealt with the rich heritage of the western Adiron- dack region. Armed with tape recorder and camera, Mr. Bethke set out to rec- tify this omission in 1970. The result is a superb little book which entertains and at the same time informs the reader of what it was like to live and work in the deep woods of eastern St. Lawrence County during the boom Winter hauling in the western foothills. Note the sprinkler wagon used for years of the lumbering industry. icing the tote road. (Photo courtesy of University of Illinois Press and Edward Ashlaw) Vitality Much of the vitality and importance of this book is due to the fact that it is raconteur of hunting, fishing, and local woods singer. an oral history. The reminiscences, folk- lore. Mr. Bethke treats the reader to a Eddie, the oldest, went to work in the stories, and local woods songs come sampling of some of Ham's stories and woods in 1914 at the tender age of 13, from the lips of men who were partici- whets the appetite for more. And more and during the next 40 years became pants in the history which this book there is, if the reader spends a few one of the most highly regarded crew encapsulates. Men like Ned Long who rewarding hours in the convivial atmo- bosses in the Adirondack lumber camps came to South Colton from Ireland in sphere of Ham's Inn, and, over a few from St. Regis Falls to Tupper Lake 1893 and in the years before the first cold beers, listens to the proprietor as and south to Utica. His talent and fame World War was a "white water man," he draws from his seemingly endless as a "woods singer" also developed driving logs down the Grasse and supply of reminiscences and "big during this period. Not content with Raquette Rivers; or Harold "Bub" stories." simply singing songs he had heard, Stowe, also of South Colton, who drove Eddie also composed songs that reflec- and maintained the early Linn tractors, Folksongs ted his own life and experiences. The hauling log sleds out of the snow-bound In the final portion of his book, Mr. best example of the latter, reproduced deep woods. Ned Long, "Bub" Stowe, Bethke deals with the folksongs and in its entirety by Mr. Bethke, is the and others have their stories to tell, "woods singers" of the region. The essentially autobiographical "I'm Just both about themselves and other men author skillfully blends the songs with a Common Lumberhick" or "Bush they knew in the logging camps. Their the lives of the men who sang, and in LaPorte." The song is an account of life recollections paint in vivid colors a some cases, composed them. As Bethke in the lumber camps, "bent," as the picture of life in the Adirondacks that states: "Although songs sometimes out- author puts it, "through the prism of is lacking in more conventional his- live men, some men outlive the cur- personal impression and opinion." tories. rency of certain songs. In the case of A few years younger than Eddie, One of the most delightful chapters folk tradition it seems mistaken to pay Ted Ashlaw joined his brother in the in the book focuses on that venerable tribute to only half of the relationship." lumbering camp at North Lake when storyteller, Ham Ferry, owner and Two strong and unforgettable charac- he was 15 and, with the exception of a operator of Ham's Inn on Route 56, ters emerge in this section-Eddie and brief time during the Depression, near Childwold. Ham Ferry has a well Ted Ashlaw. Descended from French- worked on various lumbering opera- deserved reputation among North Canadian grandparents, the Ashlaw tions until 1947. In that year, Ted was Country residents as an unsurpassed brothers epitomize the lumberman- seriously injured in an accident which January 1982

