USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 37
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
June 6, 1861. Copied from a "Journal" of that date, The Band! The band fairly outdid itself on Wednesday evening last, on the occasion of the departure of the volunteers. The even tion of 'Ever of Thee.' elicited especial praise. The arrangement of the piece being remarkably beautiful and artistic, was fully sustained in its rendering by the players. Several other piece were hardly inferior in beauty and harmony. After the depar ture of the train the band proceeded to the Park, where wire played several fine selections, those mentioned among the nun ber, to the immense gratification of a large concourse of listeners We will be pardoned for calling attention to the performer on the small drum, young in years, but advanced in perception. Scarcely old or tall enough to sustain his instrument. Master George Ballard played it in a manner that made practical drum- mers envious. He is evidently the gem of the organization. Their deserved reputation is rapidly extending. Their ability is certainly exceeded by no band in Central New York, if we e- cept the Utica Brass Band, and we are pleased to notice a grow - ing appreciation abroad."
CAMDEN BRASS BAND.
The Camden Brass Band was a continuation of the Camden Saxhorn Band. taking its new name in 1861. The accompanying illustration was taken by B. T. Hinckley, January 1. 1868. It- members were as follows:
Charles R. Bessee, Charles N. Hildreth, Willard W. Williams. Theron Phelps, George J. Williams, Chauncey Phelps, Robert Robertson. Wm. C. Wells, Augustus G. Wood. A. T Van Valkenburg, Briggs T. Hinckley, Jack Garrity. Jacob Ruch Wallace W. Mix and William Cook.
In 1870 they procured new uniforms, at an expense of hits dollars for each suit. To say that they made a fine appearance is needless. Each one of the members was an accomplished performer on his particular instrument, and rendered de lightful music. This was considered the most excellent brood in Central and Northern New York, having frequent calls to Watertown. Pulaski, Oswego, Syracuse, and Rome, wloch latter place called them for several years to play at the County Faire. a three days' engagement each time. Central and Northern You
A.T. M .. !!!
CAMDEN BRASS BAND,
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
York, as well as Camden, were justly proud of the Camden Band, and no excursion or large celebration was considered complete unless it was in line. Excursions to the Thou- sand Islands, as well as Oneida Lake, and Frenchman's Island, were favorite trips, and each summer the band gave their friends opportunity to join them in visits to these well-known resorts. Most appropriate for the occasion, when on an excursion to Lake Oneida, was a selection played with rare good taste-"Moon- light on the Lake." This arrangement was a favorite number with the Camden Brass Band, and each member seemed to give expression and feeling to his music, making the whole charming to listen to. After a few years several members moved from town, and in 1881 the organization disbanded. to the regret of all, and Camden was without a band for many years.
In the summer of 1883 the Camden Cornet Band was organ- ized with the following membership and instrumentation. Gen. H. Abbott, solo alto and director; W. J. Hull and Carl Bochler. cornets; Edgar Durst and Fred A. Voorhees, altos: A. M. Leonard and Henry Bouck, tenors; Geo. L. Traffarn, baritone: Joseph A. Hull and Riley M. Rush, basses: C. S. Parke, small drum: Albert E. Gunther, bass drum. To this membership was added within a year or two, Winfred E. and Martin L. Jones, cornets, and Geo. H. Rush, tenor, the latter taking the place of A. M. Leonard, who thereafter played piccolo.
After a successful existence of five or six years, the organiza tion died a natural death, the moving from town of several of the members contributing to its collapse.
In 1886 the late Charles H. Ray organized and directed for a few weeks what was later christened the Camden Brass Band. with the following membership and instrumentation: Charles H. Ray, E flat cornet and Director: Lewis E. Smith, B flat cornet : Howd B. Rush, John K. Littler and Chas. A. Thompson, altos; Frank Moyer and A. H. Percival, tenors: Richard Collins, bari tone: Benjamin Jackson, William Hynes and Horace J. Rush. basses; Clark J. Meeker, small drum: Charles W. Graves, bass drum; John H. Cook, solo B flat cornet : and T. A. Farnsworth. B flat clarinet, joined the band a little later, and the following winter George L. Traffarn was engaged as solo cornet player
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and director. This organization had a life of three or four years, when it followed in the wake of its predecessors, leaving yet another set of instruments, uniforms and accoutrements as monuments to its memory.
In the early '90's a band was organized, the membership being confined exclusively to members of the local lodge of the Order of United American Mechanics. This band, however, was short-lived, and never attained to any considerable proficiency, mainly through lack of interest on the part of the members.
