Geneva in 1821

We are indebted to Mr. Wm. Fordon of our village for a copy of the GENEVA GAZETTE of date June 18, 1821 -- more than 75 years ago.  Its size is about one-half that of its successor of today and subscription price just double -- $2 per year. It was published by Col. James Bogert, a veteran of the war of 1812-15.  Its political columns were devoted to a strong support of "independent nominees for the pending Constitutional Convention," such nominees being Colonel Robert Troup, Gideon Granger, Darius Comstock, Lemuel Chapman and Morris F. Sheppard.  Wayne and Yates counties were then part of Old Ontario.  Other nominations are referred to as "Bucktail", and consisted of Micah Brooks, John Price, Joshua Van Fleet, Philetus Swift and David Sutherland.  Reference is made editorially to objections raised against Col. Troup because he represented English interests as agent of the Pulteney estate.  The GAZETTE vouches for his thorough republicanism. Among other items are these:

"Letters from St. Helena to the 2d April reached London, at which time Bonaparte was in a very good state of
health, and expressed much satisfaction at his new house, and passed most of his time in attending to the decoration of it".

Other foreign news refers to a revolt of several provinces against Turkey and the massing of troops by the Porte to suppress the rebellion.

The marriage announcements in this old paper are Josiah Wendell to Miss Emila C., daughter of Gen. Amos Hale of West Bloomfield, and Robert Pomeroy to Jane M., daughter of Judge Atwater of Canandaigua.

The death announcements are John Freleigh of Seneca, Dr. J. Ray of Pittsford, and Rufus King of Albany.

An item from the Rochester Telegraph refers to the selection of a site for the court house in Monroe county "at the spot called the Public Square, originally laid out by Messrs. Rochester, Fitzhugh & Carroll, a few rods west of the bridge in that village."

The advertising patrons of this old GAZETTE are Ten Eyck and Fondey, general merchandise; Jabez Colt & Co. of Montreal; Hortsen & Tappen, druggists; S. Chapman, of Seneca Falls; Gordon & Son, general merchandise; R. M. Bayley, general merchandise; Ayrault & Co. dry goods and groceries; Dr. Jas. Carter, drugs and medicines; Wm. S. DeZeng, announces the intended removal of his store to Glass Factory Bay; Geneva Academy opened June 11 under the superintendency of Rev. D. McDonald, James Rees, senior trustee.

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From Geneva Gazette 30 September 1898

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From Geneva Courier 18 June 1851

The Village of Geneva

Among the many pleasant and healthy residences in Western New York, the beautiful village of Geneva stands pre-eminent; and now that it can be reached, by means of the New York and Erie Railroad, in thirteen hours from the great metropolis of the State, and from Albany by the Central Railroad, in seven hours, it cannot fail to be much resorted to, not only as a delightful summer residence, but as the permanent home and families who have children to educate, of especially those who are restricted to a moderate income.

Property is low there, and good houses, with spacious gardens and excellent fruit, may be rented at two hundred dollars a year, or can be purchased at proportionate rates.  Many of the most respectable families, including the Professors in the College, professional men and others, live well on salaries and incomes varying from eight hundred to fifteen hundred dollars a year.  The best fire wood can be purchased at from two dollars and fifty cents to two dollars and seventy-five cents a cord. Fresh butter, of the best quality, is usually sold at from twelve and half to fourteen cents a pound; eggs at ten cents a dozen, with meats and other eatables proportionately low.

In addition to several Schools for boys and girls, there is a College with both academic and medical departments, the Professorship in which are filled by men of great worth and high literary and scientific attainments, who, of course, exert an influence upon the social circle, always tending to elevate and refine.  In this College, upon the suggestion of one of its trustees, (in 1825), was first established an English department under the same Professors with the Classical department, which has been continued then to the present time, and has since been copied by some of the other Colleges in this State and in New England -- thus obviating the objection of exclusiveness so long made against the higher seminaries of learning.  The term bills at Geneva do not exceed forty-six dollars a year, including tuition, room rent and all other charges.  Boarding in respectable families can be obtained at from two dollars to two dollars and fifty cents a week, and at the best hotels at from two dollars and fifty cents to three dollars a week.  
The population of Geneva is about five thousand, who may be described as an intelligent, respectable, church-going people.

