Essex

1925’s Lighter Side of Political History

August 20, 2026 by Maury Thompson Leave a Comment

This stunt, certainly, would have been harder to pull off in the era before Photoshop and artificial intelligence:

“Amherst College students perpetuated a practical joke this afternoon when they sent out news stories and photographs showing United States Senator Frederick H. Gillett (1851-1935) minus his celebrated beard,” The Glens Falls Times reported on June 17, 1925. “Senator Gillett, found by newspaper correspondents, was still wearing the beard.” [Read more…] about 1925’s Lighter Side of Political History

William Gilliland: An Irish Immigrant Lake Champlain Settler

June 24, 2026 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

William Gilliland was born in 1734 in Caddy, Northern Ireland. His father died while he was a boy and his mother re-married. He was said to have been talented and ambitious and initially sought to establish himself in business and society in the city of Armagh.

However, a frowned-upon liaison with the daughter of a local upper class family caused him to seek his fortune elsewhere. [Read more…] about William Gilliland: An Irish Immigrant Lake Champlain Settler

1925 Radio News from Northern New York

June 4, 2026 by Maury Thompson 1 Comment

It was said to be the closest thing to actually being in the grand stand at Forbes Field for the Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to unseat the reigning champion Washington Senators.

“Today is probably one of the most exciting World Series ever played. Throughout the series, the Simpkins hardware store has entertained a goodly portion of the baseball fans in Ticonderoga with a running account of the games by that most marvelous invention, the radio,” The Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Oct. 15, 1925. “Seats have been installed for the convenience of listeners.” [Read more…] about 1925 Radio News from Northern New York

Program Helps Adk Property Owners Convert Short-Term Rentals to Long-Term Housing

November 3, 2025 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

A pair of property owners in Old Forge and Essex, NY have agreed to turn their short-term rentals (STRs) into long-term housing, becoming the first participants in a pilot project meant to help alleviate the region’s persistent housing shortage.

As part of the program, three non-profit groups — Adirondack Roots, AdkAction and LivingADK — provide property owners up to $5,000 to help defray the costs of making the switch, such as legal fees and furniture storage. [Read more…] about Program Helps Adk Property Owners Convert Short-Term Rentals to Long-Term Housing

2025 New York State Historic Preservation Awards Winners

May 27, 2025 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced that 13 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2025 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. This year’s awards recognize several preservation advocates for their work in the field and highlight historic rehabilitation projects that have made impacts in New York’s communities, including initiatives that address food insecurity, generate incubator spaces for businesses, and create affordable housing units. [Read more…] about 2025 New York State Historic Preservation Awards Winners

Historic Boquet River Bridge Replaced Along State Route 22

November 4, 2024 by Editorial Staff 3 Comments

An historic bridge carrying State Route 22 over the Boquet River in the Town of Essex, Essex County, NY, has been replaced with a new $3.4 million single span, steel girder bridge.

Route 22 is one of the longest north-south highways in New York, and one of the oldest components of the State’s highway system, running along the eastern edge of the state from The Bronx to the hamlet of Mooers in Clinton County near the Canadian border. [Read more…] about Historic Boquet River Bridge Replaced Along State Route 22

1776 Gunboat Philadelphia: A Revolutionary War Roadside Attraction

October 14, 2024 by Anthony F. Hall 1 Comment

In 2026, the US will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That year, the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History will unveil a new display interpreting the 54-foot 1776 gunboat Philadelphia, built for Benedict Arnold at Whitehall and the oldest surviving ship of the US Navy. [Read more…] about 1776 Gunboat Philadelphia: A Revolutionary War Roadside Attraction

The Lives of Cannalers: Lake Champlain’s Sailing Canal Boat Families

October 6, 2024 by Anthony F. Hall Leave a Comment

If you were walking in Lower Manhattan in the mid-1950s and happened upon a dead-end street of warehouses named Coenties Slip, you would have stumbled upon a “Canalboat Village” – a cluster of barges which had once hauled limestone from Vermont and oysters to Essex, NY, now permanently moored. [Read more…] about The Lives of Cannalers: Lake Champlain’s Sailing Canal Boat Families

Adirondack Architectural Heritage Announces Annual Preservation Awards

August 11, 2024 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) Awards Program annually recognizes exemplary historic preservation work throughout the Adirondack Region. We seek examples of sensitive restoration, rehabilitation, and demonstrated long-term stewardship. These awards shine a light on the passions and extraordinary work of the people who make historic preservation such an important part of the region’s vitality. [Read more…] about Adirondack Architectural Heritage Announces Annual Preservation Awards

Adirondack Architectural Heritage Rural Revitalization Grants Announced

December 18, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) has announced the recipients of our Adirondack Rural Revitalization Program (ARRP) grants. A total of $680,734 will fund 11 projects in eight of New York’s Adirondack/North Country counties. [Read more…] about Adirondack Architectural Heritage Rural Revitalization Grants Announced

NYS Awards $8M in Clean Water Project Grants to Adirondack Communities

April 28, 2022 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has awarded $638 million in grants to municipalities statewide for water infrastructure projects and Town of Indian Lake in Hamilton County was the biggest winner among Adirondack communities. [Read more…] about NYS Awards $8M in Clean Water Project Grants to Adirondack Communities

Essex

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