19th century Ti — Village referendum fails

Retail development in Ticonderoga continued in 1882.

“Buildings are springing up in every direction. A person has only to take a stroll through the several streets to be convinced that Ticonderoga is enlarging he borders,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on June 23.

“The brick work of the Gilligan and Stevens’ new block is completed. … The plasterers are putting the finishing touches on the mason work. The counters are being made and the firm, Drake and Bennett, expect to occupy the building about the middle of July.

Some felt it was an optimum time to attempt to incorporate as a village, after a previous referendum had been rejected.

“One week from today determines whether the village of Ticonderoga shall be incorporated. That it should be is evident, as no village of its size can be well managed without a village organization,” the Sentinel editorialized.

The referendum to organize Ticonderoga as a village failed for a second time, this time by two votes.

The Sentinel, which had been championing the movement, was not deterred.

“Too bad, but it is not too late to try again,” the Sentinel editorialized on July 7.

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

1882

• “Mr. Drake’s new building will be ready for occupancy in about three weeks. The shelf room in the new store will be modern than anything of the kind in this vicinity, and for conveniences cannot be excelled,” the Sentinel reported on July 7.
• “Leroy Treadway has leased the building known as the cheese factory and expects to occupy it Monday next for the purpose of doing laundry work. Experienced help will be engaged,” the Sentinel reported on June 23.
• Compared with 1882 inflation-adjusted prices, eggs may not be as expensive now as they seem.

Eggs in Ticonderoga in June 1882 were selling for 20 cents a dozen — the equivalent of $6.19 in 2025 dollars.

“Potatoes are scarce. Eggs are .20 per dozen,” the Sentinel reported on June 16. “Working gardens is now in order. The sound of the mowing machine will soon be heard.”

• “The work of enlarging Rogers Rock Hotel is nearly at an end. The popular house will be opened at once. About 50 additional guests can be accommodated,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on June 16.
• “John Jalet has leased the Parks property near the residence of Mr. Lamson, and he is erecting an extensive addition in which he intends putting in a planning machine and other machinery for the purpose of preparing material for buildings,” the Sentinel reported on June 15.
• “Azro N. Bailey is painting his front yard fence,” the Sentinel reported on June 16.
• “Twelve guests are enjoying the quiet of Fort Ticonderoga Hotel on the old fort grounds. This is a delightful place to spend the summer months,” the Sentinel reported on July 7.

Click here to read the most recent previous 19th century Ti post.