Prince of Wales Visited Binghamton? Not Really!

Broome Republican
June 1, 1879
[This is not a true story]
                               A Local Reminiscence
                                              ___
    The recent ovations to the  Marquis of Lorne and the Princess Louise remind us of an event in our local history - the reception of the Prince of Wales (the local paper spelled his name at the time with a “b,” which was doubtless a mistake) in Binghamton, on the 23d of October, 1860. Binghamton was at that time a port  of entry, and the Prince and suite arrived via the Chenango canal, having braved the dangerous navigation of that turbulent stream, and appeared promptly at the hour appointed - four o’clock, ten minutes and thirty seconds, p.m.
    An immense crowd had long been waiting in the vicinity of the Exchange Hotel, and when the Prince and suite, escorted by the committee of reception (all in gorgeous -extremely gorgeous-uniforms) the enthusiasm was immense. An address of welcome was made in front of the Exchange, which, for appropriateness, and originality, has not been equalled in Canada since the arrival of the Marquis.
    The Prince responded, saying he had nowhere met with a more fitting demonstration of the peculiarly friendly feeling which existed between the  Hamerican and Henglish people, and regretting that the brevity of his stay in this country would prevent his accepting invitations from the authorities of Port Crane, Chenango Forks and Pond Brook to visit their thriving localities.
    After the welcoming ceremonies the Prince reviewed the troops (?), a procession was formed and marched through the principal streets. In the evening a ball was given in Firemen’s Hall. The festivities were continued until a late hour; this was necessary to give each of the ladies present an opportunity to dance with a “real prince.”
    Our reminiscence might end here, but it may be interesting to add that the Prince was as pleased with his treatment that he finally abandoned the plan of returning to old England, and decided to stay and “grow up with the country,” so to speak. Victoria has never been able from that day, and last Fall, he eventually ran for Sheriff in this county, and was elected.

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