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Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 20, 1875
News of the week
New Commissioner of Patents to take the place of Mr. Thatcher, just resigned, to enter into the patent business in Chicago. Hon. R.H. Buell of Cortland, N.Y....
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 20, 1875
Isaac Merritt Singer
Isaac Merritt Singer - This eminent mechanician died at his residence at Old Paignton, near Torquay, England on July 23, 1875, in the 64th year of his age.
[Read more about Isaac Singer, the inventor of the Singer Sewing Machine Company at Wikipedia].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
Hampshire County items
Amherst's population is 3926, against 4035 in 1870; 2009 males and 1817 females; she has 789 houses, 120 old maids, 66 bachelors, 180 widows, 84 widowers, and 29 persons over 80 years old. They will not put another squash into the harness at the Agricultural College this year, but they are trying other interesting experiments with a vine of the same kind, the Mammoth Chili https://www.semences...ltivar=Mammoth+Chili They have one squash upon the scales to ascertain its final weight, and meantime to note its increase in weight, which is now 3 pounds per diem.
The growth of its leaves is also recorded. Another scale marks the increase of its vine in length, and still another of its tendrils. An ingenious contrivance is arranged to find out the movements of an unsupported tendril; the result is worked in triangles on a paper perpendicular to the free tendril. Another arrangement is to test the strength of the tendrils and their growth in power relative to the growth of the supported squash. A gauge is being prepared to examine the sap in the vine and its passage into the fruit.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 23, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
The water wheel referred to elsewhere in this paper was built by Luther Knights, the practical machinist and mechanical engineer of the Arlington Car Manufacturing Co's. works http://www.midcontin...builders/vermont.htm Mr. Knights is now preparing to make 3 sizes of small wheels which will far surpass the former in beauty of design and capacity. The sizes to be built are 6, 10, and 14 inch, varying in power from the power required to run a sewing machine to 32 horse power. They are to be placed in an iron water box, in such a manner as not to leak, and can be used in a parlor as well as anywhere as far as the shops are concerned. See advertisement in another column.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
To obtain and keep pure water in these days is of the greatest importance. George Pierce Jr. has the agency of an ice cooler, which is one of the best inventions of the day. The outside of the cooler is galvanized iron. It is lined with artificial slate stone, prepared by pulverizing and molding into shape, and between the lining and outside is a thickness of cork. Ice can be kept in the cooler for 3 days, and the water pure for weeks. He has various sizes. Call and see them.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 9, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
G.S. Eddy has had on exhibition the past week in front of the Band Stand, one of Bruce's Vesper Street lanterns, intended for use in the streets of villages, on public and private grounds, etc. It is a very simple and convenient arrangement for lighting. The lantern is adjustable on the post so that it may be trimmed and lighted without the aid of a ladder, while other advantages are claimed for it over the ordinary method.
[See a description of Bruce's Elevating Street Lamp in Google Books 1874 "Twelfth Exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Organization"].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 2, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Alonzo Parker has invented a new automatic gas extinguisher, intended more especially for gas posts. The gas is lighted in the ordinary manner and the extinguisher set to turn off the gas as desired, at any given time during the night. The machine is enclosed in a small box, and attached to the post. They are being tried on several posts in the village, and perform the work perfectly.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 26, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
James S. Grennell Esq. has for some months rented the front rooms on the third floor in the Franklin County Bank building, where he is collecting a very valuable library, [See an interesting article about this library in the New York Times online issue of March 7, 1915 under the name James S. Grinnell] consisting principally of books relating to both English and American patents, a more complete set than can be found elsewhere in New England. He is the possessor, also, of many rare and expensive books on agriculture. It is Mr. G's purpose at some time to take up his permanent residence in Greenfield, and establish a Patent Solicitor's office, his extensive experience in the patent office at Washington giving him unusual qualification for the business.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 12, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Frank Park has sold out his hammock supporter patent to parties in Waterville, Vt., receiving in exchange a farm and a hotel property, beside one third of the equivalent, which is shipped to him in barrels. Frank says they would have thrown other things into the bargain, but he didn't want more property than he could comfortably manage. [Can't figure out what the equivalent is - cider?].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 5, 1875
Brief notes of a pleasant excursion
The Massachusetts Press Association left Boston on the morning of June 23, for their annual excursion. The party, including ladies, numbered almost 90...On this excursion two first class cars and a smoking car on the Boston & Albany road were devoted to the exclusive use of the excursionists...The sandwiches, cakes, etc. were neatly packed in pasteboard boxes for each individual, and were liberally accompanied with iced lemonade.