Joan Dobbie, Louis Greenblatt, and of opportunities or because they had Blanche Levine. Before Us: Studies of relatives here who had promised them Early Jewish Families in St. Lawrence shelter and work. When they became of County 1855-1920. (Ryan Press: Ogdens- age, these newcomers usually had their burg, N. Y. 1981) pp. 225. marriages arranged with Jewish women from downstate cities. Starting When I first arrived in the North out as peddlers or craftsmen, they even- Country, long-time residents of the tually saved or borrowed enough money area, upon hearing that I taught to open their own stores. As their busi- Jewish history, inevitably would tell nesses began to prosper, they sponsored me: "You should meet 'Louie' Green- the immigration of relatives and friends blatt. He knows more about the Jews in who had remained in the "old country." St. Lawrence County than anyone Throughout their lives, these Jewish else." And they were right! For many families balanced their participation in years, Greenblatt had been collecting the civic and social affairs of the sur- the life stories of local Jews by inter- rounding Christian population with viewing and corresponding with them. their preservation of Jewish traditions Not trusting his own writing ability, he at home and in the small synagogues repeatedly postponed compiling this that they founded. Though the first material into a book until he became .. generation of Jewish pioneers stayed in terminally ill. Then he recruited two Northern New York, many members collaborators, Joan Dobbie and Blanche of the second and third generations Levine, to help him author a series of moved to metropolitan areas to pursue biographical sketches of the prominent professions and raise families in a Wilfred Monica of Norwood, a log- Jewish families who settled in Ogdens- more Jewish environment. The past ger who "had a song for every pur- burg, Gouverneur, Massena, Norfolk, world of their parents and grandpar- pose. " (Photo courtesy of Univer- and Potsdam between 1855 and 1920. ents now exists primarily in memories sity of Illinois Press and Robert Fortunately, this labor of love was com- and old photographs, an excellent selec- D. Bethke) pleted before Louis Greenblatt died in tion of which adorns the pages of Before 1981. Although Before Us is dedicated Us. ended his days as a lumberman and to his deceased wife, it is a memorial to Reading this book, one quickly be- left him an invalid. With great cour- his commitment to this region's Jewish comes aware of the important role age, Ted endured the physical pain and communities as well. played by Jews in the history of the the anguish of forced inactivity that This chronicle of the genealogies and North Country. It would be difficult to marked the years after 1947. His mind careers of the first Jewish settlers in imagine the economic development of remained alert and he was able to add St. Lawrence County captures some of the region without the retail businesses to the hundreds of ballads and "wood the flavor of the Jewish immigrant started by Louis Clopman, Reuben songs" that he already had committed experience in rural America. A com- Dobisky, Hyman Fisher, Nathan to his phenomenal memory, and it is mon pattern emerges from most of the Frank, Isaac Friedman, Sol Kaplan, this that sets him apart from the other family portraits. Young Jewish men Jesse Kauffman, Sam and Simon "woods singers" of the North Country. fled pre-Bismarckian Germany or Czar- Levine, Saul Rosenbaum, Jake Shulkin, Even at age 70, when the author first ist Russia to escape conscription, pov- Sam Slavin, Mayer Sperling, and interviewed him, Ted Ashlaw was able erty, or persecution. A few of them Joseph Stone. In the realm of local poli- to sing from memory 68 ballads-many came to the North Country either tics. Julius Frank served two distin- of them of ten stanzas or more. because they viewed it as a frontier full guished terms as Mayor of Ogdensburg When reading this book, one is force- fully struck by the realization that the fascinating people we are reading about are after all our neighbors- neighbors we have too long ignored. We therefore owe a great debt to Robert Bethke for his masterful use of oral interviews by which he has pre- served the words and deeds of our most valued endangered species-those ven- erable men and women who are the living connection between past and present-their lives, their collective histories, and our heritage.

Rewiewed by Jonathon G. Rossie

The Frank family on the porch of their Ogdensburg home. (Photo courtesy of Congregation Beth-El, Potsdam) January 1982 between 1914 and 1918. Along with his these families were related to each wife Marion, he campaigned for wom- other either by descent or marriage. en's suffrage in the same period. In By treating major members of the 1928 the Jews of Massena received same families individually, the over- national attention when the charge of lapping parts of their stories continu- ritual murder irresponsibly was leveled ally reappear. Moreover, since many of at them. Rabbi Berel Brennglass helped these people were involved in similar to bring this crisis under control with activities, the accounts of their careers his eloquent refutation of that medieval soon become redundant. It is fascinat- superstition. Furthermore, many of the ing to discover that the first English Jewish figures depicted in the book con- sentence normally learned by the immi- tributed much of their time to local grant Jewish peddlers was, "Please philanthropic and civic organizations. look in my basket." But does this have The cumulative impact of these Jews to be noted over and over again in sub- on their adopted county certainly was sequent sketches? Perhaps a chronologi- not commensurate with their negligible cal history of each Jewish community numbers. in the North Country or more extensive The folksy tone and narrow focus of biographies of fewer Jewish families Before Us regrettably limits its audi- representing the spectrum of Jewish ence to those already familiar with experiences there would have made the Jewish history, Yiddish, and the fami- book more readable. lies being portrayed. The book never Rabbi Berel Brennglass of Mas- Ultimately. the problem with Before presents sufficient background on the sena. (Photo courtesy of Congrega- Us is that it has stuck too closely to the cultural roots of the Jewish immigrants tion Beth-El, Potsdam) raw data collected by Louis Greenblatt. to enable an uninformed reader to It is more a transcription of his inter- understand the continuities that existed views than a synthesis and analysis of between their European and American ally knew them or their relatives. Who that material. Relevant secondary lives. One page of introductory material else would want to hear insignificant works like Peter Rose's study of small- and a recurring paragraph on why anecdotes like the one about how the town Jews in New York State were each family left its homeland does not Dobisky's dog once "jumped into a never consulted.' Thus, the potential provide enough information along these parked car, then wouldn't let the owner sociological significance of many of the lines. Though Yiddish terms enliven in?" While diligently recording every recurring themes in Before Us has the text, they rarely are defined. For marriage, birth, and illness experi- been neglected. For this reason, people example, the word "schochet" (ritual enced by these families, the authors looking for a serious history of the inter- slaughterer) appears early in the book, often slight more important events actions between local Jews and their but is not explained until more than such as the mayorship of Julius Frank Christian neighbors will be disap- seventy pages later. The book's preoccu- which is summarized in one superficial pointed by the book, which the authors pation with even the most petty details paragraph. themselves realize "is far from com- of the lives of these Jewish families can The structure of Before Us makes it plete." Nevertheless, it does succeed as be of interest only to those who person- extremely repetitive. After all, most of a work of nostalgia for those who were acquainted with these dynamic Jewish families. By doing this, it has, as its authors modestly hoped, "opened a little crack in the dense barrier between now and then."