In 189- the Camden Military Band was organized by W. J. Winchell, who directed it for a time, being succeeded by Fred Anson. In July, 1895, the band secured the services of George L. Traffarn as director, and has retained him in that capacity up to the present time (1897). The membership and instru- mentation is now as follows: George L. Traffarn, solo B flat cornet and director; Sperry B. Snow, solo B flat cornet : Charles Gibbs and William Sanford, E flat clarinets; A. Raymond, B flat clarinet; S. B. Hinckley. John Daly and Leonard Van Winkle, cornets: Charles Edic, Earl Randall, William Rush and Clinton Phelps, altos; George H. Williams and Robert H. Robertson, trombones: William Tabor, baritone: Joseph H. Orr and Robert F. Robson, basses; Edward St. Mary and Clar- ence Doten, drums. The following are additional officers, elect- ed annually: Secretary. J. H. Orr; Treasurer, Charles Edic: Executive Committee, Charles Edic. Charles Gibbs. R. F. Robson.
This is an organization of the young men of the town, who play exceedingly well. The weekly concerts in the village park. given on Monday evenings, from the band stand (erected by the enterprising ladies of Camden in 1895). are occasions of rare enjoyment, attracting large, enthusiastic crowds of listeners. who are proud of the musical talent Camden possesses. Chil- dren gather in large numbers, and with them it is a gala day- a time when they can give play to their youthful spirit, dancing about to their hearts' content, the music giving time and anima- tion to their steps. We trust this organization may enjoy a long life.
CHAPTER XX.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published in Camden, so far as we have learned, was called the "Camden Gazette," and its editor, E. C. Hatton. The paper was a weekly publication, the first issue May, 1842, and the office in the building called "Spencer's Camden Exchange." It was quite a live paper for the times. There was not much of personal mention, in the numbers we have seen. We have copied such articles as seemed of interest. The first column was devoted to advertising the sheet, and the see- ond contained matter as follows:
"The Muse's Bower."
"It is the gift of poetry to hallow every place in which it moves: to breathe around nature an odor more exquisite than the perfume of the rose; and to shed over it a tint more magical than the blush of the morning."
Then follows an article which we believe to be of local history. in the form of a story of some romantic interest; but lacking the papers containing the beginning and the end, we can not give it, as we would like to do. Then follows a column of matter on husbandry. In the ladies' department is an able, original ar ticle on music. A quotation from Shakespeare introduces the subject, which is treated in a manner showing the writer to have been of no ordinary intellect. It gratifies us to know and give the name of the author-Nelson B. Stevens. "Box" his nom de plume. The second page is of foreign and American news; one column, however, devoted to local matters, which could not have interested Mr. Hatton's local reporter deeply, or else there was nothing to mention. We give the only one we find.
"Found-Last Monday night a poor drunken loafer picked up in the street-no 'sense' in his head. no 'cents' in his pocket. powerful 'scent' to his breath, 'sent' to the penitentiary."
Camden in those far-away days had a spirit of enterprise and pride, as will be seen from the column we quote:
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"Our Success-Business-Camden-Its Neatness-Spring- Rides-Ladies, etc., etc."
"Scarcely had the sun of our hopes-bright though it may be -dared to anticipate such splendid schemes of success, as have in reality crowned the issue of the first number of our 'Gazette.' Although we printed a large edition, we found it necessary to refuse to sell single copies within a few hours after the edition was worked off, and we have now in the office barely a hundred copies, which will not more than suffice the demand of new subscribers the present week. This exceeds our most visionary expectations, and we are compelled to believe that the folks in our goodly village of Camden are as public spirited as those in any part of the world; and as we have in us the elements of suc- cess, there is no doubt but that our present enterprise will be a triumphant one. Business channels are getting a little more clear, and money a little easier. Our merchants have been doing a brisk business since the arrival of their spring supplies, which has called to the village many of the surrounding farmers, whose visits are sensibly felt in the pockets of many of our business men, and instead of the elongated visage and care-dimmed eye with which we have been wont to meet for months past, we are greeted at every turn by faces illuminated by the light of smiles. beaming with the cheering rays of hope, and bearing the impress of anticipated prosperity. Spring is fairly upon us-her pleasures, her anxieties, her flowers, her tears, have all in their turn held rule over our senses, and we are now in the blooming lap of May. Grass is as large as it was twenty days later last year, and fruit trees are in their gayest drapery. Farmers are getting on finely with their spring work, and silver-tongued hope promises the husbandman another abundant harvest. The wheat crop looks particularly favorable, and grass, if the weather con- tinues its assistance, must come in very heavy. Our village, per- haps never looked better than it does at present. Everything in the shape of rubbish has vanished before the pride of its citi- zens, vacant lots have been converted into beautiful gardens : by-places into grass-plots, the old fashioned post and rail have given way to the tasty. open work, ornamental fence, and all objects in art whereon old time has left the prints of his finger. have been rendered new by the painter's art. The shade trees
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
which line her waiks are putting forth their broad leaves of green and crimson; and a thousand grateful odors are showered from the blossom-covered occupants of her garden lawns. The car of improvement has received a new impulse, and no part of the village susceptible of being bettered by its touch has been suffered to go unnoticed.
