The Wawbeek: Lessons Learned

Volume 17, 10, Number Number 2 2 AARCH Awards Nominations Winter 2008–20092001-2002 Help us spread the word about the good work going on in our region by nominating a project from your community. Nominations are accepted year round, and must be a project within the Park and other than your own. To be considered for a 2009 AARCH Award, nominations must be submitted by June 1, 2009. For more information on our awards program and to obtain a nomination form, contact AARCH by calling (518) 834-9328 or News visit our website at: www.aarch.org. News letter CIVIC CENTER, SUITE 37 1790 MAIN STREET The Wawbeek: Lessons Learned KEESEVILLE, NY 12944 AARCH’s Annual Raffle is a (518) 834-9328 (518) 834-9225 (fax) Huge Success [email protected] www.aarch.org We extend our appreciation to all who participated and to those who donated prizes. Board of Directors

On October 14, the winning tickets were drawn for our 12th annual raffle. Duncan Cameron The winners were: Paul Smiths George Canon Newcomb Janice Allen Kimmey Decker One week at Camp Uncas Saranac Lake James H. Higgins III ADIRONDACK Lake Placid ARCHITECTURAL Mary Ashmead David Hislop, Jr. Spring weekend for two at White Pine Camp Essex HERITAGE William Johnston Michael Bartlett Wadhams Howard Kirschenbaum Weekend for two at Greystone Raquette Lake Richard Longstreth Dining Room, The Wawbeek, Upper Saranac Lake Kathy DiPietro Keene Valley Howard Lowe Gilded Age tour Plattsburgh When The Wawbeek, the 1899 William significant historic resources in the Nils Luderowski L. Coulter-designed structure was Adirondacks. Local ordinances can be Mary Edwards Keene Jane Mackintosh purchased in 2007 by a couple from implemented, preservation easements Weekend for two at a cottage at the Silver Bay Association Blue Mountain Lake Patricia Marsh California, and subsequently slated for can be established, and the National Upper Saranac Lake demolition, AARCH and others Register of Historic Places can be Gene Kaczka Joedda McClain Overnight and tour at a private camp on Raquette Lake Inlet embarked on a “Save the Wawbeek” employed to identify and document John McDonald Ticonderoga letter-writing campaign. Although The historic structures and to take advantage Jon and Gina Landsberg Phebe Thorne Wawbeek was eventually razed to make of federal and state tax incentives for A one-year membership to the Adirondack Museum Keene Valley Rick Weerts way for a “new Great Camp,” the issue income-producing properties. Port Kent presented an opportunity for AARCH to John D. McLaughlin Janice Woodbury There are few places in the region that An overnight for two at The Woods Inn Lake George further educate the public in an area of preservation that is not well known and take advantage of these mechanisms, and Raymond Mahar Staff quite often misunderstood: how to in keeping with our mission to promote better public understanding, appreciation Two-night stay for two at The Hedges Steven Engelhart • Executive Director protect historic structures. Susan Arena • Program Director and stewardship of the Adirondacks’ Ellen Ryan • Community Outreach George Weber Director As we learned from the loss of The diverse architectural heritage, they are Two passes to Fort Ticonderoga and the King’s Garden Bonnie DeGolyer • Administrative Asst Wawbeek, not every building can be presented here to show not only what saved. There are steps, however, that can should be done, but also what is being be taken to prevent any future loss of done. AARCH 12 Winter 2008/2009 continued on page 3 ago. The work was overseen by James FFrroomm t thhe eP Prresesiiddenentt Howard Page of Willsboro, with the craftsmanship and care befitting the We live in interesting times. venerable building.

available that reusing, rather than replacing a structure The Big House is the home of the the Union Chapel Association was was built on Paradise Point, and came to organized. has substantial energy saving benefits not the least of AARCH Welcomes New Members to descendents of Mr. and Mrs. Francis W. be called the Tupper Lake House, the which is that an existing building contains significant Lee. The land on which the house is first hotel on the lake. It burned in its Board of Directors Westurn donated the plot on which the 1894 , and was subsequently bought by amounts of “embedded energy” that would take decades built has been in the same family since 1838. The current house, designed and union chapel was built, as well as the the Lakeside Club, a “gentleman’s to recoup in new construction. A general conservatism At our June 27, 2008, Annual Meeting in constructed by Thomas Lee, is the third stone for its construction. Designed by club.” One of its members, Thomas these days about not making big investments or Keeseville, Janice Woodbury, Kimmey Decker, on the same site. William B. Tuthill, a New York City Barbour, bought much of the land architect who also designed Carnegie undertaking big projects may make us more focused on and Patricia Marsh were elected to the AARCH around it. His son, Col. William Hall, the chapel was built in thirteen smaller repairs, improvements, and maintenance—the Board. In addition, George Canon has rejoined the The first house was a stone and wood Barbour, extended the family’s holdings weeks, and dedicated on August 11, to nearly 20,000 acres , which included core of historic preservation work. Now is a good time Board for another term. home built in the late 1830s by William to insulate our buildings, upgrade heating systems, and Guy Hunter. It burned down in the 1885. The decorative and structural the club property, buildings, and farm. tighten up doors and windows. According to Donovan 1870s and was replaced by a larger, all elements were manufactured in New His son Warren built a one-story lodge, We also want to thank Margaret Prime, Jeffrey York City and shipped by rail to Lake Rypkema, a prominent advocate for the economic wood house that also burned down on circa 1900, on a point (now called Sellon, and Nicholas Westbrook, who left the September 25, 1923. The current house George for final assembly. Warren Point) on the property. development and energy savings benefits of historic AARCH board in 2008, for their many years of preservation, the majority of heat loss in homes is was built around the three chimneys that service. All three made contributions that have remained standing after the fire. The Since 1885 the Grace Memorial Union During World War I, the New York through the attics or uninsulated walls, not windows. made AARCH a better, more effective family moved into the Big House on Chapel has remained active seasonally, Department of the American Legion Adding just three and a half inches of fiberglass organization. July 1, 1924. and maintenance and restoration, bought 1260 acres from the Barbour insulation in an attic has three times the energy savings including the stained glass windows, family to establish the Veterans’ as replacing a single pane window, without a storm Designed as the summer residence for has continued under the chapel Mountain Camp of the American window, with the most energy efficient window. Properly repaired historic windows with a storm unit have an R the extended family, it features tall Association. Legion. factor nearly indistinguishable from newer replacement windows. ceilings and huge windows that allow the breeze from Lake Champlain to cool The property was sold to Adirondack Mountain Properties in 1982, which We may also look closer to home to build and renew our community ties and values. This is central to what the house. There are numerous porches that afford expansive views over the undertook a 14-lot subdivision and AARCH does. Whether it’s our tours and workshops, the assistance provided to individuals and organizations to lake. installed a five-mile underwater promote historic preservation in their communities, our advocacy on behalf of endangered historic sites, our electrical line. In the 1990s a portion partnerships to manage Camp Santanoni, our saving fire towers, or presenting school programs, we are all about In 1966 Mrs. Lee’s descendents was further subdivided, with a portion understanding, celebrating and protecting the places we love and cherish. As we prepare for the Hudson-Fulton- established a land trust to manage the of shoreline donated to New York State. Champlain Quadricentennial, we know that 2009 will be a banner year in the Champlain Valley. Events are property. A system of management and Vincent and Tracy Giuseffi acquired the planned in many valley towns and AARCH will be part of them. We look forward to seeing you, no matter what governance was set up to make Warren Point property, with the former the economy brings. decisions about lumbering and roads Warren Point Lodge, and have but no one was directly in charge of extensively rehabilitated and restored it. managing the Big House. In 2005 family members began a project to David Hislop restore the seriously deteriorated house. Grace Memorial Chapel, Over the past three years the house has Sabbath Day Point received structural repairs, a standing seam metal roof and a coat of stain for the first time since it was built 85 years

