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Tally-Ho 2001
Tally-Ho 2002
Tally-Ho 2003
Tally-Ho 2004
Tally-Ho 2005
Tally-Ho 2006
Tally-Ho 2007
Tally-Ho 2008
Tally-Ho 2009
2010 Issues
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
Table of Contents
June Program And Annual Meeting
Verdict Given in Mock Trial
The Founding
Of New Hartford
Welcome New
Members
Notice: Change
To The Bylaws
Chadwicks,
N.Y.
Affairs in New
Hartford: A Scarcity of Houses to Rent
Annual Meeting
Library Display
Dues Are Due
J. Allen
Sherrill Dead
Those Wonderful Church Bulletins!
JUNE PROGRAM AND ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday afternoon, June 6, 2010 2:00 PM
Willowvale Fire Station, Oneida St., Chadwicks, NY
Chadwick Family History—George W. Chadwick, George W. Chadwick, Jr.
“Helene Chadwick” Who Is This Lady?
Presented by members of the New Hartford Historical Society
What was the “Golden Point”? Come and find out.
From a March 12, 1930 Utica newspaper comes the following article
VERDICT GIVEN IN MOCK TRIAL
Hiram Twinkletwister and his daughter, Sophie, have had a heap of trouble, and most of it got a good airing last night in Butler Hall when a slicker salesman, posing as a theatrical man selling real estate and insurance, was hauled into court. The jury awarded a $25 verdict in favor of Sophie Twinkleltwister.
Mr. Twinkletwister, who is known to the good neighborhood, that farming section outside the village limits of New Hartford, as “Pa” and his wife as “Ma” and Sophie, as just plain “Sophie, told a tale of wickedness to the court. Pa said he sells cabbage and eggs to the folks that don’t raise them and he said this slicker stopped at the farm house and spied Sophie. Sophie isn’t hard to look at, and the stranger was attracted and lured her with his smooth tale of success over the footlights. The slicker borrowed Pa’s flivver and took Sophie and the cabbage money and the $1.50 Pa gave her for spending money and started for the city.
As the couple reached the bridge spanning that torrential stream separating New Hartford from Utica, the door opened and Sophie fell out. In the wreckage was discovered five Plymouth chickens that had also left Pa’s farm without permission. Pa took the old gray mare and brought Sophie home, bruised about the head, so much so she has had fits since. Pa sued for chickens and car for himself, and for the bruised head and heart balm for Sophie.
But it turned out after all, it was but a mock trial under the auspices of Inman Circle Ladies’ Aid Society of the Methodist Church of New Hartford and their purpose was to secure finances for the church building fund. In their efforts they were successful as there was a good number of the town’s representative citizens assembled.
Those taking part were: judge, Bradley Fuller; prosecuting attorney, Robert E. Morris; defense attorney, Willard R. Pratt; court crier; Louis McKee; clerk of court, Robert Townsend; court stenographer, Marian Lawrence; defendant, Robert O. Morris; plaintiff “Sophie” , Mrs. Carrie R. Cornell; “Pa” Twinkletwister, F. Floyd Crouch; “Ma”, Mrs. Harvey Kirkland; sheriff, Joe Corbett; jury, A.D. Eldred, Fay Billings, George Reusswig, James Davis, R.C. Boswell, Guy Finney, George Phelps, H.D. Case, J.C. Withey, Gloria Swansdown and Winnie Winkle.
About 300 attended the affair.
By Laura D. Cookinham
Last installment
Judge Sanger’s first residence after the log cabin was on the southeast corner of Genesee Street and Oxford Road. It was a large white farm house, and in the rear stood the famous barn in which the first religious services were held, also the first court session in Oneida County and the first Masonic meeting. This barn until recently stood on Mill Street, and was the oldest building in New Hartford, according to Henry J. Cookinham who reproduces a picture of it in his “History of Oneida County”. The next owner of the white farm house was Frederick Stanley who sold it in turn to Samuel Lyon. During his occupancy in 1824 his daughter Persis Lyon was married to Hiram Shays, a grandson of General Daniel Shays of Connecticut, the famous leader of Shays Rebellion. They went housekeeping in the house next to her father’s. This house now occupied by Dr. Russell is one of the oldest in New Hartford and was probably built by Judge Sanger. The corner home, however, has been torn down to make way for a business block. In recent years it was known as the McLean house. Mr. McLean having purchased it together with the grist mill, which he and his sons operated until it, too, was demolished. Judge Sanger built finally a house known throughout the section as the Sanger “Mansion”. This mansion stood far from Oxford Road, with a long approach through stately trees. In later years Pearl Street was cut through and ran in front of the mansion. Several years after the death of Mrs. Sanger it was used as the Village school and later, when Allport Place came into being, the old mansion was torn down and only a wing of the house remains, which is now used as a garage. Historians tell of the hospitality given the weary travelers, of the large ballroom on the third floor; and of the splendid pigeon hunting to be had in the woods behind the mansion.
Robert Gilmore, who was one of the early settlers built a house about 1800 at the end of French Road where it stands today occupied by Charles G. French, a descendant of both John French and Robert Gilmore, some of the original deeds of that land being in his possession. Joseph Higbee, the second pioneer settler, built his house on the Seneca Turnpike, now Genesee Street, nearly at the foot of the road bearing his name, which was originally a lane down which Higbee’s cows were driven from their pasture. This fine old brick house was later sold to John Lyon and stands today still owned by the Lyon family. About 1833 Joseph Higbee Jr. built a home on Higby Road, beyond Oneida Street, which has been owned for may years by James Benton. History does not tell us much about Joseph Higbee. He died on January 13th, 1820 and, with his wife and their children, is buried in the old French Road Cemetery, not far from his home.
Among the pioneer physicians we find the names of Dr. Samson in 1797 and Dr. Amos G. Hull, who practiced at New Hartford and Paris Hill prior to 1811. The pioneer dentist was Dr.. Gilbert A. Foster, son of James Sears Foster, who settled Litchfield, New York in 1702, coming to New Hartford in 1813. F.E. Rogers, in his “History of the Town of Paris” says “Dr. Foster, after his marriage to Orpha N. Bogue of Sauquoit, took up residence on the Foster Farm (beyond the Butler farm on Oxford Road) and practiced his profession of dentistry, inventing and with his own hands making the various delicate and curious tools of the art, by converting an old spinning wheel into a lathe, his brother Sanford turning the wheel while he with masterly skill made the implements which he afterwards tempered and polished.” Dr. Foster was one of the original members of the American Society of Dental Surgeons, and was a genial Christian gentleman. When he died December 7, 1877 the Utica Observer said “The hand of death never stilled the beating of a kindlier heart.”
