USA > New York > Ulster County > Kingston > The history of Kingston, New York : from its early settlement to the year 1820 > Part 44
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The expenses of the ball were paid by an assessment upon the gentlemen in attendance, varying in amount from a dollar and a
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half to three dollars each. The refreshments were generally cake, lemonade, and wine. A hot supper, with turkey and oysters, was sometimes provided, but it was the exception rather than the rule.
At that period the full dress of a gentleman was a blue swallow- tail, double-breasted coat with brass buttons, and a high, stiff, rolling collar ; vests and pants to match in color, if not white. The shirts were provided with ruffles projecting through the open- ing of the vest, and high, upright collars encircled with white neckerchief folded wide so as to reach the chin and tied in a bow in front. For the ball-room white silk or cotton stockings, with pumps having single soles, were indispensable.
Black cloth, unless in cases of deep mourning, was seldom worn, except by clergymen ; it was considered their appropriate insignia.
The ordinary dress of the ladies was plain, so that it was com- mon for a dressmaker to complete one in a single day, and made, generally, of inexpensive material. The almost universal insignia of the married lady was a cap, small, and of thin lace for the younger class, and increasing in thickness and size as time rolled on, and the tell-tale hair showed signs of approaching age.
The farmers generally raised more or less flax yearly, and after that was gathered and dressed the hum or music of the spinning- wheel could be heard in almost every house. Then when the weaver had performed his duties, the products, as well the tow as the linen cloths, were used for some articles of clothing and other domestic purposes.
The wool gathered from the sheep also, after passing through the wool-carding and dressing machines, came back to the family to be converted into yarn, some for the supply of the knitting- needles, and the rest for the weavers' loom, to be converted into flannel and cloth for domestic use.
There was scarcely a season of the year but what in many houses the young people could be found sewing together strips of cloth, useless for any other purpose, preparatory to supplying themselves with a new rag carpet for one of the choice rooms of the house.
The houses were generally provided with front stoops having seats. There, in warm, pleasant weather, the family, with, perhaps, some neighbors, congregated after the day's work was over, spend- ing an hour or two in social chat before early retirement. Fre- quently at such times the matron of the house might be seen lean- ing over the lower half of the front door joining in and listening to the chat.
Their habits were thus at that time simple and plain. Not accustomed to the luxuries of the city and fashionable society, their wants were few and moderate. A man then worth fifteen or
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twenty thousand dollars was considered wealthy, and as indepen- dent as one who can in these days count his hundreds of thousands.
The only church in Kingston at the commencement of that de- cade was the Reformed Dutch, with two services regularly every Sabbath and one on Thursday evening of each week. An inter- regnum of church service in the summer, for the recuperation of the worn-out energies of the minister, was not thought of or sug- gested. The attendance on the Sabbath at church was very general on the part of old and young. As the church at that time was not furnished with the conveniences necessary to bring its temperature to summer heat, an elderly matron in winter was usually accom- panied by a younger member of the family, or colored boy or girl, carrying a foot-stove with a test full of live coals to keep her feet warm. Her body and hands were protected by a short red cloak and the marten-skin muff and tippet.
The streets during service were deserted, and no loungers were hanging round. There was then no exhibition of young men loiter- ing in and around cigar-shops and the piazzas of hotels, puffing the Virginia weed during any part of that or even other days. Indeed, the etiquette of those days would not have tolerated for an instant a gentleman smoking a cigar in the streets in company with a lady, either riding or walking. What a change since then, and where is the improvement ?
At the time of which we are now writing there were many pleasant and inviting walks in the immediate neighborhood of the village of Kingston, which were very much enjoyed in the warm summer afternoons and twilight hours by the young people. Afternoon and evening strolls were very fashionable with the young gentlemen and ladies, and much more enjoyed than the con- fined air of the parlors. If those old lanes and byways, now by the march of improvement either obliterated or shorn of their at- tractiveness and beauty, could talk, and relate things of the past, it is believed that many soft words and plighted vows exchanged between those who have since passed through the stern realities of life would be the burden of their tales.
