DAVENPORT, FACT AND FANCY

 

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DAVENPORT , FACT AND FANCY

 

 

THE STORY OF ONE SMALL TOWN

IN DELAWARE COUNTY , NY

 

 

 

 

Mary S. Briggs

 

 

 

With Editing and Additional Contributions

By Alan M. Strout

 

 

Map and Photo Editor:  David M. Griswold

CD-ROM Editor:  Nathan Preston

 

 

Davenport Historical Society, 2004


For copies write:   DHS Publications, Davenport Historical Society

  Davenport Center , NY   13751

Copyright © by the Davenport Historical Society, 2004.  All rights reserved.

 

Why “Fancy?”

 

The author and the editor have had numerous long discussions over the use of “Fancy” in this history’s title.  The editor has complained that “fancy” has entirely too many different and often confusing meanings, especially when juxtaposed with “fact.”  The author has insisted that the book be lively, readable, complete with the interesting little details of life, and not overburdened by “dull facts.”   Hence “fancy,” not as in “fancy dress,” “Johnny is my fancy,” or “fanciful and imaginative,” but in the old (1672, actually) sense of belief (or even wistful belief) without quite being able to prove.  So let the reader beware.  While author and editor have not entirely avoided dull facts, both have been open to small touches of historical color, whimsy, and illustrative overstatement—even if all cannot exactly be proved.  We hope the reader’s attention will be piqued and that we will hear an occasional exclamation of surprise and the words, “Fancy that!”

 

 

“There is nothing permanent except change.”

 

 

--Heraclitus of Ephusus ,

            Greek philosopher, about 513 BC

 

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