AARCH 2 AARCH 11 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 AARCH Awards Lessons learned continued

LOCAL ORDINANCES

13th Annual Awards Celebration at The Hedges Preservation begins at the local level, and municipalities have the ability to adopt laws and offer incentives that On October 3, 2008, preservation blacksmith shop was then restored and enthusiasts from around the Adirondack became Ann’s art and music studio encourage preservation and discourage demolition. There Park gathered at The Hedges on Blue which she called “Common Ground,” are three basic mechanisms to do this and, ideally, all Mountain Lake to honor and celebrate and where she taught painting, piano, three should be in place and jointly administered by a those receiving a 2008 Adirondack guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. local preservation commission. The most important one Architectural Heritage Award. Six awardees, including community groups, Stewart and Susan Calkins is a historic preservation ordinance that provides tax and individuals, shared their stories of For the long-term stewardship of benefits for restoration and preservation work. The challenge and success, passion and Knollwood, Town of Fine second one is a demolition ordinance that provides purpose with a lively and engaged group sufficient time for the commission to consider of advocates and supporters. Selected by the AARCH Stewardship Committee, Consisting of three camp buildings and a Mountainside Free Library, Queensbury alternatives including restoration, adaptive re-use, and chaired by Jane Mackintosh, the suspension bridge, Knollwood was recycling parts of the building. The third ordinance is a “The Castle” in Keene is protected by a preservation easement held by AARCH. awardees were: designed and built by Dr. Frederick R. The Friends of Mountainside site plan review in the event a structure is demolished. Calkins in 1915. Calkins and his wife, Library, Queensbury While not all historic structures can be saved, new Evangeline Cadwell Calkins, purchased alterations, relocation, and demolition of historic three parcels of land comprised of For long-term stewardship structures should complement their surroundings and the structures, and the appeals process. The Demolition approximately 29 acres, most of which overall feeling of a community. Connecting the site The Mountainside Free Library was Permit Law (Local Law No. 1, July 2006), was adopted were on the east side of the Oswagatchie review plan with the preservation and demolition River. Construction of the camp on the granted a provisional charter in 1894 by by the Town Board of Northampton to prevent the the New York State Education ordinances allows for a smooth process, and gives the elevated knoll across the river began in unnecessary demolition of historic structures. Certain 1915 and both the permanent bridge and Department. One of the original commission more leverage. expanded camp were completed by founders of the library, Edward requirements and procedures must be adhered to prior to 1923. Eggleston, donated a 40 parcel of land In 2003 the Northampton Town Board passed a Historic demolition including giving the Historic Landmarks 1904, and through the efforts of his Preservation Ordinance, which was then applied to the Commission ample time to review the proposed Calkins sold just over one acre of land brother George Cary Eggleston, the Common Ground Gallery, Northville Village of Northville in 2007. Based on the “Ithaca demolition application, and make a determination and immediately south of the Knollwood current structure was built from donations along with funds from the Bill” (1997 New York State Property Tax Law Section recommendation as to the historic value of the structure. Ann Miller camp to his brother-in-law, Henry James Cadwell in 1916, to build another camp, Andrew Carnegie Foundation. It 444–a–Historical Property), and administered by the For the restoration of Common Recently, the Lake Placid and North Elba Joint Planning which was completed in 1924. A operates today as it always has, unstaffed Local Historic Landmarks Commission, the purpose of Ground Gallery, Northville and on the honor system. A key attached Commission added to its code a section pertaining to the boathouse was added, serving both the ordinance is to encourage the preservation of local families. A third small cottage was built to the front door provides 24-hour access demolition of historic structures. It stipulates that While the exact date of construction is for patrons who, upon choosing a book, historic resources by providing preservation and on the northwest side of the river for Dr. demolition is the last resort only when the applicant can unknown for this building, it does appear Calkins’s mother-in-law, Matilda record it on an index card. Though restoration incentives to property owners. These demonstrate that there are no other alternatives. Prior to on a map of Northville as early as 1856. Cadwell. Today Knollwood remains in lacking modern technology the library incentives include recognizing the importance of a During the latter 19th century, Cham offers a respectable collection of books issuing a demolition permit, several criteria must be met. family ownership, now with the property by documenting its history and listing it on a Chequer had his blacksmith shop in the grandson of the builder, eighty-four and periodicals. The plain architecture They include documentation of the property, salvage lower portion of the building, and the combines clapboard with shingle siding, local historic register, modeled after the State and years later. options, seeking out of public interest, completion of an upper portion housed Gus Elsinor’s which, along with exposed rafter tails at National Register of Historic Places. The ordinance also engineer’s report, and an assessment of the feasibility of wagon shop. The building was the eaves and traditional lattice under the allows for delaying the increase in assessment that would subsequently owned by William and porch is reminiscent of many of the undertaking a demolition and new construction project normally result from a substantial building restoration Allie Harris, and then Mert Rhodes and cottages that line Lake George. compared to rehabilitation of the existing structure. Larry Craig, who operated a garage project. This delay consists of five years of zero increase, there. In 1918 Mr. and Mrs. Sweet followed by a gradual increase to full value over the next moved their shoe store into the building, five years. If a historic property has been severely which continued in operation until 1973. neglected, and therefore assessed low, the ordinance will After the shoe store closed, several other produce significant tax savings for property owners over businesses occupied the building for a period of ten years following completion of the short periods of time, until Ann Miller restoration. Other sections of the ordinance allow for the bought it in the late 1970s. The former Knollwood, Town of Fine inventory of historic resources, and address the issues of Continued on page 4 AARCH 10 Winter 2008/2009 AARCH 3 Winter 2008/2009 Lessons Learned continued Save the Dates ………. 