There’s some sort of hubbub about Roosevelts these days, so we may as well recall the time when Colonel Roosevelt, not yet Governor of the Empire State, made what the New York Tribune called “The Colonel’s Flying Trip to the Rensselaer County Fair,” in 1898. At that point flying was entirely metaphorical.
Troy, N.Y., Oct. 14. – Colonel Theodore Roosevelt had a cordial reception to-day on his first visit to the interior of the State since he was nominated for Governor. The report had been sent out from New-York late last night that he would be in Troy to-night, and would make a political address, but this was an error. He had simply accepted an invitation to visit the fair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society at West Sand Lake. Notwithstanding the circumstance that his visit here was not of a political nature and was unexpected, great interest was manifested in his presence, and the heartiness of the greetings tendered him indicated beyond question his popularity.
Colonel Roosevelt departed from his home at Oyster Bay early this morning, and caught the Empire State Express on the Central Railroad for Albany. He arrived in Albany at 11:11 o’clock, and remained in the city forty-five minutes. During every second of his brief stay in the capital there were cheers, hurrahs, flag-wavings and shouts of enthusiasm in his honor ….
When Colonel Roosevelt was seen the gathering sent up a mighty shout of “Hurrah for our next Governor!” “Hurrah for Roosevelt!” Three cheers for Colonel Roosevelt!” Three cheers were given; another three were called for and came with deafening force; another three cheers brought forth the demand for a tiger, which was given with vigor. Colonel Roosevelt gave a hundred hearty handclasps to those who were presented to him by John Knickerbocker, of the Troy Committee, and Edward B. Cantine, representing the Albanians present. A sturdy policeman made a path for the Colonel, who, flanked by Mr. Knickerbocker and Mr. Cantine, and followed by a cheering crowd, passed through the station yard and the arcade to the trolley-car which was to bear him and the committee to Troy ….
Colonel Roosevelt was told that Governor Black was at the Executive Chamber. “Let’s go up and see the Governor,” he said, and a cab was obtained to drive him to the Capitol … The party was ushered into the Governor’s private room. Governor Black smilingly greeted Colonel Roosevelt, who acknowledged the kindly telegrams of the Governor sent after the Saratoga Convention. Governor Black and Colonel Roosevelt then had five minutes of private conversation, during which the Governor assured the Colonel that all his influence would be exerted for the Colonel’s election ….
Colonel Roosevelt was taken on his arrival here [in Troy] to the Troy Club. In the clubroom an informal reception was held. Many officers and members of the 2d New-York Regiment greeted the Colonel, and the leader of the Rough Riders expressed himself as exceedingly glad to meet the soldiers.
Colonel Roosevelt then departed for West Sand Lake. At Albia the party changed cars, taking a car of the Troy and New-England Railway. Many persons had assembled at Albion. On the journey to West Sand Lake the Colonel conversed with members of the party, and seemed to enjoy the trip ….
The car arrived at the Brookside Park station in West Sand Lake, about 1:15, and as the Colonel alighted Doring’s Band welcomed him with the strains of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Coaches were immediately taken, and the party was conveyed to the fair grounds. Colonel Roosevelt had a cordial reception along the way, and upon reaching the fair grounds the coaches proceeded around the racetrack so that everyone could have an opportunity to see the distinguished guest. Colonel Roosevelt acknowledged the welcome he received, but on account of the lateness of the hour it was imperative that he should not speak, as he was obliged to proceed as quickly as possible to Rensselaer, that he might make sure to catch his train for New-York. He had an important engagement to speak in the metropolis this evening. There were loud cries of “Speech! Speech!” from the crowd, but he was compelled to decline the invitation. His reception everywhere on the fair grounds was cordial, and he evidently enjoyed his visit to the fair.
A few weeks later, Roosevelt defeated Augustus Van Wyck, though not by a whole lot.
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