Name/Title
CANAL CELEBRATION BALL TICKETEntry/Object ID
L.2012.334Description
With the completion of the Erie Canal, the Hudson River only grew in importance to the American economy of the period. In extending the route that goods could travel by ship, the canal helped New York to become the Empire State. A triumph of vision, design, engineering and fund-raising, the canal project lead to, as Frances F. Dunwell wrote in her 2008 book The Hudson, America's River, "new attitude toward the Hudson River. It symbolized the place where humans showed they could bend nature to their will."
A ticket like this example provided the holder entry to the New York City Grand Celebration Ball. Held November 7, 1825, the party marked the arrival of the Seneca Chief, the boat on which Governor DeWitt Clinton, the canal's most ardent supporter, traveled from Buffalo to New York City. With this trip, the Governor declared the canal open.
Engraving of Canal Celebration Ball ticket: center image, canal lock and canal, horse pulls barge along canal with river in distance; oval border of leaves; water flows out of pipe at bottom center; sheaf of wheat, flags, and anchor at bottom right; symbol of commerce (caduceus) and horn with fruit and gourds at bottom left; at top center, printed: "CANAL CELEBRATION BALL.", "NOV. 7TH 1825."; at bottom center, printed: "Given by the MILITIA OFFICERS & CITIZENS OF NEW YORK.", "Admit_________________"; at top right, penciled: "1825, '20-".Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownAttribution
ArtistDate made
1825Dimensions
Dimension Description
OverallHeight
9-9/16 inWidth
7-5/8 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 9 9/16 x 7 5/8 in. (24.3 x 19.4 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: Paper is yellowed with numerous stains; plate mark; light cockling; page removed from book at left edge; crease along left edge; embossed line at top center; foxing stains at right, top, and left; loss at bottom left corner and at top right corner; tears at right edge (3); diagonal crease at top right.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
William DieboldNotes
Former ownerRelated Entries
Notes
L.2012.333 - Engraving - Related
L.2012.335 - Lithograph - RelatedGeneral Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
This object was accessioned in 2012, but it was acquired earlier [Jessa J. Krick, 4/12/2012].Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Administrative Office, Archive Room, Shelf O3, B4Note Type
DepartmentNote
Library