Schenectady County Historical Society

Newsletter Vol. 62, No. 3, Summer 2018 | 518.374.0263 | schenectadyhistorical.org

Schenectady and the Great Outdoors

By Norm Kuchar and Mark Vermilyea

Introduction Based on the number of cars driving on I-890 that boast “ADK” stickers and the amount of visitors the Plotter Kill receives each year, one can infer that Schenectadians like the great outdoors. Indeed, Schenectady has a long history of its residents being active in conservation and outdoor recreation – here in the county, and in the wilderness of the North Country, alike.

Early Conservation in Schenectady Schenectadians’ interest in protecting and exploring wilderness has its roots in the mid 1800s with industrialization and westward expansion. The wilderness was at risk of disappearing, and influential nature lovers used their writings to convince Americans that preserving land and wildlife was vital. Many Americans, including people in Schenectady, could easily see the case for this. As cities became more crowded, citizens began to look for peaceful retreats. Outdoor recreation and the conservation movement came together as Americans took up camping, hiking, and other activities as a way to escape crowded cities. One of the earliest significant American writings of the value of the wilderness is “Wild northern scenes”, written by Samuel Hammond, a lawyer from Continued on page 12 Schenectady County Historical Society

Board of Trustees President’s Letter Robert Weible President imes are looking good for the SCHS in 2018, thanks to Richard Lewis an outstanding Board of Trustees, a talented and dy- Vice-President namic staff, a devoted corps of volunteers, an ever-ex- Tpanding membership, and a growing list of partners whom John Halstead we expect to be joining us as we educate students and adult Treasurer learners about Schenectady County history, raise the qual- From the Robert Sullivan ity of life for everyone, and promote economic development Secretary throughout the county. Executive Director Ann Aronson It really is a privilege for me to be serving as your president at Marianne Blanchard a time like this and working to maintain the momentum that Robert Carney Marianne Blanchard created during her four years as the Looking to the future. Improving. Changing. This is our lexicon each Tom Dunn head of our organization. Indeed, under Marianne’s leader- Albert Ferradino day at SCHS, always with an eye toward the community we serve. ship we saw our membership, finances, and resources grow, Ellen Fladger John Gearing our programs diversify and expand, and our operations pro- To that end, I'm pleased to share that we've made two rather significant Michael Karl fessionalize. Happily for us, Marianne won’t be resting on changes here at SCHS in the past month, both of which I couldn't be Sarah Kirby her laurels; she’ll be playing an active role as our past presi- more excited about. dent as we move forward into the future. Carolina Lazzari Our first big change: in May, we introduced new benefits to members of Laura Lee And move forward we will. This month, with guidance from the Schenectady County Historical Society. The updated membership Christopher Leonard the Council for Non-Profits, our Trustees will be Kim Mabee levels now grant exclusive benefits while also supporting local history. We Kevin Richard-Morrow meeting to forge a strategic plan that will clarify our direc- hope you’ll learn more about the new levels at schenectadyhistorical. James Strosberg tion for the next two-to-three years, and, in my opinion, org/membership, take advantage of the new perks, and continue to Martin Strosberg make us the model for every other historical organization in join us for events in the Stockade, at the Mabee Farm, and throughout Dale Wade-Keszey New York State. Schenectady County! John Woodward That’s no small challenge. New York’s museums and histori- And, the second big change: The Mabee Farmhouse interpretation! It's Staff cal organizations play an important role in the lives of all been a long time coming; staff and volunteers have been working on this New Yorkers. According to Erika Sanger of the Museum As- project for a few years. This spring we finally made major strides, thanks Mary Zawacki sociation of New York and the Oxford Economics’ 2017 na- in large part to the generosity of our donors. The new interpretation is Executive Director tional report, museums have a $5.4 billion dollar economic twofold; it includes all new period-appropriate furnishings, many of Mary Treanor impact on the state’s economy. That’s impressive--but under- which are hands-on. Ever tried napping on a rope bed? We did, and Administrative Officer standable, perhaps, because according to a 2018 American we hope you will too! The interpretation also utilizes a new narrative. Michael Maloney Association for State and Local History survey, historical in- Visitors to Mabee Farm will be led through centuries of Mohawk Valley Librarian/Archivist stitutions have more power than most people realize. Why? lore that interweaves tales of the diverse folks who lived, worked, and Because Americans consider history museums and historic visited Mabee Farm. Their individual stories come to life through the Susanna Fout sites to be more trustworthy on historical matters than text- tour, and so too does regional history. Exhibitions & Collections Manager books and other nonfiction books, high school teachers, and Michael Diana the Internet. Not only that, similar studies have confirmed We have a busy summer ahead of us, filled with events of all sorts. So, Education & Programs Manager this fact and shown that organizations such as ours are even stop by, bring a lunch, and enjoy the scenery. John Ackner more believable than college professors, grandparents, eye- witnesses to history, and (perhaps not surprisingly) movies Facilities Manager Mary Zawacki, Executive Director and television. [email protected] Visit So spread the word; the Schenectady County Historical Soci- Library & Museum | M-F 9-5; Sat 10-2 ety is not only focused on preserving the past. Together with 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady, NY our friends in the historical and educational professions, Mabee Farm | Tues-Sat, 10-4 private business, local and state government, and especially 1100 Main St, Rotterdam Jct, NY our county’s many diverse communities, we’re looking for- Brouwer House | by appointment ward to making tomorrow’s history. 14 N Church St, Schenectady, NY

