Thousand Islands Life is honored to present Part I of Kristen Pinkney's research Thousand Islands Summers - Manhattan Winters: May Dewey's Diary, beginning July 1888 and culminating in August 1889.
The description of the diary and how it was discovered and researched is included in Contributors in December of this issue of Thousand Islands Life. Kris’ work goes beyond the text, because she provides hundreds of footnotes, for readers to learn more about the life and times in the Thousand Islands. There are more than fifty footnotes distributed throughout the diary in Part I. Simply move the cursor over the highlighted text and the footnote will appear. Click "close" and the footnote will disappear.
Introduction
Our story begins with Edward Wallace Dewey and Frances J. Pitcher. Edward was the son of Ethe Wetmore Dewey and Sarah Ann Miller of Turin. New York Frances was the daughter of Edwin Pitcher and Harriet E. White of Martinsburg. Both familes were farmers in these small Lewis County, New York, communities.
Edward started his career in a local store, probably owned by one of his relatives. His grandfather, Chester Dewey, had been a clothier in Turin. It is likely that Edward’s choice of career was influenced by his family background. His friend, Charles B. King, also a Lewis County native, persuaded Edward to move to Chicago and join the firm of Browning, King & Co. William C. Browning, Henry W. King and Charles B. King had transformed the company into a wholesale and retail clothing empire. The success of Browning, King & Co. was in part due to the exclusive manufacturing of Civil War uniforms for the Union Army. The exact time of Edward moving to Chicago is unclear, but probably around 1864-1865.
Frances and Edward married July 18, 1865 in Martinsburg and they made their home in Chicago. Social columns in various newspapers relate that during 1865-1886, they spent time in Chicago and New York and had occasional trips to Lewis County to visit relatives.
Both their daughters, Harriet Ella Dewey (b. September 24, 1868) and Florence May Dewey (b. December 5, 1869) were born in Chicago. May and Ella were always known by their middle names. From the obituary of Frances Dewey in the Lowville Journal Republican, it stated that the Deweys moved permanently to New York in 1886.
A letter reprinted in the TI Sun on July 21, 1977 by Henry R. Heath of Nobby Island, written January 17, 1903, discloses to us how the Deweys came to own Friendly Island and who else they influenced to purchase summer property. Mr. Heath is writing about the death of his friend, Edward W. Dewey, which occurred on January 15, 1903.
…”Mr. & Mrs. Edward Dewey and their two daughters, Ella and May, visited our family at Nobby Island during the summer of 1885 and they were all so delighted with the island life that after their return to the city Mr. Dewey requested me to secure Friendly Island for their summer home. Our regard for the good people was so great that we used every possible means to purchase this prominent for them, and after much negotiation, succeeded, thus locating one of the best families as our nearest neighbors on the St. Lawrence River…”
“They in turn proved valuable in building up the resort. Mr. Dewey at once commenced making improvements upon a generous scale never before attempted on the St. Lawrence, and the good taste of himself and wife soon converted a rough island into a perfect charm of a summer home. The effect was contagious. Soon after it was finished George M. Pullman visited the Island , after an absence of a dozen or more years, and after his Island had almost gone to decay. A visit to Dewey Isle was such a surprise to him that he at once decided to put his place in order and Castle Rest is the result.”
“Mr. Wm. C. Browning came soon after to visit his partner, Mr. Dewey, and the result was that he sold his place in New Jersey, the River got one of the prominent families in the land, and Hopewell Hall is the result. Later George C. Boldt decided to cast his lot at the Islands, and probably no one person was more instrumental in bringing that about than Mr. Dewey.”
The Deweys first full season in their new home on Friendly Island was in 1887. May’s diary opens with the summer season of 1888 and we get a very unique glimpse of life among the Islanders in the Gilded Age.
NOTE: The diary has been typed, but no corrections have been made to grammar or spelling.
July 1888
Monday 2 Today we took the yacht “Valleeta”1 and went for a sail. We asked Mrs. Spencer2 to go with us Tuesday and she will. I am so glad for I like her so much. I hope that we will all have a jolly time.
