Though the Hancock House is closed to the public over the winter, we continue working with our collections. Although during the past year we were very busy with much needed exterior and interior repairs to the Hancock House, we have not neglected the needs of our collections. While reviewing our manuscripts and art collections (our Ledger Project), we selected two items from these collections for conservation and preservation. Each of these were gifts to us.
The first, a “Warranty Deed” dated April 1836 for the sale of the canal boat “Patriotof Ticonderoga” from Horatio Catlin and Hiram Spear (Town of Moriah) to John Porter, (Town of Ticonderoga). During the early 1800s many canal boats were built in Ticonderoga along the Ticonderoga Creek. The preliminary evaluation of the document notes the need to repair tears and breaks, infill paper losses, stabilize the inks and rehouse in suitable long-term folder.
The text of the Warranty Deed for the sale of the boat.
Signatures of John Porter (buyer) and Horatio Catlin and Hiram Spear (sellers) for sale of the canal boat, the “Patriot of Ticonderoga”
The second item, from our Art Collection, is a folk-art style painting, titled “Sugaring” by Clarence J. Swinyer (1893-1978). Mr. Swinyer lived on the New Hague Road, Hague where his house and property were well populated with various pieces of his art. For many years he worked at the International Paper Co. mill in Ticonderoga. About a year ago a New York City gallery featured a selection of his sculptures and paintings. It was marketed as “a spirited selection of his sculptures and paintings, works that depict the landscapes flora and fauna of his rural mountains surroundings.”
Swinyer’s animal sculptures on display in his yard
A preliminary review of the painting’s condition shows that it will need repair to its paint, which is beginning to flake of the cardboard backing, as well as repair to the several punctures, tears and stains it has suffered. As we learned from our last major conservation and preservation project, the “Clegg Mural,” the process for evaluation, treatment and preservation encompasses many steps and is expensive. As we seek grant funds, all financial assistance to support this endeavor will be very much appreciated.
2-15-26 – Hancock House, Ticonderoga, NY – William Dolback