2009 Events PRESERVATION official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation, EASEMENTS administered by the National Park Service, Department • Saturday, June 13: AARCH Annual Meeting, Boathouse Theater, Schroon Lake of the Interior. The New York State Historic Preservation A preservation easement is Act of 1980 established the State Register, and is • Tuesday, September 1: AARCH Benefit Golf Tournament, Westport Country Club a voluntary legal agreement administered by the Commissioner of the State Office of between a property owner Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. • Friday, September 18—Monday, September 21: Adirondack Rustic Architecture Study Tour and a tax-exempt, Three full days of lectures and tours that will focus on the rustic architecture of the Adirondacks. We will charitable organization or While there are certain criteria established for eligibility, visit camps at Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, and Camp Santanoni. Accommodations and meals will be at the government entity, and can some misunderstandings exist as to what listing a Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mountain Lake. For additional information visit the AARCH web site at www.aarch.org, call (518) 834-9328, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., or contact be used as a means of property on the National Register means. The National Susan Arena at: [email protected]. protecting a structure. Register identifies historically significant buildings, Granting a preservation Hubbard Hall, structures, sites, objects, and districts, according its • Friday, October 9: AARCH Awards Luncheon, Inn at Erlowest, Lake George easement can lead to Elizabethtown. Its restoration Criteria for Evaluation. It also encourages the substantial savings for the was made possible by using preservation of historic properties by documenting their federal investment owner of a historic significance and by lending support to local preservation tax credits. property, including activities, and enables federal, state, and local agencies to There are many ways that you, your family, or your business can help Become a Member! qualifying for an income tax reduction under the consider historic properties in the early stages of planning us accomplish our mission: charitable contribution clause. Some restrictions may Yes, I want to help preserve the Adirondack Park’s projects. It provides for review of federally funded, historical and architectural legacy. Enclosed is my apply, and as with any tax issue, an accountant should be • Membership tax-deductible membership contribution. licensed, or sponsored projects that may affect historic consulted. Easements that lower the market value of a • Gift of Membership properties, and makes owners of historic properties ___ $15 College Student (with current ID) property can also reduce estate, gift, and capital gains • AARCH Endowment ___ $35 Individual eligible to apply for federal grants-in-aid for preservation • ___ $50 Family taxes. Depending on the property in question, the estate Project and Programming Support ___ $50 Supporting or Business tax savings could outweigh any property and income tax activities. Furthermore, listing encourages the • Corporate Matching Gift Programs ___ $100 Sponsor rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties ___ $250 Patron benefits. • Gifts of Stock ___ $500 Benefactor that meet preservation standards through tax incentives, • Bequests ___ $1000 Angel ___ Other The easement ensures the preservation of a historic and discourages the demolition of income-producing • Annual Appeal property in perpetuity. Under the terms of a historic properties through tax incentives. For more information, please visit our website: www.aarch.org, or contact preservation easement, the property owner grants a ______The National Register does not restrict the rights of AARCH Executive Director, Steven Engelhart at (518) 834-9328 or by NAME portion of, or interest in, their property rights to a e-mail at [email protected] qualified organization whose mission includes historic private property owners in the use, development, or sale ______preservation. The intent of the easement is to prevent of private historic property, nor does it lead automatically ADDRESS anyone from demolishing the building or altering it in to historic district zoning. It does not force federal, state, ______About Adirondack Architectural Heritage CITY any way that may diminish its historic character. Typical local, or private projects to be stopped, nor does it Adirondack Architectural Heritage is the preservation easements are façade easements, which provide for review of state, local, or privately funded ______projects that may affect historic properties. Furthermore, non-profit, historic preservation organization for the Adirondack STATE/ZIP CODE pertain only to the exterior envelope of the building, Park with an educational mission to promote better public although the interiors of buildings with historic features the National Register does not guarantee that grant funds ______understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the region’s TELEPHONE EMAIL may also be covered. Easements may also prohibit will be available for all significant historic properties, nor architecture and communities. We fulfill this mission by does it provide tax benefits to owners of residential sponsoring tours and workshops, giving public slide Please make checks payable to “Adirondack alterations to the surrounding grounds that would detract Architectural Heritage” and mail to: from the exterior appearance of the building. historic properties, unless those properties are rental and presentations, offering technical assistance, and supporting local treated as income-producing by the Internal Revenue governments, organizations, and individuals in their AARCH preservation efforts. AARCH is a membership organization with Civic Center, Suite 37 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Service. 1790 Main Street 1000 members. Members receive a biannual newsletter, Keeseville, NY 12944 discounts on AARCH sponsored events and publications, and Established under the National Historic Preservation Act Establishing local ordinances, preservation easements, are invited to attend our annual meeting. of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is the and tax incentives for State and National Register

