New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Saratoga County History Center

Ice Harvesting Events In The Capital Region

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Icecutters in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1890s courtesy Archives of OntarioIce harvesting was a booming business on the lakes and rivers of New York State during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

In the Capital Region, the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers and the abundance of lakes and ponds, was perfectly situated to supply ice to the growing cities all along the east coast. The ice harvesting industry also provided high-paying employment to local farmers and lumbermen. Two upcoming events in the region will explore the ice industry. [Read more…] about Ice Harvesting Events In The Capital Region

Ben Brotherson’s Bank Scheme

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New York Herald, March 24, 1858Around 1800, Philip and Catharine Brotherson arrived in Blue Corners on the western edge of Charlton in Saratoga County. Over the next 40 years, their five children grew to maturity, the last being Benjamin Kissam Brotherson, born in 1819.

At the age of sixteen, Benjamin was hired as a clerk for the dry goods merchant James Winne in Albany, New York. During his time in Albany, he was known as an upstanding young man of good moral character. Three years later, in 1838, he moved to the city of New York and took a job at Union Bank, where he would work for the next twenty years. [Read more…] about Ben Brotherson’s Bank Scheme

Bacon Hill Hamlet is Focus of Saratoga History Center Video

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Jean Peck at Clear Echo FarmThe Bacon Hill community in Saratoga County is the subject of an upcoming local history documentary, which will premiere in special screenings in March.

The documentary is part of the Forgotten Crossroads series of videos which tells the history and stories of people living in still-existing communities that started in the early days of the county. [Read more…] about Bacon Hill Hamlet is Focus of Saratoga History Center Video

Sam Hill: Folklore & History Of A Saratoga Resident

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Sam Hill Painting - Laurence White PhotographyThough perhaps a dying proverb, “What in Sam Hill?!” used to be commonplace as an expression of exasperation. A quick internet search will point to several possible origin stories that explain where this phrase came from but the definitive truth remains elusive.

Could it be that a Saratoga County resident known by this common moniker contributed to this once-popular phrase? [Read more…] about Sam Hill: Folklore & History Of A Saratoga Resident

A Special Christmas At Saratoga County’s Poorhouse

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Saratoga County PoorhouseThe end of 1873 ushered in change at the Saratoga County Poorhouse in the form of a brand-new building, along with a novelty the residents had never before enjoyed – a Christmas tree. [Read more…] about A Special Christmas At Saratoga County’s Poorhouse

Christmas On The Home Front: Corinth During The Second World War

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Town of Corinth World War II Roll of Honor stood at Schoolhouse Hill on Palmer Avenue and was later removed, stored for some time and later disposed ofThe Christmas Season is one of sharing and giving. During the Second World War the generosity of the Corinth community in Saratoga County, NY was much like that of small towns around the country. Children as well as adults were active participants in supporting activities on the home front. [Read more…] about Christmas On The Home Front: Corinth During The Second World War

Henry Knox, Phillip Schuyler and Lake Champlain’s Cannon in Boston

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Knox Artillery Train courtesy National Archives CollectionOne of the iconic stories of the American Revolution is the laborious trek of a contingent of newly-minted patriots, led by Henry Knox, lugging cannon from the fort at Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to abandon Boston, an important early victory is our long fight for freedom.

Few may realize that important decisions while the expedition was in Saratoga County were key to the success of the mission. [Read more…] about Henry Knox, Phillip Schuyler and Lake Champlain’s Cannon in Boston

Saratoga County History Happy Hours in Ballston Spa

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Saratoga History Happy HourThe Saratoga County History Center will host Saratoga History Happy Hour, a series of three happy hour programs at which local historians or experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, participate in a trivia contest, and enjoy libations from a New York State craft brewery, set to kick off on Thursday, January 26th. [Read more…] about Saratoga County History Happy Hours in Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa’s Hides-Franklin Spring: Some History

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Hides-Franklin Spring - Saratoga County History CenterAlthough the mineral springs that made Ballston Spa in Saratoga County famous in the late 1700s were surpassed in importance by the industries of the 1800s, several of them were re-tubed and became part of the manufacturing interests of the village well into the twentieth century.

Some mineral springs quickly failed, others were opened to the public, and still others were bottled and sold around the country. [Read more…] about Ballston Spa’s Hides-Franklin Spring: Some History