The first of these favorite walks turned from the village at the junction of Pearl and Green streets, and then, after crossing the brook and following a farmers' lane for a short distance, a bed of flat rocks was reached, several acres in extent, presenting a smooth, even surface, broken only by narrow fissures separating the differ- ent layers. A large part of the tract was clear of any trees or shrubs ; another part had more or less cedar-trees and shrubbery growing up out of the crevices, which formed a pleasant and cool shade.
Here were also found the various forms of snail-shells, some in-
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habited and others deserted ; also petrifactions in abundance, and where the search of the geologist would have been well rewarded by the free use of the mallet and chisel.
The place is now entirely changed ; our great canal, comming- ling the waters of the Erie and Hudson, and other large works of. improvement. have drawn upon its resources until its surface is entirely changed, so that it now forms the blooming garden of a gentleman of leisure.
Passing across the rocks over to the "big fly road," a short walk brought the pedestrians to the top of the high ground in the rear of the village, where one of the most lovely landscapes opened to the view, embracing the village of Kingston, surrounded by its broad expanse of lowlands and cultivated farms, and the lordly Catskills bounding the horizon in the distance, thus presenting a broad, extensive view with which the eye could never tire.
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Again, passing down Wall Street a little beyond the last house in the street, a place aptly called " Love Lane" was reached ; that was another route to the heights above referred to. On entering the lane from Wall Street the pedestrians found themselves in a secluded path, skirted with trees and shrubs on both sides, leading to the " Steene Schuthook," where, after passing through a closely shaded walk in the woods of that name, the pedestrians would again find themselves on the heights with the enchanting view before them. Or if, when the "Steene Schuthook" was reached, they had taken the path to the left and followed it up the " Kuycknyt" Hill, on reaching the top an equally magnificent view would be spread out before them.
Again, the pedestrians, instead of being enticed from Wall Street by the cool shade of Love Lane, might have continued their walk down the street a short distance farther and rested themselves in the Indian seat, where the indentations in the rock by the wayside. gave strong evidence that it had been the resting-place of weary natives before the substance had hardened into stone. After a brief rest, rambling a few rods farther brought them to the rocks, where with little trouble they could in a short time provide them- selves with a collection of handsome petrifactions and shells, to which the Senior Professor Silliman, of Yale College, alluded in one of his scientific works. Extending their walk farther, they reached the brink of "Joghasm Gat" (Jacob Valley) ; then fol- lowing the well-trodden path down the steep declivity, a clear running trout brook was reached, principally the outpouring of a single spring, and well skirted with trees on either side, just the spot to entrance the romancer and the angler.
But the angler would likely continue his course farther down, and if unsuccessful in his search for trout continue onward until
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he reached the ponds of the Twaalfskill, where he was sure very soon to fill his basket with the small but delicious fish, called " spaanacoker," which when properly cooked furnished a treat not to be excelled. Unfortunately, through the frequent drain- age of the ponds and the erection and working of a tannery above, that delicate fish has become extinct, and its delicacy and tooth- someness are now only to be remembered and talked of, not enjoyed. The young boys of that day, the writer can allege from experience, enjoyed many a delightful Sunday morning breakfast when dis- cussing the results of their angling in those ponds the previous afternoon. The fish were then abundant, and it was no uncommon thing, when the line was provided with two or three hooks, to find, draw after draw, every hook laden with its captive.
The stores were few ; all kept a miscellaneous, but not a large stock of goods, as in ordinary country stores. A number of them were kept by widow ladies as a means of support. Every mechan- ical trade had its representative, and all their work was accom- plished by hand without the aid of any of the labor-saving ma- chinery of the present day.