AARCH 4 AARCH 9 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 Sunday, February 8 News & Notes . . . continued Ski Tour to Camp Santanoni on Paul Smiths: In January 2009, Properties listed on the State Camp Santanoni was built for Robert and Anna Pruyn of Albany Howie Kirschenbaum will step and National Registers of beginning in 1892. The estate eventually included 12,900 acres and down as director of White Pine Historic Places in 2008 nearly four-dozen buildings. Led by AARCH Executive Director Steven Camp. After 15 years of leading the Engelhart and former AARCH board member John Friauf, the tour will effort to restore the camp and make Properties newly listed on the include stops at the Gate Lodge, Santanoni’s 200-acre farm, and the Main it available to the public, he will State Register include: Camp on Newcomb Lake. We’ll also see the Main Camp complex and turn over the reins to two of his 25 will learn first hand about all of the conservation planning and restoration partners—Dick George and Karen • Lake Pleasant Town Hall, work underway. Graff. Howie will continue to be Hamilton County involved as a member of the camp’s • The Hedges, Blue Mountain The tour and discussion will feature the completed restoration of the Steering Committee. Lake, Hamilton County Main Camp’s boathouse, which was funded through a $92,000 New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant. The boathouse was the most deteriorated of all of Santanoni’s buildings. Saranac Laboratory (photo courtesy of • Gates Homestead, Bolton Paul Smith’s College has Restoration was completed in 2007 by master carpenter Michael Frenette and crew. Historic Saranac Lake) Landing, Warren County demolished Harriman Cottage, a Saranac Lake: In December, National Register listed building • Forward Wreck Site, Lake The round-trip cross-country ski trip is 9.8 miles on a gently sloping carriage road. The outing begins at 10 a.m. at Historic Saranac Lake received a built in 1894 as a guest house for the George, Warren County the Santanoni Preserve parking area in the hamlet of Newcomb. We will return about 3 p.m. The fee is $10 for 2008 New York State Historic Paul Smith’s Hotel. It will be • James Wilder Farmstead, AARCH members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are required by calling AARCH at: (518) 834-9328. Preservation Project Achievement replaced it with a “new, energy Burke, Franklin County Award from the Office of Parks, efficient construction with historic • Alice T. Miner Museum, Recreation and Historic Preservation character.” Chazy, Clinton County for “outstanding commitment to • Werrenrath Camp, Chazy Lessons Learned continued community revitalization and the Lake Placid: The Adirondack Lake, Clinton County rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Museum at Blue Mountain Lake has properties are some of the tools necessary to ensure the Saranac Laboratory.” suspended its plans for building a Properties newly listed on the region’s significant cultural resources are protected. We held a successful silent auction at our benefit Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill - National Register include: Had any of these been in place prior to the sale of The event at the Camp Uncas on August 22. Northville/Northampton: The designed satellite museum on Main Wawbeek, it would most likely still be standing. Thanks to the following individuals and businesses Preservation League of New York Street. • Strand Theater, Plattsburgh, who donated items for this event: State awarded the Northville/ Clinton County Northampton Historic Landmark Plattsburgh: Despite concerted AARCH stands ready to work with individual property Adirondack Explorer Commission a $5,000 grant to efforts to preserve the Alert Facility, For more information about listing owners who are interested in putting their buildings on Rae Arena (Thee Amish Village) complete a reconnaissance-level also known as the Mole Hole, this a property on the State and the State and National Register of Historic Places and Duncan and Caroline Cameron survey of the town of Northampton, rare Cold War-era structure at the National Register, call AARCH at: who are interested in protecting their properties through a Marion Jeffers (The Birch Store) and village of Northville. former Plattsburg Air Force Base (518) 834-9328 or visit our historic preservation easement. We also stand ready to Danny Kaifetz (Adirondack Flagpoles) will be demolished. Lee Kazanas (Jay Craft Center) website at: www.aarch.org or the work with municipalities and community members who Tupper Lake: The Adirondack Judy Larter National Park Service website at: are interested in developing local laws, to provide both Council assisted the Town and Old Forge: The Northwoods www.cr.nps.gov/nr Nils and Muriel Luderowski Village of Tupper Lake in obtaining Community Center group has incentives for historic preservation and disincentives to Steve Maselli (Old Adirondack Inc.) a $100,000 Smart Growth Grant. The formed to assure the future use of the We welcome items about demolishing historic properties. For more information Derek Muirden funding will be used to develop plans Northwoods Community Center, architecture, historic contact AARCH at (518) 834-9328 or check the Veto & Gail Napolitano (Forest Home for the community’s streetscape and built in 1905 as the North Woods preservation, local history, and resources section of our website, www.aarch.org. Furnishings) waterfront projects. Lodge 849 for the Old Forge related subjects for News & Jon Prime (The Adirondack Store) Masons. The Masons met on the Ellen M. Ryan Notes. Please let us know what’s Ellen Ryan, Community Outreach Director Town of Bolton: The Town of upper floor, and the rest of the going on in your area by Jeffrey Sellon Bolton was awarded a $50,000 Smart building served community functions contacting our community Darren Tracy Growth Grant to complete a and was used for dances, meetings, outreach director, Ellen Ryan Willem Monster and Skip Taylor, Northampton/ Rick Weerts comprehensive analysis and plan and social events. While the building at: Northville Historic Landmarks Commission contributed Mark Wilcox (Summer Antiques) development of the hamlet of Bolton is still used by various groups, it is in (518) 834-9328 or to this article. Additional information was provided by Lisa Yanchitis (Lake Placid Rug and Home) need of major repairs, including Landing. [email protected]. the National Park Service and the New York State Office better insulation, and upgrades to the heating system. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. AARCH 8 AARCH 5 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009