Contact Robert Weible, President www.schenectadyhistorical.org/people [email protected]

2 Schenectady County Historical Society Schenectady County Historical Society Welcome to New Board Members, and Our Summer Intern! From the Library

We're pleased to welcome a few new faces to SCHS Blog Posts New Collections Spotlight this year. Chris Leonard and Sarah Kirby joined the Board of Directors in April. In May, Julia Walsh began You May Have Missed a summer internship with us. The Grems-Doolittle Library Collections Blog (www. We’ve received a few interesting collections in the gremsdoolittlelibrary.blogspot.com) is a great library: resource for learning more about Schenectady The B. Donald Ackerman Collection documents County’s rich history. Here are a few of the posts Schenectady’s political scene from the 1960s to the from the past couple months that you might have present. Mr. Ackerman previously donated political missed. items, and this addition to his collection includes West Hill, An Innovative Community a scrapbook that focuses on 8-term Republican By Gail Denisoff – March 21, 2018 Assemblyman Clark Wemple, as well as other documents on Schenectady politics. March was all about Mid-Century Modern for library

volunteer Gail Denisoff. Her previous article focused ______on Lustron homes in Schenectady County and this

one is all about the innovative houses built in the We’ve also recently purchased a historical ledger. West Hill neighborhood of Rotterdam in the late This ledger is divided into two separate parts, the 1940s and early 1950s. accounts and financial transactions of Captain The Mastroianni Brothers Bakery Richard Duncan, and the accounts of an unidentified By The Librarian – May 2, 2018 Schenectady blacksmith. Our librarian had the chance to talk to Josephine Many of Richard Duncan’s transactions deal with the Julia Walsh is SCHS' summer intern. A Burnt Hills Mastroianni Parchetta. Josephine donated photos estate of his father, John Duncan. John was a Scottish native, Julia graduated BHBL high school in 2016, and and shared memories of her family’s bakery, the immigrant who entered into a prosperous trading is currently completing her undergraduate degree Mastrioanni Bros. Bakery. This blog post will partnership with James Phyn. Duncan was also a in History, Political Science, and Music at Le Moyne leave you craving some of the great bread that the land speculator, and purchased the land that would College. Since high school, Julia has been interested in Mastroianni Bros. used to make. become Princetown. Both John and Richard were Chris Leonard was born in Hamden, CT, but has spent history, specifically the artifacts of everyday life, and known Loyalists during the American Revolution. Barbers of Schenectady more than half his life in the Capital District; including Richard commanded a unit of regulars under the how they fit within the larger framework of national By The Librarian – May 17, 2018 the last 14 in Schenectady. He attended SUNY-Albany, and global history. command of John Johnson. Duncan built a mansion graduating with BAs in English and History. Chris Did you know that there were over 100 barbers in named The Hermitage in Niskayuna and lived there returned to SUNYA where he received an MA in At Le Moyne, Julia is involved with the vocal jazz Schenectady in 1925? Find out more about some of until his death in 1791. English with a writing concentration. He is the Owner/ group, The Jazzuits, the church choir Joyful Noise, and the tonsorial parlors of Schenectady in this post. Principal of Wordsmith Promotions, a marketing firm the Creative Writing Club. She also enjoys working in The second section of this ledger documents the that works with small businesses and nonprofits in the the Le Moyne College archives as an intern. Following work of a blacksmith from 1823-1826, right as the Capital District. In February, Chris was appointed City graduation, Julia hopes to attend graduate school for was opening. The ledger lists more than 2,000 entries and names 150 local people. The entries Historian of Schenectady, filling a position that has archival studies, and then find work in curation at a give the date, the name of the customer and a brief been vacant since 2011. Chris volunteers in the Grems- museum or library. description of the work done and price charged. Doolittle Library where he has the privilege of reading Julia has been enjoying her time at SCHS. She explains, Many prominent Schenectady names are listed, and and documenting the correspondence of Charles P. "I really enjoy the school programs at the Mabee Farm, the blacksmith did work for the Utica & Schenectady Steinmetz. as it's important to get kids involved as the future of Packet Boat Co. and other businesses dealing with history. I also really love working in the collections the Erie Canal. Sarah Kirby holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art at the Mabee Farm; helping sort out and catalog the Our unidentified blacksmith worked on a wide range History from Buffalo State College, and is currently labyrinth of artifacts is an adventure that I can’t wait of jobs, but the most common work was the making, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from to keep working through." The University of Leicester. Sarah became involved setting, and repairing of horseshoes. One of the more with the Schenectady County Historical Society in interesting jobs was a fender for a packet boat named 2014 while volunteering as a collections management the Chancellor Kent. This ledger is a great addition to intern. Sarah has also worked at other local non- our collections and we hope we can solve the mystery profit organizations, including the National Museum of our unidentified blacksmith. of Dance and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. She is currently working at the Mandeville Gallery and Permanent Collection at Union College as an Art Collections and Exhibitions Fellow.