With spring comes a thousand pleasures and recreations. beautiful only in their season. A ride on horseback is not among the least of these: we mean with half a dozen young ladies-to rise with the sun, and outstrip the gale in speed on a gay courser through some neighboring field, o'er the moist and dustless earth, ere the sun has dried the pearly locks of morning in his beams. Then we meet nature unmarred by the hand of man-and in the glittering dew-drop, the song of birds, the gush of streams, and the sweet harmony of nature, we find food for reflection. The benefits of such recreations are numerous besides their promoting a healthful circulation of the fluids, and producing more decidedly the secretions of the system, it gives one more vigor for business, and prepares the mind for more arduous duties. It softens and cultivates the finer feelings of our nature: makes smooth our rugged asperities: dissipates the temptations of folly, and the deafening clash of interest gives way to an influence which our grosser senses may not investigate. Walking, perhaps, would answer most of these purposes; but then, there is no poetry in walking, and besides, every loafer walks; we want something full of life, gayety, animation where the zephyr's most trifling touch causes excitement. But in ri ding do not permit your horses to pace: were it not for taking air you might as well be at home, or in your counting room, or office, as to travel at this unnatural, lounging gait. Those who are too much confirmed in their attachment to such casy mo tions as are produced by a pacing horse, had better stay at home and swing on a gate. Take this advice, and you will enjoy health and a clear conscience. The gentlemen will make better beaus. and better husbands; the ladies be prettier and make more agree- able companions." (Ed.)
In 1847. April, much space is given in the "Gazette" to the subject of intemperance; and we conclude public feeling must
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have been very strong against license. An article on scandal was written for this paper. We give the clipping in full.
"Private scandal should never be received and retailed willing- ly. for though the defamation of others may, for the present, gratify the malignity or pride of your heart. yet cool reflection will draw very disadvantageous conclusions from such a disposi- tion. In scandal as in robbery, the receiver is always thought as bad as the thief. (), think of this, you who assemble together to injure and defame the character of your neighbor, remember the eye of God is upon you, and for all these things He will soon- er or later bring you to judgment."
In 1844 and 1845 we find the "Gazette" edited and published by Munger & Stewart.
In 1847 the "Camden Gazette" was published by E. M. Hig- bee. a complete file of that paper being in existence. It contains but few local items, its columns being devoted to foreign news. and that of our own country, which compare favorably. Every number has the latest news of the Mexican war, which was a topic of interest to the whole country. At this time many meet- ings were called for the purpose of building a plank road from Rome to Oswego, and the railroad from Rome to Oswego was an assured fact.
Van Amberg's circus was also advertised in one number, but no subsequent mention is made of it, so it probably did not ap- pear. In 1848 it was published by Edwin Pickard and Henry Hill, who in the same year dissolved copartnership. Mr. Higbee resuming the business. In a September issue, 1848, a meeting was announced as follows: "A meeting of the stockholders of the office of the 'Camden Gazette' will be held on the 28th instant, at 7 o'clock P. M., at said office. A full attendance is particularly requested, as special business will be brought before them."
In 1849 the "Oneida Mirror" was published by Edward Pickard. In 1852 the "Northern Light" was edited and pub- lished by Ira D. Brown. We give his message to the people of this vicinity :
"To the readers of the 'Northern Light.'-The connection of the undersigned with this paper closes with this number. The causes which have led me to withdraw from the Light' are
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
pretty well known to the readers thereof, and further explanation is unnecessary. In taking leave of my readers, and of Camden, I have no regrets to express, except that the connection I have had with this paper has not proved more gratifying to my read- ers, and more profitable to myself. I am not hypocrite enough to return thanks for the patronage which has been bestowed upon me, when I think no thanks are due. The most of those who have patronized me have done so only because they could not help it, and paid me only because they were obliged to. Still it must not be forgotten that a few faithful friends have stood by me during my brief sojourn here, and rendered me all the as- sistance in their power. It is now painful to part with those friends, and I shall remember them with gratitude so long as 1 live. The 'Light' will be hereafter published by Merritt & Stone, two young printers whom I earnestly recommend to the citizens of Camden as every way deserving of better treatment than 1 have had. The editorial department will be conducted by N. B. Stevens, Esq., a gentleman for whose abilities I have a high regard. It is probable then that this change will please the majority of my readers, and that they will have no cause to regret my withdrawal. Hoping this may be the case. I bid them fare- well.