News & Notes News & Notes … continued PAUL MALO 1930—2008 Welcoming Susan Arena

You could say Paul Malo was In the Adirondacks Paul was the first serious interpreter of what have become known as Great Camps. He was In May, Susan Arena joined the AARCH staff as its new responsible for Adirondack program director. We chose Susan after a nationwide search that Architectural Heritage. In 1989 instrumental in saving Sagamore Lodge from destruction in he asked me, “Isn’t it time we did 1975 and led and co-led the first tours of Great Camps. His yielded lots of interest and many qualified candidates. Former something about Santanoni?” many articles, book chapters, and presentations on regional program director, Ellen Ryan, has moved into the newly created posi- I told him what I thought was needed to save Camp architecture informed other authors and leaders in tion of community outreach director. Santanoni, the important, state-owned Great Camp that had Adirondack history and preservation. His contribution as one been deteriorating for many years. “It will take an of three authors of Santanoni: From Japanese Temple to Life Susan has a master of science degree in historic preservation from the Adirondack historic preservation organization that will at an Adirondack Great Camp (AARCH, 2000) added depth, University of Vermont. During her time in graduate school, she wrote become a forceful lobby for Santanoni’s preservation.” breadth, and readability to that work. National Register nominations and was a teacher’s assistant. The title of her graduate research paper is The Adirondacks: America’s Susan Arena sitting in an “So?” asked Paul. Paul was even more influential in the Thousand Islands. Having spent much of his childhood on “the River,” Paul Playground, which explores the relationship between original Westport Chair architecture and tourism in the region. Susan’s summer internship The rest is history. We formed AARCH the next year, with developed a lifelong love of the St. Lawrence and its historic Paul as an active, charter board member. Santanoni was castles, cottages, clubs, and classic boats. He was a leader in was at Camp Santanoni, where she led tours and assisted with the on-going restoration of the Gate Lodge saved, is well on its way to being fully stabilized, and has the preservation of Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands Park, and and Main Camp. been declared a National Historic Landmark. Another other buildings. He wrote numerous articles, reports, an feather for Paul Malo’s cap. unpublished biography of George Boldt, and three books She received a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and then currently in print: Boldt Castle: In Search of the Lost Story worked in Boston for one year at both the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Old State House. Born Indeed, Paul Malo, 78, who died July 22, 2008, at his home (2001), Fools’ Paradise: Remembering the Thousand Islands and raised in Central New York, Susan spent many summers in the Adirondacks developing an appreciation in the Town of Granby, Oswego County, New York, had a (2003), and A Floating World: More People, Places and for the region’s architecture and natural beauty. She is pleased to return to her home state to work for an long and distinguished career. For more than 30 years, until Pastimes of the Thousand Islands (2004). His donated organization such as AARCH, where she can apply her expertise to an area rich with invaluable historic papers formed the basis for the original document collection his retirement in 1992, he taught architectural design and resources. history at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture. at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. In 2007, having Many of the architects he had trained attended his memorial mastered the technology, he began and right up to his death service in Syracuse on October 11 and described him as a edited an attractive and informative online magazine, remarkably caring, dedicated, and skillful mentor. In www.ThousandIslands.com. Obituaries in newspapers on The Masten House, owned by OSI, Raquette Lake: Great Camp Uncas addition to teaching, he designed many buildings in central both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border eulogized Paul Malo has been leased long-term to the on Mohegan Lake designed by as “Mr. 1000 Islands.” New York and beyond, including the Onondaga County Northern Forest Institute for William West Durant, was recently Civic Center, the First Trust Bank building (now Conservation Education and listed as a National Historic demolished) at the corner of Warren and Adams Streets in Paul leaves his wife, historian Judith Wellman, and children Syracuse, and the Hansen house in Cazenovia. Amaliya and Mark. His family and many friends describe Leadership Training, operated by Landmark (NHL), the highest level Paul as a Renaissance man. Beyond his scholarly and SUNY ESF. The focus of the of distinction bestowed upon But Paul’s real love was historic preservation, in which he professional accomplishments, for which he received many Institute will pertain to research and historic properties. Camp Uncas was a leader in New York State from the early 1950s, awards, he was a skilled photographer, painter, cook, management of the northern forests. joins the growing list of NHL twenty years before the historic preservation movement musician, and gardener. He was a true gentleman. Finally properties in the Adirondack Park took hold in the United States. Paul first inspired succumbing to an 18-month struggle with pancreatic cancer, Willsboro: The former Willsboro including: Great Camp Sagamore, Masten House, Newcomb appreciation and preservation of historic architecture in he lived his final years, months and days with incredible High School has been purchased by and Camp Pine Knot, Raquette central and western New York. His books Architecture dignity, lucid to the end, working at home on projects he Newcomb: The Open Space developer Eli Schwartzberg of Lake; John Brown Farm and Worth Saving in Onondaga County (with Harley McKee loved. He embodied one of his favorite poems by William Blake: Institute (OSI) was awarded a 2008 Stonebrook Properties. His intention Gravesite, Lake Placid; Eagle Island and Pat Earle) and Landmarks of Rochester and Monroe Preservation League of New York is to convert the building into an Camp, Upper Saranac Lake; Fort County were published in 1964 and 1974, respectively. The “Eternity” assisted living facility. As part of this Crown Point and Fort St. Frederic, latter contributed to the formation of the Landmark Society State Excellence Award for the of Western New York and Rochester’s famous East Avenue He who binds to himself a joy stabilization of the McNaughton adaptive re-use project, Crown Point; Fort Ticonderoga, Historic Preservation District. Recognized statewide for Doth the winged life destroy. Cottage in Tahawus. AARCH will Schwartzberg plans on retaining Ticonderoga; Land Tortoise his contributions, in the mid-70s he was elected first He who kisses the joy as it flies continue to work with OSI and original features of the building (Radeau), Lake George; Camp president of the newly formed Preservation League of New Lives in eternity’s sunrise. others to ensure the preservation and including its murals. Santanoni Preserve, Newcomb; and York State. public enjoyment of this significant the Elkanah Watson House, Port Howie Kirschenbaum industrial site. Kent.