Several sons of New Hartford became Mayors of Utica, among them were General Joseph Kirkland, who served as Utica’s first Mayor in 1832, his son Charles Pickney Kirkland, Richard W. Sherman, and James S. Sherman, the latter two were sons of Richard U. Sherman, a most highly regarded citizen of New Hartford during the last half of the 19th century. Richard U. Sherman was also State Engineer while James B. Sherman became Vice-President of the United States.
Many illustrious men lie buried in New Hartford’s cemeteries. General Oliver Collins, a famous soldier of the Revolution and the War of 1812, two members of the “Boston Tea Party”, and in an unmarked grave in the old South Street graveyard lies the body of Sergeant James Wilson who received the colors from Cornwallis when he surrendered at Yorktown. The story is told that when he surrendered at Yorktown. The story is told that Sergeant Wilson came with his wife, after the war was over, to visit relatives at Middle Settlement, and while there was taken sick with small pox and died. He was hastily interred. Years afterwards some of his descendents came to New Hartford to locate his grave but it is doubtful whether they found it, so changed had the old burial ground become.
And so it is fitting that during New Hartford’s Sesquicentennial year we will see the erection of Historical markers commemorating the settling of the village and the building of the grist mill by Jedediah Sanger. Those living in New Hartford today have just reason to be proud of the achievements of its pioneers and the history of their village during the past 150 years.
Marie Cristiano New Hartford Marilyn Hughes Whitesboro Nancy Morehouse New Hartford Tom Wagner New Hartford Christine Wolber New Hartford
CHANGE TO THE BYLAWS
At the May 19 Board meeting the officers and trustees of the New Hartford Historical Society voted to amend Section III to read “No limit to the numbers of terms the president, vice-president and board members may serve.”
This amendment will be voted on by the membership at this annual meeting.
Chadwicks, N.Y.
The June program promises to be very interesting. Not only will we hear about the founders of Chadwicks and some of its history but we will also learn about the famous daughter who became nationally known. Try not to miss this!
This information and picture comes from the Antique Bottle Club of the Mohawk Valley’s newsletter, written by John Landers. This flask was found by Dave Mount at a house sale in Sauquoit. It is a very rare flask and it was thought that local collectors had never seen one. It was manufactured between 1880 and 1895
John Chadwick’s son, John Jr. was probably the proprietor of the hotel when the flask was made. Bob White is presently the owner of the flask. Perhaps Barbara Couture, or someone at the meeting, will be able to tell us where the hotel was located.
AFFAIRS IN NEW HARTFORD: A SCARCITY OF HOUSES TO RENT
Anyone spending an hour in the village of New Hartford and engaging in conversation with the inhabitants whom he may meet on the streets cannot fail to observe that the place is manifesting an activity and an enterprise such as has never before been characteristic. Evidently a new life has been infused into the place, and the people are hoping and that not without reason, that an era of growth and prosperity is just ahead. The increase in population recently has been such that there is a dearth of houses to rent. There is not an empty house and, were they to be had, twenty houses could be rented May 1st the Olympian Knit Goods Company of this city will remove its factory to the place in a few weeks and the employees of the company are greatly concerned over where they are going to live. One enterprising New Hartford man said yesterday he was considering the feasibility of organizing a company to built several new houses in the village and it is possible the situation will be relieved by something being done in this direction. The factory of the Olympian company is practically completed and will be ready for operation some time in April. The large boiler has been set up and the work of plumbing the establishment is in progress. The structure is a substantial one and its arrangements are designed to meet perfectly the demands that will be made upon it as a knit goods factory.
A matter of considerable comment in the village also is the rapid manner in which C.O. Jones erected his new box factory. Two months ago Mr. Jones was doing business in the old school house which he had occupied since 1884. Now he is located in his new factory and in full operation and giving employment to about a dozen New Hartford young women, the prospects that the force will be increased later. The new factory is located on South Street, on a lot in the rear of Mr. Jones’ residence. The building is 104 feet in length and 30 feet wide, with an L on one side 13 x 30 ft. It is a model building for the purpose designed and in style is quite unique. It is also practically fireproof. The roof is sea green slate, laid shingle fashion. Slate also covers the sides from the window sills up and these are laid diagonally. From the lower sill to the windows the sides are of steel, stamped and painted to imitate brick. The general effect is pleasing and it is a matter of surprise that so substantial and sightly a structure could be put up in so short a time and that during the winter season. The contract was let to Tiernan & Dewhurst of Willowvale and the slating was done by Arthur G. Ellis, Binghamton. The building connects with Mr. Jones’ residence and thus the proprietor may enter without the inconvenience of going out of doors. As to the equipment of the factory new machinery has been recently purchased which includes one of Hobb’s automatic machines, one of Blessing’s bending machines and a new baling press made especially for the factory. Power to run the machinery is furnished by the Utica Electric Light & Power Company and eventually the building and the adjoining residence will be lighted by electricity.
The building was wired by Master Park Higgs, the Edison of New Hartford, as one man characterized him, a young man who will forget his dinner when engaged upon any electrical work, so absorbed does he get in his employment. Those who know Master Higgs prophecy of a bright future for him in the electrical operating world. Although young, he has a farther insight into the mysteries of electricity than some who have been operating with the fluid for several years. One evening while riding on a car from this city to New Hartford, he displayed what seemed a very brilliant stone in his necktie pin, but which in reality as a closer scrutiny revealed, was nothing less than a miniature electric light. It seemed that the man had rigged up a small battery which he placed in his vest pocket, and then connected with his necktie. He is at present employed by the Electric Light Company of this city.
The building formerly occupied by Mr. Jones as a box factory , as had been related in the Press, has been purchased for the fire department and will be used as an engine house and meeting place for the firemen. The fire apparatus will be stored on the ground floor and the second floor will be divided into several rooms for the use of the boys. The alterations will be made a once and it is expected the building will be ready for the department in about a month. The new school building is nearing completion and it is expected will be ready for occupancy when the spring term opens. In nothing does the village take so much pride as this structure and it represents a side of the community life which is by no means inactive and which has much to do with keeping up the moral and intellectual tone of the place.
