19th Century Ti — Church socials

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

In 19th century vernacular, a “necktie party” could refer either to a hanging or a social at which donated neckties were sold to raise funds for charity.

We’ll assume it was the latter in Old Ti.

“The Methodists will indulge in a neck-tie party at Fleming’s next Thursday evening,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on April 18, 1874.

The Episcopalians also were planning a social.

“The younger members of the Church of the Cross will soon treat our citizens to a dramatic entertainment. It promises to be unusually fine.”

What multiplier of the ingredients in this recipe would be necessary to make a batch big enough to take to a church social?

“Batter pudding — One cup of milk, one cup of flour, one egg. If a large pudding is desired, mix it with the same proportion. A little salt. Steam or boil.”

Here’s a bit of trivia if you’re thinking of adding coconut to the recipe.

About 3 million coconuts were exported from the island of Ceylon annually, the Sentinel reported.

While we’re on the topic of exports, here’s an intriguing tariff quandary.

“A mammoth cobra was sent from East India to an American showman. On ship board a litter of seven snakes was born. Upon arrival in Boston the ship’s manifest accounted for only one snake, and the cargo contained eight. That raised a still unanswered question of duties.”

The Sentinel relocated its offices to the new Delano & Ives block.

Photographer A.S. Nickerson returned to Ticonderoga and resumed business after a four-month absence.

The Sentinel editorialized in support of Prohibition.

“It is altogether a question of right, and upon this point, in the general progress of reform, we look for such a popular verdict as will forever banish intemperance.”

The editorial argued that requiring taverns to purchase a license in order to sell alcohol, as some advocated, would not reduce the consumption of alcohol.

“In the first place, liquor-selling is either right or wrong. If it is right there should be no legislation, no tax more than is imposed on any other business,”

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