'Peter I. Rose. Stranger# in Their Midst: Small- Toim Jews and Their Neighbors (Richwood Pub- lishing Co.: Merrick. New York 1977).

Rewiewed by Lawrence Baron

About the Reviewers Jonathon Rossie and Lawrence Baron are both members of the history depart- ment at St. Lawrence University. Ros- sie is a specialist in Canadian studies and early American history; Baron, a past contributor to The Quarterly, is a specialist in modern European and Jewish history. Saidel's store in Gouvemeur, ca. 1927. (Photo courtesy of Congregation Beth-El, Potsdam) January 1982 17

Byron Parker, the author, Lorcis Bohl, and the Parker team of Sim and Henry at the family saulmill in April 1914. (Photo courtesy of the author)

'To Learn the English' by Rosabel Parker Meashaw

In the early years of the twentieth century, thousands of young Jewish men escaped conscription and persecution in Europe and fled to the promising cities of America. Soon they found a need to work for a living and, often more important, a need for learning the new ways and the English language. They advertised in rural newspapers and followed the generoas offers of farmers like Byron Parker of Parishville Center to help. This account tells a fascinating, little known story of one family he1pin.g many others to a fresh start.

In early 1911 my father (Byron applicant came. brought his translation dictionary, Parker) saw an ad in the Rural New Boris Flatow was apparently from a which was kept on the stand back of Yorker seeking American homes that good home and had received a good his chair at table. Every time he had would accept Jewish young men desi- education as a pharmacist in Russia. difficulty in listening with understand- rous of getting out of New York City, He had come to New York to live with ing or expressing himself for our under- working for their keep and a minimum his sister and work in a drug store but standing, he would lift his hand with wage, with free instruction in English found no English, no job. My people "Vait a minute, I get my little helper." words and ways thrown in. Papa always referred to him as a gentleman. A short study made the word perma- answered the ad and shortly our first He spoke practically no English but nently his. January 1982

