In an era long ago, Republicans had a majority in the New York State Assembly. But Democrats were better at baseball. [Read more…] about Some 1896 Lighter Side of Political History Anecdotes
humor
The Dutch & Flemish Roots of Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony,
Stuck a feather in his cap
And called it macaroni.
Macaroni Craze
During the third quarter of the eighteenth century, Londoners saw the bizarre spectacle of the so-called “macaroni craze.” Young aristocratic men who had returned home from their educational Grand Tour through Continental Europe to Italy, displayed a liking for pasta. [Read more…] about The Dutch & Flemish Roots of Yankee Doodle Dandy
An New Biography Explores Andy Rooney’s Lucky Life
A soon to be published biography of Andy Rooney (1919-2011) carries readers through the arc of a true American original, a New Yorker who was once one of the country’s most popular television and newspaper commentators.
Born in Albany, he attended Albany Academy, and later Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, before he was drafted into the United States Army in August 1941. [Read more…] about An New Biography Explores Andy Rooney’s Lucky Life
1868 Hoax: The Day a Lake George Island “Sank”
In 1868 a Lake George island reportedly sank following an earthquake and “tremendous upheaval of waters.” It was early January and newspapers around the state and elsewhere published a story similar to this quote from the Buffalo Daily Courier about “the sudden sinking of Recluse Island near Bolton, Lake George.” [Read more…] about 1868 Hoax: The Day a Lake George Island “Sank”
Wit & Wisdom From Historic Northern New York Newspapers
What is the reason, besides being seen on C-SPAN, that congressional hearings are held? To gather expert information on the topic at hand.
In the 19th century, the limited specialized knowledge of members of Congress often provided newspaper editors with humorous fodder. [Read more…] about Wit & Wisdom From Historic Northern New York Newspapers
Oh What Pun! Some 19th Century Puns
Some 19th century puns were coined for marketing purposes — not just entertainment.
“Why is Julian Mills flour like a well-bred gentleman? — Because it always rises in the presence of ladies,” the flour company advertised in The Fort Edward Ledger on Oct. 22, 1858. [Read more…] about Oh What Pun! Some 19th Century Puns
Paul Hetzler Publishes Third Book of Nature Essays
Longtime Canton, NY resident and regular contributor to New York Almanack Paul Hetzler has published his third volume of humorous nature essays, Birds of Happiness Aren’t Blue and 85 Other Very Funny and Somewhat Educational Nature Essays (2023). [Read more…] about Paul Hetzler Publishes Third Book of Nature Essays
19th Century Birth Announcements: Elements of Style
A pun is a fitting way to celebrate the birth of a child to a fellow newspaper editor.
“Editor G.A. Weller of The Granville Sentinel rejoices over the addition to his family of a feminine ‘supplement’ weighing over eleven pounds,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on September 22nd, 1885. [Read more…] about 19th Century Birth Announcements: Elements of Style