
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ames family


OFFICE OF THE
Cape Vincent Eagle
Warren W. Ames, Publisher
Dear Brothers, Fred and Will.
I have got some news to tell you! We are all well at present. Our writeing school is most out, only three or four more lessons. Prof. J. H. Warren our teacher offered 25 cards with youre name written on them, to the one that would write the best set of captals. Henry Marks and I got them, I will send you one of mine, so that you can see some of his work, he is as I have probly told you before, the best writer in the United States, “I can't begin with him.” perhaps I shall want you to send it back, keep it cleen
Fred you must write next time. I sent you a cupple of coppes of the Childrens Hour when you have red them them pleas send them to 10.ac. I also send you a coppy of the Schoolday Magazine. (keep that.)
Will you speak about not haveing any thing to read. Take the History of the United States and you will find it the most interesting reading you ever red, when you have red it through and can answer all questions tharein let me know it and I will send you reading enough to last a sentury, poste paid. __________
It is quite warm to day, it thawed and rained yesterday, does sap run yet down youre way? . …. …. . . .__ _.. . . . … …. . . .._ ._. . . __ ._ _... . . .._ _ _ . .. .__ . … _.. ._ .. … _.._. Telegraph above can you read it?
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t
._ _... … _.. . ._. __. …. .. _._. _._ _ __ _. ._. ….. .._. … … _
u v w x y z & . ?
.._ …_ .__ ._.. …. …. . ..__.. _.._. This is the telegraph alphebet, lurn it!
Will I cant think of any more to write now, only Whit talks of moveing into a room next of the office then it will be so handy for Ell, she wont have to run to the house every once in 30 minutes to fix the fire. I have not got time to write to you , Mother, for I must write to George to day.
To all of you.
Mother you need not send me no stockings I have got enough for this Winter
NOTES:
John Ames would be 15 years old in May. He seems to be living in Cape Vincent, going to school there and helping his older brother Whit on his newspaper, the Cape Vincent Eagle, then about one year from its start date.
Sad to say, John got about one third of the Morse Code alphabet wrong.

Left to right
John Ames, Fred Ames and William Ames
youngest Ames brothers.
This letter was written by 14 year-old John Ames to his eight-year old brother Fred Ames. John seems to have gone to Cape Vincent to work for his brother Whit Ames on his new newspaper the Cape Vincent Eagle.
OFFICE OF THE
Cape Vincent Eagle
W. W. Ames, Proprietor
Dear Brother
I supose you are writting to heere from me and so you shall. We are all well at present and and hope that you are sitting in the same saddle It is rainy to day and the weather is cool.
You ought to be up heare and see all the Cherry Trees which are verrey numerous, laidened with their writch and wripened fruit. Mr. Seeleys folks the ones who we hire the house of went to Mr. Irvines (a farmer who lives about 2 miles out) to pick some Cherries and fetched home large pales full (gave us a taste) and were invited to come again. Well Fred how are you on the swim cant swim nor dive yet eh I guess that I have got the start of you fellows I can dive swim on my back or under water) ask Eugene if he can). How does Mark get along. Please send the Visitor up heere and I will send it back again when I have read it.
Ma what is it about cloths I want a new Coat next winter and I dont know but I have got to have pants and vest Them pants Aunt B made are so big I dont want to ware them under a yeare or so And if I have got to have new cloths next winter why not get them now and so have them when I get my picture taken I think that I can get them cheep But it is just as you say if you want me to wate I will.
What is it about Mrs. Phillips Baby Ell wants to know whether it is a girl or a boy and if it is as handsome as its Parents.
We have about all we can do to keep up with the woork. We printed some Circulars for Charlie Corning he is going to have a Select School in Georgetown commencing Aug 20.
I have tried to rite a long letter but I have sliped up on it. I tried my bigest to rite a good one if it is short C ant hink of any more.
So good by Write soon from
NOTES:
This letter was written by 14 year-old John Ames to his eight-year old brother Fred Ames. John seems to have gone to Cape Vincent to work for his brother Whit Ames on his new newspaper the Cape Vincent Eagle.