4 5 What’s Happening? Schenectady County Historical Society Kayak through History Mabee Farm to Fork Saturday, August 11 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm @ Launch TBD Saturday, September 22- 5pm @ Mabee Farm Wednesday, August 15 - 6pm @ Launch TBD We're teaming up with the Electric City Food Co-op to See Schenectady from a different vantage point: the bring our community an evening of local food tastings EXHIBITS Discover Downtown Schenectady Tour ! Audrey Egleston of Amsterdam's Down inside the Barn at Mabee Farm. We are even sourcing Friday, August 17 - 6pm @ Proctors by the River Tours will be our expert guide as we kayak some ingredients from Mabee Farm’s own fields! $50; pre- Changing Downtown: The Rise, the Raze, and the Explore the history and heritage of Schenectady's vibrant through Schenectady's history. $20 for rentals, or $10 to registration required. Revitalization of Schenectady downtown streets. We'll navigate down State and Jay BYOB (bring your own boat!). Through November 2018 @ 32 W Streets, focusing on downtown's salacious stories and FESTIVALS, MUSIC, & MORE! This exhibition tells the stories of Schenectady's changing impressive architecture. $10, free for members. FOR FAMILIES downtown throughout the years. By exploring the people Schenectady Symphony with Fireworks and events that shaped our city, we can better understand Scandalous Schenectady Pre-registration is requested for these programs. Tuesday, July 3 - 5pm @ Mabee Farm ourselves and our vision for the future. Friday, August 31 - 7pm @ 32 W Every city has its fair share of scandal! This tour through the A Day on the Farm A cross-cultural celebration of Independence Day. Food, beverage, and craft vendors will be on site, and fireworks Beyond the : Early Schenectady Stockade recalls some of Schenectady’s more nefarious Thursday, July 12 - 10am @ Mabee Farm Ongoing @ 32 W characters. Bold bootlegging, cruel kidnappings and maybe In this program, kids get hands-on with history and will conclude the evening. Free! even a few mysterious murders! $10, free for members. Explore early Schenectady: its founding, its people, and agriculture! We’ll start by planting some veggies in CanalFest what life was like for early Schenectadians. our kitchen garden. Next, we’ll go from farm to table, The Ballad of Schenectady and Other Local Songs Saturday, July 14 - 11am-3pm @ Mabee Farm harvesting our very own rye and using it to bake a fresh loaf Mapping Schenectady with Robert Wells Join us for CanalFest at Mabee Farm for a day of FREE fun, of bread. $8 for each child and adult. Ongoing @ 32 W Saturday, Sept. 8 - 2pm @ 32 W family activities as we celebrate the Erie Canalway! Written in 1690 by Walter Wilie, "The Ballad of A selection of our most prominent and interesting maps are Under the Stars with Dr. Valerie Rapson The Immortals play the Barn on permanent display in the Map Gallery. Schenectady" describes the horrors of the Schenectady Friday, July 20 - 8pm @ Mabee Farm Sunday, August 12 - 6pm @ Mabee Farm Massacre. Robert Wells will use The Ballad of Schenectady Gather 'round the campfire under the stars! Special guest In Harm's Way: Community Responses to Hurricane Rock and pop favorites bring a new energy to the Barn at and other local folk songs to explore the links between Dr. Valerie Rapson will be with us to lead a stargazing Irene and Tropical Storm Lee Mabee Farm. The Immortals is a dance rock band focusing those songs and American history. $5, free for members. activity. Enjoy good company and tasty s’mores. Should Through Oct. 2018 @ Mabee Farm on music from the 60s to today, playing a great blend of up- the weather be less than ideal, we’ll head inside for Dr. A partnership with the New York Folklore Society, this Genealogy 103-104: Immigration, Naturalization, Land tempo tunes (along with a few ballads)! $5/person. Rapson’s presentation. $8 for each child and adult. exhibition explores local responses to hurricanes, the & Probate Records Arts & Crafts Festival devastating impact of natural disasters, and the resiliency Mondays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 15 - 6:30pm @ Mabee Farm American Girl Tea Saturday, August 25 - 10am-3pm @ Mabee Farm of our neighbors. Certified genealogist Judith Herbert will present a Wednesday, August 1 - 2pm @ Mabee Farm We’re bringing together the very best of the Capital six session deep-dive into valuable records for your We’ll meet our host, Caroline Abbott, a brave girl from Region’s handcrafted goods. Join us as 60 artists TOURS, TALKS, AND WORKSHOPS genealogical research. This course will focus on Sacket’s Harbor NY in 1812 as we explore Mabee Farm's and crafters fill Mabee Farm with eclectic, beautifully immigration, naturalization, land and probate records. period boats and make a boat-themed craft to take home. handcrafted items. $5/person. Pre-registration is required for all tours and workshops. During this course attendees will learn how to work with Refreshments served. $8 for each child and adult. passenger lists, the naturalization process, how your Secret Stockade: ALL NEW for 2018 Power of Song Concert with Sonny Ochs ancestors acquired land, accessing and interpreting deeds, Ghost Stories at Mabee Farm Sunday, Sept. 30 - 3pm @ Mabee Farm Wednesday, July 11 - 10am @ 32 W the probate process, and much more. $240. Tuesday, August 7 - 8pm @ Mabee Farm An afternoon of songs meant to change the world, in the Wednesday, August 8 - 10am @ 32 W Join us for a spooky evening! We’ll kindle the campfire, spirit of Phil Ochs. $10/person. Wednesday, Sept. 12 - 10am @ 32 W Tales and Treasures with Marilyn Sassi roast s’mores, and take an after-dark tour of the Mabee Wednesday, Oct. 10 - 10am @ 32 W Saturday, Sept. 15- 2pm @ Front Street Farm while sharing local ghost stories and tall tales. $8 for Howlin' at the Moon Join us for a morning of mysteries as our guide leads An intimate and rare opportunity to visit one of the finest each child and adult. Sponsored by Wolf Hollow Brewing Company us from the museum, through the Stockade, and inside houses in the Mohawk Valley. Marilyn Sassi is an expert in Join us at Mabee Farm each month for an evening of full two Stockade homes, each with their own legends and regional antiques, and her Stockade home is magnificently The Apprentice moon Americana music. Admission is $6 and refreshments lore. Refreshments will be served inside the Stockade’s appointed. We'll spend about 90 minutes with Marilyn as Thursday, August 16 - 10am @ Mabee Farm — including wine and Wolf Hollow beer — are available for oldest home, the historic Brouwer House. This tour lasts she guides us through centuries of Mohawk Valley antiques, In this program, kids will learn colonial trades. We’ll purchase. Upcoming concerts include approximately three hours. $20. each imbued with its own mysterious tales. Drinks and light open up our carpenter shop, and our blacksmith shop fare will follow at the Brouwer House. $35. for interactive demos. Our apprentices will then build an Washington County Line Running the River Scotia Walking Tour authentic model of a Dutch Barn. $15 for each child. July 27 at 7pm August 26 at 7pm Saturday, July 7 - 10am @ Scotia Library Saturday, Sept. 29 - 10am @ Scotia Library ON THE RIVER Banjo Bob Peggy & the Delivery Boys Scotia was founded even before Schenectady, and today Pre-registration is required for these programs. FOOD AND DRINK Sept. 23 at 7pm Oct. 24 at 7pm its streets are filled with history and charm. Join us as Pre-registration is required for these programs. we explore the village and go behind-the-scenes in a few Rowing the River Drinking the Seasons: Summer Cocktails buildings! $10, free for members. Saturday, August 4 - 10am @ Mabee Farm Thursday, August 2 - 6pm @ 14 N Church St Saturday, Sept. 22 - 10am @ Mabee Farm Colonial Schenectady Walking Tour The second in a series of seasonal mixology workshops. Saturday, Oct. 6 - 10am @ Mabee Farm Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make — and sample Saturday, July 28 - 10am @ 32 W Travel back to the 1700s when the mighty Mohawk was the Travel back in time with us and discover the characters and — a variety of seasonal historic libations, made with some gateway to the West. We’ll take our reproduction boats locally grown ingredients. $25; pre-registration required. stories that formed this historic community. $10, free for out for a 2 hour rowing session; be prepared to do some members. rowing! Expert guides in period clothing will show us the way. $15 kids, $20 adults. Check online for rain dates.

