The Capital District Civil War Round Table is set to host a virtual happy hour on Friday about the influence of alcohol on the Civil War and the drinking habits of past United States Presidents. [Read more…] about Civil War Alcohol: A Virtual History Happy Hour on Friday
Food
Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
As I start to write this, it’s raining and 50°F outside. Several days of above freezing nighttime temperatures are in the forecast, as well. It appears that the maple sugaring season is quickly coming to an end. Most of the producers that I’ve talked with are saying it’s been an average to good season. [Read more…] about Covid-19 Impacting Maple Sugaring Season
Start Planning Your Vegetable Garden
While many of us are spending extra time at home, now is the perfect time to start planning a vegetable garden.
Whether it be your first time planting a garden or you have been doing it for years, planning what you are going to plant and when will result in a more successful growing season as well allow you to plan ahead for needed seeds, plants, and supplies. [Read more…] about Start Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Revolutionary War Farmhouse Will Be Preserved
During the American Revolution (from July 6 until August 18, 1781), the Odell House in the present Westchester County hamlet of Hartsdale served as the headquarters of Marshal Jean-Baptiste Donatien d e Vimeur (comte de Rochambeau).
Nearby fields and hills in the current Town of Greenburgh accommodated approximately 6,000 soldiers in the French expeditionary forces under his command. [Read more…] about Revolutionary War Farmhouse Will Be Preserved
1930s Historic Catskill Farm Expansion Planned
In the 1930s and 40s, New York City came to the Catskills and took land they needed to build reservoirs for their expanding water supply system. Thousands of people’s lives changed forever, as they were forced to move away from family and friends and the homes they loved. [Read more…] about 1930s Historic Catskill Farm Expansion Planned
Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum
In the days before mechanical refrigeration, ice harvesting was an essential wintertime activity. The ice harvested in the winter would be used to keep food and agricultural products cold in the warmer months.
Hanford Mills Museum in the Catskills’ East Meredith will hold the 31st annual Ice Harvest Festival on Saturday, February 1st. [Read more…] about Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum
Everyone Knows Elsie: A Short Borden Company History
When you enter the hamlet of Wallkill, you are greeted by the happy face of the Borden Company’s mascot, Elsie the Cow. The company’s website states that this mascot dates to the 1930s.
Underneath Elsie is a sign stating that the Hamlet of Wallkill was the location the “Home Farm” of John G. Borden. Thus, many commonly believe that Borden Condensed Milk was in fact invented in the Hamlet of Wallkill; however, its origins can be traced to Burrville, Connecticut and Gail Borden, Jr. Actually, the business was not originally called Borden at all – that title would come later. [Read more…] about Everyone Knows Elsie: A Short Borden Company History
When Did New York Stop Speaking Dutch?
In the late summer of 1664, four English frigates arrived off shore New Amsterdam. Rather than resisting, the Director-General of New Netherland, Peter Stuyvesant, surrendered the city and colony to the English.
Although the Dutch briefly regained control of the colony in 1673, it was restored to English rule in the Treaty of Westminster the following year, marking the end of Dutch New York.
Despite the English conquest, the Dutch language continued to thrive in New York and northern New Jersey for generations, persisting into the twentieth century in certain areas. [Read more…] about When Did New York Stop Speaking Dutch?
Food & Farming Conference at Farmers’ Museum Saturday
The Farmers’ Museum, located at 5775 State Hwy. 80, Lake Road, in Cooperstown has announced their sixth annual “Celebration of Our Agricultural Community: Annual Conference on Food & Farming” has been set for Saturday, November 2nd, from 9 am to 2 pm. The topic this year is Opportunities in Agriculture. [Read more…] about Food & Farming Conference at Farmers’ Museum Saturday
History Harvest and Horse Festival Planned for Fort Ti
Fort Ticonderoga is set to host a Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival on October 5th. The full day of autumn fun will be set in the midst of the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees and a landscape of mountains and Lake Champlain.
Guests are invited to discover the historical importance of horses and other working animals during demonstrations; meet friendly farm animals; stroll through Fort Ticonderoga’s farmers’ market featuring local food, beverages, and crafts; participate in family fun activities; and tackle the six-acre Heroic Corn Maze. [Read more…] about History Harvest and Horse Festival Planned for Fort Ti