At Albany...there was a change to the fine cars of the New York Central Railroad, and we were soon steaming with almost lightning rapidity through the beautiful Mohawk Valley. The flat farm lands here are of an unsurpassing fertility. There does not appear to be an acre that is not under cultivation....The Mohawk runs parallel with the road for many miles, and on the opposite side of the river is the Erie Canal. The latter, which has been one of the great institutions of the Empire State for many years, appears to New Englanders to be a rather slow method of transportation. The canal boats, which we pass in quick succession, seem hardly to move, so snail like is the progress which they make, but what is lost in time is saved in expense. If it was not for the Erie our coal and grain would never approach the present low prices, and upon it has depended largely the wealth and development of the great Western States.
But...the day was fearfully hot, and our excursion cars were in the rear of a very large train; and the dust and cinders that poured into the windows soon blackened our faces, filled our eyes and ears, so that when we reached Syracuse about 8 o’clock in the eve., after a ride of 350 miles, we were a sad looking set, more like a band of miners from the coal region, than people who patronized soap and water. We were, however, nicely quartered at the Globe and Vanderbilt hotels and through the transforming influences of the bath, clean linen, and a good supper, were soon ourselves again.
The party left Syracuse soon after 6 the next morning, by the Auburn branch of the New York Central. At Auburn we got the chance to see the extensive buildings of the State Penitentiary, but did not stop for a close inspection of the establishment. A short ride brought us to the wharf at Cayuga, where we embarked on a small steamer for a delightful trip of 38 miles through Cayuga Lake...
With song and mirth the happy excursionists were soon on the top wave of enjoyment. At Goodwin’s Point a landing was made and the party visited Taghkanic Falls To reach the Falls we climbed a steep descent of a mile, under a broiling sun, and were hardly, when we reached the summit, in the most favorable mood to fully appreciate this wild freak of nature. These falls are on a small stream, and 215 ft. in perpendicular height, while the rocky gorge is nearly 400 ft. down.
It is a wild and picturesque spot, but at this season there is not a large flow of water over the fall. A hotel has been built upon the summit, within a stone’s throw of the fall, and it is quite a resort for excursionists and picnic parties.... Afterwards we landed at the beautiful town of Ithaca, at the head of the lake. the principal business here is apparently the transferment of coal. The coal is brought by rail from the mines in Pennsylvania and transshipped to the canal boats, which convey it across the lake and thence through the canal to the Eastern markets. Our quarters were at the Ithaca Hotel, a first class house...After a sumptuous dinner, carriages were provided for a visit to Cornell University.
The college buildings occupy a beautiful site overlooking the lake, and can be seen miles away...The college was opened in 1868, and everything about the premises is neat and new...The founder of the college, Ezra Cornell, Esq. endowed the institution with more than three millions of dollars...Our party assembled in the Library of the college, and were addressed by President White...It was the purpose of Mr. Cornell to found a university where any person could find instruction in any study, and well has his purpose been carried out. It recognizes no distinct religious belief, though its aim is to promote Christian civilization...
Upon the grounds an opportunity is afforded, as at our Agricultural College, for the practical study of agriculture. There is a carpenter shop, furnished with power and machinery, where students who have tastes in that direction can cultivate their skill in wood work. A large machine shop is fitted with lathes and a variety of machinery and tools, and we found here a dozen or more young men hard at work with sleeves rolled up, dressed in colored shirts an overalls, hands and faces begrimmed, just like "greasy mechanics".
Several valuable inventions have been made in this shop, and much of this work is put to a practical use. In the same building is a printing shop with a large assortment of type and presses...Cornell University recognizes the co-education of the sexes. Young ladies are admitted on the same footing as young men, and are advanced through the same studies...the young men, who at other colleges have been accustomed to practices that were vulgar and demoralizing have voluntarily given them up since the admission of the young ladies, and so far from the mingling of the sexes leading to unpleasant talk and scandal, as some had predicted, not a breath of suspicion of anything out of character had ever existed...
Before leaving the college grounds we were driven to Fall Creek Gorge a wild, romantic locality, where the waters of a small stream leap and splash over the rocks of a wild ravine in its mad course to the lake below. We left Ithaca at 7 in the eve. over the Utica, Ithaca and Elmira Railroad, the President of which is Gen. W.I. Burt, the Postmaster of Boston. General Burt had accompanied our party, and we were indebted to his kind attention and influence for many courtesies. On this road we pass through Elmira, and about 10 o’clock at night, in the midst of a drenching rain, arrived at the town of Watkins at the head of Seneca Lake. After a little confusion we were provided with carriages and driven through the pitchlike darkness up the steep ascent to the Glen Mountain House [See the NYPL Digital Gallery for great photos], which has been erected above the famous Watkins Glen.