6 7 Schenectady County Historical Society

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Greetings to New and Renewed Members, November - April Patron Sara M. Lord Robert Felthousen Joseph & Claire Victoria J. Best Sharon Dunlap Sharon A. Jordan David Pecoraro Eleanor Tunny We rely on the generosity of our community to Pugliese Linda S. Flynt William Munro Ruth G. Fitzmorris L. Ann Bish Patricia Dwyer Gerald C. Kammerman Mary Pedone John Urbanski sustain our history and preservation work. Gifts of Kevin & Jennifer all amounts are welcome, appreciated, and most Charles & Debra Sonia H. Rubenstein Ellen Fladger & Arden Richard-Morrow Paul Boettner Stephen Dyson Brendan Keller Rev. Patrick Perkins Mary Ann Van Alstyne McCambridge Rauch importantly, needed. Lawrence & Jennifer Alan & Terrie Robbins Victoria Bohm Lewis Edelheit Teresa Kennedy Linda Perregaux Susan K. Van Schmidt James & Kathleen Heukelom Are you interested in planned giving, monthly Frederick Beryl R. Rockwell David Bonitatibus Pamela Ellingson Kevin Kesby Elizabeth Pieper Mark Vermilyea Holly Van Voast giving, or remembering the Schenectady County Benefactor Mary Ellen Boscia Susan Felthousen Elizabeth Khasiev Kathleen Pierone Friends of the Denis & Christie Historical Society in your will? To learn more about Kenneth Chase Richard & Patricia Schenectady Public Sardella Melissa Vanderwood Yager Susan Brady Darryl Ferguson Margaret C. King Charles Piotrowski giving to SCHS, contact Mary Treanor at 518-374- Thomas & Nancy Library Richard T. Vinick Ann Sayers Susan Arnds Albert Ferradino Sarah Kirby Lorraine Plauth 0263×0 or [email protected] or visit Gifford Ronald Giebel Braidwood Pamela Vittorio Robert & Cindy Skala Perry Ann Fitzgerald Barbara Kuban Mary Anne Pollack SCHENECTADYHISTORICAL.ORG/GIVE. John & Lucy Halstead Family George & Marie Giokas David & Katherine Melinda Breitmeyer David Vrooman, Jr. Sheldon & Rochelle Jody Fleming Dolores Kwolek Diane S. Ptak Donna Nealon Hoffman Harlan & Helen Skelly Sally Brillon Catherine Walsh Abelson Harrison Jocelyn Foley-Creech Leah Lafera Michael Puma Karen Brown Johnson Roxanne Speck William A. Bronk Anita R. Walther Donald & Kay Walter & Jean Hayes Janet M. Fuentes Harry Lampman Ronnie Quinn Phil Kennicott & Mary Ackerman Dr. & Mr. Karen & John George Brougham Barbara Watt Gray Thomas Hickmott Spinelli Robert Gaesser Ruth Larson Sally Racicot RECENT DONATIONS Philip & Linda Arony Bill Buell Vera Weiss Kurt & Janet Hollocher Robert & Amy Sullivan Joseph Gallagher Kathleen Lenahan Carol Reid Larry & Carolyn Bailey Anneke M. Bull John G. Wemple, Jr. Sponsor Don and Anne Hotaling Thomas & Cheryl Christine Galvin Jeff Leon Rick Reynolds Elizabeth Ahearn Eric Hamilton Fred & Diane Barney Swyers Stephen Buonome Walter Wheeler In memory of Denise Elmer & Olga Bertsch Dugald & Sharon Richard Gardner Margaret Levine James Richmond Stan Hickok Anthony & Patricia Jackson IV Fred & Virginia Miriam W. Butzel Luanne Whitbeck Denisoff James Broestler Bertino Deborah Gatoff Diane Lewis Steven Rider Helene Iler Thompson Barbara Cardwell Jay C. White Cloud Jim & Sandra Michael & Sharon Karl Carl J. George Laurel-Le Lipski John Robbins Richard Arthur Alex Brownstein Bruno & Ruth Tolge Buhrmaster Scott & Diane Kilbourn C. Donald Carpenter Frank Wicks Grace Jorgensen, MD Jeffry & Patricia Matthew F. George, Jr. Marjorie Maas Johnny Rockenstire N. & A. Balasubramanian James F. Cerniglia Michael & Mary Treanor Debra Carpenter Sally Arnds Willette Brozyna Edward & Sharlene David A. Giacalone Ceil Mack Paul Rosenberg In honor of Dr. James Frank Keetz David Connelly, Jr. & King George & Katherine Laura Slingerland Jaimie Williams- Strosberg Wayne & Amy Brule Trimarco