Tuesday 3 I am terribly tired being out all day. Air is nearly dead when they get home, but I have had a jolly time. We went up to Stave Island where we took our dinner. I went out fishing with Mr. Holbrook,3 the one we all thought was a bachelor but found out afterwards he was a widower. His wife only lived six months and that was twenty years ago. He is a very nice man, but not very bright although bright enough to earn five millions of dollars. We got home about seven o’clock after having a most delightful time. I received a letter from Pansy4 today saying that she had given a letter of introduction to us. I wonder what kind of fellows they will be. I hope nice. Mr. Browning5 took some pictures at the picnic today, one of the group, another of the fishermen at the table and another of Florence6 and Ella in the hammock with Mr. Holbrook at their feet.
Wednesday 4 Today is the fourth of July and I have enjoyed it so much. We took some more pictures; one was of Papa, another of Ella and Florence with Japanese fans and umbrellas, which was quite good. At six o’clock we all went up to Mrs. Oliphant’s7for a lawn party. Mr. Holbrook and his friend Mr.Skudder went with us. I like Mr. S. so much, he is a bachelor and very good looking. After staying to see some fire works we returned and then went on the river again to see the lights. It was beautiful. All of the islands were illuminated and setting off fireworks. It looked like a fairy scene.
Thursday 5 We laid around the house nearly all the morning and in the afternoon we arranged our dark room to develop pictures in. Papa took Mr.& Mrs. Browning over to Heart’s Island8 and Mrs. Browning9 wants to buy it so much. I do hope that she will for she would have so much going on and then she is so jolly besides. I like her so much and she likes the young people as well.
Friday 6 The Brownings left this morning at half past six. We all got up to see them off. We didn’t have much chance to get lonely for about ten o’clock Mr. Jones10 and Mr. Bacon11 walked in. (they are the fellows Pansy gave us a letter of introduction to.) Mr. Jones is tall, a fine phiseque, with brown eyes and medium hair and mustache, and is such a gentleman. Mr. Bacon is oldish with grey (a mixed brown) blue eyes, short and stout but full of fun and is always giving compliments. When they left they said they were coming tomorrow. Then this afternoon I was even more surprised for who should walk in but Walter Bound12, a bachelor from New York. He is very nice looking but a terrible flirt. We met him at Edith Vail’s13 last summer. It seems that he has bought a yacht by the name of “Ella”14 and is just coming around for the summer. He asked us to go for a sail, so Papa, Mama, Ella and I went down to the boat and there found Mr. Bacon and Mr. Jones15 and had a delightful sail. Then again this evening Papa took a yacht and invited them to go. Also Mr & Mrs. Bingham16 and some friends. I had a very jolly time indeed. I think they all enjoyed it. They are all bachelors and such jolly ones, too. Mr. Jones and Mr. Bacon live in Brooklyn.
Saturday 7 Mr. Jones & Mr. Bacon have spent the morning with us & part of the afternoon as they stayed to luncheon, and took several pictures. One was Mr. Bacon running which was quite comical; they are a lively group. Walter Bound asked us Papa, Ella & I to go on the yacht this afternoon to Clayton. Some went & I never enjoyed a sail more. The boat goes without the slightest motion and is such a comfortable one having two state rooms in it. Coming back I had Mr. Holbrook with us. We also had ice cream and cake as refreshments; it was so pleasant. Walter Bound played for us on the cornet it sounded so lovely on the water. I really think he is a really nice fellow, the more I see of him, the better I like him.
Sunday 8 We all went to church17 this morning. Walter Bound, Mr. Bacon & Mr. Jones said that they were going to church at Thousand Island Park18 but I expect they will stop at Mr. Emery’s19. Mr. Holbrook was at church but did not stay to communion as he was going out he turned to see if we were coming. For we had the side seats, facing the whole church which was very awkward for both of us as we came in late. I wrote to Pansy today for it seemed so long. I never knew a Sunday to pass so slowly. Papa goes back to the City tomorrow evening.
Monday 9 This morning Mr. Bound brought the Binghams over so we first caught a glimpse of the fellows and that was all. Ella & I went to the village and while there stopped a moment to see the girls which are Misses Southgate20 and Carrie Fraser21. They are coming tomorrow afternoon to see us. Papa left at 6 o’clock but said that he is going to try to come next Friday. I took a picture of Mr. Bingham and Edith which is quite good. Mrs. Spencer and a friend of hers called today. I like Mrs. Spencer so much she is so jolly & pleasant.
Tuesday 10 This morning was spent as usual just leading a lazy life. I have been sitting on the piazza and Ella in the hammock she reading and I playing my guitar, Ella and I have such a nice time when we are together. I wonder if Walter Bound and the rest will come around tonight. I saw his yacht going up to Clayton.