A question which is now agitating the minds of those in the village who are interested in the extension of the trolley road down the Sauquoit valley is what route will be selected. It is feared that the route which has been most talked up and considered most feasible will be abandoned by the company on account of the high price which the farmers just outside the city might ask for the right of way. Should this occur, friends of the trolley have an alternative and say a route might be secured by way of Mill street to the New Hartford Grist Mill thence to the New Hartford cotton mill, following then the dividing line of the land owned by New Hartford Cotton Company and the farms of Joseph E. Graham, James Scoville, Frank Morgan and Henry S. Kellogg, which would lead to the same destination as the other route. Of course it is hoped that this alternative will not have to be adopted, but in case of necessity doing so may be practical. The citizens of New Hartford are favorable to the trolley and the present promise of growth is due doubtless to no extent, to the trolley boom. Utica looks upon the activity of its adjoining suburb with complacency and contemplates the time nor far distant when it will be an integral part of the city.
The annual meeting of the New Hartford Historical Society will be held in conjunction with the June program. The slate of officers up for election is the following:
Barbara Couture President Burke Muller Vice President Lorraine Haley Secretary Ray Philo Treasurer Jeffrey Madden Trustee for three years
Our May display in the New Hartford Public Library has been very favorably received with many comments from those who have viewed it. We hope many of you took the time to go and see it.
These displays are a very important part of reaching out to the community and attracting more members. Anyone interested in working on the displays in the future please let us know.
Dues are due by the end of June to renew your membership to June 2011. See the membership form on the last page of the newsletter. We do not send out a reminder but we really value your membership. We hope you will take the time to send in your renewal soon. Thank you!
This notice ran in the Utica paper in 1897. Unfortunately some of it is missing.
At his house in the town of New Hartford, at 1 p.m. yesterday, died J. Allen Sherrill in his 85th year. Mr. Sherrill was one of the oldest residents of the town, having been born there in 1812, and had lived there practically all his life. The funeral will be held at his late home, Monday at 11 a.m.
J. Allen Sherrill was born in New Hartford, December 19, 1812. He was born in a house owned by Philo Williams, which stood on the present site of Butler Memorial Hall. His father was a captain in the War of 1812, and was stationed at Sackets Harbor on that occasion. Mr. Sherrill always lived within a mile of the spot where he was born. He attended district school and the old Academy. His business all his life has been that of a farmer. His father, Lewis, and his uncle, Jacob Sherrill, were both interested in the first New Hartford cotton factory.
THOSE WONDERFUL CHURCH BULLETINS!
The Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals.
The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water". The sermon tonight “Searching for Jesus”
Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
Table of Contents
May Program
Rain Halts Works of Forestry Corps Located in Jersey
The Founding Of New Hartford
Old Tuttle Farm
Jack & Andy’s Diner
Acorn Troop, Girl Scouts
Places To Visit This Summer
Letters To Dear Abby
MAY PROGRAM
Sunday afternoon, May 2, 2010 2:00 PM
New Hartford Public Library—1 Library Lane, New Hartford Sammon Community Room
N.H. Historical Home, 55 Paris Rd (Home School for Girls) and the Golden Point
Barbara Couture
What was the “Golden Point”? Come and find out.
This article, from a 1934 Utica paper, was found in a scrapbook at the Historical Society .
RAIN HALTS WORKS OF FORESTRY CORPS LOCATED IN JERSEY
They are having rains in some of the Civilian Conservation camps.
A letter from James Appler to his father, John Appler of this city, written from Camp 17, Company 1,266, Branchville, N.J. says:
“We haven’t worked for three days on account of the heavy rains we are having. The brooks are as high as the bridges and they are all blocked up with ice.
“I have just come from school. In these schools they teach anything we want to take in. I am taking up forestry and road building. It is a lot of interest and one can learn everything about the woods. Sunday, when we had church, I sang in the choir. Boy, what a voice I’ve got!
“The other day when we were going to work three nice deer galloped right ahead of us down the road.”
Speaking about a check that was sent home, the young man says, “Put the balance in the bank.” Which seems to be another good thing the boys are learning in the conservation camps.
The Emergency Conservation Work Act establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps was signed into law by President Roosevelt on March 31, 1933. to help us during the depression. Under the direction of Robert Fechner, the CCC employed young men between the ages of 17 and 23 in work camps where they were assigned to various conservation projects. Enrollees were paid thirty dollars a month, twenty-five dollars of which was sent home to the enrollee's families. From 1933 to 1942, over three million young men enrolled in the CCC.
One camp was located on the Hogsback Road, between Woodgate and Boonville. It was turned into a prisoner of war camp during World War II.
We thought the article would be of interest to those who have no idea there ever was such an organization, and to those who can remember them, like your editor.
According to the letter from James Appler to his father, New Jersey was getting the kind of rain it got this spring.
THE FOUNDING OF NEW HARTFORD
By Laura D. Cookinham
Continued.
The first child born in the Town was Uriel Kellogg, who carried the nickname of “Forest” through life. Pomeroy Jones says in his “Annals of Oneida County”, “Of the earliest settlers, those who settled west of the Village were Ashbel Beach, Amos Hill, Mr. Wyman, Stephen Bushness, Oliver Collins, Joseph Higbee, Nathan Seward and John French and south of the Village were three families of Kelloggs, two of Risleys, two of Olmsteads and Messres. Seymour, Butler, Hurlburt, Kilbourn and Montague.” The population and wealth of the Village made rapid strides, and when the Seneca Turnpike was constructed in the 1800’s business of the Village soon out-stripped many of its contemporaries. New Hartford was not originally on the direct route which this turnpike was to take, but Judge Sanger seeing the great advantage it would be to the Village to have the stages and mail going west pass through, purchased much of the Turnpike company stock and used all his perseverance towards this end. Before the Erie Canal was built New Hartford did a much larger amount of business than Utica, but after the Canal was opened and the railroad built, the carrying business for the West was shifted there, and Utica grew to be a city while the Village on the turnpike grew more slowly. However, New Hartford had the waterpower of the Sauquoit Creek, which Utica lacked, and this kept the Village active.
It is a noteworth fact that the first newspaper ever published west of Albany was the “Whitestown Gazette” published at New Hartford Village on July 10, 1793. Richard Vanderburg was its printer. The Gazette was discontinued after a short time, but in 1796 was again published when Samuel Mills became its owner and William McLean its printer. In 1798 the “Gazette” was removed to Utica and was the first paper ever published in Utica.
One historian tells us that a family of quilt weavers lived “across the creek” and spun their own yarn before weaving it. It is an interesting fact that an English man named Butterfield early established a factory in New Hartford for making ingrain carpets and is said to have erected the first ingrain loom, and made the first carpets in New York State. Possibly quilt weaving by the Butterfield family evolved into the carpet industry. According to Durant's History the first cut nails manufactured in the State were the nails made in New Hartford by Jonathan Richardson, who purchased old wire and liquor casks and cut the hoops into nails. Mr. Richardson died in 1838.