Dr. Steven Goldberg John Maddaus Ann-Marie Rutkowski Carolina & Livio Lazzari Michol Murphy Norman R. Kuchar Casey Peterson Ronald & Wanda Burch Bill & Mary Jane Catherine Haag Richard T. Martin Paul L. Ryan Florance Bigelow Albert C. Di Nicola David & Patricia Lynn Christie Philip M. Williamston Brian Maybee Peter Carman & Lynn Valachovic In memory of Everett Rau Michael & Gisela Lambert Linda Ciabotte Christina Hall Joan Marzitelli-Brooks Mario Salerno, Jr. Johanna M. Woldring Carman Bodden Robert & Kathryn Van Jane McCloskey Jakubowski Livio & Carolina Lazzari Shelle Hamil Carole Lynn McCarthy Chandra Santiago Sally Brillon Diana O. Carter Flue Robert J. Coan, Esq. Col. William Yates Barbara Palmer Mary Jefferson Benjamin C. & Leah J. Eric Hamilton William McColl Helen Ann Saunders Louis & Cindy Catherine Wajda Jane Coffey Neil Yetwin William Bronk Brenda Mabie Lee Patrick Perkins Carusone James & Nancy Richard Cohen Daniel Hanifin Brendan McLaughlin John Scherer Bill Yunick Sandra Mabie Caldeira Oscar & Kathryn Lirio Dale Miller & Zoe Oxley Kevin & Vanessa Wasmund Marjorie Hanna RoseMarie McLean E. James Elizabeth Pieper Christine Connell Eleanor Zimmerman Marian Clowe Stephen & Judith Chamberlain James Lommel Charles & Cynthia Schermerhorn Beverly Cornelius Sara Harmon Nancy G. McNabb Jeana Reed Pagano Jim & Irene Coburn David & Heather Weissend Kathleen P. Scutt Allen David Clifford W. Hayes Susan Spring Meggs Jonathan & Joan Manthey Calvin Welch Lt. Col. Irving E. Robert J. Ringlee Whylen & Carolyn Costanzo Cynthia Shaw Albert Di Nicola Pearson IV Cooper Jack & Arlene Agnes Hedden Jo Ann Menzer Steve & Jill Wesley Gwendolyn Sheldon Pamela Rosati Frank Taormina Maranville Thomas D. Coulson Edward Heisler Ellen Messick Sharon Dunlap Andrea Coppola Chris & Jean Joseph & Susan Masi Paulyn M. Cox Earl James Shirkey Kathleen Secker Maynard & Kay Toll, Jr. Sidney & Ann Cramer Wisniewski Stanley G. Hickok Keith Munro Werner Feibes Henrietta A. Slosek Kathleen Toombs Jane McCloskey Bernard & Christine Robert Creatura Elizabeth Hudson Rita Murtagh Jon & Nancy Tobiessen Dan & Sue Dayton Ellen Fladger & Arden Eugene Monaco & Witkowski Louis (Van Curler) Janet Snyder William & Noreen John & Irene DeGraff Ann Hunter Christie A. Noble Rauch Mark Vermilyea Underhill Christine Katchmar Ralph & Pauline Wood Cuyler Linda Snyder Dusty Ann Ifflander Patricia O'Clair James & Judith George Wise Samuel & Carol Wait, Mardy Moore Michael Davi Dean Splittgerber Jocelyn Foley-Creech DePasquale Evelyn Incitti Francis O'Connor, Jr. Jr. Frank Scott Morrison Allen R. David James Spring Mary Zawacki Michael & Lillian Individual Carol Jabonaski Mary O'Keeffe Fortnightly Club David & Janice Walz DePetrillo Shanta Nair William D. Ackner Helena A. DeCaprio Martin Strosberg Bruce Jackson Kathryn L. Opdyke Richard & Lois Ann Greg Welsh Jim Dickson & William Michael & Barbara Charlene Aldi Horst Delorenzi Paul Supley Carolyn Jaskot Michael Ostermann Gullott George Wise Garcia Naumoff Eric H. Allen Charleen DeLorenzo Sally J. Swantz David & Susan Duglin Paul & Deborah Diane Jazeboski Constance J. Ostrowski O'Brien Barbara Arro James Denison Donna Tansey William & Donna Barbara J. Jeffries Barbara J. Palmer Donor Fairlee Laurence & Nancy Barbara Baciewicz Paul Dichian Jane Thomas Hugh Jenkins Christine Pangburn Carol Delamarter Pardi Allan & LouAnn Falcon Elaine Bailey Gary Dilallo Paul H. Tocker Kimberly Jess Julie Panke Robert & Anastasia William & Janet Phillip & Jane Falconer Monica C. Barrett Bill Donato James S. Trapini Fenton Pickney Joyce Jewitt Nancy Papish Renie Federighi Louise A. Basa Rosemary Duffy Margaret Tuft Bernice Izzo Gerry & Eleanor Pierce Nan Johnson Laura Paris

