Class COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT / ALBANYS BI-CENTENNIAL i| CHRONICLE OK Local Events, I 6801 OF THE PAST 200 YEARS, En^bracing Il|any ILLUSTRpONS of Albany I 886! In Y^ OLDEN Tip, South Broadway, 1805. ILLUSTRATED. Compiled by A. 0. SPKISGER, Albany, N. T. Price 20 Cents. COMPLI31EIiTS OF W See Page Copyrighted, 1886, by A. 0. SprWger. ARE YOU INSURED? G. A. VAU ALLEIT, Preadent C. p. WILLIAMS, Vice-President. R. V. DE WITT, Secretary. C. P. WILLIAMS, I. A. CHAPMAN, B. R. WOOD, 0. B. LANSING, G. A. VAN ALLEN C. H. ADAMS, SAML. SCHUYLER, E. D. JONES, S. DE LA GRANGE, O. H. DAVENPORT. JESSE C. POTTS, JAS. W. EATON, NATHAN B. PERRY. $S,500,000 LOSSES PAID Since Organization, June, 1859. ST Sta,te Street. itlittia N PUBLISHING this work, we would respectfully say that we have endeavored to make the book simply a brief chronicle of most of the important events which have occurred in Albany, since its first discovery and settlement. We have not nor do we claim to give a full history in detail ; that has been done by eminent historians and writers, and yet there remains much to be written on Albany's past two hundred years; there are so many subjects each of which would fill a large volume. In this work we have compiled notes from the Documentary History of New York,Weise's History, Memoirs of Mrs. Grant, and Mun- lell's Collections and Annals, and other works. The labor and expense has been great. Our illustrations show many scenes of Albany in "ye olden time," streets, residences and noted buildings, some of which still remain, as valuable landmarks of Williamstadt, B.'verwyck and Fort Orange. In conclusion we would kindly say to our patrons who have assisted us in our undertaking, that we return thanks, beWeving that this book in their hands will readily be sought after by many, and be prized in families as a memento of Albany's Bi-Centennial. A. O. SPRING-ER, Compiler. THE EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT OF ALBANY. The first advent of white men at Albany, history relates, were a party of Frenchmen, who landed near the city on the west side of the river. They erected earthworks on an island, but abandoned them in a short time. In 1609 Henry Hud- son sailed from Amsterdam in the vessel. The Half Moon, of eighty tons burden, "and on the nineteenth of September an- chored near Albany. The Indians received him and his erew in a friendly spirit, bringing beaver and otter skins, grapes, pumpkins, etc., in their canoes to his ship. On the twenty-third of the same month Hudson started homeward-bound from Albany. In the year 1614 a party of Hollanders arrived here and stopped on the island formerly occupied by the French, iticing the old ruins of the earthworks, they called'it Fort Nassau. The following inscription was placed near it : lassau is fifty-eight feet wide between the walls. In the quadrangle the moat is eighteen feet wide. The house in- . fort is thirty-six feet long and twenty-six wide. A garrison of a dozen Dutch soldiers were placed at this fort to de- from the Indians. In 1618 this place was abandoned. A few years after this large colonies of Hollanders arrived at // — a great many through the colonization plans of the Dutch West India Company. In 1624 there were a party of .'en families that settled at Albany and built a small fort of logs and earth and called it Fort Orange in honor of Mau- ;he Prince of Orange. In 1674 Fort Nassau and Williamstadt were called Albany. iMANMirsiSMr^srftesM! Albany's Temple of Music. At time passes and the taste of the people bacomes refined aod elevated, there is no art that attracts more attention than music. Forty years ago a piano in the house of a mechanic was a wonder, a piece of extrava- gance that was coneidered folly. Now, however, in the hoose of every well-to-do mechanic, and eBpecially one who has daugh- i ters, there is to be found a Piano, ij This 16 as It should be, for music *' renders home cheerful and hap- py, and takes away the desire to seek pleasure elsewhere. This is the eftect, and the cause is to be lound in the energy of the firm of Cluett & Sows, of 49 J! State Street, Albany, who have ^' done so much to make music popular. They were the pio- neers of trade in Albany, 30 years ago, and we now find them at the head of the largest establishment of the kind in the State, with the Sole Agencies of the best Pianos and Organs in the world. Let everybody EST-A-BIjISr^ElD, les^. ORGANS «=^«^=^5 Musical Entertainment, 1800, who is fond of muBic go to Cltj- BTT & Sons', and see now easy it ie to obtain a Piano or Organ. We are the largest Piano and Or- gan dealers in tne State, represent the largest number of valuable agencies, possess the most liber- al facilities, and have a record of over a quarter of a century for Fair and Honorable Dealing, Low for Cash and on easy terms. At this Popular Depot you will find the largest stock of Sheet Music, Music Books and Musi- cal Merchandise to be found in the market. You can find Stein- 1^ way, Chickerin^, Weber, Linde- man, Gabler, Fisher, Pease and Stone, Pianos, and the Estey and Wilcox & White and Kim- ball Organs at most satisfactory prices. Every instrument war- ranted. Satisfaction guaranteed. Do not fail to call and examine the bargains. A large stock of Pianos and Organs to rent at from $1.00 a month to $5.00 a month. If bought we allow a ' large amount of rent — easy terms. PIANOS THE BI-CENTENNUL. Joseph Brant, aged 43. From a miniature painted on ivory from life, when Brant was in London in 1785-86. It is in the pos- uision of the Brant family, and is considered the best picture of this noted Indian ever taken. Records of Albany. On July 23, 1691, Major Richard Ingoldsby acted as governor, (through the sudden death of Gov. Sloughter) until the arrival of Governor Benjamin Fletcher in August, 1692. In 1765, Stephen Van Rensselaer, completed the manor THE INDIANS — THEIR MANNERS, CUSTOMS, &c., 1600 TO 1700. When the Indians were at war, and wished to inform those of the party who might pass their path, they would make a picture of the animal of their tribe with a hatchet in his dexter paw — sometimes a sabre or a club. And if there were a num- ber of tribes together in the same party, each would draw the animal of his tribe, and the number denoting the tribe's party all on a tree, from which the bark had been removed. The animal of the tribe leading the expedition is always the fore- most. Their bread was Indian corn beaten into pieces between two stones, of which they made a cake and baked it in the ashes. They ate venison, turkeys, hares, bears and wildcats, their own dogs and other things. When hungry they would make a fire and cook, getting fire by rubbing pieces of wood, one against the other very quickly. When their corn was ripe they would take off the earsand place them in deep pits. At one time in speaking in Albany, one of the Mohawk orators, said it was a place where they made covenant chains, and called Albany the "House of Peace.'' In 1689, the strength of the various Tribes of Indians in this vicinity ■were as follows : Mohawks, 270 ; Oneidas, 180; Onondagas, 500 ; Cayugas, 300 ; Senecas, 1300; and River Indians, 250, a total of 2800. Nine years later there were 110 Mohawks, 70 Oneidas, 250 Onondagas, 200 Cayugas, 600 Senecas, and 90 River Indians, in all 1320. Showing a decrease of 1480. In 1696 and 1697 bands of Canadian Indians, massacred many inhabitants near Albany and burned their dwellings. house, which still can be seen in the northern part of the city, it has quite a history, and has been visited by large numbers of people. About 1748,, Governor George Clinton appointed Col. William Johnson, as chief manager of the Indian war and head over all the Indian tribes in the war against the French and Indians. YIN HIUSEN, iWm & CO., 468 and 470 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N. Y. All pertaining to our LINE OF BUSINESS we provide at the Loupost Trices Possible. Our Stock of Lamps, Gas Fixt\ires, Silver-P*lated "W^are AND Is laraje. We invite an examination. Having Removed to a Better Location, a more Commodious Store, with ample room to display a Larger Stock, we will Exhibit in their Respective Seasons, THE FINEST QUALITY AND Most FASHIONABLE Styles ^^ OF ^ Ss ■ Silki, Ope7'a, Casshnere and Straw Also, a Special Line of Novelties in BOYS ^itTiD cmXiXJieiEivr's Felt, Cloth aijd Fancy Straw tjats, And a large Assortment of TDTRTVC! alligator and D A p Q InUlmU, GRAIN LEATHER DAUU, SILK UMBRELLAS AND GLOVES. W. R. SOHERMERHORN, Uo. 21 UOHTH PEAHL ST., Opp, Tweddle Bailding, 'Albany Agent for YOUMANS', New York HATS, THE BI-CENTENNIAL. PETER SCHUYLER, The First Mayor of Albany. Peter Schuyler was the son of Philip Pieterse Schuyler, the founder of the Schuyler family in this country. He married Margaritta Van Slichten- horst a daughter of one of the agents of the patroon, Kilian Van Rensselaer. Among the old family re- cords was found the fol- lowing, (1657, 'he 17th September, iVIonday, is born our second son, Pieter Van Schuyler. May the Lord God let him grow up in virtues to his salva- tion, Amen). At the age of twenty-five he was deacon of the Dutch church (in another page of this book will be found a fac simile of the Schuyler coat of arms dated 1656, which was on the stained glass window of the old Dutch church. He was under thirty when first mayor of Albany. Not alone in the arts of peace and diplomacy was he distinguished. Governor Dongan appointed him lieutenant of cavalry at the age of twenty-seven, he rose to the rank of colonel ; he was also Peter Schuyler, First Mayor of Albany, judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, a high judicial appointment, during the Leisler trouble he conducted him- self with great ability and foresight. The French and Indian expeditions causing much excitement among the settlers of Albany, and at this time the massacre at Schen- ectady took place. Schuyler's greatest military enterprise was, when he took command of an expedition against the French and Indians in 1691, when with only 120 whites and 146 Indians he pursued the enemy through the Cham- plain region and near the northern boundary of New York, attacking a large superior force, and was victorious in several engagements, his loss was 37 men, one-half of whom were Indians, the enemy lost 200. In 1710 Schuyler visited England taking several Indian chiefs with him, he refused the offer of knighthood, and the queen ordered his portrait painted, which is still preserved at Troy. He be- came president of the Governor's council in 1709, which office he held until his death in 1724, his fame extended through the colonies, in Canada and in Europe, and in the words of another we say, why not in this Bi-Centennial year honor the memory of Peter Schuyler in sculptured bronze ? His fame was national. He was born in Albany ; lived in Albany ; and in Albany achieved his fame. Records of Albany. In 1687, Albany was threatened by an invasion of the French and Indians. Governor Dongan ordered troops from the garrison of Fort James, New York, for the pro- tection of Albany. To preserve the peace, during the military occupation, all sale was prohibited of any strong drink, beer, cider or other liquor to any person after Taptoo, IT STANDS AT THE HEAD! THE LIGHT RUNNING Milk Im Mm, I C/3 03 CO 03 03 txd sM© Paper f aiMoiif /\nd the LIGHT RUNNING -'DOMESTIC" DOMESfIC mm MACBINE COMPANY, 99 North Pearl St., ALBANY, N. Y. HENRY ROWLANDS, :est.a.bxjISh:ex), i832. No. 27 NORTH PEARL ST.. No. 40 Maiden Lane, 4 ^ < » » IMPORTER AND DEALER IN I udJiui ^^> uu ^ND OTHER PRECIOUS STONES. THE BI-CENTENNUL. THE PATROONS. On the seventh of June, 1629, the West India Co., adopted a new plan for the colonization of New Netherland ; a person who within the space of four years would plant a colony of fifty persons over fifteen years of age, would be permitted to choose such land as desired, extending four Dutch or English miles along one side of a navigable river or two Dutch or six English miles along both sides of the same, and so far back at a person could walk in two days, these people were to be free from customs, taxes, excises, imports, etc., for the term often years, each patroon was granted full possession and enjoyment of the land within the limits of his manor and the right to dispose of it by testament. About 1630 Kilian Van Rensselaer of Amsterdam, a wealthy man who had been a dealer in pearls and diamonds in that city, re- ceived authority to locate and settle a colony. On the eighteenth day of April, 1630, the Indians conveyed to this patroon the tract of land called Sanckhagag, on the west side of the river, extending from a point above Beeren Gen, Solomon Van Rensselaer. Island to a point opposite Smack Island in breadth, and two days journey inland. On the twenty-fourth day of May, 1630, the ship Unity with Commander Crol arrived at Fort Orange with these colonists. The patroon alio secured a tract on the west side of the river above Fort Orange, and a tract named Gesnerset on the east side of the river opposite Castle Island extending from Peta- nock, the Molen Kill, northward to Negagouse, about three Dutch miles long, the lands held by the colonists at this time was called Rensselaerwyck. The patroon had the right of purchasing before all other persons the grain and cattle of his tenants, and all other property belonging to them. When a colonist died intestate, his property reverted to the patroon. They were also required to take their grain to the Patroons' Mill to be ground. In 1637 the patroons became possessed of a manor about twenty- one miles long and forty-six wide, more than six hundred thousand acres of land, at present included within the limits of Albany and Rensselaer. Records of Aleany. In 1693, Robert Livingston was made a sub-collector of customs at Albany and William Shaw, ganger, Pieter Schuyler, mayor, Dick Wessels, recorder, Robert Livings- ton, town clerk and John Apell, sheriff. Major Richard Ingoldsby commander of Fort Orange, was made president and Robert Livingston, judge advocate of the court mar- tial, for the purposes of martial law. The militia of Albany at this time numbered three hundred and fifty-nine men, under the control of Mayor Pieter Schuyler. In 1832, Albany was visited with a great cholera scourge and about 500 persons died with the disease. Ciart^rrcnewedini828 &1851 STATE STREET, CORNER OF CHAPEL. CHARTER RENEWED, 1881. DIRECTORS. JOHN J. OLCOTT, WILLIAM KIDD, RUFUS H. KING, ERASTUS CORNING, JAMES B. JERMAIN, GRANGE SARD, JR., J. W. TILLINGHAST. THEODORE TOWNSEND, Vice-President. JOHN E. McELROY, Secretary, This Old Established Home Company, in the 75th year of business in Albany, solicits your patronage, 'and will|insure for one year, or three year term, at rates as low as those of any reliable company. JOHN H. VAN ANTWERP, CHARLES B, LANSING, J. HOWARD KING, ERNEST J. MILLER, JACOB H. TEN EYCK, THEODORE TOWNSEND, J. HOWARD KING, President, THE BI-CENIENNUL. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. ^^ Hospitalities around thej" Old Fire Place." In Ye Olden Time. Mr. Arthur James Weise, in his History of Albany, thus relates the manners and customs of the early|settlers, in 1685. "The houses in the village, about one hundred in number, were mostly built of logs, or of framed timber, some were built of brick ; few of the steep gable-roofs had eave-troughs. The chimneys were mostly built on the outside of the houses, at their gable ends, and were made wide and deep at the bottom for large fire places. Stoops, low wooden platforms, with backed benches, were gener- ally placed before the front doors. These porches on fair summer evenings were the favorite out-door sitting places of the villagers. In the best rooms of the wealthiest were bedsteads with high posts that almost touched the ceilings, a cloth canopy, from the top on a frame hung down so at to nearly touch the floor. The valance was a curtain on the lower part of the bedstead. The kitchen was the living room, especially in the winter. In the spacious fire- place was the horizontal bar, from which by iron hooks was hung the various kettles used in cooking, the loom stood in one corner of the room upon which the wife and daughters wove the linen and woolen fabrics for the use of the household ; the spinning wheels and the baby's crib that stood near, the hams and bacon, the cases of puddings and sausages, the strings of red pepper pods, the bunches of dried herbs, the yellow ears of corn all hanging from the heavy beams overhead, and the quaint furniture gave a very unique and comfortable appearance to the kitchens of the first families of Albany. Occasionally in these kitchens the friendly Mohawks with their squaws and papooses found shelter from the weather of a winter's night, and saw the hospitable Dutchmen dandling their little children on their knees while their busy wives sat at their looms casting the thread-bearing shuttles through the warps of some desired cloths. When the bell of the Reformed church rang the curfew at eight o'clock at night, the people of the village carefully covered the coals on the kitchen hearth with ashes and went to bed. At sunrise tall columns of smoke began to ascend from the chimneys and shortly afterwards the risen families were eating their morning meals of plain but sub- stantial food. J. F.SEMAN, OPTICIAN, CORNER STATE AND NORTH PEARL STS., peita© IN GOLD, SILVER AND STEEL FRAMES. And all Kinds of Optical Instruments. t»- Special Attention given to Oculist's Prescription8.-«« This is the oldest establishment of the kind in the City of Albany, and is extensively known throughout the State of New York for keeping the best Eye Glasses and Spectacles, and for safely fitting the various deficiencies of sight. THE BI-CENTENNIAL. North Pearl Street View 1S05 The illustration on this page shows a view of North Pearl street in 1805. William McClellan then resided at the first house. In the next was the residence o\ John B. Romeyn, D. D. (now the site of the "St. Marc" building). It has been related that Gen. Washington whilse in Albany, shortly after the revolution made this historic spot his headquarters. The next was the house of Nicholas Bleecker, one of Albany's wealthiest merchants. Peter Elmendorf lived in the next house, and between that and the school adjoining was the play ground for the boys. The last house was the residence of John Andrews, a con- stable who was the terror of evil-doers in old Albany fifty years ago. The Burghers (Schout's), Sherief's, Officers, etc. In 1057 the exclusive privileges of citizenship was conferred on certain male inhabitants of New Amsterdam. On the twenty- sixth of September, 1673, Lieut. Andries Draeyer was appointed schout (sheriff) of Willemstadt and Rens- selaerwyck. In 1674, Michael Siston was appointed sheriff of Albany and Rens- jelaerwyck and Richard Pretty, excise collector. In 1686 an ordinance was passed that no person or persons should be permitted to work at any trade, or work until he should have served as an appren- tice to some burgher of the city for the term of four years, unless they should be other- ways qualified. Records of Albany. Colonel Robert Hunter, was commissioned governor of New York, Oct. 19, 1709. Oct. 1 713. Robert Barrett was appointed city bellman for one year with a salary of £21 pounds current money, he was to be provided with sixty loads of wood, for the winter and to have two candles each night. LADIES and GENfTS No. 50 NORTH PEARL ST., New Yori Stores, ALBANY. DINNBB TABLE DE HOTE from 12 to 2 and from 5 to 7 JP. 31. Ordinarij, 75 cents; with Wine, $1.00. Special attention paid to LADIES' LUNCH, during Shopping- hours. N. B. Personal attention given to Weddings, Receptions, Private Parties, etc. WILLIAM N. HASKELL. THE BI-CENIENNIAL. _7 fence ; a committee was appointed to prepare and receive plans for the union of the colonies, and to form them into one general plan. The committee appointed to prepare this plan, were Thomas Hutchinson, Theodore Atkinson, William Pitkin, Stephen Hopkins, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Tasker. It was proposed to ask of Great Britain, that an act of Parliament might be passed, giving to Amer- ica one general form of government, including all the colonies, and that each colony might retain its own con- stitution. Philadelphia was named as the place for the annual meetings. England refused to accede to the wishes of the convention, but the tree of liberty had been planted at Albany, and in after years it bore glorious fruit. The Convention was presided over by Benjamin Frank- lin, who, with Stephen Hopkins, afterwards affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence. THE HISTORIC CITY HALL. i i i g i i § § i § The old City Hall, Erected about 1743. This famous edifice was erected about 1743 and stood on the cor. Broadway and Hudson avenue now the Commer- cial building. On the 19th of July, 1776, the Declaration of Independ- ence was read and pub- ished at this spot, in the presence of an immense multitude of people in- ^' eluding a large number of continental troops. In 1776 the citizens of Al- bany commemorated this event by placing a tablet In 1780 and in 1789, on the face of this building. the legislature of the state met and held its annual sessions here. In June 1754, the Colonial Congress convened for the purpose of forming a more perfect union of the colonies. There were delegates to this body, from the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland. The delegates repre- senting New York were Joseph Murray, William Johnson, John Chambers and William Smith. The sessions of the congress were held in the court house ^city hall, see illustration on this page), a motion was made at one of the sessions and unanimously carried, that a union of all the colonies was absolutely necessary for their safety and de- Records of Albany. In Nov. 1699, John RatclifFe and Robert Barrett were appointed watchmen of the city, rattle-watch (Ratelwagh) for one year, every night from ten o'clock until daylight they were to patrol the city, their pay for the year was £22, \bs. In 1709, 171 1, Albany was the scene of military events ; some 3,000 troops from England were encamped in Albany besides large numbers of Indian allies for the pur- pose of invading Canada, but the expedition resulted in failure. In May, _ 1824, the pier was built, it was about four thousand four hundred feet long, eighty feet wide, and twenty feet high, it extended along the east side of the basin, it made a harbor for over 1000 canal boats, besides a large number of other water craft. B. m\% \m TOBACCO COMPmiY, ESTT^BLISHZEID 1842. Manufacturers of the Original SERENO, MARGARITA, and LENA CROSS-PIPE, CONTINENTAL and CATCH-ALL Wm. McEw.i^N, Pros. Arthur S. Patn, Vice Pres. Robert Bryce, Treas Corner MAIDEN LAITE and JAMES ST., S. R. GRAY, P5 Nos. 42 and 44 State Street, .A.LBj^isr~2", isr. '2'. THE BI-CENTENNIAL. 'IW COMMISSARIS ^ ^ d 65 6. THE HOUSES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS, 1600 to 1700. A Dutch writer in his description of the first habitations of Albany, says : They first dig a square pit in the ground cellar-fashion, six or seven feet deep and as long and as wide as they think proper. They case the earth inside with the bark of trees, or something else, to prevent the caving in of the earth. They floor this cellar with plank and clapboard it overhead for a ceiling, run a roof of span clear up and cover the spars with bark or green sodi, so that they can live dry and warm in these houses with their families for two three and four years. In after years there was steady improvement made in building their houses. In May 1704, it was ordered by the Common Council that a market house should be built in the middle of Jon- kers (now State street) opposite to ye lane between ye house of Major Dirk Wessels and Evart Wendel Sen'r at ye Citty's charges. The structure was of wood, open on all sides, it contained a number of butcher stalls and large tables, from which butter, vegetables and farm pro- duce were sold. Saturday was market day. The Rev. Samuel Chandler, who was in Albany in 1775, writes of the buildings and streets of Albany as follows. Some of the fire places in the houses of the Dutch people had very small jambs with three or four rows of tile, along the streets were rows of small button trees, many of the brick houses were curiously flowered with black bricks and dated with the same. The governor's house was orna- mented with two black brick hearts, the brick houses were commonly one story high and their gable-ends were notched like steps, they had window shutters and loop holes in the cellars. CARPETS. i I m tJiSMEl k CO. No. 69 North Pearl St., OPPOSITE THE KENMORE. In Business iu Albany, Enables us to understand the wants of the people. Our Stock of CABPETS, RUGS, MATS and MATTING, Is Complete in Everj Detail. A. B. VAN GAASBEEK & CO. THE BI-GRNTENNUL. EARLY SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. In 1664, during the English occupatiofi Governor Nicolls in order that the children of the Diitch nnight learn the English language, granted the following license : " Whereas, The teaching of the English Tongue is neces sary in this Government, I have therefore thought fitt to give License to John Shutte to bee the Engliih Schoolmaster at Albany ; And upon con- dition that the said John Shutte, shall not demand any more wages from each SchoUar than is given by the Dutch to the Dutch Schoolmaster, I have further granted to the said John Shutte that hcc shall bee the only English School- master at Albany." About the year 1650, Dominie Grosvenor held a meet- ing for the purpose of building a school-house, the iettlers contributed the needful money and soon the school house was erected, on the 9th of September, 1650, Andreas Jansen was elected teacher. By a resolution of the common council April eighth, Bernardui Freeman, One of the earliest pastors who preached in both the Dutch and Indian tongue in Albany and Schenectady. 