In a diary kept by Rev. Timothy Dwight, the President of Yale College and Rev. Jeremiah Day, afterward President of the same College, they recorded a trip made on horse back from Connecticut through New York State around 1795 to see the improvements, new mills and settlements. They compared Utica and New Hartford in a most interesting manner, and said that the latter was the first New England Village in this region, with its beautiful church, it’s neat white houses and cheerful people.
Some years after Jedediah Sanger settled there, his brother Sedekiah arrived. He is said to have been one of New Hartford’s foremost business men and was known as a most polished gentleman of the “old school.” This Sanger had sons and grandsons who carried on the name, while Judge Sanger’s grandchildren bore the name of Eames. When his daughter Sally married John Eames in 1794 they went to live in a small white cottage on South Street (now Oxford Road) near the farm where Eli Butler settled in 1789. It is said that after the death of her father in 1829 and the settlement of his estate Sally (known later as the “Widow Eames”) built a fine large house on the same site, the little cottage remaining as a rear wing. A few years ago the wing was torn down. Widow Eames lived there with her 9 children, in great style for many years. This house is now owned and occupied by Dr. and Mrs. E.B. Williams. Another house which has stood over a hundred years, and owned by the same family until this year, is the Samuel Hicks house. It is a beautiful example of pure Georgian architecture, with black imported marble jambs in its fireplaces, hand blocked wallpaper, and its stairway designed by Bulfinch, the architect of the Boston State House. Samuel Hicks was well known as a manufacturer and a courteous, cultured gentleman, and to his grand-daughter Miss Julia MacFarland, the last member of this family to occupy the old house, may be attributed the changing of the name of South Street to Oxford Road.
(last installment will be in the June “Tally-Ho!”
Old Tuttle Farm—Paris Road
All the information in this article comes from the book “Farmlands of New Hartford Vol. 11” compiled by Janice Reilly and Barbara Owens Couture. This book is on sale at the Society rooms for $15.00.
The house dates to the 1830’s and is now owned by Dean and Mary Gordon. In the deed the Gordon's received when they purchased this home in 1986, the “Old Tuttle farm” was mentioned. The deed also says the farm was once owned by a “family named Wills” and “they were colored people.” Rufus Wills and George M. Wills were grantors to Sarah Wills, who paid $2500 to the heirs at law of her late husband, Charles Henry Wills. She later sold this farm to Franklin M. Tuttle, son of Julius.
Charles H. Wills owned sixty-seven acres of land. According to the Federal Census of 1860 , he was a black forty-two year old f
armer living in New Hartford with Sarah, aged twenty-eight. His real-estate value was recorded at $7000; his personal value at $1000. An additional black farm laborer was recorded in the same household. Ten separate black households in New Hartford were enumerated in the 1860 census. The number dropped to less than five during the following fifty years.
The plausible rumor that Wills helped in the underground railroad has never been substantiated. Mary Hughes, who lived across the road from the Gordon's, wrote them saying, “your house was part of the underground railroad, an organization which helped black slaves travel from the southern United States to Canada. They were seeking their freedom. A few black people remained here.” Mary also gave a picture of Wills to the Gordon's.
Julius Tuttle came to New Hartford in 1865 and “resided on the farm located a mile and a half from the village on Paris Street.” He died in 1908 and was survived by Franklin, Gary E. and Lucy Tuttle, his children, and a brother, Garry F. Tuttle. The farm remained in the Tuttle family until 1924. They had a few cows and a cream separator and sold the cream to Acklers Store in the village. He would drive his small herd down the road to where Morris Circle is today to pasture the cows in the summertime.. Gary Tuttle’s obituary in 1934 said he was employed by various grocery stores in New Hartford village; first at D.W. Palmer, Manuel Ackler, and J.E, Close. Gary lived at 15 Pearl Street at the time of his death. He was survived by a daughter Rowena Tuttle and a son Roy L. Tuttle,
Jack & Andy’s Diner 23 Genesee St., New Hartford
REMEMBER WHEN
How many of you remember Jack and Andy’s diner? It was the place to go for French fries and burgers. It was right down the road from Lortz’s Drug Store. There is another memory for many of us.
Do any of you have old pictures of businesses in New Hartford? Or pictures of the street you lived on when you were young? We are always looking for additions to our archives and, incidentally, fodder for the “Tally-Ho!”. If you enjoy this newsletter why not help by sending in pictures or write some memories of your youth spent in the town. It would be greatly appreciated.
Additions to our Archives
Kevin Kelly donated a very interesting notebook filled with New Hartford History that he had compiled. Included in the pages is a history of Jay-K Lumber, ‘Scattered Leaves Along the Mohawk ‘ written by John J. Walsh in 1977, ‘Rambling Tales of a Rambling Town’ written by George Smith in 1955, ‘A Romantic History of Old New Hartford’ by Laura Day Cookinham, a great deal of information about Morgan Butler and Butler Hall including the certificate of incorporation of the hall, a formal presentation to New Hartford in 1893, obituary notices of Morgan Butler, the Faster-From Corporation history by John Waszkiewicz 111, “Ramdom Recollections of SMC (Special Metals Corp.)” by John Huntington in 1995, the “Genealogy of Thomas Williams of New Hartford” compiled by George Huntington Williams, in 1880, General Richard U. Sherman’s obituary, ‘Adirondack League Club Early History 1878-1895 “ and the Bisby Lake Club, and an article on “Old Josh, a Former Slave and Soldier” by Mary Ellen Urtz 2009.
Here is one volume you can browse through and have a information right at your fingertips. Come in and take a look. And many thanks to Kevin for his donations.
Also, Tony D’Apice has given us a DVD with pictures on it of miniature Utica buildings he has made that has an on-going narration by Tony. It is fascinating to watch and listen to. What a talented man!
Thank you Tony
Picture from O-D around 1932
Four members of Acorn Troop, Girl Scouts, of New Hartford, are shown here in a kitchen playlet given last week at John F. Hughes School in connection with the Court of Honor. Those in the picture are : (1) Mildred Hayes; (2) Marion Cookinham; (3) Rye Auld; and (4) Madelynne MacLean. The picture was taken at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Whitmyre, 116 Oxford road, where Colonial effects similar to those used in the play are owned.