Most of the inhabitants were farmers having and working small farms in the vicinity of the village, each having as a necessary accompaniment to their dwelling-house in the village a large, wide- spread barn, usually standing directly adjacent to and facing the street. Some of the farm hands were slaves, or just emerged from slavery, and celebrated the 5th of July as the day of their pros- pective emancipation. The farmers, through the greed of the West India Company, in the early settlement of the country, had had the curse of slavery entailed upon them, with the usual experience of slave-owners : "The slaves raised the corn, the hogs consumed the corn, the slaves ate the hogs," and nothing was left.
The laborers' wages of those days were usually sixty-two and a half cents a day for twelve hours' work, without board, and by the month from seven to nine dollars, with board. The laborer with that income, and the mode of life in those days, was as independent, and, indeed, more so, than the workingman of the present day with his largely increased wages.
In those days the tailors with their shears and the shoemakers with their kits went round accommodating their patrons at their own dwellings.
At that time the season in which the butchers were able to ply their vocation was a short one. The never-omitted killing time in the fall filled the corn-beef and pork-barrels in the cellar, and after the chopping-knife music, which at that season of the year was to be heard in every part of the village, the pendent sticks in the garret were filled with sausages, and the smoke-house at the same
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time with hams and other meats. Such preparations, together with a well-stocked turkey and chicken roost in the barn, left no need or occasion for draughts on the market in winter.
The houses in the village at this period were mostly built of limestone, which was very abundant in the immediate neighbor- hood, and were generally only one-story high, although there were a few of a more aristocratic or pretending character raised an addi- tional story. The kitchen was usually in an extension in the rear.
The furniture was plain and substantial ; with some the parlor chairs were substantial, old-fashioned mahogany, but generally handsomely fashioned, painted and gilded oak rush-bottomed chairs, with those of a plainer character for the ordinary dwelling- room.
The bedsteads were the high post and the field bedsteads, with valances and curtains by which they could be entirely enclosed, and sacking bottom fastened with cords. The old-fashioned mahogany sideboards and tables, especially tea-tables, were in use in many families, and very many of the old Dutch families were supplied with silver tea sets, some of them brought by their ancestors from Holland.
At that time the principal national Dutch festivals were still in vogue.
Christmas (" Kirstrydt') was always opened in families and among relatives and intimate friends with the wish of a merry Christmas, each one vieing to give the first salutation. In the forenoon of that day communion of the Lord's Supper was always administered in the church. A favorite sport for the young men who were not attracted to the church was turkey shooting, usually below the hill north of North Front Street. Turkeys were set up to be shot at with pistols, distant a certain number of paces, at one shilling a shot, the successful marksman carrying off the prizes. At home, preparatory to dinner, turkeys suspended on spits occupied the Dutch ovens, or were hung from spindles before a blazing wood fire. The after part of the day was usually spent in domestic gayety.
New Year (" Nieu Jar") was spent in calls ; every house was open, and sideboards were loaded with cake and wines.
"Paas," or Easter, was the great day for devouring eggs, and children and servants were always provided with colored ones.
: "Pinaster," Whitsuntide, was especially observed by the colored people as a holiday, and their hats were decorated with the early flowers then usually in bloom.
" Santa Claus," St. Nicholas or Christ Kinkle Day, occurred eleven days before Christmas, December 25th, old style. This was the great day, to be ushered in by Santa Claus wandering about
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distributing presents to good children and whips to the unruly, in their stockings hung in chimney-corners.
The following is a translation of the old Dutch song appropriate to the occasion :
"St. Nicholas, my dear good friend, To serve you ever was my end ; If you me now something will give, Serve you I will as long as I live."
