19th century Moriah — Optimistic economic outlook

The economic outlook at Moriah was optimistic.

“Present appearances indicate that Fisher Hill will be a lively place during the coming summer. There are four pits now in operation, and preparations are in progress for starting another,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on March 7, 1879.

There appeared to be a trickle-down economic effect.

“If one may judge by the large quantity of lumber that is leaving Mr. G. G. Rice’s lumber yard every day, building is likely to be lively this spring.”

A dormant venture was resurrected.

“The Fletcher sawmill, which was dismantled last summer, is being refitted and sticked in preparation for business when spring opens.”

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

• “Andy Joyce has laid down the fiddle and the bow and has rented a shop on West Street, where no doubt he will be found pegging away to the last,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on March 7, 1879.
• “Pitching quoits is the popular game now. ‘Shep,’ Bob and Jerry are the most expert players,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on May 2, 1879. “Pony up, ‘Shep,’ when you lose; cigars only 10 cents.”
• “Cook Shaft Company is erecting a store for the accommodation of its employees and, which, of more consequence, the accommodation of themselves,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on April 11, 1879.
• “Mr. John McKee leads the van in early plowing,” the Moriah Center correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on May 2, 1879.
• “The spring term of the school at Moriah Center commenced April 21 with Miss Libbie J. Woodruff as Preceptress and Miss Villie Abell in the primary department,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on May 2, 1879.
• “Wm. Hogan and Hank Wilson have taken the contract at running Roe’s sawmill this season,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on May 2, 1879.
• “Mr. Wood, McDermott’s carriage painter, has on exhibition in his paint shop three landscape paintings in oil, painted by himself. They are some of Lake George scenery and are presented in excellent style and proclaim him an artist of no mean talent,” the Mineville correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on May 2, 1879.

His paintings sold for $15 each — the equivalent of $471 in 2024 dollars.

• “B. W. Severance is doing good work in the West Mineville school and is winning laurels. Although quite young in experience, he bids fair to become one of the finest teachers in the country,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on May 2, 1879.

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