PLACES TO VISIT THIS SUMMER
We have two brochures at the Society Rooms giving information about local places to visit. One is the Boonville Black River Canal Museum in Boonville, NY For information look on their web site
hhtp:/BoonvilleBlackRiverCanalMuseum.com
Also the Chenenago Canal Towpath Trail on Route 20 and Canal Road in Bouckville, NY is an interesting place to visit. It is across from the Landmark Tavern in Bouckville and is open May 1 to October 31 from 10am to 5pm. Free admission.
LETTERS TO DEAR ABBY THAT SHE ADMITTED SHE WAS AT A LOSS TO ANSWER
Letters to Dear Abby that she admitted she was at a loss to answer
Dear Abby:
1. I’ve been married to Bill for three months, and I didn’t know he drank until one night he came home sober.
2. Do you think it would be all right if I gave my doctor a little gift? As I tried for years to get pregnant and couldn’t and he did it.
3. I joined the Navy to see the world. I’ve seen it. Now, how do I get out?
4. I have a husband I never could trust. He cheats so much I’m not sure this baby I’m carrying is his.
Table of Contents
The Founding Of New Hartford
April Program
The Late Morgan Butler
Boy’s Club?
Gives Credit To Women
The Thriving Village of New Hartford
Miss Day’s Wedding In May
Early Schools in New Hartford
New Hartford “Freezes” Fund For Post-War
Welcome New Members
Genesee Street
Grandchildren
APRIL PROGRAM
Sunday afternoon, April 11, 2010 2:00 PM
New Hartford Public Library—Community room downstairs
Cheryl Pula “Women of the Civil War
We all know how much we enjoy Cheryl’s talks. Come and learn some interesting facts of how women served our country during the war. You are in for some surprises
Morgan Butler
1807-1892
At our March meeting Doug Preston gave a very interesting talk about the Butler Mansion where he and his wife, Margaret, live. Here is part of a very interest article that was printed in the paper after Morgan Butler died.
THE LATE MORGAN BUTLER
By the death of Morgan Butler, which occurred at his home in New Hartford Wednesday, Oneida county lost one of its oldest and best citizens. Born in the village in which he died, the whole of his long life had been spent in this vicinity and there was no part of the county in which he was not known. And all who knew him honored him. His manly warm-heartedness and generosity and that spirit of progressiveness which marked his business life—all inspired admiration. New Hartford has reason to be proud that she could call him her own and cause for regret and sorrow in his death.
Mr. Butler’s ancestors were New Englanders. They settled at New Hartford, and Eli Butler, grandfather of Morgan, purchasing in 1792 the property, which has since been known as the Butler farm. Subsequently Morgan’s father , whose name was also Eli, came into possession of the farm and there the subject of our sketch was born in 1807. After receiving as good an education as was possible in those days, he went to work on his father’s farm and in 1832, when the latter die, bought out the interest of the other heirs and took charge of the property. From then until 1889 the farm was managed by him and under his guidance gained the reputation of being one of the finest in Central New York.
Mr. Butler took no interest in politics, and despite his prominence, held but a single office in all his long career—that of assessor. When the Central New York Farmer’s Club was formed in 1872 he was elected its vice president and served in that capacity until 1886, when he became president—a position in which he was retained until his death. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and for many years one of its officers.
IN 1812 Mr. Butler married Miss Marianne Howard, of Frankfort, sister of Gen. Rufus Howard, who survives. In 1889 Mr. Butler erected Butler Memorial Hall in New Hartford at a cost of $15,000, and presented it to the village
We recently came across this very interesting paper written in 1936 by Laura D. Cookinham, who is credited for writing “The Romantic History of Old New Hartford”. Although the information in this article is also in the Romantic History it is told a little differently and may interest those of you who want to refresh your knowledge of our founding. We will do sections from this in three issues.
THE FOUNDING OF NEW HARTFORD
By Laura D. Cookinham
One hundred and fifty years ago an intrepid pioneer journeyed from Jeffrey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, towards the settlement of Whitestown in New York State. His name was Jedediah Sanger and he was 37 years of age. History tells us that he was penniless and much in debt, his entire property having been previously destroyed by fire, but he was determined to establish a new home for his family in the Whitestown section, far famed at that time. Pushing through the forest, south of the Mohawk River probably following an Indian trail, he came to the vigorous and beautiful Sauquoit Creek and paused there. This was in March 1788. Realizing the fine water-power of the creek and the advantageous lay of the land, he decided that this should be his new home. The land he chose was then owned by George Washington and George Clinton, and Sanger bought from then 1000 acres, paying about 50 cents per acres. The original records of Jedediah Sanger’s purchases of land are to be found in Book I of Deeds, at the Oneida County Clerk’s office in Utica. By a very fortunate circumstance this book is now in existence, for when Oneida County was erected out of Herkimer County the original books were sent to Utica, copies being supplied for Herkimer. Some time later these copies were destroyed by fire when the Herkimer County Court House was burned. In 1792 Judge Sanger sold for $1.00 per acre all the land lying to the east of the Sauquoit Creek some 600 acres, to James Higbee, who had come to settle in the vicinity.
The 400 acres retained by Judge Sanger comprised the entire village of New Hartford, and the subsequent sale of several thousand acres, evidenced by 257 deeds of conveyance from Sanger, clearly shows that he made additional purchases.
Jedediah Sanger was born in Sherburne, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in 1751, one of 10 children. He married first Sarah Rider by whom he had four children, second Sarah Kissam and third, Fanny Dench, who survived him. All of his sons predeceased him, but his daughter, Sally, married John Eames and lived for many years in New Hartford.
To quote from the Oneida Historical Society Transactions:
“Jedediah Sanger was associated with every good thing in New Hartford—its farms, its manufactures, its churches, its newspaper and other institutions; filling most every one of the public positions with honor and efficiency. Kind and helpful to other settlers and of an integrity so rare as to be sure of historical record”.Judge Sanger founded Amicable Lodge No. 25 F. & A. M. in 1790 and its meetings were held first in his barn and then in his home until its lodge rooms were available. He was a member of the First Board of Trustees of Hamilton Academy (now Hamilton College), he spent eleven winters in Albany as a member of the senate and Assembly; he was the first Supervisor of Whitestown and first Judge of Oneida County; and gave the park and land on which to build New Hartford’s first church. His activities were not confined to New Hartford alone. He built a saw mill at Sangerfield in 1793; a grist mill at Skaneateles, Onondaga County in 1796 and was one of the leading partners in the Paris Furnace established in 1800. His contemporaries knew him as a man of great energy and decision, and we are told that he paid back every cent of his old debts with interest, as soon as he became securely established in his new home.