In those days, before all the Revolutionary patriots and their immediate descendants had gone to their final rest, or become in- capacitated by age, the usual and appropriate celebration of the great national festival, the anniversary of the 4th day of July, was never omitted. It was not looked upon and treated as a mere ordinary holiday, to be spent simply in firing cannon and crackers, or wandering in the country, but one to have the minds and atten- tion of the people drawn back to the times which tried men's souls, and to the glorious truths and doctrines which were fought for, main- tained, and declared in that most perilous and trying period. The particular and important feature of the celebration in Kingston was the assembling of the inhabitants together in the church, it being the most commodious room in the place, there to listen to the read- ing of that grand old instrument of our fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and a patriotic oration prepared and delivered by one of the leading citizens. The church was always crowded, and political differences and contentions were for a time obliterated and forgotten-they met on common ground. It is to be greatly re- gretted that such observance of the day has virtually become obsolete. The great truths and principles contained in that noble instrument of the Revolutionary patriots cannot be too often brought to the notice or too strongly instilled into the minds of the people, and engraven upon the consciences of the rising generation. Surely listening to its recital once a year should not be considered burdensome.
Below is inserted a copy of the newspaper account of its cele- bration in Kingston in the usual way, on the 4th of July, 1821. By the names recorded it will be seen that it was countenanced and participated in by some of the most prominent citizens of the place. The orator and reader, both distinguished members and ornaments of the Ulster County Bar, have been called to their final account, the orator in the prime of life, and the reader surviving to adorn one of the highest judicial positions in the State.
The chairman of the festive board was the brother-in-law of that sterling patriot of the Revolution, Governor George Clinton, and a member of the first Constitutional Convention of this State :
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"FOURTH OF JULY.
" The 46th Anniversary of American Independence was cele- brated in this village, with unusual splendor and festivity. The dawn was ushered in, by the discharge of cannon and ringing of bells ; at noon a procession, composed of our most respectable citi- ens from this village and its vicinity formed at Levi Jansen's hotel, and preceded by a band of music, marched to the Church. An eloquent and animated address was then offered to the Throne of Grace, by the Rev Mr Gosman -- the 'Declaration of Indepen- dence' was, in an impressive manner, read by Charles H Ruggles Esq-William Cockburn Esq then delivered an oration, to the most numerous and gratified audience perhaps ever assembled in this place. The scenes sufferings and triumphs, through which our Revolutionary fathers passed, were described in glowing language : the conflagration of this village, particularly, was very aptly and pathetically alluded to. The oration contained many sound politi- cal maxims and observations, with a view to the' preservation of our National Independence and glory. The fate of other republics was held out as warning beacons for our country to avoid the rock on which they stranded.
" At the close of the oration, the Band handsomely performed the popular air of Yankee Doodle ; whereupon the procession re- turned to the Hotel, where a large company without distinction of party, sat down to a sumptuous repast, in the long room, which was decorated with flowers formed into festoons and garlands. The names of the 13 United States in large capitals, were placed at equal distances around the room, enclosed in evergreen. Chris- topher Tappen Esq. one of the Seven Survivors, who framed our State Constitution, presided, assisted by Judge Trumpbour and Sheriff Deyo.
"The following toasts were drank. 1. The day-Proud in the recollection of Freemen. 2-The Heroes of the Revolution-Who built the pillars of our Freedom, and cemented them with their blood. 3. The last War-Which wafted in triumph the Star Spangled banner round the civilized world. 4. The President and Vice President of the United States. 5. The Governor of the State of New York. 6. South America -- May Liberty place her standard from Ocean to Ocean and from Pole to Pole. 7. The Globe -May American Commerce whiten every Sea and crowd every Port. 8. Science-May the American Eagle spread her wings over her temple. 9. The useful arts-An American first snatched Light- ning from Heaven-May American Genius ever be respected. 10. The Inhabitants of Kingston-They passed through the flames of the Revolution, for having formed the Charter of our rights. 11.
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The County of Ulster-May agriculture, man's first and best employment, distinguish her citizens. 12. The State of New York-She asks only her just weight in the Republic ;- may that never be denied her. 13. The Fair Sex .- May the Moun- tain Goddess inspire them with sentiments worthy of Ameri- cans.
" After the ringing of the bells and the discharge of an evening gun had announced the close of the festivities of the day, rockets and other Fireworks were displayed in North Front Street, to the great amusement of a crowd of Spectators. Never has that day been commemorated here with a more general appearance of satis- faction and delight."