AARCH 6 AARCH 7 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009

News & Notes News & Notes … continued PAUL MALO 1930—2008 Welcoming Susan Arena

AARCH 6 AARCH 7 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 Sunday, February 8 News & Notes . . . continued Ski Tour to Camp Santanoni on Paul Smiths: In January 2009, Properties listed on the State Camp Santanoni was built for Robert and Anna Pruyn of Albany Howie Kirschenbaum will step and National Registers of beginning in 1892. The estate eventually included 12,900 acres and down as director of White Pine Historic Places in 2008 nearly four-dozen buildings. Led by AARCH Executive Director Steven Camp. After 15 years of leading the Engelhart and former AARCH board member John Friauf, the tour will effort to restore the camp and make Properties newly listed on the include stops at the Gate Lodge, Santanoni’s 200-acre farm, and the Main it available to the public, he will State Register include: Camp on Newcomb Lake. We’ll also see the Main Camp complex and turn over the reins to two of his 25 will learn first hand about all of the conservation planning and restoration partners—Dick George and Karen • Lake Pleasant Town Hall, work underway. Graff. Howie will continue to be Hamilton County involved as a member of the camp’s • The Hedges, Blue Mountain The tour and discussion will feature the completed restoration of the Steering Committee. Lake, Hamilton County Main Camp’s boathouse, which was funded through a $92,000 New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant. The boathouse was the most deteriorated of all of Santanoni’s buildings. Saranac Laboratory (photo courtesy of • Gates Homestead, Bolton Paul Smith’s College has Restoration was completed in 2007 by master carpenter Michael Frenette and crew. Historic Saranac Lake) Landing, Warren County demolished Harriman Cottage, a Saranac Lake: In December, National Register listed building • Forward Wreck Site, Lake The round-trip cross-country ski trip is 9.8 miles on a gently sloping carriage road. The outing begins at 10 a.m. at Historic Saranac Lake received a built in 1894 as a guest house for the George, Warren County the Santanoni Preserve parking area in the hamlet of Newcomb. We will return about 3 p.m. The fee is $10 for 2008 New York State Historic Paul Smith’s Hotel. It will be • James Wilder Farmstead, AARCH members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are required by calling AARCH at: (518) 834-9328. Preservation Project Achievement replaced it with a “new, energy Burke, Franklin County Award from the Office of Parks, efficient construction with historic • Alice T. Miner Museum, Recreation and Historic Preservation character.” Chazy, Clinton County for “outstanding commitment to • Werrenrath Camp, Chazy Lessons Learned continued community revitalization and the Lake Placid: The Adirondack Lake, Clinton County rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Museum at Blue Mountain Lake has properties are some of the tools necessary to ensure the Saranac Laboratory.” suspended its plans for building a Properties newly listed on the region’s significant cultural resources are protected. We held a successful silent auction at our benefit Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill - National Register include: Had any of these been in place prior to the sale of The event at the Camp Uncas on August 22. Northville/Northampton: The designed satellite museum on Main Wawbeek, it would most likely still be standing. Thanks to the following individuals and businesses Preservation League of New York Street. • Strand Theater, Plattsburgh, who donated items for this event: State awarded the Northville/ Clinton County Northampton Historic Landmark Plattsburgh: Despite concerted AARCH stands ready to work with individual property Adirondack Explorer Commission a $5,000 grant to efforts to preserve the Alert Facility, For more information about listing owners who are interested in putting their buildings on Rae Arena (Thee Amish Village) complete a reconnaissance-level also known as the Mole Hole, this a property on the State and the State and National Register of Historic Places and Duncan and Caroline Cameron survey of the town of Northampton, rare Cold War-era structure at the National Register, call AARCH at: who are interested in protecting their properties through a Marion Jeffers (The Birch Store) and village of Northville. former Plattsburg Air Force Base (518) 834-9328 or visit our historic preservation easement. We also stand ready to Danny Kaifetz (Adirondack Flagpoles) will be demolished. Lee Kazanas (Jay Craft Center) website at: www.aarch.org or the work with municipalities and community members who Tupper Lake: The Adirondack Judy Larter National Park Service website at: are interested in developing local laws, to provide both Council assisted the Town and Old Forge: The Northwoods www.cr.nps.gov/nr Nils and Muriel Luderowski Village of Tupper Lake in obtaining Community Center group has incentives for historic preservation and disincentives to Steve Maselli (Old Adirondack Inc.) a $100,000 Smart Growth Grant. The formed to assure the future use of the We welcome items about demolishing historic properties. For more information Derek Muirden funding will be used to develop plans Northwoods Community Center, architecture, historic contact AARCH at (518) 834-9328 or check the Veto & Gail Napolitano (Forest Home for the community’s streetscape and built in 1905 as the North Woods preservation, local history, and resources section of our website, www.aarch.org. Furnishings) waterfront projects. Lodge 849 for the Old Forge related subjects for News & Jon Prime (The Adirondack Store) Masons. The Masons met on the Ellen M. Ryan Notes. Please let us know what’s Ellen Ryan, Community Outreach Director Town of Bolton: The Town of upper floor, and the rest of the going on in your area by Jeffrey Sellon Bolton was awarded a $50,000 Smart building served community functions contacting our community Darren Tracy Growth Grant to complete a and was used for dances, meetings, outreach director, Ellen Ryan Willem Monster and Skip Taylor, Northampton/ Rick Weerts comprehensive analysis and plan and social events. While the building at: Northville Historic Landmarks Commission contributed Mark Wilcox (Summer Antiques) development of the hamlet of Bolton is still used by various groups, it is in (518) 834-9328 or to this article. Additional information was provided by Lisa Yanchitis (Lake Placid Rug and Home) need of major repairs, including Landing. [email protected]. the National Park Service and the New York State Office better insulation, and upgrades to the heating system. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. AARCH 8 AARCH 5 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 Lessons Learned continued Save the Dates ………. 2009 Events PRESERVATION official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation, EASEMENTS administered by the National Park Service, Department • Saturday, June 13: AARCH Annual Meeting, Boathouse Theater, Schroon Lake of the Interior. The New York State Historic Preservation A preservation easement is Act of 1980 established the State Register, and is • Tuesday, September 1: AARCH Benefit Golf Tournament, Westport Country Club a voluntary legal agreement administered by the Commissioner of the State Office of between a property owner Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. • Friday, September 18—Monday, September 21: Adirondack Rustic Architecture Study Tour and a tax-exempt, Three full days of lectures and tours that will focus on the rustic architecture of the Adirondacks. We will charitable organization or While there are certain criteria established for eligibility, visit camps at Piseco Lake, Raquette Lake, and Camp Santanoni. Accommodations and meals will be at the government entity, and can some misunderstandings exist as to what listing a Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mountain Lake. For additional information visit the AARCH web site at www.aarch.org, call (518) 834-9328, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., or contact be used as a means of property on the National Register means. The National Susan Arena at: [email protected]. protecting a structure. Register identifies historically significant buildings, Granting a preservation Hubbard Hall, structures, sites, objects, and districts, according its • Friday, October 9: AARCH Awards Luncheon, Inn at Erlowest, Lake George easement can lead to Elizabethtown. Its restoration Criteria for Evaluation. It also encourages the substantial savings for the was made possible by using preservation of historic properties by documenting their federal investment owner of a historic significance and by lending support to local preservation tax credits. property, including activities, and enables federal, state, and local agencies to There are many ways that you, your family, or your business can help Become a Member! qualifying for an income tax reduction under the consider historic properties in the early stages of planning us accomplish our mission: charitable contribution clause. Some restrictions may Yes, I want to help preserve the Adirondack Park’s projects. It provides for review of federally funded, historical and architectural legacy. Enclosed is my apply, and as with any tax issue, an accountant should be • Membership tax-deductible membership contribution. licensed, or sponsored projects that may affect historic consulted. Easements that lower the market value of a • Gift of Membership properties, and makes owners of historic properties ___ $15 College Student (with current ID) property can also reduce estate, gift, and capital gains • AARCH Endowment ___ $35 Individual eligible to apply for federal grants-in-aid for preservation • ___ $50 Family taxes. Depending on the property in question, the estate Project and Programming Support ___ $50 Supporting or Business tax savings could outweigh any property and income tax activities. Furthermore, listing encourages the • Corporate Matching Gift Programs ___ $100 Sponsor rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties ___ $250 Patron benefits. • Gifts of Stock ___ $500 Benefactor that meet preservation standards through tax incentives, • Bequests ___ $1000 Angel ___ Other The easement ensures the preservation of a historic and discourages the demolition of income-producing • Annual Appeal property in perpetuity. Under the terms of a historic properties through tax incentives. For more information, please visit our website: www.aarch.org, or contact preservation easement, the property owner grants a ______The National Register does not restrict the rights of AARCH Executive Director, Steven Engelhart at (518) 834-9328 or by NAME portion of, or interest in, their property rights to a e-mail at [email protected] qualified organization whose mission includes historic private property owners in the use, development, or sale ______preservation. The intent of the easement is to prevent of private historic property, nor does it lead automatically ADDRESS anyone from demolishing the building or altering it in to historic district zoning. It does not force federal, state, ______About Adirondack Architectural Heritage CITY any way that may diminish its historic character. Typical local, or private projects to be stopped, nor does it Adirondack Architectural Heritage is the preservation easements are façade easements, which provide for review of state, local, or privately funded ______projects that may affect historic properties. Furthermore, non-profit, historic preservation organization for the Adirondack STATE/ZIP CODE pertain only to the exterior envelope of the building, Park with an educational mission to promote better public although the interiors of buildings with historic features the National Register does not guarantee that grant funds ______understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the region’s TELEPHONE EMAIL may also be covered. Easements may also prohibit will be available for all significant historic properties, nor architecture and communities. We fulfill this mission by does it provide tax benefits to owners of residential sponsoring tours and workshops, giving public slide Please make checks payable to “Adirondack alterations to the surrounding grounds that would detract Architectural Heritage” and mail to: from the exterior appearance of the building. historic properties, unless those properties are rental and presentations, offering technical assistance, and supporting local treated as income-producing by the Internal Revenue governments, organizations, and individuals in their AARCH preservation efforts. AARCH is a membership organization with Civic Center, Suite 37 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Service. 1790 Main Street 1000 members. Members receive a biannual newsletter, Keeseville, NY 12944 discounts on AARCH sponsored events and publications, and Established under the National Historic Preservation Act Establishing local ordinances, preservation easements, are invited to attend our annual meeting. of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is the and tax incentives for State and National Register