During the first year of his residence, a large clearing was made and he built a log cabin and brought his family here in 1789. He then built a saw mill followed by a grist mill in 1790, which was the third grist mill west of German Flatts, and thus began the settlement of the Village which was to be New Hartford. This name is said to have been given to the town by the Kellogg family who came from New Hartford, Connecticut, and settled on or near the Sauquoit Creek where Checkerville, now known as Washington Mills, is located.
Very early in the 19th century there were at least three families in New Hartford who made hand-woven bed quilts, the Butterfield, the Spencers, and the Cunninghams. Many of these quilts are in existence today, of a patriotic design with eagles and portraits of George Washington woven in a corner. (to be continued)
Does anyone remember this Boy’s Club?
The following is from an August 15, 1918 Utica paper.
GIVES CREDIT TO WOMEN
To the Editor of the Observer:
The writer of this article has been a strong opponent of woman suffrage. He believed that the affairs of government would be better conducted by men; that woman was unfitted by nature to participate in governmental affairs; that the home and State were separate institutions, over which woman and man, respectively, should preside.
The vote yesterday in the town of New Hartford, in which prohibition triumphed with the aid of women, has caused the writer to alter his opinion. He now believes that if the sale of alcoholic liquors can be driven from this country by the aid of women that this act alone is sufficient to justify the enfranchisement of women. He believes that ultimately this will be done. As Richelieu crushed with his iron heel the conspirators who sought his downfall, so will women bring about the destruction of that evil force which has been the destroyer of American homes. No measure before the public is more vital to the welfare of the nation, and the successful prosecution of the war than the passage of national prohibition bills throughout the country. And I believe that the attitude of the women of New Hartford may be taken as an indication of the stand that women elsewhere will take upon this momentous question.
John Barleycorn is on his deathbed. He is already in that coma which precedes death. His last feeble cries, as he struggles for life are growing weaker and weaker. His death chamber is deserted. He was a thief from his infancy. He stole clothes from children, and bread from the dinner pails of the poor. He stole youth, and love and happiness from women. He knew no caste. He invaded alike the hovel and the palace. From the lowly he stole money and clothing; from the mighty, intellect and power. He snatched the pen from the hand of Poe at the hour when his magnificent genius was just beginning to show the splendor of its brilliancy. He stilled the great voice of Daniel Webster years before its time. He sowed naught but misery, and in his wake only penury and woe survived.
But his hour as come! The women of America have proclaimed it! How different then will this country be! The hands that he has palsied will cease their trembling; the features that he has distorted will resume their natural aspect; the forms that he has bent will straighten; the hearts that he has blighted will bloom; the eyes that were dimmed and sunken by their drunken vigils will brighten and shine.
God’s blessing on the women of New Hartford for their stand!
(The copy of this article was in an old scrapbook. It was not signed.
This excerpt is from an 1893 article about the thriving village of New Hartford
Among additional features that recommend New Hartford as a residence place are its convenient churches, representing all denominations, and its schools, which latter have greatly increased in efficiency during the past few years.
A private school successfully conducted by Mrs. Collier affords a delightful home and thoro’ instruction for girls and young ladies.
A free library and reading room and a well appointed gymnasium in Butler hall prove a great attraction. A commodious and beautiful audience room in the same building, furnishes a fine place for entertainments.
When New Hartford shall take its next step forward and add to its conveniences, water works and a system of sewerage, nothing will be lacking to make it the ideal suburban village.
The officers of the village are: President, James Armstrong; trustees, William Hadcock, George Rice and C.O. Jones.
The following was in the May 2, 1909 New York Times. This information gives us a look at the life of the author of “The Founding of New Hartford”, a series we are starting in this issue of the “Tally-Ho!” This lady resided in New Hartford and was very active in preserving the history of our town.
MISS DAY’S WEDDING IN MAY
To Wed F.H. Cookinham, Nephew of the Vice President, in Providence
The marriage of Miss Laura M. Day, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Francis Day, to Frederick Howard Cookinham, a nephew of Vice President James S. Sherman, is to take place on Wednesday, May 5, in Providence, R.I. Bishop Olmstead will perform the ceremony.
Miss Charlotte Louise Day, the bride’s sister, is to be the maid of honor, and bridesmaids are to be Miss Harriett Sherman, a cousin of the bridegroom, the Misses Margaret and Madeline Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. C. Smith of New York, and cousins of the bride; Miss Clara L. Prophet of Mount Morris, NY, and Miss Elizabeth E. Moroni of Boston.
Henry J. Cookinham, Jr. will be best man, and the ushers will be two cousins of the bridegroom, Richard N. Sherman, son of the Vice President, and Dr. Thomas W. Clarke; Augustus T. Wyncoop, Irvin W. Day, a brother of the bride, Benjamin B. Hutchins of New York, and George R. Marvin of Boston.
A few years ago we received several boxes of archives pertaining to New Hartford that had been stored at Oneida County Historical Society. Many of the boxes related to the early schools in New Hartford. We thought the following letter would be of interest to our readers. Carrie Fisher was one of the teachers in the school when it was located in the Sanger Mansion near where Allport Place is today, so she was hired.
Adams, N.Y.
Dec. 18, 1884
Mr. Cloyes:
Sir:
Your letter was received last evening. I am very glad to hear that my application will receive some attention from the Board and yourself. I do not feel as though I could take the position that especially after having a poor teacher must be rather a difficult one, for less than $25.00 per month which I think is, indeed, a small sum. I, moreover, would not wish to take the position for more than the two terms in this year until I had made a trial of the department. I am not busy at present so could come at any time. I have not as yet learned when the next term of your school commences. If successful in obtaining the position as your Primary teacher, I shall do all in my power to make it a success and to aid Miss White in her efforts for the advancement of the school.
Yours respectfully,
Carrie Fisher
This article is from the Friday, April 13,1945 Observer-Dispatch.
NEW HARTFORD “FREEZES” FUND FOR POST-WAR
Following New York State’s example, the town board of New Hartford has voted to “freeze” $20,000 in unanticipated revenues for post-war use.
The town is the first in the county, and one of the first in the state, it is believed, to set aside funds for post-war improvements or to absorb the greater expense of government that may result if the war should be followed by a period of unemployment.
