19th Century Ti — Exchange Street footrace

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

The bigger they are the faster they run — when four 50 cent “shinplasters,” a paper currency common in the 19th century, are at stake.

Crowds gathered along Exchange Street the evening of May 26, 1874 to watch two men race from the brick store to Smith’s Bridge.

“We are not able to give the cause of training the contestants underwent, or the diet they followed,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on May 30.

Contestant №1 was 5-foot-6 and weighed 180 lbs.

Contestant №2 was 6-foot-2 and weighed 252 lbs.

“It was a moment of impatient suspense for the crowd as they gathered about the starting point and watched eagerly every movement of the champions.”

The runners kicked up quite a dust, so much that the street needed an extra sprinkling.

“We cannot give the time, but can say that №2 took the race, the shinblasters, and the applause.”

In other May 30, 1874 Ticonderoga Sentinel news:

An editorial urged voters not to be partisan.

“We think honesty and capacity should have precedence over party tradition. And at any time, the man is not wise who considers it his duty to support every candidate and every principle of the party, regardless of merit.”

From the fashion column:

“Some of the newest aprons reach to the bottom of the dress and have suspenders of lace to hold them over the shoulders.”

From the humor column:

“On weekdays you buy your music by the sheet. On Sundays you can have it by the choir.”

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