8 9 Schenectady County Historical Society Schenectady County Historical Society There and Back Again: A Glen Sanders Tale By Susanna Fout

I had been working at SCHS for less than two weeks when I collections, and have been displayed in many exhibits received a cryptic message from a fellow curator at Colonial throughout the years. Williamsburg. My interest was piqued and I immediately The Williamsburg curator told me that after careful review, picked up the phone. After a brief game of phone tag, I several items from the Glen Sanders Collection were going discovered that Colonial Williamsburg was deaccessioning to be deaccessioned because they had not been displayed or (or getting rid of) several objects from their Glen Sanders used for study in many years. Rather than sell these pieces Collection and wanted to know if SCHS wanted them. at auction, Williamsburg wanted to donate these artifacts One of the oldest standing homes in the area, few houses to the SCHS. In total, SCHS received 15 objects, including in the county can rival the stories of the Glen Sanders a gorgeous New York made china cupboard (c. 1790), a Mansion. Alexander Lindsey Glen, a Scotsman-turned-agent large pewter charger (c. 1740), a tea set of Chinese export for the Dutch porcelain (c. West India 1800) and Company, an English settled on transfer- the banks of ware tea set the Mohawk (c. 1800). in 1658. His Finally, home, in after almost its various 60 years, incarnations, portions has been the of the Glen site of several Sanders historic Collection events. Along are finding with hosting their way famous guests, home again. the house I didn’t have served as a to be around safe-haven in the 1960s for several to know Schenec- how heart- tadians during breaking it the Massacre Tea set, Chinese export porcelain, c. 1800: Chinese porcelain has been highly prized for centuries. must have of 1690, and The hand painted gold decoration of this tea service was very popular in the 1800s. been for the for the exiled community French king, Louis-Philippe, in the 1780s. Deborah Glen, the to see so much of our history leave the county. Pouring patriarch’s great-granddaughter, married John Sanders in over old documents, records, and newspaper articles, I can 1739, solidifying the estate and giving the house its present see how hard the community fought to keep the collection day moniker, “the Glen Sanders Mansion.” The Mansion local. Even though there is still some lingering resentment would remain in the family for the next 200 years. about the way events unfolded, there is a silver lining: at I was familiar with the Glen Sanders story, but, still least the collection was able to stay together. Considering being new to SCHS, I didn’t know about the controversy the alternative—being divided and dispersed throughout surrounding the sale of the home. When the last remaining the country—the collection found a good home at Colonial heir passed away in 1961, his widow, Pearl, was forced Williamsburg. It’s an internationally renowned institution, to sell the house. It was her wish to see the Mansion and with hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. A state-of- its contents turned into a museum. Many entities had the-art facility, Colonial Williamsburg has provided the Glen expressed interest in the Mansion, including NYS, the Sanders Collection with the care, attention, and national city of Schenectady, the town of Scotia, and even SCHS visibility it deserves. itself. Unfortunately, Pearl’s dream was never realized. Not But, that doesn’t mean I can’t secretly wish that able to get the capital, the house was sold privately, and Williamsburg will deaccession more of the collection. They Colonial Williamsburg purchased the majority of artwork know we are interested. and furnishings in 1964. All was not lost, however. In 1973, thanks to the generosity of the community, SCHS was able China Press, c. 1790 c. Press, China ornate to more a resemblance in design, it bears simple Though furniture. of country example This cabinet is a beautiful of the dining room images early in the Mansion; place a prominent given was It City. York in New pieces being produced to this cupboard refers furnishings of the Mansion’s in this cabinet. A 1923 inventory being displayed china 1910) show (taken later. built probably it was though 1750 cps", Closet about as "China to raise funds and purchase some artifacts from Colonial Williamsburg. These pieces are an important part of our