Wednesday 11 We did very little today. We spent it about the same as yesterday except the girls (Julie and Ginny Southgate & Carrie Fraser) spent the afternoon with us. We went out on the water and floated around. This evening we Ella, Aunty Mary22 & I went over to the hotel23. The fellows came up when we first landed on the steps. The girls said that their mothers wouldn’t let them be introduced to them for they didn’t like the way they acted. I think it was a very rude thing to say as long as they were our friends. I had a very nice dance and walk with Mr. Jones. I like him very much indeed.
Thursday 12 All the fellows came over this morning and stayed to lunch. Then we all went out on Mr. Bound’s yacht and had a delightful time. Miss Sheldon was here so we are getting up some tableaus24 for tomorrow night. We all rehearsed today. Walter Bound takes the part of Bluebeard and all the girls his wives, with their head hung on a sheet. Mr. Bacon takes the part of a country lover and he does it so well.
Friday 13 The fellows came over today and we had a jolly time. There are about 40 people coming it is more to get the islanders together than anything else. It all passed off splendidly. We had a donkey party25 afterwards which was great sport. Mr. Walter Edsall26 Mrs. Spencer’s son came, he is very nice fellow. He is very good looking and has beautiful eyes.
Saturday 14 Today has been a jolly good day. About a half past nine, before we had finished breakfast, two cards were sent in. One was Frankie Stone27, a fellow whom Ella & I used to know when we lived in Chicago. I would never have recognized him then. Fred Burnside walked in after lunch. (Mr. Burnside spent the day) We took a yacht and went for Mrs. Spencer’s people and got them and returned to get Mamma. Mr. Bacon came before we left so he found our party so we went to Thousand Island Park to meet a Minister who was coming. We took a walk around the place and returned home by way of the “Rift”.28 When we got home we found that Walter Bound and Willard Jones had been here this morning. We went over to the hotel as Mrs. Bingham invited us. I had a delightful evening. We had all the men which the other girls had none. I danced quite a good deal with Walter Bound also with the rest. There was a Miss Johnson in our party whom I met tonight. She has a lovely face, also lovely manners. I should think that all the men would fall in love with her. She is a great friend of Hattie King29. She said that she had heard Hattie speak of us often. We left about ten thirty. The fellows came down with us and I wonder if they will be over tomorrow. (took a picture of Mr. Bound and Ella).
Sunday 15 We all went to church this morning but had a poor sermon. I had to take the front seat as usual. If I have it again I will not go to church. This afternoon Mr. Jones came over to bid us good-bye as he leaves this evening at seven o’clock. I am so sorry he has to go for I liked him better than any, although Walter Bound is very nice. When the boat passed he waved and we all responded. Trust he would come back but we expect to see him in the City as he gave us his card.
Monday 16 This morning we spend very quietly, but this afternoon about two o’clock Walter Bound came with his yacht the “Ella” and Mr. Bacon and took us out. We stopped for Miss Low30 as Ella and I couldn’t go alone with the men. And also Mrs. Oliphant and Mr. Brown a young fellow who is studying for the ministry. We had a delightful sail, he took all the others home first and us last. It was a very inconvenient way to do but it showed he wanted us to be the last. Mamma and Aunty also Mr. & Mrs. Webster who are staying with us now, met us at the dock and gave the men an invitation from Mrs. Spencer to spend the evening there. So they are coming for us with the “Ella”. And we are going up there together. I hope we will have a pleasant time.
Tuesday 17 This morning Ella & I spent at Neh Mabin and we had a very pleasant time. Mrs. Oliphant played on the banjo for us. She plays very nicely. We layed around the house nearly all day. I wrote a few letters. This evening Walter Bound called for us with Mr. Bacon with his yacht and took us to Mrs. Spencer's. We found all the Haydens31 there also the Donohues32 (who are very common I think33) We danced and played bean bags, cards and so forth. I like Edie Hayden very much indeed. she is the one who went to “Oganty”34 with Hattie King. She seems very sweet. I spent a good deal of the evening with Walter Bound, I mean he did with me. We were walking on the piazza it was beautiful moonlight and we had a very nice time. I only speak for myself. He doesn’t like Mr. Bacon at all, he says he sticks close as burr, he took Miss Johnson out sailing the other day and Mr. Bacon had her all day. WB couldn’t get in a word. I think that it was a shame. He told him what he thought of him when he got home and I don’t wonder. I didn’t blame him for being put out. It was lovely coming home the moonlight on the water was gorgeous. We got home about half past eleven after having a very enjoyable evening. Walter Bound looks miserable he says, isn’t feeling at all well. I hope that he will be better for he came up here for his health!
