A Flood, a Pandemic, Tariffs, Sports Betting, and more

A Mather In-Law’s Diary from the 1880s: Part One

James Floy Jr. was the father of Stephen Mather’s wife, Jane Thacker Floy.  On the day his younger son left for college, James began a diary.  The volume, now in the Homestead archives, records “current events and family incidents” from September 1880 to June 1890.  In this blog we look at James’ opinions and observations on current news events.

About Tariffs:  “We did not vote so much for the re-election of Cleveland…as for the issue plainly made by Cleveland—reduction of the tariff and no surplus revenue…it is both unwise and ridiculous for a free people to tax themselves so as to produce an income millions of dollars greater than…their own government requires…As for the “Protection” of high duties, I consider the scheme…a gigantic humbug.” [November 6, 1888]

The Orderly Transition of Power: “Harrison and Morton inaugurated.  Good-by Cleveland and Mrs. C.  What an astonishing spectacle it must be to the ‘effete nations of Europe’ to behold how quietly and smoothly we change rulers and the entire personnel of the government. [March 4, 1891]

The Johnstown Flood: “Reports now place the loss of life from the bursting of the dam above Johnstown, Penn at from 8,000 to 10,000.  There has never been so fearful calamity in the whole history of the nation. Many years ago my father and I stayed over night at hotel in Johnstown, and in the morning, I visited the celebrated Cambria Iron Works, now all swept away. The first rush of water is said to have been forty feet high.” [June 3, 1889]

The 1889-1890 Pandemic.  “’La Grippe,’ ‘the grip’ a sort of heavy cold with catarrh, influenza, which is said to have originated in Russia and thence spread through Europe and to this country is very prevalent all over, north, south, east and west. [January 10, 1890] “The world-wide spread of “La Grippe”…has caused the Pope of Rome to issue a letter releasing those suffering, or recovering from fasting during the present season of Lent.”  [February 20, 1890]

The 1889–1890 pandemic, often referred to as the "Asiatic flu" or "Russian flu", was the last great pandemic of the 19th century, and is among the deadliest pandemics in history. The pandemic killed about 1 million people.

The Move to Outlaw Race Track Betting: “With a party or Committee of gentlemen by 9am train to Trenton to interview the Governor and request him to veto bill 112 legalizing “Book making” etc at the Race Tracks near Elizabeth.  The governor treated us very courteously, except that he smoked a long cigar during the whole time we were in his presence…” [June 10, 1890]

To formally put an end to racing, the New Jersey Constitution was amended in 1897 to ban all forms of gambling.   Racing was not allowed until the State Constitution was amended in 1939 to authorize pari-mutuel racing on horses.

younger son left for college, James began a diary. The volume, now in the Homestead archives,

records “current events and family incidents” from September 1880 to June 1890. In this blog

we look at James’ opinions and observations on current news events.

About Tariffs: “We did not vote so much for the re-election of Cleveland…as for the issue

plainly made by Cleveland—reduction of the tariff and no surplus revenue…it is both unwise

and ridiculous for a free people to tax themselves so as to produce an income millions of dollars

greater than…their own government requires…As for the “Protection” of high duties, I consider

the scheme…a gigantic humbug.” [November 6, 1888]

The Orderly Transition of Power: “Harrison and Morton inaugurated. Good-by Cleveland and

Mrs. C. What an astonishing spectacle it must be to the ‘effete nations of Europe’ to behold

how quietly and smoothly we change rulers and the entire personnel of the government.

[March 4, 1891]

The Johnstown Flood: “Reports now place the loss of life from the bursting of the dam above

Johnstown, Penn at from 8,000 to 10,000. There has never been so fearful calamity in the

whole history of the nation. Many years ago my father and I stayed over night at hotel in

Johnstown, and in the morning, I visited the celebrated Cambria Iron Works, now all swept

away. The first rush of water is said to have been forty feet high.” [June 3, 1889]

The 1889-1890 Pandemic. “’La Grippe,’ ‘the grip’ a sort of heavy cold with catarrh, influenza,

which is said to have originated in Russia and thence spread through Europe and to this country

is very prevalent all over, north, south, east and west. [January 10, 1890] “The world-wide

spread of “La Grippe”…has caused the Pope of Rome to issue a letter releasing those suffering,

or recovering from fasting during the present season of Lent.” [February 20, 1890]

The 1889–1890 pandemic, often referred to as the "Asiatic flu" or "Russian flu", was the last

great pandemic of the 19th century, and is among the deadliest pandemics in history. The

pandemic killed about 1 million people.

The Move to Outlaw Race Track Betting: “With a party or Committee of gentlemen by 9am

train to Trenton to interview the Governor and request him to veto bill 112 legalizing “Book

making” etc at the Race Tracks near Elizabeth. The governor treated us very courteously, except

that he smoked a long cigar during the whole time we were in his presence…” [June 10, 1890]

To formally put an end to racing, the New Jersey Constitution was amended in 1897 to ban

all forms of gambling. Racing was not allowed until the State Constitution was amended in

1939 to authorize pari-mutuel racing on horses.