There are several large and well-built church edifices of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, Methodist, and other
denominations.  The Episcopal Church, which is built of stone, is a beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture, with windows of stained glass.  This may be regarded as the metropolitan church of the diocese of Western New York, and the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Wm. H. DeLancey, resides in the village.

Geneva is beautifully situated on the west bank of the Seneca Lake which is forty miles long, and varying from two to four miles in width.  This lake is entered by three of the State canals, viz.; the Cayuga and Seneca, the Crooked Lake, and the Chemung.  The water is remarkably pure, and owing to its great depth, never freezes.  The steamboats running between Geneva and Jefferson, at the head of the lake, make the daily trips with as much punctuality in winter as in summer, and at least one of these boats, the Ben Loder, may well be classed, both as to size and speed, with the best now afloat on any of the waters of this State, with accommodations inferior to none.  This beautiful boat with all its furniture and equipments, is the work of mechanics residing in the village, and furnishes a truthful advertisement of their taste and skill.  The engine only was made at the West Point Foundry.  The boilers, which are of a peculiar construction, were made at the works of the intelligent and enterprising proprietor, John R. Johnson, Esq.  These are upright and, of course, occupy much less room, which alone is an important recommendation; but they possess other advantages over the ordinary boilers and, although introduced by Mr. Johnson against the opinion of a number of practical engineers, it is gratifying to know that his anticipations have been fully realized, and that these boilers will now, doubtless, pass into general use.  The fuel may be either wood or coal; the Blossburg coal is the kind now used, and answers every purpose.

Owing to the influence, in winter, of the open lake, the temperature of which is always above freezing, the climate of Geneva is particularly favorable for the cultivation of peaches, grapes, quinces, and other fruits which do not flourish in many places of the same latitude.  The writer of this article has eaten as good peaches, apricots and grapes which were raised in the open grounds at Geneva, as any that come to the New York market.

In summer, the nights at Geneva are usually cool and refreshing, without any mosquitos, which torment us so much in New York and its vicinity.  The village is well supplied with water from the White Springs farm, the residence of Mrs. Lee, the much-respected widow of the late Gideon Lee, formerly Mayor of New York.

A number of families, deservedly occupying high social position, have already been attracted from this city to Geneva, and doubtless many more will follow.  Some of the best farms in the neighborhood are occupied by gentlemen who have evinced their good sense as well as their good taste in retiring from the ceaseless round of excitements, and the fitful changes of business to these peaceful walks of rural life, "where the rivers run among the hills, and where the valleys stand thick with corn."  How great the change -- from the conventional arrangements and restraints of artificial life, under the despotism of fashion -- from an atmosphere always more or less tainted with physical and moral poison, to the free and balmy air of fields and gardens, with all the delightful associations of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, the silent yet truthful witnesses of an invisible hand, ever teaching the most impressive lessons that man can learn, and always pointing us from Nature up to Nature's God.

All who visit Geneva cannot fail to be favorably impressed by the good taste everywhere displayed in the cultivation of shrubs, plants, and flowers, and the trees that shade and ornament the streets and grounds.  The gardens on the east side of Main street are strikingly picturesque and beautiful, by being terraced to the lake, the descent being nearly one hundred feet.  I have already said that the inhabitants of Geneva are intelligent and respectable.  I will now add that there probably is no village in the State where the impress of refinement and cultivation is more distinctly marked.  

I might go on to say much more of this delightful spot, this oasis, not of a desert, but of as rich, fertile, and beautiful tract of country as any on this continent.  But I will reserve this for another occasion on which I purpose to say something of this garden of the State of New York.       New York, June 1851

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From Geneva Gazette 3 September 1886

GLIMPSES OF GENEVA

by NASR ED-DIN

Street Scenes and Buildings

The peculiar beauty of Geneva is proverbial, but I should perhaps make mention of some of the most prominent mansions, churches and other structures that give a distinctive character to the scenery.  The writer cannot do better than to mention first Rose Hill, the splendid estate of Robert J. Swan.  It stands on a high ridge of land on the opposite side of the lake from the village, the grounds and rich meadows running to the shore.

