19th century Ti — Taking the stage and leaving it

Captain Thomas, “The Wizard,” performed three “well attended and wholly satisfactory” magic shows at Weed’s Opera House, the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on March 3, 1876.

“The captain has some wonderful tricks which he does admirably. … Thomas does all he advertises.”

A local aspiring actor decided not to take the stage after all.

“Tim Pinchin started out a few weeks ago to join a dramatic troupe at Rouses Point, with the intention of taking up stage life. He returned Tuesday evening, evidently disgusted and convinced that home is a pretty good stage after all.”

In other news reported in the Ticonderoga Sentinel on March 3, 1876.

Leap year — According to 19th century folk tradition, females could propose marriage in leap years. It did not seem to lead to many marriages, but it did make for once-every-four years fun social events.

“There was a pleasant leap year party at the residence of Jas. Fleming Tuesday evening. The ladies improved their opportunity and did the gallant in good style. The party tripped the fantastic for a few hours, and all went ‘merry as a marriage bob.’”

Oyster supper — “The (Crown Point) Centre Lodge of Good Templars, old and young, enjoyed a ride to Moriah and an oyster supper and entertainment at the Sherman House. Several invited guests accompanied the fra-and-sis-ternity and report has it that all enjoyed the occasion muchly.”

Coming next issue — “A little rhyme under the head of ‘Wonderful Trumpet’ has been handed us for publication. It will appear next week.”

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