Ira D. Brown.
Camden, June 11. 1852."
This copy is from the twenty-sixth number of Volume First. 50 his editorship in Camden was brief. We find in an issue of the "Camden Freeman" of 1862, that "because of ill health he is about to sever his connection" with some Oswego paper, and going south in search of health.
"Camden Courier."-E. (). Farrell, editor. October 1853. In 1861, "The Monitor." by E. Henderson.
"Camden Freeman."-L. Henderson, editor. March. 1862.
"Camden Freeman."-C. Sink, editor. July 17. 1862.
"Camden Freeman."-L. Henderson, Editor. July 24. 1862.
"Camden Journal."-J. H. Munger. March, 1864.
"Camden News."-Giles and Franklin, editors. March 27. 1867.
From different issues of 1848 we take some notices and items .
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
"Whereas my wife has left my bed and board without cause or provocation, and 1 forbid any person harboring or trusting her on my account, as I shall pay no debts of her contracting, nor allow any to harbor her .- Parley Draper.
Camden, August 14, 1848."
In several advertisements and articles this vicinity is called the "Fish Creek Nation."
Camden, August 28, 1848.
Borrowed, from the residence of the subscriber, while lie l'as away on a visit between the 17th and 24th of this month, a new wood-saw, and if the borrower has got his job done, please return the same, and he shall be rewarded in the next world, if not in this. Mine instead of yours. John Sanford."
"Fosgate's Cordial, an effectual remedy for many ills, for sale by F. Snow."
"Travelers may now go from Boston to Washington, D. C., in thirty-seven hours."-1842.
In the "Camden Freeman" of 1861, in June, we find the fol- lowing: "We can not avoid being enraptured with our beautiful shade trees. They gracefully arch every street, and shade every desirable walk in the place. Majestically lifting their heads over the neat white cottages beneath, silently throwing out their ten- der shoots towards the warm sunshine, growing with our growth, but becoming more beautiful and strong as we become wrinkled and infirm, they stand noble and worthy monuments of our de- parted friends. New supplies and tender care by us will be grate- fully remembered by those who come after. We could not do without our beautiful maples. Deprive us of them, and nature would be shorn of her smiles. Take away the mantle of a bountiful Providence, and our village would be left naked and forbidding."
In 1864 J. H. Munger established the Camden Journal, and continued it till his death in 1878, when his son, Charles S .. conducted the business till its consolidation with the "Canden Advance" in 1883. the publijsher, W. C. Stone, Mr. Munger re- moving to Herkimer. The Advance-Journal is a bright sheet, newsy. interesting, and up to date in every way. It was es- tablished by Mr. Stone in 1873, and is at present the only pub- lication we have in the newspaper line.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
In the winters of 1860 and '61 a course of lectures was given talent contributed by professional men of the town. All desiring to sustain the course gave the modest sum of twenty-five cents to become members of the association. We regret that we can find no list of lecturers. In December, 1861, a course of lectures was arranged for '61 and '62, and from a paper of that date we take as follows:
"We are happy to announce that the executive committee of the association have secured Curtiss Hall, and made all neces- sary arrangements for an attractive course of lectures here dur- ing the winter; and we hope and believe the public will show their appreciation of this effort to furnish them with literary en- tertainment, and profit, by greeting with overflowing houses the several lecturers who generously contribute of their time and talent to sustain the course. Notices will be given of speak- ers from time to time.
Ambrose Curtiss, Pres.
N. B. Stevens, See's."
Opening Lecture by the
I. Rev. Lemuel Clark, January 6, 1862, at 7 o'clock. Subject. "The Distinctions between Automatic Excellence and Moral Desert."
