LG tourism — May 1894

Fire did damage in the Lake George basin.

“A forest fire near Caldwell yesterday afternoon, on Prospect Mountain, burned over about fifteen acres on the Phillips & Brown tract. The fire threatens to do considerable damage, and the citizens in Caldwell turned out in force to fight it, and succeeded in putting it out after a hard struggle,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on May 11.

Another fire totally destroyed The Brooklyn Hotel at Assembly Point.

“The fire caught in the middle of the rear of the second story, near the chimney, probably from a deflective flue. In ten minutes after the fire was first discovered, the hotel was so full of smoke that it was impossible to remain inside,” The Morning Star reported on May 11. “On this account, the furniture could not be removed, the piano and a few larger pieces on the parlor floor being all that was saved.”

The loss was estimated at between $12,000 and $13,000, of which $8,000 was covered by insurance.

But, all in all, it was a fine month of May.

“The first day of May! It is suggestive of vernal flowers and a general awakening of nature,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on May 1, 1894.

It was the opening of trout season on Lake George, which brought a general awakening of tourism.

“D.P. McQueen and Hon. A.V. Quackenbush of Schenectady were in town yesterday on their way to Lake George, where they will enjoy a few days’ trout fishing. They will be joined today by J.H. Madden, E.F. Dean, and James G. McKee,” The Morning Star reported. “During their stay at the lake the party will make their headquarters at the Hundred Islands House.”

Many other fishing parties were on hand.

“A.C. Gellen, Samuel Johnson, Noble Ferris, and Joseph Norton of Sandy Hill (now Hudson Falls) left yesterday for trout fishing at Lake George.”

Fishing was good near the Trout Pavillion.

“P.W. Cashion and C.J. Donohue returned home last evening from a day’s fishing at Lake George. They brought with them eight trout, the aggregate weight of which was twenty-six pounds,” The Morning Star reported on May 17. “The largest of the number weighed eight and one-half pounds. While at the lake Messrs. Cashion and Donohue were guests at the Trout Pavillion. The fish were caught in that immediate vicinity.”

The Lake House hosted a party for “about twenty young society people,” The Morning Star reported on May 16.

“Dancing will be indulged in, followed by a supper.”

The Central House was set to open for the season on June 2, The Morning Star reported on May 30.

The Lake George Presbyterian Church held a dedication ceremony at its new parsonage, The Morning Star reported on May 17.

“The members of the Lake George Presbyterian Church have occasion for gratitude and are certainly to be congratulated upon the completion of a handsome and commodious parsonage.”

Other buildings were renovated.

“The Colonial Price mansion, Lake George, has been repainted and otherwise improved. Kleber Burlingame was the artist,” The Morning Star reported on May 17.

A houseboat took to the lake for the season.

“Amasa Howland’s houseboat was taken to Lake George Wednesday on Finch & Clark’s large track wagon,” the Sandy Hill correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 18. “The house weighs fifteen tons and required six teams to draw it. It was launched on Lake George yesterday.”

Steamboat operators were getting vessels ready for the season.

“Captain E.S. Harris left on Monday for Burlington, Vt., to arrange for the summer business of the steamer Horicon, which he is to command,” The Morning Star reported on May 23. “He will return to Ticonderoga and have his steamer ready for business on Monday next.”

Sunday trips on the Horicon would adhere to Blue Laws.

“Your correspondent is credibly informed that there will not be sold or allowed to be used on board during Sunday trips any intoxicating beverages of any kind whatsoever.”

A new steamboat was taking to the water.

“The new steamer, Mohican, on Lake George, will make a trial trip today,” The Morning Star reported on May 28.

An anniversary was celebrated.

“One of the pleasant events of this week at Lake George was the domino party given by Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hubbell Monday evening to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their marriage,” The Morning Star reported on May 31. “The guests were members of the H.E.N. Club, Domino Club and the Social Six, a musical circle, all of which Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell are members. During the evening a pleasing musical performance was rendered. At the close, one and all wished Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell continued years of prosperity and happiness.”

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