From its origins as part of New France through the Civil War and eventual industrialization of the region, St. Lawrence County has been shaped by all too often overlooked Black families and individuals. In African Americans of St. Lawrence County (Arcadia, 2023) author Bryan S. Thompson reveals the history of the African American community in this part of Northern New York. [Read more…] about African Americans of St. Lawrence County
Potsdam
The Geology of Clinton County and History
The geology of Clinton County has shaped the county’s history in complex ways. There are five major geologic rock types in the county, each mined for its beauty and strength. You can see them in the buildings. [Read more…] about The Geology of Clinton County and History
Rangers Recover Body, Make Rescues In Adirondacks, Prospect Mtn & Catskills
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers. [Read more…] about Rangers Recover Body, Make Rescues In Adirondacks, Prospect Mtn & Catskills
1920s KKK Recruiting Efforts in Northern New York
While we often look back fondly on the Roaring 20s for a number of reasons, it was a very dark period in the North Country in at least one regard: bigotry. For several years, the region was a hotbed of Ku Klux Klan activity during a high-profile recruiting effort.
The assumption today might be that the effort failed miserably among the good people of the north. But the truth is, the Klan did quite well, signing thousands of new members to their ranks. [Read more…] about 1920s KKK Recruiting Efforts in Northern New York
St Lawrence Co Historical Meeting at 1844 House
The St. Lawrence County Historical Association’s (SLCHA) Annual Membership Meeting has been set for Saturday, November 3rd at 4 pm. The meeting will take place at the 1844 House located at 6885 US Route 11, Potsdam.
A multi-course meal will be served with an entrée choice of Beef Bourguignonne, Dijon-Herb Crusted Salmon, or Butternut Ravioli (vegan and gluten free options are available upon request) followed by a program. [Read more…] about St Lawrence Co Historical Meeting at 1844 House
The Secret Identity of George B. Swan
The next St. Lawrence County Civil War Round Table has been set for Sunday, October 28th, at 2 pm. Adam Bollt will present “Distinction Despite Disadvantage: The Story of George B. Swan,” at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, 3 E. Main Street Canton.
George B. Swan, a successful businessman of the mid-1800s, resided in Potsdam, NY, but hid a secret about his identity. Years after the end of the Civil War and an abundance of personal successes, Swan finally revealed that he was not white, but in fact was mixed race. [Read more…] about The Secret Identity of George B. Swan
Adirondack History: A Strange Case of Mistaken Identity
While it’s not gallows humor by definition, finding laughter in stories related to death can be a difficult proposition. In this case, rest assured: there’s actually not much death involved, and if your funny bone is intact, what follows should tickle it at least a bit.
In mid-August 1904, a number of regional newspapers reported a drowning near Underwood at the west end of Raquette Pond in Tupper Lake. Witnesses who saw a man jump into the water near the bridge there narrowed the possibilities to two: that he jumped in to retrieve his hat when it was blown off by the wind, or he committed suicide. The one thing everyone agreed on was that the man had deliberately entered the water where the current was strong and the depth may have been twenty feet or more. His body was recovered after a brief search and delivered to the undertaker, where locals came to help identify the victim. [Read more…] about Adirondack History: A Strange Case of Mistaken Identity