AARCH 4 AARCH 9 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 AARCH Awards Lessons learned continued

LOCAL ORDINANCES

With the global economy losing ground nearly every day, it is a good time to remind ourselves that historic Grace Memorial Chapel, Sabbath preservation has always been about thrift, stewardship, and the conservation of limited resources. It is also a good Day Point time to rededicate ourselves to these values. We can look back on the past 50 as a time of incredible growth and For restoration development and as a time that has not always been sympathetic to protecting natural and cultural resources. The land on which Grace Memorial When a society approaches the end of such a long period of purchasing, consuming, and disposing, we rediscover Chapel was erected was once part of a Warren Point Lodge, Tupper Lake that restoration, adaptive re-use, and preservation help us reorient the material values in our lives. The Big House, Westport farm owned by Samuel Westurn on Sabbath Day Point. Realizing a need for Vince and Tracy Giuseffi In all times and circumstances, there are silver linings, and the current economic slowdown can help historic The Lee Trust a church to serve the summer residents For the restoration of preservation efforts. For instance, the state agencies responsible for the fate of the Lake Champlain Bridge may For the restoration of the along the west shore of Lake George, he Warren Point Lodge, Tupper Lake now look much more favorably on rehabilitating the structure because it is likely to be the least expensive option Big House, Westport convened a meeting of friends and under consideration. There is more and more evidence neighbors on August 11, 1884, at which Around 1860 a “little hunting lodge” available that reusing, rather than replacing a structure The Big House is the home of the the Union Chapel Association was was built on Paradise Point, and came to organized. has substantial energy saving benefits not the least of AARCH Welcomes New Members to descendents of Mr. and Mrs. Francis W. be called the Tupper Lake House, the which is that an existing building contains significant Lee. The land on which the house is first hotel on the lake. It burned in its Board of Directors Westurn donated the plot on which the 1894 , and was subsequently bought by amounts of “embedded energy” that would take decades built has been in the same family since 1838. The current house, designed and union chapel was built, as well as the the Lakeside Club, a “gentleman’s to recoup in new construction. A general conservatism At our June 27, 2008, Annual Meeting in constructed by Thomas Lee, is the third stone for its construction. Designed by club.” One of its members, Thomas these days about not making big investments or Keeseville, Janice Woodbury, Kimmey Decker, on the same site. William B. Tuthill, a New York City Barbour, bought much of the land architect who also designed Carnegie undertaking big projects may make us more focused on and Patricia Marsh were elected to the AARCH around it. His son, Col. William Hall, the chapel was built in thirteen smaller repairs, improvements, and maintenance—the Board. In addition, George Canon has rejoined the The first house was a stone and wood Barbour, extended the family’s holdings weeks, and dedicated on August 11, to nearly 20,000 acres , which included core of historic preservation work. Now is a good time Board for another term. home built in the late 1830s by William to insulate our buildings, upgrade heating systems, and Guy Hunter. It burned down in the 1885. The decorative and structural the club property, buildings, and farm. tighten up doors and windows. According to Donovan 1870s and was replaced by a larger, all elements were manufactured in New His son Warren built a one-story lodge, We also want to thank Margaret Prime, Jeffrey York City and shipped by rail to Lake Rypkema, a prominent advocate for the economic wood house that also burned down on circa 1900, on a point (now called Sellon, and Nicholas Westbrook, who left the September 25, 1923. The current house George for final assembly. Warren Point) on the property. development and energy savings benefits of historic AARCH board in 2008, for their many years of preservation, the majority of heat loss in homes is was built around the three chimneys that service. All three made contributions that have remained standing after the fire. The Since 1885 the Grace Memorial Union During World War I, the New York through the attics or uninsulated walls, not windows. made AARCH a better, more effective family moved into the Big House on Chapel has remained active seasonally, Department of the American Legion Adding just three and a half inches of fiberglass organization. July 1, 1924. and maintenance and restoration, bought 1260 acres from the Barbour insulation in an attic has three times the energy savings including the stained glass windows, family to establish the Veterans’ as replacing a single pane window, without a storm Designed as the summer residence for has continued under the chapel Mountain Camp of the American window, with the most energy efficient window. Properly repaired historic windows with a storm unit have an R the extended family, it features tall Association. Legion. factor nearly indistinguishable from newer replacement windows. ceilings and huge windows that allow the breeze from Lake Champlain to cool The property was sold to Adirondack Mountain Properties in 1982, which We may also look closer to home to build and renew our community ties and values. This is central to what the house. There are numerous porches that afford expansive views over the undertook a 14-lot subdivision and AARCH does. Whether it’s our tours and workshops, the assistance provided to individuals and organizations to lake. installed a five-mile underwater promote historic preservation in their communities, our advocacy on behalf of endangered historic sites, our electrical line. In the 1990s a portion partnerships to manage Camp Santanoni, our saving fire towers, or presenting school programs, we are all about In 1966 Mrs. Lee’s descendents was further subdivided, with a portion understanding, celebrating and protecting the places we love and cherish. As we prepare for the Hudson-Fulton- established a land trust to manage the of shoreline donated to New York State. Champlain Quadricentennial, we know that 2009 will be a banner year in the Champlain Valley. Events are property. A system of management and Vincent and Tracy Giuseffi acquired the planned in many valley towns and AARCH will be part of them. We look forward to seeing you, no matter what governance was set up to make Warren Point property, with the former the economy brings. decisions about lumbering and roads Warren Point Lodge, and have but no one was directly in charge of extensively rehabilitated and restored it. managing the Big House. In 2005 family members began a project to David Hislop restore the seriously deteriorated house. Grace Memorial Chapel, Over the past three years the house has Sabbath Day Point received structural repairs, a standing seam metal roof and a coat of stain for the first time since it was built 85 years

AARCH 2 AARCH 11 Winter 2008/2009 Winter 2008/2009 Volume 17, 10, Number Number 2 2 AARCH Awards Nominations Winter 2008–20092001-2002 Help us spread the word about the good work going on in our region by nominating a project from your community. Nominations are accepted year round, and must be a project within the Park and other than your own. To be considered for a 2009 AARCH Award, nominations must be submitted by June 1, 2009. For more information on our awards program and to obtain a nomination form, contact AARCH by calling (518) 834-9328 or News visit our website at: www.aarch.org. News letter CIVIC CENTER, SUITE 37 1790 MAIN STREET The Wawbeek: Lessons Learned KEESEVILLE, NY 12944 AARCH’s Annual Raffle is a (518) 834-9328 (518) 834-9225 (fax) Huge Success [email protected] www.aarch.org We extend our appreciation to all who participated and to those who donated prizes. Board of Directors