Wednesday 18 It has been raining all day. Mr. Palmer35 went out fishing but caught nothing. Ella & I felt very blue. Mr. Heath36 came in this evening and we had some pop corn which was good as we have not had any for such a long time.
Thursday 19 This morning Ella and I went over to the Bay37 and saw the girls who asked us to dance the German38 at the Thousand Island House39 of young ladies only. I hope that we will have lots of fun. Mr. Troy40 is here again this summer; also Mr. & Miss Williams and Miss Wheeler41, Mr. & Mrs. & Miss Reed42 are coming tomorrow and her brother in August as he can’t get away before.
Friday 20 The morning passed with nothing to do. But this afternoon we had two surprises. First we received a large camera from Mr. Ed Browning43. It was lovely for him to send it. It takes pictures 8” x 10”. Then as we were arranging and looking at the camera who should appear but Willard Jones and Mr. Bacon. I was so surprised to see Mr. Jones for he left last week and we didn’t expect to see him again. They spoke of the German and asked us to dance with them. It seems that there is going to be fellows in it also. We went and I danced with Mr. Bacon & I would much rather have had Mr. Jones or Mr. Bound. Mr. Bound told me that they tossed up to see who would dance with who. I enjoyed myself very much although Mr. Bacon was so soft. He kept asking me to treat him this way and that way and told me how he liked me the far most.
| Girls |
Men |
| 1 tin rattle |
1 horn |
| small parsals |
1 pipe |
| sticks of Canada |
2 stick of candy |
| small candy |
small flags |
| fans |
soap |
Mr. Jones gave me some of his favors also Mr. Bacon. I had Walter Bound & Mr. Bacon at refreshments. I met a fellow who looked exactly like Walter Reilly and talked just like him. We got home at twelve o’clock. The fellows saw us to the boat. I hope the fellows will stay another week for we have had such a jolly time with them.
Saturday 21 Papa came this morning also Mr. & Mrs. Reed and their daughter. I am so glad Papa came. Miss Reed is very pleasant. We spent the morning first lying around doing nothing and ended the day by taking a moon light row which was delightful.
Sunday 22 We all went to church this morning and this afternoon the “Ella” passed and they all came in. Walter Bound is going Tuesday morning. Mr. Jones was invited to go with him but he hasn’t decided wether he will or not. Walter Bound has enjoyed himself so much so he says. After they had left Papa told us that he had inquired about them all and that Mr. Bound was very nice, but that Mr. Jones was not. He told us that several years ago Mr. Jones was messed up in some way and was imprisoned but was taken right out . Also that he was engaged to a girl and her guardian found out about him and broke off the engagement. But there must be some mistake for he is a perfect gentleman and I must say I don’t believe it. It happened when he was quite young so I think that there is some excuse for him.
Monday 23 This morning we spent first as lazy as usual. This afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Singer44 came over and invited Ella and I over there this evening. The Reeds left first a few minutes before it rained terribly hard. This evening about six o’clock it cleared up as the “Jessie H” came to the dock. We went about eight and had a delightful time. Walter Bound, Mr. Jones and Mr. Bacon. I spent most of the time with Mr. Bound, I like him so much. The moon rose fast about nine thirty. We had dancing and music on the piazza which made it very pleasant indeed. Then we had refreshments. As were going through the Virginia Reel I got a terrible knock on my forehead. I hit it against Walter Bound’s hand. It will be sort of a reminder but a hard one. We got home about twelve. The fellows go tomorrow morning.
Tuesday 24 Ella and I got up early this morning for we expected Arthur Taylor45 but he didn’t come. We went over to the Bay about ten o’clock and the “Ella” was just going so we saw all the fellows again. They all waved a farewell to us. I have heard so many stories about them but I don’t believe them for you never can tell what you hear.