1721, it WIS resolved : Whereas, it is very requisite and necessary that a fitt and able schoolmaster settle in this city for teaching and instructing of the youth in spelling, reading, writeing and cyfFering and Mr. Johannis Glandorf haveing offered his service to setle here and keep a school if reasonably encourage by y" Corporation, it is therefore Resolved by this Comonalty and they do hereby oblidge themselves and successors to give and procure unto y' said Johan's Glandorf free house rent for the term of seaven years next ensucing for keeping a good and commendable school as becomes a diligent Schoolmaster. In Nov., 1779, an Academy was opened, George Mer- chant being principal and Suel Chapin was assistant. This school was held in the Vanderheyden Palace. In May, 1812, the Lancaster school was incorporated. The school term commenced, in the Mechanic's Soeiety building on the northwest corner of Chapel and Columbia streets. On the 5th of April, 181 7, the new school building was erected on the present site of the Medical College, but was discon- tinued as a school in 1834. On July 29th, 1815, the corner stone was laid for the Academy school building by Philip S. Van Rensselaer. In 181 7 it was occupied by the school. T. Romeyn Beck was principal of the institution, the cost of this building was about $100,000. The first public school building erected in 1832 on State street, known as district school No. 2, was the first school house built under the legislative act of 1830. In 1866 another act was passed establishing free schools, and Albany to-day possesses one of the most splendid and per- fect school systems in the country. The High School was erected in 1875 and 1876, and occupied May 4, 1876. ESXAEXjISHTED 1859. H. B, H. J. Q»osE. B. GLEHENT & GO. -- < ■♦■» »■» Pljysiciaijs' Prescriptions ai^d Orders A SPECIALTY. }fuTssry, ■ Toilet and Biclz 'Iloom. Corner Broadway and ClintonlAvenue, ALBANY, N. Y. ESTJ^-BXiiaHEID 1861. E. A. HOBBS, CO CO 03 CO CD 00 CD CD cd' CO Pure Confectionery and Imported Cigars. No. 19 CLINTON AVE., Corner NORTH PEARL ST., ALBANY, N. Y. 10 'I HE Bl-CENTENNIAL. THE FIRST TRAIN OF STEAM CARS. It has been generally stated, that the engine named the John Bull pulled the first train of cars that passed over the Mohawk and Hudson road. Mr. David Mathews, now of San Francisco, claims that it was the engine named the De Witt Clinton which was built in 1831, as he was at the throttle on that occasion, and he states further that the engine John Bull was the rebuilt George Fulton an Eng- lish imported and unsuccessful engine. On July 29th, 1830, near Schenectady, ground was broken with a silver spade, by Stephen Van Rensselaer for the construction of the first railroad in New York state. In about one year the road was completed, from the junc- tion of the western turnpike and Lydius street (now Madison avenue) nearly thirteen miles to the top of a hill at Schenectady. On the 3d of August, 1 831, the engine the De Witt Clinton made the trip in one hour and forty- five minutes. The illustration on this page shows the appearance of the first train of cars as it passed over the Mohawk and Hudson railroad. Among the passengers on this train were Lewis Benedict, Charles E. Dudley, Jacob Hayes, Major Meggs (sheriff), Billy Winne (Penny Post), Thurlow Weed, Ex. -Gov. Jos. C. Yates, and six other passengers, names unknown, Mr. David Mathews was the engineer. The coaches were designed much after the old style of stage coach and were built by the late James Gould of Albany, a very much esteemed citizen. An im- portant document is the old original contract, for the building of these coaches, and in this Bi-Centennial year, this contract is quite a curiosity to see, it is still retained in the possession of the James Gould Co., Albany, N. Y. A grand excursion of state and city officials and leading citizens of New York, took place over this road on Sept. 24, 1831. The road was completed in the spring of 1832, another grand excursion was given on the 14th of May, the train starting from the foot of Gansevoort street, and running into the centre of Schenectady, this was witnessed by large crowds ot people, and cannons were fired in honor of the event. The cars were drawn up the inclined plane by means of a long rope attached to them and to a station- ary engine at the top, the whole train being steadied and balanced by a car loaded with stone descending on the opposite track. In January, 1833, the cars were run by horse power from State street near the old Van Vechten Hall to the junction, about two miles out the city. EST.^BXjISI3"E3D 1B13. THE JAMES GOULD CO, BUILDERS OF FINE STYLE, FINISH AND D URABILITY UNEXCELLED. This cut represents a sleigh we built in 1816, now owned by O. C. Potter, Esq., of Syracuse, who is justly proud of the ancient vehicle. It bears its seventy years well and is still in fine condition. Do not fail when in Albany to call and see us at our Factory and Warerooms in the Block bounded by Union, Division and Hamilton Streets, Albany, N. Y. THE BI-CENTENNUL. II THE OLD GABLE HALL. Thi old Gable Hall. This old building is one of the old landmarks of Albany. In 1779, it was the residence of Governor Jay of New York, and in after years the top floor was used as a printing office by Joel Munseil, printer. For nearly sixty years it has been kept as a hat store, by different merchants, and is now managed as one by William E. Walsh & Sons, who have occupied the building since 1866. Ye Resolution, 1686, Yb Charter. At a meeting of the common council held on the twenty- sixth of October, 1686, for the purpose of taking action in regard to defray the expenses "in obtaining of y' char- ter," it was resolved to dispose off and sell some lotts of grounde upon y' Plain lying on y' south side of y" citty for gardens, as also y*^ land lying on both sides of Rutten Kill for two pastures " and appointed Gerrit Ryerse and Luykas Gerritse, assistant aldermen together with Claes Riper and Jacob Meese, carpenters " to lay out y' same in lotts and to number them " which lots were to be sold "at a pub- like vendue or outcry in y° city hall on Wednesday y" first day of December." The town clerk was ordered to "put up bills at y* citty hall door, and y' church to give notice to all persones that they may come at y' day appointed." Records of Albany. In 1640, the West India Company had a new charter of privileges and exemptions, one article was a provision allowing all patroons, free colonists and inhabitants, the privilege of selling goods brought from Holland, by the payment of a duty often per cent. Any person conveying a colony of five adult persons to New Netherland, was entitled to a tract of two hundred acres of land. In 1788, " The Albany Journal and Intelligencer " was printed. " The Albany Register " was also published this year. On January 26th, 181 3, the first number of the "Albany Argus" appeared, it was published by Jesse Buel. It was prmted on Tuesdays and Fridays in Store Lane between Washington and Green street. In Aug. 1825, it appeared as a daily paper. WM. E. WALSH & SONS, 58 and 60 STATE ST., GENTLEMEN'S AND BOYS' FIME HATS, SILK, OPER^, 3DRESS, ^ISTD Der"b37- Ha.ts- EXCLUSIVE AGENTS FOR KNOX, NEW YORK, COOKSEY & CO., LONDON. DENT'S ENGLISH GLOVES. LYON'S SILK UMBRELLAS. KNOX TRAVELING HATS. ENGLISH CLUB and GLADSTONE BAGS. PLUSH CARRIAGE ROBES. LEATHER. CANVAS. ZINC and COMMON T i^ "cr 2r. A Specialty. Manufacturers and Jobbers of Harness, Whips, Horse Clothing, Lap Robes, Dusters, Sheets & Mats. NEW MAMMOTH REPOSITORY, 108 & 110 State St., 29 & 31 Howard St., HONEST GOODS. Complete illustrated Catalogue mailed free on application, LO^ PRICES. i6 THE BI-CENTENNUL. Staats House. Erected in 1667, State street cor. of South Petri. This is the oldest house in Albany. It is one of two which stood there when South Pearl was a lane, entered by a gate, when the street was widened, the upper ^'ouse known as Lewis's tavern wai removed. The words An;-'o Domini in iron letters ran across the front of these two houses, under the eaves and below over the upper story, the figures also in iron 1667. THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 1786. The committee ippointed by the common council to celebr«tc the centennial in 1786, wai «s follows : Philip Van Rensselaer, Peter W. Yates, Aldermen ; John W. Wendell, Ricnard Lush, and Jillis Winne, assistant alder- man, this committe made the fo'iowing report: The Com- mittee to whom was Referred the Mode of Celebrating the 12nd of July Instant, Being the Century anniversary of this City, Ho Report, that in their Opinion. The Common Council Convens in the forenoon on th'^t day, at Ten O'clock at the City Hall, and from their proceed in pro- session to the Hill, westward of the City, attended by such Citizens as shall Chuse ; That during the Procession all the Bells of the several Churches in this City shall Ring, and at the arrival at the place assigned for the Purpose on the Hill, Thirteen Toasts, and one for the Chirter (be offered) under the Discharge of Fourteen Cannon. That the Order of Procession be as follows, vizt. : I. The High Sheriff. 2. The Under Sheriffs. 3 The Constables with their Staffs. 4. The Mayor and Recorder. 5. The Alder- men 6. The Common Council. 7. The Chamberlain and Clerks. 8. The Marshal. 9. The Corporations of the severil Churches. 10. The Judges of the several Courts. II. The Justices of the Peace. 12. The Mem- bers of Legislature and Attorneys at Law. 13. The Militia Officers. 14. The Engine & Fire Company. 15. The Citizens at Large. Having heard the report the Common Council, Resolved, That the Committee be a Committee to prepare and superintend the said business, who ire to purchase a Barrel of Good Spirits for the pur- pose. Resolved, that the members of this Board, have a Supf>er at Mr. Lewis's Tavern at 6 O'Clock in the after- noon. THE! OXiX)"S;ST Jewelry, Broijzes, Solid Silver Ware, &c. R. P. THORN & SOXS. TEA STORE IN ALBANY. Great China Tea Company, PRINCIPAL WAREHOUSE, 84 &c 86 ST-A.TE STI^EET. 15 Union Avenue. 120 South Pearl Street. o We have the reputation of selling the Choicest Teas and Coffees, In Large or Small Quantities, CHEAPER THAN ANY STORE IN THE CITY. New York, Boston and Albany. THE BI-CENTENNIAL. 17 GRAPHIC MILITARY SCENES IN ALBANY. Broadway, 1805, looking from the south towards the church. In Jan., 1693, ^ French expeditinn from Montreal was repulsed by about three hundred soldiers under Major Pieter Schuyler. The companies were commanded by Capts. Peter Mathews. Arcnt Schuyler, Benjamin Phipps, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, Thomas Garten and Lieut. John Schuyler. In 1700 the militia of the province of New York amounted to 3,182 men The city and county of Albany furnished 371 soldiers. The regiment of Albany at this time was commanded by Col. Pieter Schuyler and Major Dirck Wessells. The first foot company were officer "d as follows: Johannus Bleecker, captain ; Johannes Roseboom, lieut. ; Abnham Cuyler, en- sign. The second foot company, Albert Janse Ryckman, captain ; Wessel Ten Broeck, lieut. ; Johannes Thomasse, en- sign. The officers of the first foot com- pany of the county were : Martain Corne- lisse, captain ; Andries Douw, lieut. ; An- dries Coeymans, ensign. Those of the second foot company were : Gerrit Ten- nisse, captain ; Jonas Douw and Jochim Lambcrse, lieuts. ; Volkert Van Hoesen and Abraham Hause, ensigns. The offi- cers of the troop were Kiliaen Van Rens- selaer, captain ; Johannes Schuyler, lieut. ; Bennony Van Corlaer, cornet, and An- thony Brief, quartermaster. The foot company of Schenectady had for its officers Johannes Sanders Glen, captain ; Adam Vrooman, lieut., and Harmen Van Slyck, ensign. In 1775, 1,756 colonial troops encamped on both sides of the river, a large number of vessels bearing troops and muni- tions of war arrived at Albany to repel the advance of Gen. Montcalm from Mon- treal. The English General Abercrombie also arrived with two regiments of regulars, some 12 thousand men were encamped at Albany at this time. ^llilj ill Our House has been established for over thirty years, and with increased facilities we shall study to remain at the head, for RUBBER GOODS, of every description. HENRY MA YELL & SON, Exclusive Rnhhei' Dealers, 426, 428 and 430 Broadway, cor. State St., ALBANY, N. Y. ELORIDGE & HYATT, DEALERS IN Deep Mine Red Ash Goal, Old Go. Lock aw anna, Old Gompany Lehigh, And English and American Goal, DELIVERED IN BAGS OR BULK. 788 BROADWAY, And 194 HUDSON AVE. THE B1-CEN1ENNIAL. celain ornamented with scripture scenes. This building was known for many years as a trading post. The Indians came here for the purpose of trading their furs. This old landmark has been re- tained in the Pemberton family for nearly a century. The Pember- ton grocery business on this site was commenced in 1818, and is still conducted by Mr. Howard Pemberton one of the descendants of this family. The Foxen Kill. — This stream ran outside of the stockades, which for a great many years formed the northern boundary of the city, it is not many years since it was crossed by a bridge in North Pearl street near Orange. German Reformed Church. — In 1767 a plot of ground on the hill north of the fort was granted to build a house of worship. Old Pemberton House, cor. of N. Pearl and Columbia streets. This old landmark was built in 17 10, and was held in the family of the Lansings for a great many years. Col. Jacob Lansing who resided in this building was a prominent character in the American revolution, his son Jacob Lansing occupied it until his death, the late Judge Jacob Lansing who was the third in descent was born here, at one time this ancient build- ing stood outside the stockades, no two rooms were on the same level. The window panes were in the form of diamonds, the ceilings were not lath and plas tered, but the beams and frame work were polished, and the jambs of the fire places were faced with por The old Hallenbeck Burying Ground corner of S. Peirl and Hamilton streets. BUILDING ERECTED, 1710. BUSINESS ESTABLISHED, 1818. < DEALER IN FAMILY STORES, Gor. N orth Pearl and Columbia Sts. m^»aj¥F. M. TEBBUTT'S SONS, mERTiKERS! 84 and 86 North Pearl Street, Second door north of Columbia St., ALBANY, N. Y. Telephone connection with Office. THE BI-CENTENNUL. 