Boris amazed the family with his adaptability. He accepted the smears and smells of dairy farming stoicly. His hands progressed through blisters to callouses that he showed with pride. He never complained at having to wash same in blue granite washbasin at the kitchen sink. (All dated quotes are from my father's diaries.) November 4,1911. "Grossman (Jew- ish cart peddler) stayed overnight. He and Boris had a great visit in German which they both spoke fluently. This Boris Flatow is a wonderfully well posted and intelligent man: understands Greek and Latin; is an authority on cur- rent and historical events; shows good breeding in every way and, at the same time seems ready and wi1lin.g to tackle anything in the way of farm work." Nov. 16. "Boris harnessed the team and took manure to field for first time."(apparently a milestone.) None of our family smoked but Boris had a friend, Mr. Epstein, in the tobacco business in New York City who sent him shoeboxes full of little packs of Egyptian cigarettes. Papa's unbend- Parker family at home in March 191 5. (L to R) Byron Parker; the author; able rule was "No smoking in the Isabel; Katy Cook Parker. (Photo courtesy of the author) barn!" That Boris accepted cheerfully and became a dooryard smoker until sympathies were all with the son and was returned unopened. Boris left no cold weather. The one thing that really his dread of possible persecutions which mark on this section but he did leave a bothered Boris was the cold that I did not understand, but I remember big gap in the Parker family. seeped through any amount of clothing the endless pacings back and forth in I can't remember the chronology, but and sent him in to walk around the our moderate-sized kitchen and dining the later boys I remember slightly kitchen stove as he thawed, and smoked. room as he smoked and worried- were Sam Zalkin, Louis Bohl, Isidore Mama would scold a bit but he only duties vs. desires. When it was summer- Kossoff, Phillip Tarr and Phillip Lip- shrugged with "Ah, much money go up time again Boris asked, and got, per- per. None of these had any previous in the air." mission to invite his friend up for his association with cows, nor too much At Christmas time Boris went to vacation. interest in promoting that association, Potsdam with Papa to do his Christmas July 1st. 1912. "Met Boris' friend, just to learn the English. Most of them shopping, which included Gulliver's Epstein, at train tonight." Epstein also did their daily chores without breaking Travels for me, Dickens A Christmas fitted into the family, insisted on any tools or rules. Then, English accom- Carol for Isabel and Anna Karenina paying his board. The book entries lead plished, they parted friends; maybe a for our parents. There were other me to believe Papa passed this money few letters followed, but contact was references to taking Boris to Election back to Boris when the decision was soon lost. Day dinner, to basketball games, to made. Mr. Epstein won my complete One of the boys did remain in this neighborhood gatherings. In fact all of regard by buying candy on the rare section and made his own mark here. the boys seem to have been accepted as trips to town by horse and buggy. Both He came, not from any interest in agri- members of our family and eligible for men were enthusiastic over the hills, culture, but from a geographical mis- all festivities. trees and air of Parishville which we take. He thought our New York Central Boris had acquired a fair command had always taken for granted. During junction, Philadelphia, meant a city of English by the time his sister wrote Boris' working hours Mr. Epstein like that in Pennsylvania, and was very of an opening in a drugstore in New roamed the fields on foot. In season he disappointed to find it a mere railroad Bedford, Massachusetts. He applied, lined his straw hat with basswood crossing in the wilds of northern New was hired and left by train with leaves and brought home hatfuls of York. His papers were made out as assurance that he was welcome back if berries for supper. Evenings were for Major Sperling, so we called him not satisfied. In a very short time we discussion in both Yiddish and English. Major until he persuaded us it was a received a telegram, could Papa meet But the letters continued to come typing error. Please call him Mayer. him at the train in Potsdam? Of course from the sick mother. Near the end of He never acquired a taste for our my parents were curious about his July Boris and Epstein took a weekend brand of farming but pleased my reason for change. Explanation: "No trip to see Niagara Falls and make up parents in later years by occasionally good! Few drugs in front, whiskey in Boris' mind where his conscience would dropping in for a social call as he was back. I did not study to sell whiskey!" lead him. busy with his own successes. As winter wore on Boris began July 28, 1912. "Took Boris and Emanuel was our last boy of note, receiving letters from his mother: poor Epstein to the 6:28 train." He had Heaven sent, like a terrestial agent health; come home; she needed him. I decided and was taking the first leg of from Jewish Society, in the fall of 1914. am not sure whether his home was in the trip back to "the Old Country." In November of that year Papa and Beirut, or if that was the locale of the Papa corresponded with him for a Manuel were working in the wood lot, spa to which she had gone. My family's short time and I believe his last letter cutting logs for firewood for the winter January 1982 19 of 1915-16. My older sister was teach- ing in our district school; I was a sixth grader and big for my age. One cold day our good neighbor, Frank (not overly endowed), burst through the schoolroom door as Isabel was working at the front blackboard. Without pause for introduction, Frank shouted, "Your father's been hurt bad. The Doctor's there and he wants you girls to come right home." None of "us kids" had ever seen anyone faint before; Isabel didn't sink nor crumple, just landed flat on her back on the schoolroom floor. The school's water supply was a twelve quart galvanized pail, half full of water. We youngsters were all frozen in place. Only Frank knew what to do. He grabbed the pail and stood at half-slosh over Isabel. The ploy worked. She opened her eyes and squeaked, "No. Frank, I'm all right." She sat up, stood up and the student body breathed again. School closed for the day and we came home, a one half mile run, to find Papa very much alive in the big chair with one leg bandaged stiff, waiting for the Parishville taxi (Ray Collins) to take him to Ogdensburg City Hospital. His probable absence of a month or more so caused him to give us instruc- Byron Parker, Louis Bohl, neighbor Frank at saumill, with poles and tions for running the farm. Manuel had