Henry A. Clark's Coach Attracts Much Attention, 1938

Century-old Coach Attracts Much Attention on Village Streets

Former Conveyance of the late Hon. Henry A. Clark

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1938

 

The pages of time were turned back many chapters Saturday afternoon, January 29th, 1938, when ladies appeared on the village streets in quaint, old-fashioned costumes and a century-old coach picked its way through the motor congested business district.  The occasion for this return to the past was a tea give by the active members of the Recreation Club in honor of the charter members at the home of Mrs. Robert White.

 

The charter members made a sweet, old-fashioned picture in their gay ninety gowns and their quaint corsages which were presented to them at their entrance.  Members who were honored at this tea were Mrs. Elliott Danforth, Mrs. F.A. Demeree, Miss Betty Dunham, Mrs. Kenneth Eldred, Mrs. Leigh Evans, Mrs. Helene Landon, Mrs. Harrison Nelson, Miss Margaret Skinner and Miss Charlah Ireland.

 

During the afternoon, bridge and dominoes were played, Mrs. Otto Jensen being awarded high prize for bridge and Mrs. Wesson Packer high prize for dominoes.  At the close of the afternoon Miss Betty Dunham and Mrs. F.A. Demeree, second and third presidents of the Club, presided at the tea table which was prettily decorated for the occasion with flowers and candles.

 

The coach which was used as a conveyance for the costumed members Saturday, is estimated to be about a hundred years old.  It was used in the service of the Grand Central Hotel at Saratoga Springs in which the former Hon. Henry A. Clark of this village was then interested.  About sixty years ago it was driven to Bainbridge after which it was used by Mr. Clark's family. A fine pair of bay horses and a gold plated harness made it one of the most impressive equipage sin this locality.  George Aylesworth, former liveryman, also used the coach for special wedding and funeral purposes.  The interior, upholstered in brown satin, is still in a remarkable state of preservation.

 

Maurice Colwell and Harrison Nelson as driver and footman and escorted by Officer Coulter, called for the special guests.  Driver Nelson and Footman Colwell smoking their heavy stokers and seated with great dignity on the coach box, were dressed in attire suitable to the age of the coach.

 

Many local camera fans and even strangers driving through town, armed with both moving and box cameras, stopped their regular routine to get pictures of these century scenes.

 

Mrs. Haskell Moats was general chairman for the tea with Mrs. Lloyd Johnson as helping hostess. Assisting committees included, tables and prizes, Mrs. Millard Howland; refreshments, Mrs. S.E. Health, chairman, Mrs. Otto Jensen, Mrs. Wilbur Lee and Mrs. Lloyd Johnson.