19 Nichols's Amphitheatre. Tbis building stood on the corner of Westerlo and Dallius streets, AMUSEMENTS, FAIRS, FESTIVALS, EXHIBITIONS, ETC. In June, 1769, the governor granted a theatrical company to act for one month in Albany, the hospital on Pine street near the site of the Lutheran church was arranged so that a stage and scats were built, and the play called " Venice Preserved," was acted. Among the company playing were Lewis Hallam, Jr., John Henry, Mr. W^oolls and Miss Chew. By an act of the Assembly passed 1692, fairs were allowed to be held annually, one in the city to be held in July for four days, and the county fair at Caawlies in Rensselaerwyck in October, for four days also. Up to 181 1 the Pinkster festivals were the scenes of much merry making every year. In 1797 the first Albany Museum was opened on the corner of Green and Beaver streets. The first theatre was erected on the west side of Green street near Hamilton in 1812, it was built of brick, being fifty-six feet wide by one hundred and ten feet deep, it was opened January 18, 1813, by manager John Bernard. The plays being " The West Indian " and " Fortune's Frolic," an opening address, written by Solomon South- wick, one of the editors of the Albany Register was read by a Mr. Southey. In I 8 13 a Mr. Trow- bridge kept in the 3d story of the old City Hall a large collection of the productions of nature and art. )n March 22, 18 17, the first ex- hibition of 2as illumination was given by Henrv Trowbridge, the proprietor of the museum, 120 burners were shown amid much wonderment among the assembled people present. The old Museum cor. Broadway and State street was opened Jan. i, 1831, and used as such until April 28, 1855. The Rutten Kill. — Was a stream having its course above Lark street and which during freshets sent down volumes of water, it was always a never failing brook, well stocked with fish, this stream ran down Hudson avenue, crossed Pearl street near the corner of Beaver and entered the river a few feet below State street. GO TO No. 85 NORTH PEARL STREET, fill C u fJEi BA.SKETS, &c O if « H. ICE CREAM SODA, -^rn-d I^oot Eeer ! HOLLAND TEHRELL, -A^IsTX) fllll Mill No. 486 Broadway, /ALBANY, N, y. Moffat's Leather Used Exclusively. A General Assortment of the Best and MOST FASHIONABLE ARTICLES In his line constantly on hand. 20 THE BI-CENTENNUL. close of the summer term in 1848, having occupied thii station with distinguished ability and universal satisfaction. This beautiful building commands a splendid view, having an extensive park in front, on which stand large stately shade trees. The cost of the erection of this fine edifice was about $100,000. THE ALBANY ACADEMY. In 1813, the Common Council made an appropriation for the establishment of a city academy and a meeting of citizens to confer upon the subject was called at the Capitol, on the 28th of that month. The Common Council gave the lot in the public square which the acad- emy now occupies, and also appropriated $12,000 towards the building, in addition to this a large amount was raised by popular subscription. The institution was incorporated by the Regents of the University on the 4th of iVlarch, 1813. The building was commenced in 1815, on the 29th of July of this year the corner store was laid by Philip S. Van Rensselaer. The academy wai completed in 1817 and the school opened on the ist of September the same year. In August Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck was appointed principal of the institution, which office he resigned at the THE COMMON COUNCIL OF ALBANY, OLD ORDINANCES, ETC. In 1686 it was ordered that as the meetings of the common council, should be well attended, that any member who should be absent at ye second ringing of ye bell, should forfeit six shillings. Among the old ordinances were the following. " All persons within the city are on every Saturday morning when the season of the year and the Weather will permit to clean the streets and sweepe ye dirte before their houses Into heaps and cause the same to beToaden and putt Into the Cartes which are appoynted to carry away the same, and that if any person suffar their Chimney to be on ffire he shall pay the summe of 15 shil- lings." In Sept., 1704, an ordinance was passed, that all property holders in the city should lay pavements, eight feet wide, before their houses and lots " upon penalty of forfeiting the summe of 15 S. for ye Behooffe of ye sheriffc " (who would sue for the amount) if the order was not com- plied with. Oct. 10, 1690, Governor Leisler appointed Johcim Staets, Johannes Wendell, Jan Janse Bleecker, Pieter Bogardus and Jacob Schermerhorn, to superintend and control the affairs of the government of the city and county of Albany. STOVE COMPANY, Cor, North Pearl & Pleasant Sts., ALBANY. Three West Shore Range. Sundred Sold in Albany the Lust Four Months. WHY ? First — Because it wa3 the most attractive range in market. Second — Because it gave more for the price charged for it than any other Range. Third — Because it was the only Reservoir Range that could boil and bake at the same time. Fourth — Because it was the only Range having a constant supply of pure air passing into its oven, and where all the air in its oven is in constant circulation. Fifth— Because of its DOUBLE GRATE, permitting a continu- ous fire without trouble, besides such perfection in operation as to cause a complete combustion of the fuel on its passage through the fire bos. We have a complete assortment of Cooks, Ranges and Parlors, Oil Stoves, etc. II^" Our Foundry is the only place in Albany where our goouB can be procured, and we cordially invite the public to call, assuring them that onr goods and prices will be found beyond competition. ESV-^BXiXS^SX). 3.S37. MANUFACTURERS OF SNUFF AND CIGARS. Hos. 820 & 822 Broadway, ALBANY, N. Y. THOMAS H. GREER. JOHN GREER. THE BICENTENNIAL. 21 YE ANCIENT FIRE LAWS. On Oct. 26, 1686, the Common Council ordered the following: " That ye fyremasters goe about and visite each respective house in ye city to see if their chimneys and fyrehearths be sufficient, and also that care be taken that ye ladders and fyre hooks be upon there places and? in repare." On the 6th of Nov., 1731, an ordinance was passed organizing a fire department for the city. The following persons were appointed fire masters : First ward, Isaac Fryer and Egbert Egbertse ; second ward, Matheys Van der Heyden and Frans Pruyn ; third ward, Wilhelmus Van der Berg and Matheys de Garmo, the first hand engine was bought the following year and was quite a curiosiiy at the time. On the t3th of May, 1740, an engine house was ordered built. In 1743 Robert Lansingh, Bernardus Hartsen and Michael Bassett were appointed to take charge of said en- gine in case of fire, they were to be paid annually six schepcls of wheat. On the twenty-sixth of March, 1762, a new fi.re engine was ordered to be purchased for the city from London. This engine was received in Albany in April, 1763. The Common Council in the same year purchased forty-eight leather buckets, each of the aldermen and the assistants were the keeepers of four buckets each, all ot which were numbered. Any person or persons per- mitting his, her or their chimney or chimneys to become foul with soot and the same should catch fire, were to forfeit the sum of forty shillings, a reward of three ponnds was ofFeredfor discovering a fire, every householders should have two leather buckets, brewers, tavern keepers and bakers three each, the initial letters of the owner's name were marked on each bucket. In case of fire or any alarm it was or- dained that all persons were to immediately " illuminate and set three or more Candles in their front windows until Day Light unless the fire or alarm was sooner extinguished or quelled." The " Fire engines and all other Tools and Instruments" at a fire were to be under the care and direc- tion of the mayor and recorder, the first two aldermen and the sheriff, these officials had the ranking, placing and directing of the people to hand the water buckets, at the fire. In 1773 the fire engines were located in a building in the north side of St. Peter's church, up to 1792 about sixty members constituted the firemen of Albany. By an act of the legislature, their number was increased to eighty, and in 1797 a similar act increased the fire department to 150 firemen. SHAVT & BARNETT, 832 & 834 BROADWAY, AND 307 N. PEARL ST., J^HSBJ^lSTir , 1ST. -YT. The Best of Material used in our Carriages and Sleighs, and all work warranted for DURABILITY and FINISH. BRADY, Pime Chimm mmd Jmpmm OLD GOVERNMENT JAVA Choice EITGLISH Breakfast, No. I BEAVER BLOCK, No. 12 CENTRAL AVENUE, Cor. MADISON AVE. and PEARL, No. 2 ADAMS BLOCK, ALBANY. COHOES. Cor. FEDERAL and RIVER STREETS, TROY. 22 THE BI-QENTENNIAL. THE FIRST BOAT THAT PASSED THROUGH THE ERIE CANAL. THE ERIE CANAL OPENING. The 8th of Oct., 1823, was a memorable event for Albany. The citizens were determined to inaugurate the occasion of the first passage of a boat into the Erie canal, although the entire canal was not completed. The joint committee for this purpose proceeded to the junction of the Erie and Champlain canals, north of Gibbonsville, Troy, to join the canal commissioners and engineers on board the first boat that was to pass through the lock at Albany. Cannon were placed on the hill near the mansion of General Ten Broeck (now known as Olcott's mansion) and fifty-four rounds were fired in honor of each county in the state. Major Solomon Van Rensselaer was marshal of the day. The procession marched to Capitol square where the mayor of Albany Chas. E. Dudley and De Witt Clinton of Albany, William Bayard of New York, and William James of Albany. The steamboats and other crafts in the river, were trimmed with bunting and decorated gaily. The first boat that en- tered the lock was the De Witt Clinton, with Governor Yates, the mayor and corporation of Albany, the canal commissioners, engineers, committees and some citizens on board, other boats followed, one of which was filled with The above is a representation of the boat the Chief Engineer of Rome. On Oct. 23, 1819, the trial trip and excursion was made by this boat, from Utica to Rome and return. Governor De Witt Clinton and state officials with ladies and gentlemen about seventy persons on board, com- posed the party. The boat was named in compliment to Benjamin Wright then chief engineer of the Erie canal. ladies. The masonic fraternity laid the cap stone of the lock, with impressive ceremonies, a bottle of sea water had been brought by the New York committee, and when the lock gates were opened this was emptied, and mingled with the waters of the lakes and the river. Doctor Mitchell of New York delivering an address, it was a grand day for Albany, about 40,000 people being present. WASSON & CO., ALBANY Roofing & Galvanized Iron ^W O E. K S, iNTos. T and 9 James Street, GALVANIZED IRON CORNICES, GALVANIZED IRON WINDOW CAPS. GALVANISED IRON DOOR CAPS. VENTILATING SKY LIGHTS. SLA TE 'ROOFING, TIN ROOFING, CORRUGATED IRON ROOFING, WARREN'S GRAVEL ROOFING. Fit I ILl'S PRACTICAL Sieawm^ and Ga. iFITTEI^S AND DEALERS IN es. Call and Examine our Stock of (3- a s X^ i 2^ t "u. r AT LOWEST MARKET PRICES. HEAMG M STEAM and HOT WATER a Orders received by Telephone or Mail and prom) tly attended to. No. 10 JAMES ST., ALBANY, N. Y. THE BI-CENTENNUL. »3 THE VANDERHEYDEN PALACE. This historic palace was built in 1725 by Johannes Beekman. The bricks in the building were imported from Holland, this house was noted as one of the best specimens of Dutch architecture in the country. Mr. Beekman's family occupied this building until just before the revolution, when it was purchased by Mr. Jacob Vanderhyden, in 1778 and used as a seminary for a number of years, and then used by Mr. Vanderheyden as a residence. The dimensions of the building were fifty feet front and twenty feet deep, having a hall and two rooms on each floor, it was demolished in 1833, ^""^ '^^ Tabernacle Baptist church was erected on its site. It is now known as the Perry building. THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTI- TUTION OF THE STATE. On July 28, 1788, a grand celebration and pro- cession was held at Albany, in honor of the ratifica- tion of the constitution for the government of the United States by the convention of New York. The Albany Garcetteer, a weekly newspaper, printed at the time by Charles R. Webster, thus describes the scene : On the day a gun was fired at sunrise, at 10 o'clock eleven guns was the signal for the people to assemble in the fields near Watervliet. When the procession formed the whole line saluted the constitution, Capt. Gansevoort with the Albany troop of light horse headed the line. Then came a band followed by Maj. Gen. Schuyler on horse- back bearing the constitution handsomely engrossed, then eleven citizens representing the original states, a large plow guided by Stephen Van Rensselaer, the farmers, all branches of trade and industry, repre- sented by miniature workshops with artisans at work. Then the state standard borne by Major J. D. P. Ten Eyck, the brewers, preceded by a dray bear- ing a huge butt, on which sat Master Martin Van Rensselaer in the character of Bacchus, with a silver beaker, one of the symbolic features was a large decorated batteau, drawn by gaily caparisoned horses loaded with goods, appropriate to the Indian trade, and having in it Geradus Lansing in the char- acter of a trader and an Indian sitting in the stern. During the banquet, the batteau made an imaginary voyage to the Mohawk country and returned with a full cargo of peltry. J. L. ABBOTT & SON. pi No. 91 North Pearl St., -A. Xj B .