pealay hooks which Louis zoas learning to me. April 1914. (Photo courtesy been here such a short time he was of the author) only half way through the farm man- agement primer: Isabel was appointed boss. Rosabel her knowledgeable assist- ant, and Manuel her protege and muscle. As I remember, the combination worked surprisingly well. Manuel was not as meticulous about clothing odors and barn splashes as most of the other boys had been, was never enthusiastic about bathing in the galvanized wash- tub set beside the upstairs stovepipe, and he slurped his soup. On the other hand he accepted orders from the three women and carried them out with acceptable results. We never would have made it without him. Isabel and I had our uniforms- "barn skirts" made of a close weave denim that could fairly stand alone after a few milk spills, and homemade jackets of the same material. With all this over normal working clothes, we must have resembled walking hay- stacks. The daily program was to be up early in the morning, don work clothes, light two kerosene lanterns to hang on nails in the beams of the cowstable, one more to hang in the shop. With three of us milking and the cows in low winter production, that wasn't so bad, and the animal heat kept us comfortable. We sold only the cream though, and the milk separator was in the shop, where there was no heat. Here Manuel's muscles were put to use. The separator Louis Bohl, neighbor Frank, and Byron Parker at portable camp (office, was hand cranked and well stiffened lunch room) at Parker woodlot, April 1914. (Photo courtesy of the author) January 1982 with the night's cold but it had to be under motion before pouring in the hot water. Mama had the teakettle hot and I was elected to scurry into the house for it. Isabel tended to straining the milk, turning on and off the faucet at the proper time to keep everything at an even flow and no overflow. With the milk separated and cream cared for and skim milk carefully measured and fed to calves (my job), Isabel and I could wash up, change, eat breakfast, grab our lunch pails and go to school. Manuel's education had progressed through foddering, watering and clean- ing stables. The horses were old faith- ful~that could do practically every- thing for themselves except fastening the straps. Papa's leg injury had been a bad one. The log he had been skidding with the horses had hit a snag. The horses jumped for more power. As the log was freed, it swung around, catching the leg between skiddee and pile. Medical treament and healing were slow. A month or more passed before Papa could come home, much more time before he could shed his crutches and Emanuel Winick helped Isabel Parker to break the pet cow, Dash, to drive, check our accomplishments. He had February 1915. (Photo courtesy of the author) suggested destroying or selling the calves as they were born, to save the overload he was putting on the family; and in the main doors, but the foyer in Max Sverdlow's wartime recyclable Isabel and I considered that a sacrilege was so big and all the page-boys so junkyard-papermill-rentals office the and a waste of too much potential. busy that by the time I had found the balance of the day. At times we would Good neighbor Charlie gave Manuel name on the directory board, I turned work well into the night, like when the instruction in animal mid-wifery, a country chicken and retreated, to my purchase slips and re-sale slips plus topic much to risque for young girls to eternal regret. stock piles in the yard in no way discuss with the hired man. We kept During all the times of the Jewish matched the totals as entered in the all the calves, a goodly set of dairy boys who lived with us, we natives also books. The government inspectors were replacements. Manual accepted his dealt with the "Russian" peddlers, so in no way shy about pointing out the share of the extra work and enjoyed called, until sternly corrected by our discrepancies. I also "office sat" Dr. seeing them grow. I think he was as boys. Papa always encouraged these Fliegel's dental facilities over Jewish smug as Isabel and I when Papa said, peddlers to stop by our house to visit holidays, then finished my career with "Well done." with the boys; Sam Sussman, Max eighteen years in Edwin Dobisky's I find Sept. 14, 1914: "Emanuel Sverdlow, Israel Alpert; all were peri- Potsdam Furniture Store. Winnick came today in response to my odic dinner guests so the boys could It was Max Sverdlow who won my application for farm hand to Jewish talk their own language with their own total endorsement with a warm greet- Labor Bureau." I did not find any date people. S. Grossman would use our ing when I started work in his office: of termination, but Dec. 26, 1915 place as his headquarters while he can- "Oh, I remember your father well! I "Manuel husked corn and filled the vassed highways and byways in this have dinner there many times. He good woodshed" so he must have worked into section, our barn one of the few with man! He say 'You put your horse in 1916, the best farmer of them all. doors high enough to accommodate his barn with hay and come in to dinner. However, Boris always remained the high-rise cart full of marvelous stacks After we eat I show you how to harness family favorite. of clothing for the whole family. My a horse.' Yes, he good man." That unso- Emanuel made us one surprise visit parents visited with the man (he was as licited testimonial describes well the in later years and expressed his regrets good as the local newspaper) while Jewish-Gentile relationship at Parish- that he had waited until both of our Isabel and I asked permission to pat ville Center, circa 1910-20, with recur- parents had died. I can't remember the the horses. rences lasting through 1973. date and have no diary to refer to. He It was after I had araduated and said he had a plastics business in New taught a few years, thin moved to a York City and was visiting in Star bookkeeping job at 16 East 52nd St., Lake, had borrowed the car from a New York City, lived in Greenwich friend so he could not stay long. We, Village, in other words became quite my sister and I, were very pleased to citified myself, and was called home by see him. Several years later when my father's death, that I realized how attending Grand Chapter I found bleak and frustrating life on the farm About the Author "Emanuel Winnick" listed in the Man- may have looked to those young men. Rosabel Parker Meashaw of Parishville hattan telephone book with an address Incidentally, back home I found book- Center has been a frequent contributor in one of the midtown big office build- keeping jobs in Sussman's Furniture to The Quarterly and a loyal SLCHA ings. I made a solo run to the building Store and rentals office mornings, then member for years. January 1982 21