Cape Vincent is a small town on the St. Lawrence River about three miles below Lake Ontario. It had a strong French heritage and in the census of 1870 had a population of about 3,500. Cape Vincent is about 100 miles north of De Ruyter.
Ell who wants to know about Mrs. Phillip’s baby was probably William Elmer Ames, born in 1860 and seventh son of Fordyce and Electa Ames. John, William, and Fred were the three youngest children and brother George, the fifth son, was 18 years old in 1872.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Honey Moon
Temperance House. Niagara Falls, N.Y. Printed by Albertype Co. No post date
This is the Hotel that Sophia & John stayed at in Niagara Falls
In the 1892 City Directory, it listed twenty-eight (28) hotels in the south part of the city and fourteen (14) hotels in the north part of the city. Notable hotels included:
Temperance House - Falls Avenue at 2nd Street
John Ames Letter
Temperance Hotel
Niagara Falls, N. Y.,
June 30, 1886.
Dear Father and Mother:
-- After the storm of rice and old shoes had subsided, we reached the depot in ample time for the train. At Cortland, Ray Bliss, Sophie’s cousin, met us with a hack, and gave us a good ride through the village after which they invited us to sit down to a bountiful supper. We went to Syracuse and from there right through to Rochester, putting up for the night at the New Osborn House. This morning we went to visit Power’s Art Gallery, probably the finest in America. What beautiful masterpieces of art we saw. We kept going from one room to another until it was time for our train. We arrived here about one o’clock and were very successful in getting a hotel. It costs us but $1.50 per day here, and everything is neat and homelike. It is by far a best place for a common man to stop when he comes here. But the scenery! You have no idea of its grandeur until you gaze upon it for yourself. Fred had only this afternoon to stay, so we hired a hack for $3 for the afternoon. The driver took lots of pains with us, describing all the “points” of interest, and showed us all around, both the Canada and American side. We have had a splendid time. Never had two days of so much joy in all my life. If it is possible for a man to afford it, I do not think he ought to live and die in York State and not see Niagara Falls. We will probably stay here tomorrow and go to Genoa Friday, arriving at a P. M. This is the place for a man to go for his [continued on top of page] wedding trip. Sophie sends her love.
Your son John
NOTES: John Ames and Sophia Wall were married in a double ceremony with Fred Hendee and Zella Wall on Jun 22.
Powers Building Rochester 1880's
The Powers Building has enjoyed a history as one of Rochester’s most remarkable commercial structures. Daniel Powers began construction of his building in 1865 and after it’s initial completion in 1868 he would undertake a series of expansions and enlargements as he sought to maintain its claim as the tallest building in Rochester.
This Rochester landmark earned fame and status due to it’s design and finish that included many engineering marvels never before seen in Rochester.
Construction of the building utilized steel framing with a cast iron and ornamental stone façade. This revolutionary method of construction was employed to create what was then billed as a fireproof building. The building was the first in upstate New York to have a passenger elevator (then called a vertical railroad), gas illumination and marble floors. In 1861 it became the first commercial structure in Rochester to have electricity, utilizing its own power generating boilers.
In side the Powers Building
Powers Art Gallery
Restored:click here to see building now
In 1875 Daniel Powers opened the largest private art gallery in the country occupying the entire 5th floor of his building. His collection consisted of over 1,000 pieces of both original work and reproductions of masterpieces acquired during his numerous trips to Europe. After his death in 1897 his art collection was auctioned off and ownership of the building changed numerous times and it’s condition gradually declined.
First Century of Art in Rochester to 1925, The
by McKelvey, Blake
Vol. 17 No(s) 2 (April 1955)
They had copies of famous European Masterpieces as well as many of the Barbizon Artists.



Daubigny, Charles-Francois Harvest 1851 Oil on canvas

Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Wedding
DeRuyter Gleaner
June 27, 1886
The Wedding of John F. Ames and Miss Sophie A. Wall, both of DeRuyter,
and Mr. Fred O. Hendee of Sloan, Iowa, and Miss Zella E. Wall of
DeRuyter.
Brodrick-Case. - In DeRuyter, June 27, 1886, by Elder T. Fisher, Mr.