It was the custom about 1820, and for several years subsequent, indeed, until the great anti-Masonic excitement created by the abduction of Morgan compelled Masonry to hide its head for a season, for the " Mount Horeb. Chapter and Kingston Master Masons" to celebrate annually on the 24th of June the anniversary of their patron saint. On that day about noon, the Masons, some- times with their high priest, king, scribe, and captain of the host in full regalia, and sometimes not, set forward in procession from the lodge-room preceded by the village band, and after marching through several streets entered the church. The services there consisted uniformly of prayers and an address by a clergyman of their order, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. Upon the conclusion of the exercises in church the procession re-formed as before, and then proceeded to one of the village hotels to par- take of a grand dinner prepared for the occasion. After having done full justice to the eatables the cloth was removed, to be fol- lowed by regular set toasts, abundant flow of wine and after- dinner remarks.
The citizens of this country have ever since the attainment of their independence, as well as before, shown a great aversion to standing armies. It was not strange that our forefathers imbibed that feeling, for when under the British yoke they encountered the haughty, domineering, tyrannical, and self-sufficient spirit en- shrined within the British gold-laced red-coat. Their descendants inherited the feeling, and they determined to rely mainly upon a citizen soldiery. That led to the adoption of a militia system for the organization and training of the people in military tactics. All able-bodied citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, save only a few especially exempted classes, were required to be arranged in companies, battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions, to be commanded by officers of appropriate grades selected and commissioned in the manner designated by law. Each militiaman was required to provide himself with all the arms and
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accoutrements necessary and appropriate to the position held by him in the organization either as an officer or private.
Each military division or department had its appropriate beat or territory assigned to it. On the first Monday of September in every year, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, the companies were re- quired to rendezvous in their respective beats for the purpose of " training, disciplining, and improving in manual exercise." The commissioned and non-commissioned officers and musicians of each regiment or separate battalion were required to rendezvous in their respective beats one day in every year, and continue through the day in military exercise.
The militia were also required once every year to assemble by regiment or separate battalion, at such time and place within their respective beats as the commanding officer of the brigade should direct, for the purpose of "inspection, review and martial exer- cise."
In the early years of the writer those days of martial exercise formed great times of attraction and wonderment, especially the general review, or, in the ordinary phrase of the time, " general training." That was one of the great days of the year, and from the importance then attached to it and the crowds drawn to its gatherings, it requires special mention and description.
The day previous to the parade witnessed extensive prepa- rations for the appropriate accommodation of the military and spectators. The stores were usually depleted of their limited sup- ply of hemlock boards and joists for the building of booths, to fur- nish resting-places where the inner man could be comfortably and uncomfortably provided for.
In the stores the molasses hogsheads were largely drawn upon to furnish the requisite amount of gingerbread and molasses candy, indispensable articles on these occasions. Old Toentje and his wife, of Columbus Point, did not at the great training day, as at other times, enjoy a candy monopoly, nor were there then any " trusts" organized, to crowd all competition out ; but on the night preceding the parade the colored people had many kettles of molasses, in as many kitchens in the village, boiling over the fires, and many hands tired and stiffened in giving the candy its proper delicate hue.
In the early morning of the important day the workmen were plying their vocation all about the parade ground, giving the final touches to the booths. A little later wagon after wagon from the surrounding country could be seen approaching, which, besides being loaded with the whole family, from the oldest to the young- est, had between its sides a barrel of sweet cider on tap, and quan- tities of apples for sale, to defray the expenses of the journey, and enable them on their return home to add something to their money-
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box, if they had any. At the same time the proprietors of the booths were bringing in their supplies of drinkables and eat- ables.
From early in the morning until the hour of parade the roads leading to the village and the camp-ground were lined with whole families from the country in wagons or on foot, including all-from the oldest to the youngest-frequently with the baby at the breast, wending their way to see the sights.
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