Crossing over to the town we have on the north the home grounds of the brothers Maxwell, and of Messrs. W. & T. Smith.  Leaving Castle road and going south on the Pre-emption, one passes the Van Dusen nurseries with their beautiful hedges of cedar.  At the head of Hamilton street is Maple Hill, the suburban home of a former New Yorker, and on the opposite corner the residence at one time of the well-known Captain Tuttle, now owned by Captain J. S. Lewis, the intimate personal friend of the late Judge Folger.  It was a favorite retreat of the great jurist when home from the cares of state for a short period, and often the Judge with his constant friend would wend his way to this charming spot and spend a good share of the day strolling around the estate and vicinity, leaving for the town at dusk, refreshed and invigorated by the excursion.

It is an interesting fact that on this corner in 1825 a large party of gentlemen awaited the coming of General LaFayette to act as a guard of honor when he visited Geneva during his triumphal progress through the state.

On the terrace below this road and on Jay street is the villa of ex-Senator Hammond; on the same ridge the elegant dwellings of Mr. Patterson and the late Judge Foot, the latter now the property of William Smith.

Several tasty mansions are on the shore of the lake.  One of the most romantic is the cottage formerly owned by Mr. Otis, adjoining the home of Colonel Miller, another spacious and eligible mansion.  Some distance nearer the village is the handsome residence of W. J. King, on the bluff.  It is on the site of what was once a flourishing academic school.

On Main street, which runs from the sightly residence of Hon. W. W. Wright on the North to Mile Point on the South, we have many other homes deserving special mention.  Among the more prominent is the handsome Doric structure occupied by President Potter of Hobart; the former residence of General Hillhouse, now owned by Professor Nash; and Com. Merriman's commanding house, built by Col. Prince; and the late residence of Secretary Folger.

On Genesee street we have the ornate houses of S. K. Nester and Mr. George Hemiup, and several others.  On North street the houses of Thomas McBlain, A. Ansley, John Dove, and Chas. A. Steele, and the Torrey mansion, now owned by Wm. Smith.  On Exchange street the parsonage of Rev. Father McManus and on Washington street "The Hermitage".

A tourist passing through our business streets is impressed by the activity and bustle alike visible and audible in all the conditions of street life.  In fact the true key to the character of our citizens is the daily aspect of our leading streets, and although the throng is not always continuous, it possesses true metropolitan push and energy.

A walk up Seneca and Exchange streets will repay the visitor who has leisure.  He may not find many handsome structures, but he will have seen the chief business portions of the town, as also the building devoted to our city government.

Should the belated traveler desire other sights there is the arc and incandescent electric light stations, and the new mineral spring which is receiving much attention from the juveniles, and older people as well.

Geneva as a representative town of American wealth and culture possesses several noble buildings.  Of course she has not those millionaire structures to be found in some cities of great size, but for buildings possessing fitness of design she is not excelled.

Foremost among these are the various college halls, professors' houses, school buildings, business structures, foundries, hotels and malt-houses.

The ecclesiastical edifices of Geneva are also worthy in a measure of the town's future greatness, the principal denominations seeming to have vied with each other in the erection of commodious churches, and in no direction has Geneva's public spirit shown itself to better advantage or more effectively.

Among the finest we notice old Trinity on South Main street, a grand edifice of gray stone with an English tower.  A magnificent memorial stained-glass window, painted to order in Europe, is in the chancel.  There are also several interesting marble tablets in the interior.

St. Peter's church on Genesee park is celebrated for its entrancing chimes which ring out on all important occasions as well as for church services.  On the opposite corner is the North Presbyterian church, also of gray stone, with a graceful and slender spire.  Rev. Dr. Hogarth has been the popular pastor until within a recent period.

It would be invidious to mention more instances of our striking architecture, particularly  church edifices, though the temptation to dilate on their imposing facades and salient features is very great.

