The Geneva Daily Times, then as now, framed the 1899 local election as a horse race. “More wagers have been placed on the result in this city than has been the case for some time in a local election. The hat stores will be compelled to lay in new stocks after tomorrow, judging by the number of wagers laid in which a new hat is the stake.”

A Republican lawyer wagered a $4 box of cigars that the Democratic candidate for mayor would win by a sizable margin. This “inspired many ‘I-told-you-soes’ from disgruntled Republicans who have been predicting the fall of the administration.” Such sentiments may have been behind the editorial declaring, “The voters at large in this city do not care a rap whether a given candidate for municipal office is Democrat or Republican. It is the man and not the party you’re voting for.”

Some serious money was involved in the betting. Even odds were given on the mayoral election, with one wager of $600 and another of $350.

The mayoral election returned the Republican Albert Heredeen to office, although there were a number of split tickets, with Republicans voting for the Democratic candidate, Samuel Hopkins VerPlanck. Statewide, the Republicans gained 12........

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