History, Natural History & the Arts
If a newspaper reporter witnesses it, then it has to be so.
But did the reporter see the chicken that supposedly laid the egg?
“Lyman Colson is the owner of a hen that produced an egg one day last week which was shown to your representative,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on May 8th, 1885. “It measures six-and-one-half by eight-and-one-fourth inches in circumference.” [Read more…] about Chicken & Egg Stories From Historic Newspapers
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week has been set for May 10th through May 23rd, allowing restaurants and diners to take advantage of the warm Spring weather and the option of outdoor dining. [Read more…] about Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Moved to Warmer Dates
The Oreo is over one hundred years old. The delectable cookie with the creme center – a worldwide favorite – traces its origins to New York City.
According to Katherine Martinelli, writing for Smithsonian Magazine, NABISCO was formed in the city of New York in 1890, when some local bakeries merged to form the New York Biscuit Company and located in what is today Chelsea Market. Later, the company merged with rivals in Chicago and became the National Biscuit Company, NABISCO.
The Pilgrims first brought carrots to North America, intending to harvest them in the colonies. Carrots were an easy vegetable to grow and were an integral part of nourishing humans and animals alike.
In 1787, George Washington wrote in a letter to Benjamin Fitzhugh Grymes, “I am convinced that in proper soil the culture of carrots will be found very advantageous for feeding farm horses and every piece of stock. I am inclined to think that rows of carrots will yield 5 to 8 bushels of carrots to one corn.” [Read more…] about Carrots: A Culinary History Virtual Presentation
This little piggy from Eagle Lake apparently did not want to go to market.
“Hebert Moore’s pig is still at large. Motorists are requested to drive with care in the vicinity,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on July 15th, 1920. “A reward of $1 is offered by L. Lodge to anyone who will catch said pig single handed. Mr. Lodge must witness the catch. $3 if done after dark.” [Read more…] about An Anthology of Pig Tales from Northern New York
Adirondack Foundation and its many funding partners since March has awarded nearly $1.2 million through 175 grants to nonprofits, schools, and community-based organizations specifically toward COVID-19 response, acording to the organization. [Read more…] about Adk Foundation Delivers $1.2M in COVID Response Grants
For centuries people have been mixing potions, initially in a quest for medicinal elixirs, and later to produce exotic drinks. Punch was introduced from India to England in the early seventeenth century. The term, of uncertain etymology, was first recorded in 1632. [Read more…] about Masters of Mixology: American Showmanship & French Finesse
Many eighteenth century publicans framed a list of pre-conditions for the “perfect” tavern which was displayed in full view in British public houses and drinking dens.
The advice to customers consisted of “Twelve Good Rules” that dated back to the rule of Charles I: [Read more…] about Twelve Tavern Rules, Thirteen Toasts and America’s 1814 Anthem
Father’s Breakfast
He ate a crustacean
every morning
the pure wild ones
He called the lobster
a sacrament and cleaned
his table with a napkin
his grandmother sewed
when she was 14 in Idaho
I watched him eat
and the embers from the stove
cooked into crystalline spheres
I once told him that I loved him
just loud enough
so he would not hear
The Staatsburgh State Historic Site has announced an online gingerbread house contest for children, families and adults, with prizes in each category. [Read more…] about A Virtual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest