History of Saratoga County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers., Part 41

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 780

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For several years after the fire the hotel was not re- built. At length, in 1874, just one hundred years after Arnold opened the first rude hostelry in the little wilderness clearing at the High Rock, the new buikling was opened for the reception of guests. It now constitutes one con- tinuous line of buildings, six stories high, over fifteen hundred feet in length, containing nine hundred and seven- teen rooms for guests. The architectural appearance is exceedingly elegant and beautiful. It is Norman in style, and its Mansard roof is embellished with pediments, gables, dormer windows, and crestings, and three large pavilions.

The building covers and incloses seven acres of ground in the form of an irregular pentagon, having a frontage of two hundred and thirty-two feet on Broadway, six hundred and fifty-six feet on Division street, with " Cottage Wing" on the south side of the plaza, extending west from the main front for five hundred and sixty-six feet. This wing is one of the most desirable features of this admirably-ar- ranged house, as it affords families and other parties the same quiet and seclusion which a private cottage would afford, together with the attention and conveniences of a first-class hotel. The rooms of this wing are arranged in suites of one to seven bedrooms, with parlor, bath-room, and water-closet in each suite.

The main front and entrance is on Broadway, in which is the elegant drawing-room, superbly furnished with Ax- minster carpets, carved walnut and marble furniture, fres- coed ceilings, elegant lace curtains, and costly chandeliers and mirrors. The room is rich and tasteful in its entire arrangements. Across the hall is the ladies' parlor, fur- nished with exquisite taste; and beyond, at the corner of the Broadway and Division street fronts, are the gentlemen's reading-rooms and the business offices of the hotel. To the west of the office, in the Division street wing, is the dining- hall, fifty-two by two hundred and twelve feet, with twenty and one-half feet ceiling, beyond which are the private drawing-rooms, the children's ordinary, carving-rooms, etc. The grand ball-room, one hundred and twelve by fifty-three feet, with ceilings twenty-six feet high, is on the second floor of the Division street wing, and is decorated with artistic and appropriate adornments.

The above description will give the reader some faint idea of this grand structure, which is now, as it always has been, patronized by the best people of the land.

CONGRESS HIALL.

In the year 1811 Gideon Putnam commenced its erec- tion, at the " raising" of which a bent of heavy timber fell, killing Barney Souler, and injuring Mr. Putnam so seriously as to cause his death. Iu 1813 it was used as a lodging- house for Union Hall, located opposite. In 1815, Guert Van Schoonhoven became its owner. It then had a front-

age of one hundred and forty feet, with a wing extending back from its south end. Samnel Drake, a nephew of Van Schoonhoven, was manager, and had charge of the hotel. John K. Beekman and J. M. D. Lawrence were part own- ers of the hotel at this time. Cougress Hall soon became the headquarters of the leading fashionables, and was the first to employ bands of music, and to adopt the plan of hops and balls, which since have become so popular. Mr. Drake kept the hotel until 1828, when Joseph and James R. Westcott leased it. In 1819. when the Pavilion was erected, it was still the home of the fashionable society con- gregated at the Springs. In 1831 an additional story was added to the south wing. The Westcotts kept it until 1836-37, when Stephen Seaman and Calvin Munger be- came its proprietors ; the former subsequently retired, and the latter kept it until 1846, when he died. The hotel was not successful under their management. In 1846, Joshua Collins opened the hotel, conducting it as a tem- perance house. Up to 1854 it was operated by various parties, among whom were William R. Brown and George Daley. In the year last named IIon. H. H. Hathorn bought the property, and forming a partnership with H. P. Hale, made various improvements; they put on an addi- tional story, rebuilt the north wing, and erected a ball-room on the corner opposite the hotel.

In 1866 Congress Hall was destroyed by fire, and the present large and elegant hotel occupies the site of the old and famous structure. It occupies the larger part of the square bounded by Broadway, East Congress, Spring, and Putnam streets. Its frontage on Broadway is four hundred and sixteen fect, with a high promenade piazza twenty feet wide and two hundred and forty-nine feet in length, com- manding a view of the most brilliant portion of Saratoga. From this front two immense wings, three hundred l'eet long, extend to Putnam street, the northern wing running along Spring street and overlooking the celebrated Ha- thorn and Hamilton springs on one side, and with the central wing, which runs parallel with it, inclosing a beau- tiful garden-plot. The southern front commands a view of the famous Congress and Columbian springs, and the beau- tiful Congress park, which has been very artistically ar- ranged and adorned, at great expense, by the Congress and Empire Spring Company. It is built in the most substan- tial manner, of brick, with brownstone trimmings, and presents a very graceful architectural appearance.

THE PAVILION.

The Pavilion Hotel was built by Judge Walton in the year 1819, upon the site of the present town-hall. It was first kept by Nathan Lewis, and then by a succession of pro- prietors, among whom were Allen Murphy, John Ford, Asher Smith Taylor, John C. Dillon, John Cross, and Daniel McLaren, until it was burned about the year 1840, since which it has not been rebuilt. It was in its palmny days the abode of fashion aud elegauce, unsurpassed by any hotel in the village.

FIRST COLUMBIAN IIOTEL.

In 1809 a hotel was built on the corner opposite the Pa- vilion, on ground now occupied by the Ainsworth bloek,

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

which was afterwards known as the Columbian Hotel. Its first proprietor was Jotham Holmes. It was long since destroyed in one of the many disastrous conflagrations to which the village was subject in former days.

THE CLARENDON HOTEL.

This hotel was built by Mrs. Mary I. Jones, in 1860, and opened that year by Alexander Putnam. He was suc- ceeded in ISGI by Mr. Robinson. In 1862 and 1863 it was kept by Mr. Dorlon. In 1865 it was leased by Charles E. Leland, who purchased it in 1873. The Clarendon, the only hotel in Saratoga Springs which is painted white, with green blinds, is a quiet summer home, frequented by people of culture and refinement, seeking rest and recreation. It will accommodate about three hundred and fifty people. The spring was purchased with the hotel property, and is situated on its grounds. Its waters are popular. Mr. Le- land, the proprietor, is a younger member of the Leland family, celebrated in connection with first-class hotels in America. The hotel is situated on Broadway, near Con- gress street, and in the neighborhood of Congress grove.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL.

This establishment was erected about the year 1840, by George W. Wilcox, on the site of the York House, and an adjoining lot purchased for the purpose. Mr. Wilcox and his son-in-law, E. Darwin Pitkin, conducted it for sev- eral years, and until their decease. The property having been sold by Mrs. Pitkin (only child of Wilcox), it was, a few years later, purchased by its present proprietor, William Bennett, who has made additions and improvements. The hotel, under Mr. Bennett's proprietorship, has become well and favorably known. This is one of the few public hotels at Saratoga Springs which are open all the year for public accommodation.

THE MARVIN HOUSE

occupies the original site and residence of Doctor Porter, on the corner of Broadway and Division street. In 1832, when the depot of the Saratoga and Schenectady railroad was located on the corner of the above-named streets, the house was constructed and used as a hotel. It was known as the Railroad Ilouse, and was first kept by a Mr. Cald- well. Charles Ensign afterwards purchased it, and subse- quently sold it to Isaac Smith, who operated the hotel until 1853, when he sold to Philip Snyder, who removed the old building and constructed a new one, which was christened the Marvin House, after one of Saratoga's most respected citizens,-Ilon. Thomas J. Marvin. The new hotel was opened in August, 1853. In 1859, Adam and Daniel Sny- der succeeded their brother as proprietors. June 18, 1865, it was destroyed by fire. In the fall of 1865 the Snyders commenced its reconstruction. July 23, 1866, it was opened to the public, and was, at that time, the largest hotel in Saratoga. Its cost was $100,000, independent of the ground on which it stands. This hotel has been owned and operated until the present season by A. & D. Snyder.

THE COLUMBIAN HOTEL,

accommodating three hundred guests, Mr. D. A. Dodge, proprietor, Major Riggs, manager, is on Broadway, opposite Congress park, and just south of Crystal spring.

THE WINDSOR HOTEL.

This new and elegant house was built in the spring of 1876, and opened for the first time to the public in June. It stands on the corner of Broadway and William street, on higher ground than any other hotel in Saratoga, and commands a magnificent view of the beautiful Congress park and Broadway.

ADELPHI HOTEL.

This elegant new house, built in the spring of 1877, is on Broadway, at the head of Phila street, in the central part of the town. It will accommodate about two hundred guests, and is kept open all the year, by Mr. McCaffrey.

THE WAVERLY HOUSE

is situated in the upper part of the town, on Broadway, in a beautiful and quiet portion of the village.

THE HOLDEN HOUSE

is situated on Broadway, just north of the Marvin House. The building is of brick, and it has a pleasant veranda on its front. This delightful and home-like hotel is now kept by J. N. Ramsdill, whose kind attentions to those engaged upon the preparation of this history will be ever remem- bered.

THIE ALBEMARLE HOUSE

is situated on South Broadway, three doors south of the Clarendon Hotel, in one of the most beautiful portions of Saratoga.

THE BATES HOUSE,

Mr. C. S. Bates, proprietor, stands on the corner of Circu- lar and Lafayette streets, near Drs. Strong's Remedial In- stitute, and between Phila and Caroline streets, which run to Broadway.

BROADWAY HALL.

This celebrated boarding-house is beautifully located a little up Broadway, and on higher ground than any other boarding-house in the place, and consequently is airy and healthy.

THE EMPIRE HOTEL,

on the corner of Front and Rock streets, in the north part of the village, is the nearest hotel or boarding-house to the celebrated Empire, High Rock, Saratoga Star, Seltzer, and Red springs. It is on the site of the old Schouten house.

THE CENTENNIAL HOUSE

is opposite the United States Hotel, on Matilda street, near Division street and the railroad depot.

THE CONTINENTAL HOTEL,

on Washington street, has been a favorite resort for many years. It is a well-built brick hotel, situated in a pleasant part of the village, and but a few steps from the railroad station.

THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL

stands on the corner of Church and Matilda streets and Railroad place.

THIE EVERETT HOUSE

is situated on Broadway, a few doors south of the Claren- don Ilotel.

RES. OF MRS. C. M. DYER, GREENFIELD, SARATOGA CO. N. Y

VERMONT HOUSEI

PRIVATE BOARDING HOUSE, OF THE LATE B.W. DYER, COR. FRONT & GROVE STS., SARATOGA SPRINGS,N Y

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

THIE GREEN MOUNTAIN HOUSE

is on Washington street, the first door west of the Baptist church.

TIIE HUESTIS HOUSE,

at 234 and 236 South Broadway, is situated on the most beautiful portion of South Broadway, near the Clarendon Hotel.

TIIE MOREY HOUSE,

on Franklin street, is situated but a short distance from the principal springs and the leading hotels in the place.

THE MANSION HOUSE.

This house is situated on Spring avenue, within a few rods of Excelsior and Union springs.

TIIE PIERPONT HOUSE

is located on the corner of Regent street and White street, near Union avenue.

THE PITNEY IIOUSE,

on Congress street, is one of the largest and best boarding- houses in Saratoga.

THIE VERMONT IIOUSE.

This house is on Grove, corner of Front street, and just north of the Presbyterian church.

THE WILBUR HOUSE

is on the corner of Washington and Federal streets ; it is a large boarding-house, which is kept open all the year.

VI .- CHURCHES.

FIRST BAPTIST CIIURCII, SARATOGA SPRINGS.

The history of the First Baptist church of Saratoga Springs reaches back to the early years of the settlement of the town, and it was organized and recognized as such twenty-three years before any other church existed in the towu; and although the house of worship was two miles away until 1822, a large number of their members resided in the village, and they held religious services a part of the time for some years in a school-house that stood on the first lot west of where their present church edifice is located, on Washington street.

Before its recognition as a church the Baptists in this vicinity were members, it is supposed, of the First Still- water (Bemus Ileights) church, which, according to Bene- dict's " History of the Baptists," arose in 1762, became unusually large, and prospered. with branches in many directions, among which was one called Kayadrosseras ; and in 1791, ten of their members living on the west side of Saratoga lake were dismissed to form an independent church, and this was probably the beginning of the First Baptist church of Saratoga Springs, which was constituted and received fellowship as a Baptist church by a council consisting of pastor, and delegates called from various churches of the same faith and order, which met Oct. 11, 1793. The constituent members numbered twenty. Elder Simeon Smith, moderator; Elder Lemnel Powers, clerk of council.

At their first church conference, held Oct. 26, 1796, it was voted to hold their meetings for worship one-half the time at Bro. W. Barlow's, and the other half of the time

at the school-house near Timothy Shipman's, near where, in 1878, Joseph Rowley lives, in the town of Malta.

The carly history of the church was full of such hard- ship and discouragement as is known only in pioneer life, but the faithful band struggled on with persistent perseverance, not only to maintain their existence and visibility, but to seeure ministers of the gospel to preach and administer the ordinances of the church. And in return they saw their numbers and influence increasing, and they, year after year, occupying a larger place, while they were constantly dis- missing members to unite with other churches in different sections of the State and country.

Houses of worship .- The records of the church do not show that they had any house of worship for many years, but held their meetings, as stated above, until Dec. 3, 1796, when they voted to hold them at the house of Nathaniel Saxton until a more convenient place could be obtained, and the same vote was renewed Dec. 3, 1798.

Salmon Munger, Edy Baker, and Thos. Ostrander were chosen Oct. 20, 1804, a committee to stake out the ground to set the meeting-house on, and Dee. 28, 1808, they voted to build a house thirty-eight by twenty-eight feet, two stories high and gallery, and to begin as soon as $500 was subscribed.

July 8, 1809, they voted, instead of getting incorporated, to secure the title of the ground and meeting-house, by taking an everlasting lease from Mr. Ellis.

This house stood a short distance east of the Geyser spring, and was their place of worship until 1822, when they removed to the village, and occupied a house on the site of their present church edifice. It was two stories high, with galleries, and cost about $2500. This house was used without change until 1846, when it was remodeled and thoroughly repaired.

The increase of members of the church and society was so rapid from this time; that in 1855 it was found necessary to build the present beautiful and commodious house of worship, which was dedicated in August, 1856. Its cost was $18,000.

About the year 1833 they built a parsouage on the same lot with the church, which still remains. The church property is unencumbered, and the society is free from debt. From 1793 to 1800 they had no settled pastor, but were supplied by different ministers ; Elders Rogers, Craw, and Powers being most frequently mentioned, who preached to them and administered the ordinances of the church.

The first pastor was Elisha P. Langworthy, who was ordained to the work of the ministry Dec. 18, 1800; and this relation existed until Jan. 9, 1819. His home was at Ballston Spa, and he often came on foot to meet and preach to his people. In the cold weather he came through the drifted snow, and before going to the pulpit would shake hands with every person present, and then, with overcoat and mittens on, preach his sermon; then have an inter- mission, and after that another sermon ; and then part with them, to meet on the next Sabbath. In those days they had no stoves, and so did not see fire from the time they left home until they reached it again. A cold lunch was in order on those winter Sabbaths. The church was largely increased in numbers under his labors. He died in 1828.

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Francis Wayland, the second pastor, was called to serve the church Jan. 9, 1819, and remained with them until Jan. 19, 1823.

John Lamb, the third pastor, was called April 12, 1823, and continued as such until March 26, 1825.

The fourth pastor was David R. Mackelfresh, who was called Nov. 13, 1825, but released from his engagement June 13, 1826.

After this the church was supplied by Elders More and Hubbell and other ministers until the fifth pastor, Joshua Fletcher, was called, Jan. 24, 1829. He graduated at Hamilton in June after, and the church called a council, which met Sept. 10, 1829, and set him apart by solemn ordination to the work of the gospel ministry. Large numbers were added to the church during his pastorate, which he resigned Nov. 28, 1845.

Arnold Kingsbury, the sixth pastor, was settled in 1847, and labored with the church until 1849, when he was sue- ceeded by the seventh pastor, Austin H. Stowel, who com- meneed his labors in the winter of 1850, and remained until Feb. 20, 1855, when he resigned, and was followed by the eighth pastor, Luther W. Beecher, D.D., who was called Sept. 19, 1855, and resigned Sept. 19, 1859.

During these two pastorates the church made a marked advance in numbers and means of support.

A. W. Sawyer, the ninth pastor, was called Feb. IS, 1861, and resigned Jan. 11, 1864, and was followed by the tenth pastor, L. M. Woodruff, who was called Sept. 19, 1864, and resigned May 1, 1870.

During these years the church paid off all its debts, and was more largely increased in its membership than under the labors of any other pastor of the same number of years.

After his removal the church obtained supplies until Dec. 12, 1870, when William Cheetham, the eleventh pas- tor, was called, and ministered to the church until Oet. S, 1871.

After this the church was supplied most of the time by Rev. Samuel H. Greene, now of Cazenovia, N. Y., and Ed. II. Bronson, now of Aurora, Ill., under whose preaching many were converted and added to the church, until the twelfth pastor, E. A. Woods, was called, July 7, 1872.

He closed this relation Jan. 9, 1876.

The church was again without a pastor until the thir- teenth and present one, George A. Smith, was called, May 28, 1876. He was a graduate from Madison Theological Seminary of the class of 1876, and was ordained July 20 of the same year. Under his ministry the church has en- joyed a very unusual degree of harmony, and many have been added to its membership.

From its membership the church has licensed the follow- ing persons to preach : Andrew Sprague, July 4, 1795; the late Francis Wayland, D.D., president of Brown Uni- versity, was licensed Dec. 11, 1819 ; Lemuel Covell, Dec. 28, 1833; Levi Parmely, Dee. 28, 1838; Ebenezer Jewett, Nov. 4, 1859 ; Charles H. Moserip, Sept. 16, 1870.

The greatest ingatherings to the church were in the years 1811, 1812, 1819, 1824, 1830, 1834, 1840, 1843, 1850, 1857, 1866, and 1872.

The whole number baptized up to June 1, 1878, was

1050; whole number added by letter, 734; total, 1784. Present number, 428.

In December, 1817, letters were granted to members to form a church in Wilton, and in 1876 sixty-five were dis- missed to form the Second Baptist church of Saratoga Springs.

The following persons have been elected to the office of' deacon : Gersham Saxton, Nathaniel Saxton, Briggs Sher- man, Eliphaz Fish, Salmon Munger, Noah Roberts, Ezekiel Bradley, John A. Waterbury, Isaac Patrick, Joseph Waring, Wm. C. Owen, John Marston, John T. Carr, Edwin N. Brown, Francis W. Waterbury, Leonard II. Simons, Deman Vail, John Palmer, Edward R. Waterbury, Leonard Cotton, Reuben Merchant, Phineas F. Allen, Gilbert L. Waring, Thomas Noxon, Charles S. Smith.

The following persons have served the church as elerk : Eliphaz Fish, Wm. Wait, Harmon J. Betts, Philo R. Waterbury, John A. Waterbury, Aruna C. T. Peck, Francis W. Waterbury, Charles Phillips, Thomas Stevens, Edwin N. Brown, Phineas F. Allen. Oliver H. Cromwell, Geo. W. Wadsworth.

The first trustees chosen by the church were Eliphaz Fish and Andrew Sprague, May 7, 1796.

The present board consists of Wm. Waterbury, Prince W. Wells, Frank V. Hewitt, Jerome Pitney, Thos. Noxon, Seymour Gilbert. Wm. H. Gibbs is chorister and Mrs. . Chas. O. Van Dorn organist.

The church has engaged heartily in Sabbath-school work. In January, 1820, in connection with the Presbyterians, they organized a Union school, which they sustained until 1822, when each church formed separate schools of their own.

The following persons have been superintendents of the school : Harmon J. Betts, John A. Waterbury, Wm. A. Langworthy, Warren A. Smith, Phineas Fletcher, Ama- riah H. Fitch, Rev. Heman H. Hoff, Samuel B. Terwilli- ger, Philo R. Waterbury, Isaac D. Sweat, Rev. Joshua Fletcher, Thos. Stevens, John Marston, E. Milton Brown, and John T. Carr, the present superintendent.

In April, 1878, they celebrated their fifty-eighth anni- versary, and by the report of the secretary we find the following statistics for the year ending March 31, 1878 : number of officers, 10; teachers, 32; scholars, 355; vol- umes in the library, 1400; receipts for the year, $738.28.

The present officers, 1878, are as follows: Rev. Geo. A. Smith, president ; John T. Carr, superintendent ; Edward R. Waterbury, assistant superintendent ; Geo. M. Crippen, secretary ; John R. Barrett, treasurer; Oliver HI. Crom- well, Beebee R. Barrett, Frank Hewitt, and Geo. Humph- rey, librarians ; Oscar A. Day, chorister; Miss Nora E. Morse, organist:

The ladies of the church have an aid society for assist- ing poor children of the Sabbath-school, besides which they have rendered large and timely contributions to aid in defraying church expenses.

The church is interested in and contributes largely for home and foreign missions, education, publication, Bible and freedmen work. Being the oldest church and with a large membership, they feel that they have a great work to do both at home and abroad.

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS.

The history of this venerable and influential society, the first religious society established iu the village of Saratoga Springs, may be briefly stated as follows :

Organization .- The congregation was organized and trustees were elected January 15, 1816. The first trustees chosen were Miles Beach, Ziba Taylor, and Nathan Lewis. The first elders chosen and ordained, Dee. 11, 1817, were Abijah Blanchard and Luman B. Smith. Abijah Blanchard was also chosen and ordained deacon.

This organization took place where worship was first held and the Sabbath-school was first conducted,-iu the village school-house, then situated on Washington street, on the spot now occupied by the First Baptist church.

It was recognized as an incorporated body by the court of common pleas June 6, 1816; was received under the care of the presbytery of Albany Aug. 19, 1817, and consti- tuted a Presbyterian church by the admission of members, the ordination of elders, and the adoption of a confession of faith, Dec. 11, 1817.

Pastors .- The following persons have been installed and have officiated as pastors of this church, viz. :

1. Rev. Darius O. Griswold. Under his ministratiou the church was established, and after acting as stated sup- ply he was installed pastor in February, 1822. This rela- tion was dissolved Oct. 10, 1823. After this the church was supplied for some two years by Rev. Dr. Wmn. Chester and others.

2. Rev. Samuel W. Whelpley was installed pastor August 19, 1825. This pastoral relation was dissolved Dec. 8, 1826.

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History of Saratoga County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers., Part 41

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894 Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign Number of Pages: 780

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 780