19th century Ti — Speak softly to horses

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

Drivers of horses should refrain from road rage.

“When your horse stumbles, never raise your voice — the creature dreads its master’s chiding,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel advised on April 4, 1874. “Never jog the reins — the mouth of the horse is far more sensitive than the human lips.”

Drivers should forego use of the lash.

“Speak to the creature, reassure the palpitating frame. Seek to restore those perceptions which will form the best guard against repetition of the faulty action.”

The new Delano & Ives block under construction was “beginning to look stately,” Benjamin H. Baldwin was in town for a few days, and, “for this season of year, the roads are in excellent condition.”

Perhaps the coming of spring, or more likely the recent completion of the rail road tunnel, brought activity to downtown.

“We have seen a number of railroaders wandering along our streets the past few weeks gloriously drunk.”

Apparently the rail road workers missed the St. Patrick’s Day temperance speaker.

The cotton factory produced 40,000 yards of cloth the previous week.

Masonry work for the new bridge at the mouth of Ti Creek was completed.

“The bridge will be of iron, in two spans. One of these is stationary, while the other consists of a handsome folding swing draw-bridge of a new pattern. One apparently will be designed to suit the purpose.”

The agriculture columnist advises that manure (like wine or cheese) is best when aged.

“Fresh stable manure should not be used for potatoes in any way. Old decomposed manure will benefit the crop, no matter how it is applied.”

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