Glen Underwood, the author of the recently published Discovering George Foster Peabody (Abenia Cottage Press, 2025) was at the Lake George Historical Association recently to discuss the life and legacy of the banker and philanthropist. The program included the unveiling of a portrait of Peabody that will hang in the museum.
Appropriately enough, the museum overlooks Shepard Park, named in honor of Peabody’s close friend, Brooklyn politician Edward Morse Shepard (1850-1911). Shepard is remembered at Lake George today largely because the Village park bears his name. Peabody, who actually paid for the park and gave it to the Village, has fared less well. [Read more…] about George Foster Peabody and Lake George
![Sketch by Joseph W. Zarzynski depicting the sinking of the steamboat Helen [II] on Lake George on July 21, 1897](https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sketch-by-Joseph-W-Zarzynski-depicting-the-sinking-of-the-steamboat-Helen-II-on-Lake-George-on-July-21-1897-300x214.jpg)
It was a bit of an unlucky vessel. The 65-foot long, 75 horse-power Lake George steam yacht Helen [II] was constructed by shipbuilder Chris Bates. The watercraft was built in 1892 on land just north of today’s Old Warren County Courthouse in the 
Wiawaka Center for Women on 
Wiawaka Center for Women on 