10 11 Schenectady County Historical Society Schenectady County Historical Society

Albany. His sentiments were shared by his neighbors chapter was non-existent. Schenectadians, excited Though the 1945, Schaefer led the in Schenectady, like Franklin Hough, the first chief of by the possibilities of the Bouquet River Lodge, Schenectady Chapter’s fight against a series the US Forestry Service, and Charles Steinmetz, the and attuned to the ADK’s mission of outings and founding members of proposed dams noted GE scientist. conservation, resolved to found an ADK chapter are no longer climbing in the Adirondack based in Schenectady. In April, 1943, ADK granted High Peaks, and Park. Later known Steinmetz, a proponent of getting outdoors, created a charter for a Schenectady chapter, to be called the Boquet River as the Black River the Parks Department for Schenectady, and was the Bouquet River Lodge Chapter and based in Lodge is out of Wars, Schaefer’s instrumental in developing Schenectady’s Central Schenectady. By the end of the year, membership commission, many campaign was one Park in 1912. Over the ensuing years, the community had grown to fifty people. Together with the Ot-Yo- founding members of the largest and created several other local natural areas for citizens Kwa club and the Ys, the new ADK chapter created are still active in the most successful grass to enjoy nature. Ranging from the tiny Amy LeMaire a community of outdoor adventurers ready to head outdoors and with roots environmental Woods to the expansive Featherstonhaugh State north, explore, and protect the wild. the club, supporting operations in U.S. Forest and the Plotter Kill Preserve, most are within the organization they history. Following ten miles of downtown Schenectady. Through all The first meeting of the new chapter was held at helped create so many this success, Schaefer seasons of the year, Schenectady residents can escape the YMCA in May, 1943, and by the end of the year, decades ago. Today, the continued on to the congested atmosphere of the city, and instead chapter membership had grown to nearly fifty membership has grown lead New York’s stroll through forested hills, ford cascading streams, people, including the Schenectady Mayor Mills Ten to over 900 people. environmental and enjoy the peace of walking in nature. Eyck, and the president of Union College, Dixon movement for another Ryan Fox. One of the chapter’s more interesting (and The 46ers and Front page: Upper Falls at the Plotter Kill Reserve. The falls are half century. He was Beyond Schenectady: the Adirondacks elderly) members was John Apperson, who boasted a mentioned in a 1786 journal entry of Samson Occam Mohegan: "Some Schenectady particularly known sterling reputation for his efforts in preserving Lake time after breakfast Mr Henry Fero and I went to see the falls and it is a For some Schenectadians, local green spaces didn’t grand sight, the power of God is to be seen here." Credit: Michael Diana for his conservation George and as an ardent defender of a “forever wild” Notable among fully satisfy the need for wild. This especially held work surrounding Forest Preserve. Unsurprisingly, many members outdoor enthusiasts Above: Charles Steinmetz camping in the Adirondacks. SCHS Archives true for young engineers, moving into Schenectady the Adirondack were affiliated with GE. After all, the roots of outdoor in Schenectady is the in the 1930s to fill jobs at GE. Many of GE’s young Northway, the protection of waterways, rivers, and clubs in Schenectady came from GE’s young, active 46er challenge – climbing the 46 Adirondack high employees lived at the YMCA and the YWCA, streams, and the establishment of preserved areas employees. Ruth Tallmadge (Riford) was a published peaks that have elevations of 4,000 feet or higher. which, in addition to providing living quarters, had in the Schenectady area (Vroman's Nose and the poet, including a work, “I Belong to the Mountains,” Schenectadians were instrumental in founding the programs to serve the needs of active young men Great Flats Aquifer, to name a few). Today, Schaefer’s which received an Editor’s Choice Award from the ADK46ers club, which tracks climbers who have and women. The charismatic head of the YMCA’s extensive library of Adirondack literature is a National Library of Poetry. P. Schuyler Miller, a completed the challenge. For a number of years, programming was Fay Loope, a man devoted deeply part of Union College. The Adirondack Research technical writer at GE and ultra-popular science the club’s headquarters was based in Schenectady. to the protection of New York’s wild lands. With a Library of the Kelly Adirondack Center is located in fiction writer served as chapter co-chair (and Though the total number of 46ers increases each corps of young people eager to adventure north with Schaefer’s former Niskayuna home, and is home to president of the SCHS!). Rudy Dehn, the chapter’s year, what stands out is how many early 46ers hailed him, Loope began leading members of the Ot-Yo- photographs, maps, and documents that trace the first chair, helped develop the microwave oven. from Schenectady. Although climbing all of the “46” Kwa (the first co-ed outdoors group of its kind) on conservation movement from 1870 to 1997. in any season is a major accomplishment, special camping and hiking trips in the Adirondacks. Today, Rudy