2. J. Parsons Stone, January 11, 1862. Subject. "Culture."
3. Rev. C. Sink, January 15, 1862. Subject-"Modern Spirit- . ualism."
4. Dr. Robert Frazier, January 23, 1862. Subject-"Merit."
5. Hugh McCabe, January 29, 1862. Subject-"Liberal Studies in Relation to the Wants of a Free State."
6. Stephen Cromwell, February 5. 1862. Subject-"Burr and Hamilton."
7. Rev. G. B. Rowley. February, 1862.
8. J. H. Munger, March 3. 1862. Subject-"Thomas Jefferson: His Life, Services and Opinions."
The men spoke to crowded houses, and the association met expenses, we are glad to say. Of two lecturers in the course of ten we have no mention.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
POST OFFICE.
The post-offices of the United States were located at accessible points. Frequently small villages were granted postal facilities; the mails were transported in sulkies or on horseback until the use of coaches. In 1807 the first post-office in Camden was established, and the appointment given to Timothy Wood; he held the office 23 years. The next postmaster was George Ferris, who was appointed in 1830; at that time postage on let- ters was 18 cents. The office was then and for a number of years afterwards accommodated in the stores of the office holders. Mr. Ferris' store and the office was where G. Shepherd's grocery store is now. He lived in a little yellow house nearly opposite. The next postmaster was Hiram J. Miner; he was succeeded by Wm. R. Paddock; next S. B. Hinckley; then Ambrose Curtiss. Aaron Stone received the next appointment: then Dr. A. Bick- ford, afterwards Martin Tipple and wife held the office 12 years. The office was removed where it has remained through several appointments. to the present time by Heman Snow. His deputy was Judson N. Strong. After holding the office four years. James Owen succeeded; then the next posmaster was Briggs Hinckley. D. Crimmins is the present postmaster.
CHAPTER XXL
MASONIC LODGE.
September 9. 1816, Philanthropic Lodge. No. 188, F. & .1., was organized under a charter from the Grand Lodge of New York, of which De Witt Clinton was Grand Master, by whose or- der Right Worshipful Brother Joseph Enos, G. V., installed the following officers: Oney Hines, W. M .: Asa T. Smith, S. W .: Joshua Ransom, J. W .; Heman Byington, Treasurer; Lyman Mathews, Secretary; Joel Rathbun and Wm. West, Stewards; Wm. Hempstead, Aaron Bailey, Deacons; Jeremiah Merrels. Tyler. Brothers present, Warren Beach. Asa Barnes, Linus Sanford. Voted that the Tyler receive 50c. a night for attendance. also 5oc. for every candidate initiated. Voted that the time of opening Lodge shall be on the Thursday preceding the full moon in every month, at 2 o'clock P. M., and close at 7 o'clock P. M. Lodge closed in due form. Among the names of the brothers of that year we find Dr. Samuel Freeman, Ezekiel Cady. Elijah Eggleston, Joshua Godfrey, Joel B. Smith, Wm. Plumb. John Kinne, Stephen H. Kinne, Oliver Kinne. Warren Beach, Elijah Perkins, Elisha Parke, Reuben Smith, Samuel W. Johnson, Jesse Penfield. During the year 1816 the Lodge had no regular place of meeting. The body often met in private houses in Camden. Vienna and Taberg, until June, 1817, at which time they had permanent quarters in a chamber of Br. Heman Byington's tavern, where they continued to meet until the spring of 1818. when they removed to a room in the tavern of Ranney Parke. located where B. A. Curtiss' store now stands. In April. 1820. the Lodge donated $to towards the erection of the M. E. Church. Among the names of its members at this time is Sam- uel W. Johnson, Reuben Smith, Gaston G. Comstock. David N. Castle, Warren Preston, Dr. Daniel Chatfield (and later. 1827 to 1834), Israel Stoddard. Lyman Curtiss, Dr. H. G. Torbert, and Artemas Trowbridge, who was for several years W. M. of the Lodge. Chas. Trowbridge was also W. M. for two years.
In 1820 Antimasonry was rampant here: meetings were se-
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cretly held in private houses. The last three initiations before the Lodge closed its doors was in the brick tavern of Albert Phelps, below the village. In 1849 the Lodge reopened for instruction. The first time the Lodge opened under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge was April 5, 1850, for the purpose of attending the funeral of Br. Wm. Plumb. The first initiation under the dispensation was that of H. H. Frisbie, who removed to Ken- tucky. July 24th of same year was the first communication hield under the renewed warrant from the most worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York. The Lodge number was then changed to 164. and since then it has had a steady healthy growth. Gaston G. Comstock was the first member buried be- longing to this Lodge, with Masonic honors, in 1818.
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