Robert Sims played a fiddle and the dancing in April 1894 was livelier than that of antiquity. Nevertheless, the ancient Greek muse of dance and chorus must have been smiling on a group of devotees from Sandy Hill, now Hudson Falls, in Washington County, NY. [Read more…] about Unusual 19th Century Vocabulary Found in Northern New York Newspapers
Glens Falls
The Panic of 1893: Among The Most Severe Financial Crises U.S. History
New York Gov. Roswell Flower used his keynote speech to a national audience on “New York Day” at the Chicago World’s Fair to downplay the threat of the Panic of 1893, which started the nation’s worst depression up to that time.
“This business men of this country deserve the greatest praise for the manner in which they have held their heads above water during these frightful days,” he said, speaking on September 5, 1893. [Read more…] about The Panic of 1893: Among The Most Severe Financial Crises U.S. History
Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
As the 1890s took New York State toward a new century, the use of the bicycle for recreation by both the young and old was sweeping the country. One reason for this growth was the development of a safer, easier-to-ride machine with a smaller front wheel than the earlier high-wheeled bicycles.
Other advances in the development of the bicycle at this time were pneumatic tires and a chain drive that further eliminated the need for the large front tire. [Read more…] about Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
1913: Glens Falls’ Sunday Baseball Law
There was an early-season exodus of semi-professional baseball talent from Glens Falls, NY in 1913 as theology and politics collided. “George ‘Ham’ Wagner, one of the most popular players that donned a spiked shoe in this city, will leave tomorrow for Port Henry to affiliate himself with the team representing that village in the Essex County League,” The Post-Star of Glens Falls reported on July 11, 1913. [Read more…] about 1913: Glens Falls’ Sunday Baseball Law
1890 Baseball: The Glens Falls Athletics
The Whitehall team competing against the new Glens Falls Athletics had an urgency not to let the game go into extra innings. It would be a long walk home if they missed the train.
“At the finish of the fourth inning, the score stood five and five,” The Glens Falls Morning Star reported on July 12, 1890, the morning after the game. “In the ninth inning, the Whitehall club succeeded in making one run, thereby winning the game.” Management of the Athletics had arranged with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad to have the 6:15 pm train stop at the Warren Street crossing, near the new ball diamond, to pick up the visiting Whitehall nine. [Read more…] about 1890 Baseball: The Glens Falls Athletics
Schenectady Baseball History: The Mohawk Giants
When you discuss Negro Baseball, most people think of names like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Cool Papa Bell. These were some of the biggest stars in the professional Negro leagues. However, this was not the only place where you could see Negro teams play. Throughout the country there were independent teams, like the Mohawk Colored Giants.
The Giants got their start in 1913 under the organization of Bill Wernecke. Although this was seasonal work for these ball players, they were full time paid players. By offering full time jobs, Wernecke was able to lure players into Schenectady from all over the country. The Giants would play their home games at the nicest ball field in Schenectady, Island Park.
[Read more…] about Schenectady Baseball History: The Mohawk Giants
New Book On Seneca Ray Stoddard Published
The new book Seneca Ray Stoddard; and Intimate Portrait of an Adirondack Legend (Warren County Historical Society, 2023) by Daniel Way, MD is a complete biography of Seneca Ray Stoddard, including unique photographs and a virtual tour of Stoddard’s house, which no longer exists. [Read more…] about New Book On Seneca Ray Stoddard Published
Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced that water levels this navigation season in the Erie Canal between Lock E-30 (Macedon) and Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) will be consistent with levels maintained throughout 2022 – approximately one foot lower than historic levels. [Read more…] about Seeps Keep Erie Canal, Glens Falls Feeder Canal Levels Lower
“Strange things about Mrs. Simeon Hays,” The Woman That Lived Without Eating
Night and day for three full weeks six well-dressed men would take shifts standing watch over Betsey Hays in her bed. They planned to stay with her two at a time in her one room cabin and make careful scientific notes. For Betsey, who spent most of her time tormented by uncontrollable bodily contortions and seizures, it was something she was used to.
Over the past two years, thousands of people had come to Chestertown in Northern Warren County to stand over her as she suffered. [Read more…] about “Strange things about Mrs. Simeon Hays,” The Woman That Lived Without Eating
The Hyde Collection Names New Curator
The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY has announced that Dr. Derin Tanyol, a nineteenth- through twenty-first-century art specialist, has been named Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art. She will oversee The Hyde’s contemporary exhibition programming and modern art collections. She began in the new role on October 24th. [Read more…] about The Hyde Collection Names New Curator