19th century Ti — Downtown redevelopment

A 19th century downtown redevelopment project was filling up with tenants as construction neared completion.

“The masons will soon put the finishing touches on the new block of Geo. C. Weed,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Aug. 31, 1877.

The development attracted out-of-town retailers.

“Messrs. Thayer & Washburn of Vergennes, Vt. Will, in a few days, open a store in Geo. C. Weed’s new block in proximity to the post office.”

Established businesses were relocating to the new complex.

“H. R. Hulett will soon remove his jewelry business to Weed’s new block. Mrs. Hamilton, dressmaker, will soon remove to Weed’s new block. Our enterprising milliner, will soon hang out a sign from Weed’s new block.”

The complex was almost fully leased.

“Two stores and one dwelling unit yet to let in Weed’s new block. Persons who apply first have the preference, provided they are of the right stamp.”

The block continued to fill up.

“Only one store to let in Weed’s block,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Sept. 28. “The work of picking up and clearing the street in front of Weed’s new block is progressing fairly.”

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

• “The orchard of Mr. Thos. DeLano was visited one night last week, and a fine pear tree was relieved of about four bushels of excellent pears. Any person who will bring back the thief will be liberally rewards,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Aug. 31, 1877.
• “Clark has opened a new shop just west of the Burleigh Hotel and opposite Jonas Loeb’s store, where our villagers can get their tin ware, stoves, and everything connected with their line of goods,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Aug. 31, 1877. “The new store looks very inviting. Call and see for yourself.”
• “A special train left this station at 3:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon of this week to convey members of the I.O.O.F. (International Order of Odd Fellows) to Ticonderoga, where a district meeting was held,” the Salem correspondent reported in The Morning Star of Glens Falls on March 22, 1895.
• “The roads are in excellent condition and citizens are enjoying a ride every now and then,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Sept. 28, 1877.
• “Buffalo robes and horse blankets cheap at Loeb’s,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Nov. 2, 1877.
• “Goods are sold cheaper in Ticonderoga than in any village on Lake Champlain. Our merchants are having a large trade from out of town,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Nov. 9, 1877.
• “The Ticonderoga Telephone Company has been incorporated to operate a line from Addison Junction to Rogers Rock Hotel, Port Henry, Schroon Lake, Whitehall, Hague and Bolton, Caldwell and Glens Falls. The capital is $5,000 (the equivalent of $185,912 in 2024 dollars),” The Morning Star reported on May 15, 1895.

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