19th century Ti — Centennial enthusiasm

Joseph Cook’s suggestion to organize a local celebration to mark the centennial of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys taking of Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775 generated enthusiastic letters to the editor.

“An immense concourse of people could be brought together if the affair were rightly managed and advertised, as many as ten thousand,” suggested one anonymous letter published Feb. 20, 1875 in the Ticonderoga Sentinel.

The writer said Spring was an ideal season for a celebration.

“If the day were fine, as we have reason to expect it would be at that time of the year, thousands would be glad themselves of the first holiday of the season and enjoy bright sunshine, pleasant spring breezes and the fresh pungent fragrance of new grasses on such a grand old headland as that on which Fort Ticonderoga is located.”

Another anonymous letter writer suggested the celebration would bring great publicity to Fort Ticonderoga.

“It is an opportunity Ticonderoga should not let pass, and I trust our citizens will not be slow to avail themselves of it. Now that the old place is beginning to look up somewhat in the world, the event could be made a grand advertisement and of such credit that the doings of the day would be handed down to many generations to come.”

“Old Citizen,” a third letter writer, called for immediately scheduling a town meeting to discuss the concept and hold a public vote on whether to move forward with planning.

“I sincerely hope our citizens will make something in this matter and bring forth this event that could be made a credit to old ‘Ti.’ And now is the time. Delays are dangerous.”

Old Citizen suggested that festivities should include a ball on the Fort grounds.

“The affair need not necessarily cost much, yet some move in this matter should be made at once.”

In other Feb. 20, 1875 Ticonderoga Sentinel news:

Humor: “The Rochester Democrat says that small men in the overcoat of the period have to get out search warrants to find themselves.”

Weather: “More of the ‘beautiful snow,’ and there is a prospect of sleighing.”

Fashion: “A walking or house dress, says a fashion journal, may be made to advantage with one part of plain goods and the other of Scotch plaid. In quality the fabrics should be similar.”

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