Frank Brodrick and Miss May A. Case, both of Pompey, N. Y.
The attractive residence of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. F. Wall, at the head of
the beautiful DeRuyter reservoir, was the scene of an unusal and very
interesting event on Tuesday last. At 11 A. M. that day, in the
presence of an assembled multitude of relatives and friends, two young
couples took upon themselves the holy bonds of matrimony and started
out to pursue together the rosy-hued journey of life.
The contracting parties to this pleasant occurrence were Rev. John F.
Ames, a recent graduate of Madison University, who took unto himself
Miss Sophie A. Wall, the accomplished elder daughter of the housefold,
and Mr. Fred O. Hendee, son of Alpheus Hendee, Esq., of Lincklaen, who
led to the hymeneal altar the beloved second daughter, Miss Zella E.
Wall. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. C. Smith of New Woodstock,
with the beautiful service of the M. E. Church, followed by an
impressive prayer. Mrs. M. Lou Ames played the wedding march. The
brides were dressed alike, in light brown silk, wearing white illusion
and natural white flowers. The happy grooms appeared the
personification of manliness, while the beautiful young brides looked
as sweet and lovely as brides are always supposed to.
After extending congratulations and viewing the presents, a list of
which is given below, a substantial collation was served. 110 persons
were present, among whom were Mrs. Susan Coon, grandmother of the
brides, aged nearly 89 years, and Mrs. Celma Briggs, grandmother of Mr.
Ames, past 87. At 1 o'clock the happy couples, followed by showers of
rice and slippers, started for the depot, where they took the train for
Niagara Falls. Mr. Hendee and bride go to Sloan, Iowa, where he is
engaged in a prosperous mercantile business in partnership with his
brother-in-law, Mr. George Wall; while Mr. Ames returns to Genoa, N.
Y., where he has accepted the pastorate, under very flattering
circumstances, of the Baptist Society. The best wishes of the
community go with them all; while every mother, whose children have
gone out into the world, will feel a throb of smpathy for Mrs. Wall, in
parting with two beloved daughters in a single day.
Sophie's Presents.
$100 in gold, Wm. F. Wall.
China Tea Set, Mrs. Wm. F. Wall.
1/2 doz. China Fruit Plates and 1/2 doz. Butter Plates, Mr. and Mrs. H.
P. Hakes, Mr. and Mrs. C. Barker, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Barker.
Silver Butter Dish. F. L. Ames and lady.
Pair Bold Band Salts and Pepper, D. L. Bilss.
1 Amberlin Salts, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Clark.
Placque, Miss Mabel Clark.
Feather Weath, framed, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Estes.
One Cut Glass Pitcher, Mate Rigby.
Two Silver Dessert Spoons, Cornelia Coon.
Package of Maple Sugar and $5 in cash, Mr. and Mrs F. W. Ames.
Half doz. Nut Picks and Cracker, W. E,. Ames and lady.
Silver Butter Dish, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Allen.
Dozen Napkins, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Truman.
Tidy, Adah Wall.
Table Cloth, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Ames and Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Ames.
Pair Towels, Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Stillman.
Pair Towels. Mr. and Mrs. David Rigby.
Half Dozen Nut Picks and Crocker, Mr. and Mrs., A. C. Smith.
Marbletop Table, Mr. and Mrs. F. O. Hendee.
Table Brush and Tray, Mrs. Susan Coon.
One Salter, Mrs. Celma Briggs.
Meat Fork, C. L. DeLamater.
Pickle Fork, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Coon.
Goethe's Faust, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Ames.
Tidy, Mrs. Nomroe Wall.
Hand Painted Placque and Bottle Perfumery, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Rainy.
Fan, Mrs. H. M. Crandall.
Pin Cushion, hand painted, Carrie Gage.
Majolica Fruit Dish, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coon.
Pitcher of Perfumery, H. B. Ames and wife.
Curiosities of the Bible, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wells.
Napkin Ring, F. M. Hungate.
Half doz. Fruit Knives, Fannie Draper.
Large Steel engraving, framed, W. W. Ames and wife.