Wednesday 25 This morning Arthur Taylor appeared. I am so glad that he is here, only I wish that we had another fellow to keep him company. Nellie Reed46 came on the afternoon boat. I like her so much. She is not pretty but very sweet. She is just 22 years old . We took pictures this afternoon and was by the rocks. Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Reed, Ella and I. It is very pretty and very good of us all. We picked ferns and all other things. Miss Cassels and Mr. Edsall called also Mr. Holland47 and their friends. We are all going fishing tomorrow. We rowed over to the Holland’s place and asked them. Theodore Holland and Miss May48 are going. We had a very pleasant talk and Mr. Taylor and myself.
Thursday 26 This morning about seven thirty we all started our fishing. The party comprised Mrs. Judd49, Mamma, Aunt Mary, Mrs. Barnes, Miss Cassels, Mr. Edsall, Theodore Holland, Miss May, Miss Nellie Reed was there, and Mr. Taylor and me had a very jolly time. I went with Arthur Taylor. I wanted Miss Reed to have him but she went with Ella . We took the camera and took several pictures. We played cards and the passed the time very pleasantly. I like Mr. Holland very much. He is a very queer fellow; seldom smiles and it just flatters you when you get him to smile. We went back the same way we came. They all seemed to enjoy it so much. We (the party) caught 240 fish in all. Mr. Taylor and I were the first ones home and that was at eight o’clock and it was chilly. We built a large fire and sat by it. It was so comfortable. I laughed all the way home for he looked so funny and said so many funny things.
Friday 27 This morning we all went over to the village. And Arthur Taylor bought us two boxes of candy which we ate. Then this afternoon we took the boat and went to Heart’s Island & landed. Sat on the rocks. Ate candy and talked, also played in the bay front. Took pictures of others. Then at half past five we went to see Pullmans’50. They are laying out the grounds beautifully. The lawn is covered with moss which looks beautifully51.
Saturday 28 This morning we all went to “Bonnie Castle”,52 Mr. Holland’s place. Mr. Taylor and Miss Reed played tennis. They both play a very good game. We met two Miss Andrews and their brother, Mr. Andrews who is very good looking. He looks very much like Ben Lamb. Mr. Holland was very, very pleasant and all together we had a very enjoyable morning. This afternoon we were all sitting on the lawn when Miss Lewises53 called. They are very pleasant girls. This evening we all went over to the Bay or rather the Crossmon House54 where we met Mr. Holland and saw all the others. For they did not come up to us so T. Holland was going between the two parties, although he staid with us most of the time. He is a splendid dancer. I get along with him beautifully and then he gave me a very nice compliment he said that I danced like a bird. It sounds awfully conceited of me even to think of it but from the way he said it I really thought he meant it , for he is a fellow who never gives compliments unless he means them. He got lemonade for us all it was very nice of him. He laughed several times tonight which was quite an unusual thing. He is going out camping Tuesday so I suppose we will not see him again. I wish that he was going to stay.
Sunday 29 This morning we all went to church but left just before church closed. Then spent the rest of the afternoon lying around & this evening Mr. Heath came in.
Monday 30 Arthur Taylor went out fishing about 5 o’clock this morning and did not return until about 5 PM. In the meantime we girls took afghans and sofa pillows and laid on the ground and had quite a flirtation with two fellows who passed. Mr. & Mrs. & Miss Dorrance55 called, also several others – Mr. Bright & Mrs. Sperry from Mr. Singer’s56. He is a Yale fellow but I don’t think much of him. Mr. Taylor had quite a good deal of luck caught several pickeral, all very good eyed.
Tuesday 31 This morning about ten o’clock Arthur Taylor, Miss Bell, Ella and I went over to Edgewood to play tennis and met there a Mr. Driggs57 whom Mrs. Conklin had brought to call last night & he introduced us to a Mr. Halslid from Brooklyn. He was a very pleasant fellow; we all walked around to the hotel & then Mr. Taylor bought us some candy; about 2 lbs which of course we all enjoyed. Mr. Driggs then hired a boat to take us to Edgewood and I got in the boat it was awfully rough but we landed in safety. After we got home we all went out fishing four in one boat & Arthur Taylor sitting on a camp stool in the center of the boat. We caught sixty fish in about an hour and a half. About sunset we all sat in the little look out (that is just the young people) altogether we spent a very pleasant day. We laughed so hard I thought we would never stop.