Recreation of a typical late nir~eteenthcentury parlor in St. Latcrence County, decorated for Christmas, in the temporary exhibits gallery at the Silas Wright House. (Photo by Sue Ekfelt, courtesy of SLCHA)

Annual Reports of the SLCHA

Director's Report high of 1120, it is gratifying to work bit yet mounted in the Wright House. with so many supportive people. Major features two lavish late 19th century In recent months it has seemed that events and growth centered around period rooms decorated appropriately food and the SLCHA are practically several primary areas-temporary ex- for the Yuletide season as well as simu- synonymous. Under the ambitious guid- hibitions, museum education, tours, col- lated toy store windows filled with the . ance and efforts of a dedicated volun- lection care and new acquisitions, The magical playthings of another time. teer committee, the fall of 1981 has Quarterly, and programs. Let me now Other 1981 exhibits included a four- been a time of four candlelight dinners, make a valiant effort to summarize week showing of hand-colored litho- and a holiday brunch all held in a suc- and explain how activities in these graphs and prints (loaned by the New cessful attempt to raise funds for our areas were consistent with the Associa- York State Museum), of landscapes operating budget. As I write the 1981 tion's overall purpose of preserving and and city views in Northern New York; annual report now in mid-December, promoting local history. a magnificent group of American and with the memory of two succulent During the past year there were two Hooked rugs, (opened with a fund- roast goose dinners fresh in my mind, major exhibitions and three short tem- raising cocktail and hors d'oeuvres it is hard to even think about the many porary displays. Opening April 26 and party featuring a benefit auction); and other activities and progress that oc- with major assistance from the county's the carvings of two well-known St. curred in 1981. However, it is only fair local historians, items manufactured Lawrence County artists-Hazel Tyr- to give you, the members and Associa- for resale in St. Lawrence County rell and William Queor. The second tion core, a more balanced account in before World War I were assembled floor galleries have proven to be useful spite of a tendency to wax ecstatic over and they exhibited the wide diversity for a wide variety of objects. delectable oven-hot hors d'oeuvres and of the county's economic base. This Such exhibits are a major and highly flaming plum pudding. Christmas (and continuing into 1982), visible part of the Association's activi- 1981 was another extremely busy an exhibition entitled "Mistletoe and ties, but public programs and lectures and active year for the Association, and Merriment" opened to the public. This were also held. Lectures on 19th cen- with membership now at an all time undertaking, the most ambitious exhi- tury vegetable gardening, the dairy January 1982

