MEMORIES OF THE 



the town or adjacent country, it always led off for one of the 

 gulfs. The fear of what might be there made them pokerish 

 places to cross nights, or even for a boy to fish alone in the 

 daytime. 



The crossings have been graded down and bridged up until 

 very different and much less dangerous, yet they are among the 

 memories of the old home which made a lasting impression, and 

 claim recognition here. 



^ ^* ^* 



THE STATE ROAD 



The war of 1812-14 showed the need of a good road from 

 Fort Stanwix to Sacketts Harbor and the northern frontier, and 

 the old road built by the first settlers was improved and rebuilt 

 by the State so as to facilitate the movement of troops and 

 munitions of war to the frontier. Since that time it has been 

 known as the State Road, and for many years was the principal 

 road from the Black River country to Albany and New York. 



Its building and use did much to settle and develop the town 

 early, placing its settlers on the best possible basis as to markets 

 and communication with the outside world. It was not only 

 famous on account of its military history, but also its record as a 

 stage route of great prominence. 



One of my first excursions from home to see the world was 

 when I went over the Fox Gulf to the State Road, near Lem 

 Hunt's Tavern, to see the stage go by. This old tavern stood 

 well back from the road at the Corners, and there, in later years, 

 John Hancock, John Robinson and Levi Pitkin successively 

 lived. There were two regular stages a day, with extras when 

 required. 



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