Researched and compiled by Kristen Pinkney Kristenpinkney@thousandislandslife.com
© Copyright Kristen Pinkney 2008, All Rights Reserved
1
Steam yacht for hire, owned and operated by Capt. John Comstock. John Haddock, The Picturesque St. Lawrence River 2nd edition (Albany, 1896) p. 83
2
Mrs. Spencer, (Isabelle) of Manhattan Island, wife of Judge James C. Spencer, resides in New York City. Haddock, p. 245
3
Edmund F. Holbrook, lawyer, 115 Broadway, resides at The Buckingham Hotel. NYC Directory, 1890 www.ancestry.com
4
Marion “Pansy” Brush, close friend of May and Ella Dewey
5 William C. Browning, of Browning, King & Co, business partner with Edward W. Dewey, May and Ella’s father
6
Lucy Florence Browning, niece of W. C. Browning, daughter of Edward Franklin Browning and Lucy A. Richardson
7
Helen Oliphant, of Nemah Bin, Comfort Island, wife of James H. Oliphant, residence at 335 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. US Federal Census 1880 www.ancestry.com
8
Hart’s Island was owned by the late Congressman Hart and later became Heart’s Island when George Boldt had the island shaped into a heart. It is home to Boldt Castle, owned by the Thousand Island Bridge Authority.
9
wife of W.C. Browning was Adelaide Scott, daughter of John D. Scott & Nancy Updyke www.familysearch.com
10
Willard H. Jones, broker at 72 Broadway, residence at 9 Elm Place, Brooklyn. Brooklyn, NY Directories 1888-1890 www.ancestry.com
11
Stephen H. Bacon, residence at 369 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn. Brooklyn, NY Directories 1888-1890 <www.ancestry.com
12
Walter Bound, broker, son of John F. Bound and Hannah E. Bound, Englewood, NJ-US Federal Census www.ancestry.com
13
Edith Vail, daughter of James E. Vail & Hannah Vail at “Vail Court” Stamford, CT, Strawberry Hill Avenue. Stamford, CT Directories 1887-1892, Edith was raised in Brooklyn. www.ancestry.com
14
Walter Bound’s niece, Ella Marie Bound, died June 26th, 1881, age 8. She was the daughter of Charles F. Bound and Helen W. Bound of 93 Park Avenue, NYC. US Federal Census 1880 & New York Times, www.ancestry.com possibly he named his yacht after his niece.
15
Walter Bound, Willard H. Jones and Stephen H. Bacon had left NYC on July 3rd and arrived in the Thousand slands via the Erie Canal. Their next stop was Montreal on July 25th for two days, with a return to NYC via Lake Champlain. New York Times archive July 25th, 1888.
16
Mr. & Mrs. A.M. Bingham of Mt. Morris, NY and their daughter Edith are staying at the Thousand Island House. New York Times archive, www.ancestry.com
17
Methodist Episcopal Church of Alexandria Bay, located on Rock Street.
18
Thousand Island Park, on Wellesley Island, established in 1875, as a summer resort affiliated with the Methodist church.
19
Charles Goodwin Emery on Calumet Island, of Goodwin & Co Tobacco, which later merged with other companies to become the American Tobacco Company. His other ventures included the Frontenac Hotel on Round Island & A. Bain & Company, manufacturers of St. Lawrence Skiffs. Susan Weston Smith, The First Summer People The Thousand Islands 1650-1910 (Toronto, 1993) p. 202
20
Daughters of Richard H. Southgate of Saratoga Springs, NY, proprietor of Brunswick Hotel-residence at 688 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Springs, NY Directories 1888-92 www.ancestry.com
21
Carrie Fraser, daughter of William A. Fraser & Lina Appleton Fraser, NYC. New York Times society columns www.ancestry.com
22
Aunty Mary is Mary Pitcher Bloomfield, the sister of Frances Dewey, Lowville Journal & Republican, <www.news.nnly.net Aunty Mary resided in Brooklyn, NY.
23
When May refers to the hotel, it is the Thousand Island House, which was directly across the River from Friendly Island. The other hotels in Alex Bay she refers to are the Crossmon House and the Edgewood.
24
Tableau refers to dressing in costume and standing motionless like a statue for the benefit of the steamer tour boats filled with tourists. Courtesy Paul Malo, 1000 Islands author & historian.