There is no natural wonder on the American continent, with the exception perhaps, of Niagara Falls, that surpasses the Glen...Says Bayard Taylor: "In all my travels I have never met with scenery more beautiful and romantic than that embraced in this wonderful Glen, and the most remarkable thing of all is that so much magnificence and grandeur should be found in a region where there are no ranges of mountains...It is only since 1869 that the Glen has been accessible to the public...[A very large section follows about the Glen and its hotels. To be continued next week].
L. Kilburn & co. are substituting a wood seat for that of cane into some of their chairs. It is patented by H.S. Hale, of the firm of Hale, Kilburn & Co. of Philadelphia, and is very elastic and pretty, being made of strips of dark wood and light wood, and attached to canvas. It is also of good durability, and being inserted in the frame by a contrivance of George W. Kilburn's, it is impossible to spring out of place.
R.O. Ferrier, the inventor of the new lawn and parlor game "America" has made arrangements with Sumner Smith of West Whately, to manufacture and supply those who want this game. All orders sent to him will be promptly filled.
Paul Boynton [also known as the Fearless Frogman. See Wikipedia] succeeded in swimming or floating across the English Channel in his patent life saving dress during Friday and Sat. night, after being in the water 23 hours and 38 minutes.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 31, 1875
News about town: Greenfield items
Moody has got hold of a new invention for a window screen. It can be easily adjusted to a window of any size and fits perfectly tight. Go and look at it. He is agent for General Sherman's memoirs and the Appleton's publications.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 24, 1875
Don't buy the Hip Gore Corset till you know that the price is right
Don't buy the Hip Gore Corset till you know that the price is right. 33 cents at "Mack's", all sizes, in white and drab. [See "Improvements in corsets", U.S. Patent Office, issued May 26, 1874].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 24, 1875
Turners Falls
J.C. Fellows has invented a machine for saving the paper pulp that escapes in the water, when it is being washed. One is now in operation in Holyoke, and the second one is being built at Herrick's machine shop in Northampton.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 17, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Henry N. Mygatt, who had been a clerk in Seward & Willard's store for about a year and a half, met a sad death in Springfield on Thurs. He terminated his employment here on Wed. and left town with the expressed intention of going to Washington, where his father resides. It appears that he stopped in Springfield, where, Thurs. aft., about 2 o'clock, he visited a saloon, and calling for drink, told the bar tender that he wanted to take some medicine in his liquor. He said that he had been up nights until his nerves were so disturbed that he had to take something to quiet them before he slept.
/ He poured the medicine - subsequently discovered to be chloral - into the glass from a small vial, drank it with the liquor and went out. He then went to the Berkshire House, and at the bar there took another portion of the chloral with some liquor, and then called for a room, saying he wanted to go to bed. He was shown to his room, and nothing more was thought about it till someone entered the room about 5 o'clock and found him dead in the bed. He had apparently gone directly to bed and fallen at once under the deadly influence of the chloral. From letters and cards found upon Mygatt's person, a telegram of inquiry was sent to Seward & Willard, who requested the Springfield authorities to give proper attention to the remains, and immediately forwarded a dispatch to Mygatt's friends in Washington. Those who were intimate with him here, do not think that it was his purpose to take his own life, but in a nervous mood he took the chloral to obtain sleep and rest, and was a victim of an overdose. Mygatt was 34 years of age and a young man of a fine gentlemanly appearance. He was for some time clerk in the Patent Office at Washington, and for 4 years was an orderly with Admiral Alden on the Wabash, accompanying General Sherman on his European trip a few years ago; and in one way and another had seen a good deal of the world. Mr. Willard became acquainted with him South, and induced him to come to Greenfield. His father reached Springfield on Fri. and took the remains home to Washington. The report that Mygatt had a wife in Washington is incorrect. The affectionate letters referred to, which were found in his pocket, were probably from his sister.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 17, 1875
Shelburne Falls
A steam shovel costs $7500. It removes 2 cubic yards of earth at once. It will under favorable circumstances remove two shovels per minute. The name of the patentee was Otis. He died while young, and his partner, Chapman, married his widow, and they receive $1000 royalty on every machine manufactured. A public statement of the above facts will save the contractors and their employees much time. A new one has been set at work near Bardwell's Ferry. [See the article on steam shovels in Wikipedia].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 3, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
This is the time of the annual house cleaning, with its accompanying perplexities and troubles, among which the putting down of carpets is conceded to be the most uncomfortable, back-breaking job of all. Modern invention has transformed this unpleasant task, however, into an agreeable pastime. The Excelsior Carpet Stretcher, for which Charles P. Forbes has the agency, is the best thing that has yet been introduced. With it you can put down your carpet neatly, smoothly and with comparative ease. If your carpet is a little scant, the stretchers will bring it into place. Go and look at it and give it a trial. It is made by the Excelsior Manufacturing Company of Buchanan, Michigan and is a most compact and clean machine.
- Mon, Jan 18, 2010