<^ 3sr "sr . 185S. 188S. EDWARD OWDN, DEALEH IN LmES AND GENTS' CABINETS, $3.00 per Dozen. Cop37"ir:Lgr a, Specia.lt37", 8®=- CALL AND SEE US. MILLIMBR r, SMALLWARES, &c., No. 93 North Pearl Street, Between Old Pemberton Buildiog and the Two Steeple Church, 24 THE BI-CEN1ENNIAL, Broadway, west side from State street to Maiden lane, 1805. 1 Old Dutch church erected 1715. 2 Robison's Comer, where the Museum build ing now stands. 3 John Van Schaiclc's residence. 4. David Waters* grocery store. 5 David Newland's house. 6 Elbert Willett's dwelling. 7 Albany Bunk, erected about 1791- first Albany bank. The Sfjohn IVIaley's dwelling house, afterwards known as the Mansion Houae hotel, y Abram Ten Eyck's book store. 10 Peter Douw's residence. 11 B^rent Staat's dwelling 12 Teunis Van Vechten's house, the s. w. cor, of Maiden lane. 13 Richard Lush's house, the n. w. corner of Maiden lane, built of bricks from Holland LAWS, COURTS OF SESSION, JUSTICES, OFFICERS, ETC. In 1678 there were in the province about twenty-three towns and villages besides the city of New York, there were petty courts, Courts of Sessions and a General Court of Assizes. The Courts of Sessions were held in different part* of the province, one of these courts was held at Albany. The General Court of Assizes composed of governor and coun- cil and all the justices and magistrates, was held once a year in New York. The chief power of making and executing the laws was vested in the gov- ernor and council of New York. In the different towns were erected for the punishment of light offenses the whipping post, pillory and stocks. Robbers and burglars were branded on their forehead for their first offences and put to death for their third transgression of the law. On the 9th of April, 1691, by the General Assembly convened in New York, it was ordered that a Court of Sessions should be held at Albany on the first Tuesday in June, Oct., and Feb., of each year, for the increase of virtue and discouraging of evil doers, the sessions were to continue for the space of two days and no longer. A Court of Common Pleas was also ordered ro be held at the City Hall, beginning the next day after the ending of the Court of Sessions ann continuing two days, one judge and three justices, holding court. In 1791 an act was passed by the assembly for the building of a new court house and goal. On Feb. 25th, 1815, an act was passed annexing the town of Colonic to the city of Albany. The First Presbyterian. — In 1762 Lord Amherst granted this society the use of the forage-house, near the main guard house, as a place of worship, the same year the city conveyed to this society the plat of land on the north-west corner of Hudson avenue and William street to build a church. In 1796 another church was erected on S. Pearl street cor. Beaver and Norton. itlil IN THIS SECTION OF THE STATE! FIVE IFXjOOI^S jEanh 26x125 feet|filled with a choice assortment of Fine READY-BIADE CLOTHING! For Men, Youths and Boys. WARRANTED AS REPRESENTED. iiitem lep'S-rtntnt Value given for Every Dollar Exitended at WILSON & GROSS', t THE LEADING CLOTHIERS. Broadway and Maiden Lane, THE BI-CENTENNUL. 25 NORTH PEARL STREET IN 1805. The buildings as here represented were all painted red and gave a dull appearance to the street. To the left and above the church on the hill stood the residence of Gen. Ten Broeck of the revolution, who was mayor of Albany from 1796 to 1799. This building is now known as the Olcott mansion. The most prominent as well as the most elegant of all the build- ings is the old " Two Steeple " church, erected in 1798. The corner stone of which was laid by the Rev. John B. Johnson in 1796; some alterations were made in this structure in the years 1820, 1850 and i860. An old family of Albany. — Judge Jacob C. Ten Eyck was mayor of Albany in 1749, arid also at one time was judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Jacob Ten Eyck represented Albany county in the state assembly in 1 800 three inclusive years, and in 1807 was appointed county judge, holding the position five years. He re- moved to the homestead on Whitehall road near Albany, in 1800 he married Magdelina Gansevoort who was a daughter of Gen. Gansevoort, one of Washington's generals. Capt. Hendrick Ten Eyck was captain of a militia company at Fort Orange, Albany, under a commission from Governor Burnett, this commission was dated Oct. 26, 1725. Second Reformed church. — The corner stone of this edifice was laid by the Rev. Mr. Bradford on April 30, 1806, the walls of this old building are still stand- ing and is now known as the city market building on Beaver street. The congre- gation have a new and imposing structure on the corner of Madison ave. and Swan. 1673. — In this year the settlers of Albany suffered greatly from a terrible scourge of small pox. CLINTON TEN EYCK, Soai) ail CaMle Worts. NEW YORK STATE rs W/\R RANTED FREE FROM ADULTERATION. With no fancy or expensive wrappers to keep adulteration from showing. Also, Troy LAVNDBY SOAP. Ill 60 lbs., 100 Cakes, to the Box ; Or, 75 lbs., 100 Cakes, to the Box ; with directious. TALLOW bought and sold or exchanged for Soap. BAR and PRESSED SOAP a Specialty. SOFT SOAP by the barrel. Sal Soda, Starch and Rosin. Chip Soap for Hotels, Asylums, Facto- ries, &c. Cor. Canal &> Chapel Sts., Albany, N. Y. AN OLD FAMILY OF ALBANY. Among the old families of Albany there are none more widely known than the Ten Eyck's. Their record goes back to when the Hollanders first settled at New Amster- dam and Fort Orange. We have the record of Conrad Ten Eyck in 1660, when he was assessed for some land, now the west side of Broadway, New York city, he owned property along a canal, which extended from the river through the centre of Broad to Beaver street. This canal was made by widening, straightening and planking the sides of a natural rivulet that led from a swamp back of Wall street to the river, it was years after filled up, paved and made into a street, a sewer was laid through the street in 1703 from Exchange Place to Water street. In 1704 this geutleman was estimated to be worth $5,000, a fortune in those days, after his death his sons succeeded him in busi- ness. Judge Anthony E. Ten Eyck who resided at Schodack Landing held prominent positions of trust, he was a member of the convention in 1787, which ratified the constitution of the United States and was first judge of Rensselaer county until 60 years of age, he was also a member of the State Senate for eight years. This gentle- man was the grandfather of Clinton Ten Eyck of Albany. Conrad A. Ten Eyck was sheriff of Albany county, and was one of the best officials in Albany. This gentleman had the unpleasant duty of executing Strang, the murderer of Whipple. Mr. Ten Eyck held the office of county clerk for several years; he died June 10, 1843; he was a man honored in life and respected by all who knew him. This last named gentleman was the father of our esteemed citizen Clinton Ten Eyck of Albany. 26 THE BI.CENTENNUL. Stevenson House, 92 State stree. THE STEVENSON HOUSE. This noted mansion was built in 1780, by John Stevenson a rich fur trader, and within the walls of this house many a traffic was made with the Indians. At the time the house was built it was considered a wonder in architecture, it being a style quite different from anything in Albany at the time, it was known as the rich man's house. There are many of the present generation in Albany to-day, who remember this building, and some few who can still realize the interesting recollec- tions which have clustered around it. It was in thii mansion that Governor Martin Van Buren resided when he was governor of New York State and known at one time as quite a resort for the noted politicians of tho day. It was afterwards rented as a hotel and became the headquarters of the democracy. Many citizens to- day can recall scenes that transpired at the " Burt's Knot" as it was called, when a Mr. Riley catered to his guests. The building was demolished in 1841. THE ORIGIN OF YANKEE DOODLE. In 1777 as tne Massachusetts and Connecticut troops marched through Albany on their way to Saratoga, the old Dutch burghers had a great deal of amusement with them, the uniform and dress of the soldiers were of every description. On being asked of the patriots which way they were going, they responded, "going to take Burgoyne." But their arms and habiliments made an indelible mark for the British afterwards at Bunker hill. "See the Yankees leave the hill With baggernets declining With lop-down hats and rusty guns And leather aprons shining." The Old Capitol. — The corner stone was laid April 23d, 1806 by the Hon. Philip S. Van Rensselaer in the presence of the judges of the Supreme Court, the chancallor, the state and municipal officers and a large number of citizens. This building originally cost about $100,000. In 1 8 13 Mr. Horatio C. Spafford of the N. T. Gazetteer wrote : Among the public buildings the Capitol challenges distinguished attention. ALBANY, NY BOBBINS, 1886, Established, 1843. HATS & CAPS Seal ond Plush H SACQUES, ^ j> Capes. Collars, z ^ nyc TJ IF IF s , CO ^ &c., &e., ^"^ Fttr Trimi, 6LOYES&UMBRELLAS A FULL LINE, At Wholesale or Retail. No. 66 STATE ST., ALBANY, N. Y. • STRAW GOODS, LAP AND HORSE BLANKETS, Truuks & Bags, A Full Line. JOSEPH Mcdonough, Te Olde Booke Man, 30 North Pearl St., Has Just Issued a ANr) FOR 25 CENTS. Filled al a DiscounI of 20 per cent. THE BI.CENTENNUL. »7 Thk Glen House, corner of Chapel and Steuben streets formerly Parker's ctrpcnter shop. This house at times was an important tradrng p^^st, between 1700 and 1812. ALBANY THE FAMOUS FUR EMPORIUM. In 1610 a number of capitalists at Amsterdam fitted out a sloop which sailed up the Hudson, and procured very large quantities of furs that were sold in Holland at great prices, also in 1618 several vessels arrived in the Hudson, and fur trading became quite general. The Dutch East India Company obtained a charter in 1621 under the great seal of the Lords States General for themjto traffic in furs for a term of twenty-four years, from the first day of July, 162 1. Through this company large colonies of Hollanders came to Albany, and the place became quite a fur trading post. In 1658 37,640 beaver skins and 300 otter skins were shipped from Fort Orange and its vicinity. In 1723 Governor Burnet to protect the Indians from those traders who supplied them with liquor to obtain their furs at low prices, ordered a number of houses built outside of the palisades for the trading Indians, who in selling their furs were more honestly paid. The governor stated that from the year 1716 to 1720 only 30 canoes of far Indians came to Schenectady on their way to Albanv, and from 1720 to 1724 there were 323 which showed a large increase in the fur trade. In a journal kept by Peter Kalm who visited Albany in 1749, he says there is not a place in all the British colonies, where such quantities of furs and skins are bought of the Indians as at Albany. The merchants from Albany spend the summer at Oswego and trade with many tribes of Indians who come to sel' them goods. In 1755 it was computed that 150 hogsheads of beaver and other fine fur, and 200 hogsheads of Indian-dressed deer skins were exported annually. Albany in 1827.— The part of the city bounded by Lydius street (now Madison avenue) to State, and from Hawk to Lark street at this time was an unbroken waste. Eagle street extended no further than the Lancaster school now the Medical College, there were not a dozen build- ings even on Lydius street from Pearl to Lark street. The clay banks on Lydius street furnished the citv with bricks for a great number of years. IBST-A-SLISHEID 1832. TREADWi:i.I.'S FUR. Stores, 531 Broadtvay, Albany, N. Y., 676 Broadivay, Netv York, City. T EXCLUSIVELY. Attention is called to their 1827. 1886. JEWELHY! JEWELRY! WATCHES, JEWELRY, SILVERWARE, OP THEIR OW:^r COLORIN'O, Which are nowhere excelled for BJEAUTY OF FIWISH AND DURABILITY IN WBARIAG. Hbnrt Treadwell. Gbo. H. Trbadwell. French and American Clocks A LARGE AND ELEGANT STOCK OF SILVER PLATED TABLE WARE, OF THE FINEST MANUFACTURE AT MIX'S, COI^. so. ^E^^^^Ij «Sc BE-^TTEI^ sts.„ ALBANY, N. Y. 28 THE Bl-CENTENNUL. Riven Diagram ot Albany in 1665. THE STOCKADES IN 1660 AND 1665. The inhabitants to protect themselves from sudden attacks of the Indians inclosed the village with a fence of planks and palisades. In the spring of 1660 this work was completed. The diagram of Albany in 1665 on this page will show the plan and the stockade. Gates were placed at the ends of the different streets and guard houses built outside them. The expense for these defences were met by a tax of three guilders on each chimney in the village. ENGLISH AND DUTCH OC- CUPATION OF ALBANY. In 1664, the English became in possession of New Amsterdam, and on the tenth of September, Gov. Nicolls sent George Cartwright, Captain John Manning and Daniel Brodhead, and a body of soldiers to Fort Orange to demand its sur- render, the order was complied with on the twenty-fourth of September. The village of Beverwyck was then changed to Albany in honor of the lord-proprietor of the province. Captain Manning was given com- mand of the English soldiers to garrison Fort Alban). In 1673 a fleet of Dutch arrived at Sandy Hook, The Dutch Commodores Evertsen and Binckes, demanded and received the surrender of the English, and again the Dutch flag waved over New Netherland, in a few days a Lieut. Salisbury surren- dered Fort Albany, at this time it was ordered that Fort Albany should be called Fort Nassau and the village of Beverwyck. Wil- lemstadt. Nov. loth, 1674, Ed- mund Andros beeame governor. EMIL WIENERT, DEALER IN ROCHESTER Sliof Cases, STORE mm\i, STOOLS, IRON LEGS, SCALES, And a Full Line of GENERAL Store Fixtures. Also, Agent for the M Safe It Lock Co, 677 BROADWAY, ALBANY, MARTIN KUNKEL, DEALER IN Witehii aii Gl@®lij ^^ Jewelry, Diamonds, Silverware. Always the Latest Novelties in AT ALL PRICES. Also a. Large Stock of REED5& BARTON'S, and ROGERS' ^Silver 'Plated Ware. ON HAND. 683 North Pearl St., opposite Kenmore. THE BI-CENTENNUL. 