19th Century Ti — A polka, two waltzes and a quick step

This is the latest in an occasional series of posts about news reported in 19th century weekly issues of the Ticonderoga Sentinel.

The “band boys” were short handed for the first open-air concert of the season May 21, 1874 at the Ticonderoga band stand.

“They were hardly in condition to play, as several of the members were absent,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on May 23, 1874. “The attendance was good and the piazzas in front of the Delano & Ives and Wiley’s blocks presented quite a lively appearance.”

Selections included ”Polka Dolarka,” two waltzes, “May Day Quickstep,” “Troop March,” “Hail Columbia” and “Yankee Doodle.”

The Crown Point Band performed a concert at Crown Point Center on May 16, after which Rev. Smith, the new pastor, made some “appropriate remarks.”

Smith was “creating quite a sensation and many friends.”

Temperance seemed to be the practice in Crown Point, not by choice.

“The whiskey trade, thanks to our board of excise, is very quiet, and the cider trade is very busy.”

In other May 23, 1874 Ticonderoga Sentinel news:

C. P. Ives of Ticonderoga laid a new slate walk from his house to the street.

The “Granoushie,” a new steam boat, was set to make its maiden voyage on Lake George May 25.

The Crandall Brothers law firm in Crown Point had new shingles put on the office roof.

Farmers in Putnam were thankful for favorable weather.

“Heavy rains are the order of the day, and our farmers are becoming quite elated over the prospects for an abundant harvest this season.”

Farmers in Putnam also were thankful that a blacksmith from Whitehall planned to set up shop in town.

“We are sadly in need of a workman, hence our joy to learn that a smith is coming.”

Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.