Supervisor Robert J. Thomas, chairman of the board, said the funds, representing an excess of revenues received in 1943 and 1944, will be placed in a tax stabilization fund for the present. Technically, such a fund is for the purpose of holding the yearly tax rate at a fairly constant level. It is the present intention of the board, however, to seek permission of the Legislature to transfer the money to a capital reserve fund, which may be drawn upon to finance highway improvements and to purchase machinery.
Additional funds for highway improvement would provide more jobs, the board believes. On the other hand, if the post-war period brings substantial increases to welfare costs, the money or a portion of it could be left in the tax stabilization fund and used to minimize the tax rate increases that otherwise might result from higher welfare expenditures.
New Hartford’s general tax rate this year is $14.22 per thousand and use of the accumulated surplus to reduce this year’s tax levy would have reduced the current
tax rate about $1.50 per thousand, Thomas estimated. He pointed out, however, that this reduction would have been for one year only. It was the view of the board, he said, that interests of the township could best be served by holding the money in reserve.With an assessed valuation of more than 10 million dollars, New Hartford is the wealthiest town in the county. It has no direct bonded debt. The general fund budget for this year totals $29,079. There also are four highway funds and 15 special tax districts, each with its own budget.
Members of the town board are Leo Townsend, William Combellack, Edwin Sweet and Walter C. Williams. Mrs. Louise Seaton is town clerk and Charles Severn is attorney.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Dorothy & Charles Pratt—NH
Carl & Gail Schmidt -Sauquoit
Stephen Lauterbach, MD –NH
Marc & Lynda Cioni—NH
Ron Newman—Clinton
Genesee Street looking toward Utica around 1912
Genesee Street—same view early 1940’s
Genesee Street –same view 1940’s
no more trolleys -bus service now
GRANDCHILDREN
A second grader, home from school , said to her grandmother, ‘Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today.” The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. ‘That’s interesting,’ she said, ‘how do you make babies?’ ‘It’s simple,’ replied the girl. ’You just change ’y’ to ‘I’ and add ‘es.’
My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, ‘62.’ He was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, ‘Did you start at 1?’
Table of Contents
March Program
The Jeffreys House
Articles In This Issue
William’s House
Interesting Obituary
Home School for Girls
New To Our Collections
Three Of The Featured Houses In Our Program
Isabella MacDonald Alden
New Hartford Will Designate Several Historical Dwellings
Welcome New Members
Remember Burma Shave Signs?
Sunday afternoon, March 7, 2010 2:00 PM
Presbyterian Church Hall , New Hartford, NY
Barbara Couture will present a program on “Historic Homes of New Hartford” . Featured will be the Eames Mansion, Hicks House, Morgan Butler Home and Jeffreys Mansion. The presentation will include videos and pictures of the exterior and interior of these homes.
THE JEFFREYS HOUSE
This is one of the houses that will be talked about at this March 7th meeting. Built in 1928 by Lee Jeffreys the house has been called a mansion and deservedly so. There will be a video of the inside and outside.
Don’t miss this meeting. It should prove to be a very interesting afternoon.
Many articles in this issue are taken from the book “Home School For Girls” by Annie HanChett Coddington. It is a book, well worth reading. Besides telling about the “Home School” it reveals the lives of members of the Toll family and their friends. Also a great deal is revealed about the Oneida Seminary, Temperance Movement and the Abolitionist Movement in New Hartford and Utica. Ms. Coddington browsed through Observer Dispatch microfilm for research.
A copy of the book is available at the Historical Society.
These are a few of the notices found while Ms. Coddington was researching the OD archives. They are in the book.
6/1/1877
“A rousing Temperance Meeting will be held in the Village Park, New Hartford next Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Members of the Reform Temperance Club of Utica will speak.”
5/31/1878
“This evening at Carton Hall will be given an opportunity to see and hear that wonderful invention, Edison’s phonograph, or speaking machine. The curiosity regarding this invention is great and the hall will probably be filled at an early hour.”
2/8/1879
“Rev. J.B. Wicks, of Paris Hill will visit Calvary Church Sunday evening with four Indian young men, sons of noted chiefs, a Kiowa, a Comanche and two Cheyenne's captured in war, and now preparing themselves to be missionary teachers among their people in the Indian Territory. Rev. Mr. Wicks will give some account of their conversion from paganism and of the work for which he is training them.”
THEN AND NOW
1884
2010
Another historical home is the William’s house at 78 Genesee Street. Built in 1825 it was at one time a stage coach stop. Today it is occupied by the Foster Martin Advertising Company.
The top picture was taken by John Burton when he revisited New Hartford in the late 1800’s. His caption under the picture reads “Old Mrs. Williams and Tommy lived here. Next to the Stephen Child’s place.”
An interesting obituary from the Observer Dispatch of March 25th 1926.
WELL KNOWN AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED RESIDENT VICTIM OF PNEUMONIA AT 78.
DESCENDED FROM PURITANS
Charles S. Roberts, 78, one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of this village, died Monday morning at his home, 1 Sanger Avenue, of pneumonia. He had been ill since Wednesday.
Charles Sedgwick Roberts was born at Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn., on September 17, 1884. He attended the public schools near his home and his education was supplemented at Dr. Gardiner’s private school in Connecticut. While there, he was a classmate of the late Prof. William R. Terett of Hamilton College. He lived on his father’s New England farm until he was 32 years of age, when he came to Oneida County to reside with his uncle, Hector W. Roberts of Lairdsville, and he remained there until his uncle’s death, in1892. Then he removed to New Hartford and purchased what is now known as the Eames property, where he resided until 1916, when he moved to 1 Sanger Ave. He was a retired farmer.
Mr. Roberts came of Puritan stock, his mother being able to trace her ancestry in two direct lines back to the Mayflower. His maternal grandfather was Judge Swan, an able and much respected New England jurist. Mr. Roberts was an excellent representative of an old American family and he had the sturdy, sterling characteristics to be expected of such ancestry. In politics he was a Republican Thoroughly upright and honest in every way, he commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was devoted to his family and found there his happiest hours. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church here and for many years a trustee and its treasurer. From 1915 until his death he was an elder.
Mr. Roberts was a brother of the late Gen. Cyrus Swan Roberts of the United States army, who died in 1917, after a Civil War career, and was buried at Arlington, Va.
Mr. Roberts married E. Josefa Smith of Lairdsville November 26, 1884. Besides his wife he leaves three daughters, Mrs. Russell G. Dunmore, New Hartford; Mollie H. and Rachel S.; two grandchildren, Dorothea and Russell G. Dunmore, Jr.; a brother James G. of Sharon, Conn. and several nieces and nephews.