29 Broadway, west side from Maiden lane to Steuben street, 1805. BROADWAY IN 1805. This view represents Broadway in 1805. The first house to the left was a large double house, that stood on the cor. of Maiden lane. Richard Lush dwelt here, and John Brinckerhoft kept a hardware store in the adjoining part, next was the residence of John Meades and in 1814 was occupied by Lawson Annesley as a looking glass store, the next house belonged to Martin Beeckman and occupied by Richard Dunn and Sons, John Jacob Lansing occupied the next, and Barent Bleecker a merchant prince the next, the large double dwelling next was occupied by General John H. Wendell, these buildings were painted in all the colors of the rainbow, red, blue, yellow, etc., etc., adjoining this was the office of Dr. Lush the next was the mansion of Dr. Samuel Stringer, and office ad- joining, Andrew Brown resided next and Dudley Walsh and Sanders Lansing's houses come next, opposite on the next corner, Steuben street was the stately residence of Chancellor Lansing who was mayor of Albany from 1786 to 1790. T. RoMEYN Beck. — Was born in Schen- ectady, Aug. II, 1791. The family were of English origin but so long settled at Schen- ectady that their descendants by association and intermarriage became identified with the Dutch population. The first of the family of whom we can learn was Caleb Beck, who sailed from Boston to England and who was married at Schenectady but was subsequently lost at sea. His son, the a-reat-grandfather of T. Romeyn Beck was a gentleman and freeholder in this colony. The grandfather of Dr. T. R. Beck was admitted at law at Albany in 1 75 1. The father of Dr. Beck, also studied law but never practiced ; he married Catharine Romeyn the only daughter of the Rev. Derick Romeyn, D.D., then pastor of the Reformed Dutch church at Schenectady, well known as a distinguished professor of theology in that church. The ancestral name Caleb was preserved through five successive generations, having only ceased with the death of the brother of Dr. Beck. The Romeyn family came from Holland. Dr. Beck's father died in 1798 at the age of 27 years and left his five sons to the sole care of his young widow, through the energy, sound education, piety and good judgment of this mother these five sons were mainly indebted for the great distinction which they afterwards attained, especially Dr. T. Romeyn Beck. HOY &; CO., EST^A-BIjISHEID, 18S1. s IMPORTERS OF Tl/V PLATE & SHEET METALS, JOBBERS IN Tinsmiths'', Pliiinhers'', Roofers', Stove Dealers' and House Fur- nishers' Supplies, MANUFACTURER OF 25 & 27 GREEN STREET, - ALBANY, N. Y. FACTORY, EAST ALBANY. GEORGE E. LATHAM, AND 558 BROADWAY, OPP. DELAVAN HOUSE, « ^* 30 THE BI-CENIENNLIL. THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH. In 1645 or 1646 the first Dutch church was built in Albany, stood near Church street between Pruyn street and Madison avenue. This building contained a seat for the magistrates, one for the deacons, nine benches, and a few corner seats, there was also a predickstool or pulpit (see illustration). Fort Orange stood near the site of the Old Pulpit. church. The Rev. Dr. Joannes Megapolensis junior, who arrived in Albany in 1642, became the first pastor of this church, a new house built of oak-wood through- out was bought from a Maryn Adriaensen Van Veere, for the residence of the dominie, the price paid for the house was one hundred and forty dollars. In 1649 the dominie took leave of his congregation to preach at Fort Amsterdam. Dominie Grasmeer succeeded him but he sailed for Holland in 165 1, The Rev. Gideon Schaets afterwards became the third pastor, one of his children Reynier was killed in the massacre at Schenectady. On the second day of June, 1656, the corner stone of the second church was laid with imp.essive cere- monies. Dominie Schaets and Rutger Jacobsen officiated, this building stood near the intersection of what is now Broad- way and State streets. Twenty five beaver skins were given to purchase a pulpit from Holland, this old relic is now in the consistory room of the First Reformed church on N. Pearl street. In 1683 Dominie Dellius arrived at Albany to preach in this church, the interior of this building was plainly fur- nished with benches, the quaint pulpit and balustrade stood at the end of the centre aisle, a chandelier hung from the ceiling on which were oil lamps, and brackets holding candles pro- jected from the walls near the line of seats, there were also galleries holding quite a number of people. On Sunday the bell was rung at nine o'clock to notify the people of dressing time. The old church was demolished in 1806. The pulpit weather vane, hour glass and some other mementoes are still preserved. GEO. C. BENEDICT'S 26 & 36 North Swan St., Albany. BEST BRANDS OF FLOUR AND FlM Imito BnttoF .£t^ s^Eci..^ija?-2-. 26 North Swan Street. CAREFULLY SELECTED TEAS, VERY CHOICE COFFEES, -^zzLd. X=*-a.re Spices, AT TEA STORE, 36 NORTH SWAN ST. We Buy and Sell for Gash. Prices Low. D. J. HARTNETT, DEALER IN FRESH, SALT AND POULTRY and VEGETABLES, Chapel and Canal Streets. TEI1.KPHONE!. It gives me pleasure to state that my constantly increasing trade warrants me in saying I am fully prepared to cater to the wants of those who fully appreciate personal attention in selecting the CHOICEST MEATS to he procured in market, and serving of the same in the most skillful and taste- ful manner. Messenger will call daily when Telephone is not in use. A personal call to examine quality and prices will meet with courteous attention. Respectfully, D. J. HARTNETT. Special Bates with Hotels and Restaurants. Branch Market cor. of Herkimer and Green Si reef. THE BI-CENTENNIAL. 31 North Pea^l ST?.r,ET, west side from Maiden lane northward, 1805. 1 Dr. Hunloke Wondruil's residence. 2 Dr. Woodruff's office. 3 William Eights' house, erected about 1780. 4 David Groesbeck's house. 5 The Presbyterian church is figured here merely to show where rt afterwards stood. 6 Sturtevant house, formerly bakery. with a new front next Female Academy. 7 Dr. C. C. Yates* house 8 Cornelius Bower's house. 9 Uranian Hall, the great school of Albany. The Female Academy formerly called the Union School, has occupied the site of the last three buildings since 1834. THE GROWTH OF ALBANY. In 1789 there were in the city and county 662 men, 340 women and 1,014 children, eight years later there were 382 men, 272 women and 805 children. In 17 14 there were living in the three wards of the city 11,036. Of this number 494 were white males, 528 white females, 4? male slaves and 66 female slaves. In the county of Albany the population was 3,290, 458 of whom were slaves. In 1723 the population of the county had in- creased to 6,501. In 1731 the popula- tion was 8,703. In 1742 in the three wards of the city there were 204 free- holders. In 1749 the population was 10,634. In 1771 the population was 42,706. In 1786 was the 6th largest city in the United States. It contained 550 houses and the population estimated at 3,050. In 1789 Mr. Moore tells us that Albany contained about 600 houses and about 4,000 population. In De- cember, 1796 an enumeration of the buildings showed that there were in Albany 701 dwelling-houses, 131 stores, 68 storehouses and 193 stables. -^l. In 1790 the population was 3,509, in 1810, 10,762, 1820, 12,541, 1850, 50,862, 1865, 62,613, 1875, 86,013, 1880, 91,243, 1885, computed 100,000. SAFE AND PROFITABLE INVESTMENTS. The mortgages contained in this list are fair samples of this class of securities, which we are con- stantly receiving. We invite all those who have money to invest in large sums or small, to call and look at these securities or write for circulars giving full particulars in regard to thein. We have had an experience of 18 years in Western Mortgages, and we believe the mortgages negotiated by the Western Farm Mortgage Comimny to be as good as Government bonds, and they pay nearly double the rate of interest. The Capital and Surplus of this Company is over a quarter of a million. In an experience of eleven years not a dollar has been lost, paid for taxes or costs of foreclosure, and no in- vestor has been obliged to take an acre of land. 1 for $6,000, Farm Worth $22,000 1 for $1,000, Farm Worth $3,250 .3,300, 3,000, 2,500, 2,000, 1,600, 1,500, 1,200, 1,100, 1,100 1 " 800 (( 2,600 9,500 1 " 600 « 2,000 7,750 1 " 500 i( 1,500 6,000 1 " 400 li 1,000 5,500 1 " 300 a 1,000 5,200 1 " 250 a 750 4,150 1 " 200 (t 600 3,200 We can by permission refier to over fifteen hundred banks, life companies, colleges and capitalists who have invested in these securities for many years, with the most perfect satisfaction. In all se- curities of this class the commission for negotiating and selling them is paid by the borrower ; conse- quently WE SELL THEM AT PAR. Purchase your Mortgages of an Incorporated Company, so that the care of the loans will not be thrown upon yourself, as it would be in case of the death of an individual or dissolution of firm nego- tiating the same. BRANCH OFFICE. WESTER/]/ FARM MORTGAGE CO.. Tweddle Building, ALBANY, N. Y. jyc. ^. B. bxjlxj Sc 00-, - _ _ Fi3sr^nsroi.A.iL. ^o-eistts. 32 THE BI-CEN1ENNIAL. GEN. WASHINGTON IN ALBANY. In June, 1782, Albany was filled with enthusiasm over the arrival of General Washington. The city au- thorities presented him the freedom of the city, the paper being enclosed in a gold box. The bells of the churches were rung, and a salute of thirteen guns were fired from the fort. On the nineteenth of July, 1783 General Washington visited Albany again in company with Gov. Clinton ; Peter W. Yates and Matthew Visscher were appointed to prepare addresses Abraham Schuyler and Leonard Gansevoort were appointed com- mittees to wait on these distinguished guests and the Common Council in- vited them to a public dinner, an address was presented to Gen. Wash- ington, the latter part of which is as follows : Under the Smiles of Providence, with a brave and victorious Army, aided by a great and generous Ally, you have saved America from Bondage, restored to her the peaceful enjoyment of her Civil Rights and laid a solid Foundation for the Free- dom and Independence of the United States. Receive Sir, our sincere wish that you may in the Bosom of your Country enjoy the Tranquility which your Toils have pur- chased and look forward with patriotic Pleasure to those ages of Prosperity which we may reasonably hope will be confirmed in endless succession by the Wisdom and Har- mony of her Councils. Gen. Washington. General Washington replied as follows : To the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of Albany, Gen- tlemen : I accept with heartfelt satisfaction your affectionate congratulations on the restoration of Peace and the formal recognition of the Independence of the United States. We may indeed ascribe these most happy and glorious Events to the smiles of Providence, and the virtue of our Citizens and the bravery of our Troops aided by the powerful in- terposition of our magnanimous and illustrious ally. For the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express of my agency in this Revolution, and for your benevolent wishes for my personal felicity, I entreat you Gentlemen, to receive my warmest acknowledgments. While I contemplate with inexpressible pleasure the future tranquility and glory of our common Country, I cannot but take a particular interest in the anticipation ot the increase in prosperity and great- ness of this ancient and respectable City of Albany, from whose Citizens I have received such distinguished tokens of their approbation and esteem. On the death of Wash- ington in 179Q Albany was in mourning for this greatly beloved and illustrious leader, the bells of the different churches were tolled and the members of the Common Council were required to wear crape on their left arm for six weeks, minute guns were fired in the city, flags were at half mast, and black drapery hung in the churches, a grand funeral pageant procession took place through the leading streets of Albany in January, 1800. On the 22d of February, in commemoration of Washington, a large procession moved to Two Steeple church, where Revs. John Bassett, John B. Johnson and the Rev. Eliphalet Nott, addressed a vast multitude of people. The Rev. Matthew O'Brien also preached a sermon in St. Mary's R. C. church. KID GLOVES. UNDERWEAR. 66 J. B. KILLIP, 9 North Pearl St. . 