19th century Etown — Circuit-riding dentist

Dental services in Elizabethtown were limited in the 19th century.

“Dr. G. E. Lamb, dentist, will be at the Mansion House next Tuesday and remain one week,” the Elizabethtown Post & Gazette reported on Dec. 4, 1879. “Parties who are so unfortunate as to require the services of a dentist will do well to call early, as Dr. Lamb is always oversupplied with work.”

Dentists weren’t the only traveling professionals that made stops at Elizabethtown.

“Sanford P. McKenzie, watch repairer and jeweler, is at the Mansion House for a week only, ready to do anything in the line of watch or clock repairing and jewelry mending,” the Post & Gazette reported on Dec. 4.

“James I. Taylor of Moriah is in town tuning and repairing melodeons and reed organs. He comes here well recommended, and we think it is a good opportunity for some of our citizens to get their musical instruments put in thorough repair.”

A cigar and beer wholesaler, too, made the rounds.

“Scherer was in town yesterday, and we are glad he came, as the box of cigars he left our office are exceedingly fine and will be a reminder of his visit for many days to come,” the Post & Gazette reported on Feb. 19. “He does a large business in this section of the country and his cigars and lager give general satisfaction.”

In other 19th century Elizabethtown news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

1851

The Essex County Temperance Society organized at Elizabethtown on Dec. 17, the Elizabethtown Post reported on Dec. 27.

“The object of this Society is for the promotion of the cause of temperance,” the organization’s constitution stated.

George Sherman was elected president, George S. Nicholson secretary, and James G. Livingston treasurer.

After adopting a constitution and electing officers, the first action was passing a resolution urging the state Legislature to prohibit the sale or gifting of intoxicating liquors in New York.

1879

• Verplanck Colvin checked in at the Windsor Hotel in Elizabethtown, the Elizabethtown Post & Gazette reported on July 17.

1880

• “Mr. A. J. Durand’s new house is very pleasantly located. His rooms are large, and it is a very desirable house for summer guests, and Mr. Durand informs us that all his rooms are filled,” the Elizabethtown Post & Gazette reported on April 22.
• “Miss Parmalee has returned and is in charge of the telegraph office again. Mr. Tracey, who has had charge of the office the past winter, goes to The Mansion House in the capacity of clerk,” the Post & Gazette reported on April 22.
• “Charlie Gray has the finest tomato, cabbage and lettuce plants in town, and they will be duly appreciated by the guests of the Mansion House,” the Post & Gazette reported on May 6.