Patent Rocker, Mamie DeLamater, Kittie E. Brown, Amber Babbit, Cora
Wilcox, Minnie Fuller, Lilla York.
One Hand Painted Toilet Jug, Mr. and Mrs. Myron W. Coon.
Ten Dollar Gold Piece, from her brother, George.
$1 in Cash, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Rigby.
Glass Cake Dish, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Coon.
Zells's Presents.
Half doz. Fruit Plates and Butter Dishes, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Hakes, Mr.
and Mrs. C. Barker, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Barker.
Album, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Poole.
Bottle Perfumery Mr. and Mrs J. A. Rainy.
Dessert Spoon, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Estes.
Cut Blass Sugar Bowl, Mate Rigby.
Black Walnut chamber Set, from her brother George.
Father and mother's Picture in India Ink, from John and Sophie.
Two Dessert Spoons, Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Colwell.
Pair Baby boots, from an Unknown Friend.
Dozen Napkins, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Truman.
One Towel, Florence Hendee.
Dozen Napkins, Mrs. DeClercq.
Pair Towels, Fannie P. Draper
One Towel, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wells.
Table Clloth, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Cardner.
Dressing Case, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Stillman.
One Salter, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Clark.
Placque, Mabel Clark.
Glass Water Set, E. Everett and S. Marcia Poole.
Glass Water Pitcher, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Coon.
Hand Painted Placque, Carrie Gage.
Meat fork, c. L. Delamater.
Cut Blass Chesses Plate, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Rigby.
Fan, Mrs. H. M. Crandall.
Book of Poems, Miss c. Belle Northrup.
book of Poems, Hattie Colwell.
Carving Knife and fork, D. L. Bliss.
Pickle fork, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Coon.
Bible, elegantly bound, Adah Wall.
Shakespeare's Poems, Irving S. Colwell.
Half Doz. Fruit Knives, Eva Bliss.
Half Doz. Nut Picks and Cracker, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Smith.
Table Brush and Tray, Mrs. Susan coon.
2 Dessert Spoons, Cornelia Coon.
Dressing Case, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Northrup.
One Hand Painted Toilet Jugs, Mr. and Mrs. Myron W. Coon.
Tidy, Mrs. Monroe Wall.
Package of Maple Sugar from an Unknown friend.
$1 in Cash, Geo. R. Stillman.
Echoes.
It was undoubtedly the largest private wedding party ever assemble in
DeRuyter.
M. W. Coon were there. We mention it, because he was so irrepressibly
quiet that his presence might have escaped notice: A social gathering
isn't complete without "Myron."
A physician was present. His services were not called into
requisition, but a smile crossed his features when he saw the
"irrespressibly quiet" guest capture the second dish of ice cream.
Prof. F. H. Ames of Stillwater was the only one of "the Elder's" 7
brothers unable to be present. "The Professor's" absence was much
regretted; he sent a neat letter of congratulations however.
F. M. Hungate took a keen interest in the ceremony. By personal
request he secured of Mr. Wall a generous slice of the brides' cake,
and slept with it beneath his pillow Tuesday night. He doesn't tell
what he dreamed about, but there's a tender light behind his specs
which leads to the inference that "everything is lovely - in his mind.
Rev. John Ames performs wedding for his close friend and brother Fred Ames.
Ames - Cross. 9/15/1886
The wedding bells rang out joyously in Lincklaen yesterday. At 3 P.
M., in the presence of some sixty-five invited guests, Mr. Fred L. Ames
of DeRuyter, and Miss Cora A. Cross, were united in marriage at the
residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Cross. The
beautiful and impressive ceremony was performed by Rev. John F. Ames of
Genoa, a brother of the groom.
At the apponted hour, Mrs. Q. Mathewson, assisted by Ira E. Smith with
the cornet, played the wedding march fromn the organ, beneath the large
trees in front of the house. The happy couple entered the parlor, and
standing under the beautiful arch of evergreens and flowers which
crowned the broad doorway, were made husband and wife. Will E. Ames,
brother of the groom, and Willis Cross, brother of the bride, acted as
groomsmen, and Misses Ettie Newitt and Lithia Truman were brides
attendants.