industry, pewter, and early trade across remain high, journeys farther afield merit from the Regional Conference of the Canadian border, among others, and of longer duration are a possibility. Historical Agencies for its quality and were organized in cooperation with the Before we realize it, we may have to ability to serve as a model for other Potsdam Public Museum. Just recently open a travel agency in a Wright local history publications. completed, and also in cooperation with House corner-in addition to the restau- Financial support of the Association Potsdam, a hectic schedule of Christ- rant function! continues to be a major challenge, but mas-related workshops, receptions, and This allusion to a restaurant refers to in addition to the New York State of course, a few events featuring food, the very successful dinner series begun Council on the Arts and the Edward drained the energy of the Association by volunteers in October, 1981. Held John Noble Foundation mentioned staff and many volunteers but was once a month and prepared by volun- above, the Association has gratefully highly successful. teers, the candlelight dinners have received operating support from vari- Museum education programs have proven popular far beyond expecta- ous local businesses, the Village of grown and are beginning to be more tions. In addition a Christmas brunch Canton revenue sharing allotment, the widely known. With the support of a on December 6 was organized to serve St. Lawrence County Legislature, and grant from the Edward John Noble the more than 60 people on the waiting the Institute of Museum Services (a Foundation, the traveling exhibit offer- lists for the October, November, and federal agency). Also programmatic ings have expanded and local history December dinners. The Wright House support has come from the Corning curriculum materials were prepared. is meant to be used by the county com- Glass Works Foundation to complete An incredible amount of research was munity and this program is one way handicapped access to the Wright required and professionally undertaken local residents have benefited from the House and from the National Endow- by John Sholl and Annalise McKean. museum's existence. ment for the Arts for interpretation of Annalise, a student at Vassar College, A large majority of the above activi- folk art in Northern New York. was employed by the Association dur- ties-especially the exhibit and educa- All of these grants are important, for ing the summer under a college work- tion programs-have been possible only the Association suffers from inflation study program. The curriculum sup- because of continuing generous gifts of as much as any other institution or port materials provide copies of 19th artifacts. Two early 19th century cast family and also wishes to provide century census, diary, and local histori- iron stoves, a butter churn made in increased services. A small step in a cal information that a teacher may use Hermon. two ca. 1920 bicycles, a fine long-term resolution of our chronic in the classroom. The traveling exhibits Empire mirror, quilts, a Rushton canoe, funding problems was made in the fall have been seen at trade fairs in Mas- clothing, and chairs are among the of 1981 when the late Louis Greenblatt sena, Ogdensburg, and Canton in addi- many fine items given to the Associa- established a modest endowment fund tion to being available for loan to tion during the past year. With the sup- and the Board of Trustees agreed to schools and close to 17,000 people were port of the New York State Council on place all future unrestricted bequests exposed to the local history vignettes in the Arts. Judy Chittenden worked into this endowment fund. these portable cases during 1981. It is part-time during 1981 to properly I would like to close this report by hoped that funds will be secured to con- accession and store these items-as tinue the program's expansion during well as improve the record-keeping 1982. and numbering on items already in the Another major and traditional activ- collection. In fact, Judy made consider- ity of the Association has been the sum- able progress in the ongoing program mer tour program. This continues to be of updating the entire storage area and extremely popular and last year jaunts collection care practices. to Toronto, Utica, the wine country Finally, an annual report of the Asso- Budget, Finance & Development around the Finger Lakes, and the ciation's programs would not be com- Paula Faust, Chair; Mary Jane Wat- National Arts Center in Ottawa were plete without recognition of the fine son; Dori Lyons**, Bradshaw Minte- organized and easily filled to capacity. volunteer services of Varick Chittenden ner**, Allen Splete, ex officio; John During 1982 the program will be ex- in editing The Quarterly. Our maga- Baule, ex officio. panded, and if interest continues to zine, during 1981, won an award of Acquisitions Dwight Mayne. Chair; Ed Blankman, Elizabeth Knap; Richard Buckley. Membership Allan Newell, Chair; Beverly Mark- kula, Charles Turcotte**, Nick Visko- vich; Betty Worsh. Publications, Exhibits & Programs Joan Kepes*, Paul Jamieson*, Kelli Rossie*. Varick Chittenden*, Dan O'Connor*, Kelsie Harder, Lynn Case**. Special Events & Fund Raising Doris Wheaton, Chair; DeeAnn Mar- tin; Judy Gibson*; Claire Stuba*; Con- nie Hanson*, Win Gulick***; Joan Sal- trelli***; Ruth McKean***; Marilyn Jones*; Anne Piskor*; Betty Randall*. *Denotes non-Tmtee member **Indicates new committee member Gallery of artifacts manufactured in St. Lawrence County in the nineteenth ***Indicates both non-Trustee member century. (Photo courtesy of SLCHA) and new committee member January 1982 simply stating that the Association con- STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE AND RETAINED E ARNINGS tinues to improve and become more FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 1981 and more stable. In a large measure. 