New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Capital-Saratoga

Babe Ruth, Sports and 1920s Identity Politics

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Babe Ruth for Al SmithThe Roaring Twenties saw the collision of an emerging culture of celebrity with the established popularity of sports, creating one of the twentieth century’s most enduring personalities — baseball hero Babe Ruth.

In 1928, Ruth not only led the New York Yankees to their third World Series victory, he also threw himself into politics, campaigning enthusiastically for New York State governor and Democratic presidential nominee Al Smith. Smith’s liberal and progressive platform appealed to diverse, working-class Americans, often marginalized by the policies of other politicians. [Read more…] about Babe Ruth, Sports and 1920s Identity Politics

Simeon Ford: Deserter & War of 1812 Hero

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Plattsburgh Republican, August 27, 1814In August 1814, Capt. Opie of the 5th Regiment of U.S. Infantry placed a bounty in the Plattsburgh Republican offering a $200 reward for the return of four deserters, including Simeon Ford, who was accused of deserting for the third time.

Ford was described as 24 years of age, 5-feet-7 and a half inches tall, with dark hair and eyes and a fair complexion. His occupation: brick layer. He was also described as a cunning, artful, imposing fellow possessing a “superior degree of loquacity” which he used “in a most imposing manner.” [Read more…] about Simeon Ford: Deserter & War of 1812 Hero

Paul Scott’s New American Scenery On Exhibit in Albany

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Cumbrian Blue, New American Scenery, Sampler jug by Paul ScottThe Albany Institute of History & Art is currently hosting the exhibition “Paul Scott: New American Scenery,” in which material-based conceptual artist Scott assesses the American landscape from a contemporary approach.

The exhibit will run until December 31st. Through the work in the exhibit, Scott deals with issues of globalization, energy generation and consumption, capitalism, and immigration, and the human impact on the environment. [Read more…] about Paul Scott’s New American Scenery On Exhibit in Albany

Wildfires Fought In Nine New York Counties Last Weekend

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Petersburgh fireFrom Friday, November 4th through Monday, November 7th, New York State Forest Rangers responded to at least nine wildland fires in nine different counties caused by campfires, debris burning, and power lines. [Read more…] about Wildfires Fought In Nine New York Counties Last Weekend

Albany’s Squire Whipple: Father of the Iron Truss Bridge

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Squire WhippleSquire Whipple was born in Hartwick, Massachusetts on September 16th, 1804. His parents were James and Electa Whipple. Born and raised on a farm, he attended a small country school for three or four months a year. He moved to New York in 1817.

By the age of seventeen, he passed the required examination for common school teaching and taught part time to finance his education. In 1822-1828 he attended Hartwick College in Otsego County; Fairfield Academy in Herkimer County; and graduated from Union College, Schenectady in 1830. He spent the next few years working as a surveyor for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and married Anna Case. [Read more…] about Albany’s Squire Whipple: Father of the Iron Truss Bridge

Landmarks of the American Revolution

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In the Founders' FootstepsThe book In the Founders’ Footsteps: Landmarks of the American Revolution (David R. Godine, 2022) by Adam Van Doren takes a look at the original thirteen colonies in search of historical sites and their stories in America’s founding. [Read more…] about Landmarks of the American Revolution

Bennington Battlefield Presentation Set For Friday

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Battle of Bennington paintingBennington Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of a American Revolutionary War battle between a detachment from the British General John Burgoyne‘s invading army and New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont state militia commanded by General John Stark of New Hampshire and Colonel Seth Warner of Vermont.

The battle was fought in two engagements on August 16, 1777 and resulted in a decisive victory for the Revolutionaries. As a result, Burgoyne’s army suffered irreplaceable losses and failed to gather the supplies needed for a timely push on Albany. Burgoyne later surrendered on October 17 after the Battles of Saratoga. [Read more…] about Bennington Battlefield Presentation Set For Friday

Medical Practice in 19th Century Schenectady

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Joseph Lister calls for an antiseptic spray prior to surgeryVery little is documented about medicine in Schenectady County during the 19th century. There are few hospital records to review; Ellis Hospital was not founded until 1885; and the Schenectady County Medical Society did not meet between 1843 and 1869.

We can however, glean some insight into this period from old newspapers, a wonderful book on the 134th NY Volunteer Infantry, minutes of the Schenectady Common Council, and old stories from the Efner Center and the Schenectady County Historical Society library. [Read more…] about Medical Practice in 19th Century Schenectady

Stereoscopes: Bringing The World To Your Parlor

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The World in Your Parlor: The StereoscopeIn the 19th century the new art of photography changed how people viewed the world. Now they did not have to make long, dangerous, and expensive journeys to learn about faraway lands – photography could take you there. Meanwhile, the development of 3D stereoscopes, together with photography, would create an “immersive experience” which even families of modest means could enjoy.

The stereoscope with its photographic view cards would introduce people to scenes from around the world. [Read more…] about Stereoscopes: Bringing The World To Your Parlor