is still an active member of the recognition is given to those who climb them in the Schenectady ADK and fondly recalls memories of Getting Outside Today As Schenectadians’ interest in exploring the winter, when deep snows, frigid temperatures and the Bouquet River Lodge he shared with other early Adirondacks grew, it caught the attention of Mr. and short daylight make climbing even more difficult. Today, Schenectadians own camps throughout the members of the ADK Schenectady chapter. During Mrs. Arthur Venn, the owners of 35 Adirondack acres, Schenectady is well-represented among the elite Adirondacks, and, in different ways, continue to the Second World War, gas was rationed, but the located in the Boquet River valley. The property was Winter 46ers. The first four recorded Winter 46ers, conserve and enjoy the wild. The local ADK chapter group still managed to make the long trip up to the ideal for outdoor activities; situated on the property who completed their winter climbs between 1962 is still active, hosting some of the finest whitewater rustic two-story building. Says Rudy, "“We worked six was the base of a ridge leading to the summits of and 1971, were all from Schenectady: Edgar B. programs in NYS. Each year, multiple Schenectadians days a week but on Saturday night, we left as early two Adirondack high peaks. In 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Bean, James W. Collins, David A. Vermilyea, and hike their way through the high peaks, achieving as we could get away, get on the bus, get up there Arthur Venn donated the property – which included Elwin Bigelow. Also among the first ten were two 46er status. Groups work to conserve the natural somewhere around 11 o’clock at night,” recalls Rudy a farmhouse – to the Schenectady YMCA with the more Schenectadians, N. Clark Gittinger (#8) and lands of Schenectady, too. The Mohawk Hudson Dehn. “Beat our brains out all day Sunday and then 4 understanding that the Ot-Yo-Kwa outings group Richard Chrenko (#9), and, in 1973, Elsie Chrenko of Land Conservancy has doubled down on efforts o’clock we’d have to get the bus back home again.” would take charge of maintenance and financial Schenectady became the first woman to complete the to protect the natural, scenic, agricultural and responsibility. Named Bouquet River Lodge, the Ot- Cold temperatures didn’t deter Schenectadians from “46” during the winter. cultural landscapes of Schenectady. ECOS: The Yo-Kwa remodeled the house into a year-round base venturing north to stay at the lodge, though early Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady is camp for weekend adventures in the Adirondacks arrivals were rewarded. “We had two bunkrooms Local Conservation active in providing environmental information and upstairs – one for the men and one for the women,” educational opportunities that enhance appreciation With the Bouquet River Lodge came increased Although many Schenectadians have worked says Jeanne Place. “The women’s bunkroom was in of the natural world. Through their work, and the interest among Schenectadians for more adventures hard over the years fighting for conservation of the front and the fireplace was in the front. So the work of MHLC, Schenectady is home to many natural in the Adirondacks. Though the Adirondack Mountain wilderness, one man in particular stands out for sooner you got there, the more likely you were – in spaces that the public can explore, perhaps in search Club – the premier outing society in New York making a remarkable impact in the Adirondacks the wintertime especially – to get a bunk that was of wonder or peace. At home, in the North County, State – had existed since 1922, few Schenectadians and here at home in Schenectady. Paul Schaefer, a right close to the fireplace or the chimney.” and beyond, the legacy of Schenectadians and were members of the ADK, and a local Schenectady Rotterdam native, devoted his life to conservation. In conservation continues.

12 13 Schenectady County Historical Society Schenectady County Historical Society Around the County Duanesburg Historical Society Opens Around the Society Clockwise, from top left: Reinterpretation of the Mabee House; Farmer John in his rye field; a New Research Center Barn performance of "The Seagull"; Dangerous Frontier Living History Weekend; construction of the new timber frame sheep shed; the Mabee House and Barn during school programs.

ur friends at the Duanesburg Historical Society are celebrating this summer, as the new Duanesburg Historical Society OResearch and Archive Center opens to the public. From its founding in 1944, the DHS has grown to feature programs, social events, and publications. With these has come growth in membership and the need for a space to preserve, and to make accessible, the important resources that trace the development of Duanesburg, its people, and its institutions. Designed by a local engineer, the new Research and Archive Center is patterned after a farmhouse in Duanesburg dating to the early 1800s. All are welcome to join in the ribbon cutting festivities on August 20, 2018, from 4-8 PM at DHS, 450 Quaker Lane, Quaker Street, New York. Congrats to DHS! We can't wait to visit!

14 15 Schenectady County Historical Society Non-Profit Org. 32 Washington Ave US POSTAGE Schenectady, NY 12305 PAID Permit No. 862 Return Service Requested Albany, NY