Morehouse Estate 55 Paris Road "Home School for Girls" 1878 - 1883
This house, located at 55 Paris Road, has a very interesting history. In 1876 it was a boarding and day school for young ladies, the “Home School for Girls” , operated by Theodosia Toll Foster and Eunice Toll (Nana). Both women were involved in the woman’s suffrage movement and the temperance movement.
The property covered about 2 acres of land with a house, barn, circular driveway, a large garden area, fruit trees , a spring and fountain. It offered day and boarding care with instructions in French, German, English, crayoning, oil painting, music, etc.
The school involved most of the family: Daniel, the father, was caretaker, handyman and provided transportation; Ruth, the mother, was the house mother and was in charge of the cooking and the girls were in charge of instruction and the financial running of the school.
Quoting from the book “Home School for Girls” by Annie HanChett Coddington great
granddaughter of Ruth Toll:
“Location accessible, healthful and beautiful, being in the midst of one of the finest sections of the country in Central New York. Reached by Street Cars, connecting with the N.Y.C.R.R. in Utica, also by the Delaware and Lackawanna R.R. The School ‘s aim is to provide the comforts of a quiet home with solid instructions and thorough culture.
The number of students being limited , all may receive careful and individual attention. Great care is taken to secure the health of the pupils. Daily out of door exercise being insisted, and proper attendance secured in case of illness. Boarding pupils furnish their own towels, table napkins and sheets, also spoons, drinking glass and small pitcher for use in private rooms.
Every article of clothing should be durably marked with the owner’s full name.
Pupils will attend church on the Sabbath with regularity and uniformity as to place of worship. If place is not designated by the parents, the pupils will attend with the family and a small sum will be charged for pew rent.
Special attention is given to Elocution.”
Expenses: Board with Furnished rooms, Lights and Washing (a limited number of pieces) including Tuition in Preparatory and Academic Course, per half year $90.00
Music Lessons—piano, vocal and organ, per half year $24.00
Use of instrument for 1/2 hour per day $6.00
Whole Expenses for a half year $120.00
Tuition for Day Students per half year session $10 to $15.00
The school closed in New Hartford in June, 1883 and moved to Verona, NY where it had originated.
The book mentioned in this article is interesting reading and is available in our library at the Society.
NEW TO OUR COLLECTIONS
This is a cheer leaders red megaphone with blue ribbons (New Hartford school colors) that belonged to Theo Cookinham. Her yearbook credits her with cheerleading as well as other activities. She donated the megaphone to us.
This milk bottle was donated by Bob Dicker. It is from the Weston Farm dairy which was located on Chapman road. A picture of the farm is next to the bottle. The Weston Farm dairy bottle makes a important addition to our milk bottle display. You can see part of the collection in the background of the megaphone picture. Come in and check it out.
Many thanks to Bob and Theo.
More information about the farms in New Hartford is available in our books “Farmlands of New Hartford” 1 & 2 available in our bookstore.
THREE OF THE HOUSES THAT WILL BE FEATURED IN OUR PROGRAM THIS MONTH
Hicks House 18 Oxford Road
The Eames Mansion 76 Oxford Road
Morgan Butler Home 116 Oxford Road
Isabella MacDonald Alden
PANSY
The following information is from the publication “Home School For Girls” .
Theodosia Toll was a good friend of Isabella MacDonald. Isabella (Belle) married Gustavus Alden who became minister of the Presbyterian Church in New Hartford in 1873. During that time Belle consented to edit a new children's Sunday magazine. Fearful that, being a woman, she would not be accepted as an author , and also because she had a role to fulfill in the community as the rector’s wife, she wrote under the pseudonym of Pansy. (a nickname given to her by her father) Both Theodosia (who also wrote under a pen name) and Isabella wrote articles for this magazine that was distributed throughout the United States. The magazine, “The Pansy” had a circulation primarily through the Sunday School libraries. The stories were of a religious nature.
Under the expertise of Belle a “Pansy Society” was established. Requirements for joining were that the child must promise to overcome a fault to help the cause of right. Badges of satin with gilt fringe and a gilt pin in the center were awarded. D. Lothrop & Company published the magazine and premiums were offered ( knickknacks, toys and other collectables popular in that time) for selling subscriptions to the magazine. Also a lithographic portrait of Mrs. Alden was offered,.
During her lifetime Isabella (Belle) wrote over 75 books as well as writing stories for the magazine
Her first published book happened almost by accident. She had written a story, “Helen Lester,” in response to a contest, but had second thoughts. Her best friend, Docia, rescued the manuscript from the fireplace, and submitted it without Isabella’s knowledge. Much to her surprise, she won the contest and the $50 prize.
In 1873 Isabella had a son, Raymond, who later is credited for writing the Christmas story “Why the Chimes Rang”.
Belle was very impressed with the growing social and cultural advantages of the New Hartford/Utica area and it is believed she was instrumental in persuading the Toll sisters to open their boarding school for girls in New Hartford.
From a 1937 issue of the Observer Dispatch
NEW HARTFORD WILL DESIGNATE SEVERAL HISTORICAL DWELLINGS
One of the outstanding points of interest in connection with the Old Settlers Days observance in New Hartford , Nov. 20-22, will be the designation of the villages historical pre-eminent dwellings.
Some of the houses, still standing and still occupied, represent the finest type of Colonial architecture and, likewise, they exemplify the skill of these historic craftsmen and the high quality of materials utilized in them. The houses will be designated by little black kettles so that any one visiting New Hartford during the Old Settlers Days can easily spot them.
Perhaps one of the foremost of the old houses is the Hicks House, 18 Oxford Road, occupied by Miss Julia MacFarland. The house was built by her grandfather, Samuel Hicks The residence has an intriguing background , inasmuch as the property on which it stands, was part of a tract once owned by George Washington and George Clinton who deeded the land to Jedediah Sanger in 1796. Thirty years later, in 1826, Samuel Hicks constructed the house
This article goes on to give a detailed description of the interior of the Hicks House. You will hear more about this house at this month’s meeting. With such an interesting program we hope to see many of you there.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Drew & Rebecca Albaugh—New Hartford
Gary & Cheryl Balint - Dearborn, MI
Brian Bundy—Long Beach, CA
Caroline VonBadinsky—Newberry Springs, CA
REMEMBER BURMA SHAVE SIGNS?
Don’t lose your head to gain a minute You need your head—your brains are in it
Brother speeder let’s rehearse All together—”Good morning , nurse”
Around the curve lickety split It’s a beautiful car, wasn’t it?
No matter the price—no matter how new The best safety device in the car is you