1982 1981 Operating Capital this is due to the dedication of loyal Income Budget Budget Total Fund Fund employees such as Vivienne Conjura St. Lawrence Co ...... $11.000 $11. 000 $ 11.000.00 $11.000.00 $ who works far beyond the hours for NYS Coun . on Arts . . 3.000 4. 000 4.500.00 4.500.00 which she is reimbursed; the many Dues ...... 15.000 15.000 14.601.69 14.601.69 dedicated willing volunteers who help Gifts ...... 2.100 2.100 2.596.45 2.596.45 in so many ways. and the Board of Interest ...... 400 700 348.68 215.33 Trustees under the able leadership of Village of Canton .... 5.000 5.000 5.000.00 5.000.00 Allen P Splete Naturally it is impossi- Admissions ...... 200 300 156.00 156.00 . . Cookbook ...... 2. 000 2. 500 (89.36) (89.36) ble to more than touch on the many Miscellaneous ...... 500 250 649.06 649.06 people who have donated hours of time Rental ...... 0 2. 000 1.800.00 1.800.00 and skills to make the Association Self-Sustaining/ work during 1981. but thanks are due Fund Raising ...... 7.000 3.000 4.236.24 4.236.24 to many and we hope the Association Grants ...... 8.000 2. 650 2.265.07 2.265.07 during 1982 will continue to deserve Sale of Securities ..... 0 0 135.76 135.76 their support. Other Grants ...... -8.000 -0 0 0 John A . Baule Total Income ...... -$62.200 - $48. 500 $ 47.199.59 $47.066.24 Director Expense: Salary-Director ...... $15.000 $14.000 $ 13.999.96 $13.999.96 Salary-Secretary ..... 7. 000 6. 200 5.961.50 5.961.50 Fringe Benefits ...... 600 600 515.93 515.93 Payroll Taxes ...... 2.000 1.700 2.050.91 2.050.91 Supplies/Postage ..... 2. 000 2.000 1.894.72 1.894.72 Board of Trustees1982 Water & Sewer ...... 150 100 141.54 141.54 Heat ...... 4.500 4.000 4.534.96 4.534.96 President ...... Allen Splete. Canton Electric ...... 1.500 1.300 1.533.49 1.533.49 VicePres..... Dwight Mayne. Massena Telephone ...... 900 800 915.07 915.07 Secretary ...... D . Lynn Case. Canton Insurance ...... 1.500 1.400 1.515.00 1.515.00 Treasurer ...... Mary Jane Watson Interest ...... 1.500 1.700 1.700.41 1.700.41 Snow Removal ...... 200 200 110.00 110.00 South Colton Repairs. etc ...... 1.500 1.200 1.721.95 1.721.95 Term Expires 1982: Publications ...... 4.500 4. 000 3.861.00 3.861.00 Edward Blankman. Canton; Richard Printing ...... 1.500 1.300 1.440.24 1,440.24 Buckley. Piercefield; Elizabeth Knap. Exhibits/Programs . . 2. 000 2. 000 2.372.68 2.372.68 Ogdensburg; Beverly Markkula. Can- Subscriptions ...... 300 300 453.93 453.93 ton; Allan Newell. Hammond . Conservation ...... 1.000 1.000 931.71 931.71 Travel & Meetings ... 1.000 500 319.15 319.15 Term Expires 1983: Miscellaneous & Elizabeth Worsh. Canton; Paula Accreditation ...... 500 1.000 578.35 578.35 Faust. Canton; Kelsie Harder. Potsdam; Grant Expenses ...... 8.000 0 Dori Lyons. Canton; Nicholas Visko- Contingency Fund ... 1.650 0 0 0 vich. Massena. Total Expense ...... $ 46.552.50 $46.552.50 Term Expires 1984: Net Income ...... $ 647.09 $ 513.74 Equity-Beginning .... 164.280.71 (2.179.02) DeeAnn Martin. Canton; Brad Min- Transfers ...... 3.400 3.200 0 (3.150.72) tener. Canton; Charles Turcotte. Pots- - - Equity-Ending ...... $62.200 $48.500 $164.927.80 $ (4.816.00) dam; Doris Wheaton . Ogdensburg. - - Staff: BALANCE SHEET-December 31. 1981 John A . Baule. Director; Vivienne H . Operating Capital Conjura. Secretary . ASSETS Total Fund Fund Current Assets: Cash in Bank ...... $ 3.446.80 $ 3.409.26 Inventory ...... 1.000.00 1.000.00 Total Current Assets ...... $ 4.446.80 $ 4.409.26 Fixed Assets (Note A): Silas Wright House and Museum ...... 194.199.30 0 Total ...... $198.646.10 $ 4.409.26 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Accrued and Withheld Payroll Taxes ...... $ 389.34 $ 389.34 Advance Payable on Old Holly~ood...... 500.00 500.00 Architectural Fees Payable ...... 3.250.00 0 Mortgage Payable ...... 21.243.04 0 Loan Payable-Cookbook ...... 4.200.00 4.200.00 Total Liabilities ...... $ 29.582.38 $5.089.34 Restricted Funds: NEA Grant ...... 1.635.92 1.635.92 Bc)? Brtd~llnatr pre.se~zt.7 Corr1i)lg Corning Glass Grant ...... 2.500.00 2.500.00 Foujrdation check to John A . Equity ...... 164.927.80 (4.816.00) Baule . (Photo courtesy of SLCHA) Total ...... $198.646.10 $ 4.409.26 Address Correction Requested Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 8 Canton. N.Y. 13617 PERMIT NO. 21 Canton, New York

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

-STILL AVAILABLE- "Landmarks and Lemon Crackers" The St. Lawrence County Historical Association still has copies of its cookbook, Landmarks and Lemon Crackers, which features family tested recipes submitted by members and friends of the Association and covering every category a cook could wish. Also, artist Sandra Lowe has sketched over 30 county landmarks for which historical and architectural notes have been prepared. Photographs of another 60 sites and accompanying notes complete the landmarks portion. Every county town is represented. When the two aspects-recipes and landmarks-are combined the Cook- book Committee is sure you will find a book both worthwhile to own and enjoyable to use. Proceeds will help support the activities of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association.

"Landmarks and Lemon Crackers" Has a coated cover for easy upkeep Has large, easily read type Has a plastic spiral binding Costs $7.00 for SLCHA members and $7.95 for non-members Has complete indexes of recipes and landmarks Can be gift wrapped and mailed for you at an additional charge

Think of it as a gift for yourself, for friends and relatives with St. Lawrence County ties, as a bridge or door prize, as Christmas or birthday gifts for office staff or customers. Wouldn't your friends, relatives, and acquaintances enjoy something special this year?