25
Pin the Tail on the Donkey game
26
son from previous marriage, stepson to Judge James C. Spencer of NYC & Manhattan Island
27
Frank P. Stone, carriage manufacturer, Chicago, Illinois, US Federal Census, www.ancestry.com
28
Rift is a channel located between Wellesley Island and Hill Island
29
daughter of Charles B. King & niece of Henry W. King of Browning, King & Co. Brothers Charles B. King and Henry W. King are both from Martinsburg, Lewis County, NY, as is Mrs. Dewey (nee Frances J. Pitcher) US Federal Census <www.ancestry.com
30
Ella Low, age 25 of NYC. Research indicated James Oliphant Sr. was a widower & was friends with Annie Low, a widow. Her daughter, Ella, was a suitable chaperone for May & Ella Dewey. US Federal Census www.ancestry.com
31
Haydens of Fairyland Island, reside in Columbus, Ohio. Haddock, p. 245
32
Donohues of St. John Island, (now known as Steamboat Island) NY Superior Court Judge Charles Donohue of 657 65th St had an extensive household: The Judge, his wife, 2 sons, a daughter, 2 nieces, 2 servants, a cook, a laundress, a nurse & a coachman. US 1880 Federal Census www.ancestry.com
33
The Donohue boys, Charles Jr. (21) & Francis (20) were noted for being intoxicated most of the time. It is understandable that May did not like them. Paul Malo, Fools’ Paradise (Fulton, 2003) p. 35
34
unidentified private school
35
Mr. Palmer, house guest of the Dewey family.
36
Henry R. Heath, of Nobby Island, next door to Friendly Island, resides in Brooklyn. Haddock, p. 245
37
Bay refers to the village of Alexandria Bay
38
A German is a dance which is led by an individual who provides certain figures which must be followed. Favors are given to the participants of the dance.
39
Thousand Island House, a hotel in Alexandria Bay, which was sold to Richard H. Southgate in 1883 by Orin G. Staples for $100,000.00. Laurie Ann Nulton, Golden Age of the Thousand Islands Its People & Its Castles (Binghamton, 1981) p. 22
40
Thomas H. Troy, lawyer, age about 30, son of Judge James & Elizabeth Troy, 71 1st Place, Brooklyn NY. The Troys were frequent visitors to the Thousand Islands. Brooklyn Eagle archives & www.ancestry.com
41
Clara Wheeler, age about 20, daughter of DeWitt C. Wheeler of Manhattan. Brooklyn Eagle social columns & US Federal Census www.ancestry.com
42
Reeds are friends with the Dewey family & reside in Kingsbridge, a part of the Bronx
43
Edward Franklin Browning, author of Genealogy of the Brownings in America From 1621 to 1908
44
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Singer of Chicago, owners of Isle Imperial, a.k.a. Imperial Island, New York Times archive.
45
Arthur I. Taylor, son of Josephine D. Taylor, Village of Tarrytown, Town of Greenburgh, County of Westchester, 1880 Federal Census www.ancestry.com
46
Helen Reed is also known as Nellie. Helen’s brother is Charles or Charley Reed
47
Theodore Holland, son of the late Dr. Josiah G. Holland and Elizabeth Luna Chapin. www.ancestry.com of Bonnie Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY. Resides in NYC. Haddock p. 245
48
Miss May is Teddy Holland’s cousin, Sarah May
49
Mrs. Judd, wife of late Norman Buel Judd, of Chicago. Adeline Rossiter was born in Connecticut around 1821 & married Norman Buel Judd in 1844. www.ancestry.com www.politicalgraveyard.com
50
Pullman Island, owned by George M. Pullman, resides in Chicago. Haddock p. 245
51
in preparation for the newly constructed home “Pullman Rest”(more commonly known as “Castle Rest”) to be presented to Mr. Pullman’s mother on her eightieth birthday in August 1888. Susan Weston Smith, p. 206
52
Bonnie Castle was named for a character in one of Dr. Josiah Holland’s books, Arthur Bonniecastle
53
daughters of W.J. Lewis, Resort Island, reside in Pittsburg, PA. Haddock p. 245
54
hotel in Alexandria Bay, established by Charles Crossmon
55
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Dorrance and daughter, Elma, age about 20, of Camden, NY, related to D. G. Dorrance family in Thousand Island Park. New York Times archive, Watertown Herald archive, www.ancesty.com
56
Visiting the Singer family on Imperial Island, a.k.a. Isle Imperial
57
Frederick Elliott Driggs of Brooklyn
