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From the Otsego Herald for Saturday, July 14, 1810 Compiled, with comments by HUGH C. MacDOUGALL
BROAD-WHEELED WAGONS The directors of the first company of the Great Western Turnpike Road, desirous to encourage and patronize the introduction and use of broad wheeled waggons, have passed a resolution that ``all waggons passing on their road, the felloes or tire of the wheels of which are six inches broad or upwards, shall be exempted from paying toll at any of the gates of the said company, for the term of two years from the date of the said resolution; and that all the waggons the tire of which shall not be less tolls, for the said term of two years.’’
As this information must be important to the western traders, and persons concerned in the transportation of goods or produce, printers of newspapers, by publishing the same, will no doubt confer on many of their readers a particular favor.
COMMENT: The ``first company’’ of the Great Western Turnpike operated the toll road between Albany and Cherry Valley. The purpose of this enticement to wide rimmed wagon wheels was obviously to reduce the damage from ruts caused by ordinary wagons with narrow wheels. It probably had little effect; the turnpikes rarely made money, and were soon to be replaced by the Erie Canal and then by railroads.
COOPERSTOWN CELEBRATES THE FOURTH
A large concourse of the inhabitants of the town of OTSEGO assembled for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, where a Liberty Pole, on an elevated piece of ground, was erected, eighty five feet in height, with the American colors flying.
The order of the day being called for, a respectable volunteer company of Infantry, under the command of Lt. CALVIN UNDERWOOD, paraded on a green in front of Esquire LATHROP’s house, where the following Toasts were delivered.
1st. The Independence of the U. States of America -- May it be as lasting as time; and those who attempt to destroy it, let the majesty of the People frown into oblivion forever. (6 cheers) 2d. James Madison -- May he not stray from the neutral path. (3 cheers) 3d. George Clinton: the good old patriot and sage -- May our nation be blessed with his counsel for many years to come. (6 cheers) NOTE: Clinton was Governor of New York from 1777-1795, and from 1801-1804, and served as Vice President from 1805 until his death in 1812.
4th. Thomas Jefferson, our late beloved President -- May happiness attend him in his retirement. (6 cheers) 5th. Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of the state of New York -- When the righteous bear rule, the People rejoice. (6 cheers) NOTE: Tompkins, the recently re-elected Governor of New York; would become Vice President under President Monroe from 1817- 1825. 6th. John Broome, our worthy Lieut. Governor. (3 cheers)
NOTE: Broome was Lieutenant Governor from 1804 until his death in August 1810. Broome County, and the Town of Broome in Schoharie County, are named for him.
7th. Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce without tribute! 8th. May the tongue falter, and the hand wither, that justify the insults of a foreign nation. (3 cheers) 9th. The memory of Gen.
Washington -- His name will be ever dear to America (silence observed)10th. May all good men be great, and great men honest.... May we have no hypocrite nor knave in our general or state government. (3 cheers) 11th. The American Farmers.... The Hull of the political barque (ship). Without them the rigging would never stand. (3 cheers) 12th. May the People of the United States be virtuous and wise....free from the intrigues of Lawyers; deception of Doctors; Holy fraud of Priests, and lying Printers!! (6 cheers) 13th. The Heroes of the Revolution....Their names will ever be dear to the real friends of America. (3 cheers) 14th. Equal liberty, without licentiousness. (3 cheers) 15th. A permanent Embargo upon the lips of falsehood and detraction (3 cheers) 16th. John Adams, late President of the United States of America.... Though the Essex Junto have palmed their monarchial measures upon him, yet when his country calls, he exposes their nefarious plots.
(6 cheers) NOTE:
The ``Essex Junto’’ was a Federalist scheme in Massachusetts to secede from the United States in 1802; President Adams was frequently accused of wanting to become King.
17th. The fair Daughters of America.... May virtue adorn their lives, and their arms never embrace an enemy oftheir country. (3 cheers
COMMENT: It was customary at Fourth of July celebrations to give as many toasts as there were States in the Union at the time. This same paper carried the toasts (and other activities) honoring the Fourth of July in Cherry Valley, Milford, and Unadilla, all of which were specifically and enthusiastically partisan on behalf of the Republican (Jeffersonian) party.
INLAND NAVIGATION
The following gentlemen, to wit, Gouverneur Morris, Stephen Van Rensselaer, De Witt Clinton, Simeon De Witt, William North, Thomas Eddy, and Peter B. Porter, appointed by the legislature of this state, at its last session, to explore the most practicable route for improving the Inland Navigation from Hudson’s river to Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, have entered upon the duties of their appointment; -- an appointment which in its result promises the highest advantages to the community. Albany Gazette.
COMMENT: Thus began the work which ended in the Erie Canal, and which entirely transformed both the State and City of New York.
Columns
Otsego Herald: Celebrating the 4th
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of long time friend, and distantrelative, Jane Patrick. Over the years we have worked with Jane in a number of organizations including Women’s Club and the Community Advisory Committee at Bassett. And, of course, in later years we joined her, along with the other Dinner Belles, for any number of delicious meals. But we do think that our favorite memory that we shared with Jane was when we discovered, having both married Cooperstown natives, that we shared Cooperstown Christmas plans.
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Up On Hawthorn Hill: Bird Feeder?
Bird feeder is a relative term. At least that is the case around here. A few mornings ago we spotted the first rabbit to visit the feeders. Normally, all we see during the winter are rabbit tracks crisscrossing the gardens.
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From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
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In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
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Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
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Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
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In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
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From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
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In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
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In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
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Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
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From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
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In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
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In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
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Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
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From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
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In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