PARKS AND PLEASURE PLACES

The tourist who visits Geneva and is at last obliged to tear himself away from its charms, always carries with him, according to his own account, enduring memories of our attractive and picturesque environs; the whole town offering advantages that but few places equal and none surpass.  But one improvement is lacking, a great public park.  The Superintendent of the State Experimental Station, who is an enthusiastic advocate of this scheme, intends sometime if possible to utilize a large natural glen and woods on the Station, and with the help of a landscape artist turn the same into a "Wild Garden."  Then we should indeed
have a place where all might revel.

At present we have the Pre-Emption race-course where twice a year all wend their way.  The enclosure is also used for the annual Union Fair, and as the grounds of the Lakeside Gun Club.

There are two beautiful parks in the middle of the town which, though small, are much admired.

West of the village are many fine pieces of woods including Sylvan Grove, while to the south are Cromwell's Ravine and Slate Rock.  Both of these glens are quite celebrated.

In the absence of a Park, we have as compensation a beautiful lake which entire year proves a source of delight.

As may be imagined Geneva has always been a great place for aquatic sport.  It began with swimming instituted by the hardy young pioneers, then in succession came rafting, sailing, canal boating, and finally the palace steamers of the Steam Navigation Company which cut swiftly their native element.

The first fast sailer was the old "Cygnet", and she was "streaked lightning".  When entered for a regatta anywhere Genevans always supported her, and she always won the race.  The yacht was finally put up at lottery and won by Geo. M. Horton, who sold her to some gentlemen who moved her to Lake Ontario where she became a smuggler, and so remained until she finally went to pieces.

The first "shell" was the eight-oared "Lady-of-the-Lake", brought here in 1857.  It should have had a steam engine to make it go--but still there was plenty of fun with it.  The boat's greatest defect was tipping over, pitching its occupants into the water, and coming to the surface bottom upwards.  As from experience the oarsmen were usually prepared for such a contingency, these involuntary baths were not harmful.

Extending out into the lake is a long State pier.  A few years since a liberal-hearted citizen, the President of the village, Matthew Wilson, built mostly at his own expense two swimming houses for the boys and young men of the town, and the public are thus able to enjoy this most exhilarating and healthful sport.  It is not an uncommon sight on warm summer evenings to see a score or more of sturdy, happy urchins sporting in the water as if it were their native element; while a little later their strapping elder brothers come, and soon they too plunge in and manifest their delight by turning back-somersaults and other antics that "wash" all care away.

The streets of Geneva are very attractive to our citizens on Sunday afternoons owing to good walks and luxuriant shade.  No matter in what direction we go there is the same pleasant, attractive scene.  The fences are mostly taken away, and the private grounds which almost every home possesses, seem to be a part of public property with their choice shrubbery and brilliant flower beds.  We have no bronze statues of public men, but they will come in time, and the men themselves we have !

One of the pleasant customs incident to outdoor life is that most of our grand places with their beautiful grounds and drives have their entrance gates thrown invitingly open, and tourists may feel themselves at liberty to drive through the same, usually of course without alighting from their carriage.  It is taken more as a compliment than otherwise, and the kindly though unwritten privilege is very rarely abused if ever.

There is a project on foot to take the Hobart Esplanade on South Main street and turn it into an improved park, with an aquarium on the lake shore.  The plan is quite elaborate but nothing has as yet been done in the way of work.  There is also another plan which has thus far progressed at the same rate.  It is the plan of turning a fine piece of woods and meadow between Castle and Washington streets west of the village, into an archery grounds and shooting range.  We would recommend this to the Geneva Improvement Association.

Several valuable improvements have been made in Geneva within a few years in the way of landscape gardening; the laying out of Poultney park, Hamilton terrace, and Glenwood cemetery.  In this section, as in other parts of the town, there are many fine places, though of course there is no comparison between these and hundreds of houses in surrounding cities; and boasting of the natural attractions which we possess, let us claim no more than we have but strive to develop the resources which nature has so bountifully showered upon us, and
 

"Unless fate has faithless grown,
And the voice of prophet vain,
Geneva is destined to be the place
To which the traveler returns again."

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