The main events described took place in July of 1895.
“Reaching the water’s edge in front of the Forge House, the Little Falls Victor Adams gun squad fired a cannon salute of 10 guns. Landlord Samuel Briggs and the Forge House guests were cheering loudly. Harrison’s private secretary Tibbitt introduced Little Falls dignitaries who wanted a speech. Harrison declined but did step onto the porch and shook hands. When the procession ended, Harrison took his grandson Ben out the back door to the dock and boarded David Pierce’s steamer Fulton, awaiting the loading of his luggage. He told reporters he came here for rest and relaxation. They could visit his camp; he did not “fancy any critical inspection”. He watched little Ben bouncing about and exploring the steamer. He let a couple take a picture of Big Ben and Little Ben. The two along with private secretary Mr. Tibbitt then sat for the ride.
“Sitting on the bow with his grandson, the Harrisons did not move until the Fulton reached Dodd’s camp dock. Dodd’s Camp was leased by Samuel Dodd of St. Louis and A. W. Soper of New York, and owned by William deCamp. “The house is a frame structure, a story and a half in height…The house faces the east and a broad veranda extends across the entire front. The house stands upon high ground rising abruptly from the water. It commands a wide view and is so far out of the steamboat channel as to furnish the seclusion that the occupants may desire.” The camp had a separate building (“armory”) where hunting and fishing supplies were stored. Frank Sperry would be Harrison’s guide and Mrs. Sperry had a dinner waiting. A hired cook was added. Harrison planned to stay until September 1.
“It was expected to be a lively Fulton Chain summer with increased visits from reporters and politicians expecting some decision regarding his candidacy [in the 1896 election]. Saying a final goodbye to the reporters on the steamer, he said “I am here as a private citizen seeking a summer’s rest. I do not desire to say anything for publication on any subject.” He accepted an invitation to visit the Adirondack League Club.
“On the evening of July 17th, the steamer Zip brought a group of Grand Army (GAR) men to Dodd’s Camp. The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization of Union Civil War officers whose New York branch was led by a Major Poole. The party included part of a unit that fought with Harrison during the Civil War at Resaca. Baby McKee, with face striped Indian-style, was playing on the dock with Mr. Tibbitt and Gen. Harrison from the camp porch greeted them. The group urged Gen. Harrison to commit to a visit to the State Fair in Syracuse, an annual affair which included a “grand army day”. Harrison would be given a special train and have to speak. Harrison turned it down, appreciated the personal invitations of the group, but had already turned down other invitations and could not in fairness accept this one. He reiterated that his only commitment was rest at camp. Even urgings to think on it a day brought a firmer negative response. Joseph Sayles of Rome asked Harrison to come to Rome the next week, but was also turned down.
“A week later, Syracuse papers reported that one of the visitors stated in a telegram sent from Old Forge on July 19th that Harrison told the GAR men that he would not be a candidate for the presidency in 1896. The telegram said the source was a neighbor of one of the men, but all seven men were questioned separately; all said only the Syracuse fair was discussed.
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“Harrison did assent to one public appearance. On July 27, the Syracusans pulled out all stops and created a flag raising ceremony in front of the Forge House, probably hoping to change Harrison’s answer about the state fair. The group included Syracuse hotel magnate Henry Mowby, future mayor James McQuire and other dignitaries who sent the steamer Fulton to Dodd’s Camp to pick up Harrison. Harrison and his party chose to use Victor Adams’ naphtha launch with the Syracusans on board. The Victor Adams gun squad boomed salutes. Harrison walked to the Forge House with a Mr. C. Barton who thoughtfully sheltered Harrison from the rain. Mrs. Dimmick, secretary Tibbitt, Mrs. McKee and Baby McKee (Ben) joined Harrison. Victor Adams and a Little Falls syndicate would buy into the Forge House in the fall, 1895.
“In front of a new 112 foot flagstaff holding a 18 x 24 foot flag (provided by Mowby) waving in a drizzle that continued through the speeches and patriotic hymns, Harrison gave a rousing, patriotic speech that was printed in the papers covering the event and would be appropriate in any Adirondack July 4th setting. It invoked not only past American history, but also the beautiful mountain setting unmarred by the weather. It also complimented the organizers for not rescheduling the event. The flag-raising ceremony had to have been the first major red letter day in Old Forge’s history. Harrison shook hands with most of the 350 plus attendees. W. Cary Sanger of Waterville also spoke. Harrison did not attend the state fair….”
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