I've Got To Get It! by Anne Skelly

“When it comes to Ogdensburg stuff,” Marc Montroy said, “I’ve got to get it!” On a recent visit, he referred to a trophy cup he couldn’t pass up while shopping at an antiques store in Canton, NY. When he got home, Marc decided to donate his $10 acquisition to the Ogdensburg History Museum, shown here being accepted by museum president Julie Breen Madlin.

Marc’s wife Heather agreed the donation was a very good idea -- she also loves Ogdensburg stuff, but couldn’t picture the future dusting the trophy might require hanging around the house. Marc explained the cup was awarded to Miss Irene Southwick for being the prettiest girl at a 1931 Ogdensburg Police Ball, which was held at the city’s Armory. “Can you imagine 1,200 people there?” he mused.

While Marc’s research uncovered little about Miss Southwick, he learned the popular event drew attendees from around the North Country and Canada, who danced to the Midnite Orchestra in the festively decorated castle-like hall.

Turns out, Marc has another connection to the massive structure – his father Clifford Montroy worked at the Armory. “There had to be a person there all the time,” Marc said. “When dad worked the evening shift, we’d bring him his dinner.” Along with running around the enormous home to New York National Guard units, the youthful visitors would sometimes shoot pool.

“Dad always called it ‘the drill hall,’” Marc said, adding, “We had the run of the place.”

In 2022, the utility of the place had run its course, prompting the National Guard to pull out after almost 125 years of service.

According to a Watertown Daily Times article announcing the pull out, the building on Elizabeth Street was designed by Isaac Perry, who also designed what’s now called the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. The Armory’s outside lower levels were made from Ogdensburg limestone from Nevin’s quarry on Riverside Drive, while the upper levels contain Potsdam sandstone.

The Montroys’ gift of Miss Southwick’s trophy recalls a time when the Armory wasn’t just a mustering point for soldiers and civic-minded revelers but was an important part of our city, carefully maintained and appreciated by those who love Ogdensburg stuff.

Trophy photo by Marc Montroy. #ogdensburghistorymuseum