19th century Ti — Sunday school excursion

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

The Ticonderoga Methodist Episcopal Sunday School got a close-up look at the firry furnace.

Not the one the prophet Daniel survived in the Old Testament story, but the firry furnace the next town over that produced 30 tons of “extra fine” iron ore daily.

The Crown Point Iron Co. furnace was a stop on the Sunday School’s Aug. 15, 1874 steamboat excursion on Lake Champlain.

“The day was exceedingly fine, and but for a strong north wind was everything that could be desired,” a correspondent reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on Aug. 22, 1874. “On our way down the lake, we landed and visited the Crown Point Iron Co.’s furnaces, saw the workmen draw the cinder and iron, and it more than compensated for the time occupied in visiting the extensive works.”

The group also stopped for a few hours at the Crown Point fort and Chimney Point lighthouse.

“Much credit is due to Capt. Belden and his gentlemanly crew for their courtesy in showing us the fort, and for their favors received during the day.”

In other Aug. 22, 1874 Ticonderoga Sentinel news:

Every era seemed to have its notorious saloons known by nicknames.— “Last Saturday night, several scrimmages occurred in the vicinity of the ‘hole in the wall.’ A number of bruisers came out of the melee with black eyes and other fancy ornaments. ‘Ti Lightning’ did it.”

The Ticonderoga Cornet Band held practice every Monday and Thursday evening at the band room. And in Crown Point — “The band boys are beginning to toot very pleasantly. Practice makes perfect.”

On Aug. 22, William G. Baldwin’s stage coach shuttles made the five-mile, “up trip” between the Lake Champlain dock and Baldwin Dock on Lake George in thirty-five minutes.

“The coaches were heavily loaded, carrying thirty to thirty-five passengers each.”

Crown Point weather report: “Beautiful weather. — Our grangers are through haying.”

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