99 SHIRT MAKER .A-IsTID liii% f ifilihii. OUR SPECIALTY : FINE DRESS SHIRTS, TO ORDER. HOSIERY. COLLARS & GUFFS. MACFARIiANE'S OLD DYE WORKS, ESTABLISHED IN 1830. NEW GOODS DYEDin the PIECE. todies and Gent's Garments of ev- ery style Gleaned, Dyed and Steam Finished, without Being Ripped FADED GARMENTS RESTORED IN COLOR. No. 24 Norton St., No. 80 H\iclson ^ve.. No. 50 Orange St., ALBANY, N. Y. THE BI-CENIENNUL. 33 The old Congress Hall, THE OLD CONGRESS HALL. What memories cluster around the old building that stood on Park Place near the site of the New Capitol. In 1815 L. Crutten- dcn opened it as a boarding house. In 1831 William Landon took possession and gave it the name of Congress Hall. In 1847 ^""^ 1849 '' ^^^ managed by Landon and Mitchell afterwards by James L. Mitchell, and in 1866 Adam Blake was manager who conducted it until it was demolished in 1878. Mr. Blake afterwards managed the Kenmore, the new hotel on the corner of North Pearl and Columbia streets. LAFAYETTE'S VISIT TO ALBANY, SEPT. 17, 1824. The Marquis de Lafayette, reached Albany by steamboat on the 17th of Sept., 1824, and was re- ceived with the greatest enthusiasm and joy by the people. On the iith of June he again visited Albany. On Monday he left for Boston and on the first of July he was again in Albany and a grand dinner was given to the illustrious visitor in the Capitol. The following toast was given by him, " Albany as I have known it, and Albany as it is now, a comparative standard between royal guard- ianship and the self government of the people, may this difference be more and more illustrated at home, and understood abroad." Daniel Webster being present on this occasion offered this toast " The ancient and hospitable city of Albany, where Gen. Lafayette found his headquarters in 1778, and where men of his principles find good quarters at all times, whilst in Albany." Lafayette attended the theatre, and in one of his visits here he attended church, it is related that during one of the proces- sions in Lafayette's honor, he recognized the old Pruyn House, that stood on the present site of Whitney & Co.'s store as his headquarters during the revolution. The Fort at Albany. — The first Fort Orange was built in 1614 by Hendrick Christianse. There has often been a dispute as to where it was first located but the first location on the island at the lower end of the city is about correct. GOFFE, STATIONER! No. 37 Maiden Lane, Fine Stationery^ Complete Stock of Materials for Making Papej' Flowers, Birthday Cards, Christmas, Valentine and Easter Cards, in their Season, Wedding and Visiting Cards engraved arid printed. Terms, Two Cents per day. WALTER McEWAN, Wholesale Coffees and Spices. —MANUFACTURER- BAKING POWDER, EXTRACTS, &c., COR. MAIDEN LANE & JAMES STREET, ALBANY. N. Y. 34 THE BI.CENTENNUL. EARLY NAVIGATION ON THE HUDSON. In the spring of 1807 the streamboat Cleremont was launched from the ship yard of Charles Brown on the East river, the engines being made in England, the boat was one hundred ftet long, twelve wide, and seven feet deep. An old number of the Albany Gazette, of Sept., 1807, ^^s the following advertisement of this steamboat. The North River steamboat will leave Pauler's Hook Ferry on Friday the 4th of Sept., at 9 in the morning and arrive at Albany on Saturday at 9 in the afternoon. Provisions, good berth, and accommodations are provided. The charge to each passenger is as follows : Robert Fulton's Steamboat. To Newburgh, $3., time 14 hours ; to Poughkeepsie, $4., time 17 hours ; to Esopus, $5., time 20 hours ; to Hudson, J5.50, time 30 hours ; to Albany, $7., time 36 hours, each wheel of this boat had twelve paddles. The top of the smoke stack was about thirty feet above the deck. The boat had two masts, fore and aft, bearing square sails when the wind was fair. Her boiler was of copper and about eight feet long, afterwards she was lengthened to one hun- dred and fifty feet. This boat was afterwards called The North River. Between 1809 and 1813 the following boats were plying on the Hudson, The Car of Neptune, The Hope, and The Perseverance. The steamboat Fire-fly began running between Albany and Troy in 1812. In 1 8 13 there were three steamboats running between Albany and New York, the largest 170 feet long and 28 feet wide, 350 tons burthen, the time consumed in the trip was from 30 to 36 hours. Steamboats were also running between Albany and Troy making four trips every 24 hours. The County of Albany. — About the year 1684, the General Assembly enacted that the town of Albany, the colony of Rensselaerwyck, and the plantations on the east side of the Hudson river, from Roelef Jansen's creek (about twelve miles south of the city of Hudson), and on the west side of the Hudson river from Sawyer's creek (Saugerties) to the Saraaghtoga (Saratoga). About 1772 the county was divided, Tryon and Charlotte, being new counties taken from Albany county. Colonel John Bradstreet — In 1758, passed through Albany with a force of 3,000 men, on their way to capture Fort Frontenac, Capt. Peter Yates and C. Van Schaick commanding two companies of Albany militia took part in the capture of this fort. 1759. — Lord Amherst encamped at Albany with a large army, with which he marched towards Ticonderoga, but the French war was at an end. Quebec and Montreal had fallen, and the British held Canada, and peace came to Albany for a short time. S. J. McELWEE, MANUFACTURER OF 3if T km AND PAMEOLS. QT Steuben. Street, FiaZ, OLASE Ic FLASQ, EIDS AND DSIVIUO OL07BS. IMFOBTES UHBESWEAS, AND &0SIEE7 A SFECIALI7. HENRY A. ALLEN. 1 mm < No. 17 North Pearl Street, ALBANY, N. Y- 170K'S BILE trUBBELLAO i CAKES. IBESS SHIBT3 UADl TO.TIEASUBa. THE BI-CENTENNIAL. 3S THE OLD LANCASTER SCHOOL. In the year 1810 the Common Council had under con- sideration the project of establishing a free school on the plan of Joseph Lancaster. In 18 12 the legislature passed a law incorporating the Albany Lancasterian School Society. The petitioners were Philip S. Van Rensselaer, John Lansing, Jr., Simeon De Witt, and others. The school was conducted at first in the upper part of the building of the Mechanics Society corner of Chapel and Columbia streets. On Monday April 5, 1817, the new school house (see illustration) now the Medical College and Law School was occupied. This building was erected by the city at an expense of $23,918.93. In after years the institution was superseded by the schools which went into operation in different parts of the city, under the common school system of the state. The Old Elm Tree. — In 1877 the old elm tree was cut down to widen Pearl street, it was said to be 123 years old, it has been often related that this tree was planted by Philip Livingston, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Records of Albany. — In 1812 the docks at the foot of Maiden lane were called " The Watering Place or Steamboat Landing, near this was Hodge's dock and above it the State dock built in the French war, here was the fish slip where the " Albany Beef" (Sturgeon), was sold, on Quay street]were stores, dwellings and a tavern. The City Streets — Were lighted with twenty oil lamps. Milestones were placed along the Schenectady road to the half-way house. In March, 1785 the Common Council appointed a committee to report names to be assigned to the streets in Albany, and also a plan for num- bering the houses, a map of the city was ordered on which the name of each street should appear. What a difference to-day. Now Albany can boast of over 40 miles of streets, a large number paved with granite blocks, besides several miles of beautiful boulevards. St. Peter's Church. — In 1768 a charter for the incor- poration of this church was granted by Sir Henry Moore, the governor of the province. The second church was built in 1804 on the site of present structure cor. of State and Lodge streets. BOOKBINDINa Busiijess Stationery aijd Priijting. HIGH-CLASS Writing Paper and Envelopes, FOR LADIES" USE. CRANE'S UNRIVALLED PAPERS Warj's Royal Irisli Linen Papers. ENGRAVING. WEDDING INVITATIONS, ANNOUNCEMENT CARDS, RECEPTION CARDS. VISITING CARDS. The finest Slock and Best Workmanship. D. L. VAN ANTWERP, 16 JAMES STREET, - - ALBANY, N. T. G. D. VAN VLIET & CO.. lv£o3:D-e37" to Xjoq^zil! In sums of any amount on approved real estate mortgages, interest at 5 TO 6 PER CENT., ACCORDINa TO AMOUNT AND QUALITY. Mil FM MTMS, Bearing 7 i& 8 Per Cent. Interest, Principal and Interest guaranteed by the Western Loan and Trust Co., of Pierre, Dakota, or by a firm of individuals whose commercial rating is S300,000. The Security ,of these loans can not be questioned whether guaranteed or not. Mortgages for amounts ranging from $200 upward are constantly held by us and may be inspected by parties interested for themselves or others. Insurance and Real Estate Agents, Booms 7 <&S Tweddle Building, ALBANY, N. T. Q. D. VAN VLIBT. N. H. CLEMINSHAW. 36 THE BI-CENTENNIAL. The old State Hall. OLD STATE HALL. This edifice was erected in 1798. The corner stone being laid by Abra- ham Ten Broeck. The architect was William Sanders. This building stood on the corner of State and Lodge streets. In 1855 'twas demolished and the present Geolog- ical Hall erected. State Armory. — Cor.of Eagle and Hudson avenue was erected 1858. City Building. — Cor. S. Pearl and Howard streets, erected 1868-69. Mechanics and Farmers' Bank. Erected 1811, cor. Broadway and Exchange sts. This house was the residence of Robert Yates who was born in Schenectady and was one of the first justices of the Supreme Court of the state, in 1790 he became chief justice. After his death in 1801 this house was occupied by his son John Van Ness Yates, who held various civil and military offices, and was secretary of state in 1824 •, he died in 1838, and in 1855 the house was de- molished. 14 h I B H o rH Pi i-H U o m 0) > M « Q (J O > M o !^ XJl (ft H The Largest Stock, Most Complete Assortment, Fittest in Quality, and Stvperior in Finish and Workmanship, At the Lowest Prices. c3-ni.OEc:K::tTE:E?.'s, 81 & 83 So. Pearl St., Albany, N. Y. The Legislature of New York. — This body held its first session in Sept., 1777, at Kingston ; in Jan., 1778, it convened at Poughkeepsie, and in August, 1779 it again assembled at Kingston. Governor Clinton ordered the senate and assembly to meet at Albany, in 1779. They met again in 1781 and then followed a long adjournment not meeting again until July 6, 1789. July i, 1834. — The Albany Burgesses Corps made iti first public parade with about fifty rank and file, making a new military feature in the city both as to uniform and tactics. dealer in And Provisions, Nos. 68 and 70 No. Swan Street. BRAN C H ES: 33 North Swan Street. 433 Madison Avenne. 71 Lexington Avenue. ALBANY, N. Y. THE BI-CENTENNUL. 37 Old English Church and Fokt. THE OLD ENGLISH FORT AND CHURCH. In 1675 or 1676 Governor Dongan ordered a new stockade-fort to be built on the hill at the western end of Jonkers street (now State street) near the present site of St. Peter's church (see illustration, this page), four bastions were constructed, each to have room for six guns, after being completed in June, Ensign Sylvester Salisbury was placed in command. Capt. Goosen Gerritsen Van Schaick, Lieuts. Martin Gerritsen and Jan Jansen Bleecker were officers of the local militia at this time. The following explains the design of the exterior of the fort of Albany as shown on this page : i. The governor of Albany's house. 2. The officers' lodgings. 3. The soldiers' lodgings. 4. The flag-stafF and mount, 5. The magazine. 6. The dial mount. 7. The town mount. 8. The well. g. 9. The sentry boxes. 11. The sally port. 12. 12. The ditch Interior of English Fort. fortified with stakes. 13. 13. The gardens. 14. The stockado. 15. The fort gate. This fort contained twenty- one pieces of ordnance mounted. This fort stood on State street near the present side of St. Peter's church. In 1716 the first Episcopal church was built in this city. It was a stone structure and fifty-eight feet long and forty- two wide, it stood just in advance of the fort, in the middle of State street, near the present site of St. Peter's church. The first services were held in the church in November, 1 7 16, and were largely attended by the people and the offi- cers and soldiers of the fort. Cornelius Schuyler was mayor of Albany at this time. In 1735 the stone fort adjoining the church was completed. In the spring of 1784 the demolition was begun, the city using some stone for public improvements, and some churches then building using some of the material. In 1687, Governor Dongan appointed Robert Livings- ton collector and receiver and also clerk of the town. AGENCY OF Tie Massactelts IM Life Ibs. Company, W. F. WINSHIP, General Agent, Room 15, 25 NoKth Pearl St., ALBANY, N. Y. No Company Chartered by the State of Massachusetts lias ever failed. The Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company is one of the oldest life insurance companies in the United States, having been in- corporated in the year 1851 by a charter from the State of Massachu- setts, which State, by the way, was the first in the Union to inaugurate an "Insurance Department," thus instituting State supervision over its companies, throwing a safeguard around their sacred trusts, and ren- dering "assurance doubly sure." It was also the first State to legis- late concerning the forfeiture of policies of life insurance, its famous non-forfeiture law having been passed in 1861, and amended in 1880, to still further benefit the patron of its life insurance companies. Through these equitable provisions of law hundreds of thousands of dollars have been saved to widows and orphans, and the whole system of life insurance has been strengthened and built up. The form of policy issued by this company, governed as it is by the very just and liljeral laws of the State of Massachusetts, combines the elements of a savings bank with those of life insurance, thus enabling a polic}' holder to insure his life, and at the same time save a part or the whole of his premiums to use himself in his old age. Call upon our agents to show and explain this prominent feature. DIFFERENT PLANS OF INSURANCE. The Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company issues all safe and desirable forms of policies. All Policies are Non-forfeitable, by law of the State of Massachu- setts, which gives to each a definite paid-up or casli value in case of lapse or withdrawal. s! SHIIW I ROBINSON, THE POPULAR TAILORS OF ALBANY. Clothing Made to Order at Popular Prices. Suits from $18 to $35. Pants from $4 to $8 Made at Short Notice and No Disappointments. By far the Largest and Most Varied Assortment of Goods in Albany. 41 Washington Avenue, opp. Hfevr Capital. !| THE BI-CENTENNUL. THE OLD YATES MANSION. Among all the old buildings that stood in Albany there were none that showed more real architectural beauty than this mansion, this was the residence of William H. Seward when governor of New York State. It was also the resi- dence of James Kane for many years, he died April 2d, 1 85 1, aged 80, being the last survivor of his family, there are mauy men of this generation, living who can look back and remember the pranks and sports they used to have (down in Jimmy Kane's walk) when they were lads. This illustration represented this noted residence as it ap- peared as late as 1864, when it was taken down. Its site is now occupied by the Ash Grove M. E. church. THE OLDEST AND 8i Ariisiie mmm IN THE CITY IS # Co.'s, 520 BROADWAY, Jf. W. M. L. CUTLER 54-0 BROADWAY, ALBANY, N. Y. THE BI-CENTRNNUL. 39 In 1793 Albany was visited by a great fire destroying a large number of dwellings and stores in the vicinity of what is now State and James streets and Broadway. Again in 1797 Albany had another destructive fire which destroyed five blocks of buildings, the total loss at this last fire was near $300,000 the part of the city burned be- tween State and Orange streets and towards the dock. Hand ileigh of 1750. The Groote Flachte (Great Flat) Schenectady. — In 1662 Arendt Van Curler was delegated by a number of the settlers of Rensselaerwyck and Beverwyck to purchase for them in the Groote Flachte (Great Flat) as Schenectady was then called, a tract of land from the Indians, the pur- chase was made, the Indians conveying the land and signing instrument, with the figures of a bear, turtle and a wolf, as marks, denoting the family to which they belonged, this tract was called by the Indians Schonowe. On the night of the 8th of Feb., 1690, Scnenectady was burned by the French and Indians, there were only two buildings saved. Out of nearly 100 all the Inhabitants were massacred with the exception of about sixty persons, old men, women and children, about thirty were taken prisoners and carried into captivity, a few arrived at Albany through a terrible snow- storm entirely naked. The first one to give the alarm from Schenectady was Mr. Simon Schermerhorn, who was wounded in this attack. Antique table service, 1700. The Old Dutch Nuhsert Song, ** Trip a troup a tronjes Dc varkens in de boonjcs De koejen in de klavcr. De paarden in de haver. De kalveu in de lang gras De eenden in de water plas Zo groot miju klcin poppet je was.' ** Trip a troup a troujes Tlie pigs in the beans. The cows in the clover The horses in the oats The calves in the long grass. The ducks in the water-place. So great (happy) was my little popptt. The first White woman — In Albany was Catelyn Trico, born in Paris, who at the age of 83 under oath de- clared she landed at Albany in 1623, sworn before William Morris, justice of ye peace Oct. 17, 1688. The first daily newspaper " The Albany Daily Adver- tiser" published in Albany, was issued on the 25th day of Sept. 1815, printed by John W.Walker for Theodore Dwight, at No. 95 State street. GEO. I.. RUSSIXI., No. 352 STATE STREET, (Near Washington Park), ^nd 5 3 Lancaster Street, '• r. 1 WINCHELL & DATIS, Direct Ivnj)orters of Foreign Goods, Bottlers of Fine Cured Whiskeys, Our Own Ageing. Principal Depot for Imported and Domestic CLARETS. Sole Agents for the well known CHASE BOURBON "The Milk of Kentucky." All the Standard brands of Enropeafl aM Americaii Im aid Lipors, FREE OR IN BOND. GOODS SOLD IN ANY QUANTITY, GREAT INDUCEMENTS TO CASH BUYERS. NO LIQUORS SOLD BY THE GLASS, Telephone. 504 & 506 Broadway and 25 James St., ALBANY, N, Y, 40 THE BI-CENIENNUL. The old Vegetable Mabket that stood on the present site of Jacob & Proctor's Museum. THE OLD VEGETABLE MARKET S. PEARL STREET. ^This building stood on the block bounded by S. Pearl, Beaver and William streets, across the street north stood the old centre market and oppo- site east was the old Congregational church. The building next was that of Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and on the north-west corner of S. Pearl and Beaver Geo. Young did business as a grocer. 1661. — Brick imported from Holland sold in Albany for payable in beaver skins, a beaver skin was worth 25., bd. .16 a thousand, An Old War Horse. It is not generally known but such is the fact, that there is in Albany at the present time, a real live old war horse that at one time figured prominently in the waa for the union. This noble animal has quite a history, originally belonging to Major King of General Heintzle- man's staff, who had charge of the de- fences of Washington. At the close of the war in 1865 Mr. Samuel G. Payn of Albany purchased this charger at Washington, and subsequently sold him to Mr. E. A. Hobbs of Albany, who has owned him for over twenty years. Mr. Hobbs has used him con- tinually in his business and considering his age, which is twenty-seven years, is yet in good condition for a spin, only recently he seemed to " snufF the battle from afar," and took a stroll on his own hook, making things lively for a time. This glorious old white horse (though no white feather) is still often to be seen upon our streets head erect, " eager for the fray," as if anticipating the part he will take in Albany's coming Bi-Cen- tennial jubilee. The First Lutheran Church. — Was erected in Albany about 1672, it stood on the corner of S. Pearl and Howard streets near the present site of the city building. C. C. CRAFT, DEALER IN wimm mM'^wmm, MENS', YOUTHS' AND BOYS'. Custom Department Fully stocked with the NEWEST STYLES JJV THE MABKET. All Wool Suits made to order. $15.00. Indigo Blue Flannel Suits, $10.00. 18, 20, 22 and 24 James Street, J. W. HINEY, 076 BROADWAY, ^LB^NY, ISr. Y. DBALER IN We pay particular attention to Repairing and Beplating. We are fully prepared to do all kinds of Igfiiisliiiii AND REFLATING WITH SILVER; -A.ISrr) O-OLTD And at the lowest POSSIBLE PEICES. Families having old ware to be replated will save time and money by leaving their orders at this establishment. Our facilities for doing First Glass Work are Unsurpassed. Please- give us a call . 576 Broadway, four doors south of Clinton Ave. ALBANY, N. Y. THE Bl-CENIENNIAL, 4T MAYORS OF THE CITY OF ALBANY. ^ The following are the namei of the mayors of the city of Albany from 1686 down to 1885 with the terms of service of each. Peter Schuyler Johannis Abeel Evert Banclcer Derick Wessels Hendrick Hansen Peter Van Brugh Jan Jans Bleecker Johannis Bleecker Albert Ryckman Johannis Schuyler David Schuyler Evert Bancker Johannis Abeel Robert Livingston Jr. Myndert Schuyler Peter Van Brugh Myndert Schuyler Johannis Cuyler Rutger Bleecker John Dc Peyster Hans Hansen John De Peyster Edward Holland John Schuyler Cornelius Cuyler Dirk Ten Broeck Jacob C. Ten Eyck Robert Sanders 1686 to 1694 " 1695 " 1696 " 1698 " 1699 " 1700 " 1 70 1 " 1702 " 1703 " 1706 " 1707 " 1709 " 1710 " 1719 " 1721 " 1723 " 1725 " 1726 " 1729 " 1731 " 1732 " 1733" 1 741 " 1742" 1746 " m8 " J 750" 1694 1695 1696 1698 1699 1700 1701 1702 1703 1706 1707 1709 1710 1719 1721 1723 1725 1726 1729 1731 1732 1733 1741 1742 1746 1748 1750 1754 Hans Hansen '754 " 1756 S. G. Van Schaick 1756 " 1761 Volkert P. Douw 1761 " 1770 Abraham C. Cuyler 1770 " 1778 John Barclay 1778 " 1779 Abraham Ten Broeck 1779 " 1783 John J. Beekman 1783 " 1786 John Lansing, Jr. 1786 " 1790 Abraham Yates, Jr. 1790 " 1796 Abraham Ten Broeck 1796 " 1799 Phil. S. Van Rensselaer 1799 " 18 16 Elisha Jenkins 1816 " 1819 Phil. S. Van Rensselaer 1819 " 1821 Charles E. Dudley 1821 " 1824 Ambrose Spencer 1824 " 1826 James Stevenson 1826 " 1828 Charles E. Dudley 1828 " 1829 John Townsend 1829 " 1831 Francis Bloodgood 1831 " 1832 John Townsend 1832 " 1833 Francis Bloodgood 1833 " 1834 Erastus Corning 1834 " 1837 Teunis Van Vechten 1837 " 1839 Jared L. Rathbone 1839 " 1841 Teunis Van Vechten 1841 " 1842 Barent P. Staats 1842 " 1843 Friend Humphrey 1843 " 1^45 John Keyes Paige 1845 " 1846 William Parmalee 1846 " 1848 John Taylor 1848 " 1849 Friend Humphrey 1849 " 1850 Franklin Townsend 1850 " 1851 Eli Perry 185 1 " 1854 William Parmalee 1854 " 1856 Eli Perry 1856 '• i860 George H. Thacher i860 " 1862 Eli Perry 1862 " 1866 George H. Thacher 1866 " 1868 Charles E. Bleecker 1868 " 1870 George H. Thatcher 1870 " 1874 Edmund L. Judson 1874 " 1876 A. Bleecker Banks 1876 " 1878 Michael Nolan 1878 " 1883 John Swinburne June 1883 " 1884 A. Bleecker Banks 1884 " 1885 Philip S. Van Rensselaer held the office of mayor nineteen years, being the longest period that any mayor was continued in office. Jared L. Rathbone was the first mayor elected by the people. Previous to his third term these officers were elected by the Common Council. B. & J. B SANDERS, SuccesiorB to BDWIN ELLIS & CO., Booksellers & Stationers, 19 NORTH PEARL STREET, i, j^ All® mm Large Assortment of Novelties just Imported. Alligator, Lizard Snake, Russia Leather and Plush POCKET BOOKS, CARD CASES, BACS ti PORTFOLIOS, ALL NEW STYLES BO)i. PAPERS, MOURNING PAPERS, CARDS, ETC., HANDSOME GIFT BOOKS. Engraving a Specialty. BLEECKER SANDERS. JAMES B. SANDERS. GEO. AV. ANDERSON, The Conf&ciiQner 57 South Pearl Street, ALBANY, N. Y. Candies made Fresh Daily— Fine Bon Bons — Chocolates- French Fruits. 4* THE BI.CENTENNIAL. "THE STOUBRIDGE LION." The first locomotive ever placed upon a track on the Western Hemisphere. Brought to America by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, from Stour- bridge, England, where it was built in the autumn of 1828, Trial trip made at Honesdale, Pa., August 8, 1829, in the presence of a large crowd assembled from within a radius of 40 miles. It had oak timber spokes, iron tics, wooden felloes, iron wheel centres, hemlock timber for track, with strap iron rail. Engineer, Horatio Allen. The Delaware & Hudson Canal Co., was founded in 1823 by William Wurts. The canal from Honesdale to Tide- water at Rondout, 108 miles, was completed in 1828. The celebrated Gravit)' railroad over the Moosic mountains from Carbondale to Honesdale still in use, was completed in 1829. The company's interests have grown into such mammoth proportions that it now owns more than forty coal mines. It has more than 200 miles of underground railroad in its mines. It mines nearly four million tons of coal per annum. Its coal unmined is estimated at four hundred millions of tons. Its railroad system embraces about 800 miles, and extends from the coal fields of Penn- iylvania to the marble quarries of Vermont, the iron mines of northern New York and into Canada. In the number and importance of the health and pleasure resorts on its line it has no competitor, and the number of tourists carried in its trains outnumbers those of any other line in the country. It is the most direct route between the metropolis of the United States and that of Canada, and is an import- ant factor in the great trunk line system between New England, Albany and the west. The road was com- pleted for through traffic to Montreal, November i6th, 1875. The affairs of the company's railroad system are administered from Albany. Records of Albany. The Old Tontine Coffee House. — This establish- ment was located at No. 51 and 53 State street and built in 1798. In 1803 it was distinguished from all other similar houses by its perfect neatness and total abstinence of a bar. iVIr. Ananias Piatt was the first proprietor, after- wards Mr. Gregory who had no competition, no rival house to contend with and was enabled to make a fortune. Many of the most distinguished men of the state and leading poli- ticians visited this spot. At this house among the visitors at different times were De Witt Clinton, Alexander Ham- ilton, Aaron Burr, Doctor Mason Morgan Lewis, Daniel D. Tompkins, John Armstrong, Chancellor Livingston, Mr. Jerome Bonaparte, and the celebrated Moreau, and many others, all travelers of any note, and foreigners of distinction, in fact all gentlemen resorted at the " Old Tontine." The City Hall. — The corner stone of this building that stood on Eagle street cor. of Maiden lane was laid August 31, 1827, by Mayor John Townsend. The Common Council held its first meeting in this building on the 25th of July, 1831. The building was burned Feb. 10, 